JANUARY 2017 SWGA HEALTH BEAT

Erin Cannington, M.D. Allergy & Asthma Clinics of Georgia

Dr. Willie Adams Integrity Hospice

Dr. Hans Chang Albany Diagnostics

James Palazzolo, M.D. Sleep Apnea Centers of America

Keisha Callins, M.D. Albany Area Primary Health Care

Kelly Miller, FNP-BC Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

TIFTON ALBANY AMERICUS BAINBRIDGE SYLVESTER THOMASVILLE VALDOSTA CORDELE MOULTRIE AND SURROUNDING AREAS

229-888-9319 ken.boler@albanyherald.com

FEATURES: Page 3 ~ Joel Wernick -Prevention Leads To A Healthier, Happier You Page 6 ~ Dr. Oz & Roizen Ask Dr. K

robin.mcdade@albanyherald.com

Majors / National Sales

Page 8 ~ Let’s Talk - Keisha R. Callins M.D. Page 9 ~ Integrity Hospice - A New Year

Moultrie / Sylvester / Tifton Sales

Page 10 & 11 ~ Douglas Vascular Colleges / Medical Sales

Distribution

SWGA Health Beat has over 300,000 print-online monthly readers & distributes monthly to prime locations.

This is the #1 Health Magazine covering SW Georgia.

RECURRING EVENTS PHOEBE PUTNEY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Third Tuesday each month at 3pm at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center Cafeteria Private Dining Room.

Wednesdays at 11:00 to 11:45am at Senior Life Enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to register ~ FREE Ages 60 & up

Mondays at 11:00am Advanced Wednesdays at 3:00pm at Senior Life Enrichment Center Call 435-6789 to Register ~ FREE Ages 60 & up 2 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | January 2017

JOEL WERNICK President / Chief Executive Officer, Phoebe Putney Health System

Prevention leads to a healthier, happier you.

The start of a new year feels like pressing the refresh button. Even when the previous year was good, we make resolutions we believe will lead to a brighter new year ahead. Instead of making a resolution often forgotten by February, this year make a promise you and your family can live up to – doing wonders for your peace of mind, keeping you in the game and helping you enjoy life to the fullest. In other words, take charge of your health by practicing prevention.

A great place to start is finding a primary care physician to get you on the right path and over any hurdle in your way. If you already have a primary care doctor but haven’t seen him or her in a while, make an appointment. If a potential problem is identified, at least you are aware and have a plan to get ahead of it before it becomes worse.

A focus on primary care and prevention saves money, is more effective and is just as convenient when you plan ahead for routine physicals, immunizations and screenings. Research shows patients with a primary care physician are healthier, experience better management of chronic diseases and lower overall healthcare costs.

Continuity of care is perhaps one of the biggest benefits in having a primary care home. For many people, the relationship with their primary care provider is long-term. There is enormous value in having a physician who you trust to know and understand you and your family.Whether you are struggling with depression or thinking of having a baby, a primary care provider can be your first resource for advice, as well as a confidential and compassionate listener.

Because access to these front-line providers is so important to the health of our communities, Phoebe has strategically placed primary care physicians throughout Southwest Georgia to improve access and better health outcomes. We encourage you to visit choosephoebe.com to find a Phoebe office near you. The time is now to choose health, happiness and peace of mind in 2017.

And, remember a wise person once said, “The best wealth is health.”

Wishing you the best in the New Year!

Joel Wernick on behalf of the Phoebe Family

January 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 3

DONOR REGISTRY https://www.donatelifegeorgia.org/register/

For more information please call: Carla Hawkins, MBA Education Specialist Multicultural Donation Education Program LifeLink® Foundation 2875 Northwoods Pkwy.

Norcross, GA 30071 Mobile: 229-291-7457 carla.hawkins@lifelinkfound.org http://www.lifelinkfound.org/

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Organ, tissue, and eye donors have the power to save up to eight lives and enhance many more.

