Your Health: Beyond COVID-19

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Your Health Beyond COVID-19

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic P. 6 Facing Alzheimer’s Disease P. 12 Turning Heartache into Hope P. 18 Healthy Living | Breaking Bread | Cabarrus Business | Business Resources

JULY 2020

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[ Publisher’s Notes ]

Word on the Street

T

his isn’t the summer we expected, is it? So far, 2020 has brought us an impeachment trial, the COVID-19 pandemic, aliens, murder hornets, racial equality protests, masks, social distancing, riots, protests to end the shutdown, protests to keep the shutdown going – the list continues to grow.

Personally, I’m waiting for either an alien invasion or asteroid strike at this point. Of course, I say that tongue-in-cheek, but I think you get my point. This has been one strange year so far.

As we embark on its second half, we thought it was important to note that, despite what the national media would have you believe, we do have other problems besides COVID-19 and racial tension. When it comes to our health, there are major concerns many around the country, and in our community, are facing. This month, we address three of them – Alzheimer’s disease, mental health, and childhood obesity.

You will walk through one woman’s heartbreaking journey of living with her husband, who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as learn of a new study in our area that offers a glimmer of hope. Last year, we dedicated our entire May issue to mental health awareness. This month, we follow up on where we are in mental health treatment and what progress still needs to be made. Finally, we talk with healthcare professionals with Atrium Health, about some sobering statistics when it comes to childhood obesity, its causes and possible treatments.

On a separate note, if you are not a regular listener to our podcast, Up Front with Cabarrus Magazine, I encourage you to checkout our two-part series on race relations, which was posted last month. During these episodes, we had some very real conversations with two African American members of our community, and their take on the current climate in our country and this region. It is well worth the listen. You can find us on your favorite podcast listening platform, or visit cabarrusmagazine.com/pages/podcast to catch up on any episodes you may have missed.

Here’s to hoping the last half of 2020 is exponentially better than the first.

However, with a presidential election in the mix, I am not holding out much hope. Until next month, my friends!

Sincerely,

Cabarrus MAGAZINE

July 2020 Volume 20 | Issue 6 PRESIDENT Pam Tolen PUBLISHER Jason Huddle ADVERTISING Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle DESIGN SPARK Publications CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pam Tolen Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jason Huddle City of Concord Kimberly Brouillette Michael A. Anderson Photography Cover art: Images by Shutterstock.

Photo illustration by SPARK Publications.

Cabarrus Magazine is published by: CabCo Media Group 1025 Concord Parkway N Concord, NC 28027 For editorial inquiries, call 704-782-2353 or email them to PR@cabarrusmagazine.com.

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Jason Huddle

4 | Cabarrus Magazine

All rights reserved. ©2020, Comfort Publishing, Inc., 296 Church Street N., Concord, NC 28025.

Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are trademarks of their respective companies. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Cabarrus Magazine or Comfort Publishing, Inc.

[ July 2020 ]

Your Health: NicolasMcComber / istockphoto.com

Beyond COVID-19

6

FEATURES 6

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic

12

Facing Alzheimer’s Disease

18

Turning Heartache into Hope

hsvrs / istockphoto.com

REGULARS 17 12

Cannon Pharmacy: Is a Prediabetes Diagnosis the End of Your “Being Healthy” Journey?

24

Breaking Bread: Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Tater-Topped Casserole

25

Cabarrus Business: On the Go

30

Business Resources: At a Glance

18 July 2020 | 5

SolStock / istockphoto.com

[ Feature ]

6 | Cabarrus Magazine

Childhood Obesity A Growing Epidemic

BY JASON HUDDLE

S

chool children can be cruel. Even in a society where we teach students to respect all people, no matter their race or sex, somehow the children who are overweight still get excluded from that directive. The unfortunate truth is that 1 in 12 children are overweight or obese; and those numbers are in developed countries.

When a child reaches the 85th percentile of having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 85% of their peers, he or she is designated as overweight. When it gets to 95%, they are considered obese, and 97% are severely obese. Not only can childhood obesity lead to serious physical complications, such as diabetes, heart disease or joint problems, it can also lead to social isolation, depression, and decreased self-esteem.

July 2020 | 7

NicolasMcComber / istockphoto.com

[ Feature ]

8 | Cabarrus Magazine

Nadiinko / istockphoto.com

Some who read the previous statement might claim the solution is simple. “Stop feeding them junk food,” they might say. However, in realty, the answer is not that simple, and the epidemic of childhood obesity is only getting worse.

“The problem is complicated and multifactorial,” stated Dr. Shelly Houston, a pediatric childhood overweight treatment specialist with Atrium Health. Jessica Castrodale, Community outreach coordinator for Atrium Health Cabarrus concurs. “If we could map the causes of obesity, child or adult, the causative factors would look like a computer circuit board, and many are interrelated.”

Of course, many would blame the rise in obesity on fast food, and they would not be wrong, to a certain extent. “Due to the creation of low cost, high palatability and high energy, dense (high calorie) food, the three of those together led to a pretty abnormal regulation of what our diet should really be,” explained Houston.

However, the finger cannot be pointed solely at one industry. Lisa Watson, a nurse practitioner with Atrium Health, explained, “Socioeconomic factors play a big role in it. Unhealthy food is cheap, healthy food is expensive. How we feed our kids at school is a factor. The fact that physical education needs to be daily. We’re lucky if it’s once a week.

