OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside Dec 2015/Jan 2016 Edition

table of contents | december 2015 • january 2016

20 THYROID HEALTH Examining

A functionally balanced thyroid gland is vital for the well-being of the entire body. To learn more about how the thyroid works and its most common ailments, OurHealth consulted the experts at Medical Associates of Central Virginia and Centra Medical Group.

MEDI•CABU•LARY.....................12 Local experts define health-related terms

JUST ASK!.......................................14 Healthcare questions answered by local professionals

NEW & NOTEWORTHY.............16 A listing of new physicians, providers, locations and upcoming events in the Lynchburg and Southside communities

HEALTH POINTS.........................18 Interesting facts and tidbits about health

THE ANATOMY CHALLENGE..................................21 Are you up for the challenge? In this issue, test your knowledge when it comes to the THYROID.

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The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

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LOCAL YMCA LAUNCHES

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

The YMCA of Central Virginia, which has branches in downtown Lynchburg and the Wyndhurst community, will soon launch the Diabetes Prevention Program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

hello, HEALTH!.............................. 66 Capturing the spirit of those working in healthcare and of people leading healthy lives through photos

FIT BITS!........................................69 PICKLEBALL! Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s as a children's backyard game, but quickly became popular among adults as a

78 Surviving a Stroke Breaking the Silence:

It started with subtle symptoms — little bouts of dizziness and headaches that would only last a few minutes. At first it only happened about once a week. Then two or three times a week.

Finally, the spells became a daily occurrence.

fun game for players of all levels!

NUTRITION.................................. 75 HEALTHY EATS: Check out Tricia Foley's clean eating holiday recipes including French toast casserole and pumpkin ice cream!

CLOSER LOOK..............................90 Images reflecting the landscape of healthcare in Lynchburg and Southside * PLUS * a chance to win a free year's subscription to OurHealth!

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december 2015 • january 2016

PUBLISHER PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION PROJECT COORDINATOR ACCOUNTING MANAGER CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER COPY EDITOR ORIGINAL COVER ART WEBSITE SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN

McClintic Media, Inc. Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com Jennifer Hungate Deidre Wilkes Laura Bower Karrie Pridemore Tori Meador Bobbi Hoffman Joe Palotas Next Generation Designs Jourdan Markey

CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS Samantha Hill, MD, FAAD Mark MacGregor, PA-C Hany Moustafa, MD, FACOG R. L. Wagoner, OD John Wallman, PT CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL Susan Dubuque EXPERTS & WRITERS Tricia Foley, RD Arthur Olivarez Suzanne Ramsey Edwin Schwartz Rayetta Webb Deidre Wilkes

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Cynthia Trujillo | Senior Media Consultant P: 434.907.5255 | cindy@ourhealthvirginia.com

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COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS We welcome your feedback. Please send all comments and/or questions to the following: U.S. Mail: McClintic Media, Inc., ATTN: Steve McClintic, Jr., President/ Publisher/Editor: 303 S. Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Ext. 1 Information in all print editions of OurHealth and on all OurHealth websites (websites listed below) and social media updates and emails is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical or health advice of an individual’s physician or healthcare provider as it relates to individual situations. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF YOUR DOCTOR. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner knowledgeable in treating that particular condition. The publisher does not directly or indirectly dispense medical advice and does not assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves. The publisher has taken reasonable precaution in preparing this publication, however, the publisher does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions.

Copyright © 2015 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. OurHealth Lynchburg/Southside is published bi-monthly • Special editions are also published • McClintic Media, Inc. • 303 S. Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483.

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LOCAL EXPERTS D E F I N E H E A LT H R E L AT E D T E R M S

What is Rosacea?

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition affecting up to ten percent of the population. It often begins with a tendency to flush or blush more easily. It usually begins with facial redness that can spread beyond the nose and chin to the cheeks and forehead. It can occasionally cause more than just redness. Some patients develop bumps similar to acne; others can develop eye symptoms and thickened skin around their nose and chin. There are many treatment options available for managing rosacea. These include topical and oral medications, sunscreen, facial moisturizers, lasers and other light treatments. Learning to manage and minimize triggers for rosacea, such as excessive temperature swings, stress, alcohol, sun exposure and caffeine are also important in rosacea management.

A dermatologist can discuss ways to learn about and to avoid triggers of rosacea and to follow a rosacea skin care plan.

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a condition in which there are insufficient tears produced to lubricate the eyes adequately.

DES has been called many things from chronic dry eye disease to tear dysfunction syndrome.

Advanced cases of DES can cause pain, a gritty sensation in the eye, soreness, blurriness, sensitivity to light, trouble reading, working, or watching television. This stubborn, low-grade inflammation ultimately results in poor vision.

Mark MacGregor, PA-C

Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

Many people have come to accept their symptoms of DES as “normal” because of the syndrome’s slow onset. One of the most exacerbating factors contributing to DES is time spent in front of a computer or a hand held device. As a result, those affected subconsciously increase their reflex blinking to adapt to the condition.

The most common and immediate relief is the use of artificial tears (eye drops); however, this remedy only treats the symptoms temporarily.

Therefore, treatments for DES have been developed to focus on increasing the function of the glands around the eyes to secrete nutrient rich tears over the surface— providing long-term results.

R. L. Wagoner, OD

Wagoner Family Eye Care Lynchburg | 434.385.0213 www.wagonereye.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

What is the difference between a reverse mortgage and a home equity line of credit?

With a home equity line of credit (HELOC), borrowers must have a sufficient income-to-debt ratio in order to qualify, and are required to make monthly principal and interest mortgage payments on the proceeds used. Typical HELOC’s are set with terms of 10– 20 years. Any loan balance at the end of the term will need to be paid at that time or the borrower must qualify for a new loan.

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), or Reverse Mortgage as it is more commonly known, is different in that it requires no monthly principal and interest mortgage payments on proceeds used. Depending on the HECM chosen, the borrower may receive monthly payments or set up a Line of Credit, which offers a growth feature on proceeds over the life of the loan. Any prior liens must be paid through the proceeds of a HECM at closing.

Rayetta Webb

HECM Consultant TowneBank Mortgage Alta Vista |434.238.0765 www.townebankmortgage.com

H E A LT H C A R E QUESTIONS ANSWERED

BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

How is polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosed and treated?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 5-10 percent of women, making it the most common endocrine dysfunction in gynecologic practice. Its exact cause is not fully understood, but it is characterized by abnormal signaling between the ovary and the pituitary and hypothalamus in the brain. PCOS patients usually exhibit some of the following findings and symptoms: multiple small ovarian cysts, increased free androgen levels, insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities and infertility. Other symptoms include excessive hair growth, acne, hyperpigmentation and obesity. PCOS has gained a lot of attention recently because women with this condition have increased risk to develop Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.

The choice of treatment in a PCOS patient depends on the symptom, coexisting medical problems and their reproductive plans. Combined oral contraceptives, metformin and ovulation induction agents are some of the most commonly used treatments.

What are some ways of preventing Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears?

Prevention programs that are aimed at instructing young athletes how to functionally move properly seem to be an effective way to reduce and prevent ACL injuries. Young athletes must be taught the correct mechanics of how to squat, lunge, run, jump and land without the knee collapsing inwardly. They should be taught how to adopt the habit of landing and bending their knees with proper alignment, as well as the proper mechanics of planting and pivoting to change direction.

ACL programs also incorporate strengthening of the knee, hip, gluteus and core muscles. Seventy percent of all ACL injuries are “noncontact” and are the result of poor mechanics. It is important to break bad habits early in an athlete’s career in order to insure long term success and prevent future ACL tears, which can lead to surgery and rehabilitation.

John Wallman, PT

Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.528.1848 www.racva.com

What are some treatment options for winter eczema?

Dry winter skin with eczema is a tough challenge for many people.

The first thing to work on is prevention with gentle skin care practices, use of fragrance-free (not unscented) products, and moisturizing. To be most effective, moisturizers should be creams, ointments, or sometimes oils rather than lotions. A good rule of thumb is that if it can pass through a pump, it is too thin to help significantly dry skin. Moisturizers should be applied at minimum twice daily, especially after hand washing and right after bathing while the skin is still damp, in order to lock in moisture and prevent evaporation. If this approach is not enough to keep the skin from becoming irritated, topical medications are sometimes used as treatment for itch and redness by reducing inflammation. The most common types of medications used for this are topical steroid creams and ointments, usually applied once or twice daily for several weeks.

While these can be effective in the short-term, prevention is by far the best long-term strategy for dry winter eczema.

Samantha Hill, MD, FAAD Hany Moustafa, MD, FACOG Centra Medical Group Southside Women’s Center Farmville|434.315.2950 www.centramedicalgroup.com

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Ridgeview Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.363.4191 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

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NEW

NOTEWORTHY

NEW PHYSICIANS, P R O V I D E R S , L O C AT I O N S AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Dermatology Practice Opens Smith Mountain Lake Location

Hill City Pharmacy opens in Lynchburg Hill City Pharmacy is excited to be able to provide the Lynchburg area with personalized, friendly healthcare. Located at 1215 Greenview Drive (Cornerstone), Lynchburg, VA 24502, Hill City Pharmacy fills most prescriptions in under ten minutes and offers many services and products including home and workplace delivery, medication packaging, drive thru, medical equipment, vitamins, and essential oils. Stop by or call Hill City Pharmacy at 434.237.2221.

RidgeView Dermatology is excited to announce the opening of an additional office location at Smith Mountain Lake. The office is located at 278 Westlake Road, Hardy, VA 24101 in the Westlake Towne Center Professional Park. Services include pediatric dermatology, general and adult dermatology, surgical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology. Call 540.759.7500 to make your appointment at the lake today!

RidgeView Dermatology's main office can be reached at 434.363.4190. For more information, visit www.ridgeviewdermatology.com.

For more information, visit www.hillcitypharmacy.com.

Peter Konieczny, MD

Centra Medical Group Neurology Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3928 neuroscience.centrahealth.com

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Melissa Ramsdell, NP

Centra Medical Group Neurology Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3928 neuroscience.centrahealth.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Sarah Waddell, NP

Centra Medical Group Neurology Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3928 neuroscience.centrahealth.com

Haley Wilson, NP

Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

T I P S , T I D B I T S A ND MO R E TO INF O R M A ND ENT ERTA I N YO U

Don't be SAD!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes called winter or seasonal depression, is a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year. Most people with SAD start to have symptoms in September or October and feel better by April or May. If you think you may suffer from SAD, here are some healthy tips that may help beat the ‘winter blues’: Soak up the sunshine – open curtains as much as possible to get exposure to natural light.

Maintain a routine – keep up everyday activities, and don’t neglect favorite hobbies just because it’s winter.

Exercise – during exercise, the body releases endorphins, which will boost energy and moods.

Get outside – breathing in some fresh air each day can help to relieve stress, and also exposes the body to natural light.

Safe Snow Shoveling tip:

Wet snow can be very heavy. One full shovel load can weigh as much as 25 pounds! Try pushing the snow; don’t lift it. Pushing puts far less strain on the spine than lifting.

Practice relaxation – activities such as yoga meditation can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Ditch the sugar – not only will too much sugar lead to weight gain, it can also worsen anxiety.

Book a trip – people who suffer from SAD will benefit from additional sunshine, so booking a trip to a warmer climate may help. *If you struggle with serious and continuous depressive symptoms, be sure to reach out to a local healthcare provider to discuss your condition. For additional information on seasonal depression, visit the National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov

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Winter skin care: Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even a flare-up of eczema. Keep a dry pair handy when outdoors this winter!

How Much Exercise is Needed to

Burn Off that Holiday Dinner?

The average holiday meal packs a whopping 3,000 calories. That’s way more than most people need for an entire day! Below are some exercise guidelines explaining how many hours needed to burn off 3,000 calories: Running (10min/mile)

4.5 hours

Cycling (12-14 mph)

5.5 hours

Circuit training

5.25 hours

Tennis

6.25 hours

Brisk Walking

6 hours

For customized calorie burning information, scan the code to access the OurHealth fitness and exercise calorie calculator.

*Calculated for a person weighing 150 pounds. Based on WebMD’s Fit-o-Meter Exercise Calorie Calculator.

Have you received your

F u Vaccine?

It’s not too late! December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NIVW is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination.

While vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, it is especially important for protecting those at high risk for serious flu complications, including: •

Young children

•

Pregnant women

•

Adults 65 and older

•

Anyone with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease

To schedule your yearly flu shot, call your doctor office or visit your local pharmacy.

Christmas Eve

Fun Run!

The Lynchburg Road Runners Christmas Eve Run follows the Virginia 10-Miler course. Run the full 10 miles, or any distance in between.

