HealthScope Magazine Winter 2022

A convergence of financial knowledge and capabilities.

Right here in Chattanooga.

We’ve assembled a team of well-established and highly experienced financial professionals. It has given us the ability to address every aspect of our clients’ financial needs. And by limiting the number of clients we serve, it allows us to offer an uncommon level of service and maintain our unwavering focus on helping to create quality financial solutions. This is what we bring to the table – and what will ultimately bring you to us. If you are an individual seeking seasoned financial guidance and the comfort of working with an experienced group of advisors who call Chattanooga home, we welcome the opportunity to sit down together. www.RoundTableAdvisors.com • 877-770-0009 • 423-510-8889

Please remember with us our dear friend and colleague, Fran Robertson, who passed away on April 4, 2022. Uniquely special and never forgotten. We love you, Fran.

Photographed at The Edwin Hotel

Publisher’s Letter

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and the holiday season is officially upon us. Between gift buying, food prepping, and parties galore, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the holiday whirlwind. Being intentional about slowing down this season – both by trimming down your commitments and giving your self plenty of breaks – can make all the difference in your mental, as well as your physical, health.

In this winter issue of HealthScope® magazine, we’ve included timely topics that address both physical and mental well-being. For example, our feature “What a Pain” shares valuable information about the different types of headaches – including when it’s time to seek emergency evaluation. In the feature “Two Sides of the Coin,” we look at the differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2, while in “Not About the Food,” we dive deep into the fac tors that commonly contribute to eating disorders.

Also inside is the section “Meet Our Caregivers,” which shines the spotlight on the extraordinary caregivers in our area who are using their talents to serve their patients. As always, you don’t want to miss our annual “Aging Well” section – here, we cover important topics ranging from peripheral artery disease to navigating spine care.

There are many more articles for you to dis cover, including area boutiques’ favorite striped

PUBLISHER

ensembles, a decade-bydecade guide to skincare, and the best anti-aging foods for looking (and feeling!) younger. You’ll also find delicious russet potato recipes from lo cals and an athome restorative workout with Margie Tuttle. Our special seasonal section “Off to Camp” highlights area summer camps and provides tips for prepar ing children for this exciting rite of passage.

Last but certainly not least, check out our interview with Ashley Graham, Johnna Tate, and Heather Hatfield. These neighbors-turned-friends have much to share about their special support system and its impact on their lives.

Our hope is that you will find this issue of HealthScope® to be both informative and uplift ing, and that it will inspire you to live in the mo ment this holiday season and beyond.

Blessings always,

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”

– AMIT RAY

George Mullinix

PHOTO BY VITYL MEDIA

HealthScopeMag.com

Winter 2022 • Vol. 34 Issue 2

Publisher George Mullinix

Sales & New Business Development Cailey Mullinix Easterly

Sales & Business Development Amanda Worley

Creative & Art Director Emily Pérez Long

Sr. Graphic DesignMultimedia Lauren Robinson

Managing Editor Christina Davenport

Editors Chelsea Risley Catherine Smith Rachel Studebaker Mary Beth Wallace

Director of Digital Marketing Ruth Kaiser

Marketing Assistant Laci Lanier

Digital Marketing Assistant Allyson Oakley-Dobbins

Photographers

Emily Pérez Long Rich Smith

Vityl Media

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CityScope® and HealthScope® magazines and Choose Chattanooga ® – Chatt anooga Resource & Relo cation Guide® (the magazines) are published by CMC Publications, LLC, a Chattanooga, Tennessee company. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Views expressed herein are those of the authors or those interviewed and not necessarily those of the publisher, editors, or advertisers. The publisher, edi tors, and advertisers disclaim any responsibility or liability for such material. All content associated with and included in advertisements (ads, advertorial, and special promotional sections) placed in the magazines are the responsibility of the respective advertiser. CMC Publications, LLC, cannot and does not assume responsibility for any material contained within or associated with any advertisement.

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Introducing Hospice Care Center!

Seeing a need in the market, Hospice of Chattanooga and Hearth Hospice have teamed up to provide the highest quality care for those who need pain and symptom management, as well as for those whose full-time caregiver is temporarily unavailable. “With our collaborative efforts, Hospice of Chattanooga patients and families, as well as the Hearth Hospice patients and families, can benefit from the Care Center for pain and symptom manage ment, as well as respite care for the families,” says Regional Vice President Tiffany Hobbs. It’s also a place where families can find emotional and spiritual support, as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing their loved one is in good hands.

The heart behind the unit is what makes this new venture truly special. Two leading, local hospice companies, although operated individually, are coming together to ensure more eligible patients and families can take advantage of the 14 private bed hospice unit. “With over 40 years of community hospice service, Hospice of Chattanooga looks forward to bringing the gift of hospice and

palliative care to more eligible families as we learn and work with the excellent clinicians and team members at Hearth Hospice,” says Vice President of Community Development Tim Heath.

The Hospice Care Center provides a home-like environment with comfortable patient rooms, dedicated gathering areas for fami lies, around-the-clock on-site nurses, and a welcoming environ ment for guests 24/7. In addition to the comforting atmosphere, patients receive the highest level of care including coordination between the patient’s personal physician and the hospice medi cal director, social workers, and spiritual care coordinators to care for the emotional and spiritual needs of both patient and fam ily, provision of medications, medical supplies, and equipment related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis, and much more.

Sharing best practices, these groups have set out to en sure quality care and resources are readily available and accessible throughout the 21 counties covered in Ten nessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama.

While they remain separate companies, they share a com mon goal: bettering the communities they serve. Working to gether and sharing ideas, these two top-notch teams will utilize the brand-new Hospice Care Center to enhance patient, family, and community experiences. “We definitely agree commu nity comes first, and we are honored to serve and provide the high-quality, accessible care as a team,” say Tiffany and Tim.

Photography by Jess Harris/Creative Revolver

BEND SO YOU DON’T BREAK

Whether it’s from an injury or just a normal aspect of aging, back pain can be difficult to deal with. Here are some tips to help you prevent this pesky problem:

• Stretch often, and especially before participating in a physi cal activity or chore like packing and moving, deep cleaning, or yardwork.

• Exercise regularly. Try tai chi or yoga for stretching, strengthen ing muscles, and improving bal ance and posture.

• Get enough calcium and vitamin D to help keep your bones strong and prevent osteoporosis.

• When lifting something heavy, lift with your legs and tighten your core to help stabilize your back. Don’t twist when lifting; use your feet to turn.

• Try to alternate standing and sitting so you’re not in one po sition for too long, especially during a long day at work.

• It’s important to have good posture even while sleeping! Try placing a pillow beneath your knees when lying on your back or between your knees while lying on your side to support your spine and relieve pain.

Prioritize Your Pressure

Often referred to as a silent killer, high blood pressure (HBP) can go unnoticed because it doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, but it’s very common – nearly 50% of American adults have HBP. The higher your blood pressure is, the more likely you are to have heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. HBP can also damage your brain, kidneys, and eyes, so it’s important to monitor your blood pressure regularly so you’ll be aware of patterns and changes.

Though there are uncontrollable risk factors for HBP like family history and conditions like diabetes, there are ways to help keep your blood pressure in the healthy range. Stick to a balanced diet that’s low in sodium, and make sure you’re physically active to maintain a healthy weight. Limit your alco hol intake, and don’t smoke, vape, or chew tobacco. Managing your stress is also key – chronic stress can increase blood pressure and lead to behaviors that increase your blood pressure, like eating poorly and using tobacco or drinking alcohol more than usual.

TIME OF YEAR IT’S THE MOST

Ready, Set, Reward!

It’s easy to reach for a snack or dessert as a reward for your child’s good behavior or accomplishment, but doing so may contribute to an unhealthy relationship with food. Food-based rewards send the message that they can rely on food to deal with their emotions, rather than view it as simply fuel for their body. Kids also learn that some foods are more valuable than others, so they prefer those treats over healthier options.

Try some of these alternatives to food-based rewards, or brainstorm with your kids to come up with rewards that are exciting for them!

Stickers or temporary tattoos

Craft supplies like washi tape, markers, or paints

• Trips to the zoo, skating rink, bowling alley, or the movies

• Sleepovers with friends or grandparents

• Time off from chores

A special seat at dinner or a special plate or cup

Their choice of movie or game for a night in with the family

Merry Meltdowns

Holiday excitement and gatherings at unfamiliar places are outside of your child’s normal routine, which can make them feel unsettled and overwhelmed. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prepare for and avoid tantrums.

• Explain in detail where you’re going and what’s going to happen at each event to help your child feel more prepared. Show them photos of family members so that they look more familiar.

• Build breaks into family time for your child that don’t seem like punishments or time-outs, like going for a walk or asking for their “help” with something.

• Make space for your child’s emotions. Remind them that all feelings are okay, but some behaviors are not.

• Make a plan for how you will respond to sticky situa tions like manners, desserts, and bedtimes before they come up, so you won’t have to make difficult decisions in the moment and in front of relatives.

• Lead by example – take care of your own mental and emotional health. If you feel yourself getting over whelmed, try breathing and grounding techniques to calm down, or take a break yourself.

Organize Your Way to a Better Workday

There are clear benefits to organizing and decluttering your workspace. With fewer visual stimuli to distract your brain, you may be able to focus better and get work done more efficiently. There’s also the element of control – the more in control you feel over your environment and your work, the less stressed you are. Some studies even suggest that people with clean and organized spaces are more likely to choose healthy snacks, which is a great bonus!

Here are a few ideas for optimizing your workspace:

If your desk space is limited, consider floating shelves to keep all of your office essentials, decorations, lighting, and plants within reach. Putting these items on shelves will help you keep your actual desk surface clear to allow for better focus.

• Try a chalkboard or whiteboard calendar to keep you on track with your daily tasks.

• Pegboard backdrops provide endless opportunities for sorting and storing your desk necessities so they’re all visible and accessible.

• If your desk has limited storage space, try a rolling cart to keep nearby or a set of drawers that fit underneath your desk.

When You’re Feeling SAD

Although many people look forward to the changing of seasons, there are plenty of folks who find them selves feeling down. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression triggered by temperature and daylight changes, most commonly during fall and winter. Here are some of the best ways to fight the winter blues:

• Maintain a routine to help improve your sleep and keep your light exposure consistent. Eat at regular intervals to help prevent overeating and weight gain.

• Fill your schedule with lots of social activities to avoid isolation, and spend as much time outside as weather allows.

• Commit to moving your body, whether it’s outdoor strolls, time in the gym, or gentle yoga.

• Open the blinds and curtains in your home to allow as much daylight in as possible.

• Try a dawn simulator that mimics dawn with gradually increasing amounts of light as you wake up.

Overloaded & Overwhelmed

Overstimulation is the result of difficul ty processing sensory input. It can happen to both children and adults, though it’s more common in people with conditions like anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and autism.

Sensory information like sounds, smells, physical sensations (food textures or clothing tags), or lights and movements all compete for your brain’s attention and can make you feel overwhelmed and have difficulty focusing.

People respond to sensory overload in a variety of ways, including anxiety, restlessness, agitation, lashing out, or shutting down. If this is something you or your family experience, there are ways to find relief.

It’s important to identify your (or your child’s) triggers and think about ways you can avoid them or reduce the number of triggers you experience in a day. This could mean decluttering your space, limiting screen time, looking for clothing that doesn’t irritate, wearing headphones at school or the office, or limiting the number of social interactions in the day (or building rest time in between them). If sensory overloads happen often, talk with your doctor about possible related condi tions and treatment options.

QUICK FACTS: HPV Vaccine

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that can cause cancer, but there is a vaccine to help protect your family. Here’s what you need to know:

• 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime.

• Most infections go away on their own, but they can cause six types of cancers, most commonly cervical cancer.

• The risk doesn’t only apply to women – over 14,000 men in the United States get cancers caused by HPV every year.

• The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV.

• The vaccine is safe and effective for both boys and girls, and it works best for preteens before they come into contact with the virus or become sexually active. The vaccine can be given starting at age 9 and up to age 26.

• Some adults aged 27-45 may still be eli gible to receive the vaccine after talking with their doctor.

Side effects for this highly effective and long-lasting vaccine are mild and similar to other common vaccines.

Banana Bread

Serves 24

‘Tis the season for baking bread! This recipe boasts less sugar and saturated fat than traditional banana bread and makes a

New Year, New Look

Same trusted health & wellness information

Starting in 2023, Chattanooga’s favorite health magazine is getting a refresh! Pick up our New Year issue to see the new look, while still getting the trustworthy information you need to keep your family happy and healthy. @healthscopemagazine FOLLOW US!

tasty breakfast or snack. Serve with Greek yogurt, sliced fruit, or a smear of peanut butter on the side.

Ingredients

Cooking spray

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 Tbsp. stevia sweetener or 18 stevia sweetener packets

• 2 tsp. baking powder

• ½ tsp. baking soda

• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon

• 4 medium semi-ripe bananas, mashed with a fork

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup 100% orange juice

• cup extra-light olive oil

1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.

2. Lightly spray two 9x5 loaf pans with cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl, stir together the flour,

stevia sweetener, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until well blended.

4. In a medium bowl, stir together the bananas, egg, juice, and oil until well blended.

5. Pour into the flour mixture, stirring to gether just until moistened but no flour is visible. Stir in the walnuts. Pour the batter into the pans, about halfway full, smoothing the tops.

6. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the pans to a cooling rack. Let cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Calories 88 | Total Fat 3.5g | Sodium 63mg Total Carbohydrate 13g | Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 3g | Protein 2g

Source: American Heart Association

Health & Wellness Calendar

January

14 Tennessee Running Tour – Trail of Tears

Held in January each year, this race is part of the longest state park running series in the United States. The Trail of Tears starts and finishes at the lodge of the Red Clay State Historic Area. The approximately seven-mile course takes runners across the Georgia state line and back. tennesseerunningtour.com

21 Pink! Gala

In its 18th year, the Pink! gala is the CHI Memorial Foundation’s signa

ture black-tie event. Drs. Brooke and Davey Daniel and attorneys Jimar and Gabby Sanders will co-chair the 2023 event at the Chattanooga Convention Center with the theme “A Pink! Night in the Big Apple.” All proceeds from Pink! stay here in the community to support the mission of the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center at CHI Memorial. memorial.org/pink

February 3

National Wear Red Day®

National Wear Red Day® is cel ebrated every year on the first Friday in February, which is desig nated as American Heart Month.

Join the American Heart Associa tion in wearing red to raise aware ness about cardiovascular disease and help save lives. This event is also a great reminder to know your numbers and make positive changes toward a healthier heart! goredforwomen.org

10 Dinner of Distinction

The Erlanger Health System Founda tion’s 19th annual Dinner of Distinc tion will recognize distinguished physicians and community leaders at The Westin Ballroom begin ning at 5:30 p.m. Honorees being recognized this year include Dr. Chris Young, Dr. Jon Cohen, Lynda Minks Hood, and Pat Eller Lee. erlangerfoundation.org/distinction

11

Cupid’s Chase 5K

Presented by Community Options, the Cupid’s Chase 5K invites runners, walkers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs included) to par ticipate in this annual race. Start time is 10 a.m. at the Tennessee Riverpark at 4301 Amnicola Highway. Proceeds from the event will support housing and employment for people with disabilities. comop.org/cupidschase

11 Chattanooga Heart Ball

The Heart Ball raises critical funds for the American Heart Association while celebrating the work of this life-saving organization. This year, at tendees can look forward to a social reception, dinner and engaging program, and live entertainment and danc ing. Everything takes place at The Chattanoogan Hotel beginning at 5:30 p.m. chattanoogaheartball.heart.org

25

Bubbles of Fun Run

Benefiting the Austin Hatcher Foundation, the third an nual Bubbles of Fun Run is a celebration of joy and hope as runners raise funds to provide a brighter future for families faced with pediat ric cancer. Participants can choose from a one-mile fun run, 5K, or 10K, with bubbles to be blown at various sta tions throughout the course. Runners can also blow their own bubbles along the way! hatcherfoundation.org/run

March

3-5 Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon Weekend

The countdown to race weekend has begun for the Erlanger Chat tanooga Marathon. Participants can choose between five events: the marathon, half marathon, team relay, Chattanooga 5K, and kids’ fun run, with each event showcasing the natural beauty of the Scenic City. An expo at the First Horizon Pavilion and other fun activities are also in store. chattanoogamarathon.com

21

Possibilities Luncheon

Siskin Hospital’s annual Pos sibilities Luncheon is returning on March 21 to the Chatta nooga Convention Center. In its 20th year, this communitywide fundraiser benefits Siskin Hospital’s charity care patients as they discover life beyond disability. TV personality and Paralympic medalist Victo ria Arlen will be the featured speaker. siskinrehab.org

25

Rump Run

The Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation Rump Run 2023 is a great local op portunity to help beat colon cancer. The closed course for this timed 5K and one-mile fun walk is located at Enter prise South Nature Park. The 5K begins at 9 a.m., with an awards ceremony to follow at 10 a.m. A Kids’ Zone will also be set up beginning at 8 a.m. rumprun.com

25 Strides of March

Save the date for the 28th annual Strides of March, presented by Cempa Community Care. Strides of March serves as an opportunity for the community to come together to honor lives lost to HIV while celebrating the progress made in defeating this virus. Funds raised will help provide holistic care for those with HIV, hepati tis C, and other STIs in our community. cempa.org/strides-of-march

Mark Your Calendar!

The Moth Ball® by CityScope®

Ready for the ultimate girls’ night out? The Moth Ball® by CityScope® is set to return on April 27! This event encourages women to pull out their prom, bridesmaid, or any old dress taking up residence in their closet for an evening of food, fun, and fashions from the past. Proceeds from The Moth Ball® benefit women in need in Hamilton County, and the 2023 beneficiary is the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer. themothball.org

A. Yes, it is perfectly safe to whiten healthy teeth, even ones that are temperature sensitive. The process is essentially allowing the teeth to temporarily dehydrate so the active whitening product can go through the enamel into the second layer of the tooth, or dentin. The product works to reverse staining or discoloration, essentially bleach ing that second layer. After the treatment, the teeth rehydrate naturally from saliva. This process does not damage the tooth layers or integrity of the tooth, but can sometimes lead to temporary sensitivity in the gums or teeth, which is normal. That’s not a sign of long-term dam age, but it can be uncomfortable. If it happens to you, consider taking a break from bleaching or switching to a milder product. Ask your dentist

which whitening options are best for you and to ensure your teeth are healthy enough to whiten. Whitening unhealthy teeth with decay or gum disease can cause more discomfort.

Q.My elderly father has recently been having more trouble with mobility, and I’m worried that he might have a fall. Is there anything I can do to improve the safety of his living situation without sacrificing his independence?

A. Safety is the number one concern cited when it comes to elderly parents living alone. According to Medicare and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four seniors aged 65 and older will experience a fall each year, and some of those falls will result in serious injury or death. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to increase safety without sacrificing your father’s independence. First, you should make an appointment with a geriatrician to determine if there is a medical

reason for his increased mobility issues. Next, you should have his home evaluated by an oc cupational therapist for minor adjustments that can be made to increase safety features. For example, bathroom safety enhancements such as grab bars can prevent deadly falls. If after taking these steps you still are not comfortable with your father living alone, it may be time to talk to your father about moving into a senior living campus where safety features are built into the overall design.

