Charleston Woman May 2015 by Charleston Woman

SUMMER 2015

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

ROBIN CARPENTER A Hero’s Mother

In this Issue

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Cathy Williams cw@woman2womanonline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carol Ryall Kimberly Richardson Lori Samples Duncan Melissa Pelkey Hass Patti McGrath

From the Editor

14 Robin Carpenter: Raising a Hero

Events

Health & Wellness

2 We Salute Mothers!

3 What’s Happening?

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lisa Ashworth woman2womanlisa@gmail.com

Professional

6 Holt Transmission Service

Let’s Talk

COVER PHOTO

Mike Quinto - Combat Camera

8 The Woman Behind DNA Baskets 22 Meet Pat Bradley

The Front Porch Gourmet PHOTOGRAPHY

Robert Patrick Image Design Tammy Bevins Photography Mike Guinto - Combat Camera

10 Fresh Summer Recipes

18 20/20 Vision Center: A Different Diagnosis 26 Exceeding Expectations: Trident Health Celebrates Each Birth

Personal Note

28 The Importance of Staying Positive

Business & Web Directory 29 Contact our Advertisers

Find us on facebook!

Charleston Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Media (803) 785-4475 104 Pine Tree Drive Lexington, SC 29073

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2014

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his issue was especially near and dear to me. As a mother, I can appreciate the fact that you simply do what you need to do. Sometimes it is a thankless job. Dads seem to be cooler than moms. And let’s face it, nine months of a life altering experience and nine times out of ten your children look just like your husband, so where is the glory? In all seriousness I never knew how difficult the job was until I became a mom myself. So to all of you mothers and fathers out there, Charleston Woman Magazines salutes you. We do not salute you because of Mothers’ Day or Father’s Day, but we salute you every single day. For all the lunches you pack, for all the boo boos you kiss, for all the compassion you teach, and little hearts you mend, we salute you daily. I hope you enjoy reading about some pretty amazing parents in this issue of CWM. We had a lot of fun putting this together, and we came up with a pretty impressive list of ladies, if I do say so myself. We want to remind you to tell our advertisers you saw them in the pages of Charleston Woman Magazine. We like to bring you the best of the best, and local business, in our humble opinion, is the best. Support local businesses that are supporting our communities. The businesses in these pages have made a commitment to you, to provide quality services, products and superior customer service. Let them know you appreciate what they are doing locally. We hope you have a happy and healthy summer and look forward to seeing you again in the month of September. If this weather is any indication, it is going to be a hot one SC ! Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and do something nice for someone today. God Bless and See you soon! Your friend,

Lori Samples Duncan

Ecclesiastes 8:15

And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

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What’s HAPPENING?

Blues and BBQ Harbor July 4, 2015 The Carolina Queen

Come cruise the Harbor with some amazing blues and bbq. Includes: -2-hour Charleston Harbor Cruise -Delicious Home Team BBQ Buffet -Live blues by Shrimp City Slim (or special guest artists) *$42.95 per person (tax included) plus a cash bar. For more information, please visit charlestonharbortours.com

9th Annual Sizzling Southern Celebration July 4, 2015 Circa 1886 149 Wentworth Street, Charleston Join Circa 1886 for an Independence Day celebration from 6-7 p.m. with music, lawn games, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. At 7 p.m. the festivities will move inside with libations and a delicious 3-course “Grill Dinner”. After dark, guests head to the cupola with a glass of champagne to watch Charleston’s fireworks. The dinner is $75 per person, price excludes tax, gratuity and additional beverages. Reservations required.

2nd Sunday on King Street July 12, 2015 King Street Shops, Charleston Come enjoy your Sunday afternoon shopping and socializing on King Street! This month features new product launches, lots of great sales, great food, and more! Visit www.2ndsundayonkingstreet.com for a free parking voucher and more details!

Ladybugs Flying Free at Magnolia Gardens July 25, 2015 Magnolia Plantation and Gardens 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston More than 150,000 ladybugs will fly free July 25 at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens during the Lowcountry’s largest release of the environmentally friendly insect. A red Volkswagen beetle, resembling a gigantic ladybug, will arrive at 10 a.m. to signal the start of the ladybug release. Hundreds of children, some dressed in ladybug costumes, will scatter throughout gardens to find the perfect spot to release their share of ladybugs. Prizes will be awarded for the best ladybug costumes. A face painter will attend the event. Car pooling and early arrival is encouraged. The event ends at 1 p.m.

