May15 15

F RE E!

+

MEDICAL EXAMINER New MEN’S HEALTH column, p. 3

TAKE HOME T HI S C O P WITH Y Y OU !

TM

HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS

AIKEN-AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED IN 2006

NEW IMPORTANT PEOPLE YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

SER IES

MAY 15, 2015

Teeth: quite a mouthful

Who is this man? L

H

is name was Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich, and although he was born 200 years ago (on Aug. 4, 1815) there is no doubt his medical career has affected all of our lives. Why? He is known as the father of clinical thermometry.

In plain English, Herr Wunderlich is the person who identified 98.6° as normal body temperature. Before him, the thermometer was an overlooked and underused piece of medical equipment. High temperature was viewed as a disease, not a symptom. Wunderlich identified the upper range of normal as 100.4, in the process defining for the first time exactly what constitues fever, as well as discovering that there are normal and natural daily fluctuations in Please see WHO? page 2

et’s face it: some body parts are highmaintenance little prima donnas. Just listen to a few their constant demands: “Keep me out of the sun or I warn you, I’ll burn!”

“Get me plenty of exercise or I kid you not, I’ll quit so fast it will make your head spin. I’ll just stop. Literally. And don’t expect two weeks notice, either.”

“You better watch what you eat. If you don’t, trust me on this: I will make your life miserable night and day.”

“Wash me. Condition me. Set me. Curl me.

Trim me. Color me.”

“Feel lucky, kid? Go ahead. Smoke that. Make my day.”

Feed me this. Don’t feed me that. Do this.

Don’t do that. Pamper me. Support me. Coddle me.

Thank goodness for teeth. They are the hardest working parts of the body. Really.

They’re very hard. And they do lots of work.

More about that in a moment.

But compared to the brain, for instance, which hogs a huge amount of oxygen, and the heart, which is always threatening to attack if you don’t treat it right, teeth are like a good wife or girlfriend: extremely low maintenance.

Last week I interviewed Martinez dentist Dr. Steven Wilson about what it takes to keep teeth healthy, and what words of wisdom he might pass along to tooth owners everywhere.

I settled in with pen and notebook, ready to write. He said, and I quote: “Brush and floss.”

“And...? That’s only three words, doc.

I have an entire newspaper to fill here.” I asked him to expand, clarify and elucidate.

“Brush and floss daily,” he said, by way of expanding, clarifying, and elucidating.

I could see right away writing this article was going to be like pulling teeth.

I checked in with Patty, his world-class dental hygienist, but she was equally succinct. I got the same four words from her.

So the deal seems to be that yes, teeth need care, but that the care is simple and ridiculously easy to provide.

What’s more, teeth are extremely important.

For starters, they play a major role in our self-esteem. If you doubt that fact, answer this question: What is red and bad for your teeth?

The answer is as clear as the nose on your face: a brick.

If said brick was applied to said teeth with some degree of force, trust us when we say your self-esteem would plummet. Smiling in public would expose you to rude stares and the terrified screams of frightened children. You would have a hard time speaking. Imagine what people would think every time you opened your mouth through your fat lips.

Beyond smiling and speaking and their important contribution to our self-esteem, teeth play another extremely vital task: they man the front desk of the body’s nutritional department.

They are, as a group, the receptionist.

It’s not just that proper nutrition promotes dental health; dental health also promotes proper nutrition. If you disagree, smack the aforementioned brick into your mouth and then try to eat — better yet, just imagine doing that.

You certainly won’t be eating any apples, or chewing much of anything.

Granted, not many of us get hit in the mouth with bricks. But far too many people seem to have very little regard for proper dental care.

Please see TEETH page 6

Customer Appreciation INTERNATIONAL UNIFORM

SAVE! SAVE! SAVE!

25% OFF ANY ONE REGULARLY PRICED ITEM Must present this ad. Expires 6-5-15. May not be combined with other offers or discounts.

Not valid with $19.95 scrub set or on sale or clearance merchandise or prior purchases. Limit one coupon per customer per day.

LIKE US FOR A FREE GIFT!

1216 BROAD ST • 706-722-4653 HOURS: MON - FRI 9 - 6, SAT. 10 - 4.

WWW.IUISCRUBS.COM HOME OF THE WORLD FAMOUS $19.95 SCRUB SET

FACEBOOK.COM/INTERNATIONALUNIFORM

+2

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

MAY 15, 2015

WHO?… from page 1 temperature. He also established that women typically have slightly higher temperatures and also exhibit greater “thermal variability” than men. His research also showed that older people tend to have lower normal temperatures than do young people.

All of Wunderlich’s findings, published in 1868, were based on twice-daily axillary (armpit) temperature readings. Despite that, his writings and findings, published over a century ago, are still the definitive work on the subject and have “survived almost verbatim in modern day concepts in clinical thermometry” says The Oxford Journals.

Wunderlich died on Sept. 25, 1877 in Leipzig. +

Do you experience vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, or painful intercourse?

Then the Rejoice Trial may be right for you!

This national medical research study is evaluating an investigational

LOCAL SITE INFO:

medication to see if it can help reduce

MASTERS OF CLINICAL RESEARCH

the severity of these symptoms, which

706-210-8890

are often experienced by postmenopausal women.

Call 800-70-REJOICE (800-707-3564) or visit RejoiceTrial.com for more information and to see if you qualify.

2283 WRIGHTSBORO WRIGHTSBORO RD RD (AT (AT JOHNS JOHNS RD) RD) 2283

DR. DAVID DAVID DOYLE, DOYLE, JR JR DR.

706-733-3373 GAAD DERM ERM..COM COM G

by Ross Everett

T

THE NEXT BIG STEP

his column marks my sign-off from the Wide-Eyed White Coat. Before starting to write, I couldn’t help but go back and read over the first few articles I wrote here, back in the fall of 2012. The first came in in September, the second month of my second year of medical school. If I recall correctly, I was trying to get a grip on a challenging Immunology module when the Augusta Medical Examiner offered me an opportunity that would have a profound effect on my interests and medical education. I had my own column. What was I going to write about month to month? And what was I going to call the column?

The first question was easy to answer. I wanted to write about the health system as a whole. In medical school, we actually don’t really learn anything about how the healthcare system works. Everything is patient-based; “micro-healthcare,” I like to call it. As a result, medical school itself didn’t give me any material to work with.

So, my articles had to be products of my own reading and research. While this was sometimes a hassle with competing medical school requirements, it led me to discover my passion for public health. As I’ve told the Examiner editor, these articles served as an integral part in my decision to pursue formal training in public health this past year, focusing on health systems and health policy at Johns Hopkins.

Let me thank any and all of you who encouraged this development. Thank you to those who simply read the column.

Thank you to those that liked the page.

And a special thank you to those who reached out. It means more than you know.

So I knew what I wanted to write about, but what would be that monthly heading that I’d write under? The Examiner already had one medical student column, “The Short White Coat.” I

ACNE •• ACNE SKIN CANCER CANCER •• SKIN SURGERY SURGERY

MOLE •• MOLE REMOVAL REMOVAL PSORIASIS •• PSORIASIS

wanted something relevant to more than just medical school, though. I wanted to capture the substance of my inexperience without necessarily putting a limit on my subjects. Rather than stopping when I simply graduate, I wanted to encompass the continuum of learning that physicians are forced to pursue through medical school, residency, and beyond.

I finally decided on “The WideEyed White Coat.” Besides the fact that everyone likes alliteration, I felt it embraced the qualities that define a young medical student. Naïve to the many unrewarding and despairing qualities of medicine; impressionable to those who have come before us and instruct us; these are the qualities of an inexperienced medical student. Yet, they are likely the qualities we should all hope to retain always. The perspective of learning simply changes. After all, while the professor teaches the student, it is the patient who teaches the professor.

Writing this column will remain one of the most rewarding experiences of my undergraduate medical training and one of the best decisions I made in medical school.

However, I am off to pursue the next big step in my journey. I am as excited as ever to become a physician and this change is necessary. The years ahead will be challenging and rewarding. I look forward to both and take this step, still wide-eyed as ever. + Ross Everett is a medical student at the Medical College of Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011.

Currently, he is taking a year of leave from medical school to pursue a Master of Public Health degree in Health Systems and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. Please contact him at wideeyedwhitecoat@gmail. com

RASHES •• RASHES WARTS •• WARTS ITCH RELIEF RELIEF •• ITCH

Caring for Patients Since 1969

MAY 15, 2015

3+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

This Month

F EA T UR

E!

IN MEN’S HEALTH

Guys, let’s face it. We can sometimes be a little stubborn about going to the doctor. Or maybe “cautiously and judiciously reluctant.” Better? The solution — well, a partial solution — will be found right here in every 3rd Friday issue of the Medical Examiner. A real live doctor with real live answers. Right here. Tune in!

Prostate Cancer: The Great & Powerless As our world’s population lives longer, healthier lives the question is often not if a man’s prostate gland may undergo cancerous changes, but when. Thankfully, prostate cancer screening has pushed the diagnosis curve so far we often find the tiniest bit of prostate cancer that may not necessarily even need treatment. Before the era of screening for prostate cancer, more tumors were diagnosed from symptoms like urinary obstruction, weight loss, bone pain, or blood in the urineat at later, potentially incurable stages. In fact, the least aggressive type of prostate cancer, termed Gleason 6, is undergoing scrutiny in the urologic and pathologic communities as to whether it should be classified as cancer or simply a growth of low malignant or metastatic potential.

As a surgeon who treats prostate cancer, many men whom I have recently diagnosed have more questions than answers.

Observe? Treat? If so, with what? What will the side effects be? What if it doesn’t work?