I’d like to have my teeth whitened, but I’m nervous because they’re already a bit sensitive to hot and cold. Is it safe for me to try whitening?

MANDY SHEARER, DDS Dentist, Soddy Daisy Smiles soddydaisysmiles.com

AARON WEBB Founder & CEO, Senior Life Planner seniorlifeplanner.com

Q. I’ve been considering dental implants, but my dentist told me that my jawbone has deteriorated and I might not be a good candidate. Is there anything that can be done to help me?

A. Jawbone deterioration is an expected outcome of ex tractions, particularly when teeth are not replaced. However, there are things that can be done to decrease the bone loss and even rebuild it. At the time of extraction, grafts are added that slow this pro cess, but without dental implants stimulating the bone, these results are often temporary. Rebuilding the bone may involve a bigger surgery that is less predictable than grafting at the time of extraction.

Historically, this involved using bone from somewhere else in your body. Fortunately, many new advances in biomaterials and techniques have replaced the need for harvesting in most cases. With new techniques and advancements in membranes, bone graft materials, soft tissue replacements and biologics, bone can more predictably be replaced in almost all patients.

Q. My husband is a veteran who suffers from PTSD. He has trouble opening up and hasn’t been able to fully heal from his past experiences. Is there anything else we can try that might be able to help him?

I’ve been dealing with tinnitus for quite some time now, and a friend of mine recently mentioned that hearing aids can help. How does that work?

A. Tinnitus can be described as a ringing or buzzing in one’s ears. Tinnitus is subjective, which means the one suffering from it can hear it, but others cannot. There are many possible causes for tinnitus such as loud noise exposure, aging, and/or health issues. It is not uncommon for an individual suffering from tinni tus to also experi ence some degree of hearing loss. When one is treated for hearing loss with

hearing aids, this can also have a positive effect on their tinnitus. Hearing aids can mask tinnitus by retraining the brain to focus on better hearing and the introduc tion of sound therapy. If someone is experiencing sounds of tinnitus, they need to seek the advice of a hearing professional.

A. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is a nontraditional route of therapy that has been shown to have a rapid and robust effect in treating PTSD. When administered intravenously by a trained provider in a therapeutic setting, ketamine causes a cascade of events in the brain that result in new growth of neural networks, or neuroplasticity. This neuroplasticity can set the stage for greater receptivity to psychotherapy, serving as a catalyst for effective therapy. Combining psychotherapy with ketamine infusions is seen as a ‘wet cement’ moment; ketamine softens the psychological barricades and, with the guidance of an experienced therapist, allows traumatic memories to finally be processed. At Revitalist, we have licensed therapists that are experts in this unique field. They find this work so rewarding because, over a period of just two to three weeks, they can dive right into helping clients work through traumas with significant long-term success, which is unheard of in traditional trauma therapy.

CARA FISK, CRNA Clinic Lead, Revitalist Chattanooga revitalistchattanooga.com

BRANDON STANLEY, DMD, FACS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Implants & Oral Surgery of Chattanooga ioschattanooga.com

CHERYL WARD, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist, Audiology Services of Chattanooga hearchattanooga.com

National Wear Red Day February 3, 2023

National Wear Red Day® is a chance to show your support for women in the fight against cardiovascular disease, their No. 1 cause of death.

The American Heart Association invites you to rock your favorite red attire on Friday, February 3rd.

Meet Our Caregivers

Love, Care, & Serving Others

There is a lot to know about the loving and caring medical therapists, technicians, nurses, and other professional caregivers who have dedicated much of their lives to serving others.

What follows are local professionals who are providing the utmost in quality care.

INTERVENING IN CRISIS

1

Omar Grimaldo describes work ing in the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Intensive Care Unit, where patients are admitted for special ized care, as a constant balancing act. “Our job as nurses is to simul taneously make advances in our pa tients’ conditions while preventing health decompensation,” he shares. “I am constantly challenged. Yet over time, with persistent initiative, one develops a keen intuition that aids in the analysis of patient progression.”

Grimaldo not only appreciates the cerebral challenge of working in a trauma ICU, but also the way it chal lenges him daily in his personal life. “Nursing demands that I take care of my health and mental state to be fully prepared to care for others,” he says. “I love that it pushes me toward continuous self-improvement.”

OMAR GRIMALDO, BSN, RN, CCRN

ERLANGER HOSPITAL TRAUMA ICU

This

community.”

What do you love most about your profession?

I enjoy the critical thinking aspect of nursing. It demands thorough knowledge of patient history, diagnosis, and clinical presentation. I love that I always have to be prepared to intervene and correct life-threatening complications.

2

What is one of your happiest professional moments?

The most notable ones for me are the moments when I get to see a patient go home after a prolonged stay in the ICU. It is a rewarding feeling to know the work we did had a direct impact on someone’s life.

3

What

is your best advice for patients?

My best advice for patients is that their health is a collaborative effort – in other words, help me help you. Nurses have the ability to provide the best care possible; however, the healing process also takes time, a positive mentality, and a willingness to get better.

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

I have always believed that success was a strict combination of initiative, morality, and discipline.

5

What influenced you to pursue your career?

I always strived to excel in a career where I was constantly challenged but also maintained my core values. Nursing was the perfect fit.

profession provides endless opportunities to make a real and positive impact in the

MEETING THE NEEDS OF HER RESIDENTS

1

Jan Hall is no stranger at Morn ing Pointe of Hixson. For the last 11 years, Hall has been serving the senior living community as a CNA – a role that’s brought her a lot of va riety, and a lot of joy. She explains, “As a CNA, I’m responsible for meet ing the needs of the residents in my care; this ranges from bathing and dressing to mobility and much more. Specifically, I work in memory care, so my role involves quite a bit of conversation and reassurance.”

One thing is for sure – it’s a job that keeps Hall busy. “I am never bored!” laughs Hall. “The work of a CNA is so important, and part of why they’ll always be in demand. I feel fortunate to work with my residents every day and be a part of their lives.”

JAN HALL

MORNING POINTE SENIOR LIVING

What is one of your happiest professional moments?

My happiest moments are any time I see little children with our residents. The children never fail to make them smile!

2

What influenced you to pursue your career?

I have always been at ease with senior adults. I have a lot of respect for them – this last generation has been through a lot.

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

Smile, and mean it.

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

Patience. When I don’t have any more, I’ll retire!

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your residents?

To treat them as a person who needs help, and I want them not to feel bad about needing that help. I know they would much rather be doing it themselves.

What we do really makes a difference in our residents’ lives.”

Meet Our Caregivers

ESTABLISHING TRUST

1

In her role at Erlanger Internal Medicine, Crystal Dalton has to juggle multiple tasks throughout the workday – from answering patient questions to refilling prescriptions to administering flu and COVID tests. Dalton adds, “I’m also messag ing patients through MyCHART, giving injections, and working on patient referrals. There is always something to do!” Dalton has been serving as a clinical medical assis tant at Erlanger Internal Medicine for five years now, and she credits God with providing the path to her position. “I really believe that any thing can happen,” she says. “I was a single mom going through school, and it was with the help from God that I am where I am today.”

CRYSTAL DALTON

ERLANGER INTERNAL MEDICINE

What is one of your happiest professional moments?

I love getting notes and being told by patients that they appreciate me.

2

What is your best advice for patients?

Let us help you to be the healthiest you can be. Let us work together to manage your health. Do the preventative screenings, take your medications, and talk to your doctor.

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

A warm smile. It can mean so much to a person.

4

What influenced you to pursue your career?

I have always been interested in medicine. I enjoy working for a teaching hospital because you don’t have to have a lot of work experience. They will teach you what you need to know.

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

I want patients to trust me and feel comfortable talking with me because I listen. I treat others like I would want my parents or grandparents to be treated.

I love working with patients and making a difference in their lives.”

Caregivers

PUTTING COMFORT AT THE FOREFRONT

1

Marissa Conry has worked in children’s radiology since 2018. As a pediatric radiologic technolo gist – especially one who works third shift – Conry has to be prepared to encounter anything and everything. “The majority of my patients come from the ER, so on a typical night, we X-ray and occasionally perform CT on these patients for a variety of rea sons – whatever may bring someone to the ER in the middle of the night,” she explains. “Something we often do is a foreign body survey, which is usually performed on children who have acci dentally swallowed anything from but tons and batteries to a diary key – that last one was on purpose!” Although no two shifts look alike for Conry, she en joys the variety her position offers and strives to make her littlest patients as comfortable as possible.

MARISSA CONRY, RT(R)

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT ERLANGER

What do you love most about your profession?

My favorite part of the job is my interaction with kids and making them feel more comfortable in a hospital setting and feel less afraid of all the scary procedures. I also love to see the smiles on kids’ faces when we give them stickers after their exam is complete.

2

What influenced you to pursue your career?

My aunt is also a radiologic technologist and works in another specialty. I’ve always admired her work and the idea of working with children.

3

What is your best advice for patients?

My best advice for pediatric patients is actually for their parents. Calm parents make calm kids. We know you are scared for your child, but when you stay calm, it helps your child stay calm and the whole experience will be less traumatizing in an already stressful environment.

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

I am an empathetic person, and that is a useful strength for anyone in healthcare, especially in working with pediatric patients and their caregivers.

5

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

A smile and a positive attitude can go a long way when interacting with a fearful child. A pocket full of stickers can help too.

I believe all of our patients deserve the highest quality of patient care.”

MY CREDENTIALS

Associate Degree: Chattanooga State Community College –Chattanooga, TN Certifications: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Caregivers

CREATING MOMENTS THAT MATTER

1

Four years ago, Tannille King be gan her role as a hospice nurse. “I provide holistic care to patients with a terminal diagnosis, as well as to those whose full-time caregiver is temporarily unavailable,” she shares. “There’s a lot to love about this pro fession; I especially enjoy listening to patients and their families discuss some of the most memorable times and watching them smile as they re lease the fear of death and embrace the remembrance of life.” King has experienced many memorable mo ments herself, but one in particular stands out: “I had an 84-year-old patient who had to be away from his wife for eight days because she had surgery and complications. They had never been apart for longer than a day since they were married. Once she was discharged, I was able to help reunite them. It was beautiful.”

TANNILLE KING

HOSPICE OF CHATTANOOGA –HOSPICE CARE CENTER

What does your day-to-day look like?

I work at the Hospice Care Center, which is an inpatient unit that provides hospice care for patients with uncontrollable symptoms such as uncontrolled pain, respiratory distress, and terminal restlessness. We provide high-quality nursing care to patients; education regarding disease trajectory, end of life, treatment, and emotional care; and support to patients and their families.

2

What do you love most about your profession?

I love providing care, compassion, and support to those in need.

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

A sincere smile makes a great impression.

4

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

My main strengths are compassion and the courage to advocate for my patients.

5

What influenced you to pursue your career?

I believe in caring for my patients the way I want my family to be cared for.”

My inspiration to become a nurse came from personal experiences that included the death of my dad due to illness and providing wound care to my uncle after an accident.

Caregivers

CONTRIBUTING TO HER COMMUNITY

1

For Lindsay Lloyd, working at Er langer Primary Care on Look out Mountain means that strang ers are hard to come by. “We get to know our patients and their families well, as they are all part of our small community on Lookout Mountain,” she shares. “I really love helping out people in my community.” Lloyd re cently experienced the impact her practice can have on someone’s life, and it’s a timely reminder about the importance of early detection. She explains, “One of our patients got their routine colonoscopy through the urging of our clinic. They discov ered early cancer cells that are able to be treated. If she had not gotten her colonoscopy, her cancer would have been much more advanced at a later time. She was grateful that we urged her to get routine health maintenance.”

LINDSAY LLOYD, MS, FNP-BC

ERLANGER PRIMARY CARE –LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

What does your day-to-day look like?

I live on Lookout Mountain, where my practice is located, so my commute is short! As a primary care practice, we handle all health maintenance, referrals, and immunizations. We also handle sick visits and X-rays.

2

What influenced you to pursue your career?

My father is a doctor, and my mother is a nurse; this paved the way for my career. I really enjoy helping people and working through their issues together.

3

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

Be yourself and be genuine. Listening to patients is so incredibly important. When people reach out to their primary care practitioner, it’s one of the best forms of self-care.

4

What is your best advice for patients?

Early detection and prevention can save lives. It is so important to use the resources we have in modern medicine.

5

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

Connecting with patients and going the extra mile to handle their care. I cherish the conversations that I have with my patients. We can teach each other so much.

I want our patients to know that we are here for them.”

GIVING HIS VERY BEST

1

Donald Brooks has been work ing in a hospital setting since he was 17 years old. “I first worked in X-ray as a file clerk, then as a phlebotomist in the laboratory,” he explains. “While working all those years in the hospital, I was able to see what different professions did. Respiratory interested me, so I de cided to go to school for respira tory care.” The rest, as they say, is history. Brooks is now celebrating his 12-year anniversary as a respira tory therapist with Erlanger Health System. Looking back on his career, Brooks has this to share about his journey: “Continue to learn, attempt to understand, and care for each other. This is what makes us humans and part of humanity.”

DONALD K. BROOKS

ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

What does your day-to-day look like?

We assist the physicians with patients who have breathing problems. This may include giving medications to assist in breathing, oxygen therapy, and assisting in breathing with mechanical ventilation. I also attempt to educate the patient, staff, and physicians on the different respiratory modalities and their use.

2

What’s the key to making a great first impression?

Smiling and introducing yourself. Explain what you are going to do and why. Make the patient as comfortable as possible in a bad situation.

3

What is your best advice for patients?

Not smoking or vaping can decrease your chances of having pulmonary, cardiac, and vascular complications. Young people don’t usually think of cancer or COPD, but if they get into an accident, their chances of complications increase.

4

When a patient you have taken care of remembers you and comes back to see you when they are better, it just brightens your day.”

What would you consider to be your main strengths?

I love to learn and love to do research. I received my bachelor’s degree when I turned 60 years old. So, I believe anyone can go back to school and get their degree.

5

What is your philosophy when it comes to the care for your patients?

Give them your very best. They are in a place that they don’t want to be and need some compassion. Compassion takes both empathy and sympathy to the next level.

From the beginning, the mission of CityScope® magazine has been to provide the Chattanooga area with a wonderful sense of pride, optimism, hope, and joy through delightful stories and beautiful visuals shown in a captivating glossy publication. Celebrating what’s so special about our area has provided a welcomed reprieve from the demands of daily life. Cheers to 30 Years! and creating happiness for years to come.

Hamid Shah, MD

Dr. Hamid Shah, a neurosurgeon, has joined the CHI Memorial Stroke and Neuroscience Center. Dr. Shah provides highly skilled care in the treatment of conditions of the brain and spine. He is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

CHI Memorial Group welcomes Dr. An gelique Gross to the Buz Standefer Lung Center and CHI Memorial Lung Care Associates. Dr. Gross, who is boardcertified in pulmonary medicine, earned her medical degree from Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia.

William Lyman, MD

Dr. William Lyman, a Chattanooga native specializing in colorectal surgery, has joined University Surgical Associates. Dr. Lyman is board-certified through the American Board of Surgery and has extensive training in all surgical modalities, including mini mally invasive and robotic techniques.

Kyle Staton, MD

Dr. Kyle Staton, a vascular and endo vascular surgeon, has joined University Surgical Associates. Dr. Staton is boardcertified through the American Board of Surgery and has extensive training and experience in a variety of vascular surgery procedures.

Joseph Pendley, DO

Dr. Joseph Pendley has joined Erlanger Cardiology. Dr. Pendley is a fellowshiptrained general cardiologist and native Chattanoogan. He received his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harrogate, Tennessee.

Richard Tanner, MD

Dr. Richard Tanner has joined Univer sity Surgical Associates. Dr. Tanner is a general surgeon who focuses on a wide range of surgical areas, including gallbladder surgery, complex hernia repair surgery, anti-reflux surgery, colon surgery, and breast surgery.

MEDSPA & WELLNESS CENTER

Lindsay Hicks, FNP-C

Lindsay Hicks, an aesthetic injec tor and nurse practitioner, has joined Alchemy Medspa & Wellness Center. Hicks graduated top of her class from Southern Adventist University in Col legedale, Tennessee, and has 10 years of experience in the medical field.

Katye Herring, MD

Dr. Katye Herring, a board-certified and fellowship-trained physician, has joined Children’s Hospital at Erlanger Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. She completed medical school and pediatric residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Children’s of Mississippi.

CHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL GROUP

UNIVERSITY SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

UNIVERSITY SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

CHI MEMORIAL MEDICAL GROUP

UNIVERSITY SURGICAL ASSOCIATES

ALCHEMY

ERLANGER HEALTH SYSTEM

Angelique Gross, MD

health & wellness

Today’s most important health topics that women of all ages want and need to know for the health and wellness of their families and themselves.

Understandingthe Diff e r ent Types ofHeadaches WHAT A PAIN

By Catherine Smith

Whether you deal with them regularly or only on occasion, headaches are a real pain. There are over 150 different types of headaches, and it can be difficult to determine which one you’re dealing with – particularly if you don’t know what is causing it. Here, local experts Dr. Natasha Ballard, the assistant director at AFC Urgent Care, and Brenda Knowles, an acute care nurse practitioner with Erlanger Neurology, share valuable information about the different types of headaches – including when to seek medical treatment.

Headaches fall into two main catego ries: primary and secondary. A primary headache means that the headache is the main problem, and it isn’t being caused by an underlying condition. A secondary headache is a symptom of the main problem and can be a warning sign for serious medical conditions.

PRIMARY HEADACHES

The most common types of head aches, including migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, are primary head aches. Though these headaches can be severe enough to interfere with your life, they are not necessarily dangerous. Some people are genetically predis posed to primary headaches, but they can also be triggered by lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, nicotine use, eating certain foods, physical exer tion, and insufficient sleep.

There are a number of at-home treatments that can relieve primary headaches. “Over-the-counter medica tions like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be taken for these headaches. Medications labeled for mi graine, such as Excedrin Migraine, can

NATASHA BALLARD, MD Assistant Medical Director, AFC Urgent Care

BRENDA KNOWLES

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Erlanger Neurology

be taken for a headache, if approved by your medical provider, since it also contains aspirin and caffeine,” Dr. Ballard advises. “However, you should not take any of the above medica tions for more than three to four days due to the risk of rebound headaches. Rebound headaches can mimic tension headaches and can last several days after the offending medication – or substance, such as caffeine – is tapered and stopped.”

Additionally, small changes to your daily routine can be an effective way to avoid recurring primary headaches. “Lifestyle management is always a good place to start, including regular sleep, healthy meals, drinking plenty of water, limiting caffeine and alco hol, and smoking cessation,” Knowles explains. “It is also helpful to avoid any triggers that you may have for headaches or migraines, which you can identify by looking for common patterns on your headache days. You should always speak with your doctor if your headaches are new or have changed, as there may be something more going on.”