Movies in the Park Each Friday in August, 2015 Memorial Waterfront Park Hallman Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant Mount Pleasant residents and visitors bring blankets and lounge chairs, sit back to enjoy an incredible sunset, and then watch an outdoor movie on Cinebarre’s giant movie screen with the beautiful Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor for a backdrop. Movies begin at sunset, around 9:00 p.m. Free admission & parking! Food and beverage available for purchase. Check back in the spring for movie titles!

Bazaar at the Point August 23, 2015 Outlook Pavilion Charleston Harbor Resort, 20 Patriots Point Rd A FREE monthly community event focused on locally sourced products, arts and crafts, and open to the public. This event will provide a gathering spot for the locals with a variety of local vendors including but not limited to: specialty local food and drinks, live music, crafts, environmental education, kids’ corner, and more. The Fourth Sunday of Every Month 11am-2pm. For more information, please visit www.charlestonharborresort.com

Events

Charleston Italian Festival August 19, 2015 Daniel Island The King Street Marketing Group and the Italy America Chamber of Commerce introduce the Charleston Italian Festival. The event will be a celebration of Italian culture, arts, food, wine and automobiles. It will be held on Daniel Island from noon to 7:00 p.m., September 19, the Feast of San Gennaro. The Charleston Italian Festival will feature local Italian restaurants and businesses, artisans, wines, beers, family activities and an Italian car show. Daniel Island Drive will be closed from Island Park Drive to Guggenheim Plaza to accommodate the event. Additional information to come at www.CharlestonItalianFestival.com.

35th Annual Taste of Charleston August 25 - 27, 2015 Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant This year will mark the 35th anniversary of the Lowcountry’s culinary event of the year, The Southern Living Taste of Charleston, hosted by the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association, Inc (GCRA). A 3-day event showcasing taste-tempting delights served by Charleston restaurants. Historic Boone Hall Plantation is transformed into a sea of culinary enchantment! 50 of the Lowcountry’s favorite casual and fine dining restaurants serving sample size portions + beer and wine. Highlights of the Main Event include: specialty and imported beer tasting tent, live music, the legendary “Waiters’ Race” and the “Kid’s Kitchen Sideshow.” Food and drink tickets are sold separately. Children 10 and under are free. Friday, September 25th will feature an Iron Chef Competition, and Saturday, September 26th will feature Sweet & Southern on Charleston Harbor.

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Professional

HOLT TRANSMISSION SERVICE PLUS AUTO REPAIRS

a woman-friendly and honest auto repair shop

You have a busy life, so when your car starts making funny noises you immediately get that sinking feeling in your stomach. What are you going to do? Where will you go? You need your car, but it can be so hard to know where to take it to be repaired. Finding an honest auto repair business that does quality work at a fair price can be easier said than done. Women can feel especially vulnerable wondering if someone will try to do unnecessary work or charge too much. There is still somewhere you can go and know that your car will be taken care of and you will be treated fairly and honestly. That place is HoltTransmission Service. It doesn’t matter if you need a small repair or a vast overhaul, Holt Transmission Service can help. With three locations in the Lowcountr y, in Summerville, West Ashley, and Nor th Charleston, there’s one near you. 6

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“It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman,” says Jeff Holt, owner of the business. “You will be treated with respect and fairness. I believe in taking time to talk with people and getting to know them. I am one of those guys who is referred to as ‘old school’ because I still believe in a person’s word and a handshake.” “My mother was a single mother to

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three boys. I have witnessed the hardships and sacrifices she made while I was growing up,” he continues. “I have a soft spot for single mothers and the elderly. My grandparents lived with us until they passed away. They helped raise me into the man I am today.” Jeff is originally from For t Lauderdale, Florida, and has lived in the Charleston area for the past nine years. He and his

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“Transmission work is a very intricate and sophisticated repair on a piece of equipment that has over 300 moving par ts,” he explains. “Without a transmission, your car will not move! Every year or every 30,000 miles a person’s car should be serviced.” Basic transmission service includes a transmission flush, filter change, and fluid change for either manual or automatic transmissions. They can install a new transmission, rebuild your transmission, perform clutch service,

“

So, when you hear that clank or rattle underneath the hood, you know where to go. Holt Transmission Service is family owned and operated, and fully licensed and insured. “We ser ve all your automotive needs except for tires,” Jeff says. “We have one of the best warranties in the area and we back our business with professional standards and integrity. Stop by one of our locations or visit us on the web at www.holttransservice.com.”

