Health Life July/August 2020

Tifton Nurse Facing COVID-19 on the Front Lines Gloria Beasley

The Family That Prays and Plays Together Dr. Clark Harden

UROLOGICAL CLINIC OF VALDOSTA, A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, OFFERS PATIENT SUCCESS WITH UROLIFT PROCEDURE

SURVIVING COVID-19: REAL STORIES FROM REAL PATIENTS IN SOUTH GEORGIA

Jul/Aug 2020 | FREE1

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SGMC

Physician Network

Providing Increased Access to Primary Care

Our primary care network serves residents in Lowndes, Lanier, Berrien and beyond.

We are proud to serve the South Georgia and North Florida regions.

SGMC FAMILY MEDICINE

VALDOSTA

229-433-8181

Dr. Kyle Adams | Dr. Dennis Thomas | Dr. Cliff Thomas | Dr. Laura Guadiana

LAKELAND

229-433-8440

Dr. Mandy Lucas

HAHIRA

229-247-7767

Dr. Alberto Garcia | Dr. Vera Garcia

NASHVILLE

229-433-8730

Dr. Jacqueline

SGMC VALDOSTA MEDICAL CLINIC 229-242-8480

Dr. Jarod Bailey | Dr. Tim Brady | Dr. Thomas Hobby | Dr. Anthony Johnson Dr. Hernando Moreno | Dr. Lance Underwood

Call today to make your appointment.

SGMC STRONG

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Jul/Aug

2020

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Tifton Nurse Facing COVID-19 on the Front Lines Gloria Beasley has seen a lot during her 26 years of nursing. She has seen the worst of the worst, from car accidents to heart attack patients and people with the flu. But, according to Beasley, nothing in her career comes close to what she has observed over the past couple of months with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Surviving COVID-19: Real Stories From Real Patients in South Georgia The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the nation, leaving a large portion of the U.S. population infected and undergoing long recovery times. Hospitals in South Georgia are working double-time to try to treat and care for those who are infected. Here are patient testimonials from some of those hospitals.

Urological Clinic of Valdosta, a Center of Excellence, Offers Patient Success With UroLift Procedure The Urological Clinic of Valdosta has achieved great milestones this year. Along with being named a Center of Excellence, the clinic is also highlighting a ground-breaking, minimally invasive procedure called the UroLift, which has been helping men across the nation who are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia.

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The Family That Prays and Plays Together They say the family that prays together stays together. In the case of the Harden family, you can say the family that prays together and plays together stays together. However you describe this South Georgia renaissance family, you can count on faith, fitness, and education also playing a key role.

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit

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Cover Photography Eric Vinson Feature Photography Eric Vinson Copy Editor Anna Limoges

Feature Writers Alex Dunn Phil Jones Steph Coelho

Advertising & Marketing Andrew Pipkin andrew@itgnext.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit

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Neurosurgeon Enhances Access to Care in South Georgia SGMC

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It’s All About the Eyes (and Skin and Lips)

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Foods That Affect Your Skin

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Is Holistic Medicine Legit?

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Building a Life of Success

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Colquitt Regional Uses Protocols, Critical Care Team to Treat COVID-19 Patients

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Thomasville Gym Reopens Amidst Loosening Coronavirus Restrictions

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The Future of Healthcare Is Telemedicine

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Finding Alternatives to the Gym: YouTube Fitness

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After School Snacks

Thacker Dermatology

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Neurosurgeon Enhances Access to Care in South Georgia “It’s not brain surgery,” joked Dr. Kimberly Mackey during an interview at South Georgia Medical Center. But, actually, it is… Dr. Mackey is a double-board certified neurosurgeon in adult and pediatric neurosurgery who joined the medical staff of SGMC this month.

With intentions of becoming a plastic surgeon, Dr. Mackey attended medical school at the University of Chicago. However, it was a neurosurgeon she met along the way that gave her the extra encouragement she needed to explore neurosurgery instead.

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After medical school, she attended the University of Pittsburgh to complete her residency. Dr. Mackey said it was an absolute dream, as the neurosurgeons at that institution were some of the best in the world. During much of her training, she was the only woman in the neurosurgery program, and today that trend continues with less than 10% of board certified neurosurgeons being female.

After a successful residency, Dr. Mackey transitioned to the University of Tennessee in Memphis where she completed her fellowship program at LeBonheur and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, focusing on pediatric neurosurgery and brain tumors.

After graduation, she accepted

her first job at the University of New Mexico as an assistant professor in neurosurgery and the first pediatric fellowship trained neurosurgeon in the state. It is there she met her husband, Ben, an HH-60 helicopter pilot and member of the Air Force rescue community. The couple later moved to Virginia, where she served patients in private practice.

In speaking with Dr. Mackey, it is evident that she has a love for helping people.

“When I’m operating or treating a patient, I see more than a brain or tumor,” she said. “I see a person.”

Dr. Mackey shared that she takes the art of neurosurgical care very seriously.

Dr. Mackey has always been

Dr. Mackey performing a surgery at Africa Inland Church Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya.

2409 N. Patterson St Suite 210 Valdosta, GA 31601 229-433-6002

Dr. Mackey with her husband, Ben, and son, Michael.

drawn to international work and believes outreach and medical service are important both at home and “When I’m throughout the world. operating Since medical school, she’s traveled to India, or treating a Uganda, and Kenya patient, I see to serve in medical more than a surgical capacities.

“Through this brain or tumor. outreach, I believe I see a person.” physicians can be — Dr. Kimberly great ambassadors of Mackey our hometowns and country,” she said.

Aside from being a neurosurgeon, she is the proud mother of a 2-year-old son, Michael.

Dr. Mackey never envisioned

starting a practice in Valdosta, Georgia, but there were many factors that made the move attractive to her.

“I wanted to be somewhere that my skillset could truly make a difference,” she said. “SGMC made me feel like I was already part of their community. I felt valued and not like just another cog in the medical wheel.”

She continues to express the importance of not having to travel for this type of specialty care.

“Not only is it critical for patients needing neurosurgical care to receive it quickly, but being closer to home reduces the mental and financial stress

of traveling for everyone involved,” she said.

Now living in Valdosta, Dr. Mackey will see patients at SGMC and at her practice, SGMC Neurosurgery. Her husband serves as a director of operations at Moody Air Force Base. In her spare time, Dr. Mackey and her family enjoy spending time with their horses, Bama and Bo Jackson. She assured us the names were not college football related.

Help us welcome Dr. Kimberly Mackey to the region.

For more information, visit www.sgmc.org/neurosurgery.

WHAT IS NEUROSURGERY? Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Although it is fundamentally a surgical discipline, neurosurgery requires knowledge of neurology, critical care, trauma care, and radiology.

A significant number of patients seen by a neurosurgeon are managed with nonsurgical options that may include medical, physical, or minimally invasive interventional therapies.

Ben and Kimberly Mackey with their horse Bama.

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Dermatology Care Thacker Dermatology Betsy Perry Backe, MD, FAAD is a board certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Florida State University College of Medicine.

Business Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. - Noon Address: 4233 Camelot Crossing Valdosta GA 31602 Phone: (229)469-4383 Fax: (229)469-4584 Email: thackerderm@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/thackerderm Instagram: thackerderm

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It’s All About the Eyes (and Skin and Lips) Written by: Betsy Backe, MD, FAAD

Summer season is in full swing, and we are hard at work, continuing to bring you our full range of medical, surgical, cosmetic, and aesthetic services in a safe and calming environment. Sure, we may look a little funny with our masks and face shields, but your safety is the most important thing to us.

Now that we have all gotten used to the idea of wearing masks (yes, they are still necessary to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other germs), I have tons of patients noticing the dark circles under their eyes.

This is a common problem and affects both men and women, and those who are young and old(er.) Genetics, lack of sleep, and normal facial aging all contribute to this annoying problem. Fortunately, replacing that lost volume with Restylane-L ($600 and up) is quick, essentially painless, and, when delivered with a cannula by a master injector and GAIN trainer, has no downtime. The results last about a year, and makeup can be applied within a half hour of the procedure.

