Sumter Senior Living 2019

SUMTER Senior Living 2019 Covenant Place celebrates its 25th anniversary A group of caring people in Sumter made a unique promise 25 years ago – a covenant – to their community to create a Continuing Care Retirement Community where the needs of mature adults and their loved ones could be met.

The result of that promise is Covenant Place – a warm, inviting retirement community that is tastefully designed to reflect southern charm and hospitality with a neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy.

In the early 1980s, First Presbyterian Church began discussing plans to begin a Senior Living Community in Sumter. At that time, all Sumter had to offer our seniors was the hospital and nursing homes. The concept of a Continuing Care Retirement Community was novel to our area, even though they have been around for more than a century. They first opened in Europe and were typically affiliated with fraternal organizations and religious groups.

As the older population experienced growth in the United States during the 1960s, there was a corresponding growth in Continuing Care Retirement Communities development, and it continues to grow. Now, there are around 2,000 in the United States, but only one in Sumter – Covenant Place.

With the vision of local leadership, a retirement management company was hired to study the Sumter area and advised the First Presbyterian

leaders to bring in other congregations to give the community the support and financial strength needed for the start of a successful Continuing Care Retirement Community. Eight area congregations – First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Grace Baptist Church, The Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Saint Anne Catholic Church, Salem Black River Church, Trinity United Methodist Church and Congregation Sinai – came together, and in 1991, the late Sumter businessman Glen Sharp was asked to head the project. The late Lad Owens served as vice chairman.

Many of the area churches were still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Hugo, but together this group raised $30,000 as seed money.

It is uncommon for Continuing Care Retirement Communities to have multi-denominational sponsorships, which makes Covenant Place even more special.

Preliminary plans for Covenant Place were drawn by the architect firm of James, DuRant, Matthews and Shelley. The land on Carter Road was donated by the late Billy Carter, and Jack Erter handled the legal work.

The accounting was done by Wilson MacEwen’s accounting firm. Many of these services were offered at no charge. Pledges in the amount of $1.2 million dollars were raised with a personal guarantee of $300,000, making the total cash fund raised of more than $1.5 million within a short period of time.

Sumter believed in Covenant Place.

Construction began, and, in April of 1994, Covenant Place opened.

The original structure of the community filled quickly. By 1997, a west wing was added, which doubled the assisted living capacity and added 24 more apartment homes. In 2000, the Nursing Center was added.

The Life Enrichment Center opened in 2015, and the Marian Carey Rehabilitation Center opened in 2016.

Covenant Place continues to grow not only structurally but with its services and programs offered to its seniors.

As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Continuing Care Retirement Community, Covenant Place offers the perfect lifestyle options for those who enjoy their independence with security for the future. Covenant Place provides a range of lifestyle options, including Apartment Home Living, Assisted Living, Heartfelt Connections™ secured memory care and Skilled Nursing Care. Covenant Place is also a participant with Medicare Part B for outpatient rehabilitation, using our state-of-the-art Marian Carey Rehabilitation Center.

As the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in the area,

Covenant Place is a rental community with no buy-in fees or long-term contract. Our Board of Trustees, Life Care Services and representatives from our sponsoring congregations work together to maintain our exclusive retirement community.

Thank you, Sumter and surrounding areas, for your continued support of our community. Covenant Place is truly a treasure for our seniors, and it could not be a success without the continued support of our greater Sumter community.

Covenant Place is located at 2825 Carter Road in Sumter. To schedule your personal visit and discover why Covenant Place is the choice for retirement living, contact Melissa Linville at (803) 469-7007 or at www. covenantplace.org.

&RŇˆQDQW 3ODFH Living Options: ¡ Apartment Home Living ¡ Skilled Nursing Care ¡ Assisted Living ¡ Rehabilitation Services ¡ Heartfelt Connections™ Secured Memory Care

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2019 SUMTER SENIOR LIVING

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019

THE SUMTER ITEM

Genetic counseling offers a roadmap to cancer prevention SUBMITTED BY PRISMA HEALTH TUOMEY

When Donna Jumper’s sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005, it raised a red flag for Jumper and her immediate family members.