It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, you will be treated with respect and fairness.

external component service or reseal service. Holt Transmission Service also offers brake services including brake inspection, maintenance, repair, brake pad and shoe replacement. In fact, if you need

BASKETS

Come on, Buy a Basket

Authentic sweetgrass baskets, handmade by Darryl & Angela Stoneworth, from Charleston, SC.

• Investment and Tradition •

Photo by Holger Obenaus

Another point of pride for Jeff is “I have been in the transmission business for thir ty years, having owned and managed shops since a young age.” It is this experience and his integrity that make Holt Transmission the place you go to for your automotive needs.

major brake service done or any major repairs done, they will tow your car to the shop so you won’t jeopardize your family’s safety.

“

wife, Kimberly, have been married for twelve years. “I have a daughter who is a senior in college and two boys who attend Pinewood Preparatory School,” Jeff states proudly.

What began during slavery, with Angela Stoneworth’s great-great grandmother, now spans over 40 years and 10 generations of sweetgrass basket makers in the family. Call us at 843-442-4599 for our location

DNA-sweetgrass-win15.indd 22

• 100% satisfaction guaranteed • Trusted value, unbeatable quality • Quality guaranteed, free lifetime repairs on baskets made by DNA Sweetgrass.

www.dnabaskets.com 12/18/14 11:35:15 AM

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Let’s Talk

The Woman Behind DNA Baskets

od had a plan for Angela Stoneworth, she just didn’t know what it was. “My grandmother and I owned a basket stand on Highway 17 in Mount Pleasant. It was at there I learned to perfect my skills as a basket maker. At nineteen, I married a military man and moved away from South Carolina. Long story short, eight years later, I returned with no husband, no money, devastated and confused. I was jobless with two babies and two suitcases. I had no idea what to do,” Angela exclaims. 8

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Fortunately her mother, Albertha, took her and her children in, and Angela began making baskets again. Albertha began teaching her daughter the newer styles of baskets they were making at the time and Angela began selling her baskets to the basket makers in the City Market in Charleston. Times were hard as she began rebuilding her life but she says, “I remember one day I was making baskets in the midst of my devastation and hearing God say to me, ‘Lift up those beautiful hands!’ At that moment, I lifted up my hands and began to praise God and a peace came over me. I knew that my children and I were going to be alright.” God’s plan for Angela began with making baskets. Then, in March of 1996, Angela met a man named Darryl Stoneworth. He was from New York, but his mother was born and raised in Mount Pleasant. He loved visiting with his parents on vacations so he could meet his southern relatives. But, this trip to South Carolina was for a more permanent stay. His mother had taken ill in New York and wanted to come home. “Darryl came to SC to care for her and his 82 year old father,” Angela recalls. She met Darryl the day he arrived because she was the home attendant for his mother Ms. Lucille. “It was on my second and final day as home attendant for Ms. Lucille that destiny intervened. Darryl’s mother looked at us both and

said, ‘Darryl, do you see Angie?’ He answered, ‘Yes ma’am.’ She said, ‘Angie, do you see my son Darryl?’ I said, ‘Yes ma’am.’ She said, ‘Darryl, she’ll make you a good wife!’ I didn’t know them well and thought it was quite strange for this woman to tell her son that I would make him a good wife. Little did I know that three years later we would be married and raising three beautiful children together.”

Time passed. Angela’s mother, Albertha, continued selling her baskets in the Charleston City Market and Angela would give her a few baskets to sell for her since she was staying home with her three small children. Then, in December 2008, Albertha had a stroke while selling in the Market and in May 2009, Darryl was laid off from his job.