I often make the analogy of localized prostate cancer as a fly in the kitchen. A newspaper or flyswatter would be fine, but the last thing you want to kill that fly with is a sledgehammer that’ll smash the countertops. Because our oncologic outcomes have established prostate cancer as one of the most survivable malignancies, it has entered an exciting age of adjunctive tests that can even give men with negative prostate biopsies more information about their prognosis in addition to traditional methods like the PSA test and physical exam.

The frontier of prostate cancer prognostic research includes genomic and proteomic assays that can stratify patients at risk for both progression and metastasis.

Extrapolating these tests to other tumors hopefully will lead to men leading longer healthier lives without the undue side effects from over-treatment. In fact, the

a man in the United Kingdom is the first to undergo a prophylactic or preventive prostatectomy in 2013 simply because he harbored the BRCA2 genetic mutation.

This is equivalent to women who have had both breasts removed for strong genetic associations with close family members who have had breast cancer.

In April, Northwestern and Harvard University researchers unveiled research predicting who may be at risk for cancer up to thirteen years before it develops.

Sounds great, right? These enzymes, called telomerases, add molecules to the tail of DNA to facilitate further cellular divisions.

Simply put, they prevent the aging process at the DNA level. Interestingly, their activity halts about three to four years prior to patients developing a large number of the cancer researchers were investigating.

With any malignancy, the greatest question lies in what is occurring at a cellular level that causes some tumors to exhibit aggressive features. What is the final switch that turns a “bad cell” with genetic changes into cancer? In the last century medicine has become microscopic in its diagnosis and treatment, and now, increasingly nanoscopic. In diagnosing and treating prostate cancer there is so much more than what lies on the pathology slide and in staging tests like CT scans. The latest genomic research and tests will hopefully make our treatments more appropriately aggressive and turn death from prostate cancer into a thing of the past. + Dr. Darren Mack is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University and is a urologist at Augusta Urology Associates. He is accepting new patients at the Augusta and Evans offices and can be reached at (706) 722-0705.

Photo:David Russell Photography

What’s your story?

Nearly all of us — even doctors and nurses — are sometimes patients. Perhaps you were recently injured playing your favorite sport, or years ago you somehow got hurt without even leaving your favorite recliner. Maybe you were diagnosed with a dreaded disease, mugged in a dark and lonely parking lot, or you stubbed your toe in the safety of your own bedroom. On the other hand, perhaps you needed medical attention 5,000 miles from home. Whatever your medical experience, we’d like to hear your story for our Medicine in the First Person feature. It can be frightening or funny, ordinary or extraordinary, just a few paragraphs long or quite a lengthy tale, bylined or anonymous. We’ll publish your encounters with the medical profession as often as we receive them. + Send your submissions for Medicine in the First Person to the Augusta Medical Examiner via e-mail: info@AugustaRx.com or to PO Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903-0397. (The Medical Examiner reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit any submission at its sole discretion.)

We publish every 1st and 3rd Friday AUGUSTA

NEW

+

MEDICAL EXAMINER

TM

AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER

www.AugustaRx.com The Medical Examiner’s mission: to provide information on topics of health and wellness of interest to general readers, to offer information to assist readers in wisely choosing their healthcare providers, and to serve as a central source of news within every part of the Augusta medical community.

Submit editorial content to graphicadv@knology.net Direct editorial and advertising inquiries to: Daniel R. Pearson, Publisher & Editor E-mail: Dan@AugustaRx.com Augusta Medical Examiner photography: H + D Photography www.handdphoto.com AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER P.O. Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903-0397

(706) 860-5455 www.AugustaRx.com • E-mail: graphicadv@knology.net Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and their respective institutions. Neither the Augusta Medical Examiner, Pearson Graphic 365 Inc., or its agents or employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information, which is presented for informational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. © 2015 PEARSON GRAPHIC 365 INC.

If you enjoy the +

MEDICAL EXAMINER

+ + +

{

...other than being a loyal reader — which we greatly appreciate — the best thing you can do to help champion the Medical Examiner is to support our advertisers. Their loyal backing and sponsorship makes this paper possible. Looking for opportunities to extend your patronage to our sponsors will keep the Medical Examiner coming your way with salubrious information for years to come. Thank you!

}

+4

MAY 15, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

OLD NEWS

+

POINTS OF INTEREST TO FORMER KIDS

by Trisha Whisenhunt, Senior Citizens Council

PREVENTING HOME ACCIDENTS

I

Don’t feel like kissing your money goodbye?

The Medical Examiner offers advertisers a focused, specific, targeted audience. If your marketing program values quality over quantity, the Examiner may be just what the doctor ordered..

Call today!

CALL 706-860-5455 DIALING ONE OF OUR ADVERTISERS? PLEASE LET THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEIR AD IN THE MEDICAL EXAMINER.

did my spring cleaning several weeks ago and had several close calls as far as minor home accidents go.

I experienced everything from a slip while standing on a chair (which I learned you should never do. Use a ladder!) to nearly falling over my Corgi.

I was a mess of scrapes, small cuts, broken fingernails and bruises. My strangest injury was getting burned while painting. I took the lamp shades off the floor lamps for better lighting so I could be sure I wasn’t leaving streaks. Then I reached too far and laid the inside of my wrist on a bare light bulb.

This got me thinking: what are the current numbers regarding home accidents?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC) seniors age 65+ had 1,840,117 falls in 2006, the most current year for this statistic. More recently it has been recorded that over 30,000 seniors above the age of 65 are seriously injured and 250 die each week due to accidents in the home. Of those who

survive, 20-30 percent suffer debilitating injures which affect the rest of their lives.

Falling is the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in seniors age 75 and older in both men and women. The NSC found that 54 percent of fatal falls occur at home, while 20 percent of those happen in residential institutions.

The most common injury is a hip fracture. More than 24 percent of people suffering a hip fracture die within a year and another 50 percent never return to their prior level of mobility and independence.

The truly sad fact of these numbers is that most of these

injuries can be avoided. The good news is that being 65 isn’t what it used to be; seniors are living longer and healthier than ever before and consequently are much more active than their parents and grandparents. Some caution and common sense added to that still youthful energy and enthusiasm will go a long way to keeping our more mature citizens out of the emergency rooms and hospitals.

Exercise to improve body balance is a great start. It is surprising how quickly a few exercises done every day will improve balance and along with it the confidence to move about in a sure manner.

Making the home safer should be a priority. Clear the floors of wires, loose rugs and household items.

Install grab bars where needed. Being aware of the side effects of medications is important. While all medications come with a list of common side effects, keep in mind that medicine can affect each person differently.

Pay attention to your reaction to them - especially when a new one is being introduced.

Getting regular vision screenings and examinations is very important too.

All these precautions can help reduce the risk of falls and contribute to a long and healthy, injury-free life.

Now, if I can just get these attic stairs pulled down by myself... +

MYTH OF THE MONTH Organic food is more nutritious.

TO SUPPORT MEDICAL EXAMINER ADVERTISERS

That’s a myth?

Yes and no.

In some ways organic food is much ado about nothing, to borrow a phrase from Shakespeare. Those might be fightin’ words to some people, but researchers have found little if any evidence that organic produce is more nutritious. Organically grown apples, carrots, potatoes, blueberries etc., have essentially the same amount of vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients as non-organic versions.

Further research may establish a marginal edge for organic fruits and vegetables, but any difference is likely to be

slight.

On the other hand, compared to traditionally grown produce, organic fruits and vegetables should have little or no chemicals and pesticide residue. That is not an insignificant benefit by any means and tips the scales in organic’s favor for many shoppers.

Just don’t imagine that more nutrients take the place of those missing chemicals. + — by F. E. Gilliard, MD, Family Medicine 639 13th St Augusta, GA 30901 706-823-5250

MAY 15, 2015

5+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW res?

D

k good eno r skin can ugh cer? son.” o

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL INCIDENT THAT NEVER WAS

ee Dee was a fairly typical girl growing up about forty years ago. Her family was hard-working folks.

Both her mother and father had jobs, which was unusual back then.

She lived near Parris Island, South Carolina, one of the deepest ports on the East Coast. Ships from all over the world disgorged cargo there, including hundreds of tons of powdered white clay. With international ships going in and out daily, Dee Dee was exposed to more international flavor than most people in the low country of South Carolina.

International sailors did not normally have the proper documentation to get off the ship and enter the US. However, during those pre-9/11 times, this did not prevent American citizens from wandering on a ship if invited by the crew.

When Dee Dee was about 10 years old, she and her younger sister were babysat by a 15-year-old girl while their mothers worked. The 15-year-old babysitter stood out because her “hormones had already hit” and, in sailor terms, “she carried a lot of k

cargo on her upper deck.”

One nameless day, the three barefoot girls wandered down to the dock and were hailed by Russian sailors who no doubt were attracted to the 15-yearold girl’s obvious assets. They yelled back and forth in broken English for a while, and then the girls boldly walked up the gangplank.

After a quick tour of the upper deck (the ship’s upper deck, that is), a couple of sailors took the three girls to their quarters. The room was tiny and had double bunks.

The walls were covered with nude and seminude posters of voluptuous women in assorted poses. Dee Dee had never seen a Playboy poster before. And certainly not French posters.

After a few minutes of wideeyed gawking, the sailors told the Dee Dee and her younger sister to explore the ship on their own. They walked around the deck for about half an hour while the 15-year-old remained in the cabin with the two sailors for what one would assume to be more private and personal explorations.

After they left the ship, the 15-year-old did not discuss what did -- or did not -- happen

I’m glad you folks haven’t subscribed to the digital version of the Medical Examiner. We need the business!

E

TH

t s e B in the cabin. It might have been inappropriate for young ears.