You can make a world of difference!

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January 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 5

FINGERNAILS

PREDICT YOUR HEALTH

Other than manicurists, most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about fingernails. But did you know that they can tell you if you have a disease?

Just for a moment, take a good look at your fingernails. If you have polish on your nails, take it off and give those nails a breather for a while. our nails should be smooth and should have a lighter half circle where the nail starts growing from.

That little area is called the “lunula,” Latin for “little moon.”

Your skin should overlap the nail where it grows from and it should abut it on the sides.

Your fingernails ideally should be kept short, overlapping the skin by about a millimeter.

But fashion often trumps good health decisions, and many women (and a few men) place polish on their nails. While that polish isn’t particularly healthy

or even AIDS. And the prettiest nails, called “Terry’s nails” can mean you have for diabetes, cirrhosis or heart your failure. These nails are white body, or light pink and have a we’ll save narrow normal pink band that discussion for another blog. near the end of the Importantly, the polish hides an fingernail. important window into the health of your body.

And there are a lot of other All sorts of illnesses can make diseases your fingernails look funny. that Psoriasis and fungal infections are the most common problems change with nails, causing them to grow your nails. But thick and crack. But it’s those lines that cross the nail, not run now that you’re with the length of it, that are of worried, real concern. These lines what about (called Beau’s lines), start at the lunula and grow out with the those long ridges that so nail. They can occur with many people get? syphilis, diabetes, heart Relax. They’re disease, peripheral vascular normal. And the dark disease, zinc deficiency, and bands in African after high fevers or after American fingernails? chemotherapy. And nails can Also normal. become spoon-like with iron deficiency anemia, and the ends of the fingers can grow So take a good look into clubs with lung and heart at your nails. If they disease, cirrhosis and thyroid disease. Yellow nails can mean look a little funny, you have certain lung diseases visit your doctor.

Can you address some of the most common myths about skin care?

Posted November 26, 2016, 2:00 am

DEAR DOCTOR K: I hear and read so much advice about skin care, and I don’t know what’s true and what’s not. Can you address some common myths about skin care?

DEAR READER: You’re right to be skeptical. My patients often tell me that they’ve heard about a way to keep their skin clear and healthy, and often it is simply not true. I’ll debunk some of the most common myths I hear:

THE RIGHT SKIN CREAM CAN KEEP YOUR SKIN LOOKING YOUNG. For reducing wrinkles, the treatment with the best evidence behind it is retinoic acid (as in Retin-A) that you apply to your skin. But the best ways to keep wrinkles at bay are using sunscreen and not smoking.

ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP IS BEST FOR KEEPING YOUR SKIN CLEAN. It’s unnecessary to keep your skin completely free of bacteria, and impossible to accomplish

anyway. There is no evidence that antibacterial soap cleans better than regular soap. In addition, it may promote bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

EATING CHOCOLATE OR OILY FOODS CAUSES OILY SKIN AND ACNE. There’s no evidence that any specific food causes acne. An oily substance called sebum causes acne. It’s made and secreted by small glands beneath the skin.

TANNING IS ALWAYS BAD FOR YOU. Spending too much time in the sun or in a tanning booth can increase skin cancer risk.

Excessive tanning can also cause skin to wrinkle and age prematurely. That is not a myth: It’s undeniably true. I spent a lot of time on the beaches of sunny Southern California when I was a kid, only rarely using suntan lotion. And I’ve had many skin cancers as a result — all cured, fortunately.

But developing a light or gradual tan through repeated, but careful, sun exposure isn’t dangerous. Just take appropriate precautions: Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30, apply it

6 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | January 2017

thoroughly and reapply when necessary, and avoid peak sun exposure times (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

TANNING IS GOOD FOR YOU. There’s no evidence that tan people are healthier than paler people. Sun exposure does have a health benefit, though. Sunlight activates vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D helps keep bones strong, and may well have other health benefits. But you can get the vitamin D you need from food and supplements.

