Charleston Woman Magazine by Charleston Woman

VOL 2, NO 1

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

Dr. Nichole

QUINN Meet the doctor behind Total Family Wellness

THE BAKERS

A Love Story

Meet Survivor

DEBRA WALWORTH

In this Issue

From the Editor

Celebrating the Survivor in You!

www.charlestonwomanonline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Lauri Truesdale info@woman2womanonline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kay H. Barlow Ruth Chapman Pastor Mark Crumpton Lori Samples Duncan Beth McCrary Lydia Ramsey Mandy Rivers Elaine Samples

2 It’s Heart Month!

3 What’s Happening?

Let’s Talk

COVER PHOTO Richard Bell Photography

DESIGN Melissa W. Morris

4 5 6 8

At the Heart of it All Recipe: Naked Chicken Tenders An Era of Meanness Where Will You Go from Here? A One on One with Valorie Burton

PHOTOGRAPHY Clark Berry Photography Patrick Mooney Photography Richard Bell Photography Tammy Bevins Photography

Find us on facebook!

10 12

Events

Debra Walworth: Breast Cancer Survivor Haley Thomas: Brain Tumor Survivor

Local Sweethearts

14 The Bakers: A Love Story

Health & Wellness

18 20 22 23 24 26

Robotics Add Exciting Dimension to GYN Surgery My Daughter’s Diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes The Etiquette of Sympathy Heart Disease, Number One Killer Among Woman Dr. Nichole Quinn of Total Family Wellness Palmetto Primary Care Physicians Offers Patients Fully Integrated Urgent Care Center with Connectivity to Their Primary Care Physician

Business & Web Directory Charleston Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Publishing (803) 785-4475 711 East Main Street, Suite A-2 Lexington, SC 29072

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. © 2011

27 Contact our advertisers

Personal Note 28 A New Heart

To view past issues and more, check us out online at www.charlestonwomanonline.com www.charlestonwomanonline.com

his issue of Charleston Woman is all about heart! We love Greater Charleston businesses and Greater Charleston families!

As a quarterly publication, we wanted to be sure the issue that will be distributed in the first quarter is filled with heart. More women die each year of heart disease than all five major cancers combined. We talked with Dr. Scott Woodfield of Cardiovascular Services at Trident Health for some advice. Because you spend so much time taking care of other women, we want to inspire you to do something for yourself.

CELEBRATE

Heart Month!

We know February is about more than your physical heart, so we included some content for the emotional side of your life sustaining organ as well. In this issue, you will read a love story about the Bakers – we tell you how one Charleston woman fell in love with her fireman. You will also read a story about juvenile diabetes, as a mother shares her heart with us about a scary diagnosis. The Survivor section will be in every issue of Charleston Woman as we commit to celebrating the Survivor in you! In our initial story of 2011, we told you about Toni Bunch, who is a breast cancer survivor. In this issue, we introduce you to Deb Walworth. Deb is local business woman who learned to appreciate the meaningful things of life – a Survivor whose story has inspired me. I trust she will encourage you as well. The holidays are over, and the kids are back in school. I hope you will take some time to relax and enjoy this issue of Charleston Woman. We gained a little knowledge on chiropractic care from Dr. Nicole Quinn about some ways a total wellness program can help us all. It is always our goal to bring you the best of the best in Greater Charleston. Let our advertisers know that you heard about them from the new Charleston Woman Magazine. It is their support of our vision that allows this issue of Charleston Woman to be complimentary to you. Happy Heart Month! I hope it’s filled with love and laughter, and may 2012 be prosperous and filled with good health for us all! Your friend,

Lori Samples Duncan Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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Women

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace; that brings good tidings of good, that publishes salvation; that says unto Zion, Thy God reigns!

Events NEW Summerville Chamber Members • Adamus Media • BRC Medical Billing Service • Brush Beauty Lounge • Carolina Contracting Solutions, LLC

• Carolina One Real Estate – Jeremy Erling • Charleston Woman Magazine (Woman 2 Woman Publishing, LLC) • Chase After A Cure • Dart Plus, LLC • East Shore Athletic Club • Enterprise Rent-A-Car • Jan Waring Woods, CPA, LLC • Paychex, Inc. • Security Finance # 1261 • Swallowtail Architecture, LLC • The Barbeque Joint • Trident Literacy Association

What’s HAPPENING? YOUTHDREAMS Company presents “Just Desserts and the Music in Me” February 24, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Flowertown/Newington Elementary Cafeteria

This will showcase some of the very talented young people of this Broadwaystyle musical theatre company which is led by Lucia Dantzler. There will be entertainment, delicious home-made desserts, beverage of your choice, and a silent auction. Included in the silent auction is a “musical chair-ity” portion where parents, students and local artists have creatively decorated chairs to fit with a favorite musical or song. For a small donation there will even be a rousing game of adult musical chairs. All items were donated to assist in defraying costs for the company’s upcoming productions. The ticket price is $5 and on sale now. For more information contact Dantzler at 696-6744 or 871-1346.

Charleston Food + Wine Festival March 1 – 4

The annual BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival® is a celebration of excel-

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The

lence in food, wine and Charleston’s renowned culture for the benefit of local charities. Get your tickets now at the website below! www.charlestonwineandfood.com

Dancing with the ARK’s Stars March 10, 7 – 11 p.m. Eidson Gym, Pinewood Preparatory School

Join our celebrity dancers and Carolina Dancesport professional dancers as they compete to win, and raise needed funds for The ARK! Reserve your ticket now! Vote for your favorite dancer! Tickets are $50 per person and includes heavy hor d’oeuvres and an open bar. The ARK provides hope and relief for families living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Find out more information or reserve your ticket at the website below. www.thearkofsc.org

weekend warriors to those who just run once a year, this race attracts a diverse crowd from across the state and beyond (Oprah Winfrey and Bill Murray have both been spotted). Spectating is just as fun for those who don’t want to run the 6.2-mile course, which crosses the Cooper River Bridge before heading into scenic downtown Charleston. Music, drinks, food, and revelry continue long after the race is over. To register, visit the website below. www.bridgerun.com

Cooper River Bridge Run March 31

A local tradition that stretches back to 1978, this 10-K race draws more than 30,000 participants every year. From lean elite runners to weight-watching

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Let’s Talk

At the

Heart of it ALL by Pastor Mark Crumpton

oday we are living at a much faster pace than ever before in our society. We seem to always have something to do or some place to be. We scarcely have time for family meals and visits. After all, there is no time to say “Hello; Good-bye ... I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.”

Many of us have sold our time to the highest bidder, our jobs, and substituted our presence with stuff we have purchased from our earnings. We want our children to have all the things we never had and we want them to have more than we had growing up, because we love them. Unfortunately in many families today the children don’t have what many of us had growing up, time spent with mom and dad.

I have memories of playing ball with my mom when no one else was willing, mom had time. I have memories of hunting with my dad, and even riding with him in the summer on long road trips as he was a truck driver. Of course we too had stuff that they purchased for my brothers and I; but I honestly don’t remember much of it specifically.