Once again, God had a plan. “After talking it over, we decided to begin going to the market for my mother and ourselves. It was at this time Darryl took a real interest in sweetgrass baskets and the rest is history,” Angela states. “In fact, it was Darryl who came up with the business name, DNA Baskets. I thought it stood for Darryl and Angela’s Baskets, but my husband said it also represents the generations of my family that made sweetgrass baskets in America and our ancestral DNA of those who brought this rich cultural heritage from the west coast of Africa.” So, what is so special about sweetgrass basket making? “Sweetgrass basket making is the oldest, living, African, handmade, art form in America. It was originally used as a work tool with rice crops in West Africa and here in America during slavery,” Angela explains. “Sweetgrass baskets soon became in intricate part of daily plantation living. They were used for a variety of utilitarian purposes in the work fields of the plantations and were also as a vital part of everyday life in the plantation homes. They are made from two different leaves, long leaf southern pine needles and palm leaves, and two different types of grasses, bulrush and sweetgrass.” The best part about DNA Baskets is you don’t have to be in Charleston to buy one. Visit www.dnabaskets.com to shop or please contact them at (843) 442-4599 for their location. They would love to meet you!

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The Front Porch Gourmet

Grilled Chicken KABOBS over Peach & Ricotta Salad with Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze Ingredients: For the Kabobs: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed 2 cups vegetables of your choice Cherry tomatoes for the ends wooden skewers Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze below For the Grilled Peach Salad: 3 peaches, halved and pits removed 1 bag Arugula Greens 1 recipe Homemade Ricotta Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze below 1 package Proscuitto 1 loaf crusty bread

Recipe By Melissa Pelkey-Hass at The Front Porch Gourmet

Directions: First, prepare the Sriracha glaze. Heat all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium high heat; bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until reduced by half. Skewer the meat and vegetables. Grill for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through but not dried. Brush with glaze during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. Brush with additional glaze after kabobs are fully cooked for great, additional flavor. While kabobs are on the grill, prepare the salad. Prepare a bed of greens. Lightly brush peaches with Sriracha glaze. Grill cut side down for approximately 45 seconds to one minute. You’re looking for a little caramelization and nice grill marks. Remove from grill and place peaches on the bed of Arugula. Add slices of Prosciutto, bread and a bowl of Homemade Ricotta cheese. (Recipe at thefrontporchgourmet.com) Store bought is NOT the same. Trust me on this. Because I love you and would never, ever lie to you. And it is so easy your goldfish could make it. You got this. Then you can get what’s in that photo up there. Thank me later for sharing. I could have kept it all to myself, you know!

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For the Brown Sugar Sriracha Glaze: ¾ cup chicken stock ¼ cup dark brown sugar ¼ cup soy sauce 1 tbsp sriracha sauce ½ tbsp garlic paste ¼ tsp. black pepper

The Front Porch Gourmet

STUFFED S Q UA S H BLOSSOM SALAD Ingredients:

Spinach Spring Mix Greens Fresh Herbs of Your Choice (Basil, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, etc.) Squash Blossoms Fresh Strawberries, Sliced Citrus Wedges, Tangerines or Pink Grapefruit 1 Ball Burrata or wedge of good bleu cheese Toasted Walnuts or Pecans 8 oz. Ricotta Cheese, homemade or storebought Good Balsamic Vinegar Good Olive Oil – I used Basil Infused

Directions: Place Ricotta in a piping bag or ziplock bag. Open squash blossoms. Pipe ricotta into squash blossoms. Set aside. Place remaining salad ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle with oil and balsamic. Top with Stuffed Squash blossom.

Bonus! Homemade Croutons Perfect as a use for stale bread, cut bread into cubes. Toss with olive oil and seasonings such as cracked pepper, dried Basil, Dried Oregano or Thyme (Use your favorite spices). Place in a 425 degree oven until the croutons are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Toss with additional fresh herbs as desired before serving. Also, you can add Prosciutto for added protein and extra flavor.

You can also “Go Greek” by adding fresh feta, and a mixture of olives and pepperoncini. www.charlestonwomanonline.com

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk Professional

Robin Carpenter says her most important role is that of a mother. 14

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Raising a

Let’s Talk

Hero

By Lori Duncan Photos By Mike Guinto - Combat Camera.