You don’t need to tan.

THE HIGHER THE SPF OF YOUR SUNSCREEN, THE BETTER. Above a certain level, a higher sun protection factor (SPF) has little added benefit. Using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is fine.

Keeping your skin healthy is important, no doubt. But beware of these myths, as they will only distract you from your goal.

Manageable Main Course

Once the dinner bell rings and it’s time to focus on the night’s main course without overshooting a calorie count, aim for a tasty yet healthy main dish like this recipe for Chicken and Vegetables. Combining skinless chicken thighs with frozen vegetables is a simple way to keep nutrition at the forefront while still enjoying a comforting dinner. Find more healthconscious recipes at health.gov.

Chicken and Vegetables

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Recipe courtesy of the USDA Servings: 4 1 1/2 tablespoons margarine 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup onions, chopped 1 pound chicken thighs (4 ounces each), boneless and skinless 1 package (10 ounces) cut green beans, frozen 1/4 teaspoon pepper In heavy skillet, melt margarine.

Add garlic and onions; stir until blended. Cook over medium heat, until tender, about 5 minutes.

Remove from skillet.

Place chicken in skillet. Cook over medium heat until chicken is thoroughly done and no longer pink in color, about 12 minutes.

Remove chicken from skillet; keep warm.

Place green beans, pepper and cooked onions in same skillet.

Cover and cook over mediumlow heat until beans are tender, about 5 minutes.

Add chicken to vegetable mixture. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 3 minutes.

Note: To remove bone from bone-in chicken thighs: Place chicken on cutting board.

Remove skin from thighs. Turn chicken thighs over. Cut around bone and remove.

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FAMILY FEATURES

dopting healthier eating habits doesn’t have to mean resorting to tasteless food. In fact, you may surprise yourself by enjoying your new lineup of healthy, wholesome meals even more than the calorie-laden dishes you covet.

These recipes are just as big on flavor as they are good for you, so you can savor every last bite all day long. Take time to start off the day with a unique twist on a nutritious smoothie by enjoying it in a bowl. Then at lunch, rely on unexpected ingredients like ripe, juicy berries and beans to transform a ho-hum salad into a true culinary delight. Round out the day with a sensible dinner that gives you a healthy serving of protein and veggies seasoned to simple perfection.

Find more nutritious recipes that make it easy to enjoy eating right at culinary.net.

A Smooth Way to Start Your Day

A wealth of research shows that starting each morning with a nutritious breakfast delivers benefits throughout the day. If you’re pressed for time or simply need to mix up your morning routine, put a fresh spin on a time-saving favorite by making a smoothie bowl.

According to registered dietitian and nutritionist Carolyn Brown, people love to eat with a spoon and find it more mentally and physically satisfying. The same goes for adding texture, such as a crunchy topping like goodnessknows snack squares.

These satisfying, gluten free snacks are crafted with the goodness of whole nuts, real fruits and toasted oats, with no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

Divided into four snackable squares per serving and nestled in a layer made with dark chocolate, one individual, two-bite square contains only about 40 calories.

Find out more about how doing a little good for yourself can go a long way at goodnessknows.com.

Oatmeal Banana Smoothie Bowl

Recipe courtesy of Alison Ray of So Chic Life 2/3 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk 1 tablespoon chia seeds 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract sea salt 1/2 cup almond milk, 2 percent milk or soy milk 1 small banana (or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce) goodnessknows snack squares (any flavor) grated coconut, to taste In small bowl, mix together oats, coconut milk, chia seeds, vanilla and pinch of salt. Cover and place in refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or overnight to help flavors soak in.

In blender or food processor, combine oat mixture with remaining milk and half of the banana (or applesauce). Blend until smooth and creamy.

Pour creamy oats into bowl, and top with snack squares, coconut and slices of remaining banana half.

Tip: To thin consistency, use additional milk.