Genetic testing showed Jumper’s sister had a mutation in the BRCA2 gene, which greatly increases the likelihood of one developing cancer – specifically breast and ovarian cancer. A year after her sister’s diagnosis, Jumper underwent the same testing at Palmetto Health-USC Genetic Counseling and learned she had the same mutation.

“There was a strong family history of cancer on my dad’s side,” Jumper said.

At age 44, Jumper wasn’t willing to simply wait and hope for the best. She wanted to lessen her odds of developing cancer. Within six months she had a complete hysterectomy to remove her ovaries, and began having alternating mammograms and breast MRIs every six months.

Twelve years later, Jumper – a medical administrative coordinator – remains cancer free, and her weekly routine is much less dominated by doctors’ appointments than by outings with her two granddaughters.

“I’m only 56 so I don’t want to worry about or constantly wonder what’s going to happen,” said Jumper, who lost her sister in 2016 and had a dou-

ble mastectomy in the fall of 2018 to further reduce her risk of developing breast cancer.

“Maybe they have heard about it and know that their family history is significant,” Dobek said.

Palmetto Health-USC genetic counselor Whitney Dobek is a firm believer in proactive measures. As one of several counselors in the practice, she provides patients with a thorough evaluation of their family medical history while assessing their risks so they can make informed decisions about their health. “That is what we are here for,” Dobek said.

Armed with the information, individuals can take proactive steps like Jumper did, make more informed decisions when there is a diagnosis, alert family members of their need to be tested or simply gain peace of mind when no gene mutation is detected.

Genetic testing is conducted through blood or saliva testing, and results are generally available in two to three weeks. While no screening or surgery offers a 100 percent safeguard against disease, Dobek notes that such preventive steps can significantly reduce an individual’s chance of getting cancer or increase the chance of catching it early in an individual who is a known carrier of the BRCA 2 gene.

Although such testing is commonly associated with women, men also can benefit from the early detection of prostate cancer or (in rare cases) breast cancer.

“One of the biggest benefits of what we’re doing is giving people the opportunity to take control of their health care,” Dobek said.

Genetic testing may be recommended by an OB/GYN or family medicine physician. But in some cases, patients seek the testing on their own.

In some cases, Dobek said, testing will allow a cancer to be caught earlier and treated much more effectively, noting there are some forms of chemotherapy that have proven to be more effective for women with BRCA mutations.

“We’re giving women and men something they can act on,” Dobek said. “I like being the person to give them that good information they can use.”

Whitney Dobek

For Jumper, the joy of having received that information remains a daily reality.

One of the biggest benefits of what we’re doing is giving people the opportunity to take control of their he e health care

“I do not regret any of the steps I have taken at all,” she said. “Knowledge is powerful, and how you use it to your advantage can make a big difference in your outcomes.”

Palmetto Health-USC Genetic Counseling works closely with Palmetto Health-USC Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and other physicians throughout the Midlands and South Carolina, to provide comprehensive prenatal genetic services and outpatient care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 803-545-5775.

Safe senior DATING

Home security tips for seniors

Seniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors’ homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49.

Home security is important for people of all ages, but especially so for seniors and aging individuals living alone. By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home.

Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home.

For seniors, being alone can escalate feelings of isolation. As men and women age, their social circles may begin to shrink. The health resource Aging Care says 43 percent of seniors have a persistent sense of loneliness. For many, dating is helping them find renewed companionship, self-confidence and vigor. Despite the rush that one may feel when beginning a new relationship, it is important to put safety first. One of the key considerations is disease prevention. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that, between 2000 and 2008, there was a 45 percent increase in reported sexually transmitted diseases in Americans over the age of 40. Online dating may make seniors vulnerable to STDs. Furthermore, many STDs go unrecognized and thusly untreated in the senior community because they’re simply not expected. Education can help keep seniors safe. Doctors can inquire about sexual activity as they would with other age groups. Seniors themselves should always practice protected intimacy and get refresher courses on “safe sex” education.

The health resource Aging Care says

43% of seniors have a persistent sense of loneliness.

Think about a smart doorbell.

Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like Ring® will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house.

Don’t share or leave keys.

Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a flower pot. Others may be watching your actions and gain access to your home while you are away.

Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification.

Get a home security system.

The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource. org. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in.

Install a lockable mailbox.

Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check.

Use home automation. Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home.

Home security is serious business for seniors who are vulnerable to criminals.