Festive treats and refreshments afterward!

This is a great, family-friendly holiday activity!

DATE: TIME: LOCATION:

Thursday, December 24th 8:00 am E.C. Glass High School 2111 Memorial Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24501

For more information visit www.riversiderunners.com.

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the

Anatomy

CHALLENGE How much do you know about the

Thyroid? First, complete the

word search below. Next, match up the correct word with the part of the body in the illustration.

[ the Thyroid ]

WORD SEARCH clavicle

external carotid internal jugular vein isthmus of thyroid left lobe of thyroid

right common carotid artery thyroid

thyroid cartilage trachea

____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________

For answers, visit

OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside’s Facebook page at

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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Examining THYROID HEALTH words | EDWIN SCHWARTZ

A functionally balanced thyroid gland is vital for the well-being of the entire body. To learn more about how the thyroid works and its most common ailments, OurHealth consulted experts at Medical Associates of Central Virginia and Centra Medical Group.

What is the thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located on the front of the neck below the Adam’s apple. It is controlled by the pituitary gland, a small organ at the base of the brain just above the nasal passages.

Typically, the thyroid remains invisible but can be felt as a soft mass. It varies in size, ranging from 18 to 60 grams in adults.

What is the function of the thyroid?

The primary role of the thyroid is to produce two types of hormones, commonly referred to as T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine).

Thyroid hormones regulate overall body growth, metabolism and development of the nervous system. They also play an important role in brain growth during fetal development.

Approximately 80 to 90 percent of the hormones secreted from the thyroid gland are T4 hormones; the remaining 10 to 20 percent are T3. However, up to 80 percent of T4 hormones are converted to T3 after they are released into the blood stream.

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WHAT ARE ENDOCRINE GLANDS? Endocrine glands produce and secrete hormones that regulate the activity of cells and multiple organs. Hormones control growth, metabolism and sexual function. As hormones are released into the bloodstream, they act like chemical messengers that communicate information from one group of cells to another.

How does the thyroid work?

The pituitary gland controls the thyroid’s production of T4 and T3 in a thyroid-pituitary negative feedback loop. As thyroid production of T4 and T3 decreases, the pituitary gland secretes a hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone, which causes the thyroid to produce more hormones.

When thyroid production of T4 and T3 increases, the pituitary gland reduces TSH production. These hormones are in constant communication, but although TSH regulates the thyroid, it doesn’t tell the thyroid how much T4 and T3 to produce and secrete.

Alan Kauppi, MD is an endocrinologist with Medical Associates of Central Virginia. Dr. Kauppi is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.

Common conditions of the thyroid Thyroid conditions are common and affect women more than men. The two most common thyroid diseases are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Others are thyroiditis, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.

“Most people don’t appreciate their thyroid until they have a problem with it,” says Alan Kauppi, MD, an endocrinologist with Medical Associates of Central Virginia.

“Thyroid disorders are very common and are treatable. Even if a patient has thyroid cancer.”

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is the excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.

Common symptoms include increased heart rate, anxiety, poor sleep, fatigue, muscle weakness, poor heat tolerance, increased metabolism, diarrhea and weight loss despite increased eating. Patients may have a goiter (enlarged thyroid), bulging eyes and hand tremor.

John Clore, MD is a new endocrinologist with Centra Medical Group. He will be treating patients in both Lynchburg and Farmville. Dr. Clore is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in endocrinology and metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism is typically diagnosed with a blood test that reveals high or normal T4 and T3 with a suppressed TSH level.

The three treatment options are radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medication to control thyroid function and, occasionally, surgery to remove the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism With hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

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Common symptoms include lowered metabolism, decreased heart rate, weight gain, lack of energy, poor tolerance of cold, dry skin and depression.

Hypothyroidism affects women to men at a 2-to-1 ratio. It causes menstrual irregularity, impaired fertility and increased risk of miscarriage.

Diagnosis is relatively simple and consists of a blood test that shows an elevated TSH with low thyroid hormones. The TSH is high because it functions like a thermostat that keeps trying to stimulate without effect.

Hypothyroidism is typically treated with replacement hormones, and the dosage is adjusted according to the patient’s weight and thyroid hormone levels. Patients are advised to have blood work done every four to six weeks while the dosage is being adjusted.

Thyroiditis Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid, can be chronic or acute, depending on the cause. The common form is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is a frequent cause of hypothyroidism.

Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis usually show no symptoms until they develop hypothyroidism. In cases of acute thyroiditis, patients can have neck pain with symptoms similar to either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

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Although there is no cure for Hashimoto’s, hormone replacement with medication can regulate hormone levels and restore normal metabolism.

Thyroid nodules Thyroid nodules are growths within the thyroid. They are very common in the elderly and can cause anxiety when discovered. Most are benign, cause no symptoms and are found when medical professionals are looking for something else.

For benign nodules without symptoms, treatment is not required; regular ultrasound monitoring is usually adequate. Surgical removal of tissue could be in order for nodules causing symptoms or if malignancy is a concern.

Thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer is three times more common in women than in men. Most thyroid cancers demonstrate slow growth with no symptoms.

The most effective management for thyroid cancer is surgical removal of the thyroid followed by radioactive iodine ablation — where radioactive iodine is administered to destroy residual healthy thyroid tissue remaining after the thyroidectomy — and TSH suppression therapy.

Common myths about the thyroid The most common misnomer about the thyroid is that it increases energy and helps people lose weight.

Many people believe being chronically tired or unable to lose weight indicates their thyroid function must be low and a thyroid supplement would help.

“But the symptoms are nonspecific,” says Dr. Kauppi. “That is, a person with a normal thyroid may feel tired and be gaining weight.”

John Clore, MD, an endocrinologist with Centra Medical Group, agrees.

“The problem is the symptoms of hypothyroidism are really common, and people think it’s related to the thyroid.”

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Therefore, blood work is necessary to determine if a patient’s thyroid is underactive.

Another misconception centers on the treatment of hypothyroidism.

“Many people think they’re better off with a combination of T4 and T3,” says Dr. Clore, “but there is no benefit to being on a combination because the body converts T4 to T3.”

Thyroid health There is not much one can do to maintain or improve thyroid health.

The thyroid requires iodine to make thyroid hormones. In the past, iodine deficiency was common in noncoastal areas where seafood was in short supply.

Today, however, iodine deficiency is less common because it is in most foods via salt. The recommended dietary allowance for iodine in adults is 150 micrograms per day, and one teaspoon of iodized salt contains approximately 400 micrograms of iodine. That makes severe iodine deficiency very rare in the U.S. “There are many supplements available,” says Dr. Clore. “But they rarely have any impact on thyroid hormone level.”

While numerous thyroid supplement or remedy products are available in the marketplace, patients are advised to consult their physicians before taking any of them. Patients with normal thyroid function should work with their doctors to find the real causes of their symptoms.

MEDICAL EXPERTS John Clore, MD with Centra Medical Group in Lynchburg and Farmville.

Alan Kauppi, MD with Medical Associates of Central Virginia in Lynchburg.

ON THE WEB

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The Eighth Annual Best Bedside Manner awards The Eighth Annual Best Bedside Manner Awards Medical expertise and compassionate care should always go hand-in-hand when it comes to treating patients. Going to the doctor or health provider can be an unnerving experience for many people. Professionals who incorporate The Golden Rule into their practice philosophy are ones that stand out in people’s minds for the better.

Reprints To order reprints of the original artwork featured on this issue’s cover, contact Deidre Wilkes at 540.387.6482 or via email at deidre@ourhealthvirginia.com.

To view additional work by our artist, Joe Palotas, visit www.salemartcenter.com

The 2015 Best Bedside Manner Awards, presented by OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside magazine, honor medical providers who were voted by the local community for their kindness, empathy and attentiveness—attributes that go a long way in gaining a patient’s confidence.

The Voting Process From May 1st – June 15th 2015, the Best Bedside Manner Awards Voting Form was available on OurHealth’s website, www.ourhealthlbss.com. The form consisted of over 40 medical specialties (with definitions of each specialty) in which the public could submit the first and last names of local medical providers by the applicable specialty.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s 1st Annual Best Bedside Manner Award winners. If you have any questions, please contact Stephen McClintic Jr., publisher of OurHealth, at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com or 540.387.6482.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY Allergy and immunology encompasses a broad array of diagnoses, ranging from nasal and sinus problems and severe food or bee sting allergy to recurrent infections due to sinus disease, immune deficiency and asthma conditions.

First Place

Charles Lane, MD Allergy Partners of Lynchburg “Patients have a choice in their medical care, so we try to treat the patient as a person and not just someone with a certain condition or disease.”

Second Place Luis Matos, MD Asthma & Allergy Center Lynchburg | 434.846.2244 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

Third Place Dane McBride, MD Asthma & Allergy Center Lynchburg | 434.846.2244 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

Lynchburg | 434.385.8190 | www.allergypartners.com

ANESTHESIOLOGY Anesthesiology is the practice of medicine dedicated to relief of pain and total care of the surgical patient before, during and after surgery.

First Place

Karen Burnham, MD Anesthesia Services of Lynchburg “Patients suffering from severe and chronic pain need to know that there are solutions available for them and that we take the time to investigate and diagnose the cause of their specific pain issues, then fully discuss all the treatment options with the primary goal of returning them to an active happy life as soon as possible. Improving the patients’ quality of life is always my primary concern.”

Second Place Rick Lee, MD

Audiology is the branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders. Its practitioners treat those with hearing loss and pro-actively prevent related damage.

First Place

Danny W. Gnewikow, PhD, FAAA Audiology Hearing Aid Associates “Patients are generally somewhat apprehensive when meeting a practitioner for the first time. Our Audiologists take the time to listen with interest in a non-hurried manner as patients explain their hearing difficulty and how it affects their relationships, lifestyle, and work situations. This approach instills confidence that our audiologists have both an understanding of the problem and a solution geared to the patients’ individual needs.”

Lynchburg | 434.528.4245 | www.digitalhearing4u.com 30

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Thomas Delaney, MD

Anesthesia Services of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.845.5493 www.asol.md

Lynchburg Anesthesia Associates Lynchburg | 434.200.3015

Third Place

Anesthesia Services of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.845.5493 www.asol.md

Roger Pede, MD Lynchburg Anesthesia Associates Lynchburg | 434.200.3015

Lynchburg | 434.845.5493 | www.asol.md

AUDIOLOGY

Honorable Mention

Second Place

Carol S. Read, M.Ed., FAAA Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat and Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 www.blueridgeeentps.com

Third Place Kelly Camarda, MEd Audiology Hearing Aid Associates Lynchburg | 434.528.4245 www.digitalhearing4u.com

David Vaughn, MD

CARDIOLOGY Cardiology is the branch of medicine focusing on the structures, functions and disorders of the heart.

First Place

Chad Hoyt, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Patient care to me is about the opportunity to personally treat each patient through developing rapport and identifying with them. Quality of care directly correlates to going beyond the clinical and addressing the needs both individually and holistically.�

Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

Second Place David Truitte, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

Third Place Carl Moore, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

Honorable Mention Fadi El-Ahdab, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

Mike Valentine, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

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CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment (without drugs or medication) and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health.

First Place

Edward Bauchou, DC, PC “We work to serve our patients, and thus they deserve our full attention and the best possible communication skills. We must do our best to comfort, explain and make clear that we care. Connecting with patients and families, gives them confidence, hope and realistic expectations."

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Commonwealth Pain Relief Center Lynchburg | 434.385.4000

Chiropractic Care Center Forest | 434.525.4588 www.drlikins.com

James White, DC

Third Place Jennifer Tinoosh, DC Chiro-Med Health Center Lynchburg | 434.316.0100 www.chiro-medhc.com

Lynchburg | 434.237.4831

DENTISTRY – COSMETIC Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance and function of a person's teeth.

Dentistry is the art and science of improving the appearance (aesthetics), function and health of the teeth and associated structures.

First Place

Richard Oldham, DDS Oldham Aesthetic and General Dentistry "The ability to smile with confidence is important both socially and biologically. Smiling is not only part of living outwardly and establishing relationships, but also plays an important role in our general health. Bedside manner is vital to the delicate process of figuring out our patients’ goals for oral health and how to best improve facial aesthetics."

Lynchburg | 434.385.6100 | www.lynchburgsmiles.com

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Second Place

Carrington Crawford, DDS Lynchburg Dental Center Lynchburg | 434.384.7611 www.lynchburgdentist.com

Third Place Shane Claiborne, DDS Forest Smiles Forest | 434.473.7449 www.forestsmiles.com

Will Likins, DC

Larry McGlothlin, DC Lynchburg Chiropractic Center Lynchburg | 434.384.1663 www.lynchburgchiropractic.com

DENTISTRY – GENERAL DENTISTRY – GENERAL General dentistry is the evaluation, diagnosis prevention and/or treatment (non-surgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity.

