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Her Magazine — October 2021
www.reflector.com/her
Meet our team
Christina Ruotolo Editor
Deborah Griffin Photographer
Sophie Szymeczek Contributor
Christy Jones Contributor
Lauren Butler Contributor
Dear Readers, The first time I found a breast lump, I was 16 years old. A few weeks earlier in health class, they passed around a fake breast filled with lumps to feel so we would know what to look for during a breast self-exam. After I found my lump, I went straight to my mom, who I’m sure thought I was being overdramatic. Two days later, I had my first mammogram. It was not pleasant as mammogram machines back them were cold and metal. A few days after that, I was at the hospital having an ultrasound. I was half naked, lying on a table when the phone rang. The nurse gasped, jumped up, locked the door, threw me my shirt, and we locked ourselves in the bathroom. A man had just entered the ER with a shotgun and was mad his wife had just died. You could hear him yelling outside our door. I was sure not only did I have breast cancer, but that I would die that day. The situation was diffused, the man was arrested and I cried. I ended up being diagnosed with dense breast tissue. It was a traumatic experience. Fast forward to this past summer. I had my routine mammogram and went about my day as normal. Less than 12 hours later, the nurse called back. They had found a suspicious lump that needed further investigation with a 3D mammogram. So needless to say, my mind went straight back to that horrible day as a teenager. I found myself once again in an office, half naked. Not only did they find one lump, but I had two. After my mammogram, I was ushered into another room for an ultrasound. I was terrified. I’m 43; I wasn’t ready to hear the word cancer. My mom died of cancer, so fear took over. After the radiologist reviewed the scans, they came out and told me they were fluid-filled cysts and not cancer. Relief washed over me and once again I cried. The reality is that lots of moms, sisters, wives, and friends will die from breast cancer every minute of every day. Fighting right alongside all the brave men and women battling cancer are incredible doctors, nurses, infusion bay nurses, mammographers and radiologists, just like our cover model, Dr. Ericka Griffin. She is the medical director for the Breast Imaging Center. This issue is devoted to the advancements of breast imaging to help women continue to receive optional care. There are health-related articles, recipes, nurse and survivor spotlights as well as information on red light therapy, encouragement from Coach Chris, advice on how to love your bra, Her successes to celebrate and much more. May this issue remind you to be brave and stay positive! We can get through anything if we keep the faith!
Contact Her
Blessings,
Christina Ruotolo | Editor | 329-9532 Craig Springer | Advertising | 329-9632 Jasmine Blount | Designer | 258-3035 Email: cruotolo@reflector.com
Contents Cover Story
4-9 Saving Lives One Mammogram at a Time
Inside
11-12 Red Light Therapy 13 Power Up With Prevention
www.reflector.com/her
14 Broccoli and Tomato Pizzas Recipe 16-17 Shopping Page: Gifts for Any Occasion 18-19 Her Advice: Fight Like a Giirl 20 Her Success: Morgan E. Taylor 22 Does Your Bra Hate You? 24 Business Spotlight: Revive Health & Wellness 25 Puzzle
Her Magazine — October 2021
26-27 Meet Her: Connie Corey 29 Beauty Trends for Fall 30 Meet Her: Sophie Szymeczek RN, BSN, IBCLC 31 Meet Her: Dr. Erika Griffin
3
O
n average one woman will
yearly mammogram. Early detection, advanced
be diagnosed with breast
screening methods, and improved treatment
cancer in the United States
options are some reasons why the number of
every two minutes. That
women dying of breast cancer has decreased by
means before you are done
40% over the last three decades.
reading this article, four
Breast cancer prevention starts with education
women will be diagnosed
as well as access to medical care. Eastern North
with breast cancer. It is estimated that one in
Carolina is home to a number of hospitals and
eight women will develop breast cancer in their
medical offices providing a variety of tools to
lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation
bring breast cancer research, advancements,
estimates that more than 43,000 women in
and education to the masses no matter their
the United States will die this year alone from
geographical location or financial situation.