Once those eyes are refreshed, many folks like to draw attention to their eyes using GrandeLASH™-MD Lash Enhancing Serum ($65) and GrandeBROW™ Brow Enhancing Serum ($70). Those butterfly lashes are so pre-COVID, and who has the time for all that maintenance? These award-winning, cruelty-free, ophthalmologist-tested and approved serums are infused with vitamins, anti-oxidants, and amino acids. They are applied easily and are effective. 97% of patients reported more visible lashes after a 12-week trial, and 100% reported fuller looking brows at 16 weeks.

Summer is a time to wear less makeup, and we all want our skin to glow.

Hydrafacial ($150 and up) is a patented, medical-grade treatment that cleanses, extracts, and hydrates all skin types in 30 minutes. It is non-irritating and is totally customizable, whether your concerns are acne, dark spots, fine lines, or brightening your skin tone. Blackheads and flaky skin are painlessly sucked out of the skin with the HydraPeel tip, which uses vortex technology to remove impurities and then infuse the skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and growth factors. The results are immediate and include brighter, plumper skin with a reduction of fine lines and pore appearance. Hydrafacials can be done every four to six weeks. Come get one and see why it is one of the most popular beauty treatments in America!

In other exciting news, Galderma has recently launched Restylane Kysse, ($650 and up), a hyaluronic acid lip filler that uses XpresHAn technology. This results in soft, natural feeling lips that can move effortlessly while we laugh, smile, and kiss. The results last for about a year, which is significantly longer than other HA fillers. I use a cannula to restore the entire lip area so that the results are beautiful, age-appropriate, and significantly less painful that using the traditional needle. Plus, we offer Pro-Nox laughing gas for those patients who would like it.

For all this and more, check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for special offers and before and after photos. Call 229-469-4383 to schedule your appointment or consultation today!

Tifton Nurse Facing COVID-19 on the Front Lines Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Gloria Beasley has seen a lot during her 26 years of nursing. The Tifton resident currently works as an ICU nurse at the hospital in Tifton, formerly known only as Tift Regional Hospital. It recently underwent a name change, and it, along with Cook Medical Center, are now known as Southwell.

As an ICU nurse, Beasley is accustomed to receiving and caring for patients once they have been cared for and treated by routine hospital staff. Once their condition reaches a stage where they need to be more closely monitored and care becomes a higher priority, that’s where nurses like Beasley step in.

She has seen the worst of the worst, from car accidents to heart attack patients and people with the flu. But, according to Beasley, nothing in her career comes close to what she has observed over the past couple of months with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have treated 40-year-old patients and some even younger, but the majority is indeed elderly.”

— Gloria Beasley, RN

Beasley was born and raised in Tifton, and she currently resides there with husband Ken Beasley, a local gun store owner. They have three grown children and four grandkids. She said her interest in becoming a nurse was planted years ago by a relative when she was 21. At the time, she didn’t act on the suggestion and for good reason. Beasley was dedicated to raising her then-young children and wanted to stay at home with them as much as possible, while at the same time helping with supporting the family along with Ken. Beasley decided to open a daycare, which she ran for almost six years.

After a few years of taking care of her own children as well as those of other parents, Beasley decided to act on that suggestion from her relative.

“I felt like it was time for me to get out and do something for myself,” Beasley said. "I had always thought about the suggestion from my former sister-in-law that I should become a nurse."

Beasley began attending night classes at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, and she also did some part-time work in 11

the ICU during the day. The hospital appreciated her quality of work and hired her straight out of school.

Armed with experience and her nursing degree, she began working full time at Tift General Hospital as a nurse in the ICU unit, where she has remained since day one.

Beasley remembers one day hearing on the television about a new virus that had originated in China, but was spreading world wide, including throughout the United States. It was being referred to as a coronavirus. Beasley said that she and her coworkers were briefed on the virus, what symptoms to look for, and the warning signs.

Beasley remembers her first COVID-19 patient.

“It was an elderly woman who had come to the hospital with a fever and shortness of breath," Beasley said. "She

came in, and we could hear her mumbling something, but it was barely intelligible. We were asking her questions, asking if she was trying to tell us something, and that’s when she said she was singing Christian hymns.

She was telling us that the Lord was going to take care of her and she was going to be fine and would be going home real soon.”

Beasley said like most patients, especially at that time with the virus still a novelty of sorts with the public, her patient had no idea just how sick she really was. Beasley’s shift ended, and a few days later, when

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“My biggest concern is that people just don’t realize how serious this virus really is. What this virus does to the human body is just unbelievable.”

— Gloria Beasley

she returned, the staff told her that same patient had passed away.

“It made me very sad,” Beasley said. “People just have no idea how bad this virus really is. For many of them, especially when they reach the ICU, it’s very serious.”

Beasley said that in the beginning it was mostly elderly patients that were being admitted to the hospital with symptoms of COVID-19. But, she said there are younger patients being treated for the virus too.

“We have treated 40-year-old patients and some even younger, but the majority is indeed elderly,” Beasley said.

She said she and her ICU co-workers are always concerned for their own safety and take extra precautions to guard themselves against the dangerous virus, including wearing respirators when entering a patient's room.

Beasley said that by judging the public’s reaction, one of her biggest fears is how little people really understand about the virus.

“My biggest concern is that people just don’t realize how serious this virus really is,” she said. “What this virus does to the human body is just unbelievable.

“I have seen what it does. It gives patients coagulation issues, high fever for days and sometimes weeks with no relief. People are left gasping for breath. It is awful.”

What advice does Beasley have?

“Wear your masks,” she said.

That’s solid advice from the front lines.

STAY IN THE Introducing

Celestine Nnaeto, MD, FACP, CAQSM

Board-certified in Primary Care Sports Medicine and Internal Medicine If there is one thing that sports and medicine share, it’s the desire to maximize performance. Whether you are starting out as an athlete, competing at a high level, or just trying to stay active, Dr. Nnaeto is available to help you reach your goals.

• Sports physicals • Non-surgical orthopedic and spine interventions • Sports related concussion management

• Sports rehabilitation • Injury prevention

James Scott, MD | William Smith, MD | Edward Hellman, MD | David Banks, MD | Kyle Fleck, MD 2227 Highway 41 North, Tifton | Next to Affinity Clinic | 229-386-5222 | tiftregional.com/GSM

Our Mission to Serve Continues In the midst of all the changes in the world today, one thing remains the same:

What matters to you, matters to us.

MOULTRIE | 229-890-3342 THOMASVILLE | 229-227-0880 TIFTON | 229-386-2273

Senior Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

Foods That Affect Your Skin Written by: Steph Coelho

There’s increasing evidence that our gut is responsible for a lot more than digesting the food we put into our bodies. What we eat has a direct impact on how we feel. Coffee, for instance, can cause a person to feel shaky and jittery. Foods can also have an effect on our skin.

Common Skin Conditions and Their Relationship to Food

Here are some of the most common skin ailments, along with foods that can cause them to flare up or subside.

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Rosacea This skin condition, which affects millions of people in the United States, causes the skin to become red and inflamed. It usually crops up in people over 30 years of age. Redness first shows up as flushing in specific spots around the facial area.

Over time, the redness worsens, and permanent skin changes can occur, such as bumps and visible blood vessels. It’s most common in people with fair skin. Because it affects the face, the condition often causes self-esteem issues in affected individuals. A dermatologist can help people manage their symptoms, though there is no definitive cure for the skin disorder.

People with rosacea should opt for gentle cleansers for sensitive skin. A dermatologist can also prescribe topical or oral medications to help control symptoms. Laser therapy is one possible treatment for visible blood vessels and excess tissue growth.

People with this skin condition should also be mindful of potential triggers that can include certain foods. A 2017 study in Dermatology Practical & Conceptual found that dietary triggers fell into four categories: alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods, and foods containing cinnamaldehyde such as cinnamon, tomatoes, and chocolate. Both wine and hard liquor were frequently reported triggers for rosacea symptoms in addition to spices, hot sauces, and cayenne pepper. It’s important to note that food triggers may differ significantly from person to person. The National Rosacea Society encourages people to track and pay attention to potential triggers.

Eczema

Hives

Eczema is a skin ailment that produces itchy patches of skin around the body. It’s thought to be triggered by an inflammatory response, so identifying triggers — food included — is part of symptom management.

Many foods have been linked to eczema flare-ups, so an elimination diet is recommended if symptoms worsen shortly after eating. Examples of foods that can cause eczema flare-ups include:

• Eggs • Dairy • Gluten • Soy • Some nuts • Nickel-laden foods (e.g., lentils, chocolate, shellfish) • Foods exposed to birch pollen (e.g., carrots, pears, celery)

Dietary change, however, is not a cure-all for eczema. Working with a physician is the best strategy for determining the cause of and settling on viable treatment options for this uncomfortable skin condition.