I think so many societal changes have occurred. My dad used to be the only working parent (in my household).

However, with others, both parents may be working two or three jobs, so there’s no time for these kids to

“If we could map the causes of obesity, child or adult, the causative factors would look like a computer circuit board, and many are interrelated.”

—JESSICA CASTRODALE, COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR FOR ATRIUM HEALTH

be outside and playing and joining sports. There are genetic factors.

There is new research around adverse (traumatic) childhood events, (and how) they can also change your metabolism in response to growth…I think that really speaks to how hard it is to treat because there’s no single cause. And, even if they have the same cause, the same treatment won’t work on different kids.”

In other words, the problem is both cultural and metabolic. Knowing that, what can be done to treat children now and keep future numbers from increasing?

Dr. Houston says the answers may be in the past. “My favorite thing to do is to look at their growth curve.

And so I just go back to their birth.

And I follow it. And I ask, ‘Where did we start to get off track?’ Everybody has a different life story, and everybody has different life events and that curve looks different for everyone.

But it’s really important for me to go back to the beginning. For some kids, their body was regulating their intake and energy use until they were two and for others it was age four, and for others it was age 13. And so, the genetic predisposition is very important and I talk with families about that on a daily basis. They cannot go back and rewire their DNA and change that programming. But if that makes up 30 to 40% of the problem, we can still change 60% of it.”

Houston and Watson, who serve as two of the four healthcare providers at the Levine Children’s Healthy Futures Clinic, both say it’s important for parents to be aware of physical

July 2020 | 9

[ Feature ]

changes, especially in the wake of a change in the child’s life, such as a move, divorce or death of a loved one, to cite a few examples. Particularly, in these cases, it is important for parents to be aware of changes in behavior with their children. “Are they always food seeking? Are they finding wrappers in the rooms? Do they get the sense of the child never full and always hungry, or they’re using food for comfort? What are the behaviors that are going on that feel like change?” said Watson.

The difficult part comes when change is implemented as it rarely effects only the child.

Because children normally acquire their dietary habits from their parents, familial intervention is usually required.

“It’s hard because in pediatrics, if you’re dealing with a problem with that child, typically, you’re going to have to impact the entire family,” explained Dr. Houston. “And the family intervention is really what works. It’s not going to work just for that one child.”

Then, there are children who look healthy from a physical appearance standpoint, however, because of poor dietary choices, have the organs of a child who is obese. “Even at young ages, you can have changes in your arteries in your heart, and where plaque builds up and (that) puts (children) at high risk for heart disease,” said Watson. Unfortunately, when there is no outward sign of poor health, and the child feels fine, it is difficult for parents or doctors to know the severity of their condition until much later into adulthood.

This is another reason Houston said

10 | Cabarrus Magazine

“It’s hard because in pediatrics, if you’re dealing with a problem with that child, typically, you’re going to have to impact the entire family.”

—DR. SHELLY HOUSTON, PEDIATRIC CHILDHOOD OVERWEIGHT TREATMENT SPECIALIST WITH ATRIUM HEALTH

it is imperative parents bring their children to annual well-checks and get their cholesterol screened.

Other factors parents need to be aware of include family histories of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and if there are smokers in the household. Any one of these could lead to obesity in a child or foreshadow future complications.

So, what can parents do? When do they know it’s time to seek help?

Watson said when children hit that 95th percentile number, professional intervention is needed, but they are prepared to help. “We have a medical team.

We have a dietician.

We have an exercise physiologist (and the patient) will eventually have a counselor. It just takes (that) team approach…kind of ‘walking the walk’ with the patient, helping them make small steady changes.”

Castrodale said the first step to getting help is to visit your general pediatrician and have them evaluate the situation and make recommendations. “They may recommend changes that your family can make to promote a better balance of nutrition, physical activity, sleep, etc. They may determine the factors affecting that child and their situation are more difficult than they can manage in that primary care setting; and they may make a recommendation to go see our Levine Children’s Healthy Futures clinic. From the community level, we realized that we cannot affect the child without affecting the family. So, we’ve tried to put in some widespread cultural changes to promote healthy behaviors, not necessarily focusing

“5210” refers to a daily regimen of five servings of fruits and veggies per day, two hours or less of screen time, one hour or more of physical activity and zero sugary drinks. on overweight, but general healthy behaviors. So, we have adopted the ‘5210’ messaging and strategy that’s been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.”

“5210” refers to a daily regimen of five servings of fruits and veggies per day, two hours or less of screen time, one hour or more of physical activity and zero sugary drinks.

Adhering to a simple plan such as this can make dramatic changes in a child’s health.

Ultimately, a healthy child will result in them becoming a healthy adult. “A healthy child learns better.

A healthy child is more fit for military service. A healthy child is a better employee as an adult and will carry those healthy behaviors into adulthood, most likely,” Castrodale summarized. If we’re going to change this pattern, the future is now.

To learn more about childhood obesity and its treatment, visit: www.healthycabarrus.org/priorities/ childhood-obesity.

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July 2020 | 11

[ Feature ]

Facing Alzheimer’s Disease

BY PAMILLA S. TOLEN

12 | Cabarrus Magazine

[ Feature ]

I

monkeybusinessimages / istockphoto.com

magine living with a person for 20, 30, or 40 years, and during that time you accumulate a multitude of life experiences together. You may have had children, traveled, laughed together at memories from long ago, or just enjoyed each other’s company. Now imagine they do not remember any of it, or perhaps, do not even remember you.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that is most devastating to the family, friends, and caretakers of the one who suffers from it. It’s extremely traumatic for the patient, too, since it is a thief that steals everything—their memories, their personality, their life.