First Place

Jeff Riley, DDS Riley Dental Associates

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Lynchburg | 434.239.8222 www.toonedental.com

Libbey Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.316.9090 www.libbeydentistry.com

Third Place

Timothy Overby, DMD

Joshua Binder, DDS

Lynchburg | 434.239.8907

Forest Dental Center Lynchburg | 434.385.7307 www.forestdentalcenter.com

Brent Riley, DDS

Gregory Toone, DDS

“It's a great honor to be recognized as having good chairside manner as a dentist. It shows the importance of listening to your patient and making them feel comfortable having you as their practitioner.”

Chris Libbey, DDS

Riley Dental Associates Lynchburg | 434.385.7707 www.rileydentalassociates.com

Lynchburg | 434.385.7707 | www.rileydentalassociates.com

DENTISTRY – PEDIATRIC Pediatric dentistry specializes in treating children from birth through adolescence.

Second Place Shannon Sawyer, DDS

First Place

Shepherd Sittason, DDS

Children’s Dental Health of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.239.6948 www.cdhlynchburg.com

Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Lynchburg “Going to the dentist should be fun. When a child visits a doctor for the first time, he/she doesn't know if that doctor is good or not. Their parents may have heard good things about the doctor from friends or read positive reviews on the internet, but the child rarely knows what to expect. Children, however, are very intuitive and can tell fairly quickly what kind of person you are. That is why good bedside manner is so important. It can make or break a child’s first impression of their visit to the doctor. It is essential to gain a child’s trust to ensure that they and their parents know they are in a safe and fun place."

Lynchburg | 434.237.0125 | www.smilelynchburg.com

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DERMATOLOGY Dermatology is a specialty focusing on diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin.

First Place

Jason Givan, MD RidgeView Dermatology “Since I am a physician who specializes in the treatment of skin cancer, I would always prefer patients never need to meet me! But when they do, I try to make their experience as stress-free as possible. I am so lucky to have such wonderful patients who share their lives and their stories with me while we remove their skin cancers.�

Lynchburg | 434.363.4190 | www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

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Second Place

Honorable Mention

Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

RidgeView Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.363.4190 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

Third Place Kappa Meadows, MD

David Wilson, MD

Soni Carlton, MD

Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

Samantha Hill, MD

Central Virginia Dermatology Forest | 434.385.1982 www.centralvaderm.com

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Emergency medicine is the specialty of providing care for patients requiring prompt medical attention and urgent medical evaluation and treatment.

First Place

William Moore, MD Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.emergency.centrahealth.com

Second Place Laura J. Potter, MD

Honorable Mention

Angelo P. Guanzon, MD

Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.emergency.centrahealth.com

Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.emergency.centrahealth.com

Third Place

Jerry Price, MD

Laura Bauer, MD

Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.emergency.centrahealth.com

Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.emergency.centrahealth.com

Chris Thomson, MD Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.emergency.centrahealth.com

ENDOCRINOLOGY Endocrinology is the study of the glands and hormones of the body and their related disorders.

First Place

Alan Kauppi, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia “I really enjoy getting to know my patients and finding out more about them than just their illness. Knowing my patients also helps me to better care for them and tailor my treatment to match their needs.�

Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 | www.centralvamd.com

Second Place Aashish A. Shah, MD

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

Third Place Lisa Wisniewski, MD

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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FAMILY PRACTICE Family practice is the medical specialty that includes diagnosis and treatment of disease, injury, and illness for patients of any age.

First Place

Thomas Eppes, Jr. MD CVFP - Forest “Years ago, my mentor reminded me that each appointment was God's will for me in that moment in time to care for each patient as He would, with competence sprinkled with love, care, and humor.

There is no greater reason to be a physician. I am grateful that I am honored because my patients prayerfully see this in my caring for them.”

Lynchburg | 434.525.6964 | www.cvfp.net

FERTILITY CARE Fertility care or reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) is a subspecialty of obstetrics/gynecology that trains physicians in reproductive medicine addressing hormonal functioning as it pertains to reproduction as well as the issue of infertility.

First Place

Ajith Cherian, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia “It is a great honor when a patient seeks out my care and I strive to provide the best treatments that modern medicine has to offer."

Second Place

Honorable Mention

CVFP - Piedmont Lynchburg | 434.846.7374 www.cvfp.net

CVFP - Timberlake Lynchburg | 434.237.6471 www.cvfp.net

Third Place (tie)

Leah Hinkle, MD

Kimberly Combs, MD

Laura Robert, MD

CVFP – New London Forest | 434.534.6868 www.cvfp.net

Third Place (tie) David Smith, MD

Access Healthcare Forest | 434.316.7199 www.access-healthcare.net

Louis Graham, MD

CVFP - Forest Lynchburg | 434.525.6964 www.cvfp.net

Mark Kleiner, MD CVFP - Forest Lynchburg | 434.525.6964 www.cvfp.net

Matthew Tatom, MD Physicians Treatment Center Lynchburg | 434.239.3949 www.ptclynchburg.com

Second Place Lewis Dabney, MD

Lynchburg Gynecology Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 www.lynchburggynecology.com

Third Place David Phemister, MD

Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 | www.whscv.com

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GASTROENTEROLOGY Gastroenterology is the specialty dealing with the treatment of disorders of the digestive gastroenterology or GI system.

First Place

Robert Richards, Jr., MD Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia “Good beside manner is important to establish the trust and rapport that the wonderful people of our region expect and deserve.”

Lynchburg | 434.384.1862 | www.gastrocentralva.com

GERIATRICS Geriatrics is a medical specialty that addresses the complex needs of older patients and emphasizes maintaining functional independence even in the presence of chronic diseases.

First Place

Verna Sellers, MD Centra PACE “A good bedside manner is the foundation of a positive patient-physician relationship. Good bedside manner builds trust and facilitates communication between the patient and the physician. Patients and physicians must work together toward healthy living.”

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.384.1862 www.gastrocentralva.com

Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.384.1862 www.gastrocentralva.com

Third Place

Wei Hou, MD

Charles Catalano, MD

Bikram Bal, MD

Centra Medical Group Southside Gastrointestinal Center Farmville | 434.315.2860 www.sch.centrahealth.com

Larry Clark, MD

Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.384.1862 www.gastrocentralva.com

Second Place

Honorable Mention

CVFP - Timberlake Lynchburg | 434.237.6471 www.cvfp.net

Centra PACE Farmville | 434.315.2890 www.centrahealth.com

Louis Graham, MD

Lauren Massaro Young, MD

Third Place

Christopher Webb, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamed.com

Lynchburg | 434.200.6516 | www.centrahealth.com

HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Hematology/oncology is the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of blood diseases (hematology) and cancer (oncology) and research into them.

Second Place Cecilia McCallum, MD

First Place

Centra Lynchburg Hematology Oncology Lynchburg | 434.200.5925 www.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg Hematology Oncology

Third Place

Dwight Oldham, MD “A good bedside manner is simply building a relationship of trust between a patient and their physician.”

Emily Jenkins, MD

Centra Lynchburg Hematology Oncology Lynchburg | 434.200.5925 www.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg | 434.200.5925 | www.lynchburgoncology.com

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Honorable Mention Robert N. Headley, Jr., MD

Centra Lynchburg Hematology Oncology Lynchburg | 434.200.5925 www.centrahealth.com

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INFECTIOUS DISEASE Infectious disease is the medical specialty focusing on the diagnosis, cause and treatment of contagious disease.

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

Robert Brennan, MD

First Place

Scott Wade, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

Johanna Brown, MD

Third Place Sarah K. West, MD

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

INTERNAL MEDICINE Internal medicine is the branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of diseases affecting adults.

Second Place

Honorable Mention

First Place

Centra Medical Group - Nationwide Lynchburg | 434.200.3908 www.centrahealth.com

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

Medical Associates of Central Virginia

Third Place

Moira Rafferty, MD

Shawn Hayes, MD

Geeta Rakheram, MD “Good bedside manner is important because it helps to put patients at ease when they are not well and decrease any barrier that may affect delivery of care.”

Michael J. Kalafian, MD Centra Medical Group - Nationwide Lynchburg | 434.200.3908 www.centrahealth.com

Juan Aponte, MD

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3945 www.centralvamd.com

Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 | www.centralvamd.com

NEPHROLOGY Nephrology is the study of the function and diseases of the kidney and related organs.

First Place

Shashidharan Ayer, MD

Subhasish Bose, MD

Farmville | 434.392.7615

Lynchburg Nephrology Physicians

Third Place

“We are privileged as healthcare professionals to be involved in the healing process of individuals when they are most vulnerable. At those tender times, how we interact with them is as important as what we do to treat them.”

Lynchburg | 434.947.3954 | www.lynchburgnephrology.com 40

Second Place

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Asad Ehtesham, MD

Lynchburg Nephrology Physicians Lynchburg | 434.947.3954 www.lynchburgnephrology.com

NEUROLOGY Neurology is the specialty of medicine which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system.

Second Place Claudia Corrales, MD

First Place

Peter Konieczny, MD Centra Medical Group - Neurology Lynchburg | 434.947.3928 www.centrahealth.com

Centra Medical Group - Neurology Lynchburg | 434.200.3600 www.centrahealth.com

Third Place Todd Hayes, DO

CMG Neurology Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3928 www.centrahealth.com

NURSE PRACTITIONER A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables him or her to diagnose and manage most common and many chronic illnesses, either independently or as part of a healthcare team.

First Place

Vickie Moore, FNP Lynchburg Gynecology “Showing personal care and compassion is of great importance in women's health; whether a woman is in the office for her annual exam or with a problem. I am blessed that my career as a nurse practitioner allows me to spend time and develop a close professional relationship with my patients.”

Second Place

Larissa Norman, FNP, AE-C Asthma and Allergy Center Lynchburg | 434.846.2244 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

Third Place Shauntell Kline, FNP

CVFP - Piedmont Lynchburg | 434.846.7374 www.cvfp.net

Honorable Mention Heather Cook, NP-C

Wyndhurst Family Medicine Lynchburg | 434.237.3664 www.wyndhurstmed.com

Teresa Covington, NP-C Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 | www.lynchburggynocology.com

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY Obstetrics and gynecology is the specialty of medicine that includes care for women before, during, and after pregnancy and child birth and the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the female reproductive system.

First Place

David Phemister, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia “I enjoy the opportunity to meet and get to know people.”

Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 | www.whscv.com

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Lynchburg Gynecology Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 www.centrahealth.com

Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

Third Place

Kristi Kidd, MD

Matthew Tompkins, MD

Christine Marraccini, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

Ajith Cherian, MD

Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

Tracy Wheelock, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

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OPHTHALMOLOGY Ophthalmology is the medical specialty that treats eye disorders, including injuries, infections, tumors and cataracts.

First Place

Darin Bowers, MD Piedmont Eye Center Inc “As a physician, I am blessed with the privilege of helping patients see better. I am always mindful that trust and compassion are vital so that both the physician and patient can work together more effectively to address whatever condition arises.�

Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 | www.piedmonteye.com

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Second Place (tie) David Harman, MD

Harman Eye Center Forest | 434.385.5600 www.harmaneye.com

Second Place (tie) Saxton Moss, MD

Piedmont Eye Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 www.piedmonteye.com

Third Place Robert Vogel, MD

Piedmont Eye Center Inc Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 www.piedmonteye.com

Honorable Mention Gail Ganser, MD

Piedmont Eye Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 www.piedmonteye.com

OPTOMETRY Optometry is the specialty where the practitioner is trained and skilled in examining and testing the eyes for defects in order to prescribe corrective lenses or treatments.

First Place

Gary St. Clair, OD St. Clair Eye Care “I would like to thank all of my patients for showing their confidence and support in selecting me for "Best Bedside Manner" for the category of optometry. I feel it is extremely important to establish a relationship with each patient. The more comfortable a patient is with a doctor, the more likely they will abide by the doctor's treatment plan and recommendations. It also gives the patient a reason to come back which is important for continuity of care. A patient may not remember everything you say or do, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”

Lynchburg | 434.239.2800 | www.stclair-eye.com

ORAL SURGERY Oral surgery is the dental specialty that is limited to the diagnosis, surgery and treatment of diseases, injuries, deformities and defects of the mouth.

First Place

William Carvajal, MD, DDS Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery “I am honored to again be chosen for the best bedside manner award. In today’s busy healthcare world the doctor patient relationship can’t be overlooked. It is the life line of our practice.”

