Pain patients deserve love, too

This month’s issue of Healthy Living touches me on a personal level. I recently lost my 52-year-old sister, Dondi Cote, from complications related to gastric bypass surgery.

For Dondi, the past few years have been a living nightmare. She struggled through various illnesses and various surgeries. Doctors prescribed her a cocktail of medications that provided minimal relief. Her quality of life had dwindled to nothing.

Seeing her suffer was heartbreaking. She was my older sister—the one I spent countless hours talking with about work, children, and life in general.

In her final days, I sat by her bed at Cornerstone Hospice reminiscing about the good times we shared together. Just like a mother, Dondi had unconditional love for me. And I’ll hold her love close to my heart until the day I die.

There was a valuable lesson I learned from witnessing Dondi’s health struggle. I think some of us can be overly judgmental when watching a family member or friend endure chronic pain. We label them as pill-seekers, hypochondriacs, or quitters. You know what? They’re none of those things. They just want some semblance of a normal life, and when medications or surgeries fail to provide them with long-lasting relief, all hope seems lost.

Those of us who have never suffered from a debilitating disease or chronic pain have no right to be judgmental. Instead, we should shower them with love, provide a listening ear, and be understanding. That way, they know they are not alone in their daily struggles.

In this issue, we shed light on debilitating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. You’ll read about three patients who are able to cope thanks to an outstanding support group that includes spouses and friends. I hope their stories inspire you. We’re also providing a comprehensive list of local support groups that meet throughout the year. These groups are invaluable because they give members an opportunity to interact with others who are impacted by the same disease or illness.

I’d like to end my letter by providing a little advice. It’s bad enough when someone has to battle chronic pain on a daily basis. Let’s do our part to ensure they don’t have to also battle the stigma that accompanies it.

Have a healthy and safe August.

Doug Akers / President doug@akersmediagroup.com

Kendra Akers / Publisher/Editor-In-Chief kendra@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark jamie@akersmediagroup.com editorial, design & photography

Leigh Neely Managing Editor leigh@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs Staff Writer james@akersmediagroup.com

Theresa Campbell Staff Writer theresa@akersmediagroup.com

Chris Gerbasi Staff Writer chris@akersmediagroup.com

Anthony Rao Staff Photographer anthony@akersmediagroup.com

Jason Fugate Creative Director jason@akersmediagroup.com

Volkan Ulgen Art Director volkan@akersmediagroup.com

Josh Clark Senior Designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

Michael Gaulin Production Director michael@akersmediagroup.com

Nicole Hamel Staff Photographer nicole@akersmediagroup.com contributing writers

Fred Hilton, Richard T. Bosshardt M.D., Dave Ramsey, Joy Stephenson-Laws, BE Conrad, Sherry Kelishadi, Dr. Soroya Bacchus, Jaime Brenkus, Tae Yun Kim sales & marketing

Tim McRae Vice President, Sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

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Wound Care At Tvrh

To raise awareness of chronic wounds, a common problem for those who suffer from diabetes, obesity, and the late effects of radiation therapy, The Villages Regional Hospital and Leesburg Regional Medical Center Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center celebrated an awareness week in June. The centers, both members of the Healogics network, offer advanced therapies to patients who have chronic wounds. People with wounds that have not improved with traditional methods of treatment may benefit from a visit to the Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at LRMC or TVRH, where most wounds are healed within 30 days. In fact, the center in The Villages has been named a Center of Excellence four years in a row. To schedule an appointment in Leesburg, call 352.323.3232, or in The Villages, call 352.751.8820.

Ptsd Increasing In Older Adults

The topic of post-traumatic stress disorder is becoming increasingly cant to older adults, both veterans and non-veterans, according to a press release from Leesburg Regional Medical Center. The reasons may be due to age and the impact of increased health problems, decreased sensory abilities, reduced income, loss of loved one, poor social support, and cognitive impairment, among others. Many seniors use unhealthy coping strategies, such as over-commitment to work or volunteer efforts, or drinking too much. For those who find they need medical help, the new Senior Behavioral Health Center at LRMC provides an environment that is comfortable and secure so they can engage fully in recovery. Other behavioral conditions may include depression, anxiety, aggression, or help managing lifelong conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Consult your doctor to determine a treatment plan. The LRMC Senior Behavioral Health Center is available at 352.323.3270.

Hospital Selects New Government Affairs Director

Florida Hospital has selected Kelly Ferguson to serve as director of public and government affairs for the Florida Hospitals in Lake, Volusia, and Flagler counties, a press release states. Her responsibilities will include planning, supporting, and implementing government and public affairs for several of the Florida Hospitals, including Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares. Kelly has 25 years of experience in government and nonprofit development and management. She previously served as chief executive officer of WORC Inc., a local nonprofit organization. She has been executive director of the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools and the development director for the NewsJournal Center in Daytona Beach. Most recently, she worked as a licensed Realtor in St. Johns, Flagler, and Volusia counties.

Honey Belle Natural Skin Care

Not long ago, Healthy Living received samples from Honey Belle. The Gold Collection included Luxe, Flora, and Elixir. The cleansing oil in Luxe has a base of organic and cold-pressed apricot kernel seed oil, which helps repair the skin, prevent fine lines and other signs of aging. It’s great as a daily cleanser or waterproof makeup remover. Flora is organic rose water and rosewood, which smell delicious. Created for all skin types, it cleanses, tightens, and tones the skin. It also reduces acne scars and blackheads. The organic hemp seed oil, grapefruit, and basil in the Elixir makes skin firmer so it looks younger. It’s also great for all skin types. All the products from Honey Belle were created for specifi These products were tested by a staff member and came through with fl colors. Beauty may only be skin deep, but with these products, that skin can be more beautiful.

Restless Toddlers Enjoy Moshi Twilight App

Most parents have run the gamut of ways to make bedtime easier for them and their children. Getting some kids to go to sleep proves very challenging. The Moshi Twilight app helps settle children down and creates a sense of peace and inner safety to make bedtime calmer and help children go to sleep faster. The good-night stories on the app focus on a fi out” moment after the bedtime story is finished. The stories on the app have dreamy melodies with calming narration, and guided relaxation with soothing sounds. The app is available for phones or tablets on Android and iPhone sites.