Gulf Coast Woman November-December 2020

OMAN

COMPLIMENTARY

GULF COAST

Women's Health &

OCTOBERNOVEMBER 2020

S R O T C O TOP D

SPONSORED BY

ICIAN FOR YOU FIND THE RIGHT PHYS SPECIAL CONTENT

Physical therapy

The path to faster recovery

Michael J. Christie M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Kelly Mask, FNP-C Cindy Barfield, FNP-BC

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A BANK WITH

community VALUES

FOUNDER

Dr. Angela Bruni

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dorothy P. Wilson

Though we have experienced tremendous growth in our 115 years, we have upheld the same small town values that we were founded upon.

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Crystal Scretching

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR/WRITER Jennifer Gentile

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Alisha H. Ware Angelyn Treutel Zeringue Chris Dearman Chrissy Cox Crystal Scretching Emily Wielgosz Jasmine Ball Jennifer Hearne Katherine Blessey

Dr. Kathy Keimig Kathy Brown van Zutphen Kathy Rogers Kimberly Barta Dr. Olivia Hightower Dr. Pamela Tuli Dr. Philip L. Levin Rita Green Robin Killeen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brandi Stage

Jasmine Ball

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Farrah Underwood

ON THE COVER Photographer: Brandi Stage Portraiture Hair and Makeup: Kasper Ly Location: Brandi Stage Portraiture

COVER SUBJECTS Dr. Lisa Smith, Dr. Nicholas Conger and Dr. Alisha Ware

ADVERTISE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Sherry Moxley Seaman (228) 202-2130

CONTACT US

38 Pass Road, Suite A, Gulfport, MS 39507 (228) 539-2422 CustomerService@gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com © 2020 Gulf Coast Woman is published 8 times per year and is available free of charge. We encourage your comments, suggestions and submissions, however, we unsolicited documents or manuscripts. All material is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.

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October/Novemeber 2020

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THISEDITION

contents HEALTH / 27 STYLE / 126 HOME & FAMILY / 139 MONEY / 153

ROBERTS’ SUCCESS AT ROBIN’S NEST

SUCCESS / 158 FOOD & FUN / 169

STYLE / 126

FOOD & FUN / 169

SUCCESS / 162 6

October/Novemeber 2020

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KEARN CHERRY

YOUR SENIOR CARE AUTHORITY Problem: I CAN’T GET MOM TO EAT WHAT TO DO: As our parents reach the 80s and 90s, it’s not uncommon for them to experience phases where food is no longer important to them. As the caregiver, this can produce added stress because you know if your loved one is not receiving adequate nutrition, they can quickly become very weak and more susceptible to infection. There are many reasons why some older adults lose their appetite or refuse to eat.

• First, rule out serious health problems, medication side-effects and dental problems.

These can cause a lack of appetite.

• Try switching up the routine by serving 5 smaller portions of high nutrient foods instead of 3 larger meals. Keep healthy easy-to-eat snacks on hand, too.

Stop Stressing. Hire a Sitter or Companion to Help If you’re the primary caregiver of your aging parent, now more than ever, you need help.

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228.822.9870 OFFICE www.owenandco.com 2208 18th Street, Suite B Gulfport, MS 39501 Sherry Owen

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3 BD | 2 BA | 2,936 SF | MLS #366465 10600 DERRY LANE, OCEAN SPRINGS

Gorgeous new home on the beach in Biloxi with sand beach land High ceilings with antique beams and doors. There are three fireplaces included. Approved for dock and boathouse off sand beach. The home is throughout the home. Formal living room and dining room feature a very open floor plan. Beautiful decor, custom cabinets, glass back splash sliding glass doors that open up to the beautiful view of the water tile, top of the line appliances. Doors open to the front porch and outdoor pool area. Large gym, large suite upstairs 5th bedroom, bath with fantastic view! and large closet. 4 car garage, full generator, pier, and boat house. Built $758,000 to Miami code standards. $2,250,000

Hidden Paradise just minutes to downtown Ocean Springs! Three acres on the Bayou leading to the Bay and out the Gulf of Mexico! This gated acreage has a custom home, overlooking the pool with Tiki table, lighting, lush landscaping with over 100 palm trees on the grounds, private boat launch, dock and sundeck.

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5 BD | 5 BA | 6,380 SF | MLS #363636 13087 LAKE FLORENCE RD., GULFPORT

4 BD | 4 BA | 3,879 SF | MLS #357165 2298 RUE MAISON, BILOXI

Gorgeous home just off the beach - within walking distance to Gulfport Harbor, the new Aquarium, restaurants and bars.

View of the beach! This home is less than three years old.

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you’ll find beautiful heart pine and brick flooring and high ceilings.

Large gourmet kitchen, Llarge wet bar off the living room, 2 large floor to ceiling wine refrigerators, beverage refrigerator, ice maker, sink. Formal dining and living rooms. Large den with fireplace - ALL with lake view!

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4 BD | 4 BA | 3,840 SF | MLS #356528 481 JORDAN DR., BILOXI

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GOING THE THE GOING

EXTRA MILE

MGCCC’S TO HELP HELPGAUTIER GAUTIEROFFICER OFFICER MGCCC’SEMMA EMMABAPTISTE BAPTISTETACKLES TACKLES 36-MILE 36-MILE FUNDRAISER FUNDRAISER TO Emma Baptiste, police Emma Baptiste, policechief chiefatatMississippi MississippiGulf Gulf Coast Community College’s Perkinston Coast Community College’s PerkinstonCampus, Campus, completed a 36-mile run/walk completed a 36-mile run/walkfundraiser fundraiserininher her college uniform and tactical college uniform and tacticalvest vestononAugust August29, 29, 2020, to to raise funds forforBen 2020, raise funds BenMcQuagge, McQuagge,ananofficer officer with thethe Gautier Police with Gautier PoliceDepartment Departmentwho whowas was recently diagnosed with recently diagnosed withstage stage4 4colon coloncancer. cancer.The The successful fundraiser successful fundraiserwill willhelp helphis hisfamily familywith with treatment costs and other treatment costs and otherexpenses. expenses.

Baptiste, who worked Baptiste, who workedforforthe theHarrison HarrisonCounty County Sheriff ’s Department Sheriff ’s Departmentforfor1515years, years,met metMcQuagge McQuagge while working at at the Harrison while working the HarrisonCounty CountyLaw Law Enforcement Training Enforcement TrainingAcademy.

Academy.

“Officer Ben McQuaggeisisa afriend friendofofmine minewho who “Officer Ben McQuagge I trained Academywhen whenhehecame camethrough through I trained at at thethe Academy become a certified officer, ” shesaid. said.“He “Heisisaa to to become a certified officer, ” she dedicated officer communityand andtotothis thisstate. state. dedicated officer toto hishiscommunity taken multiple drugsmugglers smugglersand andhigh-level high-level HeHe hashas taken multiple drug criminals streetsand andcombated combatedinterstate interstate criminals offoff thethe streets trafficking No. 1 interdictionofficer officerininthe the trafficking asas thethe No. 1 interdiction state.Plus, Plus, he’s a dear friend.He Heand andhis hiswife, wife,also also state. he’s a dear friend. officer with GautierPolice PoliceDepartment, Department,are are anan officer with thethe Gautier wonderful people, law enforcementofficers officersand and wonderful people, law enforcement parents two beautifulchildren. children. parents to to two beautiful ”” She said that she alwayswears wearsher hertactical tacticalvest vest She said that she always when running in Thin Blue Line runs or for the 9/11 when running in Thin Blue Line runs or for the 9/11 run.She She thought wasfitting fittingfor forthis thisfundraiser fundraiserasas run. thought it it was well. enjoy wearing myMGCCC MGCCCCampus CampusPolice Police well.

“I “I enjoy wearing my Uniform events aroundthe theGulf GulfCoast Coastbecause because Uniform at at events around college provides education to the communities ourour college provides education to the communities in the four lower counties of the state and allows me in the four lower counties of the state and allows me to represent our department throughout the area.” to represent our department throughout the area.”

She added, “In these races, I always wear my She added, “In these races, I always wear my tactical vest with the names of my fallen friends to tactical vest with the names of all mylaw fallen friends to symbolize the heavy burden enforcement symbolize the heavy all law officers carry in ourburden hearts for theirenforcement loss. My officers carry in our hearts for their loss. My

motivation for this this event eventisis motivationfor forwearing wearing the the uniform uniform for the tough battle, battle, thefact factthat thatBen BenMcQuagge McQuagge is is fighting fighting aa tough and cancer, and and II chose chose andhe heisisfighting fightinghard hard to to beat beat this this cancer, totorun/walk was going going to to be be run/walkin infull fullgear gear knowing knowing it it was hard but physically. physically.He He hardand andhorrible horriblenot not only only mentally mentally but has positive manner, manner, hasbeen beendealing dealingwith with this this in in such such aa positive so in knowing knowing soIIhave haveno noreason reasonto to complain. complain. II went went in ititwas endure wasgoing goingto tobe behard hard and and that nothing I endure compares through.”” comparesto towhat whathe he has has been going through.

Baptiste along with with Baptistebegan began training training for the event along her spring. “I “I herfriends friendsat atBandit Bandit CrossFit CrossFit this past spring. was Across wascompleting completing The The Great Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee kilometer or or Tennessee(GVRAT), (GVRAT), aa virtual 1,000 kilometer 635-milerace racethat that began began on May 1 and ended 635-mile ended on on August31, 31,so sothat that was was pretty pretty much my training.

August training.

Thefundraiser fundraiserwas was the the culmination of that The that event. event. havebeen beenrunning running and and walking great distances IIhave distances sinceMay, May,logging logging miles miles every day. That training since training allowedme meto togo go as as long long as I did. Once I finished allowed finished the36 36miles milesfor for the the fundraiser, fundraiser, II continued continued to the to do do moremiles milesand and completed completed 45 45 miles miles total more total that that day. day.””

Shesaid saidshe sherecommends recommends starting starting with She with walking, walking, runningand andtraining training with with aa program program like running like CrossFit CrossFit wellbefore beforetackling tackling so so many many miles miles in well in one one day. day. “To “To trainto todo do36 36miles miles truly truly depends depends on train on your your fitness fitness level. IfIfyou youhave have never never have have done done anything level. anything much much theway wayof oftraining, training, II do do not not recommend recommend just ininthe just jumpingup upand and doing doing 36 36 miles. miles. It jumping It can can be be done, done, itit justwould wouldnot notbe be very very nice nice on on the the body just body and and feet. feet.

I’ve been in training, and it took me 13 hours and I’ve been in training, and it took me 13 hours and 53 minutes to complete the 36 miles.”

53 minutes to complete the 36 miles.”

Balancing job, family, events like this one and a Balancing job, family, events like this one and a rigorous fitness plan takes organization. Baptiste, rigorous fitness plan takes organization. Baptiste, mother to 11-year-old Aiden, said it can be done. mother to 11-year-old can be the done.

“The struggle of being aAiden, mothersaid anditfinding “The of being a mother and finding the timestruggle to do things for myself is a constant struggle. time to do things for myself is a constant struggle.

hearititfrom from IIhear othersasaswell, well, others ”” shesaid. said.“I“I she remindmyself myself remind thatto tomake make that andfind findthe the and timefor forme me time andnot notfeel feel and guiltyabout aboutitit guilty allowsme metoto allows behappier, happier,toto be burnstress. stress. InIn burn turn,itithelps helps turn, me mebe bebetter better and andhealthier healthier for ”” formy myfamily. family.

She Shesaid saidthat that working workingatatMGCCC MGCCChas hasput puther herwork-life work-lifebalance balance in since inaagreat greatplace. place.She Shehas hasbeen beenwith withthe thecollege college since 2017.

2017. “Gulf “GulfCoast Coastisistruly trulya agreat greatplace placetotowork. work.I I love lovethe thestudents studentsand andmy myfellow fellowcollege collegeemployees. employees.

The Thefocus focusisiscertainly certainlyon onfamily familyhere, here,from fromthe the college collegefamily familytotoour ourown ownfamilies. families.We Wehave havetime time off offand andinvitations invitationstotocampus campusevents eventsthat thatare arefamily family friendly. friendly. We Wealso alsohave haveaccess accesstotothings thingslike likehealth health clinics, and clinics,fitness fitnesscenters centersand andeven evenwalking walkingtracks tracks and paths ”” pathsthat thatare areon oncampus campusand andsosoconvenient. convenient.

Looking Lookingforward forwardtotoher hernext nextendurance endurancetrial, trial, Baptiste races Baptistesaid saidthese thesegoals, goals,whether whetherlong longdistance distance races or 5K and 10K runs, keep her on track with her or 5K and 10K runs, keep her on track with her fitness. “You need a goal to keep yourself on track,” fitness. “You need a goal to keep yourself on track,” she said. “We all need challenges, so those goals are she said. “We all need challenges, so those goals are certainly important, but we also need smaller goals certainly important, but we also need smaller goals that can help us find success as we work toward the that can help us find successthat’s as welike work toward the greater challenges.

Actually, everything in greater challenges.

Actually, that’s like everything life, not just fitness.

It’s a good lesson for life. ” 11 in www.gcwmultimedia.com life, not just fitness. It’s a good lesson for life.”

gratefuls 2020 HAS BEEN A TOUGH YEAR FOR MOST OF US, BUT AS WE HEAD INTO THE HOLIDAY SEASON, IT’S IMPORTANT TO COUNT OUR BLESSINGS. HERE, SOME THANKFUL LOCAL WOMEN SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES AND INSIGHTS ABOUT GRATITUDE.

Rita Green

OWNER OF GEAUX FIG — AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANCE FIRM To be grateful means to show appreciation for kindness — to be thankful.

Sometimes the very people we need to show kindness to are ourselves. We often don’t realize that our own minds are our very first friends, fans and naysayers. We can be our own biggest supporter or our greatest deterrent.

When considering what I am most grateful for, self comes to mind. I am truly grateful for the love of self that at one point was void. There is no truer statement than this: If you can’t love yourself, how can you love someone else? I am grateful for the ability to love myself, the strength to forgive myself and the opportunity to share this powerful love with others.

I am grateful for love, peace, shelter, stability and ups and downs. Yes, downs. You can’t truly appreciate or be grateful for the highs in life until you have experienced the lows.

Love covers a multitude of sins, and love conquers all. That is why I am grateful for the love I have found in this life.

Because I love me, I have so much love to give that I cannot contain it. Therefore, I have given love to my children, to my husband, my colleagues, my friends, my enemies and everyone in between — from the UPS driver to my landlord.

Gratitude is not taught. It is a grace that is experienced. Gratitude allows someone to grow. It opens so many opportunities and relationships that may not have been possible otherwise.

You see, when you learn to be grateful for your own existence, being kind to others and appreciating their existence becomes second nature. I am grateful for you and I am grateful for me. I am grateful for blue skies, and I am grateful for the trees. I am grateful for life’s challenges, and I am grateful for life’s wins. I am grateful for the good Lord above, who became my very first best friend.

Katherine Blessey

30 YEARS AS THE CO-OWNER OF CHATEAU BLESSEY, BILOXI As the 2020 holiday season approaches, we may struggle with the concept of gratitude.

Unprecedented stressors have come our way this year. As women, we often set the emotional tone for our families. Our attitudes are felt, and even mirrored, by our loved CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

ones — especially our children. They are looking to us for constancy, guidance and hope. Cultivating gratitude is essential, and I learned that from the two most important women in my life.

My immigrant parents, who arrived in America and settled in Wiggins in 1949, modeled gratitude for me. My mother’s signature phrase was, “God bless America!”

To me, it was both a prayer and a sermon because she exclaimed it whenever she was overcome with thankfulness and awe at this amazing country. The first time she visited a small country grocery store and saw the many varieties of coffee available, she burst into tears — overwhelmed at the contrast of having come from such famine in her native country, Ukraine, at the hands of Stalin.

Mother was grateful for everything.

Joel and Marion Blass welcomed my sisters and me into their home so that we might attend Vacation Bible School nearby.

There, I eagerly observed from Marion how to formally set a beautiful dining room table with china, silver and crystal for Sunday brunch after Mass. I learned from Mrs. Blass the true value of having beautiful things is not found simply in obtaining them, but in sharing them with friends and loved ones.

Sometimes, the losses in our lives teach us the most about gratitude. The end of a marriage, the loss of loved ones and natural disasters bring us to crossroads where we are forced to choose, sometimes by the minute, to be grateful for what we had while we had it and for what we still have. Life will challenge, and even mock, our attempts at gratitude, but practicing thankfulness has saved my sanity at times, including rebuilding in Biloxi after Katrina and after losing my husband of almost 35 years to cancer in 2017.

In these confusing and troubling times, may we be grateful women inspired by the words of Maya Angelou: “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” *Blessey’s eldest daughter, Michelle Walker, contributed to this piece.

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October/Novemeber 2020

Crystal Scretching DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER, GULF COAST WOMAN

Certain moments in our lives remind us what is truly important. For me, being directly affected by this pandemic taught me about cherishing my family and my health.

At the end of March 2020, I started not feeling well, and my condition quickly declined. Within a few days, my head was buried in my lap while awaiting my diagnosis in an outdoor pop-up tent turned testing drive thru. The doctor explained I was suffering from pneumonia due to COVID-19. As he rattled off the next two weeks of procedures and medications, I could not believe what I was hearing.

“Wait, what?” I thought. “What’s happening? This can’t be real.”

I shifted from a daily routine of remote work, home schooling and dinner at my parents’ house to lying in bed for hours and wishing I could do normal things like make my son breakfast or take out the trash. I’ve never felt so helpless.

I remember my son wondering if his mom would be OK as he stayed six feet away from me at all times.

I was isolated in my room and could only use common areas like the kitchen and one side of the living room couch, disinfecting as I exited and wearing a mask.

One day, my breathing was really tight, and my Idadhad an asthma attack. My dad rushed over and saw me on the floor struggling, puffing on my inhaler.

“Breathe, baby,” he urged.

I’ll never forget the look on my mom’s face. She tells me frequently, “I was this close to driving you to the hospital myself!” For the rest of my recovery, life became about breathing and sleeping.

My parents stepped up in such a big way, cooking all the meals, watching my son and helping him with school. Ironically, we were supposed to take a family vacation to Disney World in April. None of us could have predicted what we would face.