Second Place (tie)

Honorable Mention

Tracy Scheibe, OD

Robin Ayers, OD

Harman Eye Center Lynchburg 800.476.EYE1 (3931) www.harmaneye.com

Madison Heights 434.846.7877

R. Luke Wagoner, OD

Second Place (tie) Frank Villa, OD

Dr. Frank Villa Optometrist Lynchburg | 434.385.8800 www.drfrankvilla.com

Third Place

Wagoner Family Eye Care Lynchburg | 434.385.0213 www.wagonereye.com

Timothy Wilson, OD Virginia Eye Clinic, PLLC Lynchburg/Forest 434.239.5323 www.virginiaeyeclinic.com

Cathy Anderson, OD

Virginia Eye Clinic, PLLC Lynchburg/Forest 434.239.5323 www.virginiaeyeclinic.com

Second Place Evan Chalk, DMD

Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery Lynchburg | 434.832.8040 www.cvofs.net

Honorable Mention Raj Guraya, MD, DDS

Blue Ridge Oral & Facial Surgery Lynchburg | 434.845.1121

Third Place Mitchell Magid, DMD

Mountainview Oral Surgery & Implant Center Lynchburg | 434.316.7111 www.lynchburgoralsurgery.com

Lynchburg | 434.832.8040 | www.cvofs.net

ORTHODONTICS Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw relationships, or both.

First Place

Eric Baugher, DDS Central Virginia Orthodontics "Our office is honored to be recognized yet again for providing the best bedside manner in orthodontics. To us this means treating your family like our family and providing the exceptional care you deserve at every visit."

Second Place

Mark Blanchette, DDS, MS Blanchette Orthodontics Lynchburg | 434.846.4014 www.blanchetteortho.com

Third Place

Jennifer Claiborne, DDS Central Virginia Orthodontics Lynchburg 434.385.GRIN (4746) www.bracesbycvo.com

Honorable Mention Keith Pyle, DDS

Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.0125 www.Smilelynchburg.com

Richard Sterne, DDS Orthodontic Arts Forest | 434.385.4499 www.orthodonticarts.net

Lynchburg | 434.385.GRIN (4746) | www.bracesbycvo.com www.OurHealthlbss.com

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ORTHOPAEDICS Orthopaedics is focused on diseases, injuries, and conditions of the musculoskeletal system relating to the body's muscles and skeleton, as well as the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves.

First Place

Gautham Gondi, MD Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia “This is a great award and I feel honored in accepting it. I have always strived to do my very best in helping patients, which includes communicating our complex terminology in a way that patients can understand. It is also true that teamwork makes patient experiences more positive. I am blessed to be surrounded by fantastic staff, nurses, physician assistants, and colleagues.”

Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 | occva.com

Second Place John Barnard, Jr., MD

Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

Third Place

John Prahinski, MD

Michael J. Diminick, MD Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

OTOLARYNGOLOGY Otolaryngology is a surgical specialty focusing on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT) and related structures of the head and neck.

First Place

Timothy Courville, MD Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery “I am honored to be recognized for bedside manner, particularly since all of my peers are both excellent physicians and compassionate people. It is a privilege to provide care for patients.”

Second Place Andrea Kittrell, MD

Head & Neck Surgery Central VA Lynchburg | 434.455.7999 www.hnscv.com

Third Place

Joseph Hutchison, MD Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.481.5454 www.blueridgeeentps.com

Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 | www.blueridgeeentps.com

PAIN MANAGEMENT Pain management encompasses pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and other approaches to prevent, reduce, or stop pain sensations.

First Place

Joyce Huerta, MD Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

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Honorable Mention

Peter Caprise, MD

Second Place Matthew Holland, MD

National Spine & Pain Centers Lynchburg | 434.846.9170 www.treatingpain.com

Third Place Karen Burnham, MD

Anesthesia Services of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.845.5493 www.asol.md

Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

PALLIATIVE MEDICINE Palliative medicine is a multidisciplinary approach to specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress and mental stress of a serious illness – whatever the diagnosis.

Second Place Julie Suppa, MD

First Place

Medical Associates Of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.455.8232 www.centralvamed.com

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.455.8232 www.centralvamd.com

Third Place

Robert Armock, MD

PEDIATRICS Pediatrics focuses on the detection diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases in children, ages infant to 18 years of age.

First Place

Skyler McCurley, MD F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates “The encounters that I have with families are meant to create long term relationships; I try to treat everyone like a neighbor, or a friend. I am honored to be recognized for building this kind of trust and openness.”

Rebecca Young, MD

Centra Hospice Lynchburg | 434.200.3204 www.centrahealth.com

Second Place

Melody Ailsworth, MD Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com

Third Place Rachel Gagen, MD

F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

Honorable Mention Denise Fenton, MD

Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 | www.hopkinspediatrics.com

F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

Richard Morris, MD Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com

Elizabeth Mumper, MD The Rimland Center for Integrative Medicine Lynchburg | 434.528.9075 www.rimlandcenter.com

Justin Mutch, MD F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

Stephanie Sullivan, MD F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

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PERIODONTICS Periodontics is the specialty of dentistry that studies supporting structures of teeth, diseases and conditions that affect them.

Second Place Sherman Smock, DDS

First Place

Periodontal Health Associates Lynchburg | 434.455.2444 www.peridontalhealthassociates.com

Periodontal Health Associates

Third Place

Ryan Anderson, DDS “All too often healthcare professionals neglect interpersonal skills and forget that a good bedside manner is one of the main tools for diagnosis. Patients are more likely to open up and share with their doctor when they feel comfortable with them. Certain ailments are awkward to discuss with a stranger and by providing a positive demeanor in a relaxed atmosphere we are more likely to get the information needed to administer effective care.”

Gavin Aaron, DDS

Aaron Periodontics and Dental Implants Lynchburg | 434.316.0080 www.periohub.com

Lynchburg | 434.455.2444 | www.peridontalhealthassociates.com

PHARMACIST Pharmacy is the health profession of experts in the use of medicines.

First Place

H. Chapman Brown, III, RPh Gretna Drug “It is always important to be a patient listener. Many times, by spending time with people and patiently listening we are able to offer to them our best care.”

Second Place Staci Bryars, PharmD

Walgreens (Timberlake) Lynchburg | 434.239.5752 www.walgreens.com

Third Place Jodi Ettare, RPh

Rustburg Family Pharmacy Rustburg | 434.332.1730 www.rustburgpharmacy.com

Gretna | 434.656.1251 | www.gretnadrug.com

PHYSICAL MEDICINE Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also referred to as physiatry, is a medical specialty concerned with diagnosis, evaluation, and management of persons of all ages with physical and/or cognitive impairment and disability.

First Place

Sara Ashley McCowen, MD Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia “Patient comfort with their provider is critical to excellent patient care. It is important to me to humanize the doctor patient relationship. Despite skill and training, doctors cannot always fix problems, but we can make the path easier along the way.”

Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 | occva.com 46

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Second Place

Andrea Stutesman, MD Centra Medical Group Physical Medicine & Pain Management Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4175 www.centrahealth.com

Third Place Islam Saleh, MD

Centra Medical Group Physical Medicine & Pain Management Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4175 www.centrahealth.com

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PHYSICAL THERAPY

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Physical therapy or physiotherapy, often abbreviated PT, is the art and science of physical care and rehabilitation.

A physician assistant is licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician, and who thereby extends the physician's capacity to provide medical care.

First Place

First Place

John Wallman, PT, CGFI

Mark MacGregor, PA-C

Rehab Associates of Central Virginia “Demonstrating a good bedside manner is imperative for the healthcare provider.

Being able to read your patient’s body language, and learning how to control your own helps put your patients at ease. Making good eye contact, learning to be a good listener and communicating effectively is important to fully understand the patient’s condition and expectations of the treatment plan.”

Lynchburg | 434.528.1848 | www.racva.com

Second Place (tie)

Michael Richardson, DPT, MSPT Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Forest | 434.525.4851 www.racva.com

Second Place (tie)

Ryan Webb, PT, DTP, CSCS, OCS Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Amherst | 434.381.6090 www.racva.com

Third Place

Josh A. Bailey, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CPed

Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.237.6812 www.racva.com

Honorable Mention Heather Brumfield, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS

Centra Rehabilitation Lynchburg | 434.200.2900 rehab.centrahealth.com

Robin Glover, PT, DPT, ATC Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Appomattox | 434.352.5799 www.racva.com

Jacqui Gooden, PT, DPT Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.237.6812 www.racva.com

Krista Leake, PT, DPT, ATC Centra Rehabilitation Lynchburg | 434.200.2900 rehab.centrahealth.com

Andrew Tatom, III, PT, DPT, OCS Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.528.1848 www.racva.com

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Dermatology Consultants, Inc. "A good bedside manner is critical to let a patient know that you genuinely care about them and listening is the best way to convey that. A sense of humor doesn't hurt because the process of being a patient is sometimes scary or intimidating; especially when you are uncomfortable or desperately worried about something."

Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Medical Associates Of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamed.com

Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

Third Place

Marnie Hudson, PA-C

Jamie Stevens, PA

Alexis Chantal, PA-C Ridgeview Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.363.4190 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

Lisa Best, PA-C

Central Virginia Neurosurgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3920 www.cvneuro.com

Seth Jones, PA-C CVFP-Timberlake Lynchburg | 434.237.6471 www.cvfp.net

Christy Powers, PA-C Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 www.blueridgeeentps.com

PLASTIC SURGERY Plastic surgery is a surgical specialty dedicated to the reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease.

Second Place

Third Place (tie)

Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4350 www.centramedicalgroup.com

Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4350 www.centramedicalgroup.com

Henry Wilson, MD

First Place

Timothy Silvester, MD Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center

Simon Hatin, MD

Third Place (tie)

“It is my belief that patients want to feel that you are genuinely interested in their well-being, are willing to sit and listen to their concerns and address them using terms they understand.”

Keith Pitzer, MD

Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4350 www.centramedicalgroup.com

Lynchburg | 434.200.4350 | www.centramedicalgroup.com

PODIATRY Podiatry is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the human foot.

Second Place David G. Cox, DPM

First Place

Scot Zindel, DPM Associated Podiatry of Central Virginia "I want people to understand their condition and treatment options."

Orthopedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

Honorable Mention Jacquelyn Jacobs, DPM Hill City Foot Care Lynchburg | 434.528.1909 www.hillcityfootcare.com

Third Place

Michael Overfelt, DPM Advance Foot Center Lynchburg | 434.384.0481 www.advancefoot center.com

Lynchburg | 434.385.0707 | www.lynchburgpodiatry.com

PSYCHIATRY Psychiatry is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Centra Medical Group Piedmont Psychiatric Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5999 www.centrahealth.com

Centra Medical Group Piedmont Psychiatric Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5999 www.centrahealth.com

Jamie M. Bamford, MD

First Place

Peter Betz, MD Centra Medical Group Piedmont Psychiatric Center “Empathy is at the heart of what we do. Empathy drives bedside manner.”

Namita Dhiman, MD

Third Place Kenneth Fore II, MD

Central Virginia Psychiatry Lynchburg | 434.582.1600

Lynchburg | 434.200.5999 | www.centrahealth.com www.OurHealthlbss.com

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PSYCHOLOGY/COUNSELING Psychology and counseling is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

First Place

Frank Selden, PhD Centra Mental Health Services Lynchburg | 434.200.5999 www.centrahealth.com

Second Place

Lynette Shadoan, MA, LPC, LMFT Light Counseling Lynchburg | 434.384.1594 www.lightcounseling.net

Third Place

Chuck Rogers, MA, LPC, LMFT

Honorable Mention Justin Berkley

The Madeline Centre Lynchburg | 434.239.0003 www.madelinecentre.com

Karl Hess, PhD Forest | 434.385.0573

Susan Roehrich, LPC Forest | 434.616.2230

Wyndhurst Counseling Center Lynchburg | 434.237.2655 www.wyndhurstcounselingcenter.com

PULMONARY AND SLEEP MEDICINE Pulmonary is a specialty that deals with diseases of the respiratory tract and respiratory disease. Sleep medicine is a medical specialty or subspecialty devoted to the diagnosis and therapy of sleep disturbances and disorders.

First Place

Albert Baker, MD Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates "Listening to the patient is an important way to gather the key information needed to make the right diagnosis.

Listening also helps us understand the patient's perspective so we can develop the plan of treatment that's best for them. Working together through good communication is a powerful tool in medicine."

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates Lynchburg | 434.947.3963

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates Lynchburg | 434.947.3963

www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

Third Place

Michael G. Milam, MD

John Plankeel, MD

Joseph Khoury, MD

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates Lynchburg | 434.947.3963

Jeremy Hardison, MD

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates Lynchburg | 434.947.3963 www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

Lynchburg | 434.947.3963 | www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

RADIOLOGY Radiology is a medical specialty that employs the use of imaging to both diagnose and treat disease visualized within the human body.