breast cancer. Even though there are close to
At the forefront of breast cancer imaging is
3.8 million survivors of the disease, there is more
Dr. Ericka Griffin, medical director of Eastern
work to be done, more advancements to be
Radiologists’ Breast Imaging Center in Greenville,
made, and more lives to save. The first step in
North Carolina. She also serves as an affiliate
saving lives is early detection by scheduling your
associate Professor of Radiology for the Brody
School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Dr. Griffin is knowledgeable in the latest breast imaging technology including tomosynthesis, contrast enhanced mammography and MRI. She performs diagnostic breast procedures and biopsies using the most up-to-date technology. The Breast Imaging Center offers multiple services including mammography, breast MR (magnetic resonance), CEM (Contrast Enhanced Mammography), ductography, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, and Bone Density (DEXA) scans. After obtaining her bachelor of science degree in molecular biology from Tulane University, she earned her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1997. She then went on to complete a diagnostic radiology residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as the chief resident of radiology. She completed her breast imaging fellowship at Moses Cone Hospital in 2003, is board certified in diagnostic radiology by the American Board of Radiology (ABR), is a member of the Old North State Medical Society, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). Dr. Griffin has been in Greenville for almost 20 years and is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She came to Greenville after she married Dr. Christopher Parks Griffin, who did his
Some days, she performs needle biopsies using image
pediatric residency at ECU. “He liked the area and asked me
guidance. She usually ends her day in the reading room
to give it a try. So, it has been 19 years. I must like it here. We
viewing screening mammograms.
have a 15-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who keeps us quite
“The most rewarding part of my job is when a patient
busy with her activities like dance and student council.” Dr.
returns for her mammogram 6 months following her
Griffin also serves as president of the Eastern NC Chapter of
diagnosis,” she said. “Usually by that visit her surgery
Jack and Jill of America and is a member of the Goldsboro
and treatment are all completed. I love being able to
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
report that her mammogram is fine. Even though her
For Dr. Griffin, radiology was not initially on her radar
healthcare team told her she would be fine, this is the
when she decided to attend medical school. “I cannot
point where she begins to believe and put breast cancer
remember ever wanting to be anything other than a doctor,”
behind her.”
she said. “Of course, the doctor you are most familiar with is
The pandemic did make her job harder, but she strives
a pediatrician. So, I thought I would like pediatrics. I did not.
to provide the same level of care her patients deserve.
I never even thought of specializing in radiology, despite
“This pandemic has been stressful for everyone, especially
having an uncle who was a radiologist. I actually planned
women,” Dr. Griffin said. “We have had to be teachers,
to be a cardiologist. It was the first day of my fourth-year
caregivers, cooks, drivers and wage earners. The hardest
elective rotation in radiology that changed my mind. I never
part of my job is telling a woman in the midst of all these
knew radiologists saw so many interesting things and had
stressors that she has breast cancer.”
so much patient contact.”
The same advice she gives to her patients extends
Dr. Griffin’s job involves a multitude of things and each
to her classroom as a professor of radiology, Dr. Griffin
day presents new experiences and opportunities.“Radiology
encourages her students to learn about prevention and
is a diverse specialty with at least 10 sub-specialties like
cancer screening. “I like to talk to medical students about
neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, and pediatric radiology.
the importance of cancer screening,” she said. “Many of
I am a breast imager so I care primarily for women. I begin
the ECU students will specialize in primary care fields.
my day seeing patients for a number of breast problems
It is crucial for them to understand health maintenance
such as a lump, nipple discharge or focal pain. I interpret
and making sure their patients have a colonoscopy at
their mammographic images and I perform an ultrasound
age 45, regular Pap tests, mammography and lung
if needed. I like doing my own ultrasound as it allows me
cancer screening for smokers. We also discuss the breast
the opportunity to examine and speak to my patient.”
problems they will encounter in their practice and when
6
Her Magazine — October 2021
www.reflector.com/her
imaging is needed.” For women wanting to reduce their risk of breast cancer, Dr. Griffin encourages women to practice healthy habits including exercising regularly, refraining from smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. “Compared to women who don't drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer,” she said, adding that obesity is a key risk factor for developing breast cancer.” She also encourages women to get mammograms annually. “Unfortunately, breast cancer is a very common disease. The good news is that the earlier breast cancer is found the more likely breast cancer is curable,” Dr. Griffin said. “Currently screening mammography is our best tool for finding breast cancer early before symptoms occur. Breast cancer death is reduced by 40% in women 40-70 years of age who participate in screening every one to two years. This is why getting an annual mammogram is important.” There are many women who do not have access to doctors, health insurance, or have financial resources to obtain yearly health exams let alone mammograms. Dr. Griffin discusses how certain disparities in our area have caused an influx of breast cancer diagnosis and how we can bridge the gap. “African American women are 42% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women,” she said. “This difference in outcome is complex and multi-factorial. Even when one adjusts for economic factors such as lack of health insurance and financial resources, the disparity still exists. African-American women are disproportionately affected by more aggressive tumor types, such as triplenegative breast cancer and inflammatory breast cancer. African-American women are 72% more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50. Therefore,
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Her Magazine — October 2021
7
African-American women should at least begin screening
addresses health disparities among women who are
by age 40.”
uninsured or underinsured by providing cancer screening.