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• Finger tip motion control with infinite recline positions.

Brown’s “Where Quality Matters”

FURNITURE & BEDDING

Hearing Aids and Audiology for Children and Adults Virginia Corley, Ph.D., CCC-A

Kim Kelly, M. Aud., CCC-A

Danyelle Hayes, Au.D., CCC-A

• Over 700 covers to choose from.

803-469-7770

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Sumter 1116-F Alice Drive

Manning 23 S Mill Street

2019 SUMTER SENIOR LIVING

THE SUMTER ITEM

Heart failure symptoms you shouldn’t ignore ROBIN TRAUFLER, NP PALMETTO HEART

One out of every five people over the age of 40 will develop heart failure at some point in their lifetime. Right now, around 6 million Americans have heart failure, and another 900,000 people will develop it each year. Heart failure is a big issue, so it’s important to know the facts in case it happens to you or someone you love.

The heart’s job is to pump blood to the body. If you are told you are at risk for heart failure, this means your heart is struggling to pump blood like it should to meet the demands of the body. So, how does this make your body feel? Robin Traufler, NP, Palmetto Heart, shared the most common symptoms: · Shortness of breath

when trying to do normal activities.

· Having a cough. · Fatigue. · Decreased appetite. · Swelling. · Nausea. · Memory problems or confusion. · Elevated heart rate.

Robin said, “Don’t blow these symptoms off. Don’t think these are a normal process of aging. If you’re having trouble, let somebody know.”

To know if you are at risk for heart failure, you need to know your risk factors. Some of these risk factors include: · High blood pressure.

Robin said, “Your blood

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019

The importance of knowing your family medical history

· Diabetes. If you have diabetes, keep your blood glucose levels in control and take your medications as needed.

National Library of Medicine says that healthcare professionals may recommend more frequent screenings (such as mammography or colonoscopy) and screening at an earlier age for people at an increased risk of certain cancers. Doctors may recommend biannual checkups to stay apprised of any changes in health that may signal a risk.

· Blocked arteries. This can also be known as coronary artery disease. · Cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease can refer to a number of conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmia and heart valve problems.

Robin Traufler, NP

out of every people will develop heart failure at some point in their lifetime

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The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that family history might be one of the strongest influences on a person’s risk for developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.

pressure is the weight that your heart has to lift when your heart is pumping. The higher your blood pressure, the harder the heart has to work.”

If you have any of the heart failure risk factors and experience any of the symptoms above, don’t ignore them. Talk to your doctor right away.

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When visiting a physician for the first time, patients may notice an extensive section on family history on one of the requisite forms they fill out before meeting the doctor.

Though it can be hard to remember family members’ conditions, doctors have good reason to ask about their patients’ family’s medical histories.

Family medical histories can be vital to one’s own health care. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that family history might be one of the strongest influences on a person’s risk for developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. While you cannot modify your genetic makeup, knowing your family’s medical history can help you take the steps necessary to protect yourself.

Family history reports can serve as warning signs for illnesses. These clues can help doctors prescribe certain screening tests at earlier ages to catch potential diseases when they are most treatable. For example, the U.S.

A thorough health care professional will record your family medical history and ask you to update it routinely in an effort to ensure you get the best, most effective care possible. You can help the process by having the information needed at the ready.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests the following.

Talk to family. Make a list of close family members and discuss any conditions or issues they might have had and at what ages.

Learn about chronic diseases.

Speak to your relatives about chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, being sure to ask how severe such issues were and if any required hospitalization.

Plot your ancestry. Learn about your ancestry and if any medical issues are more common among people who share that ancestry.

Record everything you learn.

Keep the information where it can be easily accessed and updated. For example, My Family Health Portrait is a free webbased tool to organize family health information and share it with doctors.

Family history plays a key role in how doctors will approach patients’ treatment and preventive care.

Did you know?

Strong body for life one another, contributing to a strong, healthy, mobile body.

Missy Corrigan MISSY CORRIGAN SUMTER FAMILY YMCA

The human body has over 600 muscles. Only some of these muscles are used in everyday life, with most not getting adequate exercise from daily activities. Unless these specific muscles are exercised, they will weaken with age leading to poor posture, compromised gait, and increased risk for injury. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.