According to usagainstalzheimers.org “someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease every 65 seconds.”

It is a disease most characterized as affecting the elderly. Today, it affects 1 in 14 people over the age of 65, and 1 in 6 over the age of 80. Only 5% of the population experiences early onset symptoms of the disease before 65.

The tragic deterioration of the mind, loss of memory of personal experiences and eventual loss of personal relationships is devastating beyond description. To watch a loved one slowly slip away into a place you cannot go is unbelievably sad and disheartening. Each person with Alzheimer’s experiences differences in how the disease progresses.

Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 6 over the age of 80.

July 2020 | 13

[ Feature ] In some it is more rapid than in others, but the horrifying truth is that it always travels along the same path, slowly or quickly, and eventually ends in the same manner—death.

My experience with Alzheimer’s began in 2014 with my husband, Bob. At that time, he was 76. He had always been a highly active man.

At one time, he had even built an entire second floor onto his house.

He attained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and could solve almost any mechanical problem with which he was faced.

Our marriage was a second one for both of us having each lost our first spouses in a tragic manner. My husband had died at 49 from cancer and his wife had been killed in an automobile accident. We had been married about 12 years when the first forewarning of something more serious occurred.

Until that time, Bob had gradually become forgetful of words. He was always a talker and never knew a stranger. But, in trying to express himself, he would often insert the word “thing-a-ma-jig” in place of a word that he could not remember.

At first, everyone, including me, just accepted it as getting older, not relating it to any serious problem with his memory. Then, one night we had gone out to eat at a restaurant and when the bill came, he sat staring at it for and long while. When I asked what the matter was, it became evident that he was trying to calculate the tip. After watching him write all over a napkin I finally offered to help and took the check from him. Bob was a mathematician and could figure equations in his head quickly. This was the first “red flag” I remember noticing that could not ignored.

The progression of the disease has been slow with him and, for about another year, he was still able to perform his normal routine. Unfortunately, two things happened within a short period of time that triggered the need to have a professional diagnosis. First, he 14 | Cabarrus Magazine

was in our garage trying to repair a lawnmower that was not running correctly. He had taken several parts off the mower and when I found him, he was sitting on the floor of the garage examining the parts. What had at one time been a simple task for him was now insurmountable. He could not figure out how to put the mower back together again.

The next event finally brought me to the devastating reality that something

hour prior to that time and I would immediately try to find out where he was. I called his telephone number at once, and to my relief he answered. I asked where he was, and he informed me he did not know. I asked for a landmark. He told me he was at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. That location is only 10 minutes from our house. Bob had made a wrong turn and became immediately lost. Even more disturbing was the fact he had

So, what is Alzheimer’s disease and how is it different from agerelated dementia? Alzheimer’s is the gradual deterioration of cognitive abilities due to a buildup of abnormal protein-derived plaques in the brain, which leads to the death of nerve cells. was definitely wrong. He had always been exceptionally good at directions.

His right-brain thinking allowed him to always know what direction he was travelling and, once he travelled there, he was always able to return without a map. As I frequently get lost, I appreciated this trait of his.

On that particular day, Bob had a dental appointment which was approximately 30 minutes from our house. He had travelled there many times over the years, but it required making several turns along the way.

He had left for the appointment in a sufficient period of time to reach the dentist office well before his appointment time. He had been gone an hour when my phone rang. It was the dentist office asking if Bob had forgotten his appointment. At that point I became alarmed at why he had not arrived at his destination. I told the dental assistant he had left over an

been driving around the same area for an hour, unable to get his bearings as to where he was. I asked why he had not called me and determined that he was too embarrassed from being lost. At that point, there was no sidestepping this turn of events.

I called for an appointment with his doctor.

So, what is Alzheimer’s disease and how is it different from agerelated dementia? Alzheimer’s is the gradual deterioration of cognitive abilities due to a buildup of abnormal protein-derived plaques in the brain, which leads to the death of nerve cells. According to the Research Institute of the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, Alzheimer’s appears to begin in the center of memory and learning and spreads outward, denying the patient the ability to think clearly, which goes beyond forgetfulness as with age-

hsvrs / istockphoto.com

[ Feature ]

related dementia. It is characterized by being divided into four stages: very mild, mild, moderate and severe.

The very mild stage problems tend to come on gradually and many times are attributed to the aging process. This can include forgetting certain skills that were routine. For example, paying a bill twice, or continuously misplacing items, such as keys. These symptoms appear very subtly and over periods of time. The disease is usually first detected in the first mild stage when a person is unable to retain short-term thoughts. He or she may ask the same question or make a statement multiple times without knowing they were repeating themselves. Also, they may become increasingly frustrated at not being able to come up with the right word to express themselves.

As the disease progresses to the moderate stage, the ability to remember the names of people with

whom you are familiar becomes very prevalent. Driving a car becomes impossible and, eventually, television shows or movies lose their appeal because of the inability to process and follow the storyline.

Currently, my husband emotionally distances himself from family when we are together. While he enjoys sitting

with everyone, the once-talkative man that we used to laugh about not being able to get him to be quiet, does not contribute to the conversation at all.