My dad’s job kept him on the road four nights of the week, but somehow I don’t remember him ever missing one of my ball games. I am sure that he must have but somehow he was always there for me. I know that we didn’t always have the money to buy the name brand clothes that I thought I couldn’t live without. But I never felt as if we did without. What I am trying to say is At the Heart of it All was love! I knew then and I still know today that I was loved, not because of the things they could do for me but because I was more important than that stuff. Today more than ever before we wrestle against balancing career and family. Divorce rates continue to rise, and in a down economy so does the stress of finance. But at the heart of it all should be love. The Bible tells us that “Love never fails” 1 Cor 13:8.

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or heard anyone say on their death bed “I wish I had worked more, or I wish I had more stuff ”. Friends you can make more money but you can’t make more time; so invest what you have wisely. If you only invest money into those you love, you will see little to no return on investment. If you invest love into those you care about, you will reap a lifetime of returns because Love never fails.

Today more than ever we wrestle against balancing career and family. If upon reading this article you find that something else is at the heart of your life right now, be honest with yourself. If that is the case I want to remind you it is NOT too late to put things back in order and proper perspective. Eph 5:15-16 15See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16redeeming the time, because the days are evil. NKJV I have been in ministry for nearly 15 years and I have never yet seen

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) Pastor Mark Crumpton Lexington Church of God 1228 S. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC (803) 957-6675, www.LexCOG.org

NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS by Mandy Rivers

Recipe • 4 tablespoons Chicken Seasoning (recipe below) • 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins • 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil Using kitchen shears, cut the white tendon from each tenderloin. Or don’t. I just do it because they skeeve me out. Liberally coat tenderloins with Chicken Seasoning. And I do mean liberally. This is less than 2/10 salt so rock it out.

use my chicken seasoning each and every time I cook chicken. Whether I’m baking it, grilling it, frying it, sautéing it or putting it in ice cream, it gets a good coating of the seasoning. But my very favorite way to use it is to coat chicken tenderloins and pan-fry them without breading… kind of like a naked chicken tender. Once cooked, you can use the tenderloins in so many dishes. When you’re cooking on a budget, you can make one 1-lb. package (about $5.00) stretch to feed your family.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use enough oil so that the bottom of the skillet is thoroughly covered. Once your oil is good and hot, place about half the tenderloins in the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan. These cook quickly so you’re not going to miss Christmas if you have to cook two batches. Cook about 4 minutes or until lightly browned on each side then remove from heat. Let chicken rest about 10 minutes before cutting. I mean it!

Chicken Seasoning • 2 tablespoons salt • 2 tablespoons paprika • 2 tablespoons garlic powder • 1 tablespoon dried thyme • 1 tablespoon white pepper • 1 tablespoon black pepper • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper* • 1 tablespoon onion powder Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. I keep mine in a large used spice container that still has its shaker top for easy use. *if you prefer a Southwest vibe, use chili powder instead

Serving Suggestions You can absolutely serve these on their own but if you need to make one pound stretch, here are a few ideas: Big Fat Salad: Make everyone their own entrée size salad on a dinner plate. Cut the tenderloins into bite-sized pieces and place on top. My brood likes their Big Fat Salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, chopped boiled eggs, cheddar or blue cheese and whatever else I might have handy. Serve with ranch, blue cheese or honey mustard dressing.

For more budget friendly recipes, visit

www.mandyrivers.com

Chicken Alfredo: Cook linguine according to package directions. Meanwhile heat jarred alfredo sauce (Gasp! These are weeknight meals, remember? Don’t get all judgey, we’re pimping on a budget here) and add 1 teaspoon Chicken Seasoning. Toss pasta with alfredo sauce then plate pasta with chicken on top. www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Let’s Talk

An Era of MEANNESS

by Kay H. Barlow

arely do we look into the crib at that precious newborn and see a child who will become a bully, be bullied or stand by and watch another person bullied. Yet, statistics show that bullying takes place every 7 minutes on our playgrounds and goes unreported a majority of the time.1 Bullying is a learned behavior. It is meanness, a quality we do not want to see in ourselves and especially not in our children. In view of recent suicides throughout the country, we must recognize bullying as a serious problem, with serious repercussions and in need of serious attention. As parents, we are our children’s greatest teachers. We must model kindness and show that bullying will not be tolerated. According to Olweus, a bullying prevention program, a person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more person, and has difficulty defending himself or herself. 2 Bullying comes in many forms, both direct and indirect.3

Physical bullying involves hitting, kicking, shoving and spitting with the intention of causing physical harm and fear. Physical bullying is most often done by boys to other boys. Verbal bullying includes namecalling, teasing and making insults or threats to embarrass and intimidate. Social or relational bullying is mental harassment by teasing, excluding or humiliating. Threatening gestures, body language, dirty looks and gossip are used to isolate individuals and destroy status within a peer group. Social bullying is most often done by girls to other girls.

Cyber bullying is the newest and perhaps the most harmful type of bullying our children are experiencing. Text messages, voicemails, e-mails and social networking sites are used to threaten, intimidate and spread false rumors about a victim. Our children are tech savvy but often emotionally insensitive to the feelings of others. In today’s world of immediate connection, one photo upload or derogatory post can go “viral,” causing great harm and hurt almost instantly. As parents, we must stay connected with our children. Talk with them, listen to them and get to know their friends. Let them know that bullying is wrong, unacceptable and carries serious consequences. Watch for signs that your child is being bullied. If he or she no longer wants to go to school or ride the bus, begins losing his or her school supplies or lunch money, has unexpected cuts and bruises, you may have a problem and you need to investigate. Go to the proper authorities. Start at the school, but do not stop there if the issue is not resolved.

As parents, we must stay connected with our children. Talk with them, listen to them and get to know their friends.

Bullying is not only about the bully and the victim. Bullying also impacts those who witness such acts. Many simply stand by and do nothing, often resulting in years of emotional distress and guilt. We must teach our children empa-

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real

Women

thy. We must show them how to treat others and encourage them to seek help when needed. In the simplest words, we must foster love and kindness. Love and kindness should be taught early and often, as no one wants their child to grow up in an era of meanness. Midlands Education and Business Alliance is a local nonprofit working to connect students, parents, educators and employers to education and career opportunities in the Midlands through programs and partnerships of business, school, college, faith and other community leaders. MEBA fosters community collaboration between business and education to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life in the Midlands. For more information on bullying, please visit our website at www.mebasc.com/your-child for tips and links to other great organizations and resources. Pepler, Craig & Roberts, 1998. Olweus. Retrieved from http://www.- olweus.org/public/bullying.page 3 Bully Free Program. Facts About Bullying. Retrieved from http://www.bullyfree.com/free-resources/facts-about-bullying 1 2

About Kay H. Barlow Kay H. Barlow is the Parent and Community Education Director for Midlands Education and Business Alliance. Ms. Barlow has over 20 years experience working with students of the nine school districts of the Midlands and with various parents and community. Much of her time is spent working with educators, social workers and businesses dealing with the growing issue of poverty in South Carolina and its effect on the families of this state. Ms. Barlow holds an undergraduate degree from Missouri Baptist College and a Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina.

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It’s

Heart Month!

Don’t Become a Statistic • Mermaid Shows • River Boat Cruise • Animal Shows • Buccanner Bay Waterpark • Canoe and Kayaking

More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Make it your mission to learn all you can about heart attacks and stroke — don’t become a statistic. CALL 9-1-1.