Also called urticaria, hives are an extremely common condition. The small, itchy bumps can be triggered by a host of things, including food. Foods that can trigger hives include:

• Alcohol • Nuts • Eggs • Shellfish

Hives are only life-threatening if accompanied by symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as throat or tongue swelling.

It’s not always easy to identify the cause of an outbreak. An allergist can conduct tests to help identify what is causing your skin reaction — whether it’s a food or something else entirely.

Sunburn

While you can’t eat your way to sunburned skin, contact with certain foodstuffs can increase your risk of sunburn. Phytophotodermatitis, also known as ‘margarita burn,’ occurs when lime juice comes into contact with the skin and then that patch of skin is exposed to the sun.

The chemical furocoumarin, found in limes and other foods like citrus fruits and celery, reacts to the sun’s rays and causes a chemical burn on the skin, leaving affected individuals with a painful, blistery rash not long after exposure.

Thankfully, drinking margaritas or other drinks with freshly squeezed lime won’t necessarily translate to a surefire burn. After mixing drinks, wash your hands and forearms thoroughly before laying out in the sun — with sunscreen, of course!

Acne

There’s long been a myth that eating greasy foods leads to pimples and acne, but that’s not entirely true.

A healthy diet can help improve the appearance of the skin, but it’s not a magic bullet. Skin conditions, acne included, won’t disappear with a diet overhaul. Treatment for acne consists of a gentle skincare regimen, medication, and avoiding things (skincare products and foods, for example) that cause flare-ups. Potential food triggers for acne include:

• Foods that spike blood sugar (e.g., bread, cereal, pasta, rice, etc.)

• Chocolate • Cow’s milk (but not necessarily all dairy)

Honey Avocado Face Mask Nourish and brighten your skin with this easy DIY Honey Avocado Face Mask recipe. It leaves your face feeling soft and hydrated while diminishing pore size.

Ingredients 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1/4 ripe avocado 2 drops rose essential oil (optional)

Instructions In a bowl, mash the avocado, then add all other ingredients and mix well.

Smooth the mask over your face and neck.

Leave on your face for 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water.

22 Dermatologist Approved Foods for Better Skin

Salmon Watermelon Green Tea Tomatoes Carrots Avocados Olive Oil Walnuts Oranges Kale Almonds Eggs Milk Sunflower Oil Peppers Berries Broccoli Sardines Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Pomegranates Kidney Beans Info courtesy of eatthis.com

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Kale Salad With Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients 4 cups chopped kale 1 avocado, diced 1/2 cup cooked quinoa 1/2 cup pomegranate arils 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

For the Meyer lemon vinaigrette 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice Zest of 1 Meyer lemon 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

Anti-Inflammatory Blueberry Smoothie Ingredients

Information courtesy of damndelicious.net

Avocado Coco Balls

1 cup homemade walnut milk* 1 cup frozen wild blueberries (organic if possible) 1 tablespoon freshly ground flax seeds 1 tablespoon molasses 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Handful of ice cubes (optional)

To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar in a small bowl; set aside.

To assemble the salad, place kale in a large bowl; top with avocado, quinoa, pomegranate arils, pecans, and goat cheese. Pour the dressing on top of the salad and gently toss to combine.

Serve immediately.

Ingredients 1 ripe avocado 5 ounces dark chocolate (try to avoid using chocolate chips) 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 2½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (separated)

Instructions

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy!

Pit the avocado and mash the flesh with a fork until completely smooth and lump free.

Melt the chocolate in either the microwave or on the stove, taking care not to burn it. Once melted, stir in the mashed avocado, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 1½ tablespoons of the cocoa powder until thoroughly combined.

Place the truffle mixture into the fridge for 30-40 minutes and let cool until partially set.

Use a small ice cream scooper or tablespoon to dollop out the truffles and form balls with your hands. Roll in the remaining 1 tbsp of cocoa powder.

Stuff 5 in your mouth.

* Notes To make the homemade walnut milk, soak 1 cup of raw walnuts in water in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. Once soaked, drain and rinse them well and add them to the blender with 4 cups of filtered water. Blend on high for 1 minute or until the walnuts are very finely ground. Strain through a nut milk bag if you like, although I usually skip this step when I use walnuts. Walnut milk can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Information courtesy of picklesnhoney.com/

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Information courtesy of apple-of-my-eye.com

Surviving COVID-19: Real Stories From Real Patients in South Georgia Written by: Alex Dunn Photography courtesy of Chelsie Turrubiartez and Martha Baker

The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the nation, leaving a large portion of the U.S. population infected and undergoing long recovery times. Hospitals in South Georgia are working double-time to try to treat and care for those who are infected.

Here are patient testimonials from some of those hospitals.

Chelsie Turrubiartez, 23 Diagnosed: April 5 Hospital: Tift Regional Medical Center/ UFHealth-Shands

Chelsie Turrubiartez, who works as a nurse at Tift Regional Medical Center, suffered through COVID-19 symptoms for nearly two months.

What began as a horrible headache and body aches on March 25 soon progressed to a productive cough, fever, chills, losing sense of taste and appetite, and shortness of breath.

“During all of this, I went through a drive-thru testing at where I work, and they tested me for COVID-19 and the flu,” Turrubiartez said. “My flu test came back negative, and a couple days later I received a call saying that my COVID-19 test also came back negative, and I was relieved.”

After several days with no symptom relief, Tur-

rubiartez decided to call the COVID-19 hotline and was told to get re-tested after describing her symptoms. She went to a clinic, and they took her temperature and checked her oxygen levels where they found them to be in the low 80s. She was then advised to go to the emergency room.

“I was immediately placed on a non-rebreather that helped get my oxygen levels up to normal levels again,” Turrubiartez said. “It was believed that I did have coronavirus, and they found that I had pneumonia.”

Turrubiartez was admitted to the ICU and was tested again for COVID-19, but the test still came back negative even though all her symptoms pointed to the virus. On April 1, Turrubiartez said that she was experiencing high levels of anxiety due to her difficulty in breathing properly. Luckily, she had a respiratory therapist she knew from work to stay

My flu test came back negative and a couple days later I received a call saying that my COVID-19 test also came back negative and I was relieved.

— Chelsie Turrubiartez

and help her.

“It was decided that I would be intubated, something I did not want and something I was very terrified of because there was always the possibility that I would not come off of it alive,” Turrubiartez said. “During that time, I begged to the respiratory staff to not let me die.

I was sedated and paralyzed and intubated.”

Turrubiartez said that she had good and bad nights after that, but it was decided that she needed to be transferred to another hospital that had the capability and equipment for ECMO (an artificial or mechanical lung of sorts). She was transferred on April 4 to UFHealth-Shands in Gainsville, Florida, and she was officially diagnosed with COVID-19 the

next day.

From then on, it was a battle of wills and treatments for Turrubiartez.

She had bronchoscopy to help her lungs and a nasogastric tube to help her receive nutrition and oral medications. She said that her medications at both hospitals consisted of antibiotics, heparin, steroids, paralyzing drugs, sedation medication, hydroxychloroquine, and was even accepted to try a trial drug known as sarilumab.

“I was weaned off of ECMO and was taken off on April 21 due to my numbers staying stable,” she said. “On this same day, a tracheostomy was put in due to a person not being able to stay intubated for more than 14 days because of the damage it could cause.

During that time, I begged to the respiratory staff to not let me die. I was sedated and paralyzed and intubated.

— Chelsie Turrubiartez 17

Even though it was tough and wore me out, it was my favorite part of the day because I had the best physical therapists that motivated me.

— Chelsie Turrubiartez

I was given convalescent plasma around this time, which is plasma that comes from a person who has the coronavirus antibodies and is recovered and is given to others in the hope that it will help the person’s body fight off the virus.”

On April 24, Turrubiartez was finally deemed stable enough to return back to her hospital in Tifton, Georgia. She was then weaned off of ventilation and kept on medications that helped her stay calm.

“I was kept in isolation, which was the worst part of all of this to me,” Turrubiartez said. “My mom finally was able to drop my phone off, and I was able to communi-

cate with my friends and family,, but it was difficult because I had to work out the muscles in my fingers due to not really using them for so long.”