I’m forever grateful for what they did for me. At a time when I felt at my worst, I was humbled and grounded in knowing that I was surrounded by love and support. Today, simple things like being able to hug them and sit together in the living room, laughing as we guess answers to Family Feud, has a new meaning.

It’s so easy to take things for granted in life. We get caught up in dayto-day concerns and forget to smell the roses. For the first time in a long time, I saw my family. I recognized that when everything has washed away, my only wish is to have spent time with them — connecting and loving one another.

John Charles Robinson of Gulfport was an American aviator and activist who was hailed as the “Brown Condor” for his service in the Imperial Ethiopian Air Force against Fascist Italy.

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722 Dunbar Ave.

Bay St. Louis, MS | MLS #363920 Beautiful one of a kind Craftsman Cottage on +/-2.4 acres in Bay St Louis! This multi-level home offers so much inside and out. Tons of charm, tons of history as this 1945 home has withstood the test of time!

685 Hilo Way

Diamondhead, MS | MLS #363719 This gorgeous home is in a desirable, ''X'' Flood Zone.

No Flood Insurance required. Enjoy the Spaciousness, Openness & Style of this Home. Lots of Natural Light.

4 BD | 3 BA | 2,443 SF | $415,000

645 Union St.

Bay St. Louis, MS | MLS #365613

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3 BD | 3 BA | 1,498 SF | $264,900

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,435 SF | $145,000

4 BD | 2 BA | 3,139 SF | $294,900

452 Ulman Ave.

Bay St. Louis, MS | MLS #364286 Location! Location! Location! Bike, Walk or Cruise a Few Blocks to Old Town Bay St. Louis. Take An Evening Drive or Stroll Down the Sidewalk to Main Street Shops, Dining & Entertainment.

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Gaming ELEVATED

AT SCARLET PEARL

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Every detail is meticulously planned out — from the textured wall coverings to the convenience features at the slot machines.

From the moment guests step through the entryway, crafted from Grecian vanilla onyx, the sumptuous surroundings leave no doubt they’re in a space meant for VIPs — and that’s just what the Scarlet Pearl intended for the Orchid Room. The casino resort’s new highlimit gaming area, which officially opened in September, sets a new standard of opulence and excellence, says Scarlet Pearl CEO LuAnn Pappas.

“Any casino can raise their minimums, put in high-denomination slots and call it a ‘high-limit room,’” Pappas says. “Here, we have created an ‘elevated’ experience. The best players deserve the best room, the best services, the best amenities and most importantly, the best employees. The Orchid Room is simply the best.”

Purple, the color of royalty, is prevalent throughout the Orchid Room, a $4 million, 5,800-square-foot project undertaken by Mississippi-based AnderCorp and designed by Friedmutter Group — a Las Vegas-based architecture firm. The space features eight blackjack and mini-baccarat table games, 53 slot and video poker machines and its own dedicated cashier and player services counter.

Above the players’ heads are intricate sculptural chandeliers featuring prism-shaped crystals and hand-beaded shimmering, purple glass. Beneath their feet is plush, white orchid-print carpet.

On the walls, Vector Velveteen wall fabric features a geometric pattern that is pleasing to the touch as well as the eye. Commercial

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October/Novemeber 2020

Millwork Specialists Inc. of Gulfport provided custom stone and brass craftsmanship.

“It’s fantastic,” exclaims Allen Godfrey, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission, who visited for the room’s ribbon cutting. “It’s a tremendous addition and a tremendous reinvestment by Scarlet Pearl Casino — one of many reinvestments made by Scarlet Pearl since opening.”

The Orchid Room’s perks are only available to members of Pearl Rewards, Scarlet Pearl’s loyalty program. VIP guests can refresh their hands with lemon-scented cloths, relax with ballet slippers, back massagers and cashmere shawls and sip on specialty cocktails like blackberry margaritas and Orchid Room cosmos. “Gaming pods” are equipped with amenities like personal 24-inch flatscreen TVs, charging stations, food trays and storage compartments.

The high standards extended to picking the Orchid Room’s staff — who auditioned for the job.

“We hired 111 new people for this room, so we’re proud of that, too,” Pappas says. “All were hand selected.”

Every detail was chosen to delight players and give them a special experience, says Ben Koff, vice president of marketing for Scarlet Pearl.

“Part of luck is wanting to be there,” Koff says. “No one feels lucky in a place they don’t want to be.”

The next phase of the $6 million undertaking is a VIP player’s lounge next door.

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October/Novemeber 2020

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Humble and hungry

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Gulf Coast Monarchy tackles challenges on, off field Every practice of the Gulf Coast Monarchy, a women’s tackle football team, starts the same way: with a chant.

“Who are we? Monarchy!” the players cry, led by captain Shelita Witherspoon. “What are we? Humble! What are we?

Hungry!”

According to owner Tyre Brown, the team’s motto, “humble and hungry,” reflects a desire to achieve excellence while remaining grounded and giving back. Established in 2020, the Monarchy is part of the Women’s Football Alliance — the world’s largest, longest-running and most competitive women’s tackle football league.

“We opted to join forces with the Alliance because we believe in empowerment,” Brown says. “There are so many women who have secretly desired to play women’s tackle football.”

The team’s roster now stands at 35 players, five coaches, 11 crew members and four administrators. The diverse group of coaches challenges the women not only to be great on the field, Brown says, but also in their daily lives.

“We need more women who are visible role models,” Brown says. “Once we see more career sportswomen, it becomes more possible for the next generation to aim for it — just like in the workplace.”

The COVID-19 crisis forced the cancellation of what would have been the Monarchy’s debut. Before the pandemic, the team was practicing three to four times weekly to prepare for an eight-game season.

Nonetheless, Brown says the team has weathered the pandemic by doing various activities to stay ready for next year.

For example, they conducted weekly Zoom meetings to discuss football terminology, and several WFA players have participated in workout webinars with Olympian Marion Jones. “(The Monarchy) strives to have thorough and close collaboration to produce a high-performing team,” Brown says.

“It can be difficult, especially during a time of a pandemic, but our team has strong leaders who are able to keep everybody on the same page.”

One of the unifying principles for the entire league is a stance against racism and violence, and Brown says the Monarchy — a

24

October/Novemeber 2020

team representing many different communities and backgrounds — echoes that belief. To that end, several players have engaged in community events to uplift people of color and further social justice.

“We believe we are all in this together,” Brown says. “Staying humble is important to us, as we have participated in parades and toy drives, put on a free flag football camp for kids, helped set up the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and held a T-shirt drive to help a fellow player.”

That player, Abby Bosarge, is a Pass Christian High School student who is battling leukemia. Her time with the team, she says, was a “fantastic experience.”

“The environment is more like a family than a team,” Bosarge says. “It’s amazing to be able to play a sport as a woman that is predominantly played by men.”

Having completed her third round of chemo in August, Bosarge expects to be at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for several months as she receives and recovers from a bone marrow transplant. Meanwhile, she remains grateful for her friends in the Monarchy.

“They have been so amazing to me,” Bosarge says. “Every single one of them has shown me so much support.”

Besides backing Bosarge, the team distributed 300 hot sack lunches in Biloxi and Pascagoula in May, along with helping distribute vegetable boxes at the local community center.

“We look forward to continuing to give back to our Coast community,” Brown says, “as they have already shown us so much love and support even before we have been able to take our first snap.”

The Monarchy is a thriving program that is eager for the many challenges that lie ahead according to Brown. COVID-19 may have delayed the team’s playing time, she says, “but we look forward to continuing to write our story in the near future.”

That includes promoting the game of women’s tackle football and showing ways to implement it in local high schools.

“We may fall,” Brown adds, “but will get up and reach the next goal.”

The Chamber is here for you and your business!

CONNECT·INFORM·ADVOCATE·DEVELOP

FOLLOW US! Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. | mscoastchamber.com | 228-604-0014 www.gcwmultimedia.com

25

29 AMBASSADORS RAISE FUNDS, AWARENESS FOR BREAST CANCER FIGHT Gary Barton, Lodging & Leisure Investments LLC Mitch Bauman, VIMH Creative Jeremiah Blackwell Jr., Phi Beta Sigma-State of Mississippi Brian Keith Brown, Oceans Behavioral Healthcare Turner Colvin, The Cypress Taphouse Keith Davis, Mississippi Department of Public Safety Mayor Shea Dobson, city of Ocean Springs Wes Dunn, Uniphar Group dba Durbin USA Leland C. Dunning, SAAD Home Healthcare & Hospice Jeremy England, Speed, Seta, Martin, Trivett & Stubley LLC Kevin W. Felsher, state of Mississippi/ Coldwell Banker Commercial Reality Brian Gerych, JCM Global Kenny Glavan, city of Biloxi/Lodging & Leisure Investments LLC. Andrew Hinkebein, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker’s office Mayor Billy Hewes, city of Gulfport Scott Holden, Lodging & Leisure Investments LLC. John L. McCarty III, Hope Credit Union Christopher Montgomery, Hair Fetish Beauty Bar Jeff O’Keefe Jr., Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes John Russell O’Neal, Bishop Insurance Agency Jonathan Pace, NCR Randy Richardson, Power Mark Properties David Sabbatini, Sabbatini’s Paint and Body Shop Douglas Sellers, Iron Works Gym Mayor Mike Smith, city of Waveland Laurin St. Pe’, Singing River Health Systems Steve Picard, HCSD Jim Tabor, WLOX-TV Kiowa Walley, Antonian Salon

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Breast cancer affects guys, too.

Approximately 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2020, according to The American Cancer Society. And for every woman battling the disease, there are husbands, sons, fathers, brothers and other male loved ones fighting at her side.

That’s why participants in the American Cancer Society’s 2020 Real Men Wear Pink campaign on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are committed to raising funds and awareness for the cause. Mallory Hill, director of communications for the American Cancer Society, South Region, says 29 outstanding ambassadors have signed on for this year’s campaign.

“This distinguished group of community leaders raises awareness and funds to support the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives – and to help us save more lives than ever before,” Hill adds.

“Aside from the fundraising aspect, each ambassador is tasked with wearing pink every day throughout October.”

Last year’s group, led by the late, beloved radio personality Kipp Greggory, raised over $94,000. This year’s ambassadors, chaired by his daughter, Stormi Knippers, are aiming to raise $150,000.

“Every dollar raised helps the American Cancer Society save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research and patient support,” Hill says.

“Thanks to the passion of our Real Men Wear Pink supporters, we’re able to make a huge impact on the mission to end breast cancer.”

The ambassadors’ efforts are more

important than ever. According to LaWanda Jones, community development manager for the American Cancer Society, the organization’s research budget is in jeopardy for the first time in its history.

“Deep cuts in our research funding could mean a generation of cancer research lost, including breast cancer research,” Jones says. “For cancer patients, this may dramatically alter the availability of lifesaving treatments. Support from the community for campaigns like this can help us overcome this crisis and move forward in this fight.”

Normally, Real Men Wear Pink would start with an in-person kickoff, but the Aug. 27 event was held virtually to ensure participants’ health and safety. Each ambassador is challenged to raise at least $2,500.

“Real Men Wear Pink has always been a unique campaign, given the fact that it involves the ambassadors raising funds in many different ways,” Hill says. “Some focus on Facebook fundraising while others may focus on email campaigns. And, of course, there are some who like to hold intimate gatherings with family and friends in an effort to raise funds.”

To support a Real Men Wear Pink ambassasdor, visit www. realmenwearpinkacs.org/gulfcoastMS. Hill notes that the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event also will look different in 2020. The Hunt for the Cure, set for Oct. 17, will be designed as a car-based scavenger hunt. For more details or to get involved, see www.makingstrideswalk. org/msgulfcoast.

& h t l a e H 's n e m o W

S R O T C O D TOP

We know that women make 80 percent of health-care decisions for their families.

This special section is presented to help you make better decisions about your and your family's health care.

Our readers have spoken. See who are the Coast's Top Doctors! page 54 SPONSORED BY

27

COVER STORY

Beating breast cancer

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

— one screening at a time Radiologist says we’re making headway against disease

D

r. Lisa Smith has an to consulting with doctors in urgent message for other specialties and getting women everywhere: face time with patients, often Mammograms save lives. while performing image-guided “Breast imaging is very procedures and biopsies. important, and I truly Thanks to exciting new consider it a privilege technologies and medical doing what I love,” says the advances, Smith says, the field radiologist — a partner continues to evolve and improve of GCI Radiology PLLC. — which includes developments in the fight against breast “I always try to give my cancer. patients the service and “With advancements in compassion I would want my screening mammogram own family and friends to technology, we are sometimes receive.” able to detect small breast The American College cancers only a few millimeters of Radiology recommends in size and early pre-invasive that every woman receive breast cancers,” the radiologist an annual mammogram says. “Early detection is starting at age 40. Smith, allowing more and more who also practices at patients to make a full recovery, Merit Health Biloxi and sometimes with less surgery at Compass Imaging in and treatment.”

Gulfport and D’Iberville, She notes that within the last adds her voice to the chorus two years, state-of-the art 3D of experts urging women to tomosynthesis mammography get screened. has become widely available on “Breast imaging is such the Coast. Not only does this an important subspecialty technology have slightly better within radiology, since cancer detection capability, she breast cancer is the most says, but it also has a particular common type of invasive benefit for women with dense cancer diagnosed in females breast tissue. in the United States,” she Other advances have allowed says. “It’s estimated that one Photo by Brandi Stage Portraiture specialists like Smith to better in eight women in the U.S. understand the genetics behind breast cancer. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.”

“We are now able to identify and test for a number of breast As dedicated as she is to her field today, Smith initially shied cancer gene mutations …,” she says. “The combination of riskaway from radiology. A fourth-generation doctor, she didn’t assessment models with genetic testing allows us to select those want to follow her father and grandfather into their specialty — but it proved to be the perfect fit. who qualify for annual high-risk screening breast MRIs, which “(After my residency,) I wanted to complete the additional are also now widely available on the Coast.” fellowship year in breast imaging because I have always been passionate about women’s health,” says the Memphis native, SMITH’S QUALIFICATIONS who has practiced on the Coast since 2017. “I also found the Dr. Smith attended medical school at the University patient interaction and procedures required in breast radiology of Tennessee Health and Science Center in Memphis, graduating in 2011. She then moved to Birmingham really suited me.” for her radiology residency at the University of Contrary to popular belief, Smith says radiologists don’t Alabama-Birmingham, which she completed in 2016. spend their days sitting in a dark room in front of a computer.

Upon finishing her residency, she completed a breastAnalyzing and reporting may be an important part of the job, imaging fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta. but Smith and her peers devote many of their working hours DR. LISA SMITH CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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October-November 2020

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Where your

Children are our passion

Dr. Jennifer Grayson Board Certified with the American Academy of Pediatrics Serving the Gulf Coast for over 20 years Safety and your family’s health is our priority

All Pediatric Care Needs Birth to 19 | ADHD Newborn Quality Care | Asthma/ Allergy Breastfeeding Friendly | Immunizations

FREE PRENATAL CONSULTS IN CLINIC OR BY TELEHEALTH Most Major Insurances Accepted Same Day Appointments/ Telehealth

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Healthcare evolves.

So do we.

10 NEW PRIVATE ROOMS OPEN OCTOBER 2020 Healthcare is constantly evolving, and at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, we pride ourselves as innovators. We are adding 10 additional patient beds at our hospital, expanding our capabilities to deliver even better rehabilitation outcomes.

The number of hospital beds isn’t the only upgrade at our hospital, either. New technology inside our spacious therapy gym provides our teams with the latest innovations in rehabilitation to help patients improve their function and strength.

About our hospital At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, we provide inpatient rehabilitation to help patients regain their independence after a stroke, brain injury or other life changing illness or injury.

Patients at our hospital receive at least three hours of therapy a day five days per week. By combining physical, speech and occupational therapy, we customize a care plan that meets each patient’s unique needs.

30

October-November 2020

What to expect at our hospital • • • • • •

Advanced technologies Dedicated activities of daily living suite 43 private rooms Spacious therapy gym Team of rehabilitation specialists Welcoming lobby

For more information on our hospital, visit ehc.rehab/gph20

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4500 13th Street Suite 900 • Gulfport, MS 39501 • 228.822.6990 ©2020:Encompass Health Corporation:1570162 www.gcwmultimedia.com 31

Photo by Brandi Stage Portraiture

COVER STORY

CONGER’S CREDENTIALS

Dr. Conger holds a bachelor-ofscience degree in biology from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, and attended medical school at the University of Texas at Houston. After joining the U.S. Air Force, he completed an internal medicine internship and residency training at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio at Lackland Air Force Base, followed by a two-year infectious diseases fellowship training there. He was a staff physician at Wilford Hall for nine years, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, for four years, at Keesler Medical Center for four years and at Wright-Patterson Medical Center in Ohio for four years.

Fighting on the invisible battlefield COVID-19 poses latest challenge for infectious disease specialist

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

D

r. Nicholas Conger finds infectious diseases fascinating.

“It is an ever-changing field with new and emerging infections always on the horizon …,” he says. “For me, it incorporates a perfect blend of science and art, as not all of the answers are found ‘in the books.’”

While those answers can be elusive, Conger enjoys the search — and the constant learning that medicine demands.

An infectious disease specialist with Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, he retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2018 after 21 years of active duty service and returned with his family to the Coast.

During his service, Conger witnessed several situations while deployed that have stayed with him. One badly burned orphan was flown to the U.S. for

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October-November 2020

treatment and ultimately was adopted.

Service members held another child in traction until bullets and fragments within millimeters of her spine could be removed. Multiple blast victims received immediate craniectomies and somehow survived.

Conger’s specialty represents a different battleground — or as the doctor would describe it, more like a puzzle.

“Practicing infectious diseases often involves matching the best treatment for a given infection, for the right amount of time, to help the body overcome an infection while causing the least side effects or harm to the patient,” he says.

The challenge makes the job fun and intellectually stimulating, he adds — “and, of course, very satisfying when patients overcome their infections.”

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Infectious disease specialists like Conger are consulted for various reasons, from difficult-to-treat, drug-resistant infections to chronic infections that require ongoing care. They treat patients with conditions like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, as well as acute bacterial infections like MRSA, and they work with orthopedic surgeons to cure patients when they have infected joints and bones.

“In addition, we often are sent patients who have fevers of unknown cause,” he says, “or other symptoms that suggest they have an infection where further investigation is needed.”