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.4091

Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.4091

John Alfieri, MD

First Place

Tim Hellewell, MD Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.4091 www.lynchburgradiology.com

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www.lynchburgradiology.com

Third Place Audrey Graham, MD

Centra Health Breast Imaging Lynchburg | 434.947.4072 www.centrahealth.com

Ken Hite, MD

www.lynchburgradiology.com

SPORTS MEDICINE Sports medicine is an area of heath and special services that apply medical and scientific knowledge to prevent, recognize, manage, and rehabilitate injuries related to sport, exercise, or recreational activity.

Second Place Brad Haupricht, MD

First Place

Centra Medical Group Liberty University Health Services Lynchburg | 434.200.6370 Liberty.centrahealth.com

Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 occva.com

Third Place

Omar Elkhamra, MD

Honorable Mention John Barnard Jr., MD

Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia Lynchburg 434.485.8500 occva.com

Velyn Wu, MD

Centra Lynchburg Family Medicine Lynchburg | 434.200.5200 www.centrahealth.com

SURGERY – CARDIAC Cardiac surgery is surgery on the heart to correct congenital heart disease or the complications of heart disease or valve problems created by various causes.

Second Place Kenneth Saum, MD

First Place

Centra Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

Centra Cardiothoracic Surgery

Third Place

David Frantz, MD “Patient care to me is about the opportunity to personally treat each patient through developing rapport and identifying with them. Quality of care directly correlates to going beyond the clinical and addressing the needs both individually and holistically.”

Houman Tavaf-Motamen, MD

Centra Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.stroobantscardiovascular.com

Lynchburg | 434.200.2212 | www.centrahealth.com

SURGERY – GENERAL General surgery is the treatment of injury, deformity and disease using operative procedures.

Second Place

Honorable Mention

Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3933 www.centralvirginiasurgery.com

Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3933 www.centramedicalgroup.com

Third Place

William Kittrell, MD

John Guglielmetti, MD

First Place

Peter Ploch, MD Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists “I believe that it is important to have a good relationship with your surgeon. Spending extra time to address concerns and provide education always helps to foster a positive experience.”

Clinton Beverly, MD

Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3933 www.centralvirginiasurgery.com

Lucius D. Clay, III, MD

Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3933 www.centralvirginiasurgery.com

Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 | www.centramedicalgroup.com www.OurHealthlbss.com

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SURGERY – NEUROSURGERY Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty for the treatment of diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral and sympathetic nervous system.

Second Place

Honorable Mention

The Centra Neuroscience Institute Lynchburg | 434.200.2900 www.centrahealth.com

Central Virginia Neurosurgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3920 www.cvneuro.com

Dilantha B. Ellegala, MD

First Place

Morris McCrary, MD Central Virginia Neurosurgery “It is a thrill to receive this honor. What I enjoy most is talking to patients and families in order to understand their problem. While discussing options for treatment, I always try to be conservative. It is exciting to help patients get better.”

Third Place Theo Machinis, MD

The Centra Neuroscience Institute Lynchburg | 434.200.2900 www.centrahealth.com

Lynchburg | 434.947.3920 | www.cvneuro.com

SURGERY – VASCULAR Vascular surgery is the treatment of surgery on diagnosed patients with diseases of the arterial, venous and lymphatic system.

First Place

Jeff Widmeyer, MD Widmeyer Vein Center “I truly enjoy taking care of people, helping them improve their health and their lives. I try to treat every patient as I would want one of my family members treated.”

Second Place Lawrence Poletti, MD

Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 www.centramedicalgroup.com

Third Place David Cassada, MD

Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 www.centramedicalgroup.com

Lynchburg | 434. 847.5347 | www.widmeyervein.com

UROLOGY Urology is a medical specialty that deals with disturbances of the urinary (male and female) and reproductive (male) organs.

Second Place Ronald Fisher, MD

First Place

Corey Passman, MD Centra Medical Group Urology Center “Making a patient at ease and taking the time to talk with them helps me to be a better doctor. When a patient feels comfortable talking with me, we are better able to diagnose their problems, address their concerns, and formulate the best treatment plan together.”

Lynchburg | 434.200.5297 | www.centrahealth.com 52

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Centra Medical Group Urology Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5297 www.centrahealth.com

Third Place Robert D. Cook, MD

Centra Medical Group Urology Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5297 www.centrahealth.com

George A. Hurt, MD

OurHealth Highlight

Central Virginia Family Physicians At Central Virginia Family Physicians, we center our services on the most important thing, you!

www.cvfp.net

Our team offers comprehensive care including preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic services for a wide array of acute and chronic problems. CVFP provides care for infants, children and adolescents, adults and senior citizens and specializes in the following: •

Wellness and prevention

•

Wellness counseling

•

Immunizations

•

Family planning

•

Routine physical exams

•

No-scalpel vasectomy

•

Disease management

•

Diagnostic services

•

Pregnancy

• Pediatrics Eight of our nine CVFP primary care locations have earned Patient Centered Medical Home recognition. A patient-centered medical home is a model of care where each patient has an ongoing relationship with a personal physician who leads a team responsible for that patient’s care. The physician-led care team provides for every patient’s healthcare needs and coordinates care across the healthcare system.

CVFP - Appomattox | 434.352.8235

CVFP - Piedmont | 434.846.7374

CVFP - Forest | 434.525.6964

CVFP - Rustburg | 434.332.7367

NEW LOCATION!

CVFP – Liberty Mountain | 434.582.2273 2321 Wards Road | Lynchburg

CVFP - Monelison | 434.846.8421

CVFP - Staunton River | 434.324.9150

CVFP Immediate Care - Airport Plaza 434.239.0132

CVFP - New London | 434.534.6868

CVFP - Timberlake | 434.237.6471

CVFP Immediate Care - Lakeside Drive 434.845.4175

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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OurHealth Highlight

Riley Dental Associates Riley Dental Associates of Central Virginia has provided comprehensive dental care for adults and children for nearly fifty years. Our dentists, Jeffrey O. Riley, DDS, M. Brent Riley, DMD, and Shelli A. Boucher, DMD, provide routine and preventive dental care; crowns, bridges, root canals and dentures; Invisalign; and cosmetic dentistry.

3709 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, Virginia 24501

434.385.7707 www.rileydentalassociates.com

The dental services at Riley Dental Associates are covered by most dental insurance and the practice accepts most major insurances. Riley Dental is a participating provider for Anthem, CIGNA, Delta Dental, Guardian, Group Dental, and MetLife. Riley Dental Associates accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit or debit cards, checks or cash for payment. Additionally, financing is available to qualified applicants with Care Credit and Citi Health Card.

Brent Riley, DMD, Jeffrey Riley, DDS, and Shelli Boucher, DMD

OurHealth Highlight

PMS 208 Black

525 Leesville Road Lynchburg, VA 24502

434.455.2444

Periodontal Health Associates At Periodontal Health Associates, we are dedicated to improving your oral health by treating gum disease, a condition that effects the soft and hard tissues surrounding your teeth. You will notice our years of experience, and compassionate and considerate service makes a difference in your experience and outcome.

At Periodontal Health Associates we preform the following services and more at our state-of-the-art facility.

•

Advanced Surgical Techniques

•

Dental Implants

•

Hard and Soft Bite Guards

•

Extractions

•

Sleep Apnea Devices

•

Crown Lengthening

•

Education for Prevention of Periodontal Disease

•

Sinus Augmentation

•

Advanced Treatment of Gum Disease

•

Soft Tissue Graft

•

Bacterial Analysis

•

Bone Grafting

•

Dental Hygiene and Periodontal Health

Visit our website at www.periodontalhealthassociates.com for an abundance of information about our practice and procedures. We believe our patients should have as much information as possible in order to make important, informed decisions regarding their oral health and treatment options.

www.periodontalhealthassociates.com www.OurHealthlbss.com

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OurHealth Highlight

7802 Timberlake Road Lynchburg VA, 24502

434.385.GRIN (4746) www.bracesbycvo.com

Central Virginia Orthodontics At Central Virginia Orthodontics, we take pride in providing exceptional smiles for every member of your family. Our experienced team has one mission: to serve you by delivering the finest orthodontic treatment available in a caring and fun environment. Drs. Eric Baugher and Jennifer Claiborne lead our dedicated team.

Braces are an investment that will benefit you for the rest of your life. An improved smile helps build self-esteem, establishes facial balance and ideal function for your teeth and jaws, and allows for better long-term oral health. Our goal is for every patient to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

At Central Virginia Orthodontics, not only do we provide families with the highest caliber of service, but our state-of-the-art practice offers treatments ranging from traditional metal braces to the newest technologies such as Invisalign, clear braces and self-ligating braces.

We excel in creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages. In fact, approximately 20 percent of our patients are adults.

If you would like to discuss what options are available to you for improving your smile, call Central Virginia Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation at your convenience. We look forward to helping you see the smile you’ve always wanted!

*Photography by Liz Cook Photography

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

OurHealth Highlight

2321 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501

434.947.3993 www.blueridgeentps.com

Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery

SERVICES PROVIDED • • • • • • • • •

• •

Adult and pediatric ENT Sinus surgery (includes in-office sinuplasties) Head and neck cancer surgery Certified audiologists Minimally invasive office sinus surgery Treatment of voice and swallowing disorders Allergy testing and treatment Treatment of sleep disorders and snoring Treatment of hearing loss with comprehensive hearing aid division Facial plastic surgery Laser hair removal and microdermabrasion

Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery has treated patients in Central Virginia for more than 30 years. Each of our physicians is board certified or board eligible by the American Board of Otolaryngology and has extensive training in their specialty. This is up to 15 years of college and postgraduate training, including four years of college, four years of medical school and at least five years of specialty training. We offer the most up-to-date techniques and state-of-the-art equipment in treating our patients.

We believe all patients’ needs are unique and pride ourselves on the personal care all of our patients receive. From infants to seniors, we offer a friendly and relaxing atmosphere for patients of all ages. That’s why for so many years; Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery has been the first choice in giving care to our community. As part of our ENT team, we have physician assistants with advanced ear, nose and throat training, who are also available to help with your otolaryngology needs.

Hearing loss affects about one in ten Americans.

We are the area’s only hearing aid center with medical doctors and audiologists. We are also trained in both the medical and surgical treatment of hearing, ear infections, balance disorders, ringing or ear noise (tinnitus) and other related conditions.

About 35 million people develop chronic sinusitis each year, making it one of the most common health complaints in America. For chronic sinusitis sufferers, BRENT offers a quick, comfortable office procedure called balloon sinus dilation. The doctor uses a small balloon to gently expand and reopen the sinus drainage

pathways, delivering sufferers instant, lasting relief.

Communicating (speech and singing) and eating a meal all involve the mouth and throat. Also specific to otolaryngologists is expertise in managing diseases of the larynx (voice box) and the throat, including voice and swallowing disorders.

In the head and neck area, otolaryngologists are trained to treat infectious diseases, facial trauma and deformities of the face. We perform reconstructive facial surgery, as well as some cosmetic procedures. We also treat benign and malignant (cancerous) tumors of the head and neck. This includes removal and cosmetic reconstruction of skin cancers.

The physicians and staff at Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery are dedicated to providing excellent care for our patients.

We are committed to treating our patients and their families as we would want our loved ones treated. We strive to keep our knowledge of medicine current and to ensure access to the latest technological advances, in the most cost effective manner possible. We are committed to providing excellent patient care. Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery is a team and each member is important. Our team focus is to always put the patient first.

Allergies can cause problems of the ears, eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and skin. If we treat allergies more aggressively, symptoms can be reduced. Blue Ridge ENT & Plastic Surgery is unique in that we can treat for ear, nose and throat problems, as well as allergies, and all under one roof.

Meet Our Audiologists www.OurHealthlbss.com

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OurHealth Highlight

105 Paulette Circle Lynchburg, VA 24502

434.237.0125 www.smilelynchburg.com Shepherd A. Sittason, DDS -Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics of Lynchburg At Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Lynchburg, our board certified pediatric dentist and staff specialize in the unique needs of children’s dentistry. We provide a clean, safe and fun environment as well as exceptional service for your child’s dental home. The office and equipment are designed to specifically meet the needs of children. Our services include, but are not limited to exams, cleanings, restorative dentistry (sedation and general anesthesia) and orthodontics.