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are usually characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head. This pain is often accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. These can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Some migraines may only cause mild pain, but this does not mean you should dismiss them. Knowles says, “All headaches are concerning as a medical pro vider, even if it is just from a patient quality of life standpoint. However, certain charac teristics may warrant further investigation and different management than standard migraine treatment.” For this reason, it is important to let your medical provider know if you are experiencing migraines.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are sometimes called “hatband headaches” because the pain occurs in the areas where you would feel a hat that is too tight. “Tension headaches occur on both sides of the head at once, as well as around the forehead and temples. They can also extend into the back of the head or neck,” Dr. Ballard explains. Tension headaches tend to start with pressure, but they can escalate to debilitating pain. Like migraines, they can last from hours to days and may warrant medical intervention if athome treatments aren’t enough.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are so named be cause they come as a series of short-lived headaches rather than one long headache. Cluster headaches are characterized by extreme pain that comes on rapidly and typically lasts for less than an hour, but they can happen up to eight times per day over the period of a week or even several months. According to Dr. Ballard, “Clus ter headaches only occur around one eye and often include eye tearing, redness, and runny nose.” For most people, cluster headaches will eventually go into remission for months or years at a time, but one in five cases prove to be chronic and go on without breaking the pattern.

SECONDARY HEADACHES

Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying condition. The cause of a secondary headache can be something simple, like dehydration, but it can also be a life-threatening medical condition. “Any headache that does not respond to overthe-counter medications, returns more frequently, or is more severe than its usual intensity should be evaluated by an out patient medical professional. Headaches after any trauma or new, frequent, or per sistent headache after age 50 should also be evaluated,” Dr. Ballard explains. “Most headaches do not require a head CT/MRI and do not mean there is a tumor, despite what an internet search might suggest. However, there are types of head pain that should be evaluated in the emergency de partment rather than an outpatient clinic or urgent care office.”

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“If you are experiencing the ‘worst head ache of your life,’ having any neurologic or mental status changes, headache in the set ting of an infection, or new seizure activity with a headache, you need to seek emer gency evaluation immediately,” Knowles warns. Fortunately, there is a simple mne monic device that sums up the red flags for a dangerous headache: SNOOP

S SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS: These are ad ditional symptoms that affect the body as a whole, such as fever and body aches. (The S can also stand for “secondary risk factors,” which refers to pre-existing diseases and conditions that warrant closely monitoring any new symptoms.)

N – NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS: These can be changes in cognitive function, disori entation, difficulty speaking or understand ing others, personality changes, vision loss or changes, weakness or numbness in any part of the body, or loss of consciousness.

O – ONSET: This refers to severe head aches that come on suddenly, also known as “thunderclap headaches.”

O OLDER AGE OF ONSET: If you have your first experience with a more severe headache at an older age, particularly after age 50, it could be more significant than a typical headache.

P – PRIOR HEADACHE HISTORY: Consider the headaches you’ve had in the past. If a headache does not follow the typical patterns you have expe rienced, or if it is more severe than what you have previously experi enced, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.

Whether a headache is mildly bothersome or debilitating, it is important to pay attention. The more information you can share with your doctor, the sooner you can determine the cause of your headaches and find relief.

Trapped inside her own body for four grueling years. Unable to communicate with the outside world.

Doctors gave her family NO hope.

Don’t miss Victoria Arlen’s miraculous story.

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Tuesday, March 21, 2023 Chattanooga Convention Center 11:30 a.m. (IN PERSON 423.634.1208 or visit www.SiskinRehab.org for information & to purchase tickets.

Luncheon

ESPN host Paralympic medalist “Dancing with the Stars”

Two Sides of the Coin

Bipolar 1 vs. Bipolar 2

Bipolar disorder is a commonly known condition, but not many people know about the differences between bipolar 1 and bipolar 2, which are separate diagnoses. Unfortunately, this can prevent some people from recognizing the signs of bipolar disorder that they may be presenting, often leaving them to go untreated. Here, we spoke with local experts Dr. Jason Pooler, a psychiatrist with Integrative Psychiatry of Chattanooga, and Shawn Winton, a licensed professional counselor with Erlanger Community Health Center, to learn more.

By Catherine Smith

When many people think of bipolar disorder, what comes to mind is actually a specific type of bipolar disorder known as bipolar 1 (BP1). On the other hand, bipolar 2 (BP2) tends to fly a bit more under the radar. Both diagnoses of BP1 and BP2 are made by looking at patterns of extreme mood changes known as manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes, but the mood changes differ signifi cantly between the two.

The key to understanding the differences between BP1 and BP2 lies in the criteria for mania, hypomania, and depression.

Manic Episodes

Mania is known as the “high” of the manic-depressive cycle. During a manic epi sode, a person will typically experience an extreme increase in energy, elevated levels of happiness or irritation, and a subsequent change in behavior. “Symp toms of mania include grandiosity (feeling like they are invincible), engaging in high-risk behaviors, rapid speech, and racing thoughts (inability to communicate one thought before another one comes),” Winton explains. “These feelings can be exhilarating, which can lead the person to not seek treatment or to avoid their medications.” A person experiencing a manic episode may start a variety of new projects in a short amount of time, take on more social engagements than they typically would, or feel plenty of energy even without getting enough sleep. Manic episodes can last anywhere from one week to six months.

Hypomanic Episodes

Hypomania is similar to mania in that it causes abnormally elevated mood, energy, and activity levels. But unlike mania, which can lead to hospitalization, hypomania is typically not severe enough to impact a per son’s daily functioning. For example, someone experiencing a hypomanic episode may suddenly decide to clean every inch of their house, focus on a new project for hours without needing a break, or become abnormally chatty with friends or on social media. Hypomania can cause feelings of euphoria, but is unlikely to cause symptoms of psychosis such as delu sions or hallucinations. Hypomania is typically short-lived, but must last at least four days to be considered a hypomanic episode.

Depressive Episodes

Depressive episodes are considered the “low” of the manic-depressive cycle, as a depressive episode brings on the same symptoms that someone with clinical depression may experience. These include feelings of hopelessness or extreme sadness, loss of interest in things that once made you happy, diminished energy despite getting plenty of sleep, and difficulty performing daily tasks. Additional symptoms may include irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes to sleeping or eating habits, and suicidal thoughts. Symptoms of depression must be present for at least two weeks in order to be considered a depressive episode, but the average duration is six to eight months.

What is the difference between BP1 and BP2?

Some people think that BP2 is simply a less severe form of BP1, but this is a common misconception. Both disorders are characterized by severe changes in mood that have a significant impact on a person’s life, with BP1 leaning toward more severe mania and BP2 leaning to ward more severe depression. Both disorders can occur at any age, but are typically diagnosed in the late teens and early 20s.

“Both Bipolar 1 and 2 include high-risk behaviors or actions that can cause harm to the person, their fam ily, and their community,” Winton explains. “Both are diagnosed using standardized assessment tools to help determine the severity and duration of the symptoms.”

for psychotherapy, but they do not necessarily warrant a diagnosis of BP1 or BP2.

Historically, BP1 and BP2 have been diagnosed with the following criteria:

BP1: A person must experience at least one manic episode lasting one week to six months. Periods of hypomania or depression may occur between manic episodes, but this is not necessary for a diagnosis of BP1.

BP2: A person must experience at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode lasting at least four days. They cannot have ever experi enced a manic episode, as that would indicate BP1.

Diagnosis

Everyone will experience ups and downs in life, but that is not equivalent to experiencing the severe mood episodes that characterize bipolar disorder. According to Dr. Pooler, many people are incorrectly diagnosed with BP1 or BP2 after significant life events, such as divorce or immense stress at work, cause a change in their be havior. Such experiences can certainly illuminate a need

For Dr. Pooler, diagnosing bipolar disorder involves bloodwork to identify factors that could be affecting a patient’s serotonin levels. Serotonin allows the brain to regulate moods, social behaviors, and much more, and ab normal levels of serotonin are a key factor in bipolar disor der. Because abnormal levels of vitamin D and C-reactive protein can impair the brain’s ability to produce serotonin, Dr. Pooler stresses the importance of checking those levels in the diagnostic period. If the bloodwork shows abnormalities, Dr. Pooler will first prescribe supplements, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, and typically finds that symptoms improve with less need for medica tions – though they are certainly an option, if needed.

JASON POOLER,

MD Psychiatrist, Integrative Psychiatry

of Chattanooga

SHAWN WINTON Licensed Professional Counselor, Erlanger Community Health Center

“Both Bipolar 1 and 2 include high-risk behaviors or actions that can cause harm to the person, their family, and their community. Both are diagnosed using standardized assessment tools to help determine the severity and duration of the symptoms.”

- Shawn Winton

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Treatment

For both BP1 and BP2, treatment typically involves a combination of psycho therapy and medication. The types of medications will depend on the individual’s symptoms and severity of symptoms, but they include mood stabilizers to con trol mania or hypomania, antipsychotics for severe mania, and antidepressants. Therapy is also beneficial, particularly in addressing high-risk behaviors and providing coping mechanisms. “Assisting the patient to understand the physi cal symptoms of their mood swings and introducing effective coping skills, in addition to medication assessment, are important in treating the conditions,” Winton says. “These conditions can be effectively treated and managed, and the individual can live a higher quality of life.”

Some treatments that are effective for one type of bipolar disorder may actually worsen symptoms for the other. For example, ketamine therapy has been touted as a successful treatment for depression that can also be used for individuals diagnosed with BP2. Dr. Pooler describes ketamine as a helpful supplement to psychotherapy, particularly in patients who are having suicidal ideations. “I sometimes use ketamine in my practice as a tool for harm reduction. If a patient is suicidal, a shot of ketamine can bring them back to a safer place and we can move forward from there,” he explains. On the other hand, Dr. Pooler says that ketamine therapy could induce mania or worsen existing mania, so it would not be used in treating BP1.

The highs and lows of bipolar disorder can be very difficult for a person to deal with, but they can be managed with an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. If you suspect that you or a loved one might be experiencing episodes of mania, hypomania, or depression, speak with a physician or

NotAbout the Food

TheHidden Side o f

EatingDisorders

By Catherine Smith

Eating disorders are serious conditions characterized by unhealthy patterns of food consumption – typically either eating too much or too little. Contrary to what the name suggests, however, these disorders are about much more than food. In this article, a local expert explains why there is more to eating disorders than meets the eye.

On the surface, eating disorders might simply seem like an unhealthy lifestyle choice, but that is far from the truth. There is no singular cause for eating disorders, but in most cases, there are co-occurring mental health disorders, life experiences, or substance abuse problems that cause them to develop or worsen. This is one of many reasons why healing from an eating disorder is much more complicated than many people realize.

“The catchphrase for eating disorder recovery is ‘it’s not about the food,’” says Addie Bramlett, director of eating disorder programs at Focus Treatment Centers. “It’s not just about the diet. People don’t just decide to cut out carbs and then end up with an eating disorder.” With that in mind, Bramlett recommends a “whole person” approach to eating disorder recovery, which involves discovering any and all factors that caused the disorder to develop and providing individualized care to ad dress them.

Psychological Factors

Often, when a patient is admitted to a residential treatment facility for an eating disorder, healthcare providers find that the eating disorder itself is just the tip of the iceberg. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), a 2014 study found that among 2,400 individuals who were hospitalized for eating disorders, 97% had one or more co-occurring conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to Bramlett, “The eating disor der is like a red herring, or a smoke screen.” In order to fully treat the eating disorder, it is critical to treat any underlying psychological and emotional conditions that contributed to it. Though food is important for healing, simply getting back to a healthy weight is not enough when it comes to eating disorder recovery. “We use food as a medicine, but our focus is helping patients rebuild their re lationship with themselves, with their body, and with food,” Bramlett explains.

BRAMLETT, RDN, LDN, CEDR Director of Eating Disorder Programs, Focus Treatment Centers

ADDIE

Life Experiences

Psychological disorders often lay the groundwork for eating disorders, but not everyone who has a mental health disorder like anxiety or depression will end up developing one. In practice, Bramlett has found that a “perfect storm” of lived experiences such as trauma, negative childhood experiences, and societal influ ence can cause an eating disorder to develop.

UPBRINGING

Many adults with severe eating disorders had negative thoughts about food or weight instilled in them from a young age. Children are impressionable, and the things they hear and see can cause lasting damage. “Some people grow up with chronically dieting parents, parents who had an eating disorder, or parents who struggled with substances. Body shaming and bullying also tend to aggravate the thoughts that lead to eating disorders,” Bramlett explains. “It is important for the people around eating disorder patients to understand that they need to stop talking about dieting, commenting on their body, or encouraging weight loss.”

TRAUMA IN CHILDHOOD

In more extreme circumstances, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as emotional and physical abuse, neglect, or being raised in a dysfunctional household, have a strong correlation with disordered eating. According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, adults seeking treat ment for eating disorders statistically report significantly more ACEs than the national average. Children in turbulent situations have very little control over their lives and may seek some level of control by restricting food or overeat ing. “Eating disorders can start as a coping mechanism or a way to feel safe,” Bramlett explains. “I explain to my patients that this probably saved their lives at some point. The disorder helped them stay in control. It helped them feel safe until they could get out of that situation.”

TRAUMA IN ADULTHOOD

Trauma refers to any event or ongoing situation that makes a person feel distressed, fearful, or helpless. Life-threatening events, ongoing domestic vio lence, or the death of a close loved one are known as “big T” traumas, and “little t” traumas include things like divorce, being bullied, or being rejected by a group of people. Both big T and repeated little t traumas greatly increase a person’s chances of developing an eating disorder. When we experience trauma, we employ coping mechanisms. For some people, counting calories or obsessively exercising might be easier than thinking about what they have experienced. For others, binging can bring a sense of comfort or create a distraction from painful feelings. In either case, Bramlett stresses that it is not a conscious decision that someone makes, but a subconscious attempt to deal with trauma.

Substance Abuse

In Bramlett’s experience, the correlation be tween eating disorders and substance abuse or addiction is impossible to ignore. “More often than not, people who come in for residential treatment have a co-occurring disorder like substance abuse. It’s very rare for us to see someone who doesn’t at least abuse alcohol,” she states. “People often seek treatment when there’s some sort of crisis, which might be getting a DUI or being hospitalized for an overdose. When people are admitted to our facil ity, they are given a full assessment which includes both eating disorder and substance use ques tions.” Many patients seek treatment for substance abuse only to learn that their primary condition is an eating disorder. The opposite is also true.

Substance abuse can exacerbate eating disor ders, and in turn, eating disorders can exacerbate substance abuse. This blurred line can create a dangerous cycle that is easy to fall into, but very difficult to break. For example, Bramlett often sees

patients who refuse to eat when drinking alcohol. This behavior, colloquially known as “drunkorexia,” can be done to heighten the buzz of alcohol, but it can also be done to counteract the calories from alcoholic beverages. It can take some time to determine whether such behaviors are indicative of addiction or an eating disorder, and that is why some residential facilities offer dual treatments that address both.

In addition to behaviors like drunkorexia, eating disorders and substance abuse often go hand-inhand because both commonly begin as coping mechanisms. “There are different addictions and different diagnoses, but they all manifested for the same purpose, which is often that sense of control,” Bramlett explains. Unfortunately, both substance abuse and eating disorders can cause a lot of harm, which can exacerbate the problems that caused a person to need a coping mecha nism in the first place. This is why so much of the treatment revolves around replacing old coping mechanisms with new ones that don’t cause harm.

Eating disorders are complex, and healing from them is difficult – but it is entirely possible. If you suspect that you are showing signs of disordered eating, talking to your doctor is a great first step to getting any help that you might need. If someone in your life is dealing with an eating disorder, Bramlett suggests seeking out educational resources like the National Eating Disorder Association’s website to learn more about how you can help.

When it comes to managing pain, there are a number of medi cations available both over the counter (OTC) and by prescrip tion. Understanding how these medicines work and what risks they carry can be helpful in choosing the right medication, which is especially important for older adults.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs work by blocking the body’s production of chemicals that cause inflammation. Many people take NSAIDs for muscle and joint pain, as they effectively reduce body aches, stiffness, inflammation, and fever. The most common types of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

The most common side effects of NSAIDs are mild gastroin testinal symptoms, but older adults are prone to more severe side effects – including heart attack or stroke when taking non-aspirin NSAIDs. According to Dr. Alycia Cleinman, a geri atric medicine specialist with CHI Memorial Center for Healthy Aging, “Patients over the age of 64 years old have a higher risk of side effects from OTC NSAIDs. These include kidney failure, stomach ulcers, and subdural hematomas (SDH), which is bleeding in the brain.” Additionally, Dr. Cleinman says that some prescription medications can increase the risk of gastrointes tinal bleeding and SDH. For these reasons, it is important for elderly adults to consult their doctor before taking NSAIDs and to take them only as recommended or prescribed.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen works within the central nervous system by blocking the pain signals, which come from injured or inflamed areas of the body, from reaching the brain, effectively reducing your sensitivity to pain. This medication is commonly used to treat minor aches and pains, and it also serves as a fever reducer. Often, acetaminophen is combined with other drugs, such as OTC cold and flu medications and a handful of prescrip tion medications.

“For most older adults, the safest oral OTC medica tion for pain relief is acetaminophen, provided they do not exceed the recommended dose,” says Angela Tackett, a licensed practical nurse with East Tennessee Pharmacy Services. “This is because acetaminophen is less likely to cause harm such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or kidney damage that are often seen with the use of NSAIDs.” However, Tackett warns that because acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, it may not be the best choice for people with chronic liver disease, and it is best to consult a doctor before starting

Prescription Pain Relievers

When OTC pain medications aren’t cutting it, a doc tor can prescribe something stronger, such as a higher dose of NSAIDs or acetaminophen or opioid pain reliev ers. “If chronic pain is limiting an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating, they should consider prescription medications,” Dr. Cleinman advises.

Opioids are narcotic pain relievers that block the brain’s ability to sense pain, and they are typically prescribed after surgical procedures or severe injuries. Opioids are monitored closely by the prescribing physi cian to ensure that they are being used safely, as they can cause gastrointestinal trouble, cognitive issues, and impaired motor skills. Additionally, these medications carry a high risk of addiction and should be taken only as prescribed. For caregivers of elderly adults, Tack ett advises, “Ensure that medication is given properly and side effects are documented and reported to the prescribing physician. This will help reduce the risk of mismanagement of medication and ultimately lower the

If chronic pain is limiting an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating, they should consider prescription medications.”

Managing Medications

As we age, managing medications correctly tends to be more difficult, but the risks of misusing medica tions also increases. Older adults and their caregivers often have to juggle multiple medications, both prescription and OTC. Addition ally, older adults can experience memory loss that makes it difficult to remember whether or not they’ve taken something, which can lead to double-dosing or skipping doses –both of which can be very danger ous. Below are some tips from our local experts that can help.

→ Use a weekly pill box to sort out medications and doses. This is particularly helpful for older adults experiencing memory loss who may not remember whether or not they’ve taken their medications.

→ Get a caregiver involved to either fill the weekly pill box or administer medications on a schedule. Routine check-ins to ensure that medicines are being taken correctly can also be helpful.

→ Keep a notebook to track when each medication is taken to avoid missing a dose or taking extra doses.

This is also a good place to note any side effects so they can be clearly communicated to medical providers if needed.

→ Many pharmacies offer special pill packaging, sometimes at an additional cost, that combines each dose of medication in a single pack that is printed with instructions on how and when to take them.

→ An automatic pill dispenser can be programmed to administer medications at a specific time. Many also feature an alarm that goes off when it is time for a medication to be taken.