She started physical therapy soon after, which she said was a challenge because she had to retrain her muscles after not using them for so long.

“Even though it was tough and wore me out, it was my favorite part of the day because I had the best physical therapists that motivated me,” she said. “Eventually, I became strong enough that I was able to walk with a walker.

My body had been through so much, but working with physical therapy helped me feel more human, and I was finally able to do more

for myself.”

Turrubiartez was tested two more times for the virus, and both tests came back negative. She was then able to be transferred out of the ICU on May 2 and to the medical floor she used to worked on, Medical West.

“I had won one of the hardest battles of my life,” Turrubiartez said. “To this day, I still feel the after effects of going through this ordeal. I was lucky that I have an amazing support system that whenever I feel down or have a breakdown I could call someone and they would answer me and calm me down.”

I had won one of the hardest battles of my life. To this day, I still feel the after effects of going through this ordeal. I was lucky that I have an amazing support system that whenever I feel down or have a breakdown I could call someone and they would answer me and calm me down.

— Chelsie Turrubiartez

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Martha (Marti) Baker, 67 Diagnosed: March 31 Hospital: Colquitt Regional Medical Center

Marti Baker, who works as a para professional at Colquitt County High School, said that she doesn’t remember most of her COVID-19 experiences because of the severity of her symptoms and the treatments she had to endure. She began noticing symptoms around March 15 with chills and a low-grade fever. By the next week, she was experiencing body aches and had a temperature of 102.4.

“I thought I probably had the flu, so my husband took me to a walk-

in clinic,” Baker said.

“The nurses at the clinic came to my vehicle to check my temperature and oxygen level and also did the swab for flu, which was negative.”

At this point she was beginning to have shortness of breath, and Baker was sent to Colquitt Regional Medical center to be tested for COVID-19.

While waiting for the results, Baker then developed a cough. On March 27, her symptoms took another turn, and she was having nausea and diarrhea. She, along with

her husband, took another trip to the emergency room.

“At the ER I was tested for flu again, and this time it showed positive for Influenza Type B, and a chest x-ray showed that I had pneumonia,” she said. “I was released to go home with the usual instructions for flu. The next day I was feeling worse and felt that I was dehydrated. We decided I probably needed some fluids, so we made another trip to the ER.” The staff at Colquitt Regional quickly stepped

The nurses at the clinic came to my vehicle to check my temperature and oxygen level and also did the swab for flu, which was negative.

— Marti Baker

up and took Baker into the hospital in a wheelchair while her husband parked the car.

“As he went to park the vehicle, he had no idea that it would be three weeks before he would see me again,” Baker said. “By the time he got back to the ER, they had taken me to a room, and no visitors were allowed.”

Baker said that she wasn’t sure if she passed out or was given medication, but she does not remember her time in the ER

from that point onward.

“The only thing I remember from the ER was when I heard someone say that they would have to admit me to the hospital,” she said.

That same night Baker was admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator. Her husband was not allowed to visit her, but she discovered after her recovery that he called at least four times a day to check on her. It was on March 31 that they informed her husband that she had indeed tested

As he went to park the vehicle he had no idea that it would be three weeks before he would see me again. By the time he got back to the ER they had taken me to a room and no visitors were allowed.

— Marti Baker 19

positive for COVID-19.

Baker was taken off the ventilator two weeks later on April 11. During this time, she has no memory of being taken off the vent. Along with her husband, Baker said that she couldn’t have gotten through this ordeal without the staff at Colquitt Regional.

“I received exceptional care at Colquitt Regional Medical Center,” Baker said. “I didn’t know what was going on with me during the first two weeks there, but I know from talking to my husband that they were taking very good care of me.”

Baker spent the next few days in the hospital, in a regular room, and was finally able to be discharged April 17. As she was getting ready to leave, some of the staff that worked with her came to see her off. That

was when she was informed that she was the first COVID-19 patient at that hospital to be taken off the ventilator and discharged to go home.

“I have been totally surprised at how long it takes to recover from this virus,” Baker said. “I have done some research and found that just recovering from the virus can take several weeks, and being on a ventilator and in ICU adds more recovery time.”

On May 25, Baker said she was finally able to stay up all day without needing to lie down and rest. She said that hopefully this was an indicator that she was finally nearing the end of “this terrible journey called COVID-19.”

Her husband, fortunately, never contracted the virus from his wife.

Steps to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 If You Are Sick If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay Home Except to Get Medical Care Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home except to get medical care.

Do not visit public areas.

Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.

Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.

Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate Yourself From Other People As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.

Monitor Your Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

I received exceptional care at Colquitt Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health Regional Medical Center. I didn’t know what was going on with me department. Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information. during the first two weeks there, but I know from talking to my husband Call Ahead Before Visiting Your Doctor that they were taking very good care of me.

Call ahead. Many medical visits for routine care are being postponed or done — Marti Baker

by phone or telemedicine.

If you have a medical appointment that cannot be postponed, call your doctor’s office and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Attention Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Bluish lips or face *This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility. Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

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Info courtesy of cdc.gov

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Urological Clinic of Valdosta, a Center of Excellence, Offers Patient Success With UroLift Procedure Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson and Andrew Pipkin

The Urological Clinic of Valdosta has achieved great milestones this year.

Along with being named a Center of Excellence, the clinic is also highlighting a ground-breaking, minimally invasive procedure called the UroLift, which has been helping men across the nation who are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, or, an enlarged prostate. Men with BPH often suffer from urinary frequency, slow stream or hesitancy, and nocturia, or getting up at night to urinate.

The clinic was founded in 1989 by Dr. Mike Chiang, who decided a few years ago that he wanted to pass the success of his clinic on to a bright individual. Dr. Patrick Parker became just that. Starting out as an employee in 2017, the clinic was passed

on to him by Chiang last year. According to Chiang, he is the reason for the clinic’s recent success in being named a CoE.

“I had started the program, and when Dr. Parker joined, he really had a lot of interest in this, and it really took off,” Chiang said. “He basically took charge of this program and just about did all the work to get where we are.

He is a very dedicated physician that really is interested in the patients and having good outcomes, and we have been really fortunate to have somebody like that to be part of this clinic.”

Even though Parker has taken over the clinic, he said that he and Chiang work well together and are constantly using one another’s experience and skill

“We kind of tackle patients like a team.

It’s just so incredibly busy and such a high volume of patients, so really we just bounce ideas off each other quite a bit, and there is a lot of teamwork.”

— Dr. Patrick Parker

Urological Clinic of Valdosta 3294 N Oak Street Extension Valdosta, GA 31605 urologicalclinicvaldosta.com (229) 241-1188 23

to treat patients.

“We kind of tackle patients like a team,” Parker said. “It’s just so incredibly busy and such a high volume of patients, so really we just bounce ideas off each other quite a bit, and there is a lot of teamwork.”

Being named a CoE essentially means that the clinic’s highest standards are maintained.

The UroLift procedure and Dr. Parker’s work are what contributed to that standard. He said that there was a lot involved in order to receive the honor.

“There was a lot of coordination with the representatives as well as with the members of Bureau Corporation,” Parker said. “I was able to travel to California to see where manufacturers made the devices, and at that time I got to meet the CEO of the company and other physicians as well and actually manufactured my own UroLift device and saw step-by-step how it was actually made. In addition to that, there was quality reference that the company could enforce that it wasn’t just simply the question of how many procedures you were actually doing but how good the workup was, how good the patient outcome was, and how good the results were.”

The procedure helps patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and affects nearly 500 million men worldwide over the age of 50. It causes urinary problems and can cause severe discomfort. UroLift offers quicker recovery times compared to traditional forms of treatment.

“It’s a unique device,”

24

Parker said. “I have had patients come from outlying communities to the clinic directly to ask questions about the procedure.”

Parker initially remembered seeing the device in the Journal of Urology and thought it was a pretty smart idea.

He was able to watch Dr. Chiang perform the procedure and said he was shocked by the results. Not only was the procedure only about an hour long, but patients were experiencing little discomfort and with a minimal recovery time of about five to seven days.

William Hooks, 45, had the procedure done in February. He said that he has been pleased with the outcome.

“Prior to the UroLift, I had difficulty maintaining a steady, reliable stream,” Hooks said.