The Only City of LIVE Mermaids!

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

Signs of a Heart Attack in Women • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the

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center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. • As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1...Get to a hospital right away. National Heart Association, www.heart.org

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Let’s Talk

Where will you go from here?

A ONE ON ONE with VALORIE BURTON by Elaine Samples

Certified Personal and Executive Coach who has served hundreds of clients in over 40 states and eight countries, Valorie Burton is founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CAPP) Institute – a training and leadership development company. She is a published author who is deeply committed to helping people be more resilient so they can thrive in life and work. Her newest book, Where Will You Go From Here?, helps readers move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. We had the chance to sit down with Valorie and discuss her latest book, and I hope you will enjoy her unique insight as much as we did!

Charleston Woman: Valorie, your message is that of empowerment. Where do you draw the strength to motivate others? Valorie Burton: I learned my mission after I’d prayed about it for a couple of years. I felt like God spoke to me one day in my spirit that I was supposed to inspire women to live more fulfilling lives and I would do it through writing and speaking. That’s really why I do what I do. And I know that it is God who gives me the strength. At

times, when you get tired, I really feel like my work inspired. I can’t attribute it to anything other than God, really.

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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CW: What single attribute of yours would you say has contributed most to the success you’ve had? Valorie: Besides the fact that I know it’s my purpose, I’ve been able to persevere. It hasn’t always come easily to get

Women

Let’s Talk book deals and to have a business for almost eleven years writing and speaking — that’s not a typical way to earn a living. Perseverance is key to anything just because if you give up too soon, you never know what could have been. One of the things that keeps me going is I get a lot of communication from people who have read something I’ve written or heard me speak and just knowing that they did something positive in their life, made a change, overcame a fear, or went after a dream because of something I said, motivates and inspires me.

haven’t been a kid for twenty years, she is still as dedicated to me now as ever, though in an adult way. CW: Tell us about the idea for your latest book, Where Will you go From Here? Valorie: This is a book that’s for people who — you’ve been walking along your path and feel like you got sideswiped into a ditch. So, it might be that you ended up divorced, that you received an unexpected health diagnosis, lost your job, lost your home, or had a financial setback. We all have those ditches that we land in, and the book is about how you bounce back from the setbacks and the unexpected turns in life — because you don’t have to stay in the ditch. It knocks you out and you might wake up and see stars. Though you can’t get up and run yet, you can get out of the ditch. You can forge a new path if you need to, or you can find your way back onto the old path.

Perseverance is key to anything just because if you give up too soon, you never know what could have been. CW: At Charleston Woman, we are always excited when we hear about women inspiring other women. Can you tell us about women who inspire you? Valorie: My mother has inspired me most. In addition to being a good, loving person who always does things for others without seeking glory or recognition, she is the most determined woman that I know, having suffered a brain aneurysm and bounced back. By all medical accounts, she should have died, but her faith continues to inspire me. And she’s just always been a good mom. She’s the one who taught me how to write when I was three years old, and how to read. I have loved books since I have had a memory and I attribute that to my mom. I also feel blessed to have a mom that knows part of her purpose was being a mother, and although I

CW: You offer five commitments to help when bouncing back from a setback: 1) I will not feel sorry for myself. 2) I will not stare at a closed door. 3) I will dig deep to unearth the courage I need. 4) I will direct my thoughts. My thoughts will not direct me. 5) I will choose to believe that all things work together for good. I really like, “I will direct my thoughts. My thoughts will not direct me.” I once heard Bishop T.D. Jakes say, “What you think about, you will become.” Can you tell us about how we can direct our thought life to be more healthy? Valorie: It’s about building selfawareness and that starts with noticing what you are saying to yourself, particularly when you deal with a challenge. One of the best things you can do is to identify the self-sabotaging, counterproductive thoughts that are most

common for you and develop the thoughts you want to replace those with so that when those common thoughts come to you, you already know what you are going to say. Decide to be very intentional about being more positive. CW: I especially like what you said about having the choice to become better or bitter. When my father died, my sister decided that she could use the most tragic thing in her life and become depressed or she could use the tragedy to make her better. Woman 2 Woman Publishing was born out of that very concept. Any advice on putting that instruction into action? Valorie: There is something that researchers call Post Traumatic Growth. We can actually grow as a result of our trials, and not just have to go through them. Ask yourself, “How will I be better because of this?” After my divorce, I made a decision that I will be a wiser woman. When my instincts tell me something, I will pay attention. I think a lot of times we have to say, “How will I be better?” Whether you are more grateful, you learn to enjoy your family more, or you were forced to slow down, there are a lot of good things that can come from a bad situation. When the bitterness comes up, I think if you are angry, you have to acknowledge it and find a constructive way to get through your anger. But bitterness and negative emotions damage your immune system. They are not good for your health or life expectancy, so if you

want to live a long, happy life, you can’t do it bitter. CW: Anything else you would like to share regarding resilience and bouncing back after serious setbacks? Valorie: I think that it is really critical to put things into perspective by talking to other people, reading other people’s stories and not isolating yourself. It’s the reason that I shared so many other people’s stories in the book. I thought I’d really gone through something and then I interview these people and many of them are people I knew, but I had no idea what they had gone through and bounced back from. One of the most important things you can do to be resilient is to be aware of other people who’ve gotten through things at least as difficult, if not more difficult than what you’ve gone through and it will give you help and perspective. CW: So, tell us, where will YOU go from here? Anything exciting in the works that you would like for our readers to know about? Valorie: I have another book coming out in 2012 called Successful Women Think Differently, and it is about all the habits that make you happier, healthier and more resilient. We are continuing our coach training program and I’m also working on a television show concept. I just signed a deal with a production company to develop a show and I’m really excited. So, I have big goals and I trust if I persevere, eventually they will all come together.

Get the Book! Order your copy of Valorie’s latest book Where Will You Go from Here? at www.amazon.com or www.valorieburton.com www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Debra Walworth {Breast Cancer Survivor}

by Elaine Samples

photography by Tammy Bevins Photography

Real WomenWoma n c e l e b r a t e s t h e s u r v i vo r i n yo u Charleston

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

ebra Walworth is no stranger to the pain of cancer. Her mother’s sisters died from cancer at ages 35 and 32, respectively. Debra’s mother, on the other hand, is a FIVE time cancer survivor who recently celebrated her 78th birthday. So on June 6, 2002, when Debra was diagnosed with cancer, she knew the many facets of what such a diagnosis could entail. When she went for a mammogram initiated due to a questionable lump, the doctor ordered an ultrasound. “I saw a little black area the technician seemed concerned about,” remembers Debra. “And she said she was unable to discuss the area with me. When I asked if the red line leading to the black area was a vein, she told me she was trying to figure that out. A gut feeling told me that if it had blood going to it, it could be a tumor. And it was.” The ultrasound was inconclusive and the gynecologist who ordered it thought everything was okay. Deb followed her gut, asking her family doctor for his opinion, and that is when a lumpectomy which turned into a partial mastectomy was done on June 4, 2002. When the results came back two days later, Debra was told that because her tumor was on the left breast and she has asthma, radiation was not an option. Moreover, because of her family history and the possibility of having the BRCA1 gene which is associated with breast and ovarian cancer, a double mastectomy was her best option. Just having finished a tax internship with a small CPA firm, Debra was waiting for the results of the fourth (and final) part of the CPA exam. She was frustrated at the timing during which the cancer decided to surface given that her husband had lost his job a month earlier and he was also back in college. But she was also determined to fight. “When I got home, I went straight to the basement to look for