Conger learned of COVID-19 like everyone else — through news and media reports. Early on, some alarm bells rang in infectious disease physician forums, the doctor recalls. The danger became clear when cases started popping up in numerous countries.

“This was clearly different than the first SARS virus, which was mostly contained within Asia and only had an outbreak outside of Asia in Toronto,” Conger says. “It became quite evident that this virus was much more contagious, and the general population was largely not immune, which could lead to widespread transmission and many deaths.”

Conger’s background makes him uniquely suited for the present pandemic.

During his stint in Germany, he cared for a patient with Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, an infection similar in severity and contagiousness to Ebola. Also while in Germany, he was

among those to treat an American citizen who came into the hospital emaciated from a treatable viral infection he’d ignored for years.

When it comes to COVID-19, Conger acknowledges that many unknowns remain. He and other experts aren’t sure why the virus has a relatively minimal effect on children, or why it has broken the mold for respiratory viruses and not relented during the warm summer months.

The range of symptoms and severity is puzzling, too.

“There are clearly risk factors that make some more ill than others,” Conger says, “and we have just begun to scratch the surface trying to understand why.”

Although he’s watched some COVID patients sustain permanent damage and others succumb to the illness, Conger insists “it’s not all doom and gloom.”

“We have seen many patients improve and do quite well,” he says.

“Expanded testing has shown that there likely large groups of people, particularly the young and healthy, that have few to any symptoms and do quite well when infected.”

Convalescent plasma, or immune cells, from people who have recovered from COVID-19 has proven helpful, Conger says, as have steroids like dexamethasone. The antiviral drug Remdesivir has been shown to decrease illness duration, and potentially mortality, and others are being studied.

“In addition, we have heard of some potential vaccine candidates,” he says. “As of right now, it is really difficult to predict if and when a vaccine will be available and how effective any given vaccine will be.”

The doctor decries the many misconceptions about COVID, as many reports either dramatically overstate the dangers or dismiss it as nothing to fear. Like most things in life, he says, the truth lies somewhere in between.

“In my opinion, policy makers should take advantage of what we know about the epidemiology of this infection: that the elderly and those with significant medical problems are clearly at highest risk of severe infection and death,” he says. “Protecting them should be the cornerstone of any program moving forward, while still allowing for the most, yet safest, freedom of movement, education and commerce for those at lower risk.”

Recent events have reinforced why Conger — a husband and father of five — entered his field. The practical application of knowledge is one of his favorite aspects of medicine.

“Most importantly,” he says, “I love the daily interactions with patients and the relationships that develop in an effort to bring healing to our community.”

DR. LISA SMITH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Patients who qualify include those with a 20-25 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer based on family history, gene mutation, or having a first-degree relative with a gene mutation. The National Cancer Institute offers a free risk-assessment tool at http:// bcrisktool.cancer.gov/.

As breast cancer breakthroughs happen, Smith gets a front-row seat to how they affect patients.

“Like most of my colleagues, the desire to make a difference and help people was a big part of my decision (to become a doctor),” she says. “The lifelong learning required in medicine also attracted me to the field.”

As an adjunct professor, through her practice affiliation with the University of South Alabama, Smith shares her knowledge with residents once a month.

As a physician, she’s committed to treating patients with respect and kindness — which includes giving in-person, same-day results to women who come for a diagnostic breast workup after a mammogram.

“Quality care starts with an entire team of dedicated staff and clinicians,” she says.

“It is a team effort.”

On her free time, Smith belongs to another team — a tennis squad that won the state championship last year. She’s also a wife to Chris Smith, a local attorney, and mom to a 14-month-old son, Harrison.

“Since having my first child, I have gained additional respect for working parents,” she says. “Having a good work-life balance is so important to both achieving and maintaining professional success.”

COASTAL FAMILY HEALTH CENTER, THE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER, PARTNER TO PROVIDES COVID-19 TESTING

Coastal Family Health Center and The Salvation Army Kroc Center Mississippi Gulf Coast (Kroc Center) are joining forces to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing on certain dates through the end of the year.

CFHC’s medical mobile unit will conduct COVID-19 testing, with no out-of-pocket expense to patients, at the Kroc Center — located at 575 Division St., Biloxi. Testing will be available Tuesday, Sept. 1, Thursday, Oct. 8, Thursday, Nov.12 and Thursday, Dec.10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose and loss of smell or taste (for a complete list of COVID-19 symptoms, refer to www.cdc.gov) can drive through to be tested by trained medical professionals.

For more information on COVID-19 testing, call 1-877-374-4991 (CFHC) or (228) 207-1218 (Kroc Center).

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

www.gcwmultimedia.com

33

THESE DOCTORS ARE AMONG

THE BEST ORTHOPEDISTS IN MISSISSIPPI. Based on the latest peer-nominated Castle Connolly Top DoctorsÂŽ survey

Our dedication to providing exceptional care is exemplified by our board-certified physicians, whose goal has always been to promote an active, healthy lifestyle through the use of the latest medical technology and the most innovative treatments and programs. Our commitment to our community began in 1981 and we are truly dedicated to being the best and most TRUSTED total orthopaedic resource to our patients – today and tomorrow. Our years of unwavering devotion, compassion and commitment to the needs of our patients have marked a tradition of TRUST at Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists.

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October-November 2020

BIENVILLE ORTHOPAEDIC SPECIALISTS: CHARLES J. WINTERS, md

HENRY T. LEIS, md

MATTHEW W. LEWIS, md

THOMAS J. LUCAK, md

JEFFREY D. NOBLIN, md

YEKATERINA KARPITSKAYA, md

ERIC J. GRAHAM, md

KELLY M. COLEMAN, md

GEORGE T. SALLOUM, md

JOEL A. TUCKER, md

JONATHAN D. BROWN, md

LENNON BOWEN, IV, md

ERIC D. WASHINGTON, md

DANIEL A. WITTERSHEIM, md

JESS H. MULLENS, md

BERNARD J. MEADOWS, dpm

DONNIS K. HARRISON, md

CHRISTOPHER A. BURKS, md

JOSEPH T. COX, md

BIENVILLE ORTHOPAEDIC CENTERS: Sports Medicine Center

Spine Center

Joint Replacement Center

Hand and Wrist Center

MRI Center

Bienville Surgery Center

Foot and Ankle Center

Workers’ Compensation

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SERVING MISSISSIPPI WITH 5 LOCATIONS: 2 Biloxi Office

1 Gulfport Office

15476 Dedeaux Rd., #B Gulfport, MS 39503

1720-A Medical Park Dr., #220 Biloxi, MS 39532

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2

3615 Hospital Rd. Pascagoula, MS 39581

1

7001 Hwy 614 Hurley, MS 39555

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Gulfport

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D’Iberville

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90

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For questions or to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment, please call 228-230-BONE (2663) or visit BienvilleOrtho.com

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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, WHATEVER THE SPORT.

Yekaterina Karpitskaya, md

Board Certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

SPORTS MEDICINE | GENERAL ORTHOPAEDICS Dr. Karpitskaya joined Bienville Orthopaedic Specialists in 2011. She specializes in general orthopaedics and sports medicine. Dr. Karpitskaya is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, double board certified in sports medicine and general orthopaedics, and a former member of the United States Air Force. Dr. Karpitskaya, a Gold Level Ironman All World Athlete and USAT All American, has finished 15 Ironman events. As such, she is not only recognized as an endurance athlete herself but also a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries and conditions for the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

SPECIAL INTERESTS: Knee & Hip Joint Replacement Surgery

Robotic Surgery | Shoulder & Knee Arthroscopy | Hand Surgery Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery | Sports Medicine

Congratulations to Dr. Karpitskaya for being named one of the 2020 Coast’s Top Orthopaedic Surgeons.

THE O 1981.

E MISSISSIPPI’S LARGEST ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE SINCE

For questions or to schedule an appointment with Dr. TRUST. Karpitskaya, TO please call 228-230-BONE (2663) or visit BienvilleOrtho.com 36

October-November 2020

6300 East Lake Boulevard, Gautier, MS 1720-A Medical Park Dr., Suite 220, Biloxi, MS 39532

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37

COVER STORY

Giving every patient her

BEST

OB-GYN delivers care with kindness, empathy

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

B

efore entering an exam room, Dr. Alisha Ware pauses for a moment to clear her mind — preparing to give her all to the woman waiting for her.

Ware, an OB-GYN and a partner with The Woman’s Clinic PA, may see dozens of patients on any given day, but the last will receive as much attention and compassion as the first.

“Empathy is very important in my job,” Ware says. “Being able to truly put yourself in someone else’s place and understand what they must be feeling is important every day with every patient.”

Ware had no other physicians in her family and didn’t always want to be a doctor. She had a talent for math and science, so she started at Louisiana State University studying civil engineering. After a semester of basic courses for her major, she realized she was in the wrong place.

“I needed to be able to talk to people; I needed more interaction,” Ware says. “I also found I enjoyed life sciences far more than other subjects. Medicine felt like it would be a good place to bring all of that together.”

When she went to medical school at LSU, Ware thought dermatology might suit her, but she fell in love with OB-GYN — largely due to the obstetrics side. She gets to be part of a woman’s life at a very joyful time and help ensure the best outcome for mom and baby.

“I take that responsibility so seriously,” Ware says, “but there is so much pleasure in watching my patients become parents.”

For Ware, nothing beats delivering babies. One memorable

WARE’S EXPERIENCE

Dr. Ware holds a bachelor-of-science degree in biochemistry from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She attended medical school at LSU in Shreveport and received an M.D. in 1999. Ware also completed her OB-GYN residency at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport from 1999 to 2003. She practiced in Shreveport from 2003 until she moved to the Gulf Coast in 2011.

38

October-November 2020

Photo by Brandi Stage Portraiture

patient was in labor for 38 hours and birthed her twins vaginally without medicine. She also delivered a child for a fellow physician — radiologist Dr. Lisa Smith.

“Every time I do a delivery, there is always a moment when I look, right as the baby is crowning, and I think, ‘This process just doesn’t look like it should work’ — but it does,” Ware says.

“The whole process is so amazing that even after hundreds, maybe thousands, at this point, I never get tired of it.”

On the gynecology side, patients may be anxious, and Ware makes every effort to calm their nerves. The doctor says the best thing she can hear is a patient telling her that coming to her office was easier than expected “I enjoy taking care of women,” Ware adds. “I enjoy creating a place that they can ask the uncomfortable questions. I always hoped that an approachable demeanor and genuine interest in patients would create that.”

Thanks to significant advances, Ware and her peers have more tools than ever to help those who depend on them.

When Ware started medical school, the most common cause of abnormal pap smears was just becoming clear. Since then, according to Ware, 100 percent of HPV types have been sequenced, and experts have learned which subtypes are most likely to lead to cancer. An HPV vaccine has been developed as well.

DR. ALISHA WARE CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Our readers have spoken — and they have selected the Gulf Coast’s Top Doctors for 2020. From Aug. 11-26, we received thousands of votes in nearly 30 categories.

These are the Coast’s Top Doctors, chosen and trusted by you.

THE COAST’S TOP DOCTORS 2020 WINNERS ONCOLOGIST

*Tuli and Hightower tied*

Dr. Allison Wall Dr. Pamela Tuli Dr. Olivia Hightower GYNECOLOGIST

Dr. Nestor K. Delgado Dr. Lynsey Cox OBSTETRICIAN

Dr. Nestor K. Delgado Dr. Taylor Banahan PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

Dr. Teresa Williamson Dr. Lainie Jorns ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON

Dr. Yekaterina Karpitskaya Dr. Dudley Burwell Jr. PSYCHIATRIST/ PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Dr. Shelia Rivers Dr. Roger Ridgeway Jr.

GASTROENTEROLOGIST

Dr. Catherine P. Hirsch Dr. Scott M. Gioe CARDIOLOGIST

Dr. Mahmoud Zayed Dr. Matthew Hann ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Dr. Muzaffar Piracha Dr. Mark Borchelt DERMATOLOGIST

Dr. Ashley Emerson Dr. Angela Wingfield PULMONOLOGIST

Dr. Ijlal Babar Dr. Joseph Bosarge NEUROLOGIST

NEPHROLOGIST

Dr. Joseph O’Gorman Dr. Olusola Isikalu DENTIST

Dr. Clifford J. Cook Dr. Christopher Frigo GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Jeremy Simpler Dr. T. Paul Mace VETERINARIAN

CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

Dr. Robert Johnson RADIOLOGIST

Dr. Lisa Smith Dr. Basil Shah RHEUMATOLOGIST

PEDIATRICS

UROLOGIST

Dr. Jennifer Grayson Dr. Andrea Logan OTOLARYNGOLOGY

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Dr. Paul Niolet Dr. Mark Murray

Dr. Jennifer Sutton Dr. Jacqueline (Jackie) Broome

Dr. Abha Mishra Dr. Christopher Karcher Dr. Isaac Fred Dale III Dr. Gregory A. Patiño

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

Dr. Charles Wilson Dr. Clay Bratton

Dr. Okechukwu Ekenna Dr. Nicholas Conger

Dr. Nicole Walton Dr. Matthew Carroll Dr. David Spencer Jr. Dr. Paige C. White NEUROSURGEON

Dr. Eric Wolfson Dr. Miguel Melgar OTHER

Dr. Randy Roth

www.gcwmultimedia.com

39

October has us all thinking pink but did you know that October is also

Liver Cancer Awareness Month?

Liver cancer is treatable and, for some, even curable when caught early, that’s why it is important to be aware of the risk factors.

Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), Hepatitis B and C infections, excessive alcohol use, obesiy, diabetes and certain inherited conditions such as iron overload can all increase a persons risk of liver cancer. You can lower your risk by adoping healthy lifesyle habits like regular exercise, weight control, limiting alcohol and asking your doctor if you should be screened for hepatitis B/C or iron overload.

If you are already have a condition that increases your risk for liver cancer, you may be a candidate for screening. Ask your doctor.

#pinkandgreen #thinkpinkandgreen

Pamela Tuli, M.D.

40

P.V. Pande, M.D.

Sidra Khalid, M.D.

228.575.1234 TheMedicalOncologyGroup.com

Bay St. Louis • Wiggins Bay S•t. Diamondhead Louis • Diamondh•eaGulfport d • Gulfpo•rt Biloxi • Biloxi •• Ocean Ocean SSprings prings October-November A 2020 cceping New Patients At All Locations

Dr. Pamela Tuli Specializing in Hematology and Medical Oncology

Practicing for more than two decades, Dr. Tuli is continuously evolving her expertise to fight cancer and is board certified in both Medical Oncology and Hematology.

“It is such an exciting time to be practicing in the field of oncology. Not only is the pace of new treatments available to help patients astonishing, but these treatments are offering better, often incredible, outcomes for patients with less toxicity than traditional treatments. I am privileged to be a part of it.”

Dr. Tuli studied medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB in Texas while serving in the United States Air Force. She fulfills her passion for teaching medicine by precepting Internal Medicine residents from Merit Health Wesley. Partnering with LSU, Dr. Tuli has developed and heads the oncology clinical trial program at Memorial Hospital, bringing more treatment options close to home for her patients on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Bay St. Louis • Diamondhead • Gulfport • Biloxi • Ocean Springs • Wiggins

Accepting New Patients in all Locations www.gcwmultimedia.com

41

BY DR. UMAIR MALIK Memorial physician Dr. Umair Malik is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular diseases. For a directory of Memorial’s cardiologists, visit WeAreMemorial.com or call (228) 867-5000.

How Covid-19 can affect the heart A growing body of literature suggests Covid-19 can cause heart damage. The virus can cause inflammation of the heart, or myocarditis, which can prevent the heart muscle from squeezing effectively. This renders it unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body, leading to heart failure. It can also cause arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, which can manifest as palpitations, dizziness, passing out or even sudden death. It also is becoming increasingly evident that Covid-19 can cause blood clots to form in the body; these clots can form in the blood vessels supplying the brain or the heart, resulting in strokes and heart attacks.

Moreover, some symptoms of lung injury from Covid-19 are very similar to symptoms of heart disease, such as trouble breathing or chest discomfort. For patients with a longstanding history of heart disease, it may not be immediately possible to differentiate these symptoms from the usual manifestations

of their heart failure of coronary artery disease. Additionally, there is a concern that patients with a history of heart disease, or those who develop new heart disease, are not seeking medical care for fear of being exposed to infection.

Most significantly, patients with a history of heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and diseases of the heart valves, are at a higher risk of developing complications in the event of Covid-19 infection and prone to worse outcomes compared to the average population.

Considering all of this, it is extremely important for patients with heart disease to be extra cautious at this time. They must wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes or face and wear a mask when leaving the house. With appropriate precautions, the cardiovascular, as well as other complications of Covid-19, can be prevented.

DR. ALISHA WARE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

Overall, pap smears have become more sensitive and specific, she adds, and aren’t required nearly as often due to better technology. However, this doesn’t mean patients should skip visits to the gynecologist’s office.

Many of Ware’s patients don’t see any other doctor regularly, so even if they’re not coming to her for a pap smear, she says, someone still needs to check their blood pressure, review changes in their medical history, schedule screenings and provide other basic care.

“It’s amazing the number of things that are unexpected that can be found on otherwise routine physicals,” Ware says. “Once an abnormal finding on a

42

October-November 2020

routine pelvic exam turned out to be the only finding that led us to discovering (a patient’s) lymphoma.

“Obviously, such situations are rare — but if you don’t go, we don’t know.”

Knowledge and skill matter greatly in her field, but Ware says an ability to relate to patients is essential, too. OBGYNs may deliver more babies than bad news, but the misfortune Ware sees still breaks her heart.

“I think what keeps all of us in my specialty going during those times is knowing that the patient needs you, needs you to handle her situation with empathy and give her the confidence that she is going to be OK,” she says.

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

With a family of her own, Ware is just like every other working mom — trying to decide what’s for dinner when she gets off work. Her husband, a general surgeon at Memorial, can identify with the challenges of her job, and her three children have taken its demands in stride.

“Though it wasn’t always easy, they’ve always grasped the idea that patients have to come first,” Ware says.

“I hope growing up with that notion always helps them remember that there’s something bigger than themselves.”

WEAREMEMORIAL.COM

WOMEN, YOU WORK HARD. You run

companies, manage your homes and serve in your community. Some of you are on the front line saving lives and others are advocating for change in the world—all while caring for the people you love. No wonder you’re called a wonder.