hen I realized that I wanted to interview Robin Carpenter, it was totally selfish of me. I wanted to know what kind of woman raised such an unselfish hero as Kyle Carpenter: a man who is credited with using his body as a shield to protect fellow Marines. William Kyle Carpenter (born October 17, 1989), also known as Kyle Carpenter, is a medically retired United States Marine who received the United States’ highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2010. According to Wikipedia, Carpenter is the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient. Although I am not sure I was successful, I tried to articulate to Robin the reasons I wanted to interview her. As a mother of four and a woman who loves my country, I appreciate what her son did. I am grateful for his and his fellow Marines’ service. I also appreciate the sacrifices that our military service men and women, as well as their families, make on a daily basis. So who was this woman who raised her to son to be the kind of man who would willingly place himself in harm’s way to protect someone else? Robin Carpenter is the mother of three boys. She is an employee of Lexington Medical Center at the Irmo facility as an x-ray technician, however Robin says her most important role is that of a mother. Easy going and down to earth, talking with Robin was like chatting with one of my neighbors. Robin says when she found out she was pregnant with twins, she was so excited. “Kyle helped us raise them. He is such a good brother.” It was interesting to me as I talked with Robin about the twins that they chose to attend different high schools.

That says to me that Robin was the kind of mother that supported her children’s decisions to be their own people and nurtured each of them differently, focusing on their individual needs. Now, all three of Robin’s sons are college students. Kyle is at USC and the twins, Peyton and Price, are at two other schools. Peyton is at Tri-County and will hopefully be transferring to Clemson in the fall and Price is at the Citadel. Robin says family is her first priority. She is very close to her mother and sisters and lots of nieces and nephews. “Extended family is very important to me.” Robin explained to me that they were not a military family. Her boys didn’t have grandfathers or uncles who served. Kyle didn’t even grow up with a military father. However, she was not surprised that Kyle did what he did when the details of that day starting coming to light. “That is just who is he. He was always the kind of person who would protect others.” From the story Robin recounted, I got the impression that it didn’t matter who needed his protection, he was willing to give it. So when Kyle came to her and his dad and said he was going into the Marines, Robin and her husband were not overjoyed. Now don’t get me wrong, I got the distinct impression that Robin and her family are very much lovers of America. It was just unexpected. After talking with Kyle and one another, they both agreed to support Kyle’s decision. She never felt easy about his going, and she says she prayed every day for www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Lets Let’sTalk Talk the Survivor in You! Celebrating

Kyle while he was away. When she learned of his accident, she wasn’t even shocked. It was like she knew something was going to happen. Time seemed to fly as I listened to Robin walk me through part of the process of learning Kyle was injured. Robin says there isn’t a single branch of the military that she has not had some dealing with since Kyle’s injury. “Everyone has treated us wonderfully.” Robin laughed and even gave me some helpful advice as she shared details of getting Kyle home and settled. I was fascinated with her mothering skills; I think in part because I have never felt more helpless in my life than when my child was in pain and I couldn’t help them. I remember when my oldest was four and he had a blister on his inner ear. For about twenty minutes he begged me to help him. I could only

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cry with him and hold him until the pain medicine kicked in. I remember the faces of the other mothers in the doctor’s office that day: tears streaming down their faces for a stranger’s little boy. Not because they loved my son, but because they loved their sons. I felt the same way about Robin. I felt as if I knew Kyle. I felt as if this woman was taking care of all of our sons. She was helping heal a part of all of us, because after all, Kyle was defending our freedoms. I prayed for him before I ever knew his name. I prayed for his mother after I knew his name. I asked Robin’s husband and her sons to share a little about her with us. Here is what they had to say. “On this upcoming Mothers’ Day, there is no more deserving mother than Robin Carpenter. While other Mom’s may have experienced more

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tragedy and grief in their life, none have exhibited more love and selflessness through it. “Much like Kyle never complained about the intense pain and discomfort he felt, Robin never complained about the emotional pain, loneliness, and helplessness she felt as a Mom. “Not only the inability to ease Kyle suffering, but also being away from her twin sons Peyton and Price for their birthdays and missing their school functions. “She was tired - but never showed it. “She was scared - but told everyone it was going to be okay. “She was lonely- but always spoke and encouraged every stranger she met at Bethesda Hospital. “Before Kyle left after 3 1/2 long years,

everyone at Bethesda knew Robin “Birdie” Carpenter. “She was petite- but don’t neglect taking care of her baby, Kyle. She learned quickly the squeaky wheel gets the grease. She was the mother- the mother that I admired.”