After all, she was the babysitter and had responsibilities for their care.

The next night after midnight, the three girls snuck out and went back down to the ship.

The following morning, Dee Dee’s mother discovered white powdered clay footprints on the floor leaving no doubt that her daughters had walked the pier at night. Saying they were with the 15-year-old babysitter did not dissuade her mother’s righteous wrath.

Dee Dee’s mother went into a flying fit and grounded her daughters for a month and forbade them to speak to the babysitter for two months.

Rumors circulated that the 15-year-old developed a somewhat lasting relationship with one of the sailors, corresponding with him for a few years and occasionally seeing him in person when he was in port.

She did not get pregnant, nor did she defect to Russia.

Nor did she get a sexually transmitted disease. Nor did she become suicidal. Nor did she become psychotic and rob a string of liquor stores to support a drug habit. No, she went on to be a normal person.

e n i c i d ME

Times are different now.

Had this happened today it would an international incident. The sailor would be charged with false imprisonment, statutory rape, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and a litany of other ugly legal procedures.

The 15-year-old girl would be on Dr. Phil and Oprah tearfully airing her horrible imprisonment and sexual torture. That would probably be followed by either a reality series or at the very least an internet sex video, if not both.

Nancy Grace would fiercely portray this as a communist plot to overthrow the US and an assault on the sacred virginity of Southern womanhood, a stand only she can take because she understands, being from international Macon, GA. Ken Nugent’s new ad would have him standing atop a ship swearing to sue the Russian government and the shipping company for all sorts all dastardly damages and unimaginable amounts of money.

All three girls would be in psychological counseling forever for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

While claiming the moral high ground, Al Sharpton, Hell’s Angles, Augusta Pride, the

TO ADVERTISE IN THE MEDICAL EXAMINER CALL (706) 860-5455 OPERATORS ARE STANDING BY! But if you prefer digital, simply visit

www.issuu.com/medicalexaminer Register (it’s free) then click “Follow” and you’ll be notified the minute we post a new Medical Examiner every other Friday.

You’ll love the added features of the online Examiner!

WELL, TECHNICALLY THEY’RE SITTING AROUND. CALL TODAY AND GIVE THEM SOMETHING DO TO.

KKK, and any other group desiring TV exposure and new contributors would jointly or separately stage demonstrations proclaiming all manner of alleged personal insults and injuries as well as foreign conspiracy.

Every Democrat and Republican presidential candidate would hold a press conference tearfully declaring how they “personally feel the pain and the shame of the families so horribly disrespected.”

On a more serious note, virtually every teenage girl has her first sexual encounter in a manner that her father would not approve of and her mother would be horrified by. Assuming the act was voluntary and consensual, most survive this adventure without lasting psychological scars.

Which brings us back to Dee Dee today. She is a patient of mine and came through just fine. She is the beautiful caregiver to her invalid parents, the mother of a college student, the go-to person in the family when something must be done right, and she votes for the best candidate in every election. + Bad Billy Laveau is a formerlyretired MD who wields a pointed sense of humor - and now, tongue depressors too. He speaks and entertains at events for audiences not subject to cardiac arrest secondary to overwhelming laughter and glee.

BadBilly@knology.net or 706-3069397.

+6

MAY 15, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

TEETH… from page 1 That can have quite unpleasant consequences.

We’ve all heard some witty person say that a given body part — the heart, for example — will last a lifetime. That is not true of teeth. Ignore them long enough and they will abandon ship. But before they do, they will very likely make your life miserable. Before it’s over you’ll beg someone to pull out the complainer(s).

And therein lies another factor that makes lax dental care puzzling: not to pick on hearts, but they will attack with seemingly no warning. Teeth, on the other hand, will generally use varying methods to warn their owners over an extended period of time that trouble is brewing. Their message cannot be ignored (or so one would think), and is plain: to either improve tooth care, seek professional dental care, or both.

As teeth go, so go you Here’s a cool thing about teeth: broadly speaking, if you’re taking care of your teeth, you’re taking care of yourself, head to toe.

As eighteenth century anatomist Baron Georges Cuvier put it, “Show me your teeth and I will tell you who you are.”

Kids, don’t be surprised if your conscientious mother tries to keep you away from sweets.

Consider some enemies of teeth: sugar, carbonated beverages, poor diet, and frequent between meal snacking.

Eliminating those diet elements, or keeping them to a minimum, doesn’t help our teeth only; having those items in our diet to a significant degree is known to significantly contribute over time to obesity, high body fat, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attacks, Judging by the number of these cardiovascular issues, little flossers we see in parking lots, lack of exercise, and plenty of people are taking dental more. care seriously. Now let’s work on While poor diet gets not littering. no points at all, the occasional snack or soft drink is not the issue as much as it is the presence or lack of corresponding dental care.

In other words, every time you drink sweet tea or cola, will you then find a place to brush and floss? After every snack, will you do the same?

We can’t entirely avoid things like starches and sugars that attack tooth enamel. After all, bread, milk, fruit and some vegetables contain sugars and starches.

But at least those foods provide nutrition, something that can’t be claimed about soft drinks and snack

foods. If we can avoid or minimize those, we’re helping ourselves top to bottom, teeth included.

Good, nutritious food can still turn into something bad if it’s nestled in between our pearly whites for awhile. That’s why it’s always a good idea to follow up meals with brushing, and to keep the in-between snacking to a minimum.

Incidentally, I was finally able to get Dr. Wilson to elaborate a little on fundamental principles of dental care. In addition to “brush and floss daily,” the gold standard, he added two more important points: 1. Have a dental checkup every six months, and 2. Never go to bed without at least brushing — and preferably flossing too.

Although Dr. Wilson didn’t specifically mention it, there is one additional maxim that all dental professionals know: it’s not necessary to brush all your teeth. Just the ones you want to keep. + — by Daniel Pearson • According to Consumer Reports, dentists are among the 5 most trusted professionals in the United States.

• Nearly 3 million miles of dental floss was purchased in the U.S. during one recent year.

• Approximately 94% of Americans say they brush nightly while only 81% say they brush first thing in the morning. + Note: This article previously appeared in a July 2012 issue of the Medical Examiner.

WE’RE BEGGING YOU! We’re never too proud to beg. What we’re begging for is Medicine in the First Person stories. With your help, we’d like to make this a feature in every issue of the Medical Examiner. After all, everybody has a story of something health- or medicine-related, and lots of people have many stories. Send your interesting (or even semi-interesting) stories to the Medical Examiner, PO Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903 or e-mail to Dan@AugustaRx.com. Thanks!

“The cause was a mystery for a long time.”

“And that’s when I fell.” nearest hospital “He doesn’t remember a thing.” “The was 30 miles away.”

“I was a battlefield medic.” “He was just two when he died.”

“OUCH!”

“It was a terrible tragedy.” “She saved “I sure learned my lesson.”

“I retired from medicine my life.” “It seemed like a miracle.” seven years ago.” “We had triplets.” “It was my first year “I thought, ‘Well, this is it’.” NOTHING SEEMED of medical school.”

“They took me to the hospital by helicopter.” TO HELP, UNTIL. . “It took 48 stitches.”

ambulance crashed.”

“Now THAT hurt!” “The “My leg was broken “I’m not supposed to be alive.”

“This was on my third day in Afghanistan.” in three places.”

“I lost 23 pounds.” “Turned out it was just indigestion.”

“At first I thought it was something I ate.” “The smoke detector woke me up.”

Everybody has a story. Tell us yours!

Here’s our “No Rules Rules.” We’ll publish your name and city, or keep you anonymous. Your choice. Length? Up to you. Subject? It can be a monumental medical event or just a stubbed toe. It can make us laugh or make us cry. One thing we’re not interested in, however: please, no tirades against a certain doctor or hospital. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

MAY 15, 2015

7+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Southern Girl Eats Clean

Eggplant Pizzas: Healthy and Delicious

736-7230

got mohawk? want less hawk? we’ll be glad to help Head to toe service: Jerry will shine your shoes while we cut your hair.

We’re on Wrightsboro Rd. at Ohio Avenue.

76 Circle K former Smile Gas

Highland Ave.

Medical Complex

Ohio Ave.

DANIEL VILLAGE BARBER SHOP

Fun Fact: Thomas Jefferson was an experimental botanist and he introduced eggplant to the United States in 1806.

Wrightsboro Road

Daniel Field

Augusta Mall

Tue - Fri: 8:00 - 6:00; Saturday: 8:00 - 2:00

Eggplant Pizza overcook- eggplant needs to remain firm.)

Remove and place onto a serving platter.

Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Sick of Being Broke?

We have just what the Doctor ordered!

CASH! Loans up to $1,000

A full service collection agency since 1949

LET US HELP YOUR PRACTICE IMPROVE ITS CASH FLOW AND ADD TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE. 955 Greene Street Augusta, Georgia 30901

(706) 823-6200 www.mcbusa.com

ISE

Alisa Rhinehart writes the blog www.southerngirleatsclean.com She is a working wife and mother living in Evans, Georgia. Visit her blog for more recipes and information on clean eating.

RC

** The information on the benefits of eggplant were gathered from the website http://www.elements4health. com/eggplant.html +

E XE

Directions: Slice eggplant into 1/2-1 inch slices and place onto a paper towel. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant and let set for approximately 30 minutes. (This draws out any bitterness in the eggplant.)

Rinse the eggplant slices and pat dry.

Place eggplant slices onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper and top with pasta sauce. Approximately 1 Tbsp. per slice.

Top the slices with spinach first and then the mushrooms and onion. Sprinkle grated smoked mozzarella on top of the veggies.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes only. (Do not

Merchants Credit Bureau, Inc.