In fact, the Society of Breast Imaging recommends that all
If you wish to be screened and are uninsured, contact your
women should discuss breast cancer risks with their primary
local health department for more information. “Structural
care provider by the age of 30 to determine if screening
barriers are non-economic burdens or obstacles that make
earlier than 40 is needed. Family history of breast cancer is a
it difficult for people to access screening,” Dr. Griffin said.
key factor in determining risks. It is important to know your
“Often women are too busy at work to take time off and/
risks and do something about it. “Access to cancer screening
or cannot come to get a mammogram when the office is
is a concern in eastern North Carolina,” Dr. Griffin said. “While
open. We are currently offering weekend hours for screening
Greenville is fortunate to have high-quality breast imaging
mammograms to accommodate these women.”
centers, we know that women who live in rural areas are less
No matter what the future holds for advancements in
likely to be screened and more likely to die of breast cancer
breast imaging technology, Dr. Griffin is blessed to work in a
than those who live in metropolitan areas. We are working
field she loves. She hopes to see improved cancer detection
to remove financial and structural barriers to breast cancer
in patients with dense breast tissue and hopes one day
screening.”
all women no matter their circumstances have adequate
Financial barriers are obstacles based on the patient’s
medical care and breast cancer screening to ensure more
income, ability to pay, and existing health insurance. The
women are spared from breast cancer one mammogram
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
at a time.
8
Her Magazine — October 2021
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Her Magazine — October 2021
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Health
RED LIGHT THERAPY
I
t’s no secret that as we age, our skin loses elasticity and
the powerhouse of the cell — where the cell’s energy is
collagen, which in turn create wrinkles, thins and dries
created. The energy-carrying molecule found in the cells
our skin out, creating saggy and scarred skin. What if
of all living things is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
you could wave a magic red light wand over your body,
By increasing the function of the mitochondria using RLT,
increase collagen production, reduce wrinkles, reduce the
a cell can make more ATP. With more energy, cells can
appearance of acne scars, sagging skin, ease muscle and
function more efficiently, rejuvenate themselves, and
joint pain and increase mental clarity in the process?
repair damage. RLT is different from laser or intense pulsed
Let’s go back to the 1990s when light-emitting diodes
light (IPL) because it doesn’t cause damage to the skin
(LED) red lights were used in space to assist in the growth
surface. Laser and pulsed light therapies work by causing
of plants. What the scientists found was that the intensity
controlled damage to the outer layer of the skin, which
of the red light emitted encouraged photosynthesis
then induces tissue repair. Red Light Therapy bypasses
of plant cells. The boosted plants’ growth caused the
this harsh step by directly stimulating regeneration of
researchers to wonder if the same cell growth would help
the skin. The light emitted by RLT penetrates roughly 5
humans, so astronauts used red lights to see if it would
millimeters below the skin’s surface.”
help them keep their muscle mass and bone density and promote wound healing, which are issues faced by
After years of research with RLT, multiple benefits from
humans who remain in a weightless environment for long
the treatments have been discovered. Many people claim
periods of time.
that Red Light Therapy is beneficial for many medical and non-medical issues such as:
So what is red light therapy (RLT) and how does red
•
Easing the pain of carpel tunnel syndrome
light therapy work? Healthline.com states that “Red light is
•
Easing arthritis symptoms, inflammation and joint
thought to work by producing a biochemical effect in cells that strengthens the mitochondria. The mitochondria are
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pain •
Assisting athletes in faster recover of some injuries
Her Magazine — October 2021
11
•
Helping diabetics who may be suffering from foot ulcers
of healing and rejuvenating uses and can be utilized with
•
Reducing acne scars, Rosacea, and scars from psoriasis
UV to enhance both your skin and your tan.
•
Reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the face and body
•
Increasing collagen production
protective eye wear, and allow your mind to slow down
•
Reducing some side-effects from chemotherapy
and your body to lie still in the bright, red lights. It doesn’t
•
Increasing mental clarity and mood
hurt. When you close your eyes, you may see purple behind
•
Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
your eyelids. But then you become relaxed knowing the red
It’s just like getting in the tanning bed. You wear
Many doctor’s offices use red light therapy in various ways
lights are penetrating the layers of skin and giving the cells
to aid patients in recovery from a variety of issues. Wahoo
a “pep talk,” telling them to shape up and heal. You know
Tanning, 4320-I East 10th St., has a red light therapy bed.