While other mom’s may have experienced more tragedy and grief in their life, none have exhibited more love and selflessness through it. Price sent me this… “The only things I have to say about her is she is the perfect example of a mom. She would give up anything and everything for me or my brothers and without a second thought of if it benefits herself. She’s is completely sacrificial and anyone you talk to who knows her would tell you that.” Peyton had this to say, “She is the best mom I could ever ask for. She tells me every day that she is thinking about me

and that she loves me. She dedicates every second of her life to me and my brothers.” Kyle said this about his mother, “She brushed my teeth when my hands and arms couldn’t. Instead of having a comfortable bed, she slept in a hospital bed next to me so I could fall asleep. She loves me more than I can comprehend. She cooks dinner and cleans everyday so we can have good meals and a clean house. She checks in daily with my brothers and me to make sure we’re ok. She is the rock of our family. Happy Mothers’ Day mom! I love you and thank you for always being there and helping me to become the man I am today.” After listening to her husband and sons, what else can I possibly write about Robin Carpenter?

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Health & Wellness

MEET

DR. MEGAN SEXTON

r. Megan Sexton was born in Columbia, South Carolina and her family moved to Charleston in the early 1990’s where she has retained residency ever since. Dr. Sexton graduated from West Ashley High School in 2004 and earned a B.S. degree in biology and a minor in Chemistr y from the College of Charleston in 2008. She graduated from both institutions with honors. As a child, Dr. Sexton was always involved in community ser vice and continued her community involvement while attending college. In addition to her community involvement she was also involved in various organizations. Dr. Sexton’s career in optometr y began after graduating college by working as an optometric technician and optician’s assistant for several local optometrist. Those oppor tunities fur ther developed Dr. Sexton’s love for medicine. Having vision difficulties herself, she decided to fur ther her studies in the field of optometr y. In 2009,she attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometr y in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Sexton achieved her doctorate of optometr y in 2013, graduating with high honors and clinical honors. After

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graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometr y, Dr. Sexton worked for several local Optometrists in the Charleston area. In September of 2013, Dr. Sexton became a member of the 20/20 Vision family. Although she doesn’t specialize in one par ticular area, she has a strong interest in pediatrics and ocular disease. When Dr. Sexton is not working, she enjoys spending her time cooking and baking. She loves to challenge her skills with cake decorating and design. She enjoys visiting new restaurants

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and tr ying various unique foods. She also has a love for the outdoors. Some of her favorite outdoor activities include hiking, miniature golf, fishing and she is hoping to one day master water skiing.

Health & Wellness

20/20 VISION CENTER Has your child been diagnosed with, or do you suspect your child has ADHD/ADD? Did you know your child may not have ADHD/ADD, but a vision problem instead?

The symptoms between convergence insufficiency, the most common visual problem affecting children and learning, and ADHD/ADD are quite similar. Do you find your child doing any of the following:

children who have CI; one study found that 1 in 4 children have a vision problem that is affecting their ability to learn. The only way to diagnose CI or any other visual problem is through a comprehensive eye exam.

• making excuses for not doing homework

If you feel your child may in fact have a visual problem please contact our office today. Many children are misdiagnosed and mistreated for ADHD/ADD when it is actually a vision problem. The child may not know it’s a vision problem because they assume everyone sees just like them. Please, do your child a favor and have their eyes examined today!

• failing to complete homework or assignments • taking “vision” breaks • avoiding reading or any close up work • easily distracted • or unable to complete reading tasks that require long periods of time? If you answered yes to these questions, your child may be suffering from a vision problem that is closely related to ADHD/ADD. Other common symptoms that your child might have a near vision problem: headaches, eye strain, double vision, using their finger to follow along the page, skipping lines in a book, and blur at distance after periods of reading. Convergence Insufficiency, referred to as “CI”, is a condition that affects the eyes. CI is where the eyes are not able to work together as a team when focusing on a near target, as in reading. There are three things that must occur when looking at an object up close. First, the eyes must converge or move in on an object; second, the eyes must be able to focus and make the object clear ; third the pupils decrease in size. The first and second phenomena are what we are concerned about in children who may have a learning disability or a vision problem. In children with CI, their eyes are not able to converge; therefore, the second phenomenon of making the object clear is not going to occur either. This is when children star t losing their ability to perform near tasks and leads to the same symptoms seen in ADHD/ADD patients as mentioned above. Several studies have been done with

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MEET

The Front Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk Porch Gourmet

PAT B R AD L E Y

By Patti McGrath Photography by Tammy Bevins Photography

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Life is too short to be in a job you hate. That’s one reason Pat Bradley’s job is so important. Pat is a career specialist at Ashley Ridge High School (ARHS). She works with students to figure out what careers suit them best.