materials for a craft I had promised to finish with my daughter, and as I looked around, thought I know I will beat the cancer because there were too many unfinished projects for me to complete.” Realizing that while she was likely facing several surgeries, lots of chemotherapy, and would probably not be looking for a job anytime soon, Debra started volunteering with Gilda’s Club (www.gildasclub. org). Gilda’s Club is a worldwide cancer support community and she was able to utilize her talents by teaching craft classes for cancer patients, their friends, and families. The very afternoon of her diagnosis, Debra recalls, “Around 4:30 pm, I went to the computer and used the American Cancer Society’s website as my ‘bouncing point.’ I looked up as much as I could about BRCA-1 (the cancer gene that ran in Debra’s family), pre and post operation treatment, and chemotherapy. I took a break for dinner around 6:30 and went back to the computer. My husband suggested that I wait until my appointments with the oncologist and plastic surgeon, but those appointments were one and two weeks away. By the time I went to bed at 11:30, I had a very clear picture in my head that I should be able to complete chemo by Thanksgiving, finish up reconstruction in December, and embark upon 2003 with a fresh start, and perhaps even a new job.” In life, we meet different kinds of

people. They can often be lumped into two categories: “people who do” and “people who talk.” Debra Walworth is a doer. From the time she learned of her cancer, she began volunteering. Since she finished treatment and is living cancer free, she is still volunteering. She lobbied for ACS CAN (a sister organization of the American Cancer Society) in Washington DC for three years in a row. While in Grand Rapids, Debra volunteered For Relay for Life events and was a member of the Rotary Club of Kentwood. “In 2008,” says Debra, “Our Rotary Club had about a half dozen men who were prostate cancer survivors. When I brought in a speaker from the American Cancer Society and the club president learned that ACS supports research and services for all types of cancer, not just breast cancer; the club voted to sponsor the local Relay For Life of Kentwood, and is still doing that, even though I left the club.” Upon moving to the Charleston area, after doing research to find a Rotary Club that had historically participated in Relay for Life, Debra joined the Rotary Club of Goose Creek. Though they no longer participated at the time, since Debra became a member the Goose Creek chapter is a sponsor of and has a team registered for Relay For Life of Lower Berkeley May 4-5. She is continuing to make a difference through giving of her time and resources. For someone who may have received a report similar to the one she did, Deb feels the most im-

portant thing he or she can do is to research and become informed. “If you are in denial or just not well informed, it can be overwhelming to make so many decisions about treatment options. The more you know and the more questions you can ask, the more you are able to control your future. Studies have shown that a patient does not respond as well to treatment if he does not understand his options or feel in control of the situation. “Because I was well informed, my doctors said they were learning from me while they treated me. I was more aware in watching for signs of lymphodema, and caught it before it got bad. I proved that even if I could not interview for a new job because I would be missing so much work during treatment, by volunteering and keeping busy, the months would pass more quickly.” Charles R. Swindoll said “I believe the single most significant decision I can make on a day-to-day basis is my choice of attitude…Attitude keeps me going or cripples my progress. It alone fuels my fire or assaults my hope. When my attitudes are right, there is no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream to extreme, no challenge too great for me.” I believe the manifestation of this to be evident in Debra Walworth. She purposed in her heart from the moment of her diagnosis that she would overcome. And she did. So, here’s to you, Deb! May you continue to be an inspiration to us all. www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

HALEY THOMAS

{A Brain Tumor Survivor}

by Elaine Samples photography by Patrick Mooney

hen she was seven years old, Haley Thomas had headaches and squinted a fair amount of time. Thinking eye glasses may be in order, her mom, Jessica Sheppard, took Haley to the eye doctor and was told that although Haley was a bit far sighted, that was normal for her age and she would “grow out of it.”

Haley was a bit far sighted, that was normal for her age and she would “grow out of it.” Jessica wasn’t satisfied with this answer, so she made an appointment with a pediatric optometrist. On January 26, 2004, Lexington experienced an ice storm and Haley was feeling particularly bad. Jessica braved the weather and took her little girl to the emergency room, where the doctor said she had a virus. That was Tuesday. On Friday, it was time for the pediatric eye exam, where they learned Haley’s eyes were hemorrhaging and an immediate MRI was ordered. On January 30, 2004 at 6:33 pm, their world forever changed. “No words can explain how I felt when Dr. Lynwood Smith told me Haley had craniopharyngioma, a benign tumor that develops near the pituitary gland,” remembers Haley’s

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mom. “He said she had so much fluid built up on her brain that she only had two days to live if the fluid wasn’t removed.” Two days. “My world fell apart. Every mother should be able to heal their child but there was nothing I could say or do to fix this. If they get stitches, you can baby them. You can kiss boo boos and make it better. In most instances, you can help take away the pain. But not here. There was nothing I could do. It was all in God’s hands.” The night of Haley’s diagnosis, the doctor suggested that he needed to explain to Haley what was happening. When Jessica walked into Haley’s room and Dr. Smith began to speak, she couldn’t hold back her tears. But this time, it was Haley’s turn to make it better. “She grabbed my hand and looked me right in the eyes and said,

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‘Mama, don’t cry. God told me I am going to be ok,’” recalls Jessica. Haley told her mom that God visited her in the hospital room and told her she was going to have surgery, but that she shouldn’t be scared because she was going to be just fine. Haley had emergency surgery the very next day. “That night, Haley was in ICU and kept asking for her angel teddy bear,” says Jessica. “We had family and friends at the hospital and, with a little prompting, I finally decided to go home and get the bear for her. When I walked into her room to retrieve the bear, I completely lost it. At that moment, it hit me that my child may not come home.” But Haley had a different idea. From the time she found out about her tumor, this little girl was determined to beat it, even saying to her

Today we celebrate Haley Thomas, the little girl who believed. mom, “I’m going to beat this!” at times. On February 18, Jessica received a call from St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital requesting that she and Haley come to Memphis for treatment. They would need to bring clothes for nine weeks. Haley had an older brother at home, Nick, who was eight years old. With her heart breaking again, Jessica left Nick with family as she and Haley set off for Memphis: “I had to leave one child behind to get one child bet-

Haley and her mother ter,” Jessica remembers sadly. “It was so hard to go, but it was the only option for Haley.” For fifteen hours, these two were on the road to Memphis, arriving at their destination at 11:00 pm. When Haley was admitted, she would need surgery to remove a cyst off her brain away from the tumor. Her head would be bolted down and she wouldn’t be able to eat, talk, or move her legs for 72 hours. At least that is what the doctors said. But, again, Haley had a different idea. After the surgery, Jessica was in the waiting room and the nurse came down the hall and announced, “Haley wants a Sprite, a cheeseburger, and her mama.” The doctors would later go on to say that Haley was the best cranio patient they had treated because she responded to well. Every day, taking only weekends off, Haley would go to radiation, for a total of 52 rounds, in order to shrink the tumor. In May, she was released and mommy and daughter were free to go back home to big brother Nick. The doctors warned that Haley’s hair would fall out and suggested that Jessica change her pillow-

cases from light to dark so that Haley would not have to see all of her hair on the pillow. When Jessica explained this to Haley, she was not concerned. She simply told her mother “If my hair falls out, God wants it to fall out. He’ll make it grow back.” And again, Haley was right. She lost a small patch of hair the size of two quarters at the bottom back of her head. “Now, Mama,” said Haley, “Aren’t you glad we didn’t cut my hair off?! I told you I am going to beat this!” As a testament to Haley’s faith, none of the side effects the doctors warned of happened. Although they said she would need glasses, Haley has 20/20 vision. Although they said she would likely have a stroke, to this day Haley hasn’t had a stroke. (And personally, I don’t think she ever will.) They warned of more surgery being likely – but Haley hasn’t had to have another surgery. And although her life has a lot of doctors’ appointments that other children her age don’t have, she is a beautiful, active young lady who radiates from the inside out.