Salad Sweetness

The sharpness of pecorino cheese, combined with peppery arugula, complements the velvety texture of fava beans in this salad. With nutrition on your mind, a salad is always a go-to choice for a lunch that will please your taste buds without forcing you to sacrifice health goals. Find more nutritional recipes including tasty strawberries at californiastrawberries.com.

Strawberry and Fava Bean Salad with Pecorino

Recipe courtesy of California Strawberry Commission Servings: 6 2 quarts water kosher or sea salt 2 cups shelled fresh fava beans (about 2 pounds in pods) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cups fresh California strawberries, stemmed and quartered coarsely ground black pepper 3 cups rucola (wild arugula) pecorino cheese In large pot over high heat, bring water to boil.

Add pinch of salt and fava beans. Boil 1 minute; drain and cool fava beans in ice water.

Drain fava beans; pinch one end and slip off tough skins of larger beans (Note: skin on small beans is not usually tough).

Discard skins.

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice.

In large bowl, season fava beans and strawberries with salt and pepper. Add rucola and enough dressing mixture to coat salad lightly. Mix gently and spoon onto platter or six salad plates.

With vegetable peeler, shave cheese generously over salad. Grind more pepper on top.

January 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 7

Take a Bow, Wear a Bow: My Tribute to the Women of Southwest Georgia Enlightenment I have decided to start the New Year with special recognition to ALL women in the region (you know who you are) who have allowed me the honor of being a part of their life as a doctor, friend, colleague, mentor, mentee, sister, family, teacher, cook, counselor, advisor, confidant, and writer of this monthly column. My hope is that you will seriously consider how important you are to your family and your community. I challenge you to adjust your actions accordingly in 2017, so that you may do your ultimate best to take care of yourself, give your utmost best to everyone that needs you, and give your uninhibited best in everything you do.

Education Taking care of yourself means addressing your spiritual, mental and physical health: stop ignoring the things bothering you, reach out for help to get access the services you may need, make time to see a provider that can help you, and avoid choices that will harm you and keep you from achieving your goals.

the present, remember that it really is a present and the next minutes and hours and days are not at all guaranteed. I inspire you to savor each moment. Get savvy - look for the blessings that often come mixed in with the unavoidable disappointments. As you prepare for the future, be an instrument. Constantly ask yourself how can you make life better for everyone you encounter. The way you treat others should not be affected by their actions or feelings toward you. Get sincere – accept that it may not always be convenient to be helpful, and that the golden rule, (treat others as you want to be treated), is still golden.

Encouragement In honor of who you are, and all you do to take care of yourself, your family, and your community; I encourage you to wear take a bow for a job exceptionally well done continue to recognize your limitations and be purposeful about your intentions to be happy and healthy. I also encourage you to wear a bow elegantly in your hair on the first Thursday of each month - show the world that you are a phenomenal woman on a mission.

Empowerment It no longer matters if you did not do everything right in the past. We are imperfect and luckily, perfection is not required for progress. Get simple - learn from the lessons of your past, then let it go. As you approach

Quote Of The Month: Phenomenally.

Phenomenal Woman, that’s me. ~Maya Angelou~

SKIN CANCER TREATMENT ~ SKIN EXAMS MOHS SURGERY ~ MOLE REMOVAL

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I would like to suggest that we also consider this question: In the event of a serious accident or illness; have I ever discussed my thoughts regarding medical decisions & care with my family? Do they know what I would want done? Do they know what I would not want done? Can I answer the same questions about each of my family members? Talk with your family. Take the guess work out of the difficult decisions that often surround illness & tragedy.

Advance care planning is making decisions about the care you would want to receive if you become unable to speak for yourself. These are your decisions to make, regardless of what you choose for your care, and the decisions are based on your personal values, preferences, and discussions with your loved ones. If you are in an accident or have an illness that leaves you unable to talk about your wishes, who will speak for you?