Research shows that women make 80 percent of the healthcare decisions for their families, but often their own health and wellness don’t get the attention they deserve.

At MEMORIAL, we know your challenges—and we also know you can’t take care of your family without taking care of YOU.

IN THE SPECIAL CONTENT

that follows, we’ll address common healthcare concerns among women. Your wellness is important, and that’s why we want to help you stay informed.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

43

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: HEART DISEASE

Heart

GIVE YOUR

SOME LOVE AND ATTENTION

Women are natural nurturers. We have big hearts – mainly for others. We make sure our families are well fed, healthy and happy. We can spend so much time caring and giving, we neglect our own needs, especially those involving our health. While busy and distracted, we sometimes ignore signs that a silent predator could be waiting in the background.

HEART DISEASE IS THE NUMBER ONE KILLER AMONG WOMEN in the United States. In fact, heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, according to the American Heart Association. That is more than all cancers combined. About every 80 seconds, a woman dies from a cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease includes several types of conditions, such as coronary artery disease and heart attack. While most risk factors can be hereditary, there is good news – about 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented through diet, increasing daily activity and working with your doctor to monitor and control blood pressure and cholesterol. Give your heart some love!

5

RISKS FOR HEART DISEASE  Diabetes  Being

Overweight or Obese

 Eating

an Unhealthy Diet

 Sedentary

Lifestyle

 Consuming

Too Much Alcohol

Memorial takes a comprehensive approach toward the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease with a highly skilled staff and the latest technology.

For more information, visit

WeAreMemorial.com/Heart-Services.

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October-November 2020

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: STROKE

DON’T IGNORE WOMEN’S SUBTLE SIGNS OF A

Stroke

STROKE KILLS TWICE AS MANY WOMEN AS BREAST CANCER EVERY YEAR.

STROKE PREVENTION Steps to help avoid having a stroke are very similar to those to avoid heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, they include: Following a healthy diet



Maintaining a healthy weight



Getting at least 2-1/2 hours of moderate exercise, such as walking, a week, according to the Surgeon General



Quitting smoking



Limiting alcohol consumption; for men, that’s no more than two drinks a day, and for women, that’s one



Fatigue. Confusion. General weakness. A sudden intense headache and nausea. Are you just feeling a bit under the weather—or is it something more serious?

Symptoms of stroke in women can be much like those in men, but women can experience more subtle signs according to the American Heart Association. For example, a woman might feel general weakness, rather than weakness on one side of the body. With women making up about 60 percent of all stroke deaths in the United States, it’s important to know this isn’t predominately a man’s disease. A women can have a stroke at any age. So, the time to care is always now.

WHAT IS A STROKE? Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When one of these vessels is blocked by a clot or the vessel bursts, the brain does not get the blood it needs and brain cells start to quickly die. That is why immediate attention is vital. There is no cure for a stroke once it has occurred.

If you think you might be having a stroke, don’t worry about the possibility of sounding a false alarm. It is more important to get proper medical attention as soon as possible.

Memorial has been certified as a Primary Stroke Center. We offer the best and most comprehensive stroke care on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, through our multidisciplinary team of specialists.

For more information about Memorial’s stroke care, visit WeAreMemorial.com/Stroke-Center. www.gcwmultimedia.com

45

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: CANCER

Women-Only DO YOU KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF THESE

CANCERS?

Nobody likes to hear or say the word “cancer.” It’s not a popular topic for discussion, so it might not be a surprise that many of us aren’t familiar with the signs of cancers that target women, or even know much about them at all.

UTERINE/ENDOMETRIAL CANCER attacks the inner lining of the uterus. The American Cancer Society says there are no screening tests, but let your doctor know about unusual discharge, spotting or vaginal bleeding that occurs after menopause or between periods, or is heavier than usual.

Intimate skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the human papillomavirus, or HPV, can lead to CERVICAL CANCER through chronic infections. The HPV vaccination is available.

Symptoms of OVARIAN CANCER can include abdominal swelling paired with weight loss; gas, loss of appetite and bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain and feeling the constant need to urinate.

VAGINAL and VULVAR CANCERS are not common in the United States, according to The Centers for Disease Control, but they can occur.

Vaginal cancer symptoms include unusual discharge or bleeding, blood in the stool or urine, constipation, increased need to urinate, and pain in the pelvis, especially when you go to the bathroom or during sex.

Vulvar cancer symptoms include changes in appearance of the vulva, continuing itching, burning or bleeding on the vulva and pain in the pelvis (like the symptom for vaginal cancer).

Screenings are available for breast, colorectal, lung and cervical cancers, and for women who have high risk of ovarian cancer. In other cancers that affect women, knowing and recognizing symptoms and reporting them immediately to your doctor can make a vital difference.

Memorial’s Comprehensive Cancer Center is committed to the fight against cancer – using advanced technology and research focused on developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer.

For more information, visit WeAreMemorial.com/Cancer-Center.

46

October-November 2020

y h c u to feely

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: BREAST CANCER

IT’S OK TO BE

Six minutes in the shower can save you six months of stress later. Yes, six minutes is the average amount of time it takes for a woman to conduct a self-examination of her breasts. The six months?

That’s the average time for breast cancer treatment depending on the severity. Your best defense against BREAST CANCER should start with you – and not just in October, but every month.

As women, we should make awareness of our bodies, and any changes, a regular priority. That includes our breasts. After all, breast cancer is the most common cancer for American women. The risks increase as you get older, but a woman of any age can get breast cancer.

The good news is, early detection through regular screening and monthly self-examination means the easier breast cancer is to treat. If you see or feel any changes in your breasts, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, but don’t stress. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous.

A mammogram can detect breast cancer tumors when they are still too small to be felt. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 40 to 44 have a yearly breast cancer screening with a mammogram every year. From ages 45 to 54, you should get annual mammograms. At 55 and older, the ACS says women can switch to a mammogram every two years, or the yearly screening can continue.

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION provides financial assistance for women on the Mississippi Gulf Coast who cannot afford breast diagnostic imaging services. Call 228-867-4095 to request financial assistance.

Signs ARE NOT

JUST LUMPS

In addition to a new lump in the breast or armpit, symptoms of breast cancer can include:  Redness

or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast

 Irritation

or dimpling of breast skin

 Thickening  Pain

or swelling of part of the breast

in the nipple area or a receding nipple

 Nipple

BREAST CANCER DOESN’T WAIT... SHOULD YOU? Memorial’s Women’s Diagnostic Services use state-of-the-art technology for early detection.

SCHEDULE YOUR MAMMOGRAM AT ONE OF OUR 4 LOCATIONS. Call 228-867-4395 today or visit

WeAreMemorial.com/Breast

discharge other than breast milk www.gcwmultimedia.com

47

WOMEN’S WELLNESS: ORTHOPEDICS

t n i Jo FEELING INVINCIBLE IS A

EFFORT

Women are strong in many ways, but as we age, our bones and joints can weaken. This is based on several factors, including already having bone mass less than a man’s and the decrease in estrogen that menopause brings.

That decrease in estrogen can lead to osteoporosis in women.

On top of that, just the way women are built – how our thigh, hip and buttock muscles are engaged – set us up for higher incidents of injuries in the kneecap and the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, than for men. Tendonitis and stress fractures also are more likely to target us in midlife.

That’s why it is especially important between your 40s and 60s to eat right and stay active. What can you do? Here are some suggestions:

GET AND STAY ACTIVE. Aerobic activity, lifting weights and stretching help prevent injuries. And weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, dancing and jogging can keep your bones happy. If you are new to regular activity, talk to your doctor, then start small and work your way up. Aim for at least 30 minutes, total, most days of the week.

GIVE CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D IMPORTANT PLACES AT YOUR TABLE. Calcium is vital for bone health, and vitamin D helps your body absorb it. Foods rich in calcium include dairy foods such as milk and cheese, green leafy vegetables, sardines and canned salmon, beans and lentils, almonds and whey protein. Find vitamin D in fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified foods including milk and other dairy products, and fortified orange juice.

LOVE WINE? Here’s good news! A study in the journal Menopause suggests one alcoholic drink per day could help prevent bone loss in women in their 50s and 60s.

HAVE A BASELINE BONE DENSITY TEST IF YOU’RE 65. The DEXA scan also might benefit younger women if they have a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Memorial’s team of health providers offer the DEXA scan, which can provide early diagnosis of osteoporosis or provide ongoing monitoring. A DEXA bone density scan is available at Memorial for $100.

For more information, visit

WeAreMemorial.com/Womens-Diagnostic-Services.

48

October-November 2020

n e m t i m m o C t UNSTOPPABLE

Memorial proudly recognizes the Providers nominated by the community as one of Gulf Coast Woman’s 2020 Top Doctors.

Dr. Belinda Alexander Dr. Navin Barot Dr. Boyd Benefield Dr. Peter Bernheim Dr. Scott Blackburn Dr. Virginia Blalack Dr. Mark Borchelt Dr. Joseph Bosarge

Dr. Joel Burwell Dr. Francisco Camero Dr. James Campbell Dr. Kristine Carter Dr. Nicholas Conger Dr. Larry Couvillon Dr. Alva Dillon Dr Jimmy Dimitriades

Dr. Clay Bratton Dr. Jonathan Brown Dr. Ronald Bruni Dr. Timothy Bruni Dr. Dudley Burwell

Dr. Brian Dix Dr. John Douglas Dr. Vanessa Duncombe Dr. David Eakes Dr. Stephanie Fussell

Memorial affiliates, Medical Staff or Physician Clinic providers.

Dr. Scott Gioe Dr. Richa Gupta Dr. Matthew Hann Dr. Shahira Hanna Dr. Olivia Hightower Dr. Ann Hughley-Emegara Dr. Shwan Jalal Dr. Stephen Johns Dr. Lainie Jorns Dr. Yekaterina Karpitskaya Dr. Sean Kerby Dr. Irene Koskan Dr. Janus Kulpa Dr. David LaRosa Dr. Thomas Lehman Dr. Valerie Lenox Dr. Jay Libys Dr. Mousa Maalouf Dr. T. Paul Mace Dr. Michael McKay Dr. Miguel Melgar Dr. Abha Mishra Dr. Paul Mullen Dr. Andrew Nakamoto Dr. Kelly E. Nation Dr. Kelly M. Nations Dr. Jeffrey Noblin Dr. Joseph O'Gorman Dr. Fred Pakron

Dr. P.V. Pande Dr. John Pappas Dr. Michael Payment Dr. David Reeves Dr. Antoine Rizk Dr. Charles Robinson Dr. Diane Ross Dr. George Salloum Dr. Amy Schepens Dr. Steven Schepens Dr. Basil Shah Dr. Manoj Shah Onellis Stanford, NP Dr. David Taylor Dr. Richard Tilley Dr. Joanna Trus Dr. Joel Tucker Dr. Pamela Tuli Dr. Lee Voulters Dr. Allison Wall Dr. Alisha Ware Dr. Derek Ware Dr. Raymond Weiss Dr. Paige White Dr. Charles Wilson Dr. Angela Wingfield Dr. Eric Wolfson

www.gcwmultimedia.com

49

Congratulations!

The community has selected each of you as a Top Doctor in your specialty!

Dr. Joseph Bosarge

Dr. Olivia Hightower

Pulmonology

Oncology

Dr. Nicholas Conger Infectious Disease

Dr. Clay Bratton

Dr. Lainie Jorns

Otolaryngology

Family Medicine

Dr. Scott Gioe

Gastroenterology

Dr. Dudley Burwell

Dr. Yekaterina Karpitskaya

Orthopedic Surgery

50

October-November 2020

Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. Matthew Hann Cardiology

Dr. Joseph O’Gorman Nephrology

Dr. Paige White Urology

Dr. Basil Shah Neuroradiology

Dr. T. Paul Mace General Surgery

Dr. Charles Wilson Otolaryngology

Dr. Pamela Tuli Oncology

Dr. Miguel Melgar

Dr. Angela Wingfield

Neurosurgery

Dermatology

Dr. Allison Wall Oncology

Dr. Abha Mishra Neurology

Dr. Eric Wolfson

Neurosurgery Memorial affiliates, Medical Staff Physician Clinic providers. www.gcwmultimedia.com Memorial affiliates, Medical Staff oror Physician Clinic providers.

51

Memorial Health Hospital &Wellness

MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO THE

OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

“Prevention is the best medicine” isn’t a cliché! Memorial encourages preventative care as a key component to your comprehensive personal wellness plan. After all, our mission is Building a Healthier Community.

Since 1946, Memorial has been committed to delivering the highest quality treatment and greater access to the services you and your loved ones need the most. Memorial is one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems in the state, which means that wherever you are in your life, Memorial has you and your best health in mind.

52

October-November 2020

300+ Physicians 100+

Physician Clinics

6 Diagnostic Centers 4 Outpatient Surgery Centers 4 Physical Therapy Centers 3 Nursing Centers 2 Hospitals – Harrison & Stone County

WEAREMEMORIAL.COM

SPONSORED CONTENT

E X P E R T I N S I G H T: H E A LT H

OBESITY

New Hope for Global Challenge Obesity is at epidemic levels worldwide.

The World Economic Forum reports at least 650 million adults and 330 million children are overweight or obese. The World Obesity Federation estimates obesity health-care costs $850 billion worldwide. The 42% of adult and 23% of child Mississippians lead the US obesity epidemic and cost the state $4 billion in health costs. Obesity is not just a cosmetic concern. Obesity is associated with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia (bad cholesterol), digestive and breathing problems, cancers, cardiovascular and liver disease, and fertility problems. We

Dr. Stephen Farrow, M.D., MBA-AEC, CPE, FACP Executive Director THE NATIONAL DIABETES & OBESITY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 19289 St. Joseph Street Biloxi, MS 39532 Office: 228.831.8764 email: info@ndori.org website: www.ndori.org

are now seeing that obesity and related complications can lead to poor COVID-19 outcomes. Obesity can lead to crippling

behavioral changes necessary to manage obesity.

How does one know whether one has obesity, and what can be done about it? The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a valuable screening tool that anyone can use to see whether they are at risk for obesity. The National Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute has a special team of physicians, nurse-practitioners, nurses, dietitians, researchers, and administrators to help you manage your weight. We test new medications to treat obesity—and diabetes—related diseases, and we are researching a cure for obesity and diabetes. We have a link to a BMI calculator on our website at www.ndori.org under “Resources.”

or life-threatening disease, and it deserves our serious attention.

Once you have your BMI result, compare it to the following ranges: BMI

What causes obesity, and why is it

less than 18.5 is underweight, BMI from

increasing? Obesity is a complex disease

18.5 to 24.9, is normal, BMI from 25 to 29.9

and is not caused by a lack of willpower.

is overweight, and BMI of 30 or higher

The United States Centers for Disease

is obese. If you fall into the overweight

Control and Prevention says obesity

or obese ranges, your doctor may

results from a combination of genetic

recommend further testing for obesity-

and individual factors such as diet,

associated illnesses. Your doctor may also

physical activity, and behavior. The World

assemble a health-care team to help you

Health Organization points to energy-

modify your diet, physical activity, and

dense foods and lower physical activity

behaviors to improve your health and

associated with expanded urbanization

weight. In some cases, your doctor may

and changes in the nature of work and

recommend specialized help, medication,

transportation. And obese children are

or surgery. Obesity is a challenge that

likely to become obese adults. A skilled

can be conquered. If you have further

interdisciplinary medical team can

questions, we would be happy to talk

help design and support the important

with you. www.gcwmultimedia.com

53

Top 10 health dangers for women

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Women face many significant threats to their health, but do you know which are the most lifethreatening? Even when the same conditions affect men and women alike, they may affect women differently or with greater frequency.

roughly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the rest of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer.

Women live longer than men, which may be a reason why they are at greater risk, but experts have reason to believe biological reasons also are at play.

Here are the leading causes of female fatalities in the United States, according to the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

6 UNINTENTIONAL INJURIES 4.4 PERCENT

1 HEART DISEASE 21.8 PERCENT

In the U.S., heart disease causes one in five deaths among women, making it the top health danger. Although it affects men and women about equally, only a reported 56 percent of women realize that it’s their number-one killer. Some women may be asymptomatic, but others will experience angina (dull and heavy or sharp chest pain or discomfort), pain in the neck, jaw or throat or pain in the upper abdomen or back. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

2 CANCER 20.7 PERCENT

According to the American Cancer Society, some of the most common cancers among women include breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, cervical, skin and ovarian. The best ways to reduce your risk are staying at a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, following a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, protecting your skin, not smoking, limiting or avoiding alcohol, knowing your family history and having regular checkups and screenings.

3 CHRONIC LOWER RESPIRATORY DISEASES 6.2 PERCENT

Several conditions fall into this category, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as asthma, pulmonary hypertension and occupational lung diseases. Smoking may account for about 80 percent of cases, according to the CDC, but factors like genetics, exposure to pollutants and respiratory infections can be causes, too, according to the CDC.

4 STROKE 6.2 PERCENT

Someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, and the lifetime risk of stroke for women between ages of 55 and 75 is one in five, according to the CDC. High blood pressure, a leading risk factor, affects a reported two in five women. Stroke risk also increases with age, and women statistically live longer than men.

Signs of stroke include face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty.

5 ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE 6.1 PERCENT

Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Of the 5 million Americans living with the condition, two-thirds are women, and of the more than 15 million Americans caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, two-thirds are women. Women in their 60s are

54

October-November 2020

Men are more likely to die from injuries than women at all ages, according to the CDC, but they are the leading cause of death for women ages 18-34. Falls pose the greatest risk for both men and women, especially among the elderly, followed by motor vehicle accidents. Other dangers within this category include suffocation, poisoning and fire.

7 DIABETES 2.7 PERCENT

Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease by four times in women compared to about two times in men. However, women with diabetes may experience many of the same symptoms as men, like increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, weight loss or gain with no obvious cause, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, nausea and skin infections. Other factors are unique to females, including vaginal and oral yeast infections, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction and polycystic ovary syndrome.

8 INFLUENZA AND PNEUMONIA 2.1 PERCENT

Most cases of flu don’t lead to pneumonia, but those that do tend to be more serious and fatal. Pregnant women are among the most vulnerable populations, as are children under age 5, the elderly and those with chronic health problems. If someone contracts a second infection like pneumonia while already fighting the flu, they are at greater risk of hospitalization or death. The annual flu vaccine can reduce your risk from 40-60 percent, according to the CDC. Experts say getting the vaccine is more important than ever this season to help reduce the strain on healthcare systems responding to the pandemic.