The American Academy of Health and Fitness recommends focusing on 5 areas of fitness each week and some every day. Each one of these areas of focus complement

Strength Training- The goal of strength training is to improve muscle strength and endurance. Exercises should be performed a minimum of 2 days a week, with 1 set performing 8-12 repetitions per exercise. Weight bearing exercises like squats and shoulder presses mimic everyday movements. Adding weight to these movements increases bone density and muscular strength improving the quality of movement in daily activities.

Aerobic Exercise- The goal of aerobic exercise is to improve health by placing demands on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

This type of exercise should be performed at moderate intensity 5 days a week for 30 minutes. Moderate intensity means working hard enough to raise the heart rate and break a sweat. Exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, elliptical machines, low impact aerobics and water aerobics are the most common.

Stretching- The goal of stretching is to elongate the muscles. This keeps muscles relaxed, prevents injuries, improves posture and keeps the body flexible. Since

flexibility diminishes with age, it is important to stretch regularly. In fact, stretching major muscle groups twice a day, morning and night, is recommended. Each stretch should be performed to the point of mild tension for 10-30 seconds.

Mobility Exercises- The goal of mobility exercises, often referred to as range of motion, is to have the ability to move a joint with full range of motion without restriction or discomfort.

Mobility exercises are meant to flow through large movements that help move fluid to the joints and keep them lubricated. Exercises like arm circles, leg swings, and torso rotations performed daily can help minimize pain and improve daily movements.

Posture and BalanceBalance The goal with posture and balance is to improve physical function and reactions to changes in position as well as prevent falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury for individuals aged 60 and over so performing balance exercises 2-3 days a week is imperative. Good posture is key to being able to perform balance exercises safely. Working on posture daily in both standing and seated positions can improve overall alignment.

Those poised to begin a health regimen that includes probiotics would be wise to also educate themselves about the closely named,, yet vastly different, “prebiotics” biotics” that are also beneficial to health. Prebiotics are to probiotics what fertilizer is to a vegetable garden. Prebiotics are essentially a special type of soluble fiber that is used by the beneficial bacteria as fuel, advises the prebiotic supplement company Prebiotin. Examples of good sources of prebiotics include bananas, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, apple skins, beans, and chicory root. The prebiotic fiber moves through the small intestine undigested and fermented until it reaches the large intestine. Once there, beneficial bacteria break it down and use it as food. Thusly, the prebiotics can then multiply readily and improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut.

Eating prebiotic foods can fuel the process, but many probiotic supplements now have a combination formula that includes prebiotics in the recipe.

Examples of good sources of prebiotics include bananas, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, apple skins, beans and chicory root.

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THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019

Questions to ask when your doctor prescribes a new medicine Though few people may want to take medicine each day, prescription drugs prolong lives and help people manage conditions that might otherwise make it difficult to live life to the fullest.

A 2017 survey from Consumer Reports found that 55 percent of people living in the United States take a prescription medicine. The survey also found that those who take prescription drugs use an average of four such medications.

That figure might alarm some people, especially aging men and women whose bodies might be more susceptible to conditions that are often treated with medication.

There’s no denying that prescription drugs can save lives. But men and women have a right to explore their options when doctors prescribe them medications, and asking the right questions when doctors suggest medication can help men and women decide if prescription medicine is their best option.

To help men and women make the best decisions regarding their healthcare, the National Institute on Aging advises people to ask their physicians these questions when being prescribed a new medicine.

2019 SUMTER SENIOR LIVING

THE SUMTER ITEM

55%

of people living in the United States take a prescription medicine.

Q’s

• What is the name of the medicine, and why am I taking it?

• Which medical condition does this medicine treat?

• How many times a day should I take the medicine, and at what times should I take it?

• If the prescription instructions say the medicine must be taken “four times a day,” does that mean four times in 24 hours or four times during the daytime?

• How much medicine should I take?

• Should I take the medicine on its own or with food?

Should I avoid certain foods and beverages when taking this medicine?

• How long will it take this medicine to work?

• Will this medicine cause problems if I am taking other medicines?

• Can I safely operate a motor vehicle while taking this medication?

• What does “as needed” mean?

• When should I stop taking the medicine?

• What should I do if I forget to take my medicine?

• Can I expect any side effects? What should I do if I have a problem?