You can tell your family, friends and healthcare providers what your wishes and personal beliefs are about continuing or withdrawing medical treatments at the end of life.

Advance care planning includes:

Decisions about end-of-life care are deeply personal, and are based on your values and beliefs.

Because it is impossible to foresee every type of circumstance or illness, it is essential to think in general about what is important to you.

Conversations that focus on your wishes and beliefs will relieve loved ones and healthcare providers of the need to guess what you would want.

Dr. Willie Adams The former Albany Mayor & Staff Physician Integrity Hospice

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January 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 9

how far vascular surgery has come in the last ten years,” says Dr. Bill Davis, Douglas native and an owner of Douglas Vascular Center on Shirley Avenue. “Most of the important life- and limb-saving operations can now be safely performed as outpatient procedures. Blocked arteries and veins can be opened over guide wires placed through a needle stick, likewise veins that have become enlarged to the point they cause leg pain, swelling and even sores, can be welded shut in the body, rather than being stripped.” Until recently, these procedures had been performed only in larger cities, usually confined to hospitals. “It’s only fair that we bring this type of practice back to Douglas, after all, it is the center of the universe,” says Davis. Dr. Davis is referring to a running joke they have at the Center, how if you study current events, or history or science, you will eventually make a connection to Douglas, GA, “or maybe we just look harder for that connection,” Davis winks. It’s no secret that Dr. Wayne Clough, past president of Georgia Tech and recently retired Secretary of the Smithsonian, born in Douglas (“we used to get block ice from his daddy’s plant”), has found hundreds of artifacts in the Smithsonian’s holdings found in or related to Douglas and Coffee County. “Coincidence?

We think not!” “I was blessed being born here because of WWII.” Just after the war, Bill’s dad Phil was stationed at the air base in Douglas, and rented a room from his future mother- and father-in-law, Ruth and W.H. Bone. After watching Phil for some time, Ruth Bone decided he would do, and introduced Phil to their daughter, Ruth, then working in Atlanta.

Dr. Davis was born in the brand new Douglas Hospital in 1954, and lived on Jefferson Street while attending Eastside Elementary School and later graduating from Coffee High School.

He left home to study at Duke University and Davidson College, graduating from Davidson.

Coming back to Georgia for his training at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta was the

next step for this physician, soon to become surgeon. To pay for college, he had joined the army with an ROTC scholarship at Davidson and completed his internship and residency in surgical training at Fort Gordon in Augusta.

After training, Dr. Davis became a staff surgeon at the Army hospital at Ft. McClellan, AL until he became part of the 475th MASH during Desert Storm, the first Gulf War. While serving in Saudi Arabia, Douglas resident Martha Lou Royer had her children write letters to him, among others abroad from Douglas. With those letters also came a flood of memories of just how important his family and friends had been for him. “There is something special and nurturing about this place.”

After his time in the military, Davis returned to South Georgia not far from home. Over the next twenty-five years, he practiced general and vascular surgery in Tifton with South Georgia Surgical Clinics. In 2000, he was fortunate to be trained in Atlanta under the guidance of Dr. Alan Lumsden who at the time was Chief of Vascular Surgery at Emory. After this experience and seeing the advances that have taken place in endovascular surgery over the past decade, Dr. Davis decided to bring his training and experience back home. Dr. Davis, along with Dr. William Kaiser, who have known each other since training in the Army at Fort Gordon, opened Douglas Vascular Center in 2012. Douglas native Allison Bell serves as part of the team as a skilled, vascular trained Physician Assistant. Together they have brought minimally invasive techniques for blood vessel disorders and diseases to Douglas. “Over half of our patients are dialysis patients,” says Dr. Davis. “But what we quickly discovered was what we already knew; patients with diabetes and high blood pressure (the two biggest risk factors for kidney failure) have horrible problems with their blood vessels.” And kidney failure patients have the worst results with traditional open vascular surgery. “The sicker a patient is, the more likely they are to have problems with a big operation, particularly a vascular operation.”