9 KIDNEY DISEASE 1.8 PERCENT

Especially among women, diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is increasing. The condition affects a reported 195 million women worldwide, causing about 600,000 deaths annually. Those affected by chronic kidney disease are at greater risk for hypertension and heart-related issues. One reason women are more susceptible is because conditions such as lupus and kidney infection are more common in women. Experts advise limiting alcohol, not smoking, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily and maintaining a healthy diet to help prevent this condition or keep it from worsening.

10 SEPTICEMIA 1.6 PERCENT

More than 1.5 million Americans get sepsis — a bacterial blood infection — per year, and at least 250,000 Americans die from the condition annually. Although it can affect anyone, it is especially dangerous to pregnant women, people with chronic conditions or weak immune systems, adults over 65, those who have recently undergone surgery and children less than I year old. Prompt treatment, typically with antibiotics, is key.

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Congratulations to Board Certified Dermatologists, Dr. Angela Wingfield and Dr. Ashley Emerson for being named a 2020 Top Doctor

T

he Dermatology Clinic is focused on delivering cutting-edge services for their clients in a spa-like environment where convenience and quality are appreciated. In addition to providing a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological services, the clinic provides some more advanced treatment options and diagnostic testing. The Dermatology Clinic offers an extended panel of patch testing for skin allergies and narrow-band UVB phototherapy for a variety of skin conditions including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. Laser treatment of sun damage and unwanted veins as well as laser hair removal are offered in addition to the latest injection techniques to soften wrinkles with botulinum toxins and various wrinkle fillers.

DR. ANGELA WINGFIELD

DR. ASHLEY EMERSON

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana Dr. Angela Wingfield’s first introduction to Mississippi consisted of summer vacations to Bay St. Louis as a child. Dr. Wingfield completed her medical school and dermatology residency training at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans where she had the privilege of training at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge. Dr. Wingfield was awarded board certification in dermatology in 2003, and she was re-certified in 2013.

A Gulf Coast native, Dr. Ashley Emerson grew up in Pascagoula. She first ventured from the coast to attend college at the University of Mississippi and attended medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, where she also completed her intern year prior to starting her dermatology training at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Dr. Wingfield directs a healthcare team which includes four certified Physician Assistants, a Licensed Practical Nurse, and three licensed aestheticians. Dr. Wingfield has always enjoyed the variety of patients and diseases encountered in the field of dermatology. She also has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology where her creativity can be explored. She enjoys the “sculpting” that can be done with wrinkle fillers and botulinum toxin injections.

Dr. Wingfield enjoys being able to bring the latest laser technology and other dermatological cutting edge resources to the Gulf Coast, helping restore patients’ self-confidence and sense of well-being.

In addition to being awarded numerous honors and certifications for her work in the field of dermatology, Dr. Emerson worked to open both the only pediatric dermatology clinic in Mississippi and Mississippi’s first rheumatology-dermatology multidisciplinary clinic.

Dr. Emerson’s passion for dermatology extends to nearly all aspects of clinical practice, including both surgical and cosmetic dermatology services to help you regain and maintain healthy skin. Her experience with treating more complex dermatological diseases in both adult and pediatric patients has driven a particular interest in skin conditions in the setting of systemic disease. Outside of dermatology, Dr. Emerson enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her teacup yorkie, Tuck.

To schedule an appointment, please call either number below or visit TheDermClinic.net to learn more.

11295 E Taylor Rd., Gulfport, MS 39503 | 228-864-3300 6510 Hwy 90, Suite C, Gautier, MS 39553 | 228-372-8559

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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After a personal Hurricane Katrina experience, I felt compelled to give back to those that provided so much support to our family. While my community activities have varied throughout the years, the resounding theme has been to advocate, care and support underprivileged and marginalized populations - both people and animals

JENNIFER SUTTON, DVM, MBA

Science has proven that those who love and care for animals have lower rates of depression, hypertension, stress and other emotional, mental, social and psychological benefits. What an honor it is for my husband, our team and myself to care for people through their pets - as a community advocate, during their time of urgent care 24 hours a day at Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital, in times of health at Beach View Veterinary Hospital, or to preserve their pets’ memories forever with Paws to Remember Pet Loss Services.

I am proud of Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency, Beach View Veterinary Hospital and Paws to Remember’s commitment to our community.

I also hope that our volunteer efforts have a lasting impact. The first is a program with my retired search and rescue dog, “Belle.” We have presented a program to more than 3000 school-aged children called “Hug A Tree and Survive.” This program teaches children how to stay warm, dry, safe and in one place if they become lost in the woods while waiting for non-aggressive search and rescue dogs. Additionally, these programs provide children an opportunity to develop confidence, how to safely approach dogs, and what to do if a dog is threatening. We are also members of the Mississippi Crisis Response Team to provide emotional support to first responders - most recently finishing a tour of duty at the Emergency Operations Center in Jackson following initial COVID response efforts.

Our veterinary practice serves as a 24-hour drop-off and respite center for more than 1000 injured and orphaned wildlife animals each year, until they are transferred to the care of rehabilitators. This becomes an

especially busy time following inclement weather. Additionally, along with my husband Jeff Sutton, DVM, our practices have committed to being part of the solution to animal neglect and overpopulation.

Working with several non-profit rescue groups, we perform low cost spay and neutering, veterinary care, and health certification for stray animals to travel on “love trains” to other parts of the country for adoption. Our partnerships have enabled more than 1000 animals a year to be spayed and neutered. Approximately 75% of these were females which has the potential to prevent the birth of 33,600,000 (33.6 million!) unwanted or neglected animals in our community.

Paws to Remember Pet Loss Services extends the same level of compassion and care for companions and their owners. Located behind Gulf Coast Veterinary Emergency Hospital, services include both private and communal cremation services and other support. All private cremations include a beautifully engraved box, personalized engraved nameplate, clay paw print and other memorabilia.

GULF COAST VETERINARY EMERGENCY HOSPITAL | 8144 E. Oaklawn Rd. | Biloxi, MS 39532 | (228) 392-7474 | gulfcoastveter.com October-November PAWS TO REMEMBER |2020 8144 E. Oaklawn Rd. | Biloxi, MS 39532 | (228) 400-5242 | pawstoremember@gmail.com 56 BEACH VIEW VETERINARY HOSPITAL | 132 Porter Ave. | Biloxi, MS 39530 | (228) 436-6497 | beachviewveterinaryhospital.com

ELEVATED STANDARDS at Bleu Med Spa TIFFANY BURGESS has brought cutting-edge technology and superior standards of European med spas to the Gulfport area with the opening of Bleu Med Spa. A truly organic and full-luxury medical spa, the Bleu Med Spa Franchise separates itself from others by offering only products that adhere to strict European standards. Explains Tiffany, “European regulation is extremely rigorous, and we exceed even their criteria by offering biodynamic skincare which is higher-grade than organic to ensure natural and immediate results.”

Tiffany is most excited about Fibroblast non-surgical skin tightening. “Fibroblast is new in North America but has proven extremely successful and popular across Europe over the last several years. We’re the only seasoned business offering these services across the Gulf South Region, so clients in the know across the USA seek us out and come from all over.”

Tiffany explains that Fibroblast Skin Tightening is “soft surgery” meaning it delivers results similar to surgery but with minimal downtime and no scalpel, stitches or bandages. “The results are immediate and permanent.

It can take the place of Botox and fillers for some, there is no anesthesia, and it’s much lower-risk and more affordable than actual surgery. Our clients absolutely love it and have immediate and permanent results.”

SERVICES: Fibroblast | Microneedling | BB Glow YUMI Lash Lift & Tint | Weight Management Hormone Pellet Therapy | Botox | Hydrofacial LED Teeth Whitening | Organic Spray Tanning 1806 23rd Ave. Second Floor “The Orleans” Building Gulfport, MS 39501 BleuBeautyCo.com

The procedure eliminates excess skin using a handheld device that creates a tiny arc. When the arc touches the skin, it causes sublimation, eliminating excess skin and leaving the surrounding area untouched. A tiny carbon dot is left behind which sheds in about four to seven days. As healing activates collagen production, skin becomes firm and tight. More than one treatment can be done for better results, but Tiffany says it’s uncommon to require more than one to two treatments in the same area. Along with treating the face, Bleu’s certified and licensed practitioners can perform breast lifts and tummy makeovers and even tighten knees and biceps.

Although any body area can be treated, Tiffany says that treating the face is most popular. “The thinnest skin is around the eyes, so treating those areas gives the most impactful results. Under the eye usually requires only one treatment and can help someone look 10 to 15 years younger. There are some contraindications and we’re candid about that on our website. We want our clients to be educated and have the best possible experience at a great value.” For a full menu of services, booking and scheduling availability visit bleubeautyco.com www.gcwmultimedia.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

E X P E R T I N S I G H T: H E A LT H

C O V I D - 1 9 (C O R O N A ) A N D

Yo u r H e a r t

The Corona epidemic has ravaged many parts of the world with America being in the top 3 countries affected. Despite the risk of a high rate of infection, 80% of infections are mild.

oxygen, only a few drugs have been shown to be of some benefit, namely Remdesevir and Dexamethasone. Blood thinners (in low dose) have been shown to reduce risk of clot formation.

How does the SARS-Covid-2 Affect the Heart?

All other treatments are of questionable benefit up to this point but more studies are currently ongoing. This includes convalescent plasma, other antiviral treatments, monoclonal antibodies Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquin, and Azithromycin. The treatment for cardiac disease should follow the current guidelines and standards.

Increasing stress on the heart: Low oxygenation due to lung involvement in addition to activation of our sympathetic nervous system leads to increase in heart rate and BP which leads to more strain on the heart and possible heart damage.

Plaque rupture: Patients with mild or established CAD are exposed to severe inflammation and stress that could lead to plaque rupture precipitate acute coronary syndromes (Unstable angina and heart attacks).

Mahmoud H. Zayed, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI HEART CENTER, P.A. 3704 Bienville Blvd., Suite B Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Office: (228) 872-4040 website: www.smhconline.com

Cytokine storm: This is a severe immune reaction where the immune system goes hay wire attacking not only the virus but also normal tissues including the heart causing damage and ultimately Congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias.

Virus directly attacking the heart muscle: Myocarditis: Here the virus attacks the heart muscle just like it attacked the lungs causing muscle damage that could lead to CHF and lethal cardiac arrhythmias.

Stress Cardiomyopathy (Weakness of heart muscle): The stress of the viral infection leads to adrenaline surge and release of other stress hormones that can stun the heart muscle compromising its function as a pump.

Indirectly some of the medications that have been used like Hydroxychloroquin and azithromycin could cause lethal cardiac arrhythmias so do not take any medicine without consulting your physician.

Treatment Supportive care is the main stay for therapy: Tylenol for fever and body aches, hydration and maintaining adequate nutrition, and resting at home.

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For patients who are hospitalized because

October-November 2020 of Hypoxia and who require supplemental

Prevention THE VIRUS CAN’T INFECT YOU IF IT CAN’T REACH YOU First and foremost: WASH YOUR HANDS. Maintain social distancing: 6 Ft. Avoid crowds and confined places.

Wear masks in crowded spaces and where people need to work in close proximity.

Very importantly maintain a healthy life style Good sleep Good nutrition Regular physical exercise Better coping with stress and anxiety by meditation and bio feed back Avoid unhealthy practices like smoking, drinking, and binge eating Are there any difference in risk between men and women?

Women are not only smarter than men but they are better equipped to face Corona, Women have less comorbidities, they are less likely to be involved in risky behavior.

The X chromosome holds a lot of the immune response genes and God in his eternal wisdom has given women 2 X chromosomes but only gave man one.

To conclude Common sense interventions will help eradicate this virus. Until an effective treatment/vaccine is available following the simple recommendations mentioned above should keep you safe.

Southern Mississippi Heart Center provides the highest level of comprehensive cardiac care available. Our physicians and staff are dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and treating heart disease.

ME E T OUR S P E C I AL I S TS

Mahmoud H. Zayed, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Interventional Cardiologist

William O. Passarelli, III, MD, FACC

Ediz Z. Tasan, MD, MBA, FACC

Co-Director, Structural Heart Program Interventional Cardiology 3704 Bienville Blvd, Ste B | Ocean Springs 228.872.4040

Invasive Cardiologist

C A R DI OLOGY | PE RI PHE RAL VASCUL AR DISEASE | PATIENT ED U C AT IO N

n

n

3704 Bienville Blvd, Ste B OCEAN SPRINGS 228.872.4040

4300 Hospital St, Ste 102

4300 Hospital St, Ste 102 | Pascagoula PASCAGOULA 228.762.1002

228.762.1002

WWW.SMHCONLINE.COMwww.gcwmultimedia.com

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How telehealth is transforming health care

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

The COVID-19 crisis will end eventually — but the way health care is delivered likely has changed for good.

Some lawmakers have called telehealth the “silver lining” of the pandemic — expanding access to underserved areas and connecting patients to doctors via online platforms and phones. Convenience, safety and more frequent contact are just some of the benefits.

“A great thing about telehealth is that it drastically improves access to quality healthcare by eliminating certain barriers, like mobility, transportation issues, etc.,” says Chas C. Pierce, vice president, system development, at Memorial Hospital.

Pierce says Memorial went from doing very few telehealth visits before COVID-19 to averaging around 5,000 a month.

“In 10 years, we expect 20 percent of our outpatient visits to be done virtually with Telehealth,” he adds.

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“Previously, that number was less than 1 percent.”

And patients seem to approve.

A study by RepuGen, a reputation management platform for the healthcare industry, found that patient satisfaction with telehealth visits was higher than compared to office visits for family practice, gynecology and urgent care. In the pediatrics and podiatry categories, the telehealth and office visits scored the same.

The trend toward telehealth shows no signs of slowing down. Pierce says Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has reduced or suspended many of the barriers that made telehealth difficult and inefficient.

Also, hundreds of hospitals and health care centers nationwide are growing their telehealth infrastructure thanks to a $200 million appropriation from Congress for the Federal Communications Commission.

“So now the gates have been opened for telehealth,” Pierce say, “and I don’t

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

believe there is any way we can go back to the restrictions we had in place prior to COVID.” The next wave of telehealth, according to Pierce, likely will be in remote patient monitoring and remote delivery services. He expects that patients will be supplied devices to capture their vitals and other important data — allowing health care professionals to monitor it remotely. Drones have the potential to revolutionize delivery, he adds, bringing medications and essential equipment directly to patients’ doorsteps.

Telehealth may be growing quickly, but it has its limitations — so don’t think office visits are a thing of the past.

“As good as this is, it does not completely replace the need for inperson assessments by providers,” Pierce says. “There will always be a need for that.”

AGE HEALTHIER AND LIVE HAPPIER

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INTEGRATED MEDICAL AND WELLNESS CLINIC 2160 East Pass Rd. Suite 102 | Gulfport, MS 39507

228-248-0561

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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MEMORIAL PHYSICIAN CLINICS WELCOMES DR. GENE GADDY Memorial Physician Clinics welcomes Dr. Gene Gaddy in the practice of ophthalmology at Gaddy Eye Clinic, 10051 Lorraine Road, Suite A, Gulfport.

Dr. Gaddy earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical School in Jackson. He completed his internship at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Gaddy is board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has been seeing patients on the Gulf Coast for more than 37 years. To schedule an appointment, call (228) 539-7762.

ONCOLOGIST SIDRA KHALID JOINS MEMORIAL PHYSICIAN CLINICS -THE MEDICAL ONCOLOGY GROUP Memorial Physician Clinics welcomes Dr. Sidra Khalid at Memorial Physician Clinics - The Medical Oncology Group, 1340 Broad Ave., Suite 270, Gulfport.

Dr. Khalid completed her residency in internal medicine at Cleveland Clinic-Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, and medical oncology subspecialty training at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Khalid is board certified in internal medicine and board eligible for medical oncology. To schedule an appointment, call (228) 575-1234.

DR. SHELIA RIVERS, DSW, LCSW, MPH CEO & Chief Therapist

DR. RAYMOND SCURFIELD, DSW, LCSW Clinical Therapist

EDDIE MCQUILLING, LCSW Clinical Therapist

PROVIDING THERAPY FOR

Individuals | Families | Couples | Children Adolescents | Military Personnel And Groups Anxiety & Depression Crisis Intervention ADD/ADHD | PTSD | Stress Management Interpersonal Trauma Grief | Domestic Violence Sexual Assault | Parenting Skills Dual Diagnosis Treatment Other Mental Health Illness

ANNIE SANDERS

CEO Executive Assistant

TAMMY MCGOWAN | STACEE PEARSON | KYRISTIN RIVERS Clinical Staff

Dr. Shelia Rivers, DSW, LCSW, MPH | Info@SheliaRivers.com | www.SheliaRivers.com

WWW.RIVERSPSYCHOTHERAPYSERVICES.COM Licensed Certified Social Worker | Behavior Health Consultant | Speaker

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October-November 2020

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

DR. SHELIA RIVERS, DSW, LCSW, MPH

Dr. Shelia Rivers is a licensed certified social worker (LCSW). She provides counseling services for individuals, children and adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups.

Rivers holds a bachelor-of-science degree in psychology and education, master’s degrees in social work and public health, executive administration, and a doctor-of-socialwork degree. She is licensed in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

Being a licensed certified social worker gives Rivers great pleasure. It allows her an opportunity to share her gift of therapy with many who are struggling with mental illness and daily life trials. Watching people grow by implementing healthier coping skills, changing thought processes, empowerment and encouragement is one of life’s most rewarding careers.

Rivers considers it her duty to remain passionate about this helping profession defined as social work. She looks forward to making an amazing impact on her community, families and the lives of individuals she serves.

DR. SHELIA RIVERS, DSW, LCSW, MPH Owner and Chief Therapist Rivers Psychotherapy Services, PLLC (707) 728-5131 Business (601) 348-1083 Google Voice www.gcwmultimedia.com

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BY DR. OLIVIA HIGHTOWER

Winning the breast cancer battle

Better treatment, early detection are saving lives

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, excluding skin cancers. About one in eight U.S. women — approximately 12 percent — will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.

Early detection is key to improved survival rates. Annual mammograms and self-exams are important components of finding the disease early. Mammograms will detect the vast majority of early breast cancers. 3D mammograms have become more readily available, and they are more sensitive with less false positives. If the mammogram is negative but a patient finds a lump through self-exam, she should see her doctor and pursue further workup with breast ultrasound and biopsy.