What is ahead? While Bob is characterized at being in the moderate stage, it is evident that, without intervention, he will eventually move towards that final more severe stage

July 2020 | 15

when patients need full-time care. In that stage, he will no longer be able to bathe or use the bathroom without help and, afterwards, be unable to feed himself or converse at all. Death due to Alzheimer’s is certain because the brain not only ceases to retain any memories, it also forgets how to perform the functions we take for granted, such as breathing. The brain totally shuts down, along with bodily functions.

Notwithstanding the medical facts as we know them, there is hope. However, everything is still in clinical stages. In my research about this disease, I found some promising local trials that are ongoing now in Charlotte, NC. One is through New Hope Clinical Research with Kurian Abraham, MD. The New Hope trial is a study for adults aged 50-90 who have been diagnosed with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. This trial, which is in Phase II is a randomized, doubleblind, placebo controlled multi-center study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three dose strengths of the drug T3D-959.

According to T3D Therapeutics (drug developer) “This drug activates two nuclear receptors that are central regulators of normal glucose and lipid metabolism in the brain.” Preclinical studies support the belief T3D-959 may have the ability to improve the multiple abnormalities caused by Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the potential for reversing the course of disease.

Other studies are being done through AMC Research LLC (Formerly Alzheimer’s Memory Center) with Mohammad Bolouri, M.D. AMC Research is currently conducting four independent studies: • COR388 is for patients aged 5580 with probable Alzheimer’s.

According to Alzform.org “People with Alzheimer’s disease have elevated levels of the bacterial protease, gingipain, in their brain tissue.” The company has completed Phase 1 clinical trials of their gingipain inhibitor, COR388, and will run a phases 2 and 3 to 16 | Cabarrus Magazine

Andrey Popov / istockphoto.com

[ Feature ]

determine if it can improve cognition in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.”

• BAN 301 is for patients aged 50-90, with Mild Cognitive Impairment/ early Alzheimer’s, and is in Phase 3 of clinical testing, according to Eisia, the drug’s developer. This drug selectively binds to neutralize and eliminate soluble, toxic Aβ aggregates (protofibril) thought to contribute to the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer’s Disease. As such, it may have the potential to influence disease pathology and to slow down the progression of the disease.

With all the research being dedicated to this disease, which ranks sixth in the overall causes of death, a breakthrough may be imminent. I, along with all other Alzheimer’s patients and families, look hopeful to the future, awaiting its arrival.

For more information on the clinical trials, contact program coordinator, Tammy Rader, MBA, CEO at www.newhopeclincalresearch. com, email info@t3dtherapeutics.com, or Marissa McRae MS Psychology, with AMC Research, who handles the first-impression interactions at mmcrae@amcneurology.com.

Death due to Alzheimer’s is certain because the brain not only ceases to retain any memories, it also forgets how to perform the functions we take for granted, such as breathing. The brain totally shuts down along with bodily functions.

Is a Prediabetes Diagnosis the End of your “Being Healthy” Journey?

I

t was time to go to the dreaded doctor’s visit for refills on a lifelong medication where “White Coat Syndrome” (blood pressure/pulse elevating upon entry to a doctor’s office) is as real to me as the fireworks you see at the 4th of July.

Over the prior five years, I had allowed myself to go downhill (no exercise, unhealthy food options, soda was drink of choice, and tired all of the time). The bathroom scales gently called my name each day, but I avoided them more than someone would avoid sharing tissues with a COVD-19 infected individual.

Before going to the doctor, I conceded to the beckoning of the scale...200+.

Why had I let myself go? The blame game started...stress, work, family obligations, too busy. But then recollections of the unhealthy food and exercise habits flooded my mind.

Insert White Coat Syndrome and my doctor’s visit.

Bloodwork revealed Prediabetes.

I was devastated. The very person who is supposed to exemplify health (since I am in a healthcare industry) was becoming a statistic, instead of a positive example to those at risk for the same issues.

Fast forward: I got serious about a change...becoming more active, diet changes and learning to help make a complex impact was my goal. My most important change was having accountability from friends and loved ones gently asking how much water had I consumed for the day, joining in fun step counting contests, and a friend blaming it on herself that she needed to walk, knowing she was literally walking with me in the journey. Slowly, my nemesis called “THE SCALE” in the bathroom became a confidant each morning as I saw the number go down. Finally, when I put myself as Number 1, the number one started my weight number on the scale again. I was no

longer putting myself as Number 2.

Symbolic but real.

I followed up with the doctor three months later. Normal Range! Prediabetes was scary, but not doing anything is

[ Healthy Living ]

BY ANONYMOUS SPONSORED BY CANNON PHARMACY

more scary. For a free prediabetes program, Prevent T2, please visit www.cabarrushealth.org/395/Diabetes, or call Rolanda Patrick at 704-920-1362.

It will be worth the journey.

July 2020 | 17

[ Feature ]

18 | Cabarrus Magazine

[ Feature ]

Turning

Heartache into

H pe

BY KIMBERLY BROUILLETTE

foxie / art_of_sun / istockphoto.com

O

ne of the saddest losses anyone can face is that of a child.

Unfortunately, I understand this all too well. It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year and a half since I lost my youngest daughter, Kelsey Rose, due to suicide on October 28, 2018. As many of you may recall from the May 2019 issue of Cabarrus Magazine, she took her life 3 days before her nineteenth birthday following a 4 ½ year battle with paranoid schizophrenia. There isn’t a day that goes by which I don’t mourn her.