that feeling you get just minutes before you fall into deep
Many customers find the red light therapy bed has improved
sleep, when the bed seems to fall away from you and you
their lives by decreasing their pain, improving moods,
feel like you are floating? That is what it felt like. I felt safe
reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving tightness
and comfortable and the red lights emitted a slight warmth
of the skin. The 15-minute session is a quick and affordable
around my body. I’m looking forward to additional sessions
way to assist you in your overall health maintenance plan.
through the winter to decrease my joint pain and increase
I recently started using the red light therapy bed to reduce my Fibromyalgia and arthritis pain from years of dancing
mental clarity which has been known to decrease for many during dark winter months.
and to reduce pain and swelling in my hands from writing
It’s always good to try new things, to look for non-medical
too much. I also hoped it would be 15 minutes of peaceful
ways to heal our bodies without taking a pill, cutting into our
calm to bring my body and mind back into focus. You can go
skin or taking radical medical steps to feel better. To find out
every day, a few times a week or a few times a month, and
more about red light therapy, it’s always best to do your own
it can take several rounds or months of using the red light
research and talk to your doctor. For more information, call
bed to see results. Many people use the red light bed prior
Wahoo Tanning at 252-758-7589.
to their tanning session to increase the tanning process. Exposure to RLT has been proven effective for a wide range
presented by Pitt Community College
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Her Magazine — October 2021
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Health & Recipe
W
hen thinking about health issues in the
movement or exercise videos from the internet for the
United States, one might believe that
office. The best way to maintain being physically active is
the number of people diagnosed with
to do something you enjoy!
a disease would be low considering our
resources. Here in eastern North Carolina, the leading
#3: Maintain energy with a healthier body weight
causes of death are attributed to chronic disease. Some
Maintaining a healthy body weight can help us avoid
of the most prevalent include heart disease, cancer and
chronic conditions in the future. Research shows that if
diabetes. The good news is there is something we can do
you are overweight, gradual and steady weight loss of 1 to 2
about it! With this in mind, these are some of the ways we
pounds a week can produce health benefits. Sometimes, it
can take charge.
can be challenging to maintain a healthy weight. We may often find ourselves making healthy choices some days
#1: Fuel your body with fruits and vegetables
and others not so much. Don’t consider it a failure, but
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
instead, look for the opportunity to make your next choice
only 1 out of 10 Americans consume enough fruits and
a healthy one, and a couple more after that!
vegetables each day. Filling half of our plate with these powerhouse foods will fuel our body with the nutrients it
Overall, taking charge and making small lifestyle changes
needs to properly function. Varying fruits and non-starchy
can help prevent chronic disease in the future!
vegetable intake can help us get the variety that we need. They are full of Vitamin A, C and E and provide protection
References:
for our bodies and immune system. In addition, fruits and
www.cdc.gov • www.myplate.gov
vegetables provide fiber, which helps maintain good gut function and may prevent some cancers. Some examples include berries, grapes, apples, leafy greens, broccoli and
Lauren Butler is a dietetic
cauliflower. Remember, the more colorful, the better!
intern from Marywood University and is currently
#2: Recharge with physical activity
completing her internship
Physical activity is necessary to lead a healthy life. The
at the Pitt County Health
CDC recommends getting at least 30 minutes per day
Department. Lauren lives in
of moderate physical activity for adults and 60 minutes
eastern North Carolina and
per day for children. This can easily be broken down into
received her undergraduate
increments of 10-15 minutes. Exercise does not have to
degree from East Carolina
be intense, it can be as simple as walking briskly each
University in 2019.
day, riding your bike or dancing. Another idea is to use
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Her Magazine — October 2021
13
BROCCOLI TOMATO PIZZAS www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/recipes/a11241/ broccoli-tomato-pizzas-recipe-122565/ YIELDS: 4
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35 MINS
VEGGIES
Calories 210
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We are Pleased to Announce the Association of Patricia C. Doerr, MD Dr. Patricia C. Doerr joins ECPC Pain Specialists as an Interventional Pain Specialist. Dr. Doerr is a native North Carolinian. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar. After obtaining her doctorate in medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, she completed her medical internship and anesthesiology residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She then completed a fellowship in pain medicine at the University of Alabama Birmingham. We are pleased to welcome Patricia C. Doerr, MD to ECPC Pain Specialists.