No upfront or membership fees Fully bonded and insured

Daniel Village Barber Shop 2522 Wrightsboro Road

These eggplant pizzas are one of my favorite appetizers, but I often have them as a main course when my husband is away and I’m on my own for dinner. The flavor combination is perfect and goes very nicely with a glass of pinot noir.

Eggplant is an amazing, versatile vegetable that provides tons of fiber and disease fighting antioxidants. It has a firm texture and it is easy to use in many different ways. Due to the amount of fiber in eggplant, it has been found to be a vegetable that may help in the prevention of colon cancer. Studies have shown that it may help control Type II diabetes, and help those with cholesterol issues as well.

Any assortment of veggies can be used to top your eggplant pizzas. Arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives and feta work well.

Pick up one of these strange looking purple veggies nice time you are at the market and give this dish a try.

Enjoy!

Ingredients: • 1 large eggplant, washed and sliced 1/2 inch thick (You may peel the eggplant if you choose.)

• 1 jar of organic all natural pasta sauce (I used Rao’s brand Arrabbiata sauce) • 2 cups of baby spinach, sliced into thin strips using the chiffonade technique.

• 1/4 of a small purple onion, sliced very thin • 1-1/2 cups of Baby Bella or button mushrooms, sliced thin • 1 cup of grated smoked mozzarella (You may substitute with regular mozzarella however, the flavor of smoked mozzarella adds to this dish.)

• Fresh basil, chopped fine to garnish

Voted “BEST BARBER SHOP” in Augusta Magazine many times!

NEW CUSTOMERS! Get Your 1st Loan Interest Free (30 Day Loan) - or We will make your first payment on your installment loan!

All loans subject to our liberal credit policy

DELTA FINANCE 905 Greene St Augusta, GA 30901 706-724-9985

+8

Pharma cy 4 11

OUR NEWSSTANDS Medical locations: • Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr, 15th St., Main Entrance • Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Uptown Div., Wrightsboro Rd., main lobby • Doctors Hospital, 3651 Wheeler Rd, ER Lobby Entrance • Eisenhower Hospital, Main Lobby, Fort Gordon • George C. Wilson Drive (by medical center Waffle House and mail boxes) • GHSU Hospital, 1120 15th Street, South & West Entrances • GHSU Medical Office Building, Harper Street, Main Entrance • GHSU Medical Office Building, Harper Street, Parking Deck entrance • GHSU Hospital, Emergency Room, Harper Street, Main Entrance • GHSU Children’s Medical Center, Harper Street, Main Lobby • GHSU, Laney-Walker Boulevard transit stop, Augusta • Select Specialty Hospital, Walton Way, Main entrance lobby • Trinity Hospital, Wrightsboro Road, main lobby by elevators • Trinity Hospital Home Health, Daniel Village, main lobby • University Health Federal Credit Union/ University Hospital Human Resources, 1402 Walton Way, Main Lobby • University Hospital, 1350 Walton Way, Emergency Room lobby area • University Hospital, 1350 Walton Way, Outside Brown & Radiology/Day Surgery • University Hospital - Columbia County, 465 N. Belair Road, Main Lobby • University Hospital Prompt Care, 3121 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta

Around town: • Barney’s Pharmacy, 2604 Peach Orchard Rd. • Birth Control Source, 1944 Walton Way • GRU Summerville Student Bookstore • Blue Sky Kitchen, 990 Broad Street • Columbia County Library, main branch lobby, Ronald Reagan Drive, Evans • Enterprise Mill (North Tower), 1450 Greene Street, Augusta • Daniel Village Barber Shop, Wrightsboro Road at Ohio Ave. • Hartley’s Uniforms, 1010 Druid Park Ave, Augusta • International Uniforms, 1216 Broad Street, Augusta • Marshall Family Y, Belair Rd, Evans • Mellow Mushroom, 12th and Broad Streets, Augusta • Parks Pharmacy, Georgia Avenue, North Augusta • Southside Family Y, Tobacco Road, Augusta • Surrey Center, Surrey Center Pharmacy, Highland Avenue, Augusta • Top-Notch Car Wash, 512 N. Belair Road, Evans • Wild Wing Cafe, 3035 Washington Road, Augusta

Plus... 600+ doctors offices throughout the area for staff and waiting rooms, as well as many nurses stations and waiting rooms of area hospitals.

MAY 15, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Very little if anything about healthcare is inexpensive, and that includes medicine. Tiny pills can command large prices. Over-the-counter medications may be less expensive, but are they also less effective? Find the answers to lots of your drug store questions in this column written by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson exclusively for the Medical Examiner.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HEPATITIS?

M

ay is Hepatitis Awareness Month. Most people have at least heard of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B and, depending on age and occupation, may have even been vaccinated against them. However, yet another type – Hepatitis C - can ultimately be much worse than the other two. Hepatitis A, B, and C are three completely different diseases caused by three different viruses. Hep A is an acute (short term) virus and generally resolves without treatment. Hep B and Hep C can both begin as acute illnesses, but they both may linger in the body, potentially turning into chronic disease states with long-term liver issues.

As of yet, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. What is it? Hepatitis, by definition, is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease that is passed through blood contact. It can vary from very mild and lasting only a few weeks to a chronic lifelong disease. It has become the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is also the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States.

Over 3 million people in this country have the disease, but sadly, anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of those afflicted do not realize that they have Hepatitis because they do not look or feel sick. Symptoms of acute disease, if they do occur, include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, throwing up, dark urine, joint pain, greycolored stool, and yellow skin and eyes. If the virus is not cleared within the first six months, many will develop a chronic infection that can take decades to show symptoms. When the symptoms of chronic Hepatitis C infection finally become apparent, it is often indicative of advanced liver disease.

Common ways to contract Hep C include sharing needles related to intravenous drug use, needlestick injuries in healthcare settings, tattoos or body-piercings done with non-sterile instruments, and being born to a mother with the disease. Prior to 1992, when system-wide screening became available, one of the most common ways to transmit the disease was through a tainted blood transfusion or organ transplant. The virus can also be

Do you like big box pharmacies?

We’re more of a small bag pharmacy.

P

ARKS

HARMACY

Hometown. Not big box.

437 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC

803-279-7450 parkspharmacy.com

spread, although infrequently, through sexual contact or sharing personal items (like razors or toothbrushes) with an infected person.

Living in the same household as someone who is infected with the virus is not usually an issue. The Hep C virus is NOT spread by sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, holding hands, coughing, or sneezing. The virus is also not spread through food or water.

Treatment of the Hepatitis C virus has recently become much easier. In the past, the only available options were injectable and required up to 24-48 weeks of therapy. The side effects often necessitated early discontinuation of therapy. In addition, the therapy only was about 50 percent effective Newer, oral treatment options have come out that are 8-48 weeks long (depending on the specifics) and are closer to a 95 percent cure rate. With these newer medications, price is the big factor. A couple of these new medications actually cost well over $1000 per pill (yes, one thousand dollars). Even at one pill per day for the 84-day course of therapy, the drug cost alone is staggering.

Insurance companies, in general, do not like to pay for expensive medications if they can find any way to get out of it. However, in many cases someone has done their number crunching and this medicine is by far the better end of the bargain. As stated before, Hep C is the leading cause of liver cancer and liver transplants in the United States. If a transplant becomes necessary, for just 7 months of care – one month prior to liver transplant up to and including 6 months post-transplant – the cost is approximately $740,000. Although it does take a bit of paperwork to get covered, it is easy to see that is much more cost-efficient to prevent the more expensive treatment from being necessary.

Who Needs to Be Screened Several groups are at a higher risk and are therefore recommended to be screened for the disease. The CDC recommends screening if: • You were born between 1945 and 1965.

• You are a current or former intravenous drug user, even if you injected only one time or many years ago.

• You were treated for a blood clotting problem before 1987.

• You received a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992.

• You are on long-term hemodialysis treatment.

• You have abnormal liver tests or liver disease.

• You work in health care or public safety and were exposed to blood through a needlestick or other sharp object injury.

• You are infected with HIV. How to Be Screened May 19th is Hepatitis Screening Day nationwide, although testing is done in many places every day. The screening test can be done at the Health Department, some private physician’s offices, and even at some pharmacies. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer testing in-house. Locally, the one location that could be confirmed at this time is Barney’s Pharmacy. The test itself takes about 20 minutes. At-home testing kits are available.

It is called Home Access Hepatitis C Check and is available for purchase on-line from multiple sites.

For any additional information, please visit www.cdc.gov/ hepatitis/C or contact us at cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net with any questions. + Written by for the Medical Examiner by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson. Questions, comments and article ideas can be sent by email to cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net

MAY 15, 2015

9+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

DON’T LICK THE BEATERS Useful food facts from dietetic interns with University Hospital’s Augusta Area Dietetic Internship Program

BITE INTO WATERMELON!

W

By Rebecca Fox, Dietetic Intern, University Hospital

atermelons have become synonymous with summer and picnics, and for good reason. Their refreshing quality and sweet taste help to combat the heat and also provide a guilt-free, low maintenance dessert for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

Along with cantaloupe and honeydew, watermelons are a member of the botanical family, Cucurbitaceae. There are five common types of watermelon: seeded, seedless, mini (also known as personal), yellow and orange.

Native to Africa, watermelon was a valuable and portable source of water for desert situations and when natural water supplies were contaminated. They were cultivated in Egypt and India as far back as 2500 B.C. as evidenced in ancient hieroglyphics. Both African slaves and British colonists brought watermelon seeds to this country. China is the world’s largest producer of watermelons, followed by Turkey and Iran. The U.S. and Brazil are tied as the world’s fourth-largest watermelon crop.