“Post procedure has noted marked improvement in both areas. I view the procedure as a success. My life has taken a turn for the better as a result. I would recommend this procedure to anyone who is a good candidate.”

Thomas Sheppard, 84, had the procedure done last year at the suggestion of his doctors.

“Everything went well, and I’m doing good,” he said. “I just had a checkup, and they said everything is fine. You have a couple days of discomfort after it, but after that I was up and going about my business. And I haven’t had any problems. I would recommend this procedure. I’ve already talked to some people about it. I’ve been pleased with what is done.”

“Prior to the UroLift, I had difficulty maintaining a steady, reliable stream.

Post procedure has noted marked improvement in both areas. I view the procedure as a success. My life has taken a turn for the better as a result. I would recommend this procedure to anyone who is a good candidate.”

— William Hooks

Clinical Results Clinical results from over 25 peer-reviewed publications demonstrate that treatment with the UroLift System offers rapid and significant improvements in symptoms, urinary flow, and quality of life sustained through five years. Compared to medications, the UroLift System has demonstrated a much more positive effect on quality of life for patients. The UroLift System treatment preserves sexual function and avoids complications typically associated with other BPH procedures.

UroLift System Treatment Delivers Superior Patient Experience: • Rapid relief and recovery • Lowest catheter rate of the leading BPH procedures • No new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction • Proven durability through five years

Redefining BPH Treatment In the U.S. alone, there are 12.1 million men treated for BPH. Most patients living with BPH take prescription medications, but these medications can become a lifelong burden. In a recent men’s health survey, two out of three patients reported frustration with their current BPH prescription. These patients have been unwilling to consider a surgical procedure due to the perceived risks and invasive nature of the standard options.

Now, urologists can offer men the UroLift System treatment — a BPH solution to improve their patient’s quality of life with minimal risk.

Information courtesy of urolift.com/physicians/results

Parker said that a big aspect of his job is being open and transparent with patients.

“I try to make sure patients know what to expect with symptom relief and what to expect as far as the treatment options as to how well or how poorly we expect to do with certain treatments or medications to request,”

he said. “And that’s

the biggest thing is to just be honest with the patients about what their treatment options are.”

For the clinic’s future, Parker believes that the combination of being named a CoE and the UroLift procedure will increase patients’ success and symptom relief.

“I think that long

term this is a way that we can let the patients know about the options that they have and the treatment for their urinary problems,” he said. “The biggest thing that upsets me is thinking of a patient who is out there living his life having unnecessary frustration and unnecessary symptoms and not

being able to enjoy the times they have as much as they should be.

Anything that I can do to promote or increase patient participation, I’m more willing to do. Something I hear time and time again is ‘It doesn’t bother me that much, so I’ll just learn to live with it,’ and that drives me nuts, especially if I think

I can help someone.

So the biggest thing is just that I work to try and increase the acknowledgment of the clinic and try to help people as much as I can.”

25

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The Family That Prays and Plays TOGETHER

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

They say the family that prays together stays together. In the case of the Harden family, you can say the family that prays together and plays together stays together. However you describe this South Georgia renaissance family, you can count on faith, fitness, and education also playing a key role.

Sam and Clark Harden met at Valdosta State University, where she was working toward a degree in mass communications and he was majoring in business.

Soon afterward, they married and went on to start a family. They have two sons: Jaycee, 19, and Cam, 14.

After early careers that included Sam working as a TV news reporter and Clark involved in business, they both were eventually drawn to education. For Clark, education had always been front and center in his family. “My mother is a retired English teacher, and both of my parents stressed the importance of education," he said. "My dad always told me that you can make money with your back or your mind‌ either way is admirable, but using your mind is easier on your body."

Clark encouraged his wife to go back to school and become a teacher. She agreed. Sam quit her reporting job and went back to school, enrolling at Albany State University. Through mostly night classes, Sam earned a master's degree in middle grades education with an emphasis in science and social studies, and her specialty is in curriculum and instruction. She began her career in education as a middle school teacher in Moultrie, Georgia, where she taught reading and language arts.

After six years at the middle school level, she went to Colquitt County High School in 2008, where she taught audio and visual. In 2017, she became the principal at Brooks County Early Learning Center, where

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she remains today. Clark taught Georgia history and math, along with spending three years as a physical education coach and part-time football coach at Colquitt County. Clark then advanced into the administration part of education, taking the position of principal of Pelham High School, where today he leads the faculty through their daily responsibilities.

The Hardens love to take part in fitness as a family.

Clark has always had a passion for staying fit, which he says really started in high school, where he played football, and continued into adulthood. He played a lot of basketball until an ankle injury forced him to hang up his high tops. He then took up weight lifting and running, which he continues to this day with his sons and wife.

Speaking of his better half, Sam shares her husband’s love for fitness, and fortunately their schedules as educators allow them to work out together. The couple is currently doing CrossFit. Their sons have followed the lead of their parents down the road of fitness. JayCee played football at Colquitt County, where he was a starting quarterback for the Packers. He was rewarded for his solid performance on the football field with a scholarship to attend Valdosta State University.

His younger brother is an eighth-grader who he plays football, basketball, and baseball. While Cam may be the “little brother,” he’s not little by any means.

“Cam is tall and very broad, what a lot of people call 'big-boned,'" his mother said.

He also has been working out with his dad, who is starting to notice some physical changes.

“He (Cam) has really transformed his body,” Clark said.

In addition to his weekday responsibilities as the 28

principal of Pelham High School, Clark is also pastor of Brighton Road Baptist Church in Tifton. This is his first full-time pastor position, although he has been a fill-in pastor at many different churches over the past 20-plus years. Sam said her husband has been called on for a long time to pastor a church.

“He finally answered that calling,” she said.

Clark said it’s sometimes a surreal feeling.

“I sometimes still wonder why God chose me to become a pastor,” Clark said.

He is in his fifth year at Brighton Road Baptist Church.

“I needed Brighton Road Baptist Church as much as they needed me,” he said.

He said that the disciplines of faith and fitness “have been a parallel journey.”

“I have to be disciplined to pray every day," he said. "I have to be disciplined to eat the right things each day.”

And so the journey for fulfillment continues for Dr. Clark Harden with those things that are most important with faith, fitness, and, of course, family leading the way.

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29

Is Holistic Medicine Legit?

Written by: Steph Coelho

Our bodies sometimes fail and react in unpredictable ways to the world around us. Whether it’s hardwired into our genes or the result of pathogens and foreign invaders, illness can be difficult to deal with. Diagnosis can be terrifying when faced with potentially life-altering and life-threatening conditions. Should treatment be confined to conventional medicine, or is there something better available?

What is holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine, sometimes called integrative health, is the practice of treating conditions holistically — not just with medications and other conventional clinical treatments, but with an approach that takes a person’s emotional, physical, spiritual, and social self into account. Holistic medicine often focuses on strategies for prevention rather than cures and is patient-centered. It treats the whole person as opposed to the single problem or issue at hand.

Holistic medicine often incorporates elements of conventional medical practice, which makes it complementary. If a health approach replaces traditional methods, it’s considered alternative.

Examples of common alternative approaches include:

• Natural substances (e.g., herbs, probiotics, vitamins, and supplements) • Mind and body practices (e.g., yoga, acupuncture, and tai chi) • Naturopathy • Traditional Chinese medicine • Homeopathy

Holistic practitioners may use some of these alternative therapies.

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What are the benefits?

How does it compare to conventional medical practices?

The benefit of holistic medicine is that the focus is on the patient as a whole. It also involves prevention strategies for maintaining health. In holistic medicine, diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene are all considered essential components of a person’s overall health.

Holistic healthcare practitioners are also more likely to consider alternative treatments. Many alternative therapies (e.g., yoga and meditation) have a slew of proven benefits, including stress reduction.

This approach allows physicians to consider outof-the-box causes for ailments, beyond the physical.

Holistic medicine also encourages treating not only the symptoms but the condition itself. The patient is also viewed as an active participant in their care and treatment, not a bystander.

People with diseases and chronic conditions are much more than their diagnoses. Holistic medicine strives to view people as whole beings and treat ailments in an integrative manner that takes multiple dimensions into consideration.

Along with conventional medicine, holistic approaches can help with overall well being and disease prevention.

Alternative therapies often used or prescribed by holistic practitioners should never replace traditional medicine, diagnostics, and treatments. However, it’s possible to consider holistic and alternative approaches while also understanding the limitations of these practices.