Though this has been one of the worst tragedies of my life, I have found some reconciliation in knowing that she is no longer tormented by the voices and delusions that plagued her mind. Yes, I wish she was still here, but I know that her daily life was challenging

and horrific beyond anything I can comprehend. Simply put, she had been living in a nightmare every day for three to four years.

Unfortunately, I cannot change the past, and it is doubtful I could’ve done anything to alter the eventual outcome. Yet, through my grief, I have found a new purpose and calling to help those who might find themselves in similar circumstances.

I began to think of the larger picture and looked back through the various situations we encountered while Kelsey was so sick. I was able to recognize aspects of her mental care that did not seem to benefit her. Since I wasn’t in the midst of the daily battle to stabilize her fragile mind, I could review our past circumstances and determine areas that could’ve been improved. I also read

July 2020 | 19

FatCamera / istockphoto.com

[ Feature ]

20 | Cabarrus Magazine

[ Feature ] many articles and books focused on mental illness, specifically on more severe diagnoses.

Although I am not a doctor or therapist, I am a parent who recognized the many things my daughter faced on a daily basis. As a result, I came up with several areas that I felt were sadly lacking in mental healthcare, but also possible solutions that could “fix,” and/or improve, those areas. I spoke with other parents of mentallyill children, as well as doctors and mental health (MH) advocacy leaders about my ideas, and was encouraged by their positive responses and similar experiences. It was suggested that I write a proposal for community leaders and elected officials in order to give a “voice” to my ideas. Out of this came “Operation Green Flag,” a 16-page proposal that I presented to Congressman Richard Hudson’s chief of staff, Chris Carter, and several other local leadership officials.

In it, I outlined several gaps in the healthcare system with other related areas that often work autonomously from each other regarding MH. These include not only the MH facilities and doctors, but also law enforcement, judicial system, educational system and MH advocacy organizations. Although there are some areas that have gotten better over the past decade, significant improvements are still needed in order to help the millions of suffering people.

When Kelsey initially went to the emergency MH facility, we were in the waiting room for over 10 hours before she was seen. Her father and I were told that she could be moved to other facilities as far away as Raleigh, Wilmington or Asheville, if a bed did not become available soon. It took nearly 7 additional hours for her to be assigned a bed, and she remained in their care for 10 days. Had she been transported to another facility, it would’ve complicated our situation immensely, since traveling would involve at least a 2 ½ hour one-way trip. This is evidence of one of the most significant problems that needs immediate attention — there is very

I began to think of the larger picture and looked back through the various situations we encountered while Kelsey was so sick. I was able to recognize aspects of her mental care that did not seem to benefit her. limited access to in-house mental healthcare in North Carolina, especially for juveniles.

Throughout the entire state of North Carolina, there are only 121 MH facilities, according to Ismael Carrasquillo, president of NAMICabarrus. In those facilities, there are a total of less than 2000 beds available for MH care, and 1032 for substance abuse and rehabilitation. Out of those, there are only about 3 to 7 beds total available at any given time for juveniles, statewide, according to Gwen Bartley, founder and executive director of Amazing Grace Advocacy in Concord.

Here are some additional figures to consider. According to censusreporter.org, Mecklenburg County has an estimated 1.1 million residents, and happens to contain the concentration of all MH crisis facilities in the immediate region. Unfortunately, the surrounding smaller cities, such as Concord, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Monroe, Gastonia and Huntersville, do not have any dedicated crisis MH facilities. Currently, MeckNC.gov states that Charlotte is the country’s fifth

largest urban area with over 7 million people residing within a 100-mile radius, however its handful of crisis MH facilities support the entire region.

Suicide is one of the most significant healthcare crises our nation deals with every year, yet many people do not realize how severe it is. According to the United Health Foundation, over 47,000 Americans died from suicide in 2018, which is double the annual homicide rate. Over 1.5 million people attempted suicide that same year. In 2017, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

In North Carolina, over the past year alone, nearly 1.5 million people have been treated for mental illness of various degrees, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10-17 in our state, according to the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and NC Child.

Additionally, the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics reports that the rate of youth suicides in North Carolina has almost doubled over the past 10 years.

Unfortunately, there is also a severe stigma that causes most people who have loved ones anguished by mental illness, or who suffer from it themselves, to remain quiet. Usually it is due to embarrassment or a false sense of guilt.

Other times, it may be denial or simply wishing it to go away on its own. No matter what the reason, this lack of discussion not only harms those who need serious help, but also hinders people from sharing available resources that could benefit so many.

One fairly easy change to the system would be for MH facilities to encourage legitimate and established MH advocacy organizations to distribute their information in the waiting areas of those locations. It seems like a simple suggestion, but in all of the times I visited those facilities with Kelsey, not once did I see any such brochures or flyers, neither were we offered the information during her visits and July 2020 | 21

martin-dm / istockphoto.com

[ Feature ]

crisis lockdowns. Many organizations, including the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America (MHA) and many others, although significantly underfunded by the government, provide free and low-cost services and support groups, which can greatly benefit those facing these issues on a daily basis. However, if no one tells the patient and their family about those services, then how will they know where to turn to for help?

Additionally, not once did any of the doctors or therapists mention options that could help us determine future care for Kelsey. According to NAMI.org, “A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that details a person’s preferences for future mental health treatment, services, and supports, or names an individual to make treatment decisions, if the person is in a crisis 22 | Cabarrus Magazine

and unable to make decisions.” This is a way of taking the “guesswork” out of a patient’s care, even if they are an adult. It is filled-out while the patient is in a more stable state-ofmind, so doctors and caregivers can understand what their wishes are for when they are in crisis and can’t make responsible decisions.