Despite popular belief that watermelon is made up of only water and sugar, watermelon is actually considered a nutrient dense food. It is a food that provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories.

It’s Tasty Nutrition One cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) contains 43 calories, 0 grams of fat, 2 grams of sodium, 11 grams of carbohydrate (including 9 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber) and 1 gram of fiber. One cup of watermelon will provide 17 percent of vitamin A, 21 percent of vitamin C, 2 percent of iron and 1 percent of calcium needs for the day.

Watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine.

According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable. In addition to being a great source of the above nutrients, watermelon is made up of 92 percent water.

promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

• Hydration: Made up of 92 percent water and full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great snack to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration.

Selecting a good watermelon can be tricky. Some people like to thump their watermelon to listen for a hollow or solid sound. A dull thud indicates an under ripe melon. Others look for bright greens stripes.

Whatever your strategies for picking a watermelon, make sure you look for one that is firm, heavy and symmetrical without soft spots or bruising.

Health benefits Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long Serving suggestions been associated with a reduced There are many ways to eat risk of many lifestyle-related watermelon besides cutting it health conditions. Many studies up and eating it. Place diced have suggested that increasing watermelon and a few ice consumption of plant foods like cubes in a blender for a cold watermelon decreases the risk refreshing treat that’s perfect of obesity and overall mortality, for rehydrating after exercise diabetes, heart disease and or a day in the sun. Also, promotes a healthy complexion jazz up a routine salad by and hair, increased energy, adding watermelon, mint and overall lower weight. The fresh mozzarella to a bed of following are some of the areas spinach leaves. Drizzle with that watermelon consumption may improve health conditions: balsamic. Another suggestion is to substitute watermelon • Blood pressure: A study instead of tomato in your salsa published by the American at your next get together. This Journal of Hypertension yummy salsa can be served as found that watermelon extract supplementation reduced ankle a side dish or as a salad over shredded iceberg lettuce. Want blood pressure, brachial blood to try it? pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged Ingredients • 1 can (15.5 ounces) corn adults with prehypertension or Please see WATERMELON page 10 stage 1 hypertension and that watermelon extract improved arterial function. Diets rich in lycopene may help protect against heart disease.

• Cancer: As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C as well as other antioxidants, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake has been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.

• Digestion and regularity: Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and

www.facebook.com/ AugustaRx

HEPATITIS C HEALTH FAIR FREE TESTING! Hepatitis C testing at no cost for the first 100 qualified individuals

The CDC recommends everyone born between 1945 and 1965 should be tested. This group is FIVE TIMES more likely to have Hepatitis C than the general population!

MAY 19 • ALL DAY!

Augusta 2604 Peach Orchard Rd. (706) 798-5645 www.barneysrx.com

Augusta • Louisville • Grovetown • Wrens • Serenity • barneysrx.com • Furys Ferry (opening soon)

+ 10

MAY 15, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

WATERMELON… from page 9 kernels, rinsed and drained -or1 1/2 cups cooked or raw kernels from the cob • 1 cans (15.5 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained • 1/2 red onion, chopped • 1-2 jalapeño chiles, seeded and chopped • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro • 1 tsp. ground cumin • 1 teaspoon mild chili powder • Juice from 1 limes (2 tbsp) • 2 tbsp. olive oil • Salt to taste • 1-1/2 cups chopped seedless watermelon

Preparation 1. Mix together all ingredients except watermelon until well combined.

2. Gently fold in watermelon.

Chill.

3. Serve with corn chips or as a side dish. For a special salad, fill Martini glasses with a base of shredded lettuce and top with watermelon salsa. Garnish with black olives on a skewer.

Serves 6-8 Visit the National Watermelon Board’s recipe site for even more fun, inventive ideas on how to incorporate more watermelon into your diet. source: www. watermelon. org

PET VET Y

PET HEALTH INSURANCE

es, health insurance policies for dogs and cats are available. While it isn’t covered under the umbrella of “Obamacare” or the Affordable Care Act, some big-name insurance companies like Nationwide offer medical insurance for pets.

Since they are non-ACA, pet policies still have restrictions that people used to face, like excluding coverage for preexisting conditions. But, like people policies, depending on the plan chosen they can cover a pretty comprehensive range of injuries, illnesses, preventive or wellness care, and the most advanced and complex medical situations likely to arise.

Pet insurance isn’t a new idea, surprisingly enough. One source pegs its origin as 1947 in Great Britain. Today nearly a dozen companies offer pet health insurance policies, including one affiliated with the ASPCA. The big question: are they worth it?

That depends.

A quick review of sample policies from several websites

shows that they are certainly affordable enough, ranging from basic limited plans that cost about $10 a month up to “major medical comprehensive” plans that can cost $50 a month or more.

Sadly, those higher prices are beyond the price threshhold for many pet owners: according to an Associated Press survey, the majority draw the line after $500 in pet medical costs. But maybe $50 a month is easier to swallow than $500 all at once.

At this point the Medical Examiner would like to share a sage bit of advice that applies in all matters of insurance, whether for people, pets, or inanimate objects: the cost of the insurance is, relatively speaking, immaterial. The only thing that really matters is what the policy pays. To take a ridiculous example, a $100 million life insurance policy that costs $1 a year might be restricted in the fine print to pay only if the insured is crushed to death by a walrus. In short, insurers will advertise their rates; insurance shoppers should investigate

Boardwalk to Bark Place Kennnel & Daycare welcoming dogs 40 lbs and under 5873 Huntington Drive Grovetown, Georgia (706) 840-3141 www.boardwalktobarkplace.com

+

MEDICAL EXAMINER Overhead Door Company of Augusta-Aiken 706-736-8478 803-642-7269

PLEASE facebook.com/AugustaRx

IS ONLINE • AugustaRx.com/news • -OR-

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

• issuu.com/medicalexaminer •

benefits.

As that applies to pet medical insurance, the monthly premium is not the issue; it’s what — and how — the policy pays.

As for the how, many pet policies leave the legwork to you: you pay the vet bills, then submit a claim by forwarding your proof of payment to the insurance company “for review and reimbursement.”

Ah, yes, review. Depending on deductibles, various policy limitations and exclusions, preexisting conditions and other factors, “review” may often be spelled D-E-N-Y. Of course, no insurance company will say, “Send in your claim for speedy denial.”

This is not to say that all claims are denied or that all pet health insurance policies are a scam. They are not.

However, for most pet owners, regular, routine scheduled exams — yearly check-ups, for instance — are the most common out-ofpocket expenses. These are the very expenses many policies don’t cover, and those that do include coverage for these routine matters are the most expensive.

According to Consumer Reports, routine visits cost the average dog owner $225 (2009 figures), while cat owners spent $203. Unplanned surgical or emergency visits added another $532 yearly average for dogs and $278 for cats.

Based on policy costs — and those even more important benefits — Consumer Reports says insurance in most cases is not worth the cost. Average direct out of pocket expenses are less expensive than insurance premiums. Their recommendation is to selfinsure by putting a couple of hundred dollars each year into a savings fund for pet care. As year-end balances carry over and are added to new yearly contributions, higher veterinary costs that may come with advanced age can be paid readily.

Of course, the very essence of insurance is an irony: the buyer says, in effect, “I could get sick or be injured tomorrow, therefore I should buy insurance.” The insurance company says, in effect, “Odds are you’ll be just fine, thank you very much.”

Translating that principle to our pet pals, if you expect that your favorite furball will need insurance coverage — because by definition that’s exactly the kind of thing insurance buyers expect — then do your homework: be a thorough shopper; review policies carefully; read fine print; ask your veterinarian and other pet owners if they have any advice and/or recommendations. +

MAY 15, 2015

11 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

From the Bookshelf The blog spot Reviewed by Rob Lamberts, MD

— Posted by Deep Ramachandran, a pulmonary and critical care physician, at CaduceusBlog on April 25, 2015 (edited)

6 WAYS TO REDUCE GUN DEATHS Like a lot of people, I get pretty numbed to gun violence on television. I stopped watching the local news because all they seem to show is news about shootings. Our perception about gun violence is that it’s always somebody else, someone somehow been involved in crime. The numbness only ends when things hit close to home, when you or someone you know is affected.

That happened to me 15 years ago. I got a call that Mark, a childhood friend had been killed, shot in the head while driving to his job in Danbury, Connecticut. We had been best friends since first grade at St. Rose elementary school in Newtown and remained best friends until I switched schools in sixth grade.

After I heard the news, I was ashamed that I had not kept in touch with him since high school. There was no known motive for Mark’s shooting. His life and everything he would have been was just erased from the earth without reason. To this day, the crime has not been solved.

Things rang close to home again more recently as I was making rounds in the hospital. I was aghast to see, on a patient’s television screen, an aerial view of people running out of my hometown’s other elementary school, Sandy Hook Elementary, which my brothers and sister had attended years ago.

Since that day I have believed that as a physician, a citizen, and now a father, I need to advocate more strongly for common sense measures to promote gun safety. I am pleased that several physician organizations representing several specialties have released recommendations to reduce firearm-related deaths.

Firearms are the second leading cause of death among adolescents and adults, behind motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicles are faster and more powerful than ever, yet regulations have been adopted that have reduced motor vehicle deaths. I believe firearms deaths can also be reduced in a similar fashion.

Here’s a list of six common sense recommendations that can help reduce firearm-related deaths.

1. Universal background checks. Background checks are currently required for sales by licensed dealers, but 40 percent of transfers take place outside of this network. Background checks should be universal, no exceptions, no loopholes.

2. End physician gag laws. Laws preventing physicians from discussing gun safety with their patients should be banned.

3. Mental health awareness. We should promote identification of mental health symptoms in the public to help identify those who may be at risk of suicide or violence. Blanket firearm restrictions based solely on the presence of a mental health disorder should be discouraged.