Treatments for breast cancer are improving every year.

Five-year survival rates are very high for stage one breast cancers — greater than 99 percent. Regional disease involving the lymph nodes has an 86 percent survival rate at five years with appropriate treatment. The five-year survival rate with metastatic disease is approximately 27 percent.

Treatments include surgery with lumpectomy or mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and endocrine therapy with hormone-blocking pills. Patients will need to discuss with their doctor, which of the above treatments are needed. Genetic testing of hormonally driven breast cancer cells helps determine the recurrence risk for each individual patient and the benefit that chemotherapy will provide, allowing us to make better decisions about adjuvant treatment and to educate the patient on the risks and benefits.

Chemotherapy options also are improving and becoming more targeted. For example, if a patient has a protein that is overexpressed called HER2, there are more targeted options for chemotherapy, in combination with traditional chemotherapy, that allow for better response rates and prevention of recurrence.

Breast cancer is different from other cancers in that it can be caught so early, as screening tests are very sensitive.

Other cancers like pancreatic and ovarian cancers usually are caught later, as screening tests are less sensitive, and this unfortunately can affect the success of treatments. Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, increasing age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, postmenopausal hormone replacement, increased age of having first child or not having children and increased age of transition to menopause. Patients can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting alcohol and avoiding hormone exposure. Females with strong family history should be genetically tested for mutations that increase their risk for breast cancer development, as 5-10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary. If patients have these mutations, genetic counseling is available and preventative surgeries can be considered. Patients in the high-risk group also can take hormone-blocking treatments like Tamoxifen that decrease their risk.

With thorough preventative care through annual breast exams and mammograms and monthly self-exams, lives can be

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October-November 2020

About one in eight U.S. women — approximately 12 percent — will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. saved. Women with no family history should start at age 40 with mammograms and continue yearly. Women with family history should start 10 years earlier than the youngest relative was diagnosed, or at least by 35 — whichever is earlier.

We are making advancements every year in treating breast cancer. Patients are being cured at a higher rate, and even those whose cancer was detected at later stages are living longer as chemotherapy options are improving. Advances in the breast cancer fight are frequent, as clinical trials continue to produce breakthroughs in chemotherapy options. I am excited about the ongoing progress being made and the lives being saved.

Dr. Olivia Hightower is a board-certified medical oncologist with Hematology Oncology Partners at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and completed her fellowship at Ochsner. She sees patients at locations in Gulfport and Biloxi and can be reached at (228) 575-1234.

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Fighting Cancer.

Finding Hope.

At Singing River Health System, beating breast cancer is a team effort.

Singing River’s Cancer Center is leading the way in breast cancer treatment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our team of medical specialists provide comprehensive breast cancer diagnosis & treatment with an integrated patient-centered approach.

Early detection of breast cancer leads to more effective treatment options and outcomes.

Our FREE Initial Cancer Risk Assessment will help you determine your level of risk.

3D

Mammograms

Techksell Washington MD, MPH, FACP Medical Oncologist | Risk & Reduction Specialist Singing River Cancer Center

John Bailey MD, FACS General Surgeon American Society of Breast Surgeons South Mississippi Surgeons

John Bechtel, MD Radiation Oncologist Singing River Cancer Center

T. Neal Polchow, MD Radiologist Singing River Radiology

228-875-3778 | SMSurgeons.com

More comfortable.

More accurate.

Earlier detection.

Get the stress off your chest.

Call 228-809-2355 today to schedule your Mammogram.

228-809-2355 | SingingRiverHealthSystem.com www.gcwmultimedia.com 65

Congrats to Our Singing River Top Doctors!

Allergy & Immunology

Paul Niolet, MD

Cardiologist

Mahmoud H. Zayed MD, FACC, FSCAI Interventional Cardiologist

• Board certified in Allergy and Immunology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine • Specializing in minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty • In-office hospital grade CT scanner for timely & accurate diagnosis of sinus issues

Bay Area ENT Sinuplasty.com (228) 357-9681

Cardiovascular Surgeon

Robert G. Johnson MD, FACC, FACS • Board certified in Thoracic Surgery • Rated #1 for medical excellence in Cardiac Care in 2019 by CareChex® • Cardiovascular Surgery Fellowship at Harvard Medical School • Bow tie enthusiast • Spent 12 years as the Chief of Surgery at St. Louis University Tenet Hospital

(228) 762-3000

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• Singing River Medical Director for Cardiology Services • Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and Interventional Cardiology • Special interest in treatment of aortic aneurysms by endovascular repair, a minimally invasive process which shortens recovery time • Treatment of complex coronary interventions SMHConline.com (228) 872-4040

Dermatologist

Ashley Emerson MD, FAAD • Experienced in managing complex dermatological diseases • Provides cutting-edge medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology

Angela Wingfield, MD • Diagnoses and treats all types of skin cancer • Supervises the coast’s most comprehensive laser center TheDermClinic.net (228) 372-8559

#SingingRiverStrong

Emergency Medicine

Gregory A. Patiño MD • Board certified in Emergency Medicine • Singing River’s Emergency Department: • Sees over 100,000 patients per year • Certified as an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Elite Gold Plus-level Stroke Center • Certified Level III Trauma Center by the American Trauma Society

Endocrinologist

Muzaffar Piracha MD • Specializing in providing a multi-disciplinary approach to diagnose and treat diseases that affect glands and hormones • Some common conditions treated include: • Diabetes • Osteoporosis • Thyroid & Parathyroid Disorders • Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders

(228) 872-1951

Gastroenterologist

Catherine P. Hirsch MD • Board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology • Special interest in treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease utilizing Biologics • Helps many patients with internal hemorrhoids avoid surgery through infrared coagulation treatment

RegionalDigestive.com (228) 875-3033

General Surgery

Jeremy Simpler, MD

• Medical Director of Ocean Springs Hospital Wound Care Center • Board certified in General Surgery • Specially trained in complex incisional hernia repair and minimally-invasive robotic hernia repair • Provides the latest in robotic-assisted surgeries using da Vinci® surgical procedures

SMSurgeons.com (228) 875-3778

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Congrats to Our Singing River Top Doctors!

Gynecologist

Gynecologist & Obstetrician

Lynsey Cox, MD

• Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology • Provides complete gynecological services • Performs da Vinci® Robotic Surgery for: • Cervical and endometrial cancers • Lymph node dissections • Ovarian cysts and masses • Hysterectomies

Vice OB/GYN

JosephPaulViceMD.com (228) 334-5505

Infectious Disease

Okechukwu Ekenna MD • Vital role in Singing River’s response to COVID-19 including: • Formation of Singing River’s contact tracing team • Implementation of COVID-19 positive patient Navigators who helped slow the spread in hot spots throughout the community • Providing care for hospitalized patients

(228) 769-2588

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October-November 2020

Nestor K. Delgado MD, FACOG • Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology • Provides complete OB/GYN services • Performs da Vinci® Robotic Surgery for: • Hysterectomies • Endometriosis • Fibroids (Myomectomy) • Bladder control issues

gcobgynms.com (228) 769-1940

Nephrologist

Olusola Isikalu, MD

• Board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology, with special training in Critical Care • Treats kidney diseases of all types, complicated high blood pressure, and their related risk factors & illnesses • Provides inpatient services at Singing River’s hospitals and outpatient services at two clinic locations and four dialysis centers

KidneyDiseaseMS.com (228) 762-0713

#SingingRiverStrong

Neurologist

Obstetrician

Christopher Karcher, MD • Board certified in General Neurology & Sleep Medicine • Fellowship trained in Sleep Medicine • 10 years with Singing River Health System • Performs state-of-the-art Sleep Studies for timely and reliable evaluation and treatment of sleep and wakefulness disorders • Singing River Sleep Center is accredited through the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (228) 818-9620

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Yekaterina Karpitskaya, MD • Board certified in Sports Medicine and General Orthopaedics • Special interest in: • Total joint replacement • Robotic joint surgery/partial knee replacement • Cartilage preservation procedures • Fracture care

Taylor M. Banahan MD, FACOG • Board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology • Provides care for normal and high-risk pregnancies • Delivers at Pascagoula Hospital— a Baby-Friendly® accredited facility • Performs da Vinci® Robotic Surgery for various gynecologic conditions

gcobgynms.com (228) 769-1940

Other-Chief Medical Officer

Randy Roth, MD, FHM Singing River Chief Medical Officer

• Singing River Medical Director of Inpatient Physician Services, the first hospitalist group in the region, which he helped begin • Leads the charge in Singing River’s fight against COVID-19, personally caring for patients at the bedside • Passionate about caring for the families in his community • Serves as an Assistant Coach for Resurrection Catholic High School’s football team

bienvilleortho.com (228) 230-2663

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Congrats to Our Singing River Top Doctors!

Otolaryngology

Charles Wilson, MD

• Board certified in Otolaryngology • Specializing in minimally invasive balloon sinuplasty • In-office hospital grade CT scanner for timely & accurate diagnosis of sinus issues

Bay Area ENT Sinuplasty.com (228) 357-9681

Primary Care Doctor

Teresa Williamson MD • Previous experience in private practice and four years at Johns Hopkins Medicine • Passionate about treating the whole person • Providing acute care on walk-in basis, as well as routine care for people at every stage in life

Singing River Medical Clinic - Pascagoula (228) 762-3466

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October-November 2020

Pediatrics

Andrea Logan MD, FAAP • Board certified in Pediatrics • Provides an exceptional pediatric experience, from routine well-child care to acute care and wound care for infants through adolescents • Singing River Pediatrics provides evidence-based treatments for your child

Singing River Pediatrics Ocean Springs Clinic (228) 818-5008

Psychiatrist/Psychotherapist

Roger Ridgeway, Jr. MD • Singing River Medical Director for Outpatient Behavioral Health Services • Board certified in Psychiatry • Singing River Outpatient Behavioral Services provides: • Psychiatric evaluation and treatment • Medication management • Individual, children’s, and family therapy • Group psychotherapy

(228) 696-9224

#SingingRiverStrong

Pulmonologist

Ijlal Babar, MD

• Singing River Director of Pulmonary Critical Care and Pulmonary Hypertension • Medical Director of Singing River’s Regional Pulmonary Hypertension Center - the only one on the Coast • Leads Singing River’s groundbreaking team of pulmonologists in cutting-edge diagnosis & treatment of lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, & sleep disorders Regional Pulmonary & Hypertension Center (228) 872-1951

Rheumatologist

Matthew Carroll, MD • Board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine • Treats autoimmune diseases and arthritis

Nicole R. Walton, DO • Board certified in Rheumatology and Internal Medicine • Treats autoimmune diseases and arthritis

(228) 696-9995

Urologist

David Spencer, Jr. MD • Current Singing River Chief of Staff • Board certified in Urology • Extensive experience treating urologic cancers with the da Vinci® robot • Utilizes advanced minimally invasive techniques for treating kidney stones • Performs vasectomy and vasectomy reversals

SouthMississippiUrology.com (228) 875-3778

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Pregnancy and COVID-19: Are expectant mothers at greater risk?

BY DR. ALISHA H. WARE

It’s often said that pregnant women are eating for two, and amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many pregnant women also may be worrying for two.

Here is what we know: • To date, the CDC reports that there have been approximately 18,040 cases of COVID-19 and 39 deaths in pregnant women in the United States since the end of January 2020.

• There seems to be an increased risk of preterm birth associated with COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 is a newer viral infection, which means we know less about its effects on pregnant women. Currently, pregnant women seem to have the same level of infection risk as women who are not pregnant.

Pregnant women, in general, are more susceptible to severe illness when infected with viruses and can be at greater risk of severe disease, hospitalization and ICU admission. While all pregnant women should be careful, atrisk pregnancies, such as those already at risk for preterm delivery or those with advanced maternal age, require even greater caution.

Reducing your risk of infection when pregnant is essential. Some precautions pregnant women should take include: • Limiting travel and interactions with others • Choosing activities where social distancing can be maintained • Ordering online for delivery or pick up rather than exposing yourself to restaurants or large stores • Wearing a mask and asking others around you to do the same • Washing your hands and/or using hand sanitizer religiously • Getting a flu shot as soon as it is available. Influenza is also extremely dangerous during pregnancy.

Prenatal care is still extremely important, and even

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more so for high-risk pregnancies. Do not skip prenatal appointments. Prenatal office visits are imperative; they allow your doctor to assess growth and progress during your pregnancy.

Talk with your doctor about ways to reduce exposure and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and other illnesses that would warrant medical attention. If you are feeling anxious, stressed or isolated, discuss these feelings with your physician, as your mental health and wellbeing are vital.

You may have questions about how this pandemic will affect your delivery, and it’s important to realize that the answers to these questions and concerns will continue to change. Regardless of the state of this pandemic, proper medical care and delivery in a well-equipped, well-staffed hospital is still the safest option for you and your baby.

COVID-19 may be with us for a while, and pregnant women must take greater precautions than other women their age. But remember — pregnancy is only nine months, and a healthy baby is worth any additional steps you have to take.

Dr. Alisha Ware is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She practices at Woman’s Clinic PA and is on staff at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport and Garden Park Hospital.

Reach her at (228) 388-4816.

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

LIFE CAN BE CHALLENGING. Oceans can help.

Oceans Behavioral Hospital Biloxi provides inpatient and outpatient mental health services in a safe and comfortable environment with individual and group treatment programs. We are passionate about helping children, adults and seniors manage the challenges associated with anxiety, depression and other behavioral health issues.

JAMES RUSCH, MD KIMBERLY MORGAN, PMHNP TAMMY LEE, PMHNP COLLEEN MCMAHON, PMHNP DUSTIN MARMALICH, MD (Not Pictured)

SERVICES INCLUDE: • Inpatient Behavioral Services: Ages 12 and older • Intensive Outpatient Programs: Ages 18 and older • Therapeutic Day School: Ages 5-12 • Adolescent Behavioral Services: Ages 12-17 • STAR Military Program: Ages 18 and older

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Outpatient | (228) 385-4671 152 Gateway Drive | Biloxi, MS 39531 oceansbiloxi.com www.gcwmultimedia.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

E X P E R T I N S I G H T: D E N T I S T R Y

T H E S Y S T E M I C L I N K TO

Oral Health One of the most overlooked issues in the overall health picture for women is oral health. Many risk factors are present in women that make this a serious concern. Oral health exams can be easily incorporated into a routine physical examination and only take a couple of minutes. Many complications of neglect can be avoided. Without routine exams, periodontal disease, dental caries (cavities), infection, and even cancer can go undiagnosed.

Clifford J Cook, D.M.D., M.S. BROADWATER DENTAL 10437 Lamey Bridge Rd., Suite E D’Iberville, MS 39540 Office: 228.388.3353

So why is this such an issue for women? From the moment puberty starts, hormones predispose women to more complications than men. Estrogen and progesterone can allow for an increase in bacterial colonization which can lead to gum disease. Pregnancy increases the risk factors. Contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy also contribute to an increased response to bacterial plaque in the gums. Once gingivitis is present it opens the door to many more serious problems. These problems lead to systemic inflammation, increases in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and higher cancer risks.

There is also a correlation between oral and systemic health as it relates to conception. A woman with periodontal disease can take up to twice as long to conceive. While oral care is safe through pregnancy, a lack of oral care can lead to many problems including low birth weight.

Poor outcomes can be avoided with a simple trip to the dentist. To emphasize, almost half of pregnant women have some form of periodontal disease. And with such a treatable condition, it just does not make sense to take a risk when excellent care is readily available.

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Menopausal women are also at risk.

It is important to note the oral mucosa October-November 2020 has estrogen receptors that see much

less estrogen present during menopause.

The resulting changes lead to a higher incidence of periodontal disease.

Detecting and treating this condition at an older age can certainly help women avoid tooth loss caused from degradation of alveolar bone. Changes in hormones can cause dry mouth and complications associated with it. These changes can be managed with the help of a professional.

For women with cancer or a history of cancer treatment, it is paramount that routine oral care is a top priority.

Infection and/or tooth loss can cause devastating complications. Sometimes routine care intervals must be increased to anywhere from twice a year and up to monthly to ensure problems are avoided.

This continues to women who have been treated with bisphosphonates for osteopenia or osteoporosis. A debilitating condition called osteonecrosis which can cause pain, swelling, and poor healing can exacerbate into a need for surgery and hyperbaric oxygen treatment. It is so critically important to avoid this by taking care of your teeth and avoiding unnecessary bone remodeling. This is not only an issue with tooth loss. Denture wearers have a more frequent incidence of this condition. An ill-fitting denture can rub tissues and cause osteonecrosis in past or current bisphosphonate users.

There are so many factors in oral health that are important to women. Systemic considerations as well as environmental factors combine to make a highly complex puzzle of healthy living that must be managed between the patient and a dental professional. More each day, the systemic/oral connection is verified through research and clinical studies.

Many complications can be avoided with routine care and this care should be sought as if your life depends on it.

www.gcwmultimedia.com

75

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month

BY DR. PAMELA TULI

Think green!

Know and reduce your risk for liver cancer

October has us all thinking pink, but did you know October is also Liver Cancer Awareness Month?

Although liver cancer is relatively rare in the United States, it is one of the deadliest forms of cancer.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and one of the few cancers whose incidence is actually increasing, having tripled since 1980.

The good news is that by knowing and modifying certain factors, you can reduce your risk.

Risk factors for HCC include cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver; chronic hepatitis C or B infection; fatty deposition of liver, either from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or excessive alcohol use; and certain inherited diseases like hemochromatosis, a condition where your body takes up and stores more iron than is needed.

Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can cause inflammation of your liver, leading to cirrhosis over time.

Today, most cases of hepatitis C can be cured with oral medications, thereby preventing long-term complications.

However, most people with hepatitis C don’t even realize they are infected and therefore don’t seek treatment.

So, who is at risk? People born between 1945 and 1964 are at high risk and should be tested. Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood, so other risk factors are a history of illicit IV drug use and blood transfusion prior to 1992, amongst others. Hepatitis B is spread through blood and body fluids and also can be treated. In addition, a vaccine

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October-November 2020

is available to prevent hepatitis B. Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be tested for hepatitis C and/or B and whether you should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. Fatty liver disease also can cause chronic liver inflammation. Obesity and diabetes are risk factors for this. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits like regular exercise and weight control can lower your risk.