Our bright and cheery office is a welcome environment for children. We strive to recognize the individual needs of every patient, helping them to feel comfortable and safe within our dental home. In addition to providing dental services, we educate our patients and their parents on the importance of good dental hygiene. Our mascot, Captain Smiles, also visits area schools and pre-schools supplying toothbrushes and giving presentations on the importance of preventive dentistry. We are committed to community involvement and believe education at an early age will create good habits lasting into adulthood.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

OurHealth Highlight

Danville:

434.799.6288

Hope A. Moffa, Au.D.

Kara E. Lisa M. Martin, Au.D. Schultz, Au.D.

Monique L. Hall, Au.D.

Danny W. Kelly M. Nancy V. Lauren B. Gnewikow, Ph.D. Camarda, M.Ed. Bradsher, Au.D. Stone, Au.D.

Audiology Hearing Aid Associates Can you hear me now?

Lynchburg:

434.528.4245

If you are considering hearing aids, you will find a new world of devices that don’t resemble any hearing aid your grandfather used. In the past five years, just as digital imaging has replaced film, digital processing of sound has revolutionized sound clarity and improved word recognition with hearing aids.

Danny Gnewikow, PhD, FAAA, Audiologist, CCC, Founder and Chief Audiologist of Audiology Hearing Aid Associates, has seen a lot of innovation in the forty years he has practiced, but nothing compares with what is happening now!

www.DigitalHearing4U.com

Dr. Gnewikow says, “Hearing aids are smaller, with greater clarity and more precise settings. One of the most exciting innovations is Bluetooth® connectivity.”

Bluetooth® technology can turn hearing aids into wireless headsets for phones, TVs, etc. In the past, cell phone use with hearing aids has been problematic. Bluetooth® has changed that. Hearing aid systems with Bluetooth® capabilities allow users to not only talk on their cell phones without annoying feedback and static, but also to listen to other Bluetooth® enabled devices.

A Bluetooth® connection allows you to hear TV directly through your hearing aids without having to raise the volume for other family members. It provides dual stereo reception as the sounds are heard through the hearing aids in both ears, not just one.

Wireless technology also means that the hearing aid can be finely programmed by the audiologist so that there is little or no manual adjustment needed by the hearing aid wearer. This type of automation is particularly helpful to individuals with physical limitations such as poor dexterity or poor sense of touch in their fingertips.

Another feature, a remote control, is particularly helpful for professionals who need to adjust the settings inconspicuously in public settings.

Have a friend or spouse who can’t hear, but you can’t get them to go to a doctor?

Dr. Gnewikow says, “Often people don’t want to incur the cost of an evaluation because they don’t believe they have a hearing problem.” He offers free hearing screenings and additionally will ask patients questions such as: “Does it sound to you like others are mumbling? Are you able to hear lower frequencies but not higher ones?” Hearing impaired individuals quickly relate to these questions; and that, combined with auditory testing, makes them believers.

For free testing of your hearing and discussion of the many advances of current hearing aid technology, call Dr. Gnewikow and his associates at their offices in Danville or Lynchburg. Having fit over 40,000 hearing aids, Dr. Gnewikow and his audiology staff have the experience and expertise to resolve most hearing issues.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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OurHealth Highlight

SERVICE LOCATIONS: 20838A Timberlake Road

434.239.2800 2514 Langhorne Road

434.845.6086 Shoppes of Appomattox, Richmond Hwy

434.352.5908 www.stclair-eye.com

St. Clair Eye Care Services and Procedures St. Clair Eye Care is a full service, privately owned, professionally operated, optometric eye care facility. Our mission statement is to respectfully meet and exceed our patients vision and eye health needs through: honesty, integrity, quality, dedication, communication and education.

Examinations include testing for routine vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia, etc. We examine and diagnose conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. We offer treatment for diseases including glaucoma, pink eye, iritis, foreign body removal, ocular trauma, dry eyes, etc.

All of our optical galleries provide the new high definition lenses, no-line progressive bi-focals, no-glare lenses, transitions and ultra thin design. We have a wide selection of frames to fit every budget and designer eyewear including: Calloway, COACH, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Guess, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Oakley, PRADA, Ray Ban, Ted Baker and many more.

We fit all types of contact lenses for daily wear, extended wear, astigmatism, multifocal designs, gas permeables for keraronconus and any others to meet your needs.

What Sets Us Apart St. Clair Eye Care has been in this area for more than 32 years. We have grown to three (3) convenient locations and five (5) doctors of optometry. We pride ourselves on giving each patient the time and attention they need to solve their individual ocular problems. Our high patient retention has allowed us to grow to this level. Our motto is: Patients may forget what you said or what you did, but they will never forget the way you made them feel.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

OurHealth Highlight

SERVICE LOCATIONS: Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital 3300 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA The Surgery Center of Lynchburg 2401 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA

434.845.5493 www.asol.md

Interventional Pain Services provided by Anesthesia Services of Lynchburg Services and Procedures Our procedures are image guided by x-ray or ultrasound. We offer state of the art sedation and monitoring for procedures, and patients are always fully monitored. We offer a wide variety of interventional pain procedures to include: • Epidural steroid injections - cervical, thoracic, and lumbar • Transforminal nerve root injections - cervical, thoracic, and lumbar • Facet joint injections • Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablations • Stellate ganglion blocks • Lumbar sympathetic blocks • Joint injections with fluoroscopic guidance • Bursa injections with fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance

What Sets Us Apart All of our physicians providing interventional pain services are board certified Anesthesiologists with extensive training in image guidance for accurate placement of medications. We are experts in the pharmacology of medications used, selection of the appropriate technique, and safe monitoring practices for all types of patients. This group of physicians has more than 70 cumulative years of clinical experience to draw on. We safely provide thousands of these procedures every year, with excellent results.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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OurHealth Highlight

Lynchburg

John Pinch, DDS

1001 Archway Court Lynchburg, VA 24502

Evan Chalk, DMD

Central Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery

434.832.8040

At Central Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery, you’ll find a comprehensive range of surgical and anesthesia services designed to reduce paid, improve quality of life, ease fears, restore confidence and help you smile again.

Farmville

Our state-of-the-art technology allows us to provide the best possible care to our patients.

Our award winning oral and facial surgery procedures include:

1509 West Third Street Farmville , VA 23901

434.394.2329

www.cvofs.com

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William Caravajal, DDS, MD, FACS

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

• • • • • • • • •

Dental implants Bone grafting Orthodontic surgical exposures Facial trauma Skeletal facial surgery Reconstructive jsaw surgery Oral pathology TMJ disorders Sleep apnea

• • • • • • •

Cleft lip and palate Anesthesia Facial Cosmetic Surgery Browlift surgery Eyelid surgery Restylane/Juvederm™ BOTOX® Cosmetic

OurHealth Highlight

SERVICE LOCATIONS 101 Candlewood Court Lynchburg, VA 24502

434.363.4190 Westlake Towne Center Professional Park 278 Westlake Road Hardy, VA 24101

540.759.7500 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

RidgeView Dermatology At RidgeView Dermatology your skin is not a part of you, it is you, so when we say “our patients come first,” we are not just saying it – we mean it. As a full-family practice, we are regional dermatologists with a passion for personal care for your whole family.

Here at RidgeView Dermatology, you will find a distinct personality that is a bit fresh to the skin care scene. We are family people, just like you, and the minute you enter our doors you are not just a patient, you are a part of our team. When you choose a dermatologist, experience and credibility is always important, but so is demeanor. We are proud to have a highly-accomplished team, and even prouder to have one that is providing excellent care for your entire family.

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OurHealth Highlight

SERVICE LOCATION: 108 Vaden Drive Gretna, VA 24557

434.656.1251 www.gretnadrug.com

Gretna Drug Gretna Drug offers the convenience of a retail store along with the personalization of a family owned and operated pharmacy. Our pharmacists offer patient counseling and information that you would expect from a family owned pharmacy.

At Gretna Drug, you can also find a full array of medical equipment. We specialize in: •

Oxygen therapy supplies

•

Walking aides

•

Personal items

•

Diabetic supplies

•

Respiratory related equipment

•

Room furnishings

•

Bathroom safety

•

Wheelchairs

Immunizations Gretna Drug also has pharmacists on hand that are certified to administer immunizations.

We are able to offer this service without a long wait. Please call ahead of time to schedule a time and for insurance clarification. We currently offer immunizations for influenza, shingles, meningitis and HPV.

Our Involvement in the Community Gretna Drug has been a local, family-owned business since 1967. When Gretna Drug was purchased in 1967 it had already been in existence before 1900. Our owners and employees are people who live and work in our community. Gretna Drug supports local efforts for schools, churches and many events that enhance the community. We are strongly committed to serving our community that supports us.

Being a local, family-owned pharmacy, we have the opportunity to serve many who we know personally. Our reputation is always on the line and we work together to maintain a high standard for quality care in our community. It is our desire that our patients and healthcare providers feel that Gretna Drug is the logical choice.

100 day supply of generics starting at $10.00!

OurHealth Highlight

3719 Old Forest Road Lynchburg VA, 24502

434.384.7611 www.lynchburgdentist.com

Lynchburg Dental Center Lynchburg Dental Center Celebrates Lynchburg Dental Center (LDC) celebrates both the grand opening of their new office space this year and being named Sidekick Magazine’s cover feature. Sidekick Magazine is the leading national source for dentistry news, information, and technology. LDC was chosen out of hundreds of practices nationwide to be featured on the cover for their use of advanced technology and focus on patient satisfaction.

Lynchburg Dental Center has been serving the needs of patients in the greater Lynchburg area since 1974 and as technology has improved and evolved, so have the services offered to patients. Lynchburg Dental Center provides comprehensive exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, implants, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. In addition, they feature digital radiography and offer screenings for oral cancer.

SERVICES PROVIDED • • • • • • • • • • •

Family dentistry Dental hygiene Preventative care – exams, cleanings and sealants Digital x-rays Oral sedation and nitrous oxide administration Same-day crowns Root canals and extractions Dental implants – placement and restoration Cosmetic dentistry Teeth whitening Breath management

They are experienced in other sophisticated, cosmetic and restorative procedures.

Specifically, they offer same-day crowns with the use of state-of-the art CAD/CAM technology; allowing their patients ultimate convenience. Also, advanced restorative procedures, such as implants, offer LDC patients an opportunity to greatly improve their smile.

Dental implants provide permanent tooth replacement solutions. A patient may have one tooth replaced or several, depending on their individual needs. Implants look and feel like real teeth and since they are designed to fuse with bone, implants become a permanent option to improve a patient’s appearance, speech, comfort and overall oral health.

What Sets Them Apart The team at Lynchburg Dental Center has a mission to serve each of their patients with the most sophisticated technology to achieve optimal results. Dr. Crawford says, “Our team is very experienced. We continuously further our education to bring our patients the latest advancements and to provide maximum comfort.”

www.OurHealthlbss.com

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It was a cool morning, in more ways than one. The chilly temperature didn’t keep these festive women in costume away! Over 700 women of all ages showed their support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals on Halloween morning at the I Am Woman 5K. The event, sponsored and organized by Centra Women and Children’s Services, raised over $19,000 for Children’s Miracle Network.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds that stay local to help treat babies and children at Centra Virginia Baptist and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. These funds provide pediatric and neonatal medical equipment, facilities, and transportation equipment for the local hospitals.

For more information, visit www.childrensmiracle.net or www.wc.centrahealth.com.

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Photos courtesy of Cris Pacho and Brenda Yarber.

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FIT BITS

Deidre Wilkes, AFAA, ACSM

Pickle-what? Pickleball!

Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s as a children's backyard game, but quickly became popular among adults as a fun game for players of all levels!

Deidre is our resident fitness specialist for OurHealth Lynchburch & Southside.

TRY PICKLEBALL!

Pickleball shares features of other racquet sports such as tennis, racquetball, table tennis and badminton. It can be played by two, three or four players using solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated ball – similar to a waffle ball, over a net. Pickleball can be played at a recreational as well as a competitive level.

Boonsboro Country Club

Pickleball is for tennis players, raquetball players, ping pong players...really ANYONE, even if you've never picked up a racquet! The unique aspects of pickleball make it easy to learn and enjoy almost immediately!

Downtown YMCA

Interested in learning more?

Visit www.virginiapickleball.org for information on rules, equipment, tournaments and places to play.

Certified Personal Trainer

Campbell County Recreation Department

Various locations – call for details 434.332.9570 1709 BCC Drive Lynchburg | 434.384.2111 www.campbellcountyva.gov www.boonsborocc.com *membership required

Jamerson YMCA

1315 Church Street 801 Wyndhurst Drive Lynchburg | 434.847.5597 Lynchburg | 434.582.1900 www.ymcacva.org www.ymcacva.org

MODERATE INTENSITY

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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

LOCAL

LAUNCHES

®

DIABETES

PREVENTION PROGRAM words | SUZANNE RAMSEY photography | KG THIENEMANN

The YMCA of Central Virginia, which has branches in downtown Lynchburg and the Wyndhurst community, will soon launch the Diabetes Prevention Program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The yearlong educational program aims to help area adults who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or are at risk for Type 2 diabetes make lifestyle changes that can help them avoid or delay the onset of diabetes.