4. Laws requiring physicians to report possible threats.

Appropriate laws should be considered which do not deter those with mental or substance abuse disorders from seeking treatment for their conditions.

5. Assault weapons. Ending the sale of military-style assault weapons and large capacity magazines to private individuals would seem like a common sense thing to do.

6. The need for further research. Future recommendations should be data driven. Appropriate funding to public research institutions should be prioritized to increase understanding about causes and consequences of firearm violence.

These recommendations were created with the American Bar Association [as being “Second Amendment compliant.”] The Supreme Court has stated that the Second Amendment does not guarantee the “right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.”

To this day, Mark’s mom still keeps tabs on me and how my life is going. I like to think it’s because she sees a little bit of Mark in me, and perhaps in my life she sees a reflection of the life that he never lived. +

The crime is unsolved.

I Am Your Doctor by Jordan Grumet, M.D. is a collection of his blog posts that is a difficult yet pleasurable book to read. If that sounds confusing, please hear me out. He is a wordsmith who tells stories of encounters with patients and their effect on him. He tells of the pain shared between doctor and patient. He gives a keen and accurate answer to a question many people wonder: what is it like to be a doctor, saving some lives but losing others?

I don’t know of another writer who has so intimately explored this, and I commend this book to anyone who wants to know.

I write this as a physician and writer who shares many of the same experiences. In fact, the title is misleading; the book is not about being a doctor, but about being a human being facing pain: a son losing his father, a father missing time with his children, a doctor dealing with the loss of a patient.

Jordan doesn’t write these things to get sympathy or words of encouragement;

I AM YOUR DOCTOR

AND THIS IS MY HUMBLE OPINION

JORDAN GRUMET, M.D. he writes it to show a caring doctor who doesn’t always know how to deal with what he sees. We physicians can’t hide from the pain and tragedy of life, and at any moment in our job, waiting in the next room or with the next ring of the telephone, we know a new tragedy might loom.

All of us as imperfect humans make mistakes, but as Jordan writes, “Those of us with our fingers deeply enmeshed in the bowels of human suffering have more tangible reminders of our shortcomings. How many decisions were made

with the best of intentions but with faulty logic? How many of you can backtrack from the fatherless child, the husbandless wife or the mourning sibling to a choice that you were in charge of making?”

The self questioning and the pain that comes with it is the beauty of Jordan’s writing.

This book got me thinking a lot about myself. Unlike Jordan, I don’t keep a list of my past mistakes in my head.

I know I have made many.

Jordan may lose more sleep than I do, but I too feel the connection with others that is bought with pain and regret and yes, sleepless nights.

We are all frail beings.

This book is a wonderful collection of stories from the life of one such frail being burdened with the task of helping others deal with their frailness.

That is what it truly means to be a doctor. + I Am Your Doctor — And This Is My Humble Opinion by Jordan Grumet, M.D., 232 pages, published in February 2015 by CreateSpace

Research News Beards: as dirty as toilets?

That’s probably the single most-talked about medical research headline since the last issue of the Medical Examiner.

The story had its origin in Albuquerque, where a TV reporter at the local ABC station swabbed the beards of several men and then sent the samples to the local Quest Diagnostics lab for analysis.

The microbiologist quoted in the Albuquerque story found lots of beard bacteria, including the same type found in intestines, and said if it was found in the same concentrations in the municipal water supply as it was in beards, the city would have to shut the system down for disinfection, or face a major public health crisis.

It all made for great headlines, but the study wasn’t exactly conducted under standard clinical conditions.

For that, the Medical Examiner turned to a February 2014 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection.

408 male healthcare workers with (199) and without (209) facial hair were tested for facial bacteria.

In summary, the study found that men with facial hair were less likely to be colonized with Staphylococcus aureus by a significant margin (41.2 percent vs 52.6 percent) compared with clean-shaven colleagues.

“Overall, colonization is similar in male healthcare workers with and without facial hair; however, certain bacterial species were more prevalent in workers without facial hair.”

The study did note in passing that several previous studies “have demonstrated that physician white coats and neckties can act as significant sources of nosocomial [originating in the hospital] bacteria.”

READ THIS! In some of the best news ever to come out of a medical research lab, scientists have found that maple syrup is the new miracle drug.

Do not adjust your Medical Examiner!

Researchers at McGill University in Canada (no surprise there) discovered that concentrated extracts of maple syrup, when combined with antibiotics, made the antibiotics more effective in fighting off disease.

Overuse of antibiotics has given some bacteria immunity from attack, but McGill researchers discovered sprinkling maple syrup on antibiotics (ok, ok, it was a little more complicated than that) increased outer-membrane permeability of all bacterial strains tested, increasing their susceptibility to antibiotics.

If you’d like to read the report while you enjoy some pancakes drenched in maple syrup, the title of the study is “Polyphenolic Extract from Maple Syrup Potentiates Antibiotic Susceptibility and Reduces Biofilm Formation of Pathogenic Bacteria” and was published by the American Society for Microbiology. +

+ 12

MAY 15, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE EXAMiNERS +

This is a terrible story.

What?

by Dan Pearson

His stomach was caught in some kind Oh my. That sounds of rotating machine. gut-wrenching.

This poor man was hurt in an accident at work. What happened?

The Mystery Word for this issue: SIXREECE

© 2015 Daniel Pearson All rights reserved.

EXAMINER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

1

2

3

4

5

6

14

15

17

18

7

8

9

10

11

12

All Mystery Word finders will be eligible to win by random drawing.

We’ll announce the winner in our next issue!

VISIT WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM

16 19

Click on “READER CONTESTS”

QUOTATION PUZZLE A G T L N R T N P I S C A V T O A T N O S D S A A L A W T L S E H F I I E I E L T R I O E H D D E L E H H

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2015 All rights reserved

— Mahatma Gandhi

DIRECTIONS: Recreate a timeless nugget of wisdom by using the letters in each vertical column to fill the boxes above them. Once any letter is used, cross it out in the lower half of the puzzle. Letters may be used only once.

Black squares indicate spaces between words, and words may extend onto a second line.

Solution on page 14.

E 37

X A M I N E R

7 6 4 2

2 3 8 4 6 1 1

8 6 1

5 7 2 3

4 6 3 1

4

S

1

2 6

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2015 All rights reserved. Built with software from www.crauswords.com

U D O K U

DIRECTIONS: Every line, vertical and horizontal, and all nine 9-square boxes must each contain the numbers 1 though 9. Solution on page 14.

Use the letters provided at bottom to create words to solve the puzzle above. All the listed letters following #1 are the first letters of the various words; the letters following #2 are the second letters of each word, and so on. Try solving words with letter clues or numbers with minimal choices listed. A sample is shown. Solution on page 14.

R G I 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 K 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2 3 4 I 1 2 3

5

6 1

7 2

8 3

9 10 11 12 4

5

6

7

8

— Albert Einstein

9 10 11

1.ISKIOBINTT 2.FOMHRSINNU 3.AGOUTTE 4.GWEEN 5.LLI 6.NEL 7.IAD 8.GTG 9.IEE 10.ON 11.CN 12.E

SAMPLE:

1. ILB 2. SLO 3. VI 4. NE 5. D =

L 1

O 2

V 3

E 4

I 1

S 2

B 1

L 2

I 3

N 4

D 5

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2015 All rights reserved

BY

Simply unscramble the letters, then begin exploring our ads. When you find the correctly spelled word hidden in one of our ads — enter at AugustaRx.com

13

20 21 22 ACROSS 1. Fastening device 23 24 25 6. A welt, such as from a 26 27 28 mosquito bite 11. Mineral spring 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 14. Main artery 36 37 38 15. Answer 16. Type of paper?

39 40 41 42 17. Branch of philosophy 43 44 19. Canyon edge 45 46 47 48 49 50 20. Mine entrance 21. Common cell add-on 51 52 53 23. Casino’s namesake 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 24. Feeling guilt and regret 26. Floating ice 61 62 63 28. Kettering’s partner 64 65 66 29. Peter of Peter, Paul and Mary

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2015 All rights reserved. Built in part with software from www.crauswords.com 32. Basics; gist 33. Prohibition DOWN 31. ______ chocolate 36. Showy and tacky stuff 33. British nobleman 37. Gold medal-winning Street 1. City in NW France 2. Smoked salmon 34. Not up yet 39. Trauma pt. destinations 3.

Nouveau intro 35. Lymph ____ 40. “On the...” (in Augusta) 4. Water-powered ships 38. Style of architecture or 42. Made a point 5. Nashville singer Jon of furniture 43. Follower of 43-D Write You a Song 41. Young boy 44. Vein of metal ore 6. Anger 43. Lead-in to 43-A 45. Changed by a tailor 7. Norse goddess 45. Severe/sudden 48. Paul ______ Theater 8. Pen prefix, sometimes 46. Downtown building 51. Christmas song 9. Lou Gehrig letters 47. Commerce 52. Modern day Persia 10.

Pertaining to lymph 48. Vital follower 54. Mia in Pulp Fiction 11. Mr. Thurmond 49. Synonym for 6-D 55. According to the gospels 12. College on 15th Street 50. Small Mediterranean island 61. A small amount 53. Having wings 62. Nation at the southern end 13. Forces introduction 18. Louse egg 56. Sign by Churchill of the Arabian Peninsula 22. Star Wars first name 57. Doc’s org.

63. Coniferous evergreen 23. Arranges in groups 58. Open mesh fabric forest 24. Malt beverage 59. 11th-century Spanish hero 64. Before (in poems) 25.