After Kelsey turned 18, she decided not to take her medications anymore or seek help from her psychiatrist. It was only 6 weeks before she was in crisis and returned to a MH emergency center in Charlotte. To our horror, my daughter refused to sign the HIPPA form allowing her father and me to discuss her care with the doctors and staff. We were cut-off, without any opportunity to talk to them. At that time, she was still a senior in high school, without her own driver’s

license, unable to care for herself, unable to support herself, yet, we were locked out due to a decision she made while she was mentally unstable. If she had signed one of the PAD forms prior to that crisis incident, the doctors would’ve already known and been able to include us in her care discussions. As it was, we were only allowed to know when she would be released so that we could pick her up. This is only one of dozens of key issues I could mention in this article, but unfortunately, I do not have the space to do so.

While doing my research, I realized there were plenty of books written by doctors and therapists on various mental illnesses. Yet, only a handful have been written with the idea of dealing with the day-to-day life of coping with the difficult situations that arise as a result. There were even fewer

[ Feature ] that were written from a parent’s perspective. I only found a single book of note that was written in the past 10 years, which is by the NY Times bestselling and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Ron Powers, called No One Cares about Crazy People: My Family and the Heartbreak of Mental Illness in America (Hachette Books). This topic is a major void that has to be filled!

When addressing issues related to mental illness, we have to start taking new approaches and improving old ones in order to have successful results. Currently, North Carolina and most of the nation’s MH facilities rate very poorly across the board. It is crucial that these areas are given significant attention, especially in light of the additional mental stress from the current COVID-19 crisis.

Most of all, it is important that mental illness issues are addressed properly. We can’t allow any “stigma”

When addressing issues related to mental illness, we have to start taking new approaches and improving old ones in order to have successful results. Currently, North Carolina and most of the nation’s MH facilities rate very poorly across the board.

to prevent people from getting necessary help. Please, discuss any MH issues with trained medical staff, but also find the various resources available in your community.

For more information about MH resources, talk to your physician for advice. Additional local resources can be found by contacting the National Alliance for Mental Illness at nami.org, Mental Health America at mhacentralcarolinas.org, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions at cardinalinnovations.org, and Amazing Grace Advocacy at amazingraceadvocacy.com. These organizations also train much-needed volunteers to help with the local communities.

Please look for the release of Kimberly Brouillette’s upcoming book, Lost in the Looking Glass: a Family’s Journey through Schizophrenia & Suicide.

(Release date: fall 2020)

July 2020 | 23

[ Breaking Bread ]

Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Tater-Topped Casserole INGREDIENTS • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen cauliflower florets, thawed • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 cup chopped onion • 2 tablespoons flour • 1 teaspoon McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning • 1 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Salt • 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Coarse Ground Black Pepper • 1 1/4 cups milk • 4 ounces (1/2 package) cream cheese, cubed • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese • 1 pound frozen fried potato tots PREPARATION 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut up any large broccoli or cauliflower florets into bite-size pieces. Set aside.

2. Melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender.

Stir in flour, Italian seasoning, garlic salt and pepper. Add milk; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add cream cheese and Parmesan cheese;

24 | Cabarrus Magazine

cook and stir until cream cheese is melted. Add vegetables; toss gently to coat. Spoon into 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cheddar cheese and top with potato tots.

3. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until heated through and potato tots are golden brown and crispy.

[ On the Go ]

WHAT’S NEW IN CABARRUS COUNTY

County Budget Approved; Addresses Schools, Services Demands

C

abarrus County Board of Commissioners recently approved (4-1) the fiscal year 2021 (FY21) general fund budget of $276 million.

Despite hardships to families due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget maintains the recently increased tax rate of 74 cents per $100 of property value. For owners of a $210,000 house (the median single-family assessed home value in Cabarrus), that equates to $1,554 a year in county property taxes.

According to county officials, COVID-19 has hurt property and sales tax, which make up the county’s major revenue sources.

The county projects sales tax to drop 17% from FY20 to FY21.

Lower collection rates and fewer car purchases mean property tax will fall short of predictions, despite a 17% increase in commercial and residential real property due to the 2020 revaluation. At the same time, the county is addressing growing demand for services, particularly human services and public health.

The FY21 budget will focus new funding on: • Education (Nearly half—42%— of the general fund budget supports schools) • Quality-of-life services • County workforce • Essential building projects Outside the general fund, the county is responsible for administration of Cabarrus Arena and Events Center, landfill property, 911 emergency telephone and health insurance funds. The grand total of all funds is $362 million.

Highlights of the budget include: EDUCATION • Increased educator pay supplements – Includes funds for

a 0.5% increase in county-paid supplements to educators employed by the Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City school districts.

With this year’s increase to the county-paid portion, the proposed FY21 pay supplement for Cabarrus County schools will be 10% (includes a 0.5% increase from the Cabarrus County schools District) and Kannapolis City schools will be 7%. Because North Carolina pays teachers consistently across the state, the local supplement helps attract and retain teachers.

• Open/operate new schools – Includes funds to open and operate Hickory Ridge Elementary and West Cabarrus High beginning in August 2020. The county will also fund a school resource officer (SRO) at Hickory Ridge Elementary and nurses at each school.