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to choosing the right medication to manage pain, and the stakes are unfortunately much higher as we age. If you or a loved one are experiencing chronic or acute pain, especially at an advanced age, consult a physician to determine the best pain reliever for your individual needs.

Project Access

You Never Forget a Second Chance

For people in Southeast Tennessee who fall ill and have no health insurance and no place to turn to for treatment, Project Access can provide a second chance at life and health.

Project Access is a nonprofit coordinated-care network of doctors, hospitals, healthcare providers, and community clinics that provides donated healthcare for residents in low-income jobs who do not have health insurance. The program also provides care to people who don’t qualify for federal or state programs such as TennCare and Medic aid and cannot obtain insurance.

“Project Access allows physicians and hospitals to provide free medical care to patients who are uninsured in our community,” says Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, president of the Medical Founda tion of Chattanooga. “What I love about this is that our community takes care of our own. That is the way it should be.”

Since its inception in 2004, Project Access has made healthcare available to more than 23,500 low-income, uninsured residents. More than $219 million in healthcare services have been

donated by more than 1,150 volunteer physicians, providers, and hospitals through the program. The program is coordinated through the Medical Foundation of Chattanooga in partnership with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.

“I always think of the statement that every society is truly judged by how it takes care of those most vulnerable in its midst,” says Dr. Marijka Grey, Medical Society president. “We know that, despite the fact that we have great hospitals and health systems here in Chattanooga as well as great physicians, there are some patients who still go underserved, and this is where Project Access comes in.”

Project Access coordinates specialty care services for patients referred to the program by local primary care physicians and health centers. Patient care coordinators make sure the patient meets program requirements and then helps find the specialists they need.

“If procedures or other services are needed, care is coordinated with hospitals or other service providers so the patient’s health can be restored,” says Rae Young Bond, executive director of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and Foundation.

“Doctors and hospitals have always provided charity care, but it was done in a sometimes infor mal manner,” Bond adds. “Project Access created a coordinated charity care network that makes it easy for hospitals and physicians to participate while easing the navigation of a sometimes complicated healthcare system.”

To be eligible for Project Access, patients must have a current medical condition, be uninsured, be ineligible for health insurance and other health benefits, and have an income 150% below the poverty level.

Before the program started, patients would often have to visit their primary clinic many times until the condition was bad enough that they could access specialty care through a visit to the emergency room. Now, through a coordinated effort with other charity partners, patients are referred to Project Access before those cases are too serious to treat easily.

In 2022, Project Access collaborated with the Bradley County Medical Society to expand beyond Hamilton County and treat patients from 23 sur rounding counties and rural areas.

“Tennessee as a whole is a fairly rural state. We are fortunate in Chattanooga that we have three main hospital systems, but other surrounding coun ties are not so fortunate,” Dr. Lorenzo says. “They may have a primary doctor who sees a patient, and they also need specialty services that aren’t avail able in those rural areas.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to get the treatment without Project Access. I thank God they do this. They’ve given me a chance to fight this cancer.”

–SHERRIE RAINES WALLACE

Project Access Assistant Director Alonzo Jarrett and Director Tonya Williams (right) speak with Karis Community Health’s Medical Director Dr. Madison Torrence, Medical Office Manager Lana Jones, and Executive Director Kelly Ohlsson (left) about the organization’s partnership.

Patient Sherrie Raines Wallace was one of those rural area patients. Residing in Crossville, Tennes see, Wallace was referred to Project Access and sent to a specialist for a nodule. That nodule eventually was determined to be an advanced form of cancer. She was sent to an oncologist where she received chemotherapy treatments at no cost.

“It was scary,” she says. “I wouldn’t have been able to get the treatment without Project Access. I thank God they do this. They’ve given me a chance to fight this.”

The goal of Project Access is to help restore people’s health so they can go back to work, take care of their families, and have fulfilling lives.

“Our doctors find it to be a deeply meaningful experience when they can offer that gift of healing to someone who is desperately in need and doesn’t know that a resource like this even exists,” Bond says.

“Project Access allows us to reach out to patients who do not have health insurance and who may put something off because the choice is between get ting food for the month or being seen by a doctor,” adds Dr. Grey.

Project Access patients never have to worry about the ability to pay for the services provided.

“Nowadays even working folks with insurance are thinking to themselves, ‘Can I afford this?’ And I love that with Project Access, neither doctors nor patients have to worry about it,” Dr. Lorenzo says. “If you are a Project Access patient, you show up and you are treated just like any other patient.”

Chattanooga resident Monica Calderon recently faced a challenge when her husband Fernando was diagnosed with lymphoma. Without health insur ance, they didn’t know where to turn. That is when Project Access entered their lives.

Monica Calderon shares memories of her husband with Alonzo Jarrett, Project Access assistant director.

“We were worried about how we were going to afford it,” Calderon says. “When Fernando had his ID card, they said, ‘Oh, you are with Project Access!’ For us, it was a bright day, and we could breathe a little more easily.”

Despite treatment, Fernando eventu ally succumbed to his cancer, but he and his wife were given a second chance for quality time together.

“I was able to cook his favorite meals. We talked from the morning to the afternoon. We loved. We laughed. We cried. We planned because we knew his time was coming close,” Calderon says. “I would not have had that time if Fernando wasn’t part of Project Access, so I want to say thank you.”

Even when a patient doesn’t survive, they may extend their lives and have quality time with loved ones that they wouldn’t have otherwise had.

“This program speaks to the heart of compassion that you see daily in the medical community,” Bond says. “We are able to provide more time for a husband to have with a wife, more time for a fam ily, more time to have some meaning ful experiences in those last days and months and years of their lives.”

Through Project Access, the health care community works together to give the invaluable gift of a second chance to those most in need.

Improving Community Health in Southeast Tennessee

The Medical Society was founded in 1883 to promote sound medical practice and improve community health. The Medical Foundation was created in 1986 to expand those missions and provide a vehicle for the physicians' charitable endeavors.

Today, these organizations work on a variety of fronts throughout the com munity to improve public health. They helped lead community collaboration to address COVID-19, provide access to care through Project Access, encourage students to consider healthcare careers, and support programs to help physicians address stress and overcome burnout.

SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE PROJECT ACCESS

• Coordinated more than $219 million of donated healthcare services since 2004 Care provided by more than 1,150 physicians annually

• Hospital partnerships with CHI Memorial, Erlanger, Parkridge, and Tennova Cleveland Coordinates specialty care service for 21 community health centers

• 23,511 patients from 32 counties have received care or have been directed to services

YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The Future Docs Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine was established in 2006 to encourage high school students to consider careers in medicine.

The Future Docs Medical Explorations program is an immersion experience for college students consider ing medical careers.

• More than 550 students have participated in these programs since 2006.

• Leadership graduates are now practicing medicine or in medical schools and residencies around the country.

• The Regional Science Fair involves 200+ students an nually and offers scholarships and other resources.

LIFEBRIDGE PHYSICIAN WELLNESS PROGRAM

Established in 2018, LifeBridge is designed to help ad dress physician burnout.

• The program increases physician resilience through evidence-based programming and education. It provides easy, confidential counseling for physicians at risk of burnout and workplace stress.

• LifeBridge offers access to the Physician Well-Being Index tool that allows physicians to self-assess their status.

SPONSORING ORGANIZATION

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society and Medical Foundation of Chattanooga 1917 E. Third St Chattanooga, TN 37404

423-826-0269 (Project Access)

423-622-2872 (Medical Society and Foundation)

PARTICIPATING HOSPITALS

CHI Memorial Health Care System

Children’s Hospital at Erlanger Erlanger Health System

Kindred Hospital

Parkridge Medical Centers

Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation Tennova Healthcare - Cleveland

PARTICIPATING HEALTH CENTERS

Bradley County Health Department

Cempa Community Care Chattanooga Tumor Clinic, Inc.

Cherokee Health Systems

CHI Memorial Community Health Clinica Medicos

Erlanger Community Health Centers (Dodson Ave. & Southside)

Erlanger Premier Health

Hamilton County Health Department Centers

Homeless Health Care Center

Karis Community Health

LifeSpring Community Health

Purpose Point Community Health University Medical Associates

UT Family Practice Volunteers in Medicine

OTHER PARTNERS

Alliance Physical Therapy

Bradley County Medical Society Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics

Chattanooga Endoscopy Center

Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition CRNA Associates, P.C.

Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee Eye Surgery Center of Chattanooga Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center

Greater Chattanooga Colon Cancer Foundation

Kirton Dental Lab

LabCorp La Paz Chattanooga

Mental Health Cooperative

Miller Eye Center

Novamed Surgery Center of Chattanooga PathGroup Labs

Regional Health Council

Southeastern Orthotics and Prosthetics

UT College of Medicine Chattanooga

Urban League of Greater Chattanooga Vision Laboratories

Vista Radiology

Volunteer Behavorial Health Welcome Home of Chattanooga

PARTICIPATING PHYSICIANS – 2022

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

D. Curt Chaffin, MD

Marc Cromie, MD

Michael Hollie, MD

Hyman Kaplan, MD

Linda Kim, MD

Todd Levin, MD

Jennifer Patel, MD

Lee Perry, MD

Susan Raschal, DO

Jessica Van Mason, MD

Robert Younger, MD

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Edwin Abraham, MD

J. Frank Adkins, MD

Jeffrey Balser, MD

Mark Banks, MD

Venkata Bareddy, MD

Stephen Barnes, MD

David Bartlett, MD

Burton Beakley, MD

Marilyn Bean, MD

Justin Blinn, MD

Gerald Brocker, MD

James Brown, MD

Ladd Campbell, MD

Cory Carpenter, MD

Louis Chemin, MD

Colin Clanton, MD

Nicholas Cutchens, MD

Christopher Davis, MD

J. Phillip Davis, MD

J. Miller Epps, MD

Ashley Ermenc, MD

Jonathan Geach, MD

Zachary Greene, MD

Mark Gruwell, MD

David Hall, MD

John Hamilton, DO John Hill, MD

Russell Hill, MD

Ethan Hix, CRNA Brian Johnson, MD

Project Access - Sharing the Gift of Healing in

Since 2004, physicians, hospitals, health centers, and other partners have donated their care and services to more than 23,500 of our uninsured neighbors. Lives have been saved, health has been restored, and many people have been able to continue working and supporting their families because their health crisis was averted.

These wonderful partners have donated more than $219,500,000 of health care services through Project Access.

We give thanks to these wonderful individuals and organizations who provide direct care to our patients, and to the generous individuals and companies who have supported Project Access program operations.

Susan Johnson, CRNA

Monica Jones, MD

Wendy Kaiser, MD Michael Kaminsky, MD

Jason Kennedy, MD Britton Knowles, MD

Sarma Kunda, MD

Michael Lam, MD Tiffany Lance, MD Serena Lau, MD

Johnathan Maudlin, MD S. Jack McClarty, MD

Sally McKellar, MD

Robert Mingus, MD

Donald Moore, MD

Suzanne Murphy, MD

David Musgrave, MD

Jenni Neighbors, MD G. Robin Oscar, MD

Haresh Patel, MD

Vinit Patil, MD

Steven Petarra, MD Thomas Peterson, MD

Charles Poole, MD Jason Pooler, MD

Prabhu Potluri, MD Bobby Ray, MD James Richardson, MD Staci Ridner, MD

Joseph Rivers, MD

Kyle Roach, MD Oscar Salazar, MD David San Miguel, MD Nathan Schatzman, MD Brian Shepherd, MD S. Morgan Smith, MD Ezekiel Tarrant, MD Steven Truelove, MD Brian Turner, CRNA Matthew Wright, MD Christopher Yetter, MD Christopher Young, MD Lawrence Young, MD Sloan Youngblood, MD

AUDIOLOGY

Kenneth Parker, AUD BARIATRIC SURGERY Jaime Ponce, MD

BEHAVIORAL/DEVELOPMENT

Holli Richey, LCSW BREAST SURGERY

Jessica Brown, NP Alvaro Valle, MD

Laura Witherspoon, MD

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Selwin Abraham, MD M. Christian Allan, MD Diana Alvarez, MD

Trevor Alverson, MD W. Chad Armstrong, MD Allen Atchley, Jr., MD Steven Austin, MD

Alison Bailey, MD

Gemma Barnett, NP Autumn Bartenfield, NP Joyce Beardsley, NP Joshua Black, NP William Blalock, MD

Yuri Boyechko, MD Ernest Brandt, NP G. Keith Bruce, MD

Charles Campbell, MD

Lisa Carkner, MD Henry Cheng, MD Megan Coylewright, MD

Laura Crowley, NP Walter Few, MD

Andrew Fowler, MD Michael Geer, MD

John Golding, III, MD Gordon Graham, MD

Carol Gruver, MD

Juhong Gui, MD

Lora Hailey, MD

John Hemphill, MD Dannis Hood, MD

Robert Huang, MD

Xiang Huang, MD

Salik Jahania, MD

Samuel Jones, IV, MD Rehan Kahloon, MD

Lowell Ketron, MD

Eric Krivitsky, MD C. Sam Ledford, MD E. Philip Lehman, IV, MD

Amy Lindquist, PA

Ondrej Lisy, MD

Georges Lolay, MD Heather Ludwig, NP Vinay Madan, MD

Aditya Mandawat, MD

Harish Manyam, MD James Marcum, MD Augustus Mealor, MD

Michael Mikolaj, MD

L. Kendrick Mills, MD

Jennifer Mirza, DO Brian Mitchell, MD

Stephen Monroe, MD Mitchell Mutter, MD Brian Negus, MD William Oellerich, MD Dharmendrakumar Patel, MD Joseph Pendley, MD

Roxanne Phillips, NP

Jonathan Powell, MD Joseph Powers, MD

Walter Puckett, MD Poonam Puri, MD

Vimal Ramjee, MD Kelly Richardson, MD Holly Rogers, NP David Salerno, MD Srikanth Seethala, MD

Gregg Shander, MD Aaron Soufer, MD

Patrick Stevens, MD Mark Thel, MD Roger Thompson, DO Selcuk Tombul, DO William Warren, MD David Wendt, MD Newton Wiggins, MD Matthew Wiisanen, MD Kinsman Wright, MD Michael Zema, MD COLON & RECTAL SURGERY Alan Hyde, MD Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, MD William Lyman, MD Richard Moore, MD Eric Nelson, MD J. Daniel Stanley, MD COSMETIC SURGERY R. Chad Deal, MD Carey Nease, MD DENTISTRY

John Berg, DDS Belen Geach, DDS Michael Johnson, DDS James McPherson, DDS John Stanbery, DDS DERMATOLOGY

Phil Andrews, PA Rachel Asquith, NP Samuel Banks, MD Emily Brewer, NP Brandon Brown, MD Deanna Brown, MD Lisa Carroll, PA Laura Cleary, MD Karen Covi, MD

John Dowlen, NP Amberly Ellis, PA Allison Goddard, MD Lana Goodman, NP Brandie Hamlen, NP Cara Hennings, MD Autumn Newman, NP Katherine Nunes, PA Jay Passmore, NP F. Hall Reynolds, MD

Jamie Slagle, NP Lynda Smith, NP Jason Susong, MD

Rodney Susong, MD Mark Tusa, MD

Ashley Thurman, NP

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Noah Abbas, MD Vlatka Agnetta, MD

Jeffrey Atherton, MD Benjamin Baker, MD James Bardoner, MD Harvey Bowden, MD Joseph Bowers, MD Karen Bowers, MD

Tamara Bowers, DO Zachary Brady, MD Lester Brodie, MD

Jason Bryan, NP

Ron Buchheit, MD

Brandon Busuito, MD James Capes, MD Marlene Catanese, MD DeAnn Champion, MD

Clint Christensen, MD

Jeffrey Clinkscales, MD

Sara Connaughton, MD Mark Copeland, MD

Ben Cottrell, MD

Allan Dale, MD

Whitman Dowlen, MD Warren English, MD

Christopher Etchells, MD Jackie Fane, MD

Gaston Foderingham, MD Lyndsay Frankenberg, DO

Darria Gillespie, MD Benjamin Graboyes, MD Ronald Gracy, MD William Gregorie, MD Jocelyn Guzman, MD Robert Hamilton, MD Kenneth Hayman, Jr., MD Bernadette Helton, MD Paul Hendricks, MD

Jacob Hennings, MD

Kevin Henry, MD Amy Hess, MD Robert Hill, MD Todd Hold, MD Brian Ingalls, MD Teresa Jackson, MD Rory Justo, MD Jared Kaminsky, MD Bradley Keel, MD Joseph Kidd, DO Jason Kile, NP Lonnie King, MD William Korn, MD Kenneth Maniscalco, MD Rebecca Martin, MD John Ryan McAnnally, MD Christopher Mcardle, DO Robert McVie, NP Walter Meier, MD Naveed Memon, MD Sudave Mendiratta, MD Charles Meyer, MD Joseph Minton, MD Paul Miranda, MD Hal Parker, MD Steven Peterson, MD Patrick Popieluszko, MD Angela Ray, MD Jonathan Reinschmidt, MD Brian Reuland, MD Candie Richardson, MD Karen Rogers, MD Marilyn Rogers, MD Shoshana Rosenthal, MD Jamie Scott, MD David Seaberg, MD Briana Shubert, MD Benjamin Smith, MD Daniel Spollen, MD Larry Stone, MD Paul Stout, MD Gwynn Swallows, PA Tyler Tantisook, MD Bruce Thompson, MD Frank Tift, MD Ronald Tompkins, MD Bryan Vance, MD Suzy Vergot, DO Jeffery Visser, MD Christopher Wagg, MD James Wagner, MD Brittany Walsh, MD John Watson, MD Heather Whaley, MD David Wharton, MD Jessica Whittle, MD Samuel Wilson, MD

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Tamara Bennett, NP Misty Gilliland, NP David Huffman, MD Abhinaya Jawahar, MD Asma Khan, MD Prashanth Sekhar, MD

FAMILY MEDICINE

Stephen Adams, MD Emily Ager, MD

David Ambrosetti, DO Oana Andreescu, MD Kelly Arnold, MD Anthony Avitabile, DO Byung Ban, DO Mary Bean, MD Julie Bilbrey, MD

Maureen Brock, NP Judy Buhrman, NP Georgina Bustamante, MD

Thomas Cable, MD Sathish Chandra, MD Christopher Choe, MD Ellen Cleland, MD

David Close, MD Elizabeth Close, MD

Jeffrey Colburn, MD

Steven Colby, DO Mark Crago, MD

Stephen Cromer, DO Derek Crouthers, MD Paul Dassow, MD Amy Farlett, NP Steven Fox, MD Catherine Ginn, NP Monique Golding, MD Leslie Griffin, MD

John Harris, MD

Lisa Hart-Patton, MD James Haynes, MD Laura Hill, MD Deondra Holston, NP Christopher Horton, MD Mindi Hudson, NP Sandra Huggins, MD Bridget Hurt-Hall, NP Ronald Jarl, MD