People interested in alternative treatments should do their research, talk openly with their doctor, and inform themselves of the risks, benefits, and potential side effects.

Avoid leaving your doctor in the dark. Let them know if you’re curious about alternative therapies. Your doctor can help you make informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.

What are the disadvantages?

While holistic medicine certainly has its place in partnership with conventional medical practices, it’s important to remember that alternative therapies cannot replace conventional medicine entirely. Focusing on prevention is essential, but all people get sick and injured and require acute treatment at some point in their lives.

Holistic medicine has some significant drawbacks, such as:

• A lack of regulation. Not all alternative medicine practices are regulated, which leaves the door open for inflated claims and scams. People often seek out alternative medicine in frustration or in hopes that something will help when conventional medicine has failed them. These vulnerable people are less likely to vet practitioners and spot red flags. In addition, supplements and herbal remedies are not regulated by the FDA, and some can have dangerous interactions with conventional medicines. There’s also a risk of overdose with certain kinds of supplements.

• Limited evidence on effectiveness. Not all alternative treatments are effective, so it’s difficult to figure out whether a treatment is working or the result of a placebo effect. Relying on unproven treatment methods can have real consequences for individuals with serious conditions like cancer.

• Focus on the patient can be detrimental. By emphasizing individual responsibility, holistic medicine can sometimes ignore sweeping public health issues.

• Limited coverage. Few holistic and alternative medicine treatments are covered by insurance — often due to insufficient evidence regarding their effectiveness. This means that many such procedures are not available to those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket.

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Building a Life of Success Written by: Phil Jones | Photography courtesy of Addison Manus

When you look at the life of Addison Manus, all you seem to see is a life filled with success.

You can walk into the halls of Winder Barrow High School in Winder, Georgia, and there on the wall of the school’s gymnasium you will see a picture of Manusin her cheerleader uniform with an inscription under her picture that says “All-American.”

Head south to Valdosta State University, and there in the PE Complex you are sure to find a tribute to the university’s multi-national champion competitive cheer program. When you locate the team picture of the 2013 national championship cheer squad, you will see Manus once again.

She was a member of the team that attended the NCAA National Championship Competitive Cheer Competition in Daytona Beach, Florida, and won it all. She was a member of the competitive cheer squad for two seasons, attending VSU from 2013 to 2014.

After spending her two years in school at Valdosta State University, Manus moved to the Atlanta area, where she continued her education, enrolling at Georgia Gwinnett College. She received her bachelor of science in psychology.

32

While in Atlanta, Manus became interested in body building, and the achievements continued.

She blossomed in the figure portion of body building. Over a threeyear period, she attended and won numerous competitions, beginning in 2014 when she captured first place in Open Figure Competition. Then again in 2015 and 2016, she won first place in consecutive Open Figure Competitions.

After actively competing in body building, Manus took dance beginning in 2018, incorporating her dance skills from competitive cheer.

During her figure body building competition, she noticed one area that really intrigued her.

“I saw that pole fitness was held at one of the biggest events in body building, The Arnolds Sports Festival,” she said.

The festival is named after world famous body builder and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“It’s a combination of everything I had done and liked: fitness, strength, endurance, dance, tumbling.

It is so graceful,” Manus said.

So, in 2019, she began pole competition. Like ev-

erything else to that point, Manus once again mastered a competition in an event that she just learned how to do. She won first place in the 2019 Novice Pole Fitness Classic and took third place in the pro level. Then, earlier this year, riding the wave of her momentum of achievements, Manus was scheduled to compete in the 2020 Arnolds Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, in the pole competition division. But, like so many other events worldwide, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Manus was disappointed.

“I was so bummed that I had made an incredible pole routine and it was cancelled," she said. "I actually received the email from the pole event coordinator two days before my flight was scheduled to take off for Ohio.”

But, her hard work and preparation would not be wasted. Manus was able to attend and participate in a pole competition close to her home in the Atlanta area. It was the Pole Dance America Championship, held on March 14. Like so many competitions to that point, Manus dominated the competition, winning top prize in the pole dance competition, as well as winning the Ms. Fitness Superlative Award.

In her very first year of organized sport of any kind, Addison Manus excelled, and that lifetime of excellence continues.

Looking at Manus’s lifetime of success and achievements, one may not realize the struggle she actually went through as a child. Manus actually grew up as a foster child, the daughter of an abusive mother. She spent most of her childhood in five foster homes, never being interested in any type of sports or activities at all. It wasn’t until she was with her fifth foster family that she finally found a home, a real home, with a family that loved her and decided that they wanted to adopt her. That family was Chris and Misty Manus, and those are the parents who gave Manus the love, support, and permanent home she needed.

“I took their last name,” Manus said.

They also provided Manus with the encouragement to try sports.

“I was a sophomore in high school when I finally became involved in any sports-related ac-

tivity,” Manus said. “My

parents suggested that I should become involved in some type of sport. They told me to try something that I liked, so I tried cheerleading, and I loved it.”

In her very first year of organized sport of any kind, Addison Manus excelled, and that lifetime of excellence continues.

Today, Manus works as a personal trainer and is affiliated with Elite Edge Training Center in Atlanta, where she helps her clients become more physically fit. She received her personal trainer certification in April 2019 from the American Council on Exercise. She also works with Grady Health Care, where she is a child care assistant for children with infectious diseases.

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Pictured is part of Colquitt Regional's board-certified critical care team. From left, Dr. Michael Brown, Pulmonologist and Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Joel Lopes, Chief of Anesthesiology; Dr. Frederick Powell, Anesthesiologist; Dr. Venu Madhipatla, Anesthesiologist.

Colquitt Regional Uses Protocols, Critical Care Team to Treat COVID-19 Patients Written by: Alex Dunn

When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, having access to a hospital that prioritizes patient safety is critical. Colquitt Regional has worked throughout the pandemic to ensure that their staff is well-equipped and prepared to meet the rising needs associated with COVID-19, through various training, education, and safety protocols put in place.

Dr. Joel Lopes, Jr., one of the physicians who has been serving on the frontline, brings over 30 years 34

of experience to Colquitt Regional. Lopes, who moved to Moultrie after serving at Boston Medical Center, is now chief of anesthesiology and has extensive experience in trauma, critical care, anesthesia, and working in the Intensive Care Unit.

As an anesthesiologist, Lopes’s primary role involves much more than simply sedating a patient during surgery. Along with administering anesthesia, he is also involved in evaluating patients to ensure that their medi-

cal condition is optimal during surgical procedures, evaluating medical charts, and generally making sure the patient’s history is clear for surgery.

Lopes is also a part of the Colquitt Regional Critical Care team, which consists of four physicians who are board certified in critical care. This team intervenes in the most

care of the most critically ill patients in an attempt to stabilize the patient’s condition.

“The critical care team works with ICU nurses when patients are admitted to the unit,” Lopes said. “At that point, we engage in their care and reach out to our colleagues in other hospital departments that may

need to assist us in managing a patient’s medical issues.”

This team has been actively involved in managing the current pandemic as many COVID-19 patients find themselves needing critical care. In addition to fully staffing the ICU during the pandemic, the hospital has implemented various

This team has been crucial when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is the ICU fully equipped and prepared for possible COIVD-19 patients, but the hospital as a whole set up processes and criteria to ensure the safety of its patients and medical staff.

safety measures such as screenings, thorough and routine sanitization, and requiring all hospital employees and visitors to wear masks. Colquitt Regional also created separate emergency departments and ICUs dedicated to COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 patients.

“We have also identified a particular operation room for COVID-19 positive patients so that we can protect them and the hospital staff,” Lopes said. “We looked at ways to decrease the number of people in the room so we could minimize the risk of exposure to staff.

Communication becomes even more important in these situations, so as a team we constantly communicated with each other and shared information to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible.”

Lopes explained that although it was challenging to find the appropriate methods in such a short time frame, looking at successful protocols put in place by other physicians and institutions helped in his team’s decision-making process.

“There are some institutions that have set up protocols for these things, so I can tell you that we were pulling those protocols and looking at what would be the best fit for Colquitt Regional and what would benefit the patients,” Lopes said. “We tried to learn from each other as we were walking through this process.”

When it comes to admitting patients to the ICU who may have COVID-19, Lopes said that the department does not hesitate to help those who need intensive care, whether they test positive for the virus or not.