• Maintain school operations – Includes funds to maintain operations for Cabarrus County schools, Kannapolis City schools and RowanCabarrus Community College. This is a 2% increase from FY20.

QUALITY-OF-LIFE SERVICES • New courthouse – Includes funds and positions to operate a new courthouse starting in January 2023.

To maintain security and safety in the larger facility, the new courthouse will require additional positions, including: • 22 deputies and 3 sergeants to secure the building • 7 custodians to clean the building • 2 mechanics to keep building systems operating efficiently • A technical specialist The county will fill these positions as needed and apply the balance of funds to one-time capital projects in FY21 and FY22.

• Cabarrus Health Alliance – Includes funds to increase school nurse benefits and hours, provide an additional 1% match for employee retirement, change two school nurse positions from part-time to full-time and fund school nurses for Hickory Ridge Elementary and West Cabarrus High.

• Extending hours at the Midland branch of the library – Includes funds for a new full-time library assistant.

July 2020 | 25

[ On the Go ] This allows the branch to remain open an hour later in the evenings and have an additional operating day each week.

• Salvation Army Center of Hope – Includes a one-time payment to help build a new homeless shelter that serves families and children.

COUNTY WORKFORCE • Appropriate pay – Includes funds to pay staff at levels that match similar positions across the state. Also funds a 1% cost-of-living adjustment and performance pay scale of up to 4% for employees.

• New support – Includes funds for 42 positions to meet service demand.

These positions will remain vacant until the county reviews first-quarter revenues and confirms the positions are sustainable.

ESSENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS Community Investment Fund (CIF) – Includes a $40 million payment from the general fund to the CIF for current and future debt and other one-time capital projects.

Capital projects include: • EMS headquarters – Includes $2.5 million in FY21 for design and $14 million in FY22 for construction.

• Frank Liske Park updates – Includes $1.64 million in FY21 to replace water and sewer lines, playground equipment, miniature golf course, restrooms, snack bar and offices.

Another $4 million in FY22 will replace the boathouse and build a new boardwalk, bridge and splash pad.

• Future library expansion – Includes $10 million in FY22 to address capacity and service delivery at our libraries. The project requires

additional funds for operations and staffing.

• New high school – Includes $4.58 million in FY22 to design a new high school for Cabarrus County schools and $70 million in FY24 for construction.

• R. Brown McAllister Elementary replacement – Includes $450,000 in FY21 for site development and $30 million in FY22 for construction of the new school.

• West Cabarrus Library and Senior Center – Includes $2.5 million in FY21 to design a shared building and $25 million in FY24 to build or purchase a building. The project requires additional funds for operations and staffing.

In addition to learning about Concord, the city hopes participants will provide input and take a more active role in their neighborhoods and community. For example, council members Jennifer Parsley and John Sweat are Concord 101 alumni.

“Concord 101 pulled back the curtain on local government and allowed me to truly connect with the inner workings,” said Parsley in a statement to CM. “The passion that the staff and elected leadership had for the city instantly sparked a connection

inside of me to learn more and be a part of building this community.

Almost eight years later, I still hold those same people close and learn every day.”

Concord 101, like all city-sponsored meetings, events, and programs are subject to change due to pandemic restrictions or other challenges. More information, the application, and the class schedule are available on the city’s website, www.concordnc.gov. Residents may also call the city manager’s office with questions at 704-920-5215.

To learn more about the FY21 budget, visit www.cabarruscounty.us/budget.

Concord 101 returns this August; Applications Due July 24

The City of Concord is accepting applications for the 2020 Concord 101 program, an annual course designed for citizens to learn about their local government. The free, 14-week session begins August 18 and culminates with a graduation ceremony in November.

Residents of Concord ages 18 and older are invited to apply, before July 24, by visiting www.concordnc.gov/Concord101.

Class size is limited.

The course is designed to give citizens the opportunity to interact closely with city staff members, who will conduct weekly classes on Tuesdays. Classes will be available in the evenings from 6:15 until 8:30 p.m., and an afternoon (2:00 until 4:15 p.m.) offering may be available, depending on demand.

Citizens will get a first-hand look at what it takes to run city services such as solid waste, water, police, fire, parks and recreation, and much more. In addition, several community partners will be on board to give a behind-thescenes look at what makes Concord such a great place to live.

26 | Cabarrus Magazine

[ On the Go ]

CMS loses 2020 All-Star Race to Bristol

In a NASCAR season marked by historical firsts, the 36th running of the NASCAR All-Star Race will move 159 miles northwest from Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) to Bristol Motor Speedway for the first time. The July 15 prime-time race will include fans in attendance at a Speedway Motorsports facility for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

“While Charlotte will always be recognized as the birthplace and traditional home for the All-Star Race, the current data surrounding the pandemic in North Carolina makes Bristol a better option for fan access this summer,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith.

While North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and state health officials have allowed the race teams to go to work and also permitted Charlotte Motor Speedway to host the CocaCola 600 without fans, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Sullivan

County officials have allowed for up to 30,000 fans to attend the All-Star Race in Bristol. The move is another punch to the gut of Cabarrus County’s tourism industry, already hit hard by the pandemic.

This year’s all-star event marks just the second time it has been run at a facility other than Charlotte Motor Speedway, joining Atlanta Motor Speedway, which hosted the event in 1986.