The CDC reports that 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes and most — about 90 percent — don’t even know it. Prediabetes, as explained by the CDC, is when the blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Having prediabetes puts people at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, previously called adult-onset diabetes. The American Diabetes Association reports that 29 million Americans — more than 9 percent of the population — have diabetes, and nearly all of them have Type 2 diabetes. Due to the well-documented childhood obesity epidemic, physicians are increasingly seeing Type 2 diabetes in children as well.

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes is a problem that causes blood glucose (sugar) levels to rise higher than normal, also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. With Type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin properly, which is known as insulin resistance. At first, the

PREDIABETES: Am I at risk?

You may be at risk for Type 2 diabetes if you: • Are 45 years of age or older • Are overweight • Have a family history of Type 2 diabetes • Have high blood pressure • Are physically active fewer than three times per week • Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes) or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds

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pancreas makes extra insulin, but over time it isn't able to keep up and can't make enough insulin to keep blood glucose at normal levels.

To localize these numbers, consider that 9 percent of the population of Lynchburg is about 7,000 people; 9 percent of the greater Lynchburg area's population is about 22,500 people. Seeing a problem in the area and wanting to do something about it, the YMCA of Central Virginia has joined more than 625 organizations, including about 165 YMCAs nationwide, that are certified to offer the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Randi Abell

Director of healthy living at Jamerson Family YMCA

“We signed on because there’s a definite need for the program in the community,” says Randi Abell, director of healthy living at the Jamerson Family YMCA in Wyndhurst. “The number of people who have diabetes is only a small portion or percentage compared to the number of those who are prediabetic. The goal is for us to reach out to the community and offer the program to help people change their lives.

“We want to make a change in the community and prevent people from becoming diabetic. There’s an absolute need for the program, and the Y is typically a hub for those who are looking to change their lives and create a healthier lifestyle. So there’s no better place to offer the program than here at the Y,” Abell says.

The YMCA of Central Virginia’s pilot program will begin in January 2016 and will likely be offered at the Jamerson Family YMCA. Abell, a certified lifestyle coach, will teach the program. Eventually, she would like to see it branch out into the community as well.

“Centra is going to be a huge part of our community advisory board, which is our committee that helps us plan and implement the program,” Abell says. "We’ve already been in talks with Centra about doing a pilot program for its employees."

In addition to Centra, stakeholders in the program include those who want to promote it in their businesses.

“I think this could be really huge for businesses and corporations, being that with healthcare and prescriptions costs, diabetes is a very large portion of that. So the way we’ll promote it to businesses and corporations is reducing healthcare costs and keeping their employees from becoming diabetic," explains Abell.

The Diabetes Prevention Program is open to adults ages 18 and older, and YMCA membership is not a requirement.

There is, however, a $429 program fee. Abell says financial aid is “something we’re working on,” and there will be payment options. She hopes local businesses will subsidize the program for their employees.

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PREDIABETES: The primary goals of the Diabetes Prevention Program are for participants to lose weight and get more active, actions that have been shown to decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. According to the Y’s fact sheet, the specific goals are reducing body weight by 7 percent and increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week.

The one-hour, small-group classes will emphasize making healthy lifestyle changes. Participants will meet weekly for four months and then monthly for eight months.

Throughout the program, participants will track their progress by recording their meals and physical activity using food and exercise logs and being weighed at each meeting. Data gathered from participants are passed on to the YMCA’s national headquarters and the CDC. YMCA of the USA reports that between 2010 — when it started offering the Diabetes Prevention Program — and December 2014, more than 27,000 people participated in the program. Classes have been held at 1,095 different sites in 42 states. Participants have averaged a 4.6 percent decrease in body weight in the first four months of the program and a 5.6 percent decrease within 12 months. By the end of the program, they averaged 117 minutes of physical activity per week.

While the YMCA of Central Virginia can’t yet provide statistics, Abell feels confident that the program will have a positive impact locally.

“We’re excited to be able to offer this to our community in Central Virginia, and I look forward to being able to provide this as a service and hope it creates awareness,” she says. “Diabetes is so huge, and prediabetes is even bigger, so whatever we can do to help.”

More information on the program can be found at www.ymca.net/diabetes-prevention.

Diabetes causes more deaths per year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.

EXPERT CONTRIBUTER Randi Abell, director of healthy living at the Jamerson Family YMCA in Wyndhurst

RESOURCES American Diabetes Association – www.diabetes.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC.gov

ON THE WEB

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT YOU CAN LOWER YOUR

RISK FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES BY HALF IF YOU

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HealthyEats

Fresh Apples from:

Johnson’s Orchard 2122 Sheep Creek Rd Bedford | 540.586.3707 www.johnsonsorchards.com Open weekends from noon to 5pm.

Johnson’s Orchards is located at the foot of the Peaks of Otter about 8 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. They offer an array of jams, jellies, apples and also have a winery on site.

Tricia Foley’s Clean Holiday Eating

FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.

Ingredients: (serves 9)

Filling Ingredients:

3

3

3

cups finely diced uncooked apple pieces (Honey Crisp or Gala recommended) tablespoons local honey

1

teaspoon lemon juice

whole eggs (omega 3 rich preferably)

1 1/2 cups organic 1% milk 2

tablespoon, local honey

1

teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 9

slices 100% whole wheat bread

1/3 cup diced raw pecans 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Directions: Add the first six ingredients to a medium sized bowl, whisk to combine. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Combine all of the filling ingredients in a small bowl and mix to coat apple pieces, set aside. Cut bread slices in half, as triangles. Place one layer of bread (six triangles) on the bottom of the slow cooker, add ¼ of the filling and repeat until there are 3 layers of bread. Add the remaining filling to the top.

Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and cook on high 2 to 21/2 or low 4 hours, or until bread has soaked up the liquid.

Optional:

Drizzle with 100% pure maple syrup if desired.

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HealthyEats

Fresh Maple Syrup from:

Peaks of Otter Winery 1218 Elmos Rd Bedford | 540.586.3707 www.peaksofotterwinery.com Peaks of Otter is primarily known for its wines. They also have an array of ciders, jellies, jams, maple syrup and butters, as well as farm animals.

Tricia Foley’s Clean Holiday Eating

PUMPKIN ICE CREAM Ingredients: (serves 9) 4

medium bananas, sliced and frozen overnight

1

cup pumpkin puree

1/3 cup maple syrup 2

teaspoons pumpkin spice, no sugar added

Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.

Directions:

Using a food processor, blend the bananas, pumpkin, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice thoroughly. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 24 hours.

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Breaking the Silence Surviving a Stroke words | SUSAN DUBUQUE research by | ARTHUR OLIVAREZ

This series explores diseases that can be devastating to the individuals and families they affect — yet no one is talking about them. That is, until now. In OurHealth, we bring these medical issues into the light and dedicate these stories to the courageous patients and families living with them and the providers and researchers who commit their lives to treating and seeking cures for these silent killers.

Scott’s Story It started with subtle symptoms — little bouts of dizziness and headaches that would only last a few minutes. At first it only happened about once a week. Then two or three times a week. Finally, the spells became a daily occurrence.

Scott Garrett, a busy industrial equipment supplier, spent long days driving throughout his sales territory that spanned from Gloucester to Chesapeake, calling on as many as 10 clients a day. “When the dizziness would hit, I would pull off the highway and rest for two or three minutes until it passed,” says Garrett. “I knew I should see a doctor to find out what was going on, but life and work just kept getting in the way.”

On July 10, 2014, the daily grind came to a sudden halt when his wife, Keeley Garrett, found him lying on the floor at the foot of the stairs. When Scott Garrett was roused, he tried to convince his wife that he was just tired and was “lying on the floor resting.”

Fortunately, Keeley Garrett is a nurse, and she was not fooled by his story. She checked his blood pressure, and when she discovered it was elevated, she insisted on calling 911. He was taken to a hospital close to the Garrett’s home.

“I was asked to stay in the waiting area while Scott was being examined,” says Keeley Garrett. “By the time I was taken back into the exam room, Scott was chatting and

laughing with the medical staff. He assured them that his only problem was a ‘touch of vertigo’ — which he had self-diagnosed on the Internet.”

The hospital conducted an EKG, CT scan and physical examination and took his medical history but could not pinpoint any reason for Scott Garrett’s dizziness, so he was discharged from the hospital.

“I was in a hurry to go home,” says Scott Garrett, “and that motivated me.

When I first woke up, I couldn’t move my left arm or leg. But by the next morning I had feeling on that side of my body. I was anxious for the physical therapist to come help me walk.”

“A few hours later, I felt that something was just not right. I know my husband better than anyone,” says Keeley Garrett. She called 911 again, and Scott Garrett was taken back to the hospital where a second CT scan revealed a small area of blockage in an artery in his brain.

“Scott's speech was now slurred, one side of his mouth seemed slightly twisted and he had vision problems. The scariest part was when Scott told me he could only see about a quarter of my face,” recalls Keeley Garrett.

It was apparent that more advanced care was needed, and Scott Garrett was transferred by ambulance to a larger medical center.

Additional tests showed that he'd had an ischemic stroke. Since too much time had passed, he was not able to receive clot-busting drugs to treat his stroke. “We were fortunate to be at a major medical center,” says Keeley Garrett. “The neurologist recognized what was going on and called in a neurovascular surgeon who was able to remove the blood clot in Scott’s brain through a catheter inserted through his upper leg.”

Scott Garrett was admitted to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and after a few days, he was transferred to the progressive care neuroscience floor. “We were all pretty amazed at how quickly he recovered,” says Keeley Garrett.

“I was in a hurry to go home,” says Scott Garrett, “and that motivated me. When I first woke up, I couldn’t move my left arm or leg. But by the next morning I had feeling on that side of my body. I was anxious for the physical therapist to come help me walk.”

“Scott’s short-term memory was impaired. But that only lasts for about two days,” says Keeley Garrett.

When the Garretts look back over Scott Garrett's illness, they do so with a genuine sense of gratitude.

“We were blessed that Scott received such good care every step of the way,” reflects Keeley Garrett.

“The doctors told me I had ‘the trifecta’ — three major problems related to my stroke,” says Scott Garrett. The first was a patent foramen ovale — a small hole between the upper chambers of the heart. Millions of people have PFOs, and they typically cause no problems. Medical issues can occur when the blood leaking from the right to the left chamber of the heart contains a blood clot. The PFO doesn’t cause a stroke, but it does provide a portal where the blood clot can enter the circulatory system and travel to the brain.

Scott Garrett's second problem was a narrowing of the vertebral arteries that carry blood to the brainstem. “That’s what caused my dizziness and vertigo,” he says. “So, my Internet research wasn’t totally off base.”

In only six days, Scott Garrett had improved enough to be discharged from the hospital. Unfortunately, he suffered a setback. His third problem was a blood clot in his leg called a deep vein thrombosis. “A few days after going home, I had to go back to the hospital to be treated for the DVT,” he says. “But once that was taken care of, a physical therapist came to the house twice and gave me exercises that I could do on my own to regain my strength. I was on my way.”

By early September — less than two months after suffering a stroke and having brain surgery — Scott Garrett was back at work. “I started slowly, working mostly in the

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office,” he says. “But by the end of September, I was back to 100 percent.”

“For a while, I would have little flashes of anxiety,” he admits. “For instance, if I stumbled over something, I would think, 'Did I trip or is it another stroke?'” Thankfully, those moments of unease have passed.

When the Garretts look back over Scott Garrett's illness, they do so with a genuine sense of gratitude. “We were blessed that Scott received such good care every step of the way,” reflects Keeley Garrett.

“We feel fortunate that we know what caused my stroke,” says Scott Garrett. “And we know what it will take to prevent it from happening again. I’ve made some changes for the better in how I live. I take my medication (Warfarin and a baby aspirin) every day to prevent blood clots. I get plenty of exercise by walking. And I actually lost some weight.” When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, he refers to himself as “a work in progress.”

And he learned another lesson. “If I could give any advice to others, it would be not to wait. And don’t rely on what you read on the Internet. If you’re not feeling right or if you have any symptoms of a stroke, get medical help right away. I was lucky not to have any permanent damage. But I have too much to live for. With a wonderful wife and our daughters, Ebonee and Sidney, I won’t ever take that for granted."