Her Magazine — October 2021
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Her Magazine — October 2021
15
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Her Magazine — October 2021
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Her Magazine — October 2021
ATE HYDR P U Y PINK E LEAF TEA LOOS
17
Advice
FIGHT LIKE A Girl
A
s we know, october is breast cancer awareness
a challenge or a battle, particularly related to health, you
month and i want to dedicate this particular
need to put your focus on what really matters so that you
article to a few women who i personally know
can anchor your strength. You must preserve your energy
that have survived breast cancer: my sister,
because during a battle, your energy is limited. You must
patrice hinton and four of my friends: niecy jones, latonya
decide to put your focus on what will yield the greatest
nixon, shantell cheek and keysha shaw. All these ladies
fulfillment and sense of joy for you. This is critical.
have been strong examples of how to roll up your sleeves in the middle of a health challenge and “fight like a girl!”
Lesson #2: inventory
I just want to take a moment to give them a shout out!
Inventory: each of them took inventory regularly. In other
As i began to reflect upon how these ladies walked
words, they looked around to see what they had instead
through their battles with breast cancer, many lessons
of focusing on what they did not have. One of my friends,
stood out to me — and i want to sum those lessons up as
niecy jones, said that daily she would stop to think about
a source of encouragement through this acronym. When
all the goodness that she had surrounding her, particularly
you are going through a serious battle (even if it is not
on days when she did not feel as strong. Doing this helped
breast cancer), you need to know how to f.I.G.H.T.
her to keep her emotional tank filled so that when she had
I noticed that all these ladies pursued the following
to receive her chemotherapy, she would have the strength
strategies as they walked through their challenge, and if
to keep pushing. Consequently, niecy wrote a book that
you find yourself going through a tough time, i want to
chronicled her journey, “victorious secrets for the breast
encourage to take a lesson from their book:
cancer survivor.” (It is truly a great resource: on amazon or her website www.Niecyjones.Com)
Lesson #1: focus Focus: each of them decided to focus on what really
Lesson #3: gratitude
mattered and that was their faith, their family, and their
Gratitude: another lesson that stood out to me from these
future. I noticed that each of them made a declaration that
ladies was that each time i talked with any of them, they
they were going to put first things first and prioritize what
all kept a posture of gratitude while walking through their
really mattered to them each day. You see when you are in
battle. I understand that the more you think on the things
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Her Magazine — October 2021
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that you are thankful for, the less you have time to think
their battle. However, i saw them track the small victories. If
about what you do not have or what is going wrong or how
on wednesday, they were having to cut their hair off because
bad you may be feeling. Complaining is draining! You will
the treatment was taking it out, on thursday, they celebrated
never gain strength if you constantly focus on weakness.
when they woke up because they were still able to breathe
Each day, several of them would start their day with a list
on their own without assistance! I thought this was powerful
of gratitude and that gave them the strength to stand on
because every day will not be sunny. There will be cloudy
tougher days!
times, but if you can keep track of the victories, you will be
Lesson #4: help somebody else
able to weather all the storms and win the battle! I hope that this article has been a source of encouragement
Help somebody else: one of the greatest ways to overcome
for someone! Life is not always smooth sailing, and there are
a challenge is to position yourself to encourage someone
some battles that we can win if we learn how to f.I.G.H.T.!
else who may be worse off than you! My brother, trev evans,
Until next time, have an amazing month!
has coined a phrase that is so profound: “we were not made to do life alone!” In other words, we need each other’s help.
Christy jones, also know
I noticed that these ladies did not just sit down and sulk
as coach chris, is an
in their challenge. Instead, they decided to be instruments
improvement coach for
of impact by sharing their stories, helping others to be
leaders and helps them
encouraged and pouring into people who were going
break free from feeling
through similar things. This is powerful because the principle
overwhelmed and prepares
is you will reap what you sow. When you help someone else,
them to take their teams to
you get stronger! That’s a fact!
high levels of performance.
Lesson #6: track the small victories
Contact her at www. Beginmonday.Com.
Track the small victories: i noticed that each of them did not always have a good day every day when walking through
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19
Success
Taylor MORGAN E.
Morgan E. Taylor popped on the scene when she was 5 years old as the co-author of Daddy’s Little Princess, a nonfiction children’s book that introduces real Princesses of color from around the world. Now, the preteen who envisioned being a Princess is a Queen. On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, Morgan competed as Miss Pre Teen Tar Heel State for the international title and won, crowned as Miss Pre Teen International in Kingsport, TN. Morgan is the first black preteen to achieve this honor. “It’s such an honor to represent Pre Teens everywhere and to encourage young people to read,” said Morgan. “My goal is to be authentic and to be a positive role model.”