Afternoon shows (with “El”) 65. Chairs 26. Bag-shaped fish net 60. Iron or Stone follower 66. Tree of the birch family 27. Den 28. ____ intestine 30. Wheeler Road restaurant Solution p. 14

WORDS NUMBER

THE MYSTERY WORD

MAY 15, 2015

THE BEST MEDICINE ha... ha...

I

hate the word subcutaneous,” said Jack.

“Why?” asked Jill.

“It just gets under my skin.”

“Are you still going fishing?” she asked.

“Yeah,” he said. “All my fishing buddies are sick, but they still want to go.”

“Well, I hope you catch something,” The anatomy professor ended his oral pop quiz with this final question: “What muscle group do you use the most when kidnapping?”

Silence. “Anyone?”

Finally one student raised his hand. “The abductors?”

A Texan walks into a pub in Ireland and clears his voice to the crowd of drinkers. He says, “I hear you Irish are a bunch of hard “I really hope you’ll help us,” said the woman drinkers. I’ll give 500 American dollars to as she begged the new attorney for help. “My anybody in here who can drink 10 pints of husband got sent to prison for something he Guinness back-to-back.” didn’t do,” she concluded.

The room is quiet and no one takes up the “And what was that?” asked the attorney.

Texan’s offer. One man even leaves. Thirty “His taxes.” minutes later the same gentleman who left comes back in and taps the Texan on the “I went to an illiterate psychic,” said Joe. shoulder.

“How did that work out?” asked Jim. “Is your bet still good?” asks the Irishman.

“Not too good. I couldn’t get a reading.”

The Texan says yes, and asks the bartender A Navajo who strayed too close to a white man’s to line up 10 pints of Guinness. The Irishman town is being chased by settlers. He runs into the tears into all 10 of the pint glasses, drinking them non-stop, back-to-back. The other pub nearest structure he can find, which happens to be an outhouse. Unshaken, he jumps in and hides. patrons cheer as the Texan sits in amazement.

The Texan gives the Irishman the $500 and The settlers never find him, but the old Navajo is says, “If you don’t mind my askin’, where did stuck. you go for that 30 minutes you were gone?”

Looking for their fellow tribesman a few days “Oh, that,” the Irishman replies, “I had to go later under cover of night, a young brave looks to the pub next door to see if I could do it first.” into the outhouse and sees the old Navajo.

“My word!” the young Navajo says, “How long What four-man rock group doesn’t sing? have you been down there?”

Mount Rushmore. + “Many moons,” he replies, “Many moons.”

Why subscribe to the Medical Examiner?

Because no one should have to make a trip to the doctor or the hospital just to read Augusta’s Most Salubrious Newspaper.

+ +

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER By popular demand we’re making at-cost subscriptions available for the convenience of our readers.

If you live beyond the Aiken-Augusta area or miss issues between doctor’s appointments — don’t you hate it when that happens? — we’ll command your mail carrier to bring every issue to your house!

NAME ADDRESS CITY

13 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

STATE

ZIP

Choose ____ six months for $20; or ____ one year for $36. Mail this completed form with payment to Augusta Medical Examiner, PO Box 397, Augusta GA 30903-0397

STUDENTS:

Is Stress Your Major?

College life is full of new experiences and discoveries, deadlines and demands. For many students, this way of life can cause feelings of anxiety and stress. Stress isn’t always bad, however. In small doses, it can help motivate you to do your best and perform under pressure. But when you’re living in a perpetual state of emergency, your mind and body can pay the price and you can start to feel out of balance. The good news is that you can protect yourself by recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

Recognizing Stress Overload Stress is cumulative. Your early signs of stress may include headaches, irritability, nervous stomach or disrupted sleep. Once you learn to recognize your own early warning signs, you will know that these symptoms are your body’s way of telling you to slow down and find a way to de-stress. If you do not heed the warning, your stress and anxiety can continue to build and cause serious disruption emotionally, physically, academically and socially. Stress can impact your relationships, your ability to concentrate or communicate, and it can have a negative effect on your immune system, making you more prone to illness.

What is the Difference Between Anxiety and Stress?

Stress is the normal physical response that you have when you are faced with a challenge. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a different condition altogether and is more similar to constant fear.

It often occurs for no identifiable reason. For some people, worry and anxiety can become overwhelming and disrupt their quality of life. Excessive and lasting bouts of worry may reflect an anxiety disorder and will require different treatment. Learn more about Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks.

Common Effects of Stress Stress affects every aspect of our lives. You may experience mental, behavioral, physical and emotional symptoms. While these symptoms are common during stressful times, people with anxiety disorders may experience them in absence of a stressful experience.

On your body: headache, muscle tension or pain, chest pain, fatigue, change in sex drive, stomach upset, sleep problems, frequent illness On your emotions: anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation or focus, irritability or anger, sadness or depression, forgetfulness, feeling overwhelmed, insecurity On your behavior: over/under eating, angry outbursts, drug/ alcohol use, social withdrawal, sleeping too much or too little, relationship conflicts, crying spells, avoidance/procrastination Stress Busters Stress management is an important skill and it is worth taking the time to figure out what works best for you. Taking care of your mind and body can go a long way toward managing your stress level and help restore you to balance. Here are some suggestions...

• Get enough sleep.

• Eat a healthy diet. Sugar and processed foods can make stress worse.

• Exercise regularly. Find movement you enjoy that allows you to release tension.

• Learn deep breathing/relaxation techniques like One-Minute Stress Strategies.

• Pay attention to negative self-talk.

• Meditate, for example with mindfulness-based meditation.

• Find quiet places to study • Practice saying “no” to situations and people that add stress to your life • Get a massage --aaaah!

• Talk with a friend or someone you trust • Limit your caffeine intake.

• Avoid using alcohol or other drugs in an attempt to relieve stress.

• Manage your time and energy -- you can prioritize your “to-do” list based not only on time but on your energy for the task.

• Laugh! Watch a funny movie.

• Take time for relaxation, fun and hobbies. How about music or dance lessons, yoga or crafts? +

+ 14

MAY 15, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE MYSTERY SOLVED The Mystery Word in our last issue was: BIOPSY

...cleverly hidden (in the top taco) in the p. 7 ad for WILD WING CAFE Congratulations to FAYE CRAWFORD, who scores a coveted Scrubs of Evans gift card, 2 movie passes courtesy of Health Center Credit Union, and a $20 Wild Wing Cafe gift certificate. Want to find your name here next issue? The new Mystery Word is on page 12.

Start looking!

The Celebrated MYSTERY WORD CONTEST ...wherein we hide (with fiendish cleverness) a simple word. All you have to do is unscramble the word (found on page 12), then find it concealed within one of our ads. Click in to the contest link at www.AugustaRx.com and enter. If we pick you in our random drawing of correct entries, you’ll score our goodie package!

SEVEN SIMPLE RULES: 1. Unscramble and find the designated word hidden within one of the ads in this issue. 2. Visit the Reader Contests page at www.AugustaRx.com. 3. Tell us what you found and where you found it. 4. If you’re right and you’re the one we pick at random, you win. (Winners within the past six months are ineligible.) 5. Prizes awarded to winners may vary from issue to issue. 6. A photo ID may be required to claim some prizes. 7. Other entrants may win a lesser prize at the sole discretion of the publisher.

EXAMINER CLASSIFIEDS HOMES, APARTMENTS, ROOMMATES, LAND, ETC. ONE BDRM COTTAGE FOR RENT with off-street parking/carport in Hill area 2 blocks from college. Washer/dryer. We furnish water, you pay electric. $675/$500 dep. No pets. (706) 736-7168; email: ronst79@gmail.com Pictures avail.

ROOMMATE WANTED! 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath house with pool, 2 minutes from colleges. Perfect for medical or grad students. $425+share utils. 706.993.6082 WEST AUGUSTA House for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1500 sqft, 1-car garage, 3024 Sterling Road, located off Stevens Creek at Riverwatch Pkwy. $850/mo. Call 678467-7187.

AUGUSTAHOMESEARCH.COM Foreclosures • MLS • Rentals • Builders 706-564-5885 FOR SALE: GORGEOUS, immaculate, never occupied townhome located mins from Medical District. 2 bed, 2 bath, master en suite, walk-in closets, office.

1450 sq ft. hardwood floors throughout, fabulous upgrades, custom kitchen and baths. Floor to ceiling windows, fenced yard. Partially furnished! 120k OBO. 803-507-6621.

HELP WANTED CHIROPRACTIC ASSISTANT NEEDED to work mornings. Great job for Mom with school-age children. Some experience preferred but not necessary. Non-smoker.

(706) 860-4001 PART TIME HELP NEEDED Flexible independent contractor tutoring opportunity with locally owned educational services company. Students served include K-12 and college seeking support in ALL subjects. Immediate openings for Spanish, anatomy, physics and statistics tutors. Contact info@maeseducationcenter.com

SERVICES HOUSE CLEANING Your house, apartment, rental move-outs. Thorough, dependable.

Weekly, or whatever schedule you prefer.

References. 706.267.9947

USE THE FORM BELOW AND MAIL IT IN, OR GO TO WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM AND PLACE & PAY CONVENIENTLY AND SAFELY ONLINE. THANKS!

CEMETERY SPACES (2) Sunset Memorial Gardens, Graniteville SC adjacent to lighted military flagstaff, includes granite bench with urn space, installation and inscription.

All $4700 ($8600 value). Spaces only: $2700. Call (803) 295-3033 FISHING CLUB wants more grey-haired members. Meet 2nd Thurs of month at Harbor Inn Restaurant, 12 noon.