A special thanks to the West Ashley Coaching Staff for participating in this photo!

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Today we celebrate Haley Thomas, the little girl who believed.

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THE BAKERS

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Story

llyson Morgan was attending school at Coker College in Hartsville, SC in 2000 and working part time as a waitress at Applebee’s. Les Baker was a firefighter at the Hartsville Fire Department and he and his buddies frequented the Applebee’s, particularly Allyson’s section. Les was from Society Hill a few miles up the road and knew that Applebee’s offered half price meals for the fire department personnel. He said it was a natural to pick Allyson’s area because she was very pleasant and outgoing. Asked if he thought of her as someone he could go out with, his response was, “she was good looking but I also knew she was from Charleston and therefore, assumed she was out of my league, plus she had a boyfriend and I just didn’t pursue her.” At this point, Les was 21 years old. Eventually, Allyson broke the news to the group of firefighters that she was breaking up with her boyfriend and moving back home to Charleston. Les offered to help her by providing boxes for the move from his parent’s store.

by Ruth Chapman

He met her at her apartment and not only gave her the boxes, but a small jewelry box containing a silver charm bracelet with several meaningful charms on it, including a black lab (just like Allyson’s dog Remi). Les told her it was from the guys at the fire department.

photography by Richard Bell Photography

So, Allyson returned home and attended the College of Charleston. Meanwhile, Les continued his firefighting career in Hartsville. The pair went their separate ways but kept in touch through sporadic emails, perhaps one or two a year,

usually talking about his dog or asking about hers. Tragedy Strikes Seven years later in June of 2007 the Sofa Superstore fire happened in Charleston. As you may recall, the store burned to the ground and in the process, 9 firefighters lost their lives. It was the biggest modern day tragedy to strike Charleston and its fire department in recent memory. Allyson said that her mother went to the funeral and saw a Hartsville Fire Department truck. Knowing that Allyson’s friend Les was with the department, she urged her to call him. Instead, she e-mailed Les, expressing her condolences about the terrible tragedy and asking if he was in town. He told her he had sent a truck but was not in town. Bolstered by the e-mail from Allyson, Les tried several times to get together with her, always just something casual and spur of the moment but it never worked out. Finally, Les and his friend and fellow firefighter, Jason Bell from Lamar, SC, had discussed buying a boat together. The boat was located in Charleston and the two decided to go look at it. Les e-mailed www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Local Sweethearts

Allyson that he would be in town one Saturday in September and asked if they could get together for lunch. Ally’s sister had dinner with her the night before and told her, “Allyson, you’re not marrying him, it’s just lunch. Enjoy it!” The three of them did have lunch on Saturday at King St. Grill and enjoyed themselves immensely. And even though she didn’t hear from him on Sunday, Monday a bouquet of Gerbera daisies (her favorite flower) arrived at A Morgan Glass Company, the family business, of which she was now manager.

Then, on a Saturday in February of 2008, it was time for Les to tell Allyson that he was ready to move to Charleston, but he did it in a most unconventional way. When she arrived home from work, she found that Les had taken time to

They had been dating for about 8 months and Allyson knew that he had already purchased her engagement ring from his cousin, jewelry store owner, Chris Chapman in Lexington, SC, and she was getting antsy about it. She returned from the grocery store one Saturday and he went to help her gather and unload groceries. (In his version of this story, she was cooking supper in the kitchen.) She says with bags of groceries all over the counter, he handed her a new Precious Moments figure – a boy with a huge wristwatch on his arm and a saying about patience and time. Giving it to her he said, “I’m going to do this in my own way and in my own time, so you’ll just have to be patient.” Keep in mind he was in his

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Now, at this point in Les’ life, now 28 years old, having been in fire and rescue since he was a teenager, it was time to take a step up in his career. He had been looking at larger cities and applied at the City of Columbia Fire Dept as well as Florence and even Charlotte. Charleston had never even occurred to him because it was just too far from home, until now.

put an entire pad of post-it notes with little messages and arrows in a path beginning in the kitchen all the way to a curio cabinet he had given her from Palmetto Furniture in Society Hill, SC, Les’ hometown. Knowing how special Allyson’s Precious Moments collection was to her, the post-it notes led to the curio cabinet. Inside the cabinet was the final post-it note, “P.S., I got the job.” He was going to be a City of Charleston firefighter and was relocating.

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sweaty Saturday clothes after being at the junkyard all day. She went to put the figurine on the shelf in her curio cabinet and when she turned around, Les, in his grubby Saturday clothes and grinning ear to ear, was kneeling down on one knee holding her ring out for her to see. Her response was, “Here? NOW?!” He says he knew she couldn’t deny ‘the rock’ as he calls it, referring not to himself, but to the ring.

Good things come to those who wait and patience is a virtue.

Later that day, when she called his mother to tell her the story, mom Nancy, knowing he had been at the dump all day asked, “Did he at least take a shower and clean up first?” To which, Ally replied, “No, of course not, you know how Les is.” Nancy replied, “I am so embarrassed for him!” Leslie Lamar Baker and Allyson Elizabeth Morgan were married at The Citadel’s Summerall Chapel in Charleston, SC on July 11, 2009. Les and Ally recently purchased a new home in the Hunt Club subdivision in West Ashley where they live with their black lab, Remington, “Remi.”

By the way, during the whole wedding ceremony, Les held up note cards that only Allyson could see to ease her nerves and because Les is Les. Only Les and Allyson really know what they said, but it’s reported that at least one said “Remi says hi.” Allyson adds that he sent her flowers every Friday to work until he moved to Charleston and as she says, “I am very high strung and I find peace when I am with him. He puts me on a pedestal everyday and I feel like sometimes I don’t know what I did to deserve him! I am truly a lucky gal.” I suppose you could sum up their relationship in a few short clichés: Good things come to those who wait and patience is a virtue. We hope that you wait for your one true love even if it takes a little while.

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ROBOTICS Adds Exciting Dimension to GYN Surgery

hen surgery is a necessity, being able to reduce the pain and speed up the recovery is quite desirable. Minimally invasive surgery has accomplished this with great success. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive surgery of the abdominal cavity. Many surgical procedures that once required large 6-10 inch incisions or larger are being performed through several small Â˝-1 inch incisions. Post operative pain is significantly reduced and recovery is quicker.