As Miss Pre Teen International the 12-year-old rising 8th grader now moves on from highlighting positive role models to being one herself. Her platform is Diversity Through Literature. Morgan will work with the United Way to build self-esteem and encourage young learners by reading and providing them with diverse children’s books. The Miss Pre Teen International Competition was developed to promote today’s preteens, ages 10-12, and their accomplishments on a worldwide platform. Morgan was a featured author at the annual prestigious Essence Festival honoring black achievement for three consecutive years, and her book continues to receive international acclaim. Daddy’s Little Princess can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major booksellers https://linktr.ee/ taylormadepublishing. Her TEDx is also available on YouTube. To keep up with what Miss Pre Teen International has going on follow her on Instagram at misspreteenintl21. 20
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Elaine Anderson REALTOR/Broker elaine@century21trg.com
Diane Edwards CSSS, GREEN, SRES
Multi-million Dollar Producer Former WBCBR Realtor® of the Year Coldwell Banker Sterling, Diamond and President’s Circle
The Realty Group
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Buying, selling, investing or relocating specialist Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
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Her Magazine — October 2021
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Is There Such A Thing As A Bra That Fits? Yes! We can’t promise absolute comfort, but a bra is said to
hand washed, but if you wash in a machine, always use a
fit when the band stays flat against your ribs when you lift
mesh wash bag and never dry your bras in a dryer!
your arms over your head, all of your breast tissue is inside
Remember: wearing a bra is a personal decision. Based on
the cup - and stays there! The band around your rib cage
our societal norms, most women in our country feel more
is snug enough to stay in place when you slide the straps
comfortable while wearing a bra. You owe it to yourself to
off of your shoulders.
schedule a fitting and find a bra you love to wear!
There are benefits to wearing a well-fitted brassiere. Too many women feel like their bra is out to get them. It
Sophie Szymeczek RN, BSN, IBCLC has been a Pirate
rides up in the back, does not contain breasts well in the
nurse for 40 years. Her career includes 32 years of
front, and may dig in at the shoulders. You find yourself
bedside care in mother/
tugging all day long just to stay in the bra. It’s just generally
baby, labor and delivery,
uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be! With professional
high risk obstetrics care
assistance, you can find a style that best suits your needs.
and lactation consulting.
No two styles fit the same, however, so your bra wardrobe
She received her bachelor’s
will likely have two, three or more sizes that all fit correctly.
degree in nursing from ECU,
The shape and structure of the cup and the strap design
and is an Internationally
all affect the fit, so it is much easier to get a great fit when
Board Certified Lactation
you can try on several bras at once.
Consultant. Upon her
Whether or not you wear underwires is a matter of personal
retirement from Vidant
preference. A bra without wires can offer support equal to
Medical Center, Sophie
a wired bra.
opened Happy Girls Bras &
All bras wear out; typically after about six to twelve months
Breastfeeding, a local boutique specializing in custom
of regular to constant wear, a bra will be stretched enough
bra fitting. In addition to bra fittings, Sophie offers
to lose shape, support and comfort. Bras will last longer if
lactation consults and in-home care for new mothers.
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23
Business Spotlight RevIVe Health & Wellness, PLLC located at 2710 E. 10th Street in Greenville, NC offers an individualized plan of care for optimal health & wellness through intravenous hydration therapy, IV vitamin hydration, supplemental injections, medical weight loss, and testosterone replacement. Why IV Nutrition Hydration? With the multiple vitamins and supplements available to be given through the IV fluid, there is increased bioavailability for increased absorption as it bypasses the process of digestive absorption. IV therapy delivers medications and vitamins directly to the cells that need them, and can improve and impact a wide variety of body functions. A session will take approximately forty-five minutes to one hour. During that time, you will be monitored by a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner. Owner, Samantha Casper, holds a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Nursing Practice from Duke University as an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. She’s a licensed, credentialed, Certified Nurse Practitioner who is experienced in providing nursing care in the realm of Medical/Surgical, Bariatric Surgery and served as Bariatric Coordinator for 7 years. Samantha currently works full time providing care as a Nurse Practitioner for cardiovascular patients. Samantha will be overseeing and providing direct individualized care for each client. You are in great hands with their team of healthcare professionals. The treatment team assisting in your care is well experienced licensed Registered Nurse's with years of experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital. They will assist you in preparing for an individualized IV hydration session. For medical weight loss or testosterone replacement, you will be seen by the Nurse Practitioner. Protocols, plans of treatment and care, as well as Policies have been reviewed and approved by a well experienced collaborative medical doctor licensed and credentialed by the North Carolina Medical Board. For more information or to schedule an appointment, or to find out when they offer walk-in appointments, call 252-350-1805 or text 252-341-9893. 24
Offering Intravenous Hydration Therapy, IV Vitamin Hydration, supplemental injections, Medical Weight Loss, and Testoserone Replacement. We are open for Walk-in IV Hydration sessions some days this week! Check our Facebook page for updatess.