• Will I need a refill, and how do I arrange that?

When discussing medications with a physician, it’s imperative that men and women be forthcoming about any other medicines they might be taking under the guidance of other doctors.

In addition, men and women should tell their physicians about any over-the-counter medicines or vitamins and supplements they are taking. Sharing such information can prevent potentially serious complications from arising.

Medicine saves lives every day.

Smart patients can help medicine do its job by learning about their medications and discussing them openly and honestly with their physicians.

How to travel even if you have limited mobility Many people dream of traveling the world in retirement. Such dreams come true every day. But many more retirees or people nearing retirement fear that their dreams of seeing the world won’t be possible due to mobility issues beyond their control. Thankfully, such fears are largely unwarranted.

Various conditions can affect men and women’s mobility. Many such issues tend to arise after age 50, prompting many people to believe their post-retirement travel plans will never come to fruition. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD; and heart disease may make it hard for people to travel. But that difficulty doesn’t mean aging men and women should resign themselves to a sedentary lifestyle. Though they might require a little extra effort before boarding a plane for parts unknown, the following are a handful of ways that aging men and women with limited mobility can reap the rewards of traveling.

Contact airlines or other transportation companies if you require special accommodations. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that passengers are generally not required to provide advanced notice for disability-related accommodations. However, it makes sense to provide such notice anyway. By doing so, men and women with limited mobility can ensure they will have adequate assistance during their trips. When made aware of passengers’ mobility issues, airlines or other travel companies may arrange for wheelchairs to be available at the gates or train platforms so passengers can easily make connecting flights and trains. In addition, advance notice gives companies a chance to provide seating accommodations that can make for a more enjoyable trip.

Contact security agencies. Security is part of modern travel, so travelers, especially those traveling by air, should expect to go through security checkpoints during their trips. Travelers with limited mobility should contact the security agencies in their home country as well as those in any country they plan to visit to get an idea of what they can expect. Knowing these guidelines in advance can help people with limited mobility determine if they should arrive extra early so they can make it through security checkpoints in time to make their flights or trains.

Contact hotels directly. Each country has its own laws regarding how to accommodate people with physical disabilities or mobility issues, so don’t leave things to chance. Before booking a hotel room abroad, travelers with limited mobility should contact the hotel directly to confirm that it can accommodate their needs.

Men and women with limited mobility can still enjoy the wonders of travel, even if it requires some extra effort before embarking on their trips.

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2019 SUMTER SENIOR LIVING

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019

know your numbers DR. RYAN GARBOLSA MCLEOD CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure or force of blood flowing through the blood vessels is consistently too high. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, yet many are unaware they have it.

What do the Numbers Mean?

How do you know if you have high blood pressure?

The only way to identify high blood pressure is to have it checked. This can be done at a physician’s office, a local community screening, or even with a personal home blood pressure machine.

A

ttitude goes a long way in regard to self-esteem.

With a positive spin, it’s possible to get through difficult situations and even have a favorable outlook on getting older. But even the most optimistic among us may at times worry about the physical signs of aging and wonder what can be done to make them feel and look their best.

The rate at which hair falls out is largely determined by genetics, according to Headcovers Unlimited, a company that produces wigs, scarves and other headwraps. But nearly everyone will experience some sort of age-related hair loss.

Hormonal changes during menopause can cause noticeable thinning and scalp exposure that may be mistaken for actual hair loss.

There are many ways to mitigate hair loss. Here are some handy tips.

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Blood pressure –

Coping with age-related hair loss

Wrinkles and a little extra weight around the middle certainly garner attention, but hair loss is another age-related concern. As people age, their hair changes in several ways. Graying through loss of melanin pigment is the most apparent. MedlinePlus, the health information resource from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, says that strands of hair also can become less dense and smaller through the years. Many follicles also may stop producing new hairs. Regardless of age, it is customary for a person to lose about 100 hairs a day. If those hairs are not replaced as readily as they once were, patches of thinning and balding hair may appear.

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Please know only a medical professional can confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure. Anyone who believes they have high blood pressure should check with their primary care physician.

Try a new cut. Work with your stylist to determine a haircut that can suggest the appearance of thickness and camouflage the loss of density or bare spots.