The center’s results in treating dialysis patients for diseased leg blood vessels are substantially better than national figures for open surgery. “We are now in an age when we will soon prove that starting with an endovascular approach (minimally invasive, needle and catheter based) is better not only for the sickest patients but for almost every patient with vascular disease.” “The best treatment for a blocked artery in the leg will soon be proven to be atherectomy.” That is a procedure in which the blood vessel blockage is physically removed from the artery without cutting open the artery, rather by advancing a device over a wire through a needle stick, which cuts or grinds away only the diseased part of the

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artery. “For blocked arteries in the pelvic area we have already proven that stenting produces equivalent results to a big arterial bypass operation, with considerably less pain, suffering and postoperative problems.

Varicose veins are no longer stripped, but the vein which causes the varicosities is welded shut using a device guided over a wire by ultrasound, and closing that vein virtually shuts down the bulging veins which produce pain, swelling and clots. One procedure that we have pioneered in this area is opening of the deep veins. Patients who have leg swelling which persists or returns years after having a deep vein clot, and even many folks without that history, have compression or blockage of the deep veins in the pelvis which is causing that swelling. This can be treated by stenting the deep veins in the pelvis through a needle stick behind the knee, guiding the stent into place with X-ray guidance.”

While being up-to-date and trained in the latest technology is essential, Dr. Davis adds, “The staff is what makes this work. They create a comfortable atmosphere and they know details about the patients. They know the people and know their history. If a patient likes a certain type of fruit drink when they finish with a procedure, the staff makes sure they have it on hand. It is little things like that that count.

Our patients know our goal is to treat one patient at a time and give each one quality, professional medical care by a highly skilled medical team.” “The most important part of performing these procedures is not giving up, because most of the time this is a patient’s last or next-to-last chance before losing a limb or losing a dialysis access, and losing either puts you much closer to the end of your life.”

Dr. Davis told me that his best role model for persistence is his sister. “My sister, Phillis Harrell (formerly Phillis Greer) lost her first husband, Mickey, after a plane crash. “But in the middle of all the wailing and tears when we first heard the worst, she began thanking God just as earnestly for the time they did have together.” She got her boys through college, got a new job, and five years latergot married to a great guy. “I just hope I can be that steadfast and thankful if I’m ever in such a dire situation.” Dr. Davis is grateful for the path that has led him to be doing what he loves on a daily basis. And above all, he is grateful that his full circle has brought him back to the place he considers the center of the universe, Douglas, Georgia.

I had been to many doctors and specialists who either said it was just growing pains or that everything was fine and to remain active.

Now 25, the pain, swelling, and redness in my feet and legs told a different story. The older I got the more my veins “appeared”, including red blotches on my feet and ankles. They started becoming an issue, not just cosmetically as an actress and model, but physically, as I was tired a lot, I worked long hours filming as a Stand-in for a television actress and could hardly drive the three hours to my parents without constant leg pain. My Mother, who has always been concerned about my leg pain and veins, heard about Douglas Vascular Center through a friend and former patient, she excitedly passed the information on to me. I decided the time was right to do something about this,( maybe “ they” might know what my problem is). It was the best decision I have ever made! The staff and medical professionals were so nice and caring. The ultrasound on my first visit confirmed I had some serious issues with my veins. I scheduled surgery with Dr. Davis, feeling comfortable and assured that this was the care and treatment I needed, and finally the validation that there was indeed something more than just a varicose vein. I now have less leg pain and swelling since my recent surgery and more energy to do the things I love, l give all the credit and thanks to wonderful medical staff and Dr. Davis at Douglas Vascular Center!

Mary Griffin, Mableton , Ga. (Formerly Albany Ga.)

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Albany Area Primary Health Care announces the NEW

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Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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FAMILY FEATURES

outines help keep us focused, organized and healthy. However, if your health care routine doesn’t include preparing for Medicare’s Open Enrollment, now’s the time to kick-start a new healthy habit.