“Adventure Before Dementia” Info: (706) 736-8753 or (706) 829-1729 PET CARE in Martinez-Evans area. Dogs to 40 lbs, $9.00. Cats (1-3), $9.00 For interview/information, phone 706-829-1729 CEMETERY PLOTS Side-by-side cemetery plots for sale located at the Heart Section of Hillcrest Cemetery. $3600 for BOTH. (706) 798-8495

BIBLE BY PHONE - Free daily Bible readings; for Spiritual Encouragement and Growth. Call 706-855-WORD (9673)

Thanks for reading the Medical Examiner!

THE PUZZLE SOLVED

WHAT’S YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE? (OURS IS COFFEE)

Augusta Medical Examiner Classifieds

MISCELLANEOUS

DOES YOUR HOME NEED CLEANING? A little of that extra? Need organizing assistance or help to make clutter vanish?

Seniors will get a discount. 706-7553803

The new scrambled Mystery Word is found on page 12

SENDING US A CLASSIFIED?

F. E. GILLIARD, MD FAMILY MEDICINE Acute & Chronic Illnesses Occupational Medicine PROMPT APPOINTMENTS 706-823-5250

C L A S P A O R T A E X T E R N A D S M I F L O E Y A R R O K I T S C E R S H N A A L T E R C A R O L U M A E T A D Y E R E S

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FORM Name Address Work number (if applicable) ( ) Home phone ( ) Category of ad (leave blank if unsure):

.75

1.00

1.25

1.50

1.75

2.00

2.25

2.50

2.75

3.00

3.25

3.50

3.75

4.00

4.25

4.50

4.75

5.00

5.25

5.50

5.75

6.00

6.25

6.50

6.75

7.00

7.25

7.50

7.75

8.00

8.25

8.50

8.75

9.00

AUGUSTA MEDICAL EXAMINER, PO BOX 397, AUGUSTA, GA 30903-0397 Total ad cost by number of words as shown above: $

A R M E D

B A R O N

A B E D

N O D E

A C A L I G A D E R

QUOTATION — Mahatma Gandhi

The Sudoku Solution

COFFEE IS GOOD MEDICINE

(Copy this form or continue on additional sheet if more space needed.)

Send this form with payment to:

P A I N E

QUOTATION PUZZLE SOLUTION: Page 12: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

AD COPY (one word per line; phone numbers MUST include the area code): .50

S T R O M

SEE PAGE 12

In case we need to contact you. These numbers will not appear in the ad.

.25

W H E A L R E P L Y N A L I S M I T P H T H A S H A S L O A N W M E A T H A P I C I L L S C O T A L L E D S I M O I R A N V A N G E L I E M E N T A E A T S A L

VISIT DRUGOFCHOICECOFFEE.COM

3 7 4 2 8 6 9 1 5

9 2 1 3 5 7 6 8 4

6 8 5 9 4 1 2 7 3

5 6 2 1 3 4 7 9 8

7 4 3 8 2 9 5 6 1

1 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

2 5 7 6 1 8 3 4 9

8 3 6 4 9 2 1 5 7

4 1 9 5 7 3 8 2 6

WORDS BY NUMBER “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”

— Albert Einstein

Multiply by number of times ad to run: x Total submitted: $

The Augusta Medical Examiner publishes on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month.

Your ad should reach us no later than 7 days prior to our publication date.

Thanks for reading!

www.AugustaRx.com

MAY 15, 2015

15 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

You’re never too old: stay active as you age We’ve all heard that exercise is good for you. Did you know that it’s as true for older people as it is for any age group? You’re never too old to get moving, get stronger and improve your health.

Fitting exercise and physical activity into your day can enhance your life in so many ways. Regular physical activity can improve your balance and boost or maintain your strength and fitness. It may also improve your mood and help you manage or lessen the impact of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and depression.

Despite these proven benefits, exercise and physical activity rates among older people are surprisingly low. Only about

30% of people ages 45 to 64 say they engage in regular leisure-time physical activity. This falls to 25% of those between the ages of 65 and 74 and 11% of people age 85 and older.

Experts recommend 4 types of exercise for older adults: endurance, balance, strength and flexibility. Brisk walking, dancing and other endurance exercises improve the health of your heart, lungs and circulatory system. These exercises can make it easier for you to mow the lawn, climb stairs and do other daily activities. Strength exercises include lifting weights or using resistance bands.

They can increase muscle strength to help with activities such as carrying groceries or lifting grandchildren. Balance

exercises can help prevent falls—a major health risk for older adults. Stretching, or flexibility exercises, can give you more freedom of movement for bending to tie your shoes or looking over your shoulder as you back out of the driveway.

“Even if you haven’t been active previously, it’s important to get started and stay active,” says Dr. Richard J. Hodes, director of NIH’s National Institute on Aging. “We know that people want to live independently for as long as they possibly can. By exercising regularly and including more physical activity in their daily routine, older people can preserve their physical function, which is key to doing the everyday things they want to do.”

To help you get started and keep moving, NIH brought together some of the nation’s leading experts on aging, exercise and motivation. They developed a guide to exercise for older adults.

The guide serves as the basis for a new national exercise and physical activity campaign for people ages 50 and older.

It’s called Go4Life.

“Go4Life is based on studies showing the benefits of exercise and physical activity for older people, including those with chronic health conditions and physical limitations.”

Go4Life exercises are designed to be done safely at home without special equipment or clothing.

To learn more, visit the Go4Life website, go4life.nia.nih.gov + — from the National Institutes for Health

+

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DERMATOLOGY

ALLERGY

Tesneem K. Chaudhary, MD Allergy & Asthma Center 3685 Wheeler Road, Suite 101 Augusta 30909 706-868-8555

CHIROPRACTIC

Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center 2283 Wrightsboro Rd. (at Johns Road) Augusta 30904 706-733-3373 www.GaDerm.com

DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICS

Evans Chiropractic Health Center Dr. William M. Rice 108 SRP Drive, Suite A 706-860-4001 www.evanschiro.net Poppell Chiropractic Clinic 1106-A Furys Lane Martinez 30907 706-210-2875 Most insurance plans accepted

COUNSELING Resolution Counseling Professionals 3633 Wheeler Rd, Suite 365 Augusta 30909 706-432-6866 www.visitrcp.com

DENTISTRY Dr. Judson S. Hickey Periodontist 2315-B Central Ave Augusta 30904 706-739-0071

LASER SERVICES

Karen L. Carter, MD 1303 D’Antignac St, Suite 2100 Augusta 30901 706-396-0600 www.augustadevelopmentalspecialists.com

Jason H. Lee, DMD 116 Davis Road Augusta 30907 706-860-4048 Steven L. Wilson, DMD Family Dentistry 4059 Columbia Road Martinez 30907 706-863-9445

Medical Massage Stuart Farnell L.M.T. 803-646-1846 jsfarnell@att.net www.FarnellClinic.com

Roger M. Smith, M.D. 820 St. Sebastian Way Suite 5-A Augusta 30901 706-724-3339

Steppingstones to Recovery 2610 Commons Blvd.

Augusta 30909 706-733-1935

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Group & Benefits Consultants Inc. 3515 Wheeler Rd, Bldg. C Augusta 30909 706-733-3459 www.groupandbenefits.com

F. E. Gilliard, MD Family Medicine 639 13th Street Augusta 30901 706-823-5250 Industrial Medicine • Prompt appts.

Urgent MD Augusta: 706-922-6300 Grovetown: 706-434-3500 Thomson: 706-595-7825 Primary Care Rates

M.D.S:

MEDICAL MASSAGE

OPHTHALMOLOGY

DRUG REHAB

FAMILY MEDICINE Floss ‘em or lose ‘em!

Ideal Image 339 Furys Ferry Rd Martinez 30907 1-800-BE-IDEAL • www.idealimage.com Schedule a FREE Consultation

PHARMACY Medical Center West Pharmacy 465 North Belair Road Evans 30809 706-854-2424 www.medicalcenterwestpharmacy.com Parks Pharmacy 437 Georgia Ave. N. Augusta 29841 803-279-7450 www.parkspharmacy.com

SENIOR LIVING Augusta Gardens Senior Living Community 3725 Wheeler Road Augusta 30909 SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 706-868-6500 www.augustagardenscommunity.com

...SENIOR LIVING

Cornerstone Compassion Center 420 Warren Road Augusta 30907 706-228-5359 or 706-394-6518 Assisted Living • Personal Care

SLEEP MEDICINE Sleep Institute of Augusta Bashir Chaudhary, MD 3685 Wheeler Rd, Suite 101 Augusta 30909 706-868-8555

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Centered in Georgia Diane Young L.M.T. 4488 Columbia Rd Martinez 30907 706-251-2244

VEIN CARE Vein Specialists of Augusta G. Lionel Zumbro, Jr., MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI 501 Blackburn Dr, Martinez 30907 706-854-8340 www.VeinsAugusta.com

WEIGHT LOSS Medical Weight & Wellness Specialists of Augusta Maycie Elchoufi, MD 108 SRP Drive, Suite B Evans 30809 • 706-829-9906 www.mwwsAugusta.com

SUPPORT YOUR PRACTICE - AND THE MEDICAL EXAMINER A simple listing in the Professional Directory is less than $100 for six months or less than $200 for an entire year, and puts your contact information in front of 30,000 readers a month.

CALL 706.860.5455 TODAY AND BE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

+ 16

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

MAY 15, 2015

Lost in the maze?

Why enter in the first place?

We know the way.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • COMPLIANCE • WELLNESS • CONSULTING • EXCHANGES • PARTNERSHIPS • TECHNOLOGY

RUSSELL T. HEAD, CBC, CSA-PARTNER • 706-733-3459 • E: RTHEAD@GANDBC.COM • WWW.GROUPANDBENEFITS.COM