Natalie Johnson, DO Jeffrey Jump, MD Jeff Kemp, MD Wade Lenz, MD Ashley Masterson, DO Tiffany Meador, MD Angela Mejias, NP Richard Moody, MD Leslie Moro, NP Scotty Newcomer, DO William Oelsner, MD C. Michael Orquia, MD Justin Ossman, DO Lincoln Peixoto, MD Bruce Pendley, MD Pablo Perez, MD Richard Pigg, MD Christopher Reynolds, MD Neal Robinson, MD Nicholas Salt, MD Naina Sharma, MD Michael Shepherd, MD Lydia Speer, DO Owen Speer, DO Sue Strother, NP Philip Sutherland, MD Farhan Syed, MD Malissa Talbert, MD Case Tedder, MD Hannah Thomas, NP Shayla Toombs-Withers, DO Amy Turnure, NP Megan vonWerssowetz, NP Anthony Whitney, MD Mack Worthington, MD

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Jasna Beard-Ikanovic, MD Sumeet Bhushan, MD Charles Bosshardt, MD Paul Brundage, DO William Buchner, MD Chad Charapata, MD William Cooney, MD Peter Deleeuw, DO Shannon Faires, NP Kimberly Garland, NP Destin Griffin-Trussell, NP Brian Harkner, MD Doloris Hawk, NP Donald Hetzel, MD Marshall Horton, III, MD Arslan Kahloon, MD Steve Kessler, DO Louis Lambiase, MD Sharlotte Manley, NP J. Scott Manton, MD Sharif Murphy, MD Nick Nakdimen, NP Gregory Olds, MD Henry Paik, MD Laxmi Parsa, MD Suril Patel, MD

Vijay Patel, MD Jay Philippose, MD George Phillips, MD Hemchand Rambaran, MD George Samuel, MD Colleen Schmitt, MD

Alan Shiko, MD

Aparna Shreenath, MD Tiffany Sliger, NP Camille Sommer, MD

Laurie-Anne Swaby, MD

Gena Thompson, NP Sheila Trew, NP Munford Yates, MD

GENERAL SURGERY

Coleman Arnold, MD

Teena Brewer, NP Charles Brice, MD R. Phillip Burns, MD

William Cockerham, MD

Joseph Cofer, MD Benjamin Dart, MD W. Heath Giles, MD Stephen Greer, MD Daniel Heithold, MD John Huggins, MD Darren Hunt, MD Robert Jean, MD

William Johnson, MD Benjamin Kellog, MD S. Clark Kennedy, MD Alan Koffron, MD

Julie Koffron, MD James Lovette, MD Christina Parkhurst, MD Walter Rose, MD Rishabh Shah, MD Philip Smith, MD Justin Wilkes, MD

Joshua Worthington, MD GENERAL SURGERY/ CRITICAL CARE

Vicente Meija, MD

GENETICS

Lea Parsley, MD GYNECOLOGY

John Adams, MD

Olukayode Akinlaja, MD Delmon Ashcraft, MD Blakele Bakker, MD Ashton Ballinger, MD David Barker, MD Desi Batson, MD

Salah Beck, DO Joseph Bird, MD Joseph Bird, III, MD

Frederick Bossert, MD Sarah Boyd, MD Meg Brasel, CNM Elisabeth Brenner, MD Gary Brunvoll, DO Cheryl Buchwalter, MD Natalie Bukner, MD Alex Ciabattone, NP Allison Cook, MD

Casey Cooper, DO Jeanie Dassow, MD

A. Mitch Dizon, MD

Emily Evitt, MD Claire Fish, DO Robert Furr, MD Bobby Garcia, MD Katie Garrett, CNM Shelly Gibbs, MD William Gist, MD Chanda Hall, MD

Daniel Harnsberger, MD

Cynthia Harris, MD

Donna Hobgood, MD Robert Hutchinson, MD Chelsea Johnson, MD Kreg Jonson, MD Carson Kaeser, MD Garrett Lam, MD Bradley Leath, MD

Erica Lynch, MD

Zineb Mashak, MD

C. Ann Mashchak, MD Phyllis Miller, MD

Amy Miller-Anderson, CNM Shanti Mohling, MD

William Moss, MD Christopher Mullin, MD Elyssa Nagy, DO James Nunally, MD Enrique Ordonez, MD

J. Christopher Portera, MD Jessica Putnam, MD Stephen Radtke, MD Emily Reeves-Douglas, MD

Beth Rockwood, PA Jack Rowland, MD Mary Sanders, DO Elizabeth Scarbrough, DO Destiny Smith, NP

Sarah Smith, CNM Meshell Stokes, MD Carol Taylor, PA

Lauren Thompson, MD

Heather Urrego, DO

Natalie Vukmer, DO Vonda Ware, MD

Jay White, MD

Lacey Windham, MD

Steven Wolf, DO Linda Yu, DO

GYNECOLOGY/OBSTETRICS Mark Branch, DO

GYNECOLOGY/ONCOLOGY

Todd Boren, MD

Victoria Brumlow, MD Randi Conner, MD

Stephen DePasquale, MD

Marie Hamilton, NP Natasha Mines, NP Matthew Oliver, MD

HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY Ryan Cleary, MD

Marie Hamilton, NP

Sumana Nagireddy, MD Harsha Vardhana, MD

HOSPITALIST

Roza Adamczyk, MD

Anthony Aird, MD

Ozioma Akaranta, MD Rohini Alay, MD

David Alvarez, MD

Sachin Amin, MD

Dorin Andreescu, MD

Jaime Bailey, MD

James Balvich, MD

Ryan Barnes, MD

Tamara Bennett, PA

Whitney Black, MD

Aaron Blakeney, MD

Vani Bollineni, MD

Amanda Boone, MD

David Bosshardt, MD

Joshua Carpenter, DO Young Chang, MD

Ami Chattin, MD

Jason Cox, MD

David Dodson, MD

Jennifer Dooley, MD

Deborah Duffield, MD

James Durham, MD

John Ekong, MD

Joseph Evans, MD

Travis Flock, MD

Cristina Florea, MD

Radian Florea, MD

William Fritsch, MD

Joe Furr, MD

James Gilbert, II, DO

Marina Grigorian, MD

Ravi Gurusamy, MD

Richard Gusso, MD

Jody Haddock, MD

F. Lee Hamilton, MD

Adrienne Harrington, MD

Benjamin Harrington, DO Biram Hicks, MD

Jason Horinouchi, MD

Chun Huang, MD

Jonathan Humberd, DO Jensen Hyde, MD Kristen Joels, MD

Mark Jones, MD

Avni Kapadia, MD

Bradley Large, MD

Eun Lee, MD

Jason Lee, MD

Christopher Lewis, MD

Kevin Luce, MD

Robert Magill, MD

Nabil Malek, DO Elise Marshall, DO Eric McCartt, MD

Patrick McGinty, MD

Ryan McNamara, MD

K. Brent Meadows, MD

Neil Melnick, MD

Nancy Michaelis, MD

Robert Mitchell, MD

Andrea Morgan-Bedasse, MD

J. Scott Muller, MD Hany Naggar, MD

Darshan Naik, MD

Samuel Nelson, DO Kelly Newfeld, MD

Carroll Odem, MD

Iwayemi Olayeye, MD

Mehul Patel, MD

Vekananda Pattabiraman, MD

Anja Patton-Evans, MD

Richard Pesce, MD

Theresa Pollard, MD

Philip Rayers, MD

Hibitha Revana, MD

David A. Rice, MD

Naushaba Rizvi, MD

Syed Rizvi, MD

Matthew Roberts, MD

Amanda Robinson, DO

Howiada Salim, MD

Chetan Shah, MD

Rebekah Sherlin-Chaplin, MD

Ashley Smith, MD

Marshall Spears, MD

James Stanfield, MD

Ann Steciw, MD

Gregory Steinke, MD

Ronald Streko, MD

Adrien Strickland, MD

Teabra Swafford, MD

Wesley Thompson, MD

Maria Tudor, MD

Jessica Tyler, MD

Emily Upchurch, DO

Ramses Vega-Casasnovas, MD

Raul Vila, MD

Subhash Virani, MD

Amy Walthour, MD

Richard Yap, MD

Laura Youngblood, MD

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Mark Anderson, MD

Paul Cornea, MD

Michael Davis, MD Hal Hill, MD

James Sizemore, MD

Adam Soufleris, MD

INTERNAL MEDICINE

John Aaron, MD

Charles Adams, MD

Hadgu Akberet, MD

James Alberta, MD

Sarah Baker, MD

Usman Barula, MD

Melanie Blake, MD

Cynthia Boss, NP

Robert Bowers, MD

Jacob Cantrell, MD

Larry Cary, MD

David Castrilli, MD

Collin Cherry, MD

Alycia Cleinman, MD

Charles Crump, MD

Peter Deversa, MD

Arlene Donowitz, MD

Steven Dowlen, MD

Tracy Dozier, MD

AnneSofie Dubeck-Brooks, MD

Johannes Duplooy, MD

David Elias, MD Russell Fung, MD

Helen Furr, MD

Monica Gefter, MD

Terriest Haire, NP

Mary Hammock, MD

Mark Heinsohn, MD

Ronda Huisman, NP

Mohamed Hussein, MD

Bessie Ingram-Nunally, MD

Dabney James, MD

Sonya Johnson, MD

Kellie Jolley, MD

Liezelle Jurgens, MD

Unnati Kiran, MD

Gary Malakoff, MD

Mario Mariani, MD

Jack McCallie, MD

Preston McDonald, MD Glenn Newman, MD

G. Michael Ozborn, MD Mukta Panda, MD

Walter Parkhurst, MD

Mittal Patel, MD

Michael Prostko, MD

Teresa Regan, MD

Patrick Rhyne, MD

Lonard Rigsby, III, MD

Eugene Ryan, MD

Yazan Saba, DO Michael Salama, MD

Sarita Sapkota, MD

Ted Scoggins, MD

Wayne Scott, MD

Jerrold Selzer, MD

Sohi Shahnaz, MD

R. Vincent Smith, MD

Richard Sowell, MD

Lisa Staton, MD

Amanda Tedstrom, MD Shavonda Thomas, MD James Torrence, MD

R. Henry Williams, MD Michael Wood, MD Taylor Wooten, MD Sarah Worley, MD

Tye Young, MD

INTERNAL MEDICINE/GERIATRICS

Terry Melvin, MD

MATERNAL/FETAL MEDICINE

Stephen Gonzales, DO

NEPHROLOGY

P. Michael Aryeetey, MD

Warren Burke, NP Nathan Chamberlain, MD Lindsay Crawford, MD

Donald Franklin, MD

Claude Galphin, MD

Stuart Ginther, MD

Cameron Golightly, DO Mandeep Grewal, MD

Taylore Grimm, PA

Rohit Gupta, MD Brant Holt, MD Aamir Iqbal, MD Kenneth Kokko, MD John McCarley, MD

J. Aislinn McMahan, NP Shannon McShan, NP Chris Meshberger, MD

Elaine Ogden, NP

Nilesh Patel, MD Christopher Poole, MD Adam Price, MD

Adel Shenouda, MD Rhonda Simmons, NP Ralph Stafford, MD

Courtney Wampler, NP Joseph Watlington, MD Hans Yehnert, MD

Jackson Yium, MD

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Ranjith Babu, MD

Peter Boehm, Jr., MD

Peter Boehm, Sr., MD

Jennifer Coker, MD Megan Frizzell, NP Michael Gallagher, MD Donald Hakes, PA

Paul Hoffmann, MD

Anita Jones, PA

R. Lee Kern, MD

Daniel Kueter, MD Michael Liedke, NP

Joseph Miller, MD

Joel Morrison, PA

Prayash Patel, MD Katie Sims, PA

Charles Sternbergh, MD

Timothy Strait, MD

David Wallace, MD

David Wiles, MD

NEUROLOGY

Joshua Alpers, MD

Paul Bates, PA

Ravi Chander, MD

Juan Cuebas, MD

Emily DeCroos, MD

Thomas Devlin, MD

Sharon Farber, MD

Elizabeth Ferluga, MD

James Fleming, MD Caleb Heath, NP

Sally Horne, MD

Tareck Kadrie, MD

Bruce Kaplan, MD

Matthew Kodsi, MD Howard Kraft, MD

Jussie Lima, MD

Jake McKay, MD

Jennifer Nichols, NP

Nataria Pitiyanuvath, MD

Amy Raines, NP

Ruchir Shah, MD

Zade Shaw, MD

Abdelazim Sirelkhatim, MD

Kim Smith, MD Megan Stevens, MD Phillip Tallent, MD Ellen Valadez, MD

Nathan Wyatt, MD

NEURORADIOLOGY Avinash Sud, MD NUTRITION

Elizabeth Snyder, RDS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Jennifer Ehlers, OT Chris Massey, OT Patricia Phillips, OT

Laura Ray, OT

ONCOLOGY, MEDICAL Farouq Akbar, MD Betrand Anz, III, MD

Edward Arrowsmith, MD Brooke Daniel, MD

Davey Daniel, MD

Jessica Fosbinder, NP

Robert Graham, MD Derek Holland, MD

Clint Kingsley, MD

Choon-Kee Lee, MD

Imtiaz Malik, MD

Catherine Marcum, NP

John McCravey, MD

Emily McDuffee, DO

Benjamin Nadeau, MD Sandeep Rajan, MD Amy Riemer, MD B.W. Ruffner, MD

Larry Schlabach, MD

Michael Stipanov, MD Gregory Sutton, MD Jill Tichy, MD An Tran, MD

Mark Womack, MD

ONCOLOGY, ORTHOPEDICS Ryan Voskuil, MD

ONCOLOGY, SURGICAL John Gwin, MD

ONCOLOGY, SURGICAL-BREAST Nichole Walker, MD Betsy Washburn, MD OPHTHALMOLOGY

John Bierly, MD John Bonner, MD Patrick Bowers, MD David Friedrich, MD John Hildebrand, MD John Kim, MD Robert Levy, MD Peter Lindquist, MD Elizabeth Mabry, MD Paula Nicola, MD

Edward Peterson, MD Molly Seal, MD

Steven Thomas, MD William Whitmire, MD Rachel Brown, OD Rachel Lusk, OD

Daryl Mann, OD Zachary McCarty, OD Leslie Phillips, OD Luckson Previl, OD Paige Thompson, OD OPHTHALMOLOGY, RETINA Richard Breazeale, MD

Francis DeCroos, MD Randall Funderburk, MD Brett Gerwin, MD Devon Ghodarsa, MD Asghar Haider, MD Rohan Shah, MD John Stone, MD

OPTOMETRY

Mark Kapperman, OD Robert McGarvey, OD Troy White, OD

ORTHOPEDICS

Julie Adams, MD Richard Alvarez, MD Justin Arnold, MD W. Timothy Ballard, MD Todd Bell, MD Matt Bernard, MD Elizabeth Bradford, NP Jeremy Bruce, MD Channappa Chandra, MD

Richard Chapman, PA

John Chrostowski, MD

Brandon Cincere, MD

Bryce Cunningham, MD

Thomas Currey, MD John Dorizas, MD

Daniel Doty, MD Jesse Doty, MD

Miriam Edwards, PA

Jason Fogleman, MD

Mark Freeman, MD Warren Gardner, II, MD William Garrett, MD Ryan Gilliand, PA

Todd Grebner, DO

Barry Heywood, MD Matthew Higgins, MD

Dirk Kiner, MD

Alexander Lemons, MD

Christopher Lotufo, DPM

Peter Lund, MD

Robert Mastey, MD

Benjamin Miller, MD Bradford Mitchell, MD John Nash, MD

Peter Nowotarski, MD

Christopher Pankiw, MD Donna Pearson, PA

Josh Porter, PA

Kurt Pulver, PA

L. Shay Richardson, MD Jason Robertson, MD Andrew Roden, PA

Jason Rogers, MD Brett Sanders, MD Kristopher Sanders, MD

Thomas Seales, MD Melissa Shuleva, PA Chad Smalley, MD Brian Smith, MD

Jason Spangler, DO Katie Steen, PA Scott Steinmann, MD Megan Stitcher, NP Pat Stone, MD W. Michael Tew, MD Michael Veal, MD C. Jason Wamack, DPM

Billy Worley, MD

ORTHOPEDICS, SPINE

Venkat Ganapathy, MD Benjamin Geddes, MD Scott Hodges, DO James Jolley, MD Rebecca Payne, PA Jessica Scott, PA Nathan Woody, PA

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

David Armstrong, MD Daniel Barker, MD Jack Byrd, MD

Todd Fowler, MD Jack Greer, MD Peter Hunt, MD H. Joseph Lantz, MD Justin Morse, MD

Robert Mynatt, MD Peter Sabatini, MD

Alexander Sokohl, MD Christopher St. Charles, MD Timothy Viser, MD

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Gregory Ball, MD John Blake, III, MD

Stephan Eselgroth, MD Jonathan Geach, MD Taylore Grimm, PA Michael Hermann, MD Thomas Holcomb, NP Sandra Kaplan, MD Lindsey King, NP Tiffany LeCom, NP Alicia Lippard, NP Candace McKee, MD Thomas Miller, MD Michael Naijar, MD Erin Neely, PA Theresa Popas, NP Dana Simpson, NP Arion Smalley, MD Todd Stanford, PA Erin Stockwell, NP Todd Ussery, MD

PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Robert Goldmann, MD David Johnson, MD Kathleen Locker, MD Gregory Phelps, MD Jacqui Schollenberger, MD PATHOLOGY

John Bickel, MD Christina Birsan, MD

Keith Bohman, MD Summer Bohman, MD

Thomas Brien, MD Imelda Bulatao, MD Terence Casey, MD Pranil Chandra, DO

Stephanie David, MD Mario Diolombi, MD Lori Emerson, MD Charles Evans, MD

Theodore Feintuch, MD Eugene Fong, MD

Nichon Grupka, MD Richard Hessler, MD Moon Hong, MD

Paul Kaplan, MD

Kathryn Knight, MD Vladimir Kravtsov, MD Gary Lanham, MD

Andrew Laramore, MD

Wayne Lennington, MD Parisa Mansoori, MD

Thomas Mezzeti, Jr., MD Joyce Mills, MD

Ronald Oxenhandler, MD Irina Perjar, MD

Philip Pollock, MD

Lori Proctor, MD Kaori Saito, MD

Sanford Sharp, MD David Spence, MD

Lynn Swearingern, MD

Erin Thibault, MD

Neal Wearner, MD

Derek Welch, MD

PEDIATRICS

Jon Boroughs, MD Carolyn Brannon, MD

Max Bryant, MD

Anna Rose Carlson, MD

Jane Catterton, MD

Tonia Cox, MD Timothy Davis, MD

Gary Meredith, MD

Michele Pickett, MD

Peter Rawlings, MD

Virginia Rodgers, MD

Arif Shafi, MD

Nita Shumaker, MD

Josh Smith, MD

Catherine Wilson, MD

PEDIATRICS, CARDIOLOGY Wesley Davis, MD

Mark Hays, MD

Gerald Johnson, MD

Nisha Surenderaneath, MD

PEDIATRICS, ENDOCRINOLOGY Marielisa Rincon, MD

PEDIATRICS, INTERNAL MEDICINE D. Keith Helton, MD PEDIATRICS, NEUROLOGY

Sharlisa Hutson, MD Thomas Ireland, MD Lewis Miller, III, MD

PEDIATRICS, SURGERY

Michael Carr, MD

Pete Kelley, MD Wendell Moses, MD Lisa Smith, MD

PEDIATRICS, UROLOGY Paul Zmaj, MD

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

David Bowers, MD David Lowry, MD Erwin Manalo, MD Steven Musick, DO Matthew Rider, MD Jerry Smith, MD Darryl Turner, NP