“Today, hospitals have access to rapid COVID-19 tests and can know in 3045 minutes if a patient is positive,” said Lopes.

“However, when the virus hit South Georgia in March, that was not the case. It took days to get test results back. During that time, anyone who had symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 had to be treated as though they were positive. That is one of the main reasons PPE was in such high demand during that time.”

Lopes believes that Colquitt Regional and its critical care team have handled this pandemic well. He said that as a whole the hospital staff adapted to the situation at hand quickly, from administering masks and gloves to social distancing. One aspect that Lopes reflected on was the incredible integrity and heroism the ICU nurses have shown during this difficult time.

Several weeks ago, Lopes said that four COVID-19 positive patients coded at the same time. Lopes was on call, and when he got there, he was amazed by the action the nurses took that night.

“We treat someone with those symptoms in ICU as COVID-19 positive until proven otherwise. A patient who now comes in that looks like they may be COVID-19 positive but may be negative, I would continue to treat them to the best of my ability as if they are COVID-19 positive. That means wearing the protective gear until I at least have a second test result.”

— Dr. Joel Lopes Jr

“Despite us not knowing what would work at that point, and recognizing that we still don’t have a cure, our nurses jumped into action and did everything that they possibly could in spite of potential exposure,” Lopes said.

“It was just amazing to be a part of that experience.”

From talking with Lopes, it is apparent that COVID-19 has been a stressor for those who work in healthcare. However, there have been uplifting moments as well, such as celebrating the recovery of patients and the relationships within the hospital that have been strengthened as a result of working side-by-side through this pandemic.

Dr. Lopes is a board-certified anesthesiologist and critical care physician who brings over 30 years of medical experience to Colquitt Regional.

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August is

Psoriasis Awareness month

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Thomasville Gym Reopens Amidst Loosening Coronavirus Restrictions Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Giving families the opportunity to improve their health and fitness has always been an important part of Hal Jackson’s life. As the owner of Factor X Fitness in Thomasville, Georgia, Jackson knows that goal is more important now than ever with the COVID-19 pandemic causing so much uncertainty in people’s lives. Of course, there’s been a good bit of uncertainty with Jackson’s Factor X being one of those first types of businesses targeted for closing, due to the nature of social gathering that exists with his and all workout facilities in the country.

Jackson admitted that it's been hard.

“We had to shut down for four weeks," he said. "It was difficult. We were forced to stop all drafts from

happening while were shut down.”

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Jackson was born in 1974 in Thomasville, and except for a short trip down Highway 319 to Tallahassee to get a college education at Florida State University, the Rose City has been the place he has called home his entire life. Before graduating from FSU in 1997, Jackson attended and graduated from Thomasville High School in 1993.

While Jackson had enjoyed working out in high school, he said it wasn’t until he got to college that he really took it seriously.

“I really got into it at FSU,” he said.

Once he graduated from college, he returned to Thomasville to help with the family business.

“My family owned numerous convenience stores around the area

called Jack Rabbit Food Stores," he said. "I always had a close family and grew up in a Christian home. My dad, Harold, needed help overseeing the stores, so I was glad to help him and give back for all that he had done for me."

When the family started talking about selling the stores, Jackson started contemplating what he wanted to do next. It was then that he first began thinking about the possibility of owning a gym.

“Before we sold them, I knew I wanted to open a nice, family-friendly gym in Thomasville that treated its members with respect,” Jackson said.

He did just that on Oct. 4, 2010, with the grand opening of Factor X Fitness, located at 1314 East Jackson Street in Thomasville.

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“It has been a great experience, especially helping people meet their weight loss and overall fitness goals,” Jackson said.

Having to shut down his business during the pandemic was hard, but it was part of being a business owner. As bad as that was for Jackson, his employees, and gym members, it wasn’t anything compared to the personal adversity Jackson faced in August of 1999. His brother, Ben, who was a standout baseball player with Valdosta State University and was looking at a possible career in pro baseball, was practicing with others at a local high school baseball field. According to Jackson, his brother was recovering from back surgery and was playing with a summer league team called ‘the Hot Dogs’ in order to get back into playing shape.

It was a typical hot, summer day, and Ben was pitching when out of nowhere he was struck in the back of the neck by a lightning strike, killing him instantly.

“His death showed me just how short life can really be,” Jackson said.

With the dark skies of the COVID-19 virus starting to hopefully clear, the restrictions that closed Hal Jackson’s gym have been lifted, and Factor X Fitness is back open for business.

“I was the last gym open and the first to reopen,” Jackson said. “Since we have reopened, a lot of new measures are being followed to keep the gym extra clean, and we are closely following Governor Kemp’s guidelines."

Jackson said he has always made sure his gym was extra clean,

even before the current guidelines took effect.

“We have always kept the gym extra clean and sanitized, so it helps that our employees know the drill already,” he said.

Now what? Does Jackson expect his level of membership to return all at once?

“I think it will be a very slow process,” Jackson said. “I do believe our current members will eventually return, but there is still a bit of uncertainty with a lot of people.

I have been encouraged by those members that did return, and we even have a few new members joining up.”

Jackson added that his oldest daughter is interested in fitness, having worked at the gym for three years. He said his youngest daughter will hopefully want to start working there too.

Family is important to the Jacksons.

New Gym Rules Please use every other cardio machine.

Please clean before and after you use equipment (with our gym wipes).

There will be no locker use until further notice.

Please clean before and after you get in the tanning beds.

Try to stay 6 feet apart and continue to social distance.

Please wait at the front desk to scan in and get your temp taken. (Anyone with 100.6 degree temperature or above will be denied access.)

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The Future of Healthcare Is Telemedicine Written by: Steph Coelho

Getting to the doctor’s office isn’t an easy feat for everyone.

A variety of barriers to access can impede a person’s ability to access in-person medical care — including a pandemic.

Thankfully, telemedicine is on the rise, and doctors across the nation are bringing remote services to patients unable to access the traditional clinic setting. Telemedicine is especially promising for improving access to care for people in rural and undeserved locations.

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What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine involves remote patient care using special software to ensure a safe, secure, and HIPAA compliant visit. Telemedicine may also include remote monitoring of patients and the sharing of patient records with other healthcare professionals.

The term telehealth is related to telemedicine but is all-encompassing and includes non-clinical parts of the remote caregiving process such as appointment booking and online training for doctors.

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What are the benefits?

Telemedicine has a host of benefits for both the patient and physician:

• Prevents illness spread. This is of particular importance during a pandemic • Improved access. Increases access to medical care for underserved communities and people with limited mobility.

• Convenient. There’s no need to wait in a waiting room for hours on end, and patients don’t have to drive or take public transit to get to a doctor’s visit.

Telemedicine is particularly handy for minor issues and ailments that require no physical exam.

• Helpful for managing chronic conditions. With the help of at-home monitoring equipment, doctors can check on their patients remotely, and people with chronic illnesses won’t need to find time for multiple in-person visits per year.

• Access to mental health services. Telementalhealth services increase access to care for people with mental health conditions.

• Increased efficiency. Telemedicine can help practitioners provide efficient care.

• Limits life disruptions. Instead of taking time off of work, patients can quickly get a diagnosis and, when appropriate, treatment for a host of minor ailments.

There’s also no need for patients accessing telemedicine to find alternative care for young children or elderly family members.

• Better connection between doctor and patient. Remote health services allow patients to communicate with their primary care physicians more frequently, giving them more time to ask and have their questions answered. Some people, however, argue that this type of healthcare is impersonal and has the opposite effect.

Doctors can also easily prescribe and renew medications using remote telehealth services and share patient records with other doctors or healthcare systems.

Obstacles for the expansion of telemedicine

Although telemedicine has plenty of advantages, there are critical challenges to consider:

• Policy issues. The law has been slow to catch up to the rapid expansion of telemedicine. As policies are introduced, remote care faces obstacles related to privacy, coverage, and other related healthcare laws.

• Potential for low-quality patient care. While telemedicine has the potential to improve care overall, some worry about the limitations of technology and certain people falling through the cracks.

• Expensive. Adopting robust, vetted telemedicine technology requires time and money investments that not all healthcare systems are willing to make.

• Limits on prescribing. Some states have regulations that bar physicians from prescribing certain drugs via telemedicine visits, which can be difficult when remotely treating patients with chronic conditions.