Thirty years ago, laparoscopic surgery was limited in scope and was mainly used as a diagnostic tool instead of a therapeutic one. With advances in technology, surgeons were able to visualize the organs better and instruments allowed much more extensive treatment of diseases.

With the introduction of Robot-

3-D options and instruments with amazing articulation allow the gynecologist to perform the most intricate and delicate procedures with less risk, blood loss, infections and complications, and with better success. The surgeon is always in control of the robot device and the instrument goes through thousands of safety checks during each procedure. Instead of a 6-8 week recovery, the majority of women

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In the field of gynecology, no longer was a large open incision required to treat endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors or adhesions. Many hysterectomies could be performed laparoscopically as well as many fertility procedures.

ics, laparoscopic surgery has now gone to previously unimagined heights. Many of the more complex gyn procedures can be performed laparosopically and with even more precision than open surgery.

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Instead of a 6-8 week recovery, the majority of women are back to most of their normal activities in 1-2 weeks. are back to most of their normal activities in 1-2 weeks. James T. Martin, Jr, MD has performed thousands of laparoscopic procedures. He is one of the leading certified daVinci Robotic Surgeons in the Lowcountry with over 200 robotic cases. According to Dr. Martin, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is

only a rare patient who would not be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery. Because of the availability of robotic surgery, patients are coming here from other areas of the state as well as out of state to have their surgery performed with less pain, blood loss and a quicker recovery.â&#x20AC;?

Quality Healthcare Helping Patients Live Their Best Life

Tina M. Botelho, M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine

(843) 718-2856

We provide prompt, courteous adult primary wellness care and chronic disease management, for many common health issues

9279 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite C North Charleston, South Carolina 29406

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My Daughter’s Diagnosis with

TYPE 1 DIABETES by Beth McCrary

photography by Clark Berry Photography

will never forget the second day of second grade for my daughter Hannah. It was Thursday, August 21, 2008, the day she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Very briefly, our world was turned upside down as we navigated the waters of learning how to treat and manage a very challenging disease. Prior to Hannah’s diagnosis, I knew very little about Type 1 Diabetes, as it was simply not on my radar. After a three night stay in Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, we were sent home with syringes, insulin, a glucose meter, lots of reading material, and a Bag of Hope. My husband Sam remarked that he felt like we were taking home a newborn with a whole new set of directions. And we were. However, our goal from the moment Hannah was diagnosed was for her to lead as normal a life as possible with Type 1 Diabetes. She was back in school the Monday following her diagnosis and back on the soccer practice field the following weekend.

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The Bag of Hope we were given contained Hannah’s first glucose meter with test strips, Rufus the diabetes bear, a video about Type 1 Diabetes, and plenty of reading material. Most importantly, the Bag of Hope connected my family to the local Palmetto Chapter of JDRF. We attended our first outreach event the Tuesday following Hannah’s diagnosis and we have been involved ever since. It was a cooking class for children with Type 1 Diabetes. This opportunity introduced us to our greatest source of hope for a cure for people living with diabetes.

Health & Wellness The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is an organization that was founded in 1970 by parents desiring to make a difference in the lives of their children and loved ones living with Type 1 Diabetes. To this day, it remains a volunteer driven organization devoted to preventing, treating, and finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. It only made sense to our family to get involved and do everything we can to raise awareness and funds to help JDRF find a cure. Allow me to tell you why a cure is so important for all people with diabetes. Diabetes is a challenging and misunderstood disease. There are far too many myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Because there are several types of diabetes and the cause of each is unknown, much confusion abounds. Far from an expert on diabetes, I have learned quite a bit in the past few years. The most common types of diabetes are referred to as Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. Contrary to popular believe, eating too much sugar does not cause diabetes. Diabetes is the result of a pan-

...our goal from the moment Hannah was diagnosed was for her to lead as normal a life as possible... creas that no longer works properly. When diabetes is present, the pancreas no longer makes enough (or any) insulin to break down the carbohydrates in foods to properly fuel the body. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Insulin must be given by multiple daily injections or via an insulin pump. Yet insulin is not a cure, it is what keeps a Type 1 Diabetic alive. Diabetes affects the entire family. This isn’t entirely a bad thing because diabetics need to eat the same way that the rest of us should eat – a diet consisting of healthy

choices, moderation and portion control. Contrary to what many people think, we learned that Hannah can eat sugar, just in moderation like the rest of us should. We do not forbid or deny her the occasional piece of cake or candy. We teach healthy choices and lots of exercise to control her blood sugar. In addition to her JDRF advocacy work, Hannah also serves as the SC Ambassador for the Diabetes Dude. You can read more about Hannah’s diagnosis story under friends of the DD at www.thediabetesdude.com. Over the past three years we have served as mentors to newly diagnosed families and make ourselves available whenever possible to do what we can to help JDRF. I began a two year term on the Board of Directors for the Palmetto Chap-

ter of JDRF in June of 2011. In March of 2011, I was chosen to attend the annual Government Days in Washington, DC as one of the South Carolina delegates. I visited with each of our Congressman to thank them for their past support of legislation involving diabetes research and funding and asked for their signatures on a letter urging the Commissioner of the FDA to accept guidelines for the Artificial Pancreas Project. I will be returning to Washington in March of 2012 to ask for continued support of the Special Diabetes Program. Please consider getting involved to help JDRF raise awareness of diabetes. People living with Type 1 Diabetes didn’t choose it, diabetes chose them. Sadly, it can strike any one at any time and if not treated and managed properly can lead to life-threatening health complications or death. Together, we can make a really big difference for all people living with diabetes! We definitely feel that JDRF is our greatest source of HOPE for a cure. For facts about JDRF and Type 1 diabetes please visit www.jdrf.org.

The McCrary Family www.charlestonwomanonline.com

The Etiquette of Sympathy

What to do When Someone You Know Suffers a Loss by Lydia Ramsey

n a beautiful spring day I was driving home after welcoming my first grandchild into the world. Little Samuel Carroll Niles was whole and healthy, and life was good – almost. My husband had suffered a serious fall in October and was unable to accompany me. He seemed to be recovering, but I was still concerned about him.

I was nearly home when my cell phone rang. The call was from a friend who had stopped by to visit Hank and became alarmed when there was no response. I drove into my driveway with the lights of the EMS truck flashing in my rear view mirror. I lost my warm, wonderful, gentle husband. Within a three-week period, I became a grandmother and a widow. As I attempted to get back to life “as normal,” I found that grief had its own timetable. When I was able to write again, I decided that I needed to address this issue that confronts everyone at some point, personally and professionally. It is often difficult to know what to say or do when a death occurs. I want to share what I have learned that may help when someone you know—a client, a colleague, a coworker or a friend—loses a loved one. It is important to do something. Many of us are so uncomfortable with death that we don’t do anything at all—afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing.

Commercial sympathy cards are equally cherished. It was clear to me that the commercial cards I received had been carefully chosen. Each one came with an additional sentence or two written by the sender. Be sure you take the time to add a short personal note. Send flowers unless the family specifies otherwise. Send them to the family, the funeral home, the church or the gravesite. Flowers add warmth and are visual reminders of the support of friends. Flowers and personal gifts continued to arrive weeks later to confirm that neither my pain nor I had been forgotten.