If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, you can make changes to your plan which will take effect Jan. 1, 2017. Even if you’re happy with your current FRYHUDJH \RX PLJKW ¿QG VRPHWKLQJ WKDWœV D EHWWHU ¿W IRU \RXU EXGJHW RU KHDOWK QHHGV ,I \RX miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can make changes to your plan. +HUH DUH ¿YH LPSRUWDQW WKLQJV HYHU\ 0HGLFDUH EHQH¿FLDU\ FDQ GR WR JHW LQWR WKH 0HGLFDUH 2SHQ Enrollment routine each year:

Medicare 101: The Basics If you are new to Medicare, here are some program basics: Medicare is a health insurance program for: „ „ „

people age 65 or older people under age 65 with certain disabilities people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)

What are the different parts of Medicare?

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): „ „ „ „

1. Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your “Annual Notice of Change� letter. Look at your plan’s information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network.

2. Think about what matters most to you.

Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery?

Is your new medication covered by your current plan? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change.

3. Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare. Learn about programs in your state to help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, coinsurance and copayments, and Medicare prescription drug

Inpatient care in hospitals Skilled nursing facility care Hospice care Home health care

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): „ „ „ „ „

Services from doctors and other health care providers Outpatient care Home health care Durable medical equipment Many preventive services

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): „ „

„

„

,QFOXGHV DOO EHQHÂżWV DQG VHUYLFHV covered under Part A and Part B Usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare 0D\ LQFOXGH H[WUD EHQHÂżWV DQG services for an extra cost

Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage): „ „

„

Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare May help lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future

14 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | January 2017

coverage costs. You can do this by visiting Medicare.gov or making an appointment with a local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor.

4. 6KRS IRU SODQV WKDW PHHW \RXU QHHGV DQG ÂżW your budget. Starting each October, you can use 0HGLFDUHÂśV SODQ ÂżQGHU WRRO DW 0HGLFDUH JRY ÂżQG a-plan to see what plans are offered in your area.

A new plan may: „

Cost less

„

Cover your drugs

„

Let you go to the providers you want, like your doctor or pharmacy

,I \RX ¿QG \RXU FXUUHQW FRYHUDJH VWLOO PHHWV your needs, then you’re done. Remember, during Medicare Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare.

5. Check your plan’s Star Rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder is up-to-date with the Star Ratings for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Plans are given an overall TXDOLW\ UDWLQJ RQ D RQH WR ¿YH VWDU VFDOH ZLWK RQH VWDU UHSUHVHQWLQJ SRRU SHUIRUPDQFH DQG ¿YH VWDUV representing excellent performance. Star Ratings can be used to compare the quality of health and drug plans being offered.

For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and say “Agent.� TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, let the customer service representative know the language. You can also visit a local SHIP counselor, who can provide free, one-onone, non-biased Medicare assistance. Find one at PHGLFDUH JRY FRQWDFWV $GGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ about Medicare is available on the Medicare Facebook page and by following @MedicareGov on Twitter.

Boost every moment with versatile peanut butter

W FAMILY FEATURES

hether you’re a fitness junkie, busy parent, sleep-deprived student or diehard sweet tooth, peanut butter is an ingredient that sticks for all of life’s moments. With a healthy boost of protein and energy, peanut butter is perfect as an on-the-go snack, fuel for a workout, a reliable family meal or a decadent dessert.

There’s no shortage of delicious ways to pack peanut butter into diverse dishes throughout the day: Add peanut butter to your favorite fruit smoothie for a nutty new flavor.

Encourage children to experiment with the essential spread and go beyond PB and J by replacing fruit for the jelly or stirring peanut butter or peanut butter powder into their yogurt.

A simple peanut butter and honey sandwich makes a great on-the-go snack you can throw in your gym bag or tuck away in a drawer at work.

Add peanut butter to a sauce or salad dressing for an extra zip of flavor and protein.