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Randy Walker, PhD, RPT Charles Jones, PT PLASTICS

Christopher Chase, MD Mark Leech, MD Jimmy Waldrop, MD Rex Yannis, MD

PLASTICS, HAND Mark Brzezienski, MD D. Marshall Jemison, MD Jason Rehm, MD PSYCHIATRY Vijaya Appareddy, MD Jon Cohen, MD Jennie Mahaffey, MD PUBLIC HEALTH Valerie Boaz, MD Andrew Combs, MD Karen Moyer, MD Yogini Patel, MD Deborah Poteet-Johnson, MD

PULMONARY DISEASE

Carlos Baleeiro, MD Krish Bhadra, MD John Boldt, MD Upasana Chakraborty, MD Minerva Covarrubias, MD Benjamin Harnsberger, MD Audrey Haywood, DO Geraldo Holguin, MD Samuel Jacobson, MD Asad Javed, MD Yune-Gil Jeong, MD Patrick Koo, MD Richard Loynd, MD Anne Mainardi, MD Catherine Martinez, MD Nathan Mull, IV, MD Sumit Patel, MD Chad Paxson, DO Hisham Qutob, MD Edwin Rao, MD Ethan Rutledge, MD Jigme Sethi, MD Radhika Shah, MD Harsha Shantha, MD Sibaji Shome, MD Pamela Sud, MD Jesse Tucker, MD Dominic Tutera, MD Prabhu Vijayvargiya, MD Vincent Viscomi, MD

RADIATION ONCOLOGY Maikel Botros, MD Brittany Cannon, PA Tru-Khang Dinh, MD Eric Ellis, MD John Fortney, MD Norleena Gullett, MD Frank Kimsey, MD Waleed Mourad, MD Tiffany Richardson, PA Marcus Wagner, MD Jonathan Whaley, MD Patrick Williams, MD

RADIOLOGY

John Allred, III, MD Jeff Alvis, MD Gordon Archibald, MD Agboola Awomolo, MD Brent Baldwin, MD Guy Barat, MD Chad Barker, MD Jose Barriocanal, MD Stephen Bresson, MD Scott Briggs, MD Kenneth Brinn, MD Justin Buchanan, MD Ryan Buckner, MD Kelsey Budd, MD Jared Burlison, MD

Lynn Carlson, MD Thomas Carr, MD Harigovinda Challa, MD Jay Coleman, MD Kevin Cormier, MD

Kevin Crawford, MD Marina Doliner, MD Sanjam Dhillon, MD

Gwendolyn Durgin, MD

Lance Faler, MD

Martin Finnegan, MD Peter Furicchia, MD Ernie Gray, MD Tae Han, MD Harris Hawk, MD Patrick Henderson, MD Daniel Hendry, MD Andrew Hill, IV, MD

John Johnston, MD Collier King, DO Kilton Kingsman, MD Chip Kyle, MD Michael Lacombe, MD Lee Lefler, MD James Loyd, MD Richard Lynn, MD

James Martin, MD Garth McPherson, MD Tona Munday, MD Saima Muzahir, MD

Timothy Neher, MD Rachel Nelson, MD Michael Nichols, MD John Nunes, MD Anil Patel, MD

Larry Paul, MD

Samuel Porter, MD

Steven Quarfordt, MD David Rex, MD

Thomas Rimer, MD

Roxsanne Roberts, MD William Rowlett, MD Jospeh Rozell, MD

Stephen Sabourin, MD Greg Schaublin, MD

Philip Shailendri, MD Martin Simms, MD Jason Smith, MD Michael Steiner, MD Mark Talley, MD Jeffrey Tipps, MD Jessie Varnell, MD Greg Verville, MD

Jeffrey Wensel, MD Michael Weston, MD Robert Whittaker, MD Eric Zimmerman, MD

RADIOLOGY/INTERVENTIONAL

Brent Barrow, MD Justin Calvert, MD Donovan Yamada, MD

RHEUMATOLOGY

Natalie Braggs, MD Michael Brit, MD

William David Craig, DO Jayne Crowe, MD Alan Elliott, MD

Melinda Garcia-Rosell, MD Suzan House, MD Jessica Huffstutter, MD Joseph Huffstutter, MD Jonathan Mills, MD Lizeth Romero, MD Elizabeth Simpson, DO Elizabeth Turner, MD

THORACIC SURGERY

James Headrick, MD Stephen Martin, MD Richard Morrison, MD Jeffrey Poynter, MD

Clifton Reade, MD

Larry Shears, II, MD James Zellner, MD

THYROID & ADRENAL SURGERY S. Michael Roe, MD

UROLOGY

Daniel Box, MD Dana Butler, NP

Amanda Carter, MD Mark Currin, MD

Colin Goudelocke, MD Kymber Habenicht, MD P. Edward Henson, III, MD John House, MD

Raymond Howard, NP Alexander Ivey, MD C. Lee Jackson, MD Hayden Jahn, MD

Nathan Jung, MD

Jessica Lange, MD

Amanda Linden, NP Amy Long, NP Edward McIntire, MD Jeffrey Mullins, MD Henry Okafor, MD David Sahaj, MD

Marty Scheinberg, MD

Anand Shridharani, MD

Amar Singh, MD

Christopher Thacker, MD

Amanda Threlkeld, MD

Michael Tonzi, MD

Benjamin Waldorf, MD

Matthew Watson, DO Argil Wheelock, MD

William Young, MD

VASCULAR SURGERY

Michael Barfield, MD Ehsan Benrashid, MD Ashleigh Cates, NP Monica Chamberlain, NP Erica Clark, DO

Ashley Elledge, NP Dan Fisher, Jr., MD

Michael Greer, MD

William Harris, DO Elizabeth Hartman, MD

Cori Hinson, NP Charles Joels, MD

Neelima Katragunta, MD

Laura Kim, NP Laura Kirk, NP Christopher LeSar, MD

Veronica O’Steen, NP

Roxanne Philips, NP

Karen Rudolph, MD

Stephanie Sheridan, NP Glen Schwartzberg, MD

Misha Stone, NP

Marysol Thomas, NP Christine Warren, NP Jennie Wilson, NP Laura Young, NP

WOUND CARE Christine Jeong, MD Harry Severance, MD

Aging Well Section

By Rachel Studebaker

As you grow into your golden years, it’s important to stay on top of your health. Being informed and paying attention to your well-being can ease the aging process and prevent unnecessary worry. Here, we highlight common health concerns for aging adults and hear from experts about preventative measures and treatment options that will help you enjoy this season of life to the fullest.

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease is a circulatory disorder that affects the arms and legs and can make walking difficult.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and prevents blood from flowing normally. Insuf ficient blood flow to the arms and legs can affect their function and cause discomfort.

Advanced age is a risk factor for develop ing PAD, along with high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Recognizing its signs and consulting with your medical provider can lead to an early diagnosis and treatment plan and keep the condition from advancing.

Critical Limb Ischemia

If left untreated, PAD can result in critical limb ischemia (CLI), where necessary blood flow to tissues in the extremities is limited or blocked. Critically low circulation levels can lead to severe pain and gangrene and put the individual at high risk of limb loss. CLI requires immediate attention from a vascular surgeon to restore circulation and prevent limb loss.

Symptoms

Common signs of PAD include unexplained leg muscle pain that eases with rest, sores that are slow to heal, discoloration on the toes or feet, and weakness while walking.

Many patients later diagnosed with PAD as sume that their leg issues have other causes, which delays treatment. If you are experienc ing symptoms of PAD, prioritize your health and schedule a doctor’s appointment.

Treatment and Outlook

PAD can be successfully managed with life style changes, medication, and, if necessary, surgical intervention. Preventative measures to reduce plaque buildup include regular ex ercise, avoiding saturated fats, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.

An Expert Weighs In

“PAD/CLI is prevalent in our region, often misdiagnosed, has undertreated risk factors, and can progress rapidly leading to gangrene and limb loss. Over 40% of the amputations in the United States occur in the Southern states.

Advances in technology have allowed vascular surgeons many options for saving limbs. Endovascular surgery is the process of operating inside the arteries, removing plaques, ballooning, and stenting arteries open.

If you have a FLOW problem in your legs: feeling of pain in the legs, loss of sensation in the feet or toes, open sores or wounds that don’t heal, or weakness with walking, then get evaluated by your primary care.

Vascular Institute of Chattanooga is the region’s Critical Limb Center designed to make a difference for patients with advanced PAD/CLI. Over the last five years, our limb salvage rate was 97.4% at six months. One of my great joys is winning for patients with peripheral vascular disease.”

Chris LeSar, MD Vascular Surgeon/CLI Specialist/Medical Director Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

21.321.3

Million Americans

SUFFER FROM PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE (PAD) MORE WOMEN THAN MEN.

Million Americans suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – more women than men.

Why Choose Us

Why Choose Us

We are the Region's Only Critical Limb Center Saving Legs + Restoring Lives!

We are the Region’s Only Critical Limb Center –Saving Limbs & Restoring Lives!

Our team of Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Vascular Surgeons, along with our VIC Vascular Team, delivers comprehensive treatment for ALL your Vascular, Vein + Dialysis Issues.

Our team of Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Vascular Surgeons, along with our VIC Vascular Team, delivers comprehensive treatment for ALL your Vascular, Vein, & Dialysis Issues.

We are VIC Changing the delivery of Vascular Care for our region!

We are VIC – Changing the delivery of Vascular Care for our region!

Replacement Options for Missing Teeth

Tooth loss is a common problem for aging adults. Thankfully, replacement options are available to restore a natural-looking smile.

An Expert Weighs In

“We lose teeth for several reasons like trauma, decay, periodontal disease, or even genetics. It is important to replace these teeth because, when missing, there is no contact with the opposing arch. This can cause opposing teeth to gradually shift, which can lead to other problems such as fractures, mobility, tooth loss, and gum problems. There are many options available to replace missing teeth. The three most common options are implants, crowns, and bridges, or a removable partial or denture. If you have any teeth you would like replaced, ask your dentist what the best options are for you.”

Mandy Shearer, DDS Dentist Soddy Daisy Smiles

Understanding Tooth Loss

Damage and decay can cause the loss or necessitate the removal of a tooth. The prevalence of permanent tooth loss increases with age – ac cording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 26% of adults aged 65 or older have eight or fewer teeth.

While tooth loss can be a concerning prospect, replacement options can restore and even improve your smile.

Partials

A partial denture is a removable attachment that replaces one or several missing teeth. It is created from a replica of your mouth in a dental lab, en suring a comfortable fit. Partials come in a variety of styles and materials.

Dentures

Complete dentures accommodate individuals with a full set of missing teeth. The denture rests on the surrounding soft and hard tissues and can be removed as needed. Some dentures are supported by implants.

Bridges

Dental bridges fill the gap caused by a miss ing tooth between remaining teeth. They are often made from porcelain. The false tooth is bound between dental implants or supported by crowns on nearby teeth, securing it in place.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a foundation for replace ment teeth. They are surgically attached to the jawbone using screws, and as the area heals, the implant fuses to the bone. Dental implants are considered one of the most permanent and reliable options for tooth replacement and are ideal for those who have only lost one or two teeth.

Navigating Spine Care

Back

An Expert Weighs In

“Back pain is very prevalent, and most people will have at least one episode of intense back or neck pain during their lives because of the many moving parts and pain generators in the spine. It also sees the stress of much of your body weight and is involved in most normal activities, resulting in a lot of wear and tear.

Thankfully, most spine conditions get better with conservative care – including specialized spine physical therapy, medications, and sometimes injections. When symptoms persist, surgery is sometimes recommended to reduce pain and preserve functionality. When possible, preserving motion is ideal. Our primary goal is to minimize pain and help patients get back to their original level of activity.”

Understanding Back Pain

Roughly 80% of adults struggle with back pain at some point in their lives. Agerelated back pain is often attributed to general degeneration of the spinal discs and joints, and can be compounded by past injuries, a sedentary lifestyle, and preexisting conditions like arthritis.

Continual back pain can decrease a person’s quality of life and interrupt every day activities. Fortunately, a wide range of treatment options can alleviate pain and accommodate all spine care needs.

Physical Therapy

Back pain is often caused by limited range of motion, and routine exercise and activity can help restore movement in your spine. Specialized spine physical therapy is a great way to identify problem areas and develop an effective regimen.

Interventional Pain Management

Thanks to advancements in medicine, nonsurgical and minimally invasive treat ments can manage back pain. Anti-inflammatory medication and surgical steroid injections are common treatments that offer relief.

Surgery Options

Though many back and neck issues can be treated with therapy and medi cation, spine surgery may be advised to provide long-term relief. Surgeries include spinal decompression, disc replacement, joint fusion, and lami nectomy.

Outlook

While back pain is often accepted as part of the aging process, don’t settle for living with discomfort. Con sulting with a spine specialist can help you determine its cause and receive care through a personalized treatment plan. Relief is just around the corner!

Benjamin Geddes, MD Adult & Pediatric Spine Surgeon Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics

pain is a disruptive condition that regularly accompanies aging, but help is available.

Health Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is common among aging adults and can negatively impact mental and emotional health if left untreated.

An Expert Weighs In

“In the upcoming months, there are many opportunities for one to participate in social gatherings. If friends or family find that a loved one is not participating in conversations, they may be having difficulty hearing. When an individual suffers from a loss of hearing, they tend to withdraw from social gatherings and begin to isolate themselves. Medical studies have indicated that a loss of hearing can contribute to health and emotional issues. It is important for those individuals to seek the help of a hearing professional and have their hearing evaluated to determine if a hearing loss is present.”

Understanding Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common conditions that affects older adults. One-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have hear ing loss, a statistic that increases to nearly half for adults over the age of 75. Hearing loss is often gradual and can take time to recognize. Difficulty under standing speech and failure to discern commonplace sounds like phone ringtones and doorbells are signs that hearing loss is present and should be evaluated.

Impact on Mental and Emotional Health

Studies link hearing loss to mental health, showing a correlation between the condition and depression. Additionally, struggling to engage in social situa tions can cause those with hearing loss to withdraw entirely. This isolation and subsequent emotional decline can lead to reduced alertness, fatigue, and even irritability and anger.

Treatment

Hearing aid technology can provide great relief to patients with mild to severe hearing loss. If you’re experiencing hearing loss, talk to a hearing profes sional. Taking this important first step can lead to a reconnected, happier, and healthier life.

Cheryl Ward, BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist Audiology Services of Chattanooga

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, also known as HBOT, enhances the body’s natural ability to heal by delivering a concentrated amount of oxygen to the cells. The therapy makes use of a pressurized air chamber or mask contain ing 100% oxygen. Breathing in this environment allows the lungs to gather a higher amount of oxygen and deliver it more effectively to various parts of your body, especially wounded or aging tissue in need of higher levels. HBOT in creases the amount of oxygen the blood can carry and can trigger the release of stem cells, which promote healing.

Benefits

Sufficient oxygen content in affected tissues can provide relief for many conditions. There are over 120 internationally recognized indications for which HBOT has been shown to be effective, including autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, inflammation, and wound recovery, as well as aging. HBOT can address common age-related diseases, such as arthritis and coronary heart disease, and new research indicates that HBOT can even slow cell death and contribute to the regeneration of tissue and blood vessels. It also has cosmetic benefits – HBOT encourages the produc tion of collagen, which can restore elasticity in ag ing skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

What to Expect

HBOT is a non-invasive and painless treatment. During your appointment, you will either enter an air chamber or receive an oxygen mask and sit or lie comfortably. Session lengths range, with the average lasting around 90 minutes. You may experience pressure in your ears, which can be alleviated by yawning or swallowing. Make sure to hydrate before and after your appointment.

Outlook

Depending on the condition you’re treating, you will likely benefit from more than one session. Consult with your doctor beforehand, as HBOT is often partnered with other therapies and medicines to provide the best possible results. Taking advantage of this treatment option is easy and can set you on the path toward healing.

An Expert Weighs In

“Simply put, hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. An increase in blood oxygen may restore normal levels of blood gases and tissue function to promote healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can make you feel and look younger.

Treatments with hyperbaric oxygen can encourage the production of more collagen to help restore your skin and reduce some of those wrinkles. It is a very simple, non-invasive, and painless treatment.”

Debbie Buckley, RN Registered Nurse Oxygen Health Spa

This treatment option utilizes oxygen to provide anti-aging health benefits.

ANTI-AGING & LONGEVITY

It is no wonder the anti-aging industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars with the popular creams, lotions, and supplements. But the one cutting edge treatment is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. HBOT has been proven effective in treating virtually any condition in which poor circulation plays a role.

• Skin & Body Rejuvenation

• Increases Collagen & Elastin Production

• Promotes Angiogenesis

• Anti-Aging

• Skin Toning

• Wrinkle Reduction

• Detoxification of the Body (air pollution)

• Stimulation of the Immune System

• Longevity

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment may be the “proverbial fountain of youth.” Hyperbaric oxygen treatment promotes cell repair, age spots, saggy skin, wrinkles, poor collagen structure, and skin cell damage by increasing circulation to the most peripheral areas of the body, which is your skin.

Methods to Increase Collagen Production

An Expert Weighs In

“I love empowering patients with effective clinical solutions they can do on their own. I always approach the body from a functional approach, and with skin and collagen production, my approach is the same. A bovine-sourced collagen supplement has been clinically shown to upregulate collagen, resulting in improved skin elasticity and even improved cellulite appearance. As for medications, there is so much we can do without a prescription thanks to medical-grade skincare like our line, Designer+Cosmeceuticals. My favorite is combining physical with chemical. Buy a high-quality microneedling device and derm roll, and then layer an antioxidant serum like D+C Prevent+, which combines three different antioxidants to fight collagen destroyers and brighten the skin’s appearance. Then apply a retinol cream like D+C Correct Night Cream. Repeat often, and your friends will start to notice your tighter, brighter glow!”

Tanya Manoni PharmD, FAAMM Candidate Designer Drugs

Understanding Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for 30% of protein content, and is responsible for providing structure and strength to the skin.

Over time, collagen production slows down and existing collagen begins to degrade. A drop in collagen levels can re sult in wrinkles, fine lines, and a dull complexion. Fortunately, options exist to ignite new collagen production and improve your complexion for years to come.

Hormones

Estrogen helps prevent your skin from aging, but its levels begin to deplete after menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can restore estrogen to the body and improve the elasticity and thickness of skin. This treatment can be admin istered via pill, patch, or topically.

Retinol and Peptides

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover and brightens the complexion. It’s been praised for its anti-aging benefits and is widely regarded as a skincare must-have.

Peptides are naturally occurring amino acids that help create proteins such as collagen. Oral collagen supplements or peptide skincare products can administer peptides to strengthen the skin’s barrier.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses tiny, sterilized needles to prick the skin and prompt the generation of collagen and skin tissue. This process can treat wrinkles and fine lines, as well as dark spots and scars.

Multiple options to boost collagen content means a youthful complexion can be achieved even at an older age.

life & style

From skincare and style to food and fitness, check out all these healthy ways to look and feel great – physically and mentally.