Excessive alcohol intake also can cause fatty deposition in the liver, leading to cirrhosis. So if you drink alcohol, it’s best to drink in moderation. That’s one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, with no more than five drinking days per week.

Liver cancer is treatable, and even curable, when caught early. If you already have a condition that increases your risk, talk to your doctor to see if you are a candidate for liver cancer screening, which can find cancer at an early stage and increase the chance of cure.

The more people know about HCC and its risk factors, the better we can work to effectively prevent, diagnose and treat it. So, this October, think green as well as pink!

Dr. Pamela Tuli is a hematologist-oncologist practicing with The Medical Oncology Group - Memorial Physician Clinics. She can be contacted at (228)-575-1234.

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Board Certified Ophthalmologist

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Dr. Stevens and his staff are taking every precaution to protect your health during your visit.

OFFERING TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MANY CONDITIONS Cataracts Emergency Eye Care Diabetic Retinopathy Glaucoma Dry Eye Macular Degeneration

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Visit our website and book your appointment

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77

SPONSORED CONTENT

E X P E R T I N S I G H T: I N S U R A N C E

HAS COVID-19

Affected Insurance?

Like everything else, insurance companies have had to adapt. One of the things that many plans are now offering is telemedicine. While it isn’t new, it’s now included in most plans at no additional cost. Telemedicine allows you to be seen by doctors using your cell phone or computer, so that you don’t have to leave your home. Most insurance plans are now also offering Covid-19 testing for free, as well as treatment for symptoms.

What is ACA? ACA stands for Affordable Care Act, formerly called Obamacare. With individual health insurance you have two options, ACA or Short Term. ACA plans

Tammy Harrell, Agent

go through the Healthcare Marketplace.

BRENT HARRELL INSURANCE 175 D Lameuse Street Biloxi, MS 39530 Office: 228.207.6053 Cell: 228.437.1390 Email: tammy@brentharrellins.com

pre-existing conditions and must cover

They’re not allowed to deny you for prescriptions and preventive care. Based on where you live, how many people are in your household, and your income, you may qualify for tax credits and subsidies to reduce your premium, deductible, and copays. These are HMO plans, which means you must stay in the network to receive coverage, except in the case of emergencies. Short Term plans are an option for those who either don’t want an ACA plan, or don’t qualify for tax credits and subsidies. In that case, a short term plan may be more affordable. However, these plans are able to deny you for preexisting conditions, but are PPO plans, so you can go anywhere in the country.

Some plans offer copays and prescription coverage, but most do not and are meant

78

October-November 2020 only for catastrophic coverage.

What are my Medicare options?

Medicare Advantage plans and Supplements are sold by private companies, such as Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Allwell, and Humana. You must have Part A and B in order to enroll in any plan. Some plans may include dental and vision as well as extra benefits, and most plans offer prescription coverage. They may offer copays, deductibles, and co-insurance with low to no premiums and are HMO and PPO plans. Supplements have a higher premium, but most do not cover extra benefits or prescriptions, so a standalone prescription plan is needed to have prescription coverage. However, they offer low out of pocket medical costs and you can see any doctor you choose, as long as they accept Medicare.

When can I enroll?

You can enroll in any Medicare plan when you first become eligible and enrolled in Part B, and then every year you have the option to change plans during the AEP which is between October 15-December 7. The ACA Open Enrollment is from November 1-December 15. If you miss this open enrollment window, the only way to enroll in an ACA or Medicare plan is to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. If this year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of having good health insurance and being prepared. I’m available to help with any questions you have, and to help you through the enrollment process so that you’re enrolled in the best plan based on your health needs and budget.

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Kelly Palermo s'

TRANSFORMATION STORY

BEFORE MY TRANSFORMATION

Before I began my health journey, I had no energy. My body hurt. I did not sleep well, and I was taking too much medicine. I lacked motivation to do anything I didn’t have to do. I spent most of my time at home, hiding from the world. I had low self-esteem and I didn’t like who I was, so how could I expect others to like me?

I knew I had to make a change. I ate when I was bored or lonely, or just because, and most of the time, it was fast food. Quarantine forced me to start cooking more. I am not going to say I was cooking healthy, but I was not snacking as much or eating as much. I also started exercising. I did not lose any weight during this time, but I did not gain any either.

MY GOAL

My goal when I started on May 18 was to lose 70 pounds, but I was not necessarily stuck on that number or the size of my clothes. My real “why” was to like who I saw in pictures. If I absolutely had to be in a picture, I would be in the back, hiding from the lens.

I have lost 38 pounds and 30-plus inches in 15 weeks! I’ve also had plenty of non-scale victories. Ninety-five percent of the clothes in my closet are too big.

I am off my blood pressure, cholesterol and acid reflux meds. I also take fewer meds for my restless legs. My lower back doesn’t hurt, and I don’t get winded walking up stairs.

WHAT I DID

After many failed diets that involved pills, eliminating certain food groups or only eating during certain hours of the day, I found a plan where I eat six times a day. Some of the food is meal replacements, and some is actual meals.

The food I eat is nutritionally balanced with the right amount of probiotics, vitamins, fiber, protein, carbs and sugar. I also have a health coach who is teaching me healthy habits so when I reach my goal, I can maintain my healthy weight

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October-November 2020

and not gain it back as in the past.

AFTER

HOW IT WORKED

This plan works for me because I’m now eating to live, not living to eat. I have fierce willpower, and watching others eat cake, cheese dip, bread, etc. doesn’t tempt me at all. I know once I reach my goal, I can incorporate some of these foods back into my diet. I do not miss the drive thru or eating out every day. It’s easier for me to cook at home; that way, I know I am eating the right foods and the right portions. I also have a health coach and belong to many online communities that support me and my journey.

THE MOST DIFFICULT PART

The most difficult part was getting on the scale to see I’d only lost a few ounces for the week.

I tell myself a loss is a loss, and with every ounce down, I’m closer to my goal.

BEFORE

HOW I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF TODAY

I struggle to find the words to describe how good I feel. I like myself! I take selfies! That is a big win. I am healthy, both mentally and physically. My medicine cabinet is mostly empty. I sleep at night. I have energy to do things now, and I don’t want to sit at home every weekend. I don’t hide from the world anymore. I’m ready to get out there and live! I wanted to pay it forward and help others on their heath journey, so I became a health coach.

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

MY ADVICE TO OTHERS

Find something that works for you, and just start. Find your why. Take small steps. You did not become unhealthy overnight, so you should not expect to become healthy overnight, either. You want to do something you can maintain for the rest of your life.

Remember, you are the prize at the end of the journey. You matter. You are important. Do it for you!

"LÃÌiÌÀ V > ÃÊ> `Ê Þ iV } ÃÌÃ

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BY JENNIFER GENTILE

future

Focused on the

Rachel Yarborough isn’t looking back after battling two cancers

“We know we are blessed, no matter what we are going through, and we make sure to enjoy each day.”

R

achel Yarborough’s life has been saved several times over by strangers — everyday people who donated blood, umbilical cords and plasma.

Without those precious gifts, Yarborough may have succumbed to one of two types of cancer she has fought since the spring of 2018.

“I’ve been given the time I have by people who will never know the impact their generosity has had on my life,” says Yarborough, former Waveland city attorney, wife to Gary and mother of four children.

The Bay Saint Louis resident’s ordeal began when she was expecting her youngest child, Beau Emy. Yarborough’s pregnancy progressed normally for the first 34 weeks, then she was rushed to the hospital when her blood pressure spiked.

Doctors assumed it was preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication, and Beau Emy was delivered via emergency cesarean section.

After the delivery, Yarborough hemorrhaged and underwent an emergency hysterectomy. Her daughter beat her home from the hospital, and after discharge, doctors continued to monitor Yarborough’s blood pressure problem — which was managed, but not resolved.

Around that time, she went in for a seemingly routine gallbladder ultrasound,

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October-November 2020

due to some reflux she was experiencing.

Rather than finding a gallbladder issue, the ultrasound revealed a tumor that had clotted off of her inferior vena cava, grown to fill her liver and extended to outside her right atrium.

Upon referral to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Yarborough was diagnosed with a stage four leiomyosarcoma.

“I was shocked and emotional, but I knew something was wrong during the ultrasound when the radiologist took numerous photographs of my abdomen during the exam,” she says. “I told my husband when we left the hospital that something was wrong.”

Previously, she had no reason to think anything was amiss, as she had no symptoms or pre-existing health issues.

“I would get pains in my abdomen when working out or after meals, but I associated it with lactose issues,” she says. “I had no idea that it was a symptom of cancer.”

Although not curable, Yarborough’s condition is treatable with chemotherapy.

When her blood cell counts registered low earlier this year, she hadn’t had chemo in 10 months and knew the treatment couldn’t be the cause.

After her counts didn’t increase after a week or so in the hospital, Yarborough became worried that something else was

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

at fault. Biopsies confirmed a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome, aka, preleukemia.

“We decided to undergo a stem cell transplant,” she says, “which is the only possible cure for the disease.”

She had the procedure in June and lived in a Houston apartment for months afterward, going to clinic every day at MD Anderson. Due to the hospital’s COVID-19 visitation restrictions, only her husband could accompany Yarborough through the transplant process.

“I spent 50 days in the hospital with my husband, away from my children and family without physical visitation,” she says. “The hardest part of the process was being separated from my children for so long.”

So far, everything has gone to plan.

Yarborough likely will be on low-dose chemotherapy for a while to prevent a relapse and will return to Houston periodically for sarcoma monitoring.

The future is uncertain, so Yarborough strives to be positive, focus on what’s in front of her and make everything as normal as possible for her family.

“We know we are blessed, no matter what we are going through,” she says, “and we make sure to enjoy each day.”

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Pressed for time? Try these

Coast meal prep companies Meal prep involves planning, preparing, cooking and portioning out your meals ahead of time, which means cooking in bulk once or twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday).

Meal prep can have a huge impact on you and your family, as it has for me.

I am a seasoned, faithful meal prepper with over a decade of experience. It saves me so much time during the week to have my refrigerator stocked with healthy meals, which is vital to living a healthy lifestyle.

Otherwise, I would be rushing to throw my lunch and dinner together, maybe from leftovers from the night before, and trying to decide what to eat on the day of — which is not a healthy habit.

Planning is crucial to staying on track, and if you don’t have time to meal prep, no problem.

We’re fortunate to have several local meal prep companies offering tasty, healthy options.

EAT RIGHT MEAL PREP

Rob Stinson, executive head chef, joined with Michelle and Joff Clarke, owners of Bayou View Fitness, to bring you the healthiest meal prep on the Coast. It’s the only meal-prep provider in the state with the certification of meeting Ochsner Eat Fit, meaning it meets Ochsner’s healthy food criteria.

Besides being delicious, Eat Fit items meet the nutritional guidelines of the Ochsner Eat

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Fit team and are centered on lean proteins, vegetables, plant-based fats and whole grains, with no white carbs and minimum added sugar and animal fats.

The meals are made at Salute Restaurant, and Eat Fit is heart healthy, senior friendly and diabetic friendly. KETO and Double KETO meals are now available. Eat Right has very tasty meals for the whole family, and you can choose from a variety of plans. Free local pickup is available at Bayou View Fitness. www.eatrightmealprep.com Facebook/Eat Right Meal Prep (228) 456-3677

PREP BY K.U.G.

Originally from New Orleans, owner Kristina Uribe Grizzard, aka K.U.G., grew up in Ocean Springs. A wife and mother of three, she is committed to health, fitness and nutrition.

At Prep, food is the love language, and Kristina focuses on whole foods and is always happy to share her cooking process with you to help you make food choices based on your dietary needs or lifestyle.

Prep by K.U.G. has a delectable variety of macro meals that provide the right calorie content and protein/fat/carb counts.

Macro meals may contain gluten, grains, soy, dairy and/or added sugars.

Prep also offers paleo meals

October-November 2020

that are free of gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, added sugars and harmful chemicals. They offer individually prepped meals that can be picked up on a weekly basis, or Kristina offers a grab-and-go cooler for when you’re in a pinch. www.prepbykug.com Facebook/Prep by K.U.G. (228) 282-9087

All these companies offer great benefits, so try them and take back some of your time. Plus, meal prep can save you money, help with weight control, contribute to a more nutritionally balanced diet for you and your family and reduce your stress as you avoid rushed preparation or last-minute meal decisions. Happy prepping!

NEXT DAY NUTRITION

Next Day Nutrition believes that life is worth living to the fullest, and we know the quality of our lives is greatly determined by the quality of our fuel. Next Day’s mission is to help you optimize your overall health through plant-based nutrition.

Next Day Nutrition is committed to making the Coast a healthier place by spreading awareness and increasing the availability of plant-based foods. The company will assist your transition toward a predominately plant-based diet by offering educational meal prep. When you sign up, you will receive educational material that teaches you why they send you certain foods and how to do it on your own.

Meals are available for delivery to your home or office (selected days). www.nextdaynutrition.net Facebook/Next Day Nutrition (228) 731-3198

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

BY KAROL BRANDT Karol Brandt is an executive host with Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, as well as co-author of the Amazon best-seller “The Struggle is Real: Finally Break the Dieting Cycle, Transform Your Mind and Body, and Evolve into The Person You Have Always Wanted to Be” and the “30-Day Evolve Challenge Journal.” Contact Brandt by email at karol.brandt@ scarletpearlcasino.com, Facebook/ The Struggle Is Real or Instagram at karolbrandtnola.

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D I F F I C U LT D E C I S I O N S

Require Personal Connections To say that our hospice team at Saad is a group of caring, compassionate individuals is an understatement. Meet Sarah Rumery, the Director of Hospice for Saad Hospice located in D’Iberville, Mississippi. Following graduation from nursing school, Sarah felt an almost immediate calling to work with terminally ill patients. She followed this calling and chose to work with an agency where she could channel her passion and dedication into caring for patients and their families at the most vulnerable time of their life.

Genuinely feeling like she’s following God’s chosen path for her life; the past nine years have been more rewarding than she could have ever imagined.

Sarah Rumery, Director of Hospice Cari-Ann Dunning, Patient Care Coordinator SAAD HEALTHCARE 10598 D’Iberville Blvd.

D’Iberville, MS 39540 Office: 228.432.8855 Email: cari.dunning@saadhealthcare.com Website: www.saadhealthcare.com

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Our hospice liaison, Cari-Ann Dunning, also has a heart for hospice. She ensures that the transition to hospice care is comforting to the patient as well as the family. Cari-Ann is the first step to ensuring that Saad hospice patients have everything that they need to facilitate a positive end-of-life experience.

In addition to Sarah and Cari-Ann, additional hospice team members include: A seasoned hospice medical director, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, volunteers, and any therapy needs.

Why would one choose Saad Hospice?

Sarah Rumery said “Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to quality care that’s patient-centered. Our emphasis is on compassionate care for the whole person- the mental, social, emotional, and spiritual, as well as the physical needs of the patient.”

WHAT SETS SAAD APART FROM OTHER AGENCIES? Cari-Ann Dunning said “Saad has been the only family owned and operated home health and hospice agency in business for over 50 years. We offer a home health bridge-to-hospice or palliative care program for those individuals who want to learn more about hospice, but are not yet ready to transition to hospice care. I grew up in this business with my parents. My brother and I are the next generation to carry on the Saad legacy.”

SAAD OFFERS: • Almost all existing and new medicinal needs • Nurse practitioners and woundcertified nurses • We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year • We accept almost all insurance plans HOW CAN ONE START WITH SAAD HOSPICE SERVICES? 1. Call Saad office at 228-432-8855 and we will set up a consultation.

2. Have your physician refer you or your loved one.

3. Have your family, physician, etc. meet with our hospice team and decide on a plan of care best for you.

“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others”- Mandy Hale Saad Hospice of Mississippi is a toprated Medicare provider of hospice care in comparison with other agencies in this area. Visit https://www.medicare.gov/ care-compare/ today!

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The benefits of having a

family physician First of all, what is a primary care provider, or PCP? The term PCP refers to any of the following types of medical professionals: family medicine

BY DR. KATHY practitioner, general practitioner, nurse practitioner, physician KEIMIG assistant, internist, pediatrician or geriatrician. They treat a wide range of health issues and can help coordinate your medical treatment with specialists as needed. They also are trained in disease prevention and health maintenance.

Family physicians are trained to care for a person from infancy to advanced age. They are like a pediatrician and internist in one. Having a doctor who is aware of your personal and family history can be helpful and comforting. Family physicians have completed four years of medical school and three years of residency. As a part of residency, they participate in integrated inpatient and outpatient training. They receive training in six major medical areas: pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, psychiatry and neurology, surgery and community medicine. They also receive instruction

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in other areas, including geriatrics, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, radiology, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ENT) and urology. They may also do office procedures such as laceration repair, draining abscesses and biopsy/removal of skin lesions.

The scope of their practice is not defined by diagnoses or procedures, but by human needs.

Family physicians do not treat diseases; they take care of people. Family physicians are dedicated to treating the whole person. Even though you may see a specialist, your family physician can coordinate your care provided by those specialists. Events affecting your family can affect your health, and having a family physician as your PCP can help you manage the stresses that may affect your wellbeing.

Dr. Kathy Keimig practices at Memorial Physician Clinics St. Martin Family Medicine at 14213 Cook Road, Building A, in Biloxi. She is board certified in family medicine. For a provider directory, call (228) 8675000.

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KINYATTA BENNETT, D.M.D. Family Dentistry

SERVING HER COMMUNITY THROUGH COMPASSIONATE CARE, SERVICE AND DONATIONS Dr. Kinyatta Bennett of Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry is dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care to her patients as well as giving back to her community through service and donations.

This year she celebrates 10 years practicing dentistry, as well as the five year anniversary of Healthy Smiles.

Dr. Bennett is devoted to carrying on the dream shared by her late husband and partner, Dr. Christopher Bennett, after their graduation from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry.

With a lot of love and hard work, that dream was realized with the opening of Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in June 2015 in a Gulfport area where Dr. Bennett had practiced for five years.

Carrying on her late husband’s vision, Dr. Bennett has excelled in her professional and personal life, managing the dental practice while raising their three children. She has been recognized by the Magnolia Bar Association with the 2020 Harriet Tubman Trailblazer award, and also earned the Mississippi Gulf Coast Black Owned Business award for Best Doctor 2020.