Find more creative ways to enjoy peanut butter with these winning recipes from Southern Peanut Growers’ annual PB My Way recipe contest, and explore additional dishes that celebrate this versatile ingredient at peanutbutterlovers.com.

Veggie Sammies with Peanut Butter Satay Sauce

Recipe courtesy of Ben M., San Francisco, California Serves: 2 1/2 cup white onion 1/2 cup red bell pepper 4 tablespoons creamy peanut 1/2 cup purple cabbage butter 1/2 cup fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons water In small bowl, combine peanut butter, 4 teaspoons hoisin sauce lime juice, water, hoisin sauce, soy sauce 2 teaspoons soy sauce and sriracha. Mix well.

2 teaspoons sriracha Spread sauce on both sides of bread 2 French baguette rolls (6 inches then layer with cucumber, onion and each) bell pepper. Top with cabbage and 1/2 cup sliced cucumber cilantro leaves.

Graceland Mini Cupcakes

Recipe courtesy of Linda D., Coconut Creek, Florida Frosting: Serves: 36 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese Cupcakes: 1/2 cup butter 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 4 ripe bananas Heat oven to 350 F. Line cupcake tins 1/2 cup light sour cream with paper liners and lightly spray with 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cooking spray. at room temperature To make batter: In medium bowl, 2 tablespoons canola oil combine flour, baking powder and salt.

3/4 cups sugar Stir to combine and set aside.

2 large eggs, at room In small bowl, mash bananas and temperature add sour cream. Mix well and set aside.

1 large egg white, at room Using electric hand mixer, beat temperature butter, oil and sugar until incorporated, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract about 3-5 minutes. Add eggs, egg Peanut Butter Filling: white and vanilla. Mix until combined.

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter Slowly add half the dry ingredients and Bacon Topping: mix until almost incorporated. Add 4 slices bacon sour cream and banana mixture and gently fold into batter. Add rest of dry 1/2 cup brown sugar ingredients until combined.

Peanut Apple Chicken Curry

Spoon batter into lined cupcake pans. Bake 18-20 minutes and let cool.

After cooling about 30-45 minutes, use paring knife to cut small circle in middle of top of cupcakes and remove plug, creating a well about halfway down cupcake. Add peanut butter to piping bag and fill each hole. Set aside.

In medium bowl, dredge both sides of bacon slices in brown sugar. Place on foil-lined baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Flip and bake another 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon from oven and place on plate to cool. Once cool, chop bacon and set aside.

To make frosting: In large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. Add confectioners’ sugar and mix until well-combined.

Add frosting to piping bag. Pipe a dollop of frosting onto each cupcake and sprinkle with candied bacon pieces.

Recipe courtesy of Jess A., Berkeley, California Serves: 4 salt, to taste pepper, to taste Sauce: cooked rice (optional) 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced To make sauce: In medium to large 2 teaspoons curry powder saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.

1/4 cup scallions, chopped Add garlic, curry powder and scallions.

1 cup creamy peanut butter Saute 1 minute.

2 teaspoons rice wine Add peanut butter, vinegar, apple vinegar juice, coconut milk, brown sugar 1 3/4 cups apple juice and cayenne. Bring to simmer, reduce 1 3/4 cups coconut milk heat and cook over low heat, stirring 1/4 cup brown sugar frequently, about 10-15 minutes.

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat (optional) oil. Add onion and stir fry about 2-3 minutes until onions start to Chicken: become opaque.

2 tablespoons olive oil Add chicken and apples, and stir 1/2 small yellow onion, until chicken is cooked completely. chopped Add peanut sauce and cook until 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless heated evenly, about 2-5 minutes. chicken breast, cut into Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

1-inch strips Serve warm over rice, if desired.

1 medium apple, peeled, cored and chopped

January 2017 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | 15

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16 | A (SCNI) Southern Community Newspaper Product | January 2017