Scott Garrett with his wife, Keeley, and their daughters, Ebonee and Sidney.

What is a stroke?

According to the National Stroke Association, a stroke is a brain attack that occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain bursts or is blocked by a clot.

When the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain cells begin to die. A stroke can affect movement, speech, perception, memory or other mental and bodily functions.

How a person is affected by a stroke depends on the area of the brain where the stroke occurs and the extent of the brain damage. Some people have very minor problems, like temporary weakness in an arm or leg, while others suffer significant impairment, including permanent paralysis on one side of the body or loss of the ability to speak. Many people make a complete recovery from a stroke, but more than two-thirds of those who survive have some type of disability.

Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and the No. 1 cause of adult disability in the United States. Each year 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke.

Virginia is located in the "stroke belt" — a region in the southeastern U.S. that is recognized by public health authorities for having an unusually high incidence of stroke and other forms of cardiovascular disease.

“There are different types of stroke,” says Peter Konieczny, MD, neurology director at Centra. The major categories are

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•

Ischemic strokes account for about 85 percent of strokes. They occur when the artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked.

•

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery leaks blood or a brain aneurysm ruptures. The leaked blood puts pressure on brain cells, which damages them.

•

Transient ischemic attack, also called a mini stroke, is caused by a temporary clot. TIAs produce stroke like symptoms but do not cause lasting damage.

Risk factors for stroke Peter Konieczny, MD specializes in neurology with Centra Medical Group. Dr. Konieczny is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Anyone can have a stroke, but there are a number of factors that increase the risks.

“Some risk factors cannot be controlled,” says Dr. Konieczny, “but you can take action to prevent a stroke by understanding and managing those factors that you can control.”

Risk factors that cannot be controlled •

Age – Although individuals of any age can have a stroke, the risk increases with age. The chance of having a stroke doubles every 10 years after age 55.

•

Gender – Stroke is more common in men than in women for most age groups.

But women of all ages are more likely to die from a stroke, which kills twice as many women as breast cancer every year. Women also suffer greater disability than men after having a stroke.

• Ethnicity – African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Alaska Natives have a greater chance of having a stroke than do non-Hispanic whites or Asians. African Americans have a greater chance of having a stroke, in part due to their higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes and sickle cell disease.

• Family history – Stroke risk increases if a family member (parent, grandparent or sibling) has had a stroke or a heart attack at an early age.

Medical risks that can be managed Dr. Konieczny offers the following insights into understanding and managing medical conditions that increase the risk for stroke.

• Hypertension – Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Many people don’t know they have high blood pressure, so regular blood pressure checks are essential. Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to help reduce blood pressure, and talk with your healthcare provider about medication if needed.

• Diabetes – Individuals with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have a stroke than those who don’t. In part, this is because people with diabetes often have other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

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changing your eating habits and, if needed, taking oral medications or insulin shots,” says Dr. Konieczny.

•

Cholesterol – Cholesterol is the fatty substance in the blood. It is produced by the liver and found in certain foods. If we take in more cholesterol than the body can use, the extra cholesterol can build up in the arteries, including those in the brain, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries, stroke, heart disease and atherosclerosis. Cholesterol levels can be checked with a simple blood test.

Studies show that lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol to below 70 is nearly as important as maintaining a low blood pressure level when it comes to reducing your risk of stroke. Healthy eating, exercise, fish oil supplements and medications can help lower cholesterol.

• Heart disease – Certain heart disorders can increase the risk for stroke because plaque builds up in the arteries and blocks the flow of oxygenrich blood to the brain. Other heart conditions, such as heart valve defects, irregular heartbeat — including atrial fibrillation — and enlarged heart chambers, can cause blood clots that could break loose and cause a stroke.

• Sleep apnea – Sleep apnea is a condition that disrupts sleep when an individual’s breathing pauses or becomes shallow. People with sleep apnea might snore loudly and wake up gasping or choking. They might also feel sleepy and lack energy during the day. These symptoms are more than just annoying. Sleep apnea can increase your risk for stroke.

• Prior stroke or TIA –An individual who has had a stroke is at increased risk for having another one.

Someone who has had one or more TIAs is almost 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and gender who has not. It is important to recognize and treat a TIA as a medical emergency in order to reduce your risk of a major stroke.

“About 80 percent of strokes are preventable,” says Dr. Konieczny. “You can reduce your risk of having a stroke through lifestyle changes. It isn’t magic. There are some basic guidelines that I recommend to my patients.”

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•

Quit smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke, and the risk is even greater among women who also take oral contraceptives.

It increases clot formation and plaque buildup in arteries, and it thickens the blood. If you smoke, try to quit. If you can’t quit on your own, ask your doctor about stop-smoking aids like nicotine patches, counseling and smoking cessation programs.

•

Use alcohol in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can elevate blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. If you drink, do so in moderation — no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

•

Eat healthy. Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups. Vegetables and fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and they're low in calories. Unrefined whole-grain foods contain fiber that can help lower blood cholesterol and help you feel full, which can help you manage your weight. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids — including salmon, trout and herring — can help lower your risk of death from heart disease or stroke.

•

•

Exercise. “Exercise is a huge factor in reducing your stroke risk,” says Dr. Konieczny. “You don’t have to run a marathon or complete an Ironman. Walk or do other physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most days. You will lower your risk for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and stroke.” But before you start, check with your doctor.

Maintain a healthy weight. To lose weight, use more calories than you eat every day. Before starting a diet, check with your doctor.

Signs and symptoms of stroke According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. The warning signs of stroke can be subtle and often go unnoticed by the individual experiencing symptoms and the people around them.

“A stroke is a medical emergency,” says Dr. Konieczny. “Learn the signs, and if you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, seek help immediately. Too often people wait, hoping that the symptoms will pass.”

Treating a stroke within three hours is vital to avoiding serious and permanent damage. An ischemic stroke, caused by a blocked artery, can be reversed 85 percent of the time if treatment is initiated in a timely manner.

How is stroke diagnosed and treated?

When a patient arrives in the emergency department with an apparent stroke, accurate diagnosis is the vital first step. Stroke like symptoms can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. For example, Bell’s palsy produces paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face that can look like a stroke.

Here is a simple, easy-to-recall acronym to help identify the signs of stroke: BE FAST

B

Balance

E

Eyes and Vision

F

Face Drooping

A

The severe, sudden onset of balance problems and ataxia; a lack of voluntary muscle movement.

Unusual trouble with sight in one or both eyes.

Numbness or tingling of the face; a crooked or uneven smile.

Arm Weakness or Leg Numbness Weakness, numbness or tingling on one side of the body.

S

Speech Difficulty Trouble speaking or understanding words; slurred or garbled speech.

T

Time to Call 911 Even if symptoms appear temporarily, call 911 immediately.

Survive, don’t drive. Make note of the time the symptoms first appeared. Remember, time is brain.

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“The type of stroke — ischemic caused by a clot or hemorrhagic resulting from a leaky or ruptured blood vessel — will dictate the appropriate treatments,” says Dr. Konieczny. “A CT scan typically will be done to show if a stroke has occurred and the location and type of the stroke.

Blood work and a clinical evaluation are also important parts of the diagnosis.”

The gold standard for treating ischemic strokes is tissue plasminogen activator, commonly referred to as "tPA." This clot-busting drug, given via IV, must be administered within three hours of the onset of symptoms — up to four and a half hours in certain circumstances. The tPA dissolves the blood clot and improves blood flow to the brain, which can improve the chances of recovering from a stroke. “This is why it is important to identify a stroke immediately and call 911,” advises Dr. Konieczny. “Every minute that a stroke goes untreated can result in up to 200,000 brain cells dying.”

Another treatment option is an endovascular — which means within the blood vessels — procedure called "mechanical thrombectomy." A neurosurgeon, interventional radiologist or endovascular-trained neurologist will attempt to remove a large blood clot by sending a stent retriever that resembles a tiny wire cage to the site of the blocked blood vessel in the brain. The doctor threads a catheter through an artery in the groin up to the blocked artery in the brain. The stent opens and grabs the clot, and the physician removes the stent with the trapped clot. This procedure should be done within six hours of acute stroke symptoms.

“Hemorrhagic strokes can be treated in several ways.

If you’re taking blood thinners, you’ll be taken off the medication. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to lower your blood pressure,” says Dr. Konieczny.

A leaky or ruptured blood vessel (aneurysm) can be repaired with endovascular embolization, or “coiling.” Similar to the process used to remove a clot, a catheter is threaded through an artery in the groin or arm to the brain, and a tiny platinum coil is inserted to block or reduce the flow of blood. The blood then clots around the coil, essentially sealing the leak.

“Once a patient is stabilized from the initial assault of a stroke, it is important that we understand the reason for the stroke,” explains Dr. Konieczny. “That way we can take steps to reduce the risk of recurrence. For example, taking one baby aspirin a day may reduce the risk of a recurring stroke by as much as 25 percent.” Taking baby aspirin should only be done under direction of your physician.

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Treatment continues Treatment for stokes can continue for many months following the initial event to help patients regain as much function as possible and learn skills to compensate for any lasting deficiencies.

Stokes can result in physical, sensory, communication, cognitive and emotional deficits. Stroke survivors can experience muscle weakness or paralysis, typically on one side of the body. Physical and occupational therapy could be prescribed to help patients regain mobility, dexterity and the skills of daily living, such as dressing, feeding, tying shoes and the like.

Speech therapy can be useful for treating communication deficits, including the inability to understand or produce speech correctly (aphasia), slurred speech due to weak muscles (dysarthria), difficulty in programming oral muscles for speech production (apraxia) and problems swallowing (dysphagia).

A speech therapist can also help patients with exercises to improve cognition, including memory, attention, problem-solving, reasoning, following directions and comprehension.

“Thanks to the plasticity of the brain, particularly among younger stroke patients, individuals may be able to regenerate some capabilities,” says Dr. Konieczny.

Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to repair and reorganize cells; healthy brain cells create new pathways to unaffected parts of the brain, taking over the jobs previously carried out by brain cells that have been destroyed.

Addressing the physical effects of stroke is only part of the journey back to health. Stroke patients may also need support and treatment for mental health problems that can include extreme mood fluctuations or inappropriate emotions, such as laughing when something isn't funny or crying for no apparent reason.

Stroke survivors might mourn the loss of capabilities and should be screened and, if needed, treated for depression.

And the patient is not the only person affected by a stroke. “Caregivers must also cope with dramatic changes in their lives, such as the loss of a husband as they once knew him or an older mother now caring for her onceindependent middle-aged child,” says Dr. Konieczny.

What does the future hold?

Medical and surgical treatments for patients with stroke are developing rapidly. Following are a few of the www.OurHealthlbss.com

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“No matter how far we go in developing new techniques for diagnosing and treating stroke, prevention is still the best medicine. That is where our focus should be. We can make major strides in reducing the devastating effects of stroke by understanding and managing the controllable risk factors,” concludes Dr. Konieczny.

advances that suggest new hope for stroke patients.

•

Research studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2015 found that ischemic stroke patients who were treated within six hours of the onset of symptoms with both tPA and a clot-removal device had significantly better outcomes than patients treated with tPA alone.

•

Researchers at the University of Texas-Dallas are conducting early studies of a new treatment to aid in the recovery of limb function after a stroke. Vagus nerve stimulation is an FDA-approved method for treating various illnesses such as depression and epilepsy. It involves sending a mild electric pulse through the vagus nerve, which causes the release of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters) that enhance learning and memory. It is hoped that vagus nerve stimulation will support neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change its neural circuitry — leading to long-lasting improvement in function for stroke patients.

•

When the brain is deprived of oxygen during a stroke, brain cells die. A second wave of brain injury can occur when excess amounts of toxic chemicals are released in the brain following a stroke. Researchers at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are studying the mechanisms underlying this secondary assault, which involves inflammation, toxicity and a breakdown of the blood vessels that provide blood to the brain. From this research, scientists hope to develop neuroprotective agents to prevent secondary damage.

“No matter how far we go in developing new techniques for diagnosing and treating stroke, prevention is still the best medicine. That is where our focus should be. We can make major strides in reducing the devastating effects of stroke by understanding and managing the controllable risk factors,” concludes Dr. Konieczny.

MEDICAL EXPERTS Peter Konieczny, MD, Neurology Director, with Centra Medical Group in Lynchburg.

RESOURCES American Stroke Association – www.strokeassociation.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.CDC.gov National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – www.NINDS.NIH.gov National Stroke Association – www.stroke.org RESEARCH ASSISTANT Arthur Olivarez, Virginia Commonwealth University

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

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closer LOOK

Can you identify which local practice the image belongs to?

E E R AF

n N o I i W ript

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