“One of my students had dreamed of becoming a veterinarian since she was a little girl. That’s all she ever wanted to become. After completing a required job shadowing packet, I arranged for her to spend a day shadowing a vet at a local veterinarian’s office that assists me with students’ work-based learning,” Pat remembers. “It was a day scheduled for surgery. When the vet cut an incision into the cat she fainted! Her mom had to come pick her up. She said she was done with that dream. She has graduated and is now in college to become a school teacher. I run into her occasionally and we both just smile.” “This story shows how important career exploration is,” she continues. “It shows the importance of knowing or identifying your niche, and what’s a good match or fit for you. It’s equally important to identify what is not a good match or fit. These experiences help to prevent students from getting stuck in a career or job they do not enjoy. There’s a big difference in a

job and a career.” Pat has been a member of the Dorchester School District Two family for twenty six years. “I have the pleasure of being one of the staff members that opened ARHS in the 2008/2009 school year,” she states, adding proudly that ARHS became a Palmetto Finest School in 2012-2013. “Working in education has given me more time with my family and friends to do the things I enjoy,” Pat says. “Working with the students has been very rewarding. Our students are totally awesome! It just makes my day whenever students and graduates stop by my office just to say hi and thank you for guiding them in their journey of college and career readiness and success, whether their future plans are going to college, entering the military, or going into the work force.” “I love everything about my job! I love assisting students with career goals and decision making skills that will affect them

throughout their entire life. I enjoy helping them figure out what their interests, abilities, values, personality, etc. are, in order to better understand themselves,” Pat explains. “Students need to be able to identify these components in the world of work in order to make career, educational and lifelong decisions. Career exploration gives a student the opportunity to identify not only what career clusters they enjoy, but what is it that they do not like or enjoy as well.” Pat helps the students evaluate these factors as they make career choices. Job shadowing helps in the process. “Most students’ job shadow and come back with terrific stories of their learning experiences,” she says. “You see the happiness in their eyes and hear the joy in their voices as they tell you all about the day.” Pat is thrilled to help students at ARHS and everyone she has worked with knows that her passion and influence has helped many students throughout the years.

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Health & Wellness

Exceeding Expectations Trident Health celebrates each birth Trident Health welcomes more newborns to the world than any other health care provider in the Charleston area, and it’s easy to understand why.

From preparation classes to a high level of suppor t at bir th and afterward, Trident Medical Center (TMC) and Summerville Medical Center (SMC) strive to provide the best possible star t for each baby, along with special touches to help families celebrate an unforgettable moment. “We have a terrific staff that is very friendly,” says Dee Bien, Trident Health’s director of Women’s and Children’s Services. “They work hard to customize and meet the needs of each individual patient.”

Designed for comfort During 2014, Trident Health delivered exactly 2,750 babies, more than half of which

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arrived at TMC’s birthing center, where birthing suites are designed to create a soothing environment with a home-like feel. “We’ve provided everything possible to make the birthing experience comfortable for mom and baby,” Bien says. Special touches include adjustable lighting, waterfall faucets and rooms with showers or whirlpool tubs, to alleviate pain and stress. The Expectant Parent Welcome Tour is a great way to preview the birthing facilities and learn what will happen once the big day arrives. Trident Health offers several other classes, too, including Childbirth Awareness, Breastfeeding Your Baby and the baby-care class, Instructions Not Included.

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Skilled care with a personal touch If a woman needs to see an obstetrician immediately, one is available 24/7 at each hospital. Doctors with Trident Health’s OB Hospitalist Program provide immediate care until a woman’s usual physician can join her at the hospital. OB Hospitalists can also take care of an expectant mother who does not already have an OB/GYN. “They are right here, in house,” says Bien. Each expectant mom is encouraged to share her desires for the birth with the nursing team. “We work to make those things happen so she can have the bir th that she would like to have,” says Nancy Quire, who manages labor and delivery services at TMC.

In addition to special tubs and showers, exercise balls and other features are available to help labor progress. Soon, TMC will add a holistic bir thing suite, Bien says, “for the moms who desire a less-invasive delivery but want a hospital setting.”

Bonding and breastfeeding As part of Trident Health’s family-centered approach, a newborn is placed on mom’s chest immediately after birth, allowing them to stay “skin to skin” for at least an hour, unless one of them needs urgent medical attention. The same is true after a surgical delivery.