Graduated layers kept close to the face can help, as can pixie cuts. Men can choose to go entirely bald and bold.

Treat hair gently. Avoid harsh chemical processes and constant heat styling.

Protect fragile hair from damage by pampering it.

Look for thickening formulas. Many shampoos, serums and conditioners tout volumizing or thickening properties. These can help plump up hair and make thinning less apparent.

Talk to your doctor. Hair loss may be a result of medication, a skin condition or aging. Doctors may suggest products, such as Minoxidil and Lipogaine formulas, that can be used on the scalp to reduce hair loss and help follicles produce new hair strands.

Understanding the numbers is the first step in controlling any blood pressure issues. Blood pressures of less than 120/80 are considered within the normal range. Anyone who falls in this category should stick with heart healthy habits like regular exercise and a diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

An elevated blood pressure reading range falls between 120 to 129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic. Patients with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to improve their condition.

When the pressure ranges consistently reach 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic this is hypertension stage 1.

At this stage, a doctor would

Hair thinning and hair loss can be a symptom of getting older. Knowledge is key to improve hair’s appearance at any age.

Diabetic foot care tips

Dr. Ryan Garbalosa

Summer is here, and while most people enjoy walking barefoot, diabetics should never do this. Many diabetics have neuropathy or decreased sensation in their feet and may be unaware they have had an injury. Diabetes can also reduce blood flow to a person’s feet, which makes it more difficult for a wound to heal. Wearing shoes protects your feet and helps reduce the chances of developing a foot injury.

likely prescribe lifestyle changes and may add blood pressure medication based on the patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease.

Hypertension stage 2 is when the blood pressure ranges are 140/90 or higher.

At this stage, both blood pressure medication and lifestyle changes would be the recommended treatments regardless of the patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease.

For anyone who takes their blood pressure and the reading exceeds 180/120, wait five minutes and then test it again. If it is still high, seek medical attention right away.

The terminology for what one could be experiencing is a hypertensive crisis crisis. If the blood pressure reading is higher than 180/120 and accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/ weakness, change in vision or difficulty speaking, call 911 immediately. Do not wait.

Difference Between the Numbers The first number is the systolic number. It identifies how much pressure the blood is applying against the artery walls when the heart beats.

The second number is the diastolic number. The difference between the diastolic and the systolic numbers is that the diastolic identifies pressure when the heart is resting between beats.

The physicians of McLeod Cardiology Associates can help you manage high blood pressure or other heart-related conditions. Cardiologists Dr. Ryan Garbalosa and Dr. Dennis Lang and Electrophysiologist Dr. Prabal Guha care for patients on the campus of McLeod Health Clarendon and at their office at 540 Physicians Lane in Sumter.

Appointments can be made by calling (803)883-5171.

Only a medical professional can confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure.

Anyone who believes they have high blood pressure should check with their primary care physician.

If you’d like to know more about how wounds impact diabetics, contact the Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital Wound Healing Center at 803-774-8715 or call your primary care physician.

Follow the tips below to help prevent foot injuries: • Visually inspect feet daily • Wear socks and supportive shoes that fit well • Don’t walk with bare feet even when indoors • Check the inside of your shoes before you put them on for objects • Keep your blood sugar well controlled • Wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly • Moisturize feet but don’t put lotion between your toes • Exercise

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• Seek medical care if you notice any open areas, redness or drainage • Keep nails clean • See a podiatrist for nail care

144 Garrett Street, Suite D • Sumter, SC

• Protect your feet from hot and cold

803-418-5441

www.visitingangels.com

Brookdale Sumter Senior Living Assisted Living Community 1180 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150-1738

803-469-4508

Brookdale.com

Call for a Complimentary Dinner at 803-840-6912 Ask for Mireille

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2019 SUMTER SENIOR LIVING

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019

THE SUMTER ITEM

New daily aspirin guidelines announced in heart attack and stroke prevention

DR. DENNIS LANG MCLEOD CARDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

For years, a daily dose of aspirin was recommended by many physicians to help prevent heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events for their patients. However, new guidelines by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology now advise against the routine use of aspirin in some patients, saying it may actually cause more harm than good in some people.

Aspirin has been shown to can irritate the lining of the stomach. For anyone who takes aspirin regularly, gastrointestinal bleeding is a concern.