MEET OUR MODELS

Heather Hatfield, Ashley Graham, & Johnna Tate

For Heather Hatfield, Ashley Graham, and Johnna Tate, sheer proximity is what first set their friendship in motion. The trio met after all moving into the same neighborhood, and with children around the same age, there was an instant bond. As the years have passed, their relationship has evolved from that of neighbors to that of a true support system and has even extended to other family members. Now, the three households regularly come together to have fun and help one another out.

HS What are some valuable traits of the other ladies that make them such an integral part of your support system?

AG Heather is a loyal friend and one of the first people I met when I moved to Chattanooga 10 years ago, and we are still very close. Johnna is very generous and always is great about planning gettogethers. They both are intentional about investing in our friendship.

JT Heather is someone I can count on no matter what. She’s a friend who, if I’m having a bad day, will drop everything to meet me for lunch to cheer me up. Ashley is someone I love to be around because of how kind and generous she is. She is the most inclusive person and never makes you feel lesser than.

HH We all have a very close friendship. No matter what life throws at us, I can always count on Ashley and Johnna to be there. They both are good listeners, not quick to judge, and always have encouraging advice. The older you get, you realize the value of genuine friendships!

HS Why do you think it’s necessary to have a support system in place?

AG Motherhood can be challenging and life is busy, so it is really helpful to have the support of your friends for the big and the little things. Having friends close by as neighbors can be a lifesaver, whether it’s to borrow something last minute or to help out with things.

HH I think it’s very important to have strong friendships like ours. Like the old saying goes, it takes a village. I can’t imagine not having these girls to lean on when times are tough and to celebrate the good things in life.

HS What’s the most important thing you’ve taught each other since meeting?

AG To always make time for your friendships and to reach out and ask for help or advice if you need something.

JT I’ve learned to cherish our friendship. As an adult, meeting new women and hitting it off is hard, but these two make it easy.

HH The importance of staying connected even when life gets busy. Our children definitely keep us on the go, but we always find time to get together!

HS How do you approach wellness, both separately and as a group?

AG Personally, my approach to wellness is all about balance in both diet and exercise. I get in a rut just like everyone, but I try to drink lots of water each day. I walk my Frenchie, Dudley, every day, and it’s nice when we get a big neighborhood group to walk together.

JT We love to walk our neighborhood together, play tennis, and golf as couples with our husbands. Separately, I enjoy group fitness classes and make time for self-care.

HS What are your favorite ways to bond and lift each other up?

JT An encouraging text, uplifting phone call, a neighborhood women’s wine night, or a family beach trip together.

HH Making it a point to plan girls’ nights no matter how busy we are, and we love traveling together with our families. Whether it’s a birthday or big achievement, we’re there for each other to celebrate!

Photo by Vityl Media

Stripes have long been touted as a style staple, and it’s easy to see why. This timeless pattern offers endless possibilities when it comes to adding visual and even textural interest to your wardrobe. Here, local boutiques showcase this versatility, demonstrating how all types of stripes can elevate an outfit. Looking at these fashionable ensembles, we can’t help but agree!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICH SMITH

Sita Murt Tee

“A mix of stripes and plaid is the perfect complement to your win ter wardrobe. At K Boutique, we love an unexpected clothing com bination for maximum fashion impact.”

KATHERINE ROBERTS BURGER

Model: Cora LeSar Hinkle

KATHERINE ROBERTS BURGER

K Boutique

ANN TRAMMELL NEWTON

Embellish LISA FRITSCHEN

Hemline

Ulla Johnson Layla Blouse and Lydia Pant

“Stripes can be done so many ways. I love how unexpected this embroidered stripe motif is on this set by Ulla Johnson. The combination of the puff sleeve blouse and voluminous pant makes this look effortlessly chic!” ANN

Model: Ann Trammell Newton

TRAMMELL NEWTON

Rio de Jas Sofia Dress

“This dress from Rio de Jas fea tures a tiger with cutout stripes. Animal stripe prints are always fun and easy to style. This can be worn over leggings and a shirt, or just as it is!” LISA FRITSCHEN

Model: Claire Fritschen

Skincare as You Age

A DECADE BY DECADE GUIDE TO REFINING YOUR ROUTINE

BY MARY BETH WALLACE

Your 20s

Caring for your skin might not be very high on your priority list at this age, but there’s no better time to start establishing good hab its than your 20s. One of the best things you can do for your skin is get enough sleep – most adults need between seven and nine hours per night. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, your skincare routine will revolve around preserving your youthful glow.

THE ROUTINE > Your daily routine should consist of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. If you’re prone to breakouts, you could benefit from a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Try to cleanse in the morning and at night, but if you can only manage once, choose the evening – you should never sleep in your makeup! Incor porating an SPF moisturizer into your routine will protect your skin against UV damage without the extra step of applying sunscreen.

Your 30s

Many women start to get serious about skincare in their 30s, particularly when it comes to anti-aging treatments. At this age, your production of collagen is already in decline, which leads to thin ner skin. Your skin might also start to appear drier and more dull. Fortunately, just a few changes in your routine will make a big difference for your skin.

THE ROUTINE > You should be using a gentle cleanser morning and evening daily. A few times a week, trade your nightly cleanse for a product containing alpha hydroxy acids, which will help encourage skin cell turnover. In addition to toner and a lightweight mois turizer, you may also consider adding an an tioxidant serum and a prescription retinol to your routine; retinol is going to be your best bet when it comes to preventing wrinkles.

It should come as no surprise that your skin changes as you age, and so should your skincare routine. While certain practices are encouraged all your life – hello, sunscreen! – others will vary from decade to decade. Here, we’re breaking down how to build your best skincare routine from your 20s to your 50s and beyond.

Your 40s

Once you hit your 40s, you’ve probably established a solid skincare routine … but it’s time to take things up a notch. Wrinkles and fine lines are likely making an appearance, especially around the eyes and mouth, and fluctuating hormones can cause everything from acne to premenopausal dryness.

THE ROUTINE > Swap out your cleanser for a milk-based cleanser for an extra boost of hydration; similarly, you need to be using a thick cream or lotion for moisturizing. Serums rich in antioxidants like vitamin C should be a part of your daytime routine, while a stronger retinol is best reserved for nighttime. If you haven’t already, start apply ing eye cream immediately after your nightly moisturizer – look for ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid to speed cell turnover while plumping and moisturizing the skin.

Your 50s

In your 50s and beyond, moisturizer will be your best friend. These are the years when skin dryness becomes most women’s biggest skin woe. You’ll also notice increased evidence of sun damage along with deeper lines, thinner skin, and diminished elasticity. While your 50s bring about some changes, there are just as many solutions, so don’t fret!

THE ROUTINE > Opt for a cream or oil-based cleanser that won’t strip your skin of moisture. In regards to your moisturizer and serums, a key ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid – essential for locking in moisture. Make a habit of working this ingredient into your routine daily. A prescrip tion retinol is still a great option for skin repair, al though retinoids could start to dry out your skin; if this happens, decrease your prescription strength accordingly. To deliver some extra therapeutics, apply a face mask once or twice weekly – your skin will instantly look refreshed and radiant.

Her Story

Every woman has a story to tell, and no two stories are alike. Meet the women who have persevered through challenges and tribulations and come out the other side stronger than ever. These unique individuals have seen their fair share of adversity but continue to inspire those around them with the lessons they have learned and their love of life. Read on for four truly motivating stories by the women who experienced them firsthand.

Photography by Rich Smith

Dr. Sheryl Kenan Randolph HARRISON

In June 2017, my career as I knew it changed overnight. Prior to this time, I worked in the field of public education in various roles from turnaround school principal to district-level administrator. What I knew as 27 years of service to pub lic education, and what I thought to be a career I would retire from, changed in an instant when I was told there was no longer funding for my position and it was being eliminated.

One day I had a career that al ways gave me purpose and a sense of fulfillment … and the next day, I had a proverbial pink slip. My career was the one part of my life that I felt I was in control of, and I did it by

the book. To paint the picture even clearer, I went from a six-figure salary to living off of my savings, all within a month. On top of all of that, my personal life was in sham bles. I was still grieving the death of my mother, was going through a tumultuous divorce, and had my two children depending on me as their sole provider. Through this period I experienced a lot of change and heartache, but my unshakeable faith in God remained the same and it is how I survived it. One of the things God would so sweetly speak to me is, “Trust me. I’m removing the middleman and reminding you that I am your source.”

This entire period in my life was challenging, to say the least, but from it came so many lessons learned and things that I am grate ful for today. That pink slip inspired me to go back to school and complete a doctorate in education, motivated me to start my own edu cation consulting firm, and encour aged me to write my first book, “Life Happens. Live Anyway.” For anyone who has experienced job loss and is seeing it as the end, I challenge you to change your perspective. It just may be your beginning. That pink slip could be just the motivation you need to remove the middleman and become your own CEO.

I was in disbelief after stepping onto a scale in my bathroom back in June 2021.

I looked at myself in the mirror, and I asked another question: “What does 265 pounds even look like?”

Well, 265 pounds looked like me, and it was painful. My ankles would balloon and throb nightly. My legs and hips ached from walking. Walking in general was uncomfortable. I didn’t even consider exercising because it hurt to do basic daily activities.

What weighed even more on my body, however, was my mental health. Depression, anxiety, self-loathing, and feeling undeserving are a few ways to describe my mental health at the time. Then there was mom and wife guilt –guilt because I was in so much pain that it was hard to be mentally present after not seeing my husband and children all day. Guilt because I felt ugly and fat. How in the world could my family be proud of “that”?

I needed to turn “that” into “this,” but diets and lifestyle changes were always temporary for me. I tried them all, and I always gained the weight back. I needed a better tool. A tool to help me drop the weight and keep it off. Weight loss surgery was my answer.

In January 2022, I underwent bariatric weight loss surgery. “This” girl in the picture has lost 80 pounds. “This” girl’s ankles no lon ger swell and throb. You will see “this” girl walk ing or even hiking. I’m finally awake after years of being mentally absent. I love myself, and in return, I allow my husband to love me. The smile I have now is genuine, not like the fake smile I used to wear to disguise depression.

A genuine smile from the inside out is contagiously hopeful, inspiring, and almost like a vitamin D ray of sunshine. People need it. People crave it. Depression, weight, and anxi ety can feel bigger than you are and, some times, unbearable. Your ray of sunshine might just be the light at the end of a dark tunnel of depression for someone who needs it.

Share your story. Share your light.

“How did that happen?”

Miranda Perez

OOLTEWAH

Joli DeLaughter

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN

My husband and I started dating while in college and married shortly after. We were 23 and wanted to wait to have children. After five years, we got pregnant according to our plan. However, at the end of my first trimester, I had a miscarriage. It was an intense experience that ended with having a procedure to stop the bleeding. I was wrecked, emotionally and physically.

A little more than a year later, we got pregnant again. I was constantly afraid, but as time went on, I settled into the fact that this time I would deliver my baby. My water broke a few weeks early, and we made our way to the hospital. Immediately, the nurses noticed a problem. Umbilical cord prolapse. From there, things went fast. They rushed me into an emergency C-section. At one point, a nurse told my husband that our son wasn’t breathing and didn’t have a heartbeat. I can’t imagine the torture he went through over those next few minutes. However, by the time I was awake, our son was breathing normally. It was a pure miracle. Although he was stable, there were signs of seizure activity.

Long story short, I had an infection in my uterus that had gone septic. I went into surgery where they removed as much of the infection as they could, but I still needed a hysterectomy. I had three major surgeries in six days, and my son Wesley and I left the hos pital after 14 days.

I spent the next year just being thankful that we were both alive. All I focused on was getting my body healthy again so I could enjoy life with my family. But as time went on, bit terness and a real sense of loss crept in. We had to grieve the fact that we would not have any more biological children. It was hard, but because of our faith in God and our deep love for each other, we have been able to push for ward. Wesley is a happy and healthy 7-yearold! Our life doesn’t look the way we planned it, but in some ways, it’s better than we could have ever imagined.

What was a normal, busy, and fun life came to a screeching halt. The days before were typical. On February 13th, my husband Scott picked me up from the airport, and that evening our son, his fiancée, and their kids came over for dinner and to watch the Super Bowl. The next evening, I went to Scott’s work for an event. We came home, let the dogs out, and got ready for bed. Everything was normal, but at 6 a.m. the next morning, things changed.

Scott woke up to me having a seizure in bed, which I have no memory of. When he finally was able to get me coherent, I felt fine. I got up to get ready for work, and he said, “Angel, you had a sei zure. You can’t just go to work.” My response was, “I don’t have seizures. It was probably a dream. I have a doctor’s appointment before work. I have to go.”

I just so happened to have a yearly appointment with my primary physician that morning. I told her everything, and she made an appointment for me to see a neurologist the next day and then sent me for an MRI. I knew something was wrong when we were called into a private room to let me know I had a tumor on my brain. On our way home from the imaging office, my doctor called. She told me to pack a bag and for Scott to take me to the ER right after. Once I got to the hospital, I had another MRI and met a neurosurgeon, who told me I would be having brain surgery the next day. I couldn’t believe it! Everything was going so fast, and I was so scared.

Sure enough, on February 16th, I had brain surgery to remove a level 2 cancerous astrocytoma tumor. I did six weeks of radiation, and I’m still cur rently taking chemotherapy. I couldn’t drive for six months, and I’ll have MRIs regularly for quite some time. My last MRI showed no new growth, and I was told the results couldn’t have been better.

So many have said, “You’re so healthy. You eat right, hike, walk, run, and drink more water than anyone.”

Cancer doesn’t care, and it doesn’t discriminate. I almost didn’t go to the doctor that morning because I felt 100% fine. I wasn’t. Everyone asks me about my symptoms leading up to this, and I had none.

I’ve thought many times, “Am I going to beat this?” It’s okay to be scared, but never give up. You have to fight for yourself and the people who love you. My strength comes from my faith, my family, and my friends.

I’m thankful. Health is wealth!

Becki DeFriese

OOLTEWAH

Traditions for Togetherness

Winter holiday rituals are some of the most sacred and beloved, from Christmas tree decorating to cookie baking to lighting the family menorah. There are so many things to celebrate during this time of year, and there’s always time to make new traditions to continue filling your homes with joy during the holiday season. These three local ladies offer their families’ favorite ways to prepare for the holidays and spend time together during them.

“Christmas is such a special time for me. I enjoy cooking, decorating, and just spending time with family and friends. As a family, we have many holiday tradi tions, but the one tradition I most enjoy is watching holiday mov ies with my daughters Taylor, Sydney, and Tori. On Christmas Eve, after we have shopped until the stores closed, we will go home, stretch out in the family room, and commence wrapping Christmas gifts and watching movies. We have two must-watches: ‘This Christmas’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife.’ We watch them both as if it were our first time ever seeing the movies.”

Martina Harris

“Our Christmas tradition has always started with my mom joining me to deck the halls. We flood the house with Christmas carols, and of course, we dress for the occasion with our Christmas headdresses and aprons. We also tell stories and share in the laugh ter of past Christmas memories. Every tree in the house has a special meaning. The most meaningful tree is the tree in our great room that the house was built around. In order to put it up, my husband George has to come close to swinging from the beams to top the tree, which he is never happy about (laughs). Our Christmas memories continue on in our other trees that are adorned with the angels that we now have in heaven. Every year, placing each angel on the tree is a remembrance of God's goodness by giving us that special loved one in our lives.”

Paula McDaniel

“My favorite Christmas tradition with family is our Christmas movie night, where we eat dinner togeth er and bake Christmas cookies, then watch our favorite Christmas movies. We usually go for light hearted ones like ‘Elf,’ ‘A Christmas Story,’ and ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ At church, I love the beautiful tradition of the Christmas Eve candlelight service when they light the final advent candle – the Christ candle – and ev eryone sings ‘Silent Night’ together and raises their own candles. I also love reading the Christmas story to my son on Christmas Eve.”

Mikayla Horton

PHOTO BY HEATHER JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY MATTHEW BERINATO

The word inspire is defined as the act of filling someone with the urge or ability to do something, and here in Chattanooga, we have no shortage of incredible women who motivate those around them day in and day out. Whether they intentionally set out to be a role model or random acts of kindness are simply in their DNA, these women are making the world a bet ter place. Read on to learn more about the individuals who encourage others to be the best version of themselves, told by those they inspired most.

Photography by Emily Pérez Long

Women Celebrating Women

The woman who inspires me is my Aunt Jean. This resilient and bright soul is a breast cancer survivor whose selfless service and dedication to others has always stood out. No matter what she is faced with, Jean always radiates warmth and kindness.

She spent the past seven years being her sister’s caregiver, driving her to dialysis three times a week and making sure all her needs were met. She went above and beyond for her in every way. Jean has shown me what true friendship looks like. She makes people feel seen and loved in every interaction. I remember she would give little gifts to people in toll booths, security guards, and other people that might not get the recognition they deserve. And of course, she always shows up to my job with gifts and treats for me and my friends on holidays.

I am an artist for my career, and my first “studio” was a drawer in her home when I was a child. She always had art supplies for me to use and nurtured my creativity by doing fun projects and crafts with me. I wish everybody was lucky enough to have an

“Jean has shown me what true friendship looks like. She makes people feel seen and loved in every interaction.”

Ashley Folkner, Inspired by Jean Folkner

ASHLEY

JEAN

When I first met Melonie, I was new to the area and to the organization where we both work. Though she had just stepped into the role of executive leadership during a particularly difficult time, I was immediately struck by her genuine warmth and patience. Early on, she told me that she walks into every situation hoping to learn. No matter the subject and regardless of her own unending scope of responsibilities, she always makes a point to listen to and encourage everyone she meets.

Anytime I have a notion that I can create or improve something, Melonie not only holds space for those ideas but begins gathering the tools and wisdom needed to help bring those thoughts to fruition. She encourages us all to reach beyond our own selflimiting doubts and is constantly making room for others to advance to their highest potential. Recently, I have watched Melonie experience intense cancer treatments with an optimism and determination that has been extraordinary. Professionally, she motivates me by providing challenges and opportunities for growth. Personally, she inspires me by exemplifying a grace, humility, kindness, and intelligence that sets the standard for the kind of woman and leader I hope to be.

“She inspires me by exemplifying a grace, humility, kindness, and intelligence that sets the standard for the kind of woman and leader I hope to be.”

Lena Banks, Inspired by Melonie Lusk MELONIE

LENA

What does it mean to be inspired? Inspired can be defined as something that mentally stimulates you. An inspired person is compelled to be different. But what, or often who, makes a person inspired? The answer can be different for every individual. For me, inspiration develops from determination, challenges, and goals.

My mother Belinda Phillips inspires me. She experienced a very challenging upbringing filled with many disappointments. She grew up very poor with both parents unavailable due to their personal struggles. With no proper guidance in life, she had to grow up by learning through trial and error. My mother used all her trials to teach me about life.

Through her powerful teachings, I gained inspiration. I was motivated to be different. My mother’s personal determination and strength granted me with opportunities in life to be different and break generational curses. She did not have the opportunity to go to college, but she opened many doors for me. Most importantly, my mother taught me about Jesus Christ, which is fundamental in my life. ‘With man, this is impossible but with God, all things are possible.’ – Matthew 19:26. Why is inspiration important to me? Inspiration has positively affected my life by making me feel determined, optimistic, and enthusiastic. These are some of the values that assisted me in becoming the first nurse practitioner in my family. My mother’s teachings have guided me to be where I am today and will follow me throughout my journey. This is only the beginning! Thank you, Mom, for your inspiration.