Ticketholders for the originally scheduled May 16 NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and fans with other Speedway Motorsports ticket credits on file, can utilize their credit for the July 15 race at Bristol Motor Speedway and should visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com for more details.

Thompson named Concord City HR Director

Chantel Thompson, a member of the City of Concord Human Resources Department for the last decade, has been promoted to be Concord’s next HR director by City Manager, Lloyd Payne.

Starting in Concord as a human resources specialist in 2010, she progressed through several positions within the department, most recently serving as deputy director for the past five years and interim director since early March.

“Chantel has performed an incredible job over the past three months as interim human resources director,” said Payne. “Not only has she mastered the daily duties of the position, but she also guided all COVID-19 employeerelated matters and provided expert advice to management throughout this crisis. I am confident in her abilities and look forward to her leadership on Team Concord in the years ahead.”

The Human Resources Department coordinates employment, personnel actions, benefit plans, risk management, wellness programs, and professional development of city staff in all departments.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve such an extraordinary organization,” said Thompson.

“Each day I look forward to working collaboratively with a dynamic group of HR professionals who all share a common goal—delivering exceptional service to each other, our coworkers and the citizens of Concord. I embrace this new role with humility, enthusiasm, and dedication as I join the city’s leadership team.”

Thompson is a graduate of Concord High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from North

Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. She is member of North Carolina affiliate of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (NC-IPMA) where she has served in several leadership roles, including president in 2014-15.

July 2020 | 27

[ On the Go ]

Library Summer Reading Program Goes Virtual with New App, Online Activities

The Cabarrus County Public Library System has launched its 2020 Summer Reading Program with a new app to log accomplishments.

This summer’s theme, “Imagine Your Story,” promotes creative thinking, imagination and storytelling.

Due to COVID-19, the library will use its Facebook and Instagram pages for summer reading programming, including videos and interactive events.

Participants can track their progress on a new app called Beanstack (also accessible by web browser).

With the free app, patrons can track their reading and participate in reading challenges from their mobile device.

The app allows users to: • Scan barcodes to quickly add titles to reading logs • Track total minutes read through timed reading sessions

• View personal reading statistics and complete related activities The Summer Reading Program is open to all Cabarrus residents, and library officials have set a goal of 5,000 participants. The program runs through August 2, and allows participants to log time spent reading and participating in a variety of age-appropriate literary activities—like reading, games, discussion and story development.

Participants are divided into two groups (birth to 12, and 13 and older).

All ages receive entry into a gift card raffle upon registration, after meeting half the required reading amount and upon completion.

Here’s how to participate: • Register through the Beanstack app or website https://cabarruscounty. beanstack.org • Beanstack will automatically assign you to the Summer Reading Challenge that fits your age range • Registrants are automatically entered into a gift card raffle • All participants must check off at least one activity for each of the seven badges • The amount of reading required varies depending on age (18 hours up to age 12, 25 hours for 13-plus) For more information, visit the library system’s Facebook and Instagram pages, @CabarrusCountyLibrary, and website, www.cabarruscounty.us/library. To learn more about Beanstack, visit https://cabarruscounty.beanstack.org.

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[ Business Resources ]

At a Glance Automotive Sales

Insurance Providers

Pharmacies/Medications

Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships.......11 289 Concord Pkwy S Concord, NC 28027 704-323-6265 www.benmynatt.com

GEICO – Concord Mills .......................... 31 7741 Gateway Ln, Ste 100 Concord, NC 28027 980-258-6340 www.geico.com/concord

Cannon Pharmacies................................17 Multiple locations in Concord and Kannapolis www.cannonpharmacies.com

Commercial & Residential Glass Service

Marketing Services

Kannapolis Glass & Glazing ................... 2 202 S Ridge Ave Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-938-5613 www.kannapolisglass.com

Community Initiatives Walk Cabarrus.......................................... 3 www.walkcabarrus.com

Food Delivery Services Omaha Steaks ........................................ 29 1-844-220-8812 www.omahasteaks.com/family583

Funeral Homes Wilkinson Funeral Home ...................... 15 100 Branchview Dr NE Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3168 www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com

Graphic Design/Layout Spark Publications ................................... 4 2116 Crowne Center Dr, Ste 300 Charlotte, NC 28227 704-844-6080 www.SPARKpublications.com

30 | Cabarrus Magazine

CabCo Media Group.............................. 23 1025 Concord Pkwy N Concord, NC 28025 704-782-2353 www.cabcomedia.com

Medical Facilities CHS – NorthEast..................................... 32 920 Church St N Concord, NC 28025 https://atriumhealth.org/locations/ carolinas-healthcare-system-northeast Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers ....................................... 31 • 202D McGill Ave. NW Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2297 • 308 E Centerview St China Grove, NC 28023 704-855-5200 298 Lincoln St, SW Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2313 • 300 N Salisbury Ave Spencer, NC 28159 704-216-2630 Plus, three new locations in Salisbury and China Grove! www.crchc.org

Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography .... 24 38 Union St S Concord, NC 28025 704-701-5908 www.michael-a-anderson.com

Print & Technology Services Modern Impressions ..............................11 5029 West WT Harris Blvd Charlotte, NC 28269 800-840-2554. www.modernimpressions.com

Restaurants 73 & Main.................................................. 2 Hwy 73 & Main St Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 704-436-2050 www.73andMain.com

Theaters Old Courthouse Theatre......................... 2 49 Spring St, NW Concord, NC 28025 704-788-2405 www.octconcord.com

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