Write a note as soon as you can. Personal notes of condolence are

Take food and other items for daily living to the house. The last thing the grieving family can think about is grocery shopping and meal preparation. A thoughtful neighbor called me and said, “I am going to the grocery store. What do you need?” My response was a baffled, “I have no idea.” This kind, generous person filled her car with everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to paper towels and

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Attend the funeral or the memorial service if you can. Your presence offers inestimable support. Even if you can’t speak directly to the family members, you can sign the book that they will look at over and over again and they will know you cared enough to be there.

a source of great comfort—more than you can imagine. I was moved by the ways people expressed their sympathy. There were those who simply spoke of their sincere sorrow for my loss. There were those who described what Hank had meant to them personally. Others wrote about the character and personality of the special person I had lost. I was grateful for each and every one.

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toilet tissue. She even included pet food for the four-legged members of the family. Make a contribution to the charities indicated by the family. Honor the wishes of the deceased. Give to the causes they chose unless the obituary states that contributions should be made to the donor’s favorite charity. If you missed the funeral notice and don’t have that information, call the funeral home. They will have a record. Be specific when you offer to help. Most people say, “If there is anything you need, call.” While their intentions were genuine, I didn’t always know what I could ask certain people to do. When our assistant rector uttered those words, my face must have flashed back a message that said, “Like what?” because he immediately followed with a verbal list of all things I could call on him or other church members to do. One neighbor offered to walk the dog. Another proclaimed to be handy with household repairs if anything broke down or stopped working. Someone else volunteered to pick up family members from the airport. Once people were clear on what they could do, I knew where to turn without hesitation for what I needed. Make a note of the date of the death. Honor the anniversary with a note or a phone call that says you haven’t forgotten.

Lydia Ramsey Any gesture you make is comforting. A simple word, a hug, a phone call, a card or an offer to run an errand are just a few ways to express your sympathy. Keep in mind that great authors, poets and thinkers have written for centuries about grief and loss, searching for just the right words to console themselves or someone else. When all is said and done, there are no words. Sometimes the best you can offer are the words, “I’m sorry.” I hope that what I have learned first hand will help you to reach out with confidence and ease the next time someone close to you suffers a loss.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of Manners That Sell – Adding The Polish That Builds Profits. For more information about her programs, products and services, visit her web site www.mannersthatsell.com.

Health & Wellness

HEART DISEASE,

Number One Killer Among Women by Elaine Samples featuring Dr. Scott Woodfield

ccording to the Center for Disease Control, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Given this sobering reality, Charleston Woman thought it important to speak with local cardiologist Dr. Scott Woodfield of Low Country Cardiology Associates regarding heart disease and women. Originally from Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Woodfield attended Lehigh University in Albany, New York for his undergraduate degree and medical school at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He chose to practice cardiology because when he was in school, “there were many rapid innovations in the field of cardiology with respect to heart attacks and blocked arteries, says Dr. Woodfield. “Cardiology is where I believed I could make the biggest impact in the medical field.”

Even though heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, “Women often do not take seriously the impact of heart disease as a significant killer,” warns Dr. Woodfield. “There really needs to be much more emphasis on education about heart disease and women by primary care physicians, OB/GYN physicians, American Heart Associates and heart-month awareness groups. Women often do not go to the hospital emergency room in a timely fashion.” There are several high risk factors that can be a determinate for contracting heart dis-

ease. Smoking or using tobacco is one of the most significant factors. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, causing the narrowing of arteries, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack. Additionally, the nicotine in cigarette smoke forces the heart to work harder by narrowing blood vessels, which increases heart rate and blood pressure, another risk factor for heart disease. While high blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart, without testing for them, it is unlikely that a person would even be aware that she has either of them, so regular screenings are necessary. Many times, blood pressure monitors can be found at the

‘Women often do not take seriously the impact of heart disease as a significant killer,’ warns Dr. Woodfield.

Dr. Scott Woodfield local grocery or pharmacy. Diabetes and obesity are also risk factors for heart disease. According to Dr. Woodfield, women should educate themselves regarding heart disease, its risk factors, and actively engage in preventative measures. Lastly, if symptoms arise, go immediately to the emergency room – do not wait. This could mean the difference in life and death. For more information on heart health, please visit www.nhlbi.nih. gov.education/heart or www.goredforwomen.org. www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Dr. Nichole Quinn of

TOTAL FAMILY WELLNESS

by Elaine Samples

photography by Tammy Bevins Photography

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Health & Wellness

r. Nichole Quinn received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Sherman College, with Magna Cum Laude honors, and has been practicing in Charleston for over seven years. She was able to realize her dream of having her own practice when she opened the doors to Total Family Wellness in September 2011.

Dr. Quinn began having migraines in high school and they were getting progressively worse. She tried medical treatments, but to no avail. After four years of this pain, she was introduced to a chiropractor through her grandmother. “I decided to give it a try and never looked back,” says Dr. Quinn. “Not only did my migraine headaches go away, but I noticed that I had more energy, less sinus problems, and was sleeping better.” As a chiropractor, Dr. Quinn looks for stress on the nervous system and works to remove it through adjustments. When nervous system stress is removed, the body functions better, which often causes a marked reduction in symptoms. Dr. Quinn relays, “Though we have always been known as ‘back’ doctors, we see not only back pain decrease, but that of many symptoms. Just to name a few: numbness and tingling, neck pain, headaches, sinus problems, and leg pain.” When we think of chiroprac-

tic care, we don’t necessarily think of children, but according to Dr. Quinn parents report three major changes of children in such care, which include improved sleeping, improved behavior and attitude, and increased immune system function. You can find more about children and chiropractic care at www.icpa4kids.org. Dr. Quinn says it is never too early to have your spine checked for nervous system stress. “My office is open to people of all ages and stages, but I do focus on women. I believe that when women take care of their health, they are better able to care for their families.” Dr. Quinn’s office is equipped with a child’s play area, so you can bring your children along and allow them to play while you are being adjusted. You may be surprised to learn that pregnancy is an important time for women to be under chiropractic care, but Dr. Quinn is certified in a prenatal technique to remove intrauterine constraint

‘I believe that when women take care of their health, they are better able to care for their families.’ and allow the woman to have a more comfortable pregnancy. I asked Dr. Quinn about the warning you may have heard “Don’t go to a chiropractor because you will have to go for the rest of your life” and she says she gets the question a lot. “Once I get the spine stabilized, it is the patient’s choice whether they want to start a wellness program. Most patients decide to do so, given how good it makes them feel and the fact that they are unable to get rid of the stresses that caused the problems in the first place… Every day I see people whose lives change as a result of chiropractic care. Most recently, I had a patient tell me she had not

been able to exercise without experiencing back pain in a really long time. Now, she is exercising for two hours at a time with no pain at all.” Stories like this are the reasons Dr. Quinn does what she does – because of the difference she is making in the lives of others. If stress of the daily grind has you in pain or uncomfortable, please consider giving Dr. Quinn a call so that you can set up a free initial consultation. You can find out more about her practice on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drnicholequinn or online at www.scfamilywellness.com.