“Through her powerful teachings, I gained inspiration. I was motivated to be different.”

RASHUNIKA

BELINDA

Rashunika Patillo, Inspired by Belinda Phillips

Balanced

Counter the Impact of Life’s Many Demands With Intentional, Restorative Practices

A life of balance looks different for everyone. For some, completing a hard workout and eating a nourishing meal may be soothing and restorative. For others, updating a personal budget and meeting up with friends for a night of enriching conversation might be just what the doctor ordered. In this section, we celebrate the many ways through which we can come to centeredness by spotlighting local women who are intentional about cultivating joy and balance through their own unique practices.

Mukta Panda

Rituals

I practice rituals with intentionality and mindfulness. I start my day with a smile, prayer, gratitude, and reading something positive. I strive to acknowledge people intentionally when I meet them. Before I enter a patient’s room, I pause for what I call my “doorknock sign” – reminding myself of something about the patient that identifies them as a person. This ensures I center myself and can focus only on the human be

Reflections

I regularly reflect in solitude and in com munity with grace, humility, respect, and kindness on these three questions: What gave me hope? What inspired me? What surprised me? This helps me reconnect why, my passion and purpose, and reclaim meaning in my personal and professional life. Reflecting on three good things helps reframe my negative self-talk and think positive and happy thoughts, and I try to remember to H.A.L.T. when I get too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.

Relationships

It’s important to me to be intentional to cultivate, connect, and reconnect with my authentic relationships. A commu nity of kindred spirits is vital. I share my story and invite others to do so. Stories matter – they hold magic, power, and sacredness. Stories are the seeds of who we are, who we are to become, and where we belong. Our “why” and our stories sustain us with meaning and strength! Relationships thrive when we share our stories, and that creates personal resilience within a culture of belonging and well-being. Re silience is not a constant, but a lifelong journey to wholeness and well-being.

PHOTO BY EMILY PÉREZ LONG

Shawanna Kendrick

Walking

Whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, or kayaking, it is imperative I spend time outdoors. I legitimately cannot remain focused, find the necessary balance I require, or just be myself without spending time outdoors. It gives me a sense of peace, and it’s also an opportunity to disconnect from the ills of life while reconnecting with

Water

Water is the one thing we likely take for granted – I know I do anyway. Each morning, I’ve made it a point to drink at least one glass of water. Not only does it improve brain health, but it also helps reduce stress and balance my overall mood. If I’m not drinking it, you may just find me sitting next to a body of water enjoying the calm

The Word

Psalm 119:105 reads, ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’ I can walk all the miles, drink all the water, and do all the things, but what I cannot do is remain balanced and find true peace or guidance without the Word of God, aka the Bible. I know it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay. I can only share what works for me. God’s Word

PHOTO BY RICH SMITH

Megan Roberts

Stay Curious About My Inner World

This one took some work on the front end, but once I found my stride, it was worth it. Understand ing my own history and how it shows up in my beliefs and emotions has been crucial to attempting to maintain balance. I am constantly learning and unlearning. What do I need to release and what can I sit with? Why is this thing or situation upset ting me? I overthink everything, so a new practice I’ve started when I’m overthinking a conversation or interaction is asking myself, “Did I hurt anyone?” If the answer is no, I move on.

Play Outside

Being outside is the only place I’m able to almost instantly slow my heart rate and silence the noise of life. Hik ing is a walking meditation for me – matching my steps with my breathing; listening to the rocks and leaves crunch beneath my feet; noticing the way the woods smell after a summer rain; watching the sunlight seep down from the top of the trees during sunrise. I go outside to un tangle my thoughts and be present. It works 100% of the time.

Romanticize

Little Moments

Life exists in the in-between moments for me. I think it’s really important to find happiness in those seemingly mundane spaces of life. I’m a people pleaser and an empath, so I’m pretty much always emotionally drained. Every week, I priori tize at least one slow weekend morning for coffee by the window in my favorite chair, journaling, and putting on a record.

PHOTO BY EMILY PÉREZ LONG

Off to Camp

Summer camp experiences are valuable for children’s development in a myriad of ways, like gaining independence and friendship-building skills! Here, we highlight why being unplugged and having new experiences can be beneficial for your child as well as how to avoid homesickness, plus tips for choosing the right kind of camp for your family.

BY CHELSEA RISLEY

The Benefits of Being Unplugged and Outdoors

The more meaningful experiences children have in nature, the more they’ll develop interest in caring for and preserving the environment.

• The blue light of screens reduces melatonin levels, so your kids may sleep better with less screen time.

• Spending time in the great outdoors can improve academic performance and reinforce creativity and problem-solving skills.

• There’s a clear correlation between physical health and brain health – exercise keeps the mind sharp, and being outdoors can help improve memory.

Having limited access to screens can improve relationships and friend-making skills by making it easier to fully focus on people and make deeper connections.

Playing in nature allows children to develop autonomy and learn about their own capabilities, which builds confidence.

• Time spent in the outdoors can decrease aggression and ADHD symptoms.

Baylor Summer Camps

Families have enjoyed Baylor Summer Camps for decades! Baylor’s 690-acre campus and facilities allow for a wide array of activities to match individual skills and interests, and Baylor faculty, coaches, and counselors have expertise in working with children in a safe and nurturing environment. From the family-favorite Raider Days and enrichment camps to the new overnight All Sports Camps, boys and girls ages 5-16 are sure to find a program they love while making new friends along the way. Camp Walkabout allows kids ages 8-16 to take advantage of Chattanooga’s outdoor opportunities, including paddle boarding, hiking, rock climbing, and more.

Register now while space is available: baylorschool.org/summer summers@baylorschool.org 423.757.2616

Helpful Hints for Handling Homesickness

When it comes to summer camp, one of the biggest wor ries for both parents and children is homesickness, but there are many ways to help your kids deal with those negative feelings when they arise – and even prevent them altogether!

PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE

It’s important to start prevention tactics and set expecta tions early. Make a visit to the camp ahead of time if possible, or look at photos or a virtual tour to help familiarize you and your child with what will be their environment. This helps eliminate some fears of the unknown. If your child doesn’t have a lot of experience spending nights away from home, schedule some practice sleepovers with friends or family.

PRACTICAL COPING MECHANISMS

Teaching your child practical ways to deal with their anxiety will have lasting benefits far beyond any difficulties they may have at summer camp. Some of the simplest ways to help kids calm themselves down when they’re feeling anx ious are breathing exercises, like box breathing, or even just stopping what they’re doing and taking slow, deep breaths until they feel a little more settled. You can also teach them positive self-talk to reframe their perspectives, like, “I am safe. Even though this is a new environment, I can have fun. I’m proud of myself for trying something new.”

PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR

Avoid promising to pick your child up from camp if they’re struggling – even if you receive the dreaded phone call begging to come home. Acknowledge their feelings and make space for them, but make it clear that you are supporting them as they work through it on their own. Help them make a commitment to sticking this session out. Suggest that if it doesn’t go well or they don’t want to try again, you can make a new plan together for next summer.

PACKING AND POST CARDS

There are several items you can pack with your child to help them cope with loneliness and homesickness. Send some items that remind them of home, like a stuffed animal or a family photo. You can also spritz a t-shirt or handkerchief with your perfume, aftershave, or laundry detergent and pack it in a plastic bag to preserve the scent of home for whenever your child needs something familiar.

Write your child often, but don’t mention how much you miss them or any fun things they might be missing out on at home. Instead, ask questions about the activities they’re doing at camp or about the new skills they’re tackling. Don’t forget to encourage them often and remind them how proud you are of them for trying something new.

Choosing the Right Camp

According to the American Camp Association, there are more than 16,000 camps across the country, so choosing the right one for your family can be overwhelming! Read on for three tips for choosing the perfect summer experience for your child.

1. BUDGET

Deciding how much you’re able to spend on a camp experience will help you nar row down your choices in type, duration, and location. Typically, day camps are a bit more cost-effective than overnight camps, though some organizations may offer scholarships.

2. DAY CAMP VS. OVERNIGHT CAMP

Include your kids in this conversation to help determine whether they’re ready for an intensive sleepaway camp opportunity or if it may be best to start with a day camp near your home. Think about the size of enrollment that your child may be most comfortable with and the ratio of campers to counselors. It’s also important to account for the logistics of scheduling and transportation.

3. SPECIALTIES

There are many specialty camps that focus on various interests, so consider your child’s goals and the activities they tend to enjoy. Think about whether they would benefit from a traditional camp or whether they would be interested in a camp that focuses on STEM, art, music, sports, cooking, or even urban exploration. If your child has special needs or dietary restrictions, be sure to investigate any potential camp’s ability to accommodate these needs.

Camp Juliette Low

Asleepaway camp for girls ages 8-17, Camp Juliette Low (CJL) offers one-week, two-week, and mini-session options throughout the summer. Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1922, the camp has a rich history and a dedicated camper, staff, and alumni network. CJL is focused on teaching campers independence, how to work with others, and a love for the outdoors – helping to create strong women who will contribute to making the world a better place. Traditional camp activities, including everything from campfires, singing, and hikes to canoeing, crafts, and rock climbing, fill each camper’s schedule. Register now while space is available: cjl.org info@cjl.org 770.428.1062 (business office) 706.862.2169 (summer office)

Reliable Russets

Besides being incredibly delicious, potatoes are actually good for you – it’s often the toppings that add unnecessary sodium and saturated fat to your meal. Potatoes contain fiber, potassium, iron, and calcium, plus vitamins C and B6. You can easily make adjustments for baked potato toppings to help boost the health value by switching sour cream for Greek yogurt and adding a few more veggies instead of piling on the cheese.

If you’re eager for more healthy ways to eat russet potatoes, here are two recipes from the kitchens of Chattanooga locals.

Photography by Rich Smith

Bluegrass Grill’s Cilantro Lime Hash

By Chef Marshall Sisson | Serves 4-6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the cilantro lime paste:

• ¼ lb. fresh cilantro cup garlic powder

• cup onion powder

• cup salt ¾ cup lime juice

• ½ cup olive oil

• Zest from ¼ lime

Note: You can save the rest of the ci lantro lime paste in the refrigerator for 7-10 days or in the freezer for 6 weeks.

For the tofu:

• 8 oz. firm tofu

• ½ Tbsp. onion powder

½ Tbsp. garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp. turmeric

• 1 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. dill

For the hash:

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil 16 oz. portabella mushrooms, diced

• 8 oz. bell peppers, diced

• 8 oz. green onions, diced 8 oz. fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 8 oz. tomatoes, diced ½ cup cilantro lime paste, to taste

• 8 oz. tofu mix

• 16 oz. russet potatoes, cubed and roasted

Directions

For the cilantro lime paste: Place all ingredients in blender, and blend until smooth. Set aside.

For the tofu:

In a bowl, crumble tofu and mix in seasonings. Set aside.

For the hash:

In a hot skillet, add oil, mushrooms, peppers, green onions, and spinach. Sauté for 1 minute on high heat. Next, add tomatoes, cilantro lime paste, tofu, and roasted potatoes. Sauté until vegetables are cooked and everything is hot. Enjoy!

“Russet potatoes are childhood nostalgia for me; my grandmother often made hash. I like russet potatoes for being so versatile as well as being part of a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Here, they bring everything together and add carbohydrates for an overall healthy dish. You can adapt this dish with any seasonal vegetables, like beets and kale for winter.”

MARSHALL SISSON, CHEF

Crissie Smith’s Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Soup

Serves 5

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the creamy vegan cheese sauce:

• 1 cup russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• ¼ cup carrots, diced

• ¼ cup onions, diced

• Water to cover veggies

• ½ cup raw cashews, unsoaked (or ½ cup white beans, cooked)

4 Tbsp. nutritional yeast 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. garlic powder 1 pinch paprika

• 1 pinch cayenne (optional)

For the soup:

• ¾ cup onions, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, diced

• 3 cups water, divided 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen ½ cup carrots, diced ½ cup broth, reserved from cheese sauce

• 1 cup almond milk, plain

• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Directions

For the creamy vegan cheese sauce: In a medium pot, boil potatoes, carrots, and onions in a pot with enough water to cover well and allow to cook until veggies are tender, approximately 15 minutes (cooking time varies based on how small the veggies are diced).

When veggies are tender, drain and reserve the broth. Place veggies in a blender along with 1 cup of reserved broth. Add all the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth, leaving the sauce in the blender. Reserve remaining broth for soup.

For the soup:

In a large stockpot, sauté onions and garlic in about 3 Tbsp. water until slightly browned. Add 2½ cups water, broccoli florets, and carrots. Cover and cook on medium heat until slightly tender, but still bright green. Remove from heat and add half of the veggies to the blender with the cheese sauce and an additional ½ cup of broth. Blend for one minute or less.

Pour blender mixture into the pot with the other half of the cooked veggies. Add almond milk, remaining water, Dijon mustard, chili pow der, salt, and pepper. Place back on low heat and cook approximately 10 minutes. Remove and serve in a bowl or hollowed out crusty bread.

“I think potatoes get a bad rap! One medium potato is only around 150 calories, high in fiber, full of vitamins and minerals, and contains more than enough protein.

I like to make ‘cheesy’ sauce with my russet potatoes and then use that sauce to make a creamy, delicious, (and shall I dare say ‘healthy’) broccoli soup! That same ‘cheesy’ sauce can also be used on nachos and pizza, as well as in a variety of casseroles.”

CRISSIE SMITH

Anti-Aging Foods

WHAT TO EAT TO LOOK & FEEL YOUNGER

By Mary Beth Wallace

It’s no secret that a healthy, radiant complexion is a product of how we eat, but some foods take it one step further and actually combat premature signs of aging. Here’s what you need to know.

Beans & Lentils

An excellent source of plant-based protein, beans and lentils are very versatile and incredibly nutritious. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps maintain the strength and structure of your skin. Black beans, chickpeas, cannellini beans, lima beans, and split peas are just a few varieties to try.

Blueberries

Full of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, blueberries are your skin’s best friend. Specifically, blueberries contain anthocyanin, an age-defying antioxidant that gives the berry its beautiful blue coloring. Sprinkle blueberries over your morning oatmeal or throw them in a smoothie to reap the benefits.

Tomatoes

Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects the skin against damage and premature aging, tomatoes

deserve a place on your plate. You can eat them raw or cooked, although cooking tomatoes is thought to increase the bioavailability of the lycopene.

Green Tea

Green tea is unrivaled in terms of anti-aging proper ties. That’s because it contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant effective at rejuvenating dying skin cells. Green tea is also high in B vitamins and vita min E, which both positively impact skin health. If you don’t like the taste of green tea on its own, try adding it to a smoothie with berries and bananas.

Avocado

Is there anything the avocado can’t do? This fruit is high in vitamins K, C, E, and especially A – a nutrient that helps skin shed dead cells, leaving behind a glowing complexion. Plus, avocados are easy to incorporate in your meals, from salads and smoothies to tacos and toast.

Although the fountain of youth is just a myth, science suggests that there is a way to influence how quickly we show physical effects of aging: being intentional about our diets. Eating a diet high in plants – specifically, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, and herbs – will automatically put you on the right track; these foods naturally contain an abundance of nutrients and antioxidants, which can help prevent symptoms of aging skin.

Of course, some foods offer a better “bang for your buck” than others. If more youthful-looking skin is on your mind, aim to incorporate the following foods multiple times a week – or even daily – in your diet.

Walnuts

Nuts in general are great for your skin, but wal nuts in particular are a standout when it comes to longevity. Walnuts contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect against skin damage and strengthen skin cell membranes. These nuts are delicious in salad, trail mix, or on their own as a snack.

Salmon

Even more good-for-you omega-3s can be found in salmon (as well as other fatty fish like sardines and tuna). Since omega-3s work to re duce inflammation, eating more salmon means softer, more hydrated skin. Serve up salmon as a fillet, in a dip, or mashed into salmon cakes –just remember to choose wild-caught varieties when you can.

Leafy Greens

Spinach is high in vitamin C and a handful of other vitamins that promote healthy skin, while kale is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K. Other leafy greens to try include romaine lettuce, arugula, and watercress.

While some foods can decelerate the signs of aging, others speed them up. The following foods are fine to consume in moderation; how ever, eating them too often will start to nega tively affect your complexion.

• Processed meats (hot dogs, pepperoni, bacon)

Sugary treats (ice cream, candy, doughnuts)

• Fried food

Alcohol

• Soda and energy drinks

Margie Tuttle’s At-Home Restorative Workout

Photography by Rich Smith

“Restorative workouts like this one are great because they can help you restore healthy movement patterns that are necessary for pain-free movement. For a full workout, complete each exercise for 45 seconds, resting 45 seconds in between each. Complete the entire circuit three times.”

- MARGIE TUTTLE, SURVIVOR FITNESS/SPORTSBARN

Walking Side Squats

Start by standing with your feet hipwidth apart with a slight bend in your knees and your hands in a prayer position. Step later ally back and forth, keeping resistance on your lower half.

Knee Plank With Shoulder Taps

Start in a tabletop position and shift your weight to your hands so that you are in a plank on your knees. Keep your body in a straight line, your hands shoulder-width apart, your knees hip-width apart, and your core tight. Lift one hand and tap the opposite shoulder before switching sides. Try to keep your body as still as possible as you alternate shoulder taps.

Swimmers

Start by lying on your stomach with your arms extended out in front of you and legs extended behind you with pointed toes. Peel your chest and thighs off the ground and lift an arm and opposite leg higher than your other limbs. Come back to center and repeat on the opposite side to achieve a swimming motion. Squeeze your back and glutes each time you raise an arm and leg.

Bird Dog to Crunch

Start on your hands and knees, making sure your head is in line with your spine and your spine is in a neutral position. Squeeze your core as you simultaneously lift one arm and the opposite leg. Extend fully and then reverse the motion, bringing your knee to meet your elbow for a crunch. Switch sides and activate your core to help you stabilize.

Outer Thigh Leg Lift to Crunch

Start by lying on your side. Use your forearm to prop yourself up and keep a lift in the chest. Flex your foot and raise the leg on top until you’ve created about a 45-degree angle with your legs. Squeeze your outer thigh at the top before lowering. Lift your leg again, this time with a bent knee to meet your elbow. Repeat for 45 seconds before switching sides.

A Lung Scan Could Save Your Life

Breathe. Easy. is a mobile coach conducting low-dose CT Scans. Detecting lung cancer early provides significantly increased chances of survival.

Those who are at highest risk for lung cancer and are ideal candidates for low dose CT screening include:

• 50 to 80 years old AND are current smokers who have: Smoked for 20 years (one pack per day or more) OR Smoked 2+ packs per day for 10 years

• OR are former smokers who have: Quit in the last 15 years AND Smoked for 20 years (one pack a day or more) OR Smoked 2+ packs per day for 10 years

To learn more call 423.495.5864 (LUNG) or visit Memorial.org/BreatheEasy.

Use your phone to scan the code for screenings in your area.