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PUZZLES
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Survivor Spotlight
Corey CONNIE
How old were you when you found out you had breast cancer? It was June 25, 1997. I was 41 and my son had just turned 17 going into his junior year of high school. How did you find your breast cancer? I had decided to change doctors. When I went for my first visit with Dr. Knuckles, she was examining me and asked how long had this knot been there? I had no clue, I don't do self exams, and there is no history of cancer in my family. She ordered an ultra sound that day and I met with Dr. John Hale the following Wednesday for a core biopsy. Funny, they had my results in about 45 minutes. I can remember sitting in the room when John came in, with his nurse, with a clipboard that had a drawing of a boob on it, with a big red dot on it. What stage and type of breast cancer did you have? I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and during my mastectomy surgery, it was discovered that it had spread to the lymph nodes. What treatments did you have and how long did they last? I had chemo with Adriamycin along with CMF4 (really long words) among a series of experimental drugs. My surgeon was Dr. John Hale and Dr. Rick Rizzuti. My oncologist was Dr. Thomas Jesse Lee (I cried when he retired). How long have you been cancer free? I was released from Dr. Lee on October 17, 2011.
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How has cancer changed your life? That is a good question. I have always loved my life. I haven't always had an easy life, but I learned at an early age, you make the best of what you have. When I was told I had breast cancer and the probability of about 180 days was my best outlook, my biggest fear, was what would happen to my son. Who would love him, take care of him, make him behave, make sure he didn't go off the deep end and secure his future? I knew there was nobody that could love me child the way I do. I decided that I would live my life to the best of my ability. I was told to get my affairs in order. Well, here we are 2021 and I am still not in order! How did cancer change my life...I drew on my faith and the prayers of others. Prayers and belief are why I believe I am still here to today. I never questioned, why me. I did question what can I do to have my soul in order. My faith, my prayer life, my testimony changed my life.
Her Magazine — October 2021
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What advice would you give to others who may be dealing with their own cancer journey? I have had the pleasure of sharing my journey with many cancer patients in the past 24 years. My belief was I was never sick, so I tried to not act sick. I tell patients believe you can beat this. Believe today is the best day every. Believe tomorrow is coming and it will be better than today. Believe that our Father has a plan for each of us. He knew this day was coming before we were conceived. I encourage them to do their research, talk to survivors, ask questions of their providers and get the answers. If you don't like what they tell you, find someone else. This is how I found Dr. Thomas Jesse Lee. The oncologist I was referred to in the beginning, wasn't my choice. I met with them and asked "do you think I am going to die". They told me according to my records, yes. I put my shirt on and left the building. I talked to survivors that I knew and they all had the same doctor. When I went for my first visit with Dr. Lee, I asked him the same question - he told me "we can all get hit by a bus today, there are no promises." That gave me hope. I tell patients, have hope, believe today is your best day and never give up.
Did you have any books, quotes, or routines that helped you get through your ordeal? Every morning I would look in the mirror (which was not a pretty sight) and tell myself "today is a new day, I will give it all I have and I will be right back here tomorrow with the same conviction" I read so many books (internet wasn't a thing back then) My favorite book, next to my devotional book was a little book "No More Bad Hair Days".