Studies indicate the benefits of stroke or heart attack prevention from a daily low-dose of aspirin didn’t outweigh the risks of a heathy adult with no medical problems taking aspirin.

The new guidelines recommend: • A daily aspirin for adults in their 50s who are at high risk for coronary artery disease with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or a history of smoking.

• Adults who have already experienced a heart attack or stroke can prevent another event by taking a daily low dose aspirin (81 mg).

•

For healthy people 70 and

older who have not suffered a previous heart attack or stroke, there is no apparent benefit to taking a daily aspirin.

in the arteries around the heart.

After the study, the score numbers are calculated and reported to your physician.

The new recommendations do not apply to patients who already experienced a heart attack, stroke, open heart surgery, or any type of interventional heart procedure for heart disease. These patients should continue to take their low-dose aspirin as recommended by their physician.

Coronary Calcium Scoring Screenings are available at McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Dillon, McLeod Loris, and McLeod Seacoast with a physician referral.

McLeod offers the Coronary Calcium Scoring Screening for $99. Unfortunately, screening programs are generally not covered by insurance. Patients should also understand that the $99 only covers the screening and not any recommended follow-up care by the physician.

Anyone taking aspirin wondering if they need to continue, should consult with their physician before stopping on their own.

Even with these new guidelines there are doctors who will consider recommending aspirin for those patients who have a strong family history of heart disease, or for tests like Coronary Calcium Scoring that detects considerable plaque build-up inside the arteries.

Coronary Calcium Scoring is a noninvasive method of determining the presence of coronary artery disease in someone without symptoms, who is also at an increased risk of coronary artery disease. It is a very quick and painless test that only takes about five minutes. The calcium score is obtained from a CT scan. The score indicates the amount of calcium

Exercises to support stronger hips

The best protection against heart disease is adopting a heart healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a heart healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control. All of these things together will do more to prevent a heart attack and stroke than a daily aspirin.

The physicians of McLeod Cardiology Associates can help you manage your heart-related conditions. Cardiologists Dr. Ryan Garbalosa and Dr. Dennis Lang and Electrophysiologist Dr. Prabal Guha care for patients on the campus of McLeod Health Clarendon and at their office located at 540 Physicians Lane in Sumter. Appointments can be made by calling (803) 883-5171.

Dr. Dennis Lang

The best protection against heart disease is adopting a heart healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a heart healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control.

Good morning Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and keep your hands at your sides. With your knees slightly bent and your back naturally arched, bend at your hips as if you’re bowing out of respect as far as you can go, or until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position. During the exercise, keep your core braced and don’t bow your back.

Hip abduction Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Loop a resistance band around both ankles, and then raise your right leg out to the side as far as you can. Hold in this position for a moment before slowly returning to the starting position. Switch legs and then repeat the exercise on the other side.

Hip adduction Loop one end of a resistance band low around a solid object, then stand to the left of that object before looping the other end of the band around your right ankle. Place your legs shoulder-width apart, and then pull in your right leg until your ankles touch. Repeat with your left leg, this time moving to the right side of the object.

McLeod Heart & Vascular Services Close to Home McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute is committed to meeting the growing need for heart and vascular care. Our highly-skilled team includes Cardiologists, Dr. Dennis Lang and Dr. Ryan Garbalosa; Electrophysiologist, Dr. Prabal Guha; and Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Gabor Winkler. Our physicians provide the highest quality adult cardiovascular care utilizing the latest techniques and treatments. Dr. Guha and Dr. Winkler are available to see patients in Sumter and also in our Florence offices.

McLeod Cardiology Associates welcomes new patients. To make an appointment, call 803-883-5171.

Physician and self-referrals are welcome.

For Dr. Winkler, call 843-777-7043. Physician referrals required.

Dr. Gabor Winkler, Vascular Surgeon

Dr. Ryan Garbalosa, Cardiologist

McLeod Cardiology Associates Dr. Dennis Lang, Cardiologist

803-883-5171 1-800-877-6762 McLeodHeart.org

SUMTER ADDRESS

Dr. Prabal Guha, Electrophysiologist Cardiologist

Part of

McLeod 540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 Serving Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg, Orangeburg and Lee Counties

Heart & Vascular Institute