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To help share the news, Brahms’ lullaby plays throughout the hospital when a newborn arrives. When families give permission, Trident Health also highlights baby photos on digital billboards, its website, Facebook page and in print. Parents receive keepsake champagne flutes and at TMC are treated to a white tablecloth meal that they choose, Quire says. “Our families have really enjoyed that.” For more information on The Lactation Club, please call 843-847-4554.

Unless the newborn requires special nursery care, mother and baby “room in” together for the rest of their hospital stay with nursing suppor t and guidance. Staying close encourages bonding and can involve both parents. “They are a family, and they are learning about each other,” says Quire. “We are very committed to that.” It also helps set the stage for breastfeeding, which boosts shor t- and long-term health of moms and babies. All of Trident Health’s maternity nurses are trained to assist with breastfeeding, and each hospital has an international board-certified lactation consultant. “Fortunately, Trident Medical Center allows me to spend as much time with my patient as I need to help that mother become successful with breastfeeding,” says TMC lactation consultant Diane Newton. Moms can get advice from Newton after discharge and also join The Lactation Club, which meets monthly at TMC.

Learn more at TridentHealthSystem.com.

“DISCOVER A NEW LIFE WITH WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY.” If you have struggled with other weight-loss methods, bariatric surgery can be life changing. Please join Dr. Neil McDevitt for a free information seminar. He will lead a discussion on weight loss surgery, covering risks and benefits of the procedure. At Coastal Carolina Bariatric Center, you will embark on your weight loss journey with a dedicated team who will be with you every step of the way. To register for a free weight loss seminar, please call 843-875-8994.

- Dr. Neil McDevitt Weight Loss Surgeon

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A Personal Note o you ever feel like you are moving in circles? In the last few months, I have found myself wondering about the state of this world. How senseless some things are, or so they seem to be to me. I rarely turn the news on anymore because there is so much sadness. A little face that haunts my dreams or a pair of grief stricken eyes that I can’t get out of my mind. I read once that our children are like little tanks. Imagine their bellies are a reserve filled with either positive or negative emotions. Those emotions both good and bad come from us. Whatever we fill that tank with, is what comes out of their mouths. So I have to wonder, why are people so mean? When I was younger, I can remember my parents teaching me to be kind. I know it’s hard to believe I just wasn’t born that way, right? Seriously, if I said something that wasn’t nice, my mother would say, “That isn’t a nice thing to say.” or if I was being rude or unkind, I remember hearing the old adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Now days people think it’s funny to say mean things. They sit around and see who can say the meanest things. Does it come from this new form of socializing that we have, Facebook/twitter/Instagram/snapchat, where we can shoot off a comment to someone without any real consequence. Where we can hide behind a computer screen and make veiled remarks, yet everyone knows who you are talking about. Does that make it ok if you don’t name the person you are “slamming” specifically? I was at a local performance recently and two young ladies were sitting behind me. I felt like I was at a casting call for a “Mean Girls” movie. The seventeen-ish year old young woman, spent an hour… critiquing every single person who stepped foot on the stage. I was embarrassed for her and I felt badly for the young people who were being graded on this performance. I usually bite my tongue, however, this time I could not. I asked a teacher to tell me her name. She did better than that, she called her over. Now I could embarrass her by telling you all who she was, but my mama raised me better than that. I only mention this because it is scary to me to think we have lost our compassion for one another. When I was in school if I was watching student performances my thoughts would have been, “They must be very nervous!”; “Wow, that took a lot of guts to sing that song!”; “ That was amazing for a solo performance!”; “What great dancers!” Instead, here was a young lady who had absolutely nothing nice to say for fifty plus minutes. After I admonished her for her behavior, I was very sad. I wondered how self conscious this young woman was, and how insecure in herself she must be, how empty of positive emotions to share from her love tank. It may be “uncool” and terribly “unpopular” but I want to always be the positive and not the negative. I want to fill all the people I “pour” into with kindness and love. I know at times I have failed at that. I am sure I have said some not-nice things myself from time to time, and I will do better. Maybe because I shared this with you, you will stop yourself or someone else from being unnecessarily unkind to someone. Until Next Time, Your Friend

Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.

Lori Samples Duncan

-Lady Bird Johnson, former U.S. first lady

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