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Total Family Wellness Quality Chiropractic Care for the Whole Fa mily

Women • Pregnancy • Pediatrics • Stress Relief • Massage Therapy Give us a call at (843) 641-7075 for a FREE consultation with Dr. Quinn and get started living a healthier happier life! www.scfamilywellness.com • 2070 Northbrook Blvd, Suite B-5 • North Charleston, SC 29406

Dr. Nichole Quinn

Family Friendly Chiropractor

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PALMETTO PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS Offers Patients Fully Integrated Urgent Care Center with Connectivity to Their Primary Care Physician

ith the rise in popularity of urgent care centers, patients can now access medical care at the drop of a hat. While urgent care centers offer patients convenient medical care without an appointment and with extended hours – there is a lack of communication and connectivity with the patient’s family physicians office. The gap in communication is not only a nuisance but can also cause serious road blocks in a patient’s road to health.

Long standing primary care physicians group, Palmetto Primary Care Physicians took the idea of an urgent care center and expanded it by integrating the same Electronic Medical Records (EMR) that they use at their other 28 physician’s offices to the urgent care center. How does this integration benefit the patient? “One of the biggest problems with visiting an urgent care center is that most places do not transfer medical records to your family physician,” mentions Stephen Thomas, MD, Medical Director of Palmetto Primary Care Physicians urgent care center. “If a [Palmetto Primary Care Physicians] patient visits our urgent care center on Saturday – we access their patient records, send a message to their primary care

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provider and log the visit. Any information regarding the visit, ie. x-rays, diagnosis, prescriptions will be added to the patients existing medical record and will be accessible to their primary care provider. When they return to visit their family physician, whether it’s a week, month or year later – the physician will have accurate, updated information on all tests, lab results and medications.” With EMR, physicians under the Palmetto Primary Care Physicians umbrella can instantly get critical information – saving patients time and money. Thomas adds, “It provides our patients with continuity of care and prevents misdiagnosis or the possibility of dangerous drug in-

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teractions. As physicians, we always want to see the big picture – without the big picture it is hard to know how well a treatment is working for the patient.” “We take great pride in responding to the needs of the community,” states Ron Piccione, CEO of Palmetto Primary Care Physicians. “We understand that families have accidents and sickness presents without warning. It can be difficult to make a same day appointment with your family doctor. Our urgent care center is a place for patients to go without an appointment and still receive the best care available.” Piccione said urgent care centers boast benefits such as extended hours and walk-in availability,

‘We take great pride in responding to the needs of the community.’ however, under the Palmetto Primary Care Physicians umbrella, patients can expect an urgent care center fully integrated with their primary care physicians Electronic Medical Records (EMR). For more information, about Palmetto Primary Care Physicians and their urgent care center visit www. palmettoprimarycare.com

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Your

Heart is in Your Hands!

Know the risk factors for heart disease that you can control, and make heart-healthy choices to reduce those risks. To find out how healthy you are, the American Heart Association developed a new health assessment tool, called My Life Check, at heart.org/mylifecheck. It will give you an overall health score and create an action plan to move you closer to your individual health goals. No matter what you score, any healthy change can help you live a longer, better life.

Check out My Life Check to get your heart on a healthy track!

Chiropractic Care Total Family Wellness........................................................................ 25 www.scfamilywellness.com Entertainment Weeki Wachee Springs State Park...................................................... 7 www.weekiwachee.com Florist The Blossom Shop Florist.................................................................... 3 www.theblossomshopofsummerville.com Glass Services A Morgan Glass.................................................................................... 7 www.amorganglass.com Health Services James T. Martin, Jr, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology.................... 19 www.jmartinmd.com Legacy Internal Medicine.................................................................. 19 Palmetto Primary Care...................................................................... 27 www.palmettoprimarycare.com Trident Health..................................................................... Back Cover www.tridenthealthsystem.com Hotel Wingate by Wyndham....................................................................... 17 www.charlestonwingate.com Photography Clark Berry Photography.......................................Inside Back Cover www.clarkberry.com Tammy Bevins Photography.................................Inside Front Cover www.tammybevinsphotography.com Salon New Creations Salon............................................................................ 7 www.summervillesalon.com

you deserve a physician • 25+ Physicians Offices

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A Personal Note (In the words of my Aunt Mary Samples Ray Holcombe)

h the heart is a marvelous thing…and my heart is my Family. Being the mother of four is a job, and though it is trying sometimes,, those four very different, little people fill my life with joy. In December of 2010, Trey our oldest son went to take his learners permit test. One of the questions on the forms we filled out was regarding becoming an organ donor. I asked Trey if he would like to be a donor, and his answer was quick and concise. Yes, he wanted to be a donor, “why not, I won’t need it when I’m gone.” I know I was crying before he took his test, because I cry. He is my first and each time we pass another milestone, I am reminded of what an extraordinary young man he is becoming. His decision to be a donor was even more meaningful to me because of a woman who was very special to me. Mary Samples Ray Holcombe is my aunt. She was 41 years old when she was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy in 1985. Cardiomyopathy, which literally means “heart muscle disease,” is the deterioration of the function of the myocardium (i.e., the actual heart muscle) for any reason. According to statistics approximately 36,000 people a year in the United States of America are hospitalized for Cardiomyopathy. Mary went from being a healthy active mother of four to being nearly bedridden in a matter of months. Let me say that Mary wasn’t just my beautiful aunt or one of my daddy’s favorite sisters; she was a devoted mother to two older sons, Michael and Kenneth Ray, a younger daughter, Jane Holcombe, and a younger son, Shawn Holcombe, and much more. She was a fun person. She made you laugh and was always the center of family gatherings. She was a daughter who often stopped by to check on her elderly widowed mother. She was an attentive wife and a loving sister to nine siblings. Many called her friend. For Valentine’s Day in 1986, her wish was not for jewelry or a flowers as it is for many of us. It was for a new heart. Recently I learned of a letter Mary wrote before her death, and I am sharing it with you today. Mary’s wishes were granted September 25th, 1989, and she lived for three years after receiving her heart. She was the second woman in the state of Georgia to receive a heart transplant at Emory University in Atlanta. She was the 18th heart transplant recipient since the beginning of their transplant program in 1985. It may not be politically correct to share with you my view on organ donation. I signed my donor card at a young age. I knew that someone else’s decision to do so gave us three more years with Mary. It is of course a personal decision for each of us. If you decide for whatever reason you cannot become an organ donor, all I ask is that you not judge others decision to do so. I know we are busy and it’s hard sometimes to get your own name on the list. I plan to take a lesson from this young mother’s life and commit to doing more for my heart this year. Will you join me? God Bless you,

Lori Samples Duncan Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real

Women

To My Family: At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain is dead. It has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes my life has stopped. When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body, by the use of a machine. And don’t call this my “Deathbed.” Call it my “bed of life” and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives. Take my heart for experiment that it might save someone else from pain and suffering. Give my eyes to a man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman. Give my blood to the teenager who has been pulled from the wreckage of his car so that he might live to see his grand-children play. Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week. Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a cripple child walk. Explore every corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary and let them grow so that someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sounds of rain against her windows. Bury what is left next to my earthly father. “My faults and weaknesses, all my prejudices against my fellowmen. My soul is going to God.” Mary

E @ A H E R A N = I = V E J C ? = N A *

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