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What’s a visit like?

Visits typically involve video conference software. You should expect to see and communicate with your doctor face to face and in real time. Choose a space that’s both quiet and private and have note-taking tools on hand.

Some visits may occur solely via telephone.

A remote doctor’s visit is much like an in-person one. You’ll be asked to describe your issue or symptoms. For dermatological or other typically visually-diagnosed problems, you’ll be asked to provide a close up of your ailment or blemish for a proper diagnosis.

If it’s your first visit, the doctor may ask about your medical history.

The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, so have this information at the ready. If you anticipate having any questions, write them down so you don’t forget to ask them.

Can telemedicine replace in-person care?

Telemedicine can’t entirely replace in-person care. Some illnesses and medical issues require in-person assessment and treatment. It’s also an inappropriate solution for emergency health issues such as cardiac events or broken bones. However, remote patient care tools increase access for people who might otherwise forgo or put off doctor’s office visits.

Physician Tips for a Better Telemedicine Visit Use a high quality webcam.

Test out all your equipment before you start.

Use good sound equipment.

Set up your camera at eye level.

Adjust the lighting.

Close unnecessary programs.

Use a wired internet connection if possible.

Plug in your computer or mobile device if you can.

Find a quiet space.

Emergency Room

$$$

CONSIDER USING FOR Chest Pains Broken Bones Abdominal Pain Infections

TYPICALLY

$ Physician Fee $ Facility Fee $ Treatment Cost $$$ Higher Copay

The major difference between emergency rooms and alternatives like urgent care is the severity of the health problem. If the condition is life threatening, go to an emergency room.

One in five Americans visit the emergency room at least once every year, with up to half of those visits being for non-urgent matters. What's more, unnecessary use of emergency rooms could cost the healthcare system billions of dollars a year, not to mention contribute to the rising cost of healthcare for both employees and employers.

Urgent Care

$$ TYPICALLY

$ Treatment Cost $$ Regular Copay

CONSIDER USING FOR

Muscle Strains Common Cold Strep Throat Sinusitis Burns Allergic Reactions

Urgent Care is immediate care for non-life threatening illnesses and minor injuries. Urgent care centers can now be found just about everywhere and are a convenient and inexpensive alternative to the emergency room.

In fact, there are nearly 7,100 urgent care centers in the U.S. and growing.

When you have a minor, acute medical need, urgent care is often far more convenient than going to the emergency room or even your primary doctor’s office.

Telemedicine

$ TYPICALLY $ Treatment Cost $ Lower Copay

CONSIDER USING FOR Allergies Cold & Flu Fever Rashes Ear Infections UTI

Information courtesy of benefitexpress.info/

Telemedicine is most beneficial for non-urgent ailments and health concerns or when you cannot make it to a physical location (i.e., when traveling, at work, after hours, etc.). Medical conditions that may be diagnosed via telehealth include allergies, rashes, colds and flus, sore throats, bladder infections, and small wounds and cuts.

Telehealth allows patients to access healthcare from just about anywhere, making it a convenient option when traveling, when avoiding the spread or contracting of illness, when living in a remote area, or when you can't get to your normal physician. Adding virtual care to your organization's benefits package offers employees simple, on-demand care without the cost and time of in-person visits.

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Finding Alternatives to the Gym: YouTube Fitness Written by: Alex Dunn

With the COVID-19 pandemic throwing a wrench in the U.S. economy, businesses like gyms are taking a brutal hit. Luckily, there are other options out there for those who want to stay on track with their fitness journeys.

Social media has made it simple and easy to access fitness content. One of those is YouTube, which has a plethora of fitness channels that viewers can pick and choose from. Below are a few examples of what taking advantage of YouTube fitness can do for viewers looking for alternatives to the gym.

POPSUGAR Fitness

Blogilates

This decade-old channel focuses on a wide range of workouts including class “do-it-along-with-us-real-time” workouts, yoga, dance, and exercises that target specific areas of the body. POPSUGAR Fitness stays up-to-date with Hollywood’s hottest trends and brings them right to viewers’ homes.

The channel has multiple video playlists that viewers can pick and choose from based on their fitness goals. Here are some listed below: • No-Equipment Cardio Workouts • Full-Body Workouts • Beginner’s Workouts • Fit Pregnancy • 10, 20, 30, and 45-Minute Workouts

Created by Cassey Ho, this channel has a focus on pilates and healthy lifestyle. Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that is targeted to strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility in the body.

While this channel posts videos targeting different areas of the body twice a week, it also features workout series for those looking for a little more structure. Below are some examples of series to try: • Apartment Friendly Series • Turbo Pilates Series • PIIT-Pilates Intense Interval Training • 6 Week Body Toning Bootcamp

Suggested Video to Try:

30-Minute Calorie-Burning Cardio Dance to Get Your Heart Rate Up! Led by dancer and personal trainer Deja Riley.

Suggested Series to Try:

Total Body Transformation Series. If viewers want something closer to a workout guide or schedule, trying this series can be a great place to start. Each video is about 15 minutes and targets a different part of the body.

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SELF

Fitness Blender

SELF has provided fitness advice, workouts, healthy eating tips, and more since 2006. The channel also features “Body Stories” and “SELF Spotlight” by celebrities and fitness experts.

Some playlists include: • Simple Home Workouts • Get Fit & #StayHome • Sweat with SELF • Ready, Set, HIIT at Home

This channel was created by a husband and wife duo, Daniel and Kelli. With over 600 videos, their goal is to bring “unbiased workout, nutrition, and health information” to viewers. This can be a good channel for someone who is just starting out on their fitness journey and needs guidance. It can also help out someone who is looking for new workout ideas.

Fitness Blender has a video dedicated to just about everything the body can do. Below are some of the categories their videos cover.

• HITT and Strength workouts • Fat Burning cardio Workout • Easy Pilates and cardio Workouts

Suggested Video to Try:

20 Minute HIIT Bodyweight Workout-No Equipment at Home. This video has more dynamic and alternating moves to bring an extra challenge in the living room.

Video suggestions:

30 Minute HITT and Abs Workout with Warm Up and Cool Down.

This video not only covers the workout, but provides techniques for warming up and cooling down around the exercise. An added bonus is that it doesn’t require equipment for those watching from home.

Walk at Home by Leslie Sansone As the name suggests, this channel focuses on exercises that are centered on walking. The videos entail a class setting where viewers can watch and follow along. Their latest series is called Walk, Run, Lift, which offers 20, 30 and 40-minute workouts.

This channel can appeal to multiple viewers and their fitness goals; however, most of the channel’s playlists can appeal to viewers who cannot perform strenuous workouts due to injury or age.

Here are some playlists found on their channel: • Walking Down your Blood Sugar (3 part series) • Spring 2020 Weekly Walks • Strength Workouts • Walk at Home | Walk 15

Suggested Video to Try:

Walk with Bands | Walk at Home. This quick, calorie burning workout enlists resistance bands to give an extra boost.

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These YouTube channels are only the tip of the iceberg in the social media fitness community. With that in mind, check out the ones mentioned above to see if one of them can be the right fit. When it comes to this pandemic, thinking outside the box may be necessary to continue a healthy lifestyle.

After School Snacks

Apple Cookies Ingredients 1 apple 1/4 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup almonds, sliced 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 1/4 cup shredded coconut 1/4 cup chocolate chips Instructions Slice apple into thing rings and remove core.

Spread peanut butter over one side of ring. Top with almonds, walnuts, coconut, and chocolate chips.

Courtesy of rachelschultz.com

Banana Sushi

Instructions Peel the bananas and place them on a plate or board.

For the Sprinkles and Chia Seed Sushi, melt the chocolate and pour it on top of the bananas. Add the sprinkles or chia seeds on top and place in the fridge until set.

For the Coconut and Rice Krispie Sushi, spread the nut butter onto the top of the bananas and then roll them in the shredded coconut or rice krispies.

Serve straight away.

Sprinkles Sushi: 1 banana 2 squares dark chocolate 1 tablespoon sprinkles

Coconut Sushi: 1 banana 1.5 tablespoons nut butter 1.5 tablespoons shredded coconut

Rice Krispie Sushi: 1 banana 1.5 tablespoons nut butter 3 tablespoon rice krispies

Chia Seed Sushi: 1 banana 2 squares dark chocolate 1/2 tablespoon chia seeds 47

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