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Beauty Trends
Beauty
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HALO Laser Treatment
Halo laser represents a new age of laser resurfacing. The treatment helps you achieve a glowing, radiant complexion free of dark spots, sun damage, and other imperfections that age your skin. Gone are the days where you have to choose which laser treatment will work best for your skin. In fact, since Halo treats a wide range of conditions, you may find that after just 1 treatment, you’ll have the skin you’ve always wanted. HALO is great for: Fine lines and wrinkles, Sun damage or dark spots , Uneven skin tone, Enlarged pores , Facial scars , Melasma
MicroLaserPeel
The Microlaserpeel is a procedure designed for skin rejuvenation by removing the superficial layers of the skin while tightening the underlining deeper dermis. This remarkable peel offers patients immediate, lasting results with minimal discomfort, and little time off. The Microlaserpeel is intended to eliminate age spots, blemishes, fine lines, minimize acne scars as well as smooth out skin texture. Laser energy intensely stimulates new collagen growth, leaving your skin tighter, healthier and younger looking. Smoother, healthier, and more vibrant skin can be expected. You will notice a significant and immediate change in skin texture and tightness. The Microlaserpeel is extremely beneficial for acne scarring and textural issues. An excellent all-over anti-aging treatment to regenerate, renew and smooth the skin. 28
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Broad Band Light (BBL)
Over time, the skin starts to expose pigmentation, facial veins, wrinkles, and overall dullness due to the natural aging process, sun exposure, pollution and many other factors. With Broadband Light Therapy by Sciton, you don’t have to be stuck with those age spots, brown spots or that uneven skin texture. BBL helps to soften or erase the appearance of damage which can ultimately take years off your complexion as well as simply help you become more confident in your skin. BBL is like IPL on Steroids! IPL is better suited for precisely treating a very targeted area while BBL is often better for treating a broader skin range. Many skin care professionals agree that BBL is the gold standard of photofacial skin rejuvenation. Largely seen as the safer option, BBL can treat sun spots, age spots, spider veins, active acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, birthmarks, and more, all while being non invasive and requiring no downtime. Creating a change at a molecular level is what sets BBL apart from IPL. BBL was designed to target imperfections where they begin, below the surface of the skin. It helps correct a wide range of skin concerns including: Sun damage , Irregular skin texture , Acne and acne scarring, Age spots, Birthmarks, Fine lines, Freckles, Rosacea, Sagging skin and Visible, broken blood vessels beneath the skin For more information on the above treatments, contact Beauty Bar Medispa at 252-752-1406. Located at 1021 Red Banks Road, their mission is to provide the highest quality medical aesthetic services by creating individualized and customized treatment plans using the most advanced treatment options to maximize results, with compassion. Beauty Bar Medispa’s professional staff of Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Licensed Aestheticians offer services that are customized to address the specific concerns of each patient. Knowing that beauty is more than skin deep, Beauty Bar is the medispa that gives back. To support the community, it donates a portion of skincare proceeds to a designated local charity.
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meet
Nurse Spotlight
SOPHIE Szymeczek
Sophie Szymeczek RN, BSN, IBCLC has been a Pirate nurse for 40 years. Her career includes 32 years of bedside care in mother/ baby, labor and delivery, high risk obstetrics care and lactation consulting. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from ECU, and is an internationally board certified lactation consultant. Upon her retirement from Vidant Medical Center, Sophie opened Happy Girls Bras & Breastfeeding, a local boutique specializing in custom bra fitting. In addition to bra fittings, Sophie offers lactation consults and in home care for new mothers. What made you want to go into the healthcare field (the bra industry)? In my role as a bedside nurse, I saw many new mothers who wanted a good bra but had nowhere to try them on and no idea of how to get a good fit. I saw this as an opportunity to help women and continue to work with mothers in the community. This quickly expanded into fitting bras not just for new mothers but for any woman. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the light-bulb go off in a woman’s head when she realizes that wearing a bra does not have to be a miserable experience is a great moment! I also love being available to women with breast feeding concerns so they can meet their personal goals. Happy Girls Bras & Breastfeeding is located at 518-B S.E. Greenville Blvd. behind Newk’s and beside Wild Birds Unlimited. The store feature eastern the state’s largest selection of nursing bras as well as regular bras in hard-to-find sizes. Happy Girls is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday (no appointment required) and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (appointment preferred). Appointments may be booked on the store’s Facebook page or call 252-364-8729.
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Her Magazine — October 2021
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meet
ERICKA C. GRIFFIN,MD 50 | Goldsboro Medical Director, Breast Imaging Center, Section Chief Breast Imaging
Tell me a little bit about your family- I am married to Christopher who is a pediatrician in Goldsboro. We have a 15-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, who keeps us quite busy with activities like dance, Girl Scouts and student council. Hobbies-Interests - I am the president of the Eastern NC Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and an active member of the Goldsboro Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority where I serve as arts and letters Chair. I am a life member in Girl Scouts. www.reflector.com/her
Describe your perfect day offMy perfect day would always start with meditation and prayer followed by a great cup of coffee while reading a murder mystery and/or the New York Times. Secondly, I would spend the day shopping or going on an excursion with my daughter then lunch with friends. I would end my day with a Broadway show and romantic dinner with my husband. What is your anthem (song that represents you)? “I’m Every Woman” By Chaka Khan Signature scent- BVLGARI Omnia Crystalline
Her Magazine — October 2021
Favorite food/meal and why- Barbecue ribs. I am from Birmingham, so barbecue for me is not a pork shoulder but a rack of smoked ribs with a tangy sweet sauce. Favorite motivational quote or favorite book“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 31
O CTO BE R I S BR E AST CAN CER AWA R E N E SS M O N T H
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