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Dr. Bennett realizes the importance of giving back to the community and hosts an annual breakfast with Santa, where children can take photos with Santa, enjoy a pancake breakfast, and make Christmas crafts. When a tornado struck Jefferson County, Healthy Smiles collected donations for the victims and delivered six carloads of items.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bennet partnered with another local dentist to deliver over 150 meals to local emergency departments and health clinics.

Dr. Bennett believes that a healthier smile makes a healthier person, a philosophy she achieves through dental care and her commitment to her community.

Healthy Smiles accepted donations to take to victims of the Tornado in Jefferson County.

We took 6 carloads of items.

During the COVID-19 Quarantine Kinyatta and Dr. Cook partnered up to deliver meals over 150 meals to Emergency room departments and COVID-19 clinics. www.gcwmultimedia.com 95

Healthy hands are BY. DR. KAREN HAND

happy hands

It’s no secret that men and women are different in many ways. Here’s another item to add to the list: orthopedic issues.

Physiological and anatomical differences between women and men mean that women can experience some orthopedic conditions that are generally more specific to them, although everyone is susceptible to bone or joint problems during their lifetime. Hormones, genetics and structural anatomy all play a part in these differences.

People come to a hand surgeon for a variety of reasons. Our hands are such a vital part of our interaction with the world around us. Any time our wrists or hands are affected by numbness, pain, stiffness or specific injury, it can impair our activities of daily living and keep us from enjoying the things we love.

Symptoms causing concern can include a gradual onset of numbness, tingling and burning in the wrists or hands, caused by compression of the nerves. Others may simply be having pain and stiffness of the hands caused by arthritis or contracture. Athletes may seek treatment for a specific injury affecting the wrist or hand.

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These may include sprains, tendon injuries or even fracture.

Additionally, a surprising number of hand-related concerns can be connected to pregnancy. Carpal tunnel syndrome is three times more likely in women than men, and it is also very common in pregnancy — especially in the third trimester.

In fact, it is estimated that more than half of pregnant women will experience symptoms of carpal tunnel during pregnancy. Such symptoms usually disappear after delivery but sometimes require treatment.

DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis also is more common in women and often is associated with pregnancy. This is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the radial or thumb side of the wrist, which may cause pain when turning the wrist, grasping objects or making a fist. It is worsened by repetitive activity, such as lifting your baby in those early postpartum days. It has even been called “mother’s wrist.” It can be treated with splinting and steroid injection, but it sometimes requires surgery.

CMC joint arthritis is another orthopedic concern more common in women. One of the most common

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

locations for arthritis in the hand is at the base of the thumb, or the thumb CMC joint, which is located where the thumb, or metacarpal bone, meets the wrist. Although both men and women are affected by CMC joint arthritis, women are affected five to 10 times more frequently than men.

Symptoms include pain, swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb, as well as discomfort after prolonged activity and difficulty with tasks that require gripping or pinching, such as opening a jar or turning a key. There are nonsurgical and surgical treatments.

Memorial Hospital has a dedicated team of orthopedic specialists who can provide nonsurgical medical care to surgery including advanced, minimally invasive procedures. For more information, visit http://www. gulfportmemorial.com/orthopedics.

Dr. Karen Hand, a doctor with Memorial Physician Clinics, practices general orthopedics with a special concentration in hand and lower arm. For a directory of Memorial’s orthopaedic surgeons, visit WeAreMemorial.com or call (228) 867-5000.

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Beating multiple myeloma Cancer survivor Renee Gautier-Hague Is living life to the fullest

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

In 2015, while presenting a program on Pascagoula’s civil rights movement, Renee Gautier-Hague suddenly felt like she was being stabbed.

“I finished the program but could barely drive home afterwards, as the pain was severe,” says Gautier-Hague, who retired four years ago from the Jackson George Regional Library System, where she worked in the history/genealogy department for 14 years. “Thus began my painful, difficult and frustrating eight-month search for a correct diagnosis.”

That quest took her to several doctors — including a neurologist, her primary care provider and an orthopedist. She was diagnosed with scoliosis, sciatica and costochondritis and encouraged to keep up with physical therapy, despite the pain, but found no relief.

After she returned to the orthopedic doctor, demanding answers for why she could barely walk, scans revealed lesions in several places. Soon after, at her primary doctor’s office, Gautier-Hague learned she had multiple myeloma — an incurable blood cancer for which the average life span is two to four years.

“I felt shocked and terrified, realizing cancer had been eating at my bones,” she says. “Simultaneously, I felt immense gratitude for the life that I’ve been given for 62 years. This thought brought light into the darkness, and I felt resolved to follow the light and devote myself to healing.”

At the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, she met with a specialist and started chemotherapy, to which she responded well — making her a viable candidate for a stem cell transplant.

“They gave me so much hope,” Gautier-Hague says, “and

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told me all about the new classes of drugs that have been discovered to help myeloma in the past decade.”

It wasn’t the first time the odds were against GautierHague. Despite being diagnosed with endometriosis in her 20s, decreasing her chances of conceiving, Gautier-Hague went on to have three healthy children.

Once again, she would defy the statistics. For a few days after receiving a drug called Melphalan, which kills bone marrow, Gautier-Hague’s blood counts dropped so low she felt like she was dying. Then stem cells were infused back into her blood — bringing her back to life.

“It feels like you are being reborn,” Gautier-Hague says.

The transplant worked for Gautier-Hague, although it doesn’t for all multiple myeloma patients, and she left Houston thankful to be alive and committed to doing everything possible to sustain the remission. She has cleaned her environment and overhauled her diet, becoming a vegan who eats only organic, non-GMO whole foods.

She also has embraced alternative treatments and meets weekly online with a pastoral counselor. She begins each day with meditation, followed by a walk on the beach. Her husband, Doug, has retired, and they take their boat to the islands at least once a week.

Gautier-Hague credits cancer with making her a better person — one with more courage, patience, honesty, intelligence, confidence and self-esteem.

“Love casts out fear,” she says, “and while I did face the fear of pain and death, it elevated my understanding of life and deepened my love and appreciation for each moment as it unfolds.”

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

Finding the right doctor has never been easier Ochsner Health Center – Long Beach team is dedicated to providing quality care for you and your family. Our family medicine and pediatric providers see patients of all ages for: • Annual wellness check-ups

• Routine screenings

• Lab services

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• Family medicine

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AYSLIN BECKETT, MD Family Medicine

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We’re ready to provide the care you need. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment, call 228-689-3030 or visit ochsner.org/schedule.

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E X P E R T I N S I G H T: I N S U R A N C E

M e d i c a r e S u p p l e m e n t VS Medicare Advantage With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period upon us, I always get questions with regards to the difference between the two plans.

The easiest way to explain the difference is to give you a quick history lesson. Back in the 90’s, the only option available for retirees was the Red, White and Blue Medicare Card and a Supplement with NO Drug coverage.

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In 2005, Seniors finally had the option to buy a prescription drug coverage with their Medicare coverage. They were also offered an Employer/Work Style Health plan option which is called a Medicare Advantage.

A Medicare Advantage Plan is basically Group Health Insurance for Seniors. It covers doctor, hospital, and drugs just like your current or past group health plan. It has a network of doctors and hospitals, it has copays, it has annual deductibles and annual max out of pockets like your current group health plan.

The network is the key difference.

All employer-based health plans use a Network of Doctors and Hospitals in order to control cost. The network means: if you go see Doctor “AB” and he or she sends you to Doctor “CD” in Mobile or New Orleans, what is the first thing you must do before you make an appointment? You must make sure Doctor “CD” takes your insurance. Meaning you must make sure he or she is in your Health plans Network.

The Medicare Supplement works totally different. Everyone takes Medicare for the most part, so you do not have the network issues. Your Red, White and Blue Medicare Card is primary, and your supplement

is secondary. Meaning you show your Medicare card and your supplement card.

Medicare only covers doctor and hospital, so you will need to purchase a separate drug plan.

So what plan is best for you??

First: you DO NOT lose your Medicare if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. This is a complete misunderstanding and it drives me crazy when I hear someone make that statement. In fact, you must have Medicare in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage.

Just remember, the Advantage plan was designed to mimic the work health coverage you had for the last 20-30 years. If you liked your work style health coverage, you would like the advantage plan. If you did not like your work coverage, then you probably will not like the Advantage plan.

The question remains, what plan is best for you? To answer this, you need to ask yourself a few questions.

Do you plan to travel? If so, where?

Again, the Advantage plan is a networkbased plan and it may not be an option if you are traveling all over the country. If you are back and forth to Orange Beach or Destin, the network might work.

Do you mind the networks and copays?

If you do not like or want copays and network issues, then don’t enroll in the Advantage plan.

Are you sick or healthy? If you are fighting Cancer, you need to look at the copay cost versus just buying a supplement that does not have copays.

Are you looking for hassle free or do you mind a little hassle, if it can save you money? The advantage plans are cheaper, but you will have the hassle of the network and copays. The Supplement is hassle free, but it cost more.

Now you are armed with some knowledge, you want to get more details, and some exact prices; Call my office for a free quote and side by side comparison.

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NEVER IGNORE

post-menopausal bleeding

Talking with one of my patients in the emergency room one day, I asked what she liked about

BY DR. PHILIP L. being older. She LEVIN considered the question for a bit, smiled and said, “The best thing is no longer having my monthlies. They were such a nuisance!”

Menopause refers to the time when a woman’s periods cease, with 51 being the average age of onset. As a woman reaches her late 30s, her ovaries decrease their production of estrogens and progesterone, causing many changes in her physiology.

Menstrual cycles decrease in volume, duration and regularity. Other changes include thinning of the skin (especially vaginally), mood swings, acne, hot flashes, fatigue and an increase in migraine headaches.

Once the menses have ceased for several months to a year, a recurrence of vaginal bleeding should be considered abnormal and evaluated by a gynecologist. Multiple issues might cause this bleeding, many of them easily treatable.

One common cause of late bleeding comes when the vaginal tissues tear. This skin requires estrogens to stay healthy; without them, it develops atrophy, becoming thin and friable.

Vaginal irritation from infection, disease or trauma may cause bleeding. For example, intercourse or a roughly inserted tampon may cause enough damage to result in bleeding.

For vaginal atrophy, hormonal suppositories are low-risk treatments with excellent results.

Another likely cause of post-menopausal vaginal bleeding is uterine polyps. Most of the time, these growths are benign, fibroid tumors. However, sometimes these polyps can be cancerous, a condition called endometrial carcinoma.

Whenever a growth is responsible for uterine bleeding, the usual treatment involves hysterectomy. Uterine cancer is a much more involved diagnosis, for which treatment will depend on how far the disease has progressed.

Many other factors might be responsible for abnormal bleeding. Certain medications, including hormones, steroids and anti-platelet drugs can upset the body’s regulatory system.

Platelet dysfunction from other diseases, such as cancer or liver disease, might be the culprit.

To evaluate the cause of the bleeding, the most common tests are a pelvic ultrasound and an endometrial biopsy. The ultrasound can discover polyps in the uterus. For the biopsy, the doctor will insert a curette through the vagina and into the

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uterus to scrape up a sampling. This procedure, known as a D & C, will determine if there’s cancer. Occasionally the D & C itself will cure the problem by removing overactive tissue.

Post-menopausal bleeding should never be ignored. Even small amounts of blood should be noted and cause the woman to make a prompt follow-up with her physician. Many of the causes are benign and fixable. If the bleeding comes from something serious, the sooner treatment begins, the better.

Dr. Philip L. Levin is an emergency medicine specialist in Gulfport. He can be contacted at (228) 867-4000.

SOME CAUSES OF POST-MENOPAUSAL BLEEDING: • Atrophic vagina • Uterine polyps • Medication side effects • Infections • Endometrial cancer • Fistulas • Platelet dysfunction

Women's Health & TOP DOCTORS

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Generations of smiles Brice and Associates - Pediatric Dental Specialists says cheers to 40 years

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Dr. Buddy and Jaye

Dr. Brice and Viviana Wetzel

When Jaye Gilich Brice began working in the front office of her husband’s dental practice, she did her job much differently.

She entered appointments manually into a book and confirmed them with an old-style dial phone. She wrote welcome letters and other communications on a typewriter.

At that time, patients had very little insurance available.

Four decades seem to have flown by, and while Jaye has witnessed countless changes, she says at least one thing has stayed constant at Brice and Associates - Pediatric Dental Specialists.

“We take strides to ensure your child has a great, comfortable visit with us,” she says.

This year, Brice and Associates celebrates 40 years of serving the Coast. For founder Dr. C.A. “Buddy” Brice, who goes by “Dr. Buddy” in the office, treating children has been a reward in itself.

“There is never a dull moment; kids are the best!” he says.

“I think they have kept me young. It also is most rewarding and gratifying to have so many former patients bringing in their children for me to treat.”

Dr. Buddy was the first pediatric dentist in Biloxi, with only one other in Gulfport at the time and no others from Mobile to Slidell. He also was the first and youngest in the state to be board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry — on which he’s now a life member diplomate.

After completing his residency program in pediatric dentistry at Louisiana State University, Brice knew he wanted to return to the Coast and open his own practice.

Jaye’s family-owned grocery store building in Biloxi was renovated to become the area’s first open bay-concept office to treat children. In 2012, the practice added a second office in Ocean Springs.

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Dr. Austin McMurphy with patient

The practice serves children and young adults up to age 23, as well as special needs patients of all ages. Although there’s more competition today than in 1980, Jaye says the reputation her husband has built over much of his lifetime sets him apart.

“I am so proud he’s been able to bring this level of specialty to the Coast and been able to help the number of children he’s helped over the years,” she says. “He’s an excellent clinician, and his way with children is so natural.”

Dr. Buddy may have met thousands of patients throughout his career, Jaye adds, but he has an uncanny knack for recognizing people.

“It amazes me,” she says. “It might take him a second, but give him a little hint, and he’ll pick up on it.”

Dr. Austin McMurphy, Dr. Buddy’s nephew, shares his uncle’s fondness for kids and his commitment to helping them feel safe and comfortable. McMurphy, too, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and joined Brice and Associates in 2015.

Looking ahead to the practice’s future, Jaye says, “We’re excited about it being in a new generation of hands.”

“We hope it will continue in the tradition we’ve put forth,” she adds, “and we believe it will.”

IF YOU GO

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Developing differently Mom of autistic son recounts her parenting journey

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Roman, age 8

Erica and Roman

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October-November 2020

High School sophomore Roman Scott may look like a typical 15-year-old — but every day, he lives with a condition that affects how he experiences the world.

At age 3, Roman was diagnosed with autism, a disorder that affects one in 54 children in the U.S., according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When he was a toddler, his pediatrician noticed that he wasn’t reaching developmental milestones.

“For example, by a certain age, a child should be asking for a cup instead of just reaching and whining; Roman wasn’t doing that,” recalls his mom, Erica — an educator from Ocean Springs. “I would go home and work with him, but he could not do it.”

Roman displayed other behaviors familiar to parents of autistic children. He flapped his hands in the air. He methodically lined up his toys during playtime.

He liked to play alone or only with his older sister. He didn’t maintain eye contact. He yelled and had fits that were atypical for normal toddlers. He didn’t like his routine changed., and loud noises, bright, flashing lights and crowded areas bothered him.

A specialist confirmed the pediatrician’s suspicion, and Erica admits that she was sad to learn the diagnosis — and worried that she was ill equipped to care for a special needs child. Plus, she had to consider the effects on her three other children.

“With autism, there is a spectrum; there is no one way to tell what your child will be like and how autism will affect him and your family,” she says. “This diagnosis was not going away, so we decided to educate ourselves.”

Community support groups and local resources seemed scarce, so the Scotts partnered with their

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extended family, as well as their church, to invest in Roman — which “made all the difference in the world,” Erica says. At the time, she was a teacher for Jackson County School District, which had a pre-school, early intervention program for special needs students.

Life today for Roman and his family looks much different than a decade ago.

“He is such a wonderful guy,” Erica says. “He is funny and respectful. He loves being included with his peers. He loves any and all things Disney and Marvel Comics.”

Roman also takes great pride in his appearance, according to his mom, and he is very active in Wave Student Ministries at Pentecostals of the Gulf Coast. He sings in the youth ensemble praise team and participates in the drama ministry.

He plays basketball on the Ocean Springs Unified Basketball team and earned a letterman jacket.

He’s always been fascinated by animals and can rattle off random stats about many species.

“I used to think that his dream job would be driving the safari truck at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom,” Erica says. “He has told me recently that he would like to be an actor or a voice actor.”

In January, Roman took his first classes as a high school freshman.

Even when he doesn’t understand the material right away, Erica says, he works hard and keeps trying.

He may not graduate on time with the class of 2023, but Roman will graduate with an actual high school diploma — which makes his mom extremely proud.

“Roman has changed my life for the better,” Erica says. “I am so thankful that God chose me to be his mother and to be the one who gets to raise him.”

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109

Resilience

is in her DNA

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Sydney W Labat mixes medicine with advocacy

ith a profound photograph — taken where their forebears had been enslaved — 15 Black medical students from Tulane University connected a painful past and a promising future.

Among them was Sydney Labat — once awarded the “Miss PCHS” title and voted “Most Likely to Succeed” at Pass Christian High School. Now a third-year medical student at Tulane, Labat cleared her schedule to be present for the photo at Whitney Plantation in Edgard, Louisiana. She and her classmates wore white coats and stoic expressions as they stood in front of the plantation’s slave quarters.

“I felt the presence of our ancestors in that space,” Labat says. “I also had a whirlwind of emotions flowing through me because while I was extremely saddened that my ancestors were treated in this way, I also was extremely proud that I am a descendant of such resilient people.” The photo, snapped last December, went viral — thrusting the students and their message into the spotlight. From that

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notoriety, 15 White Coats was founded, committed to reshaping cultural imagery for African American children.

More often than not, Labat says, no one will tell them they can pursue a career in medicine — nor will they typically see Black physicians in their daily lives or imagine doctors who look like them.

“How can you be what you cannot see? You can’t,” Labat says. “The 15 White Coats was established to change that — to inspire young students to pursue their dreams no matter the circumstances and to aid in the accomplishment of their goals by way of various scholarships and mentorship initiatives.”

Labat herself didn’t always want to be a doctor. She aspired to speak multiple languages and become a lawyer or ambassador. Then during her junior year of high school, she tore her ACL during basketball practice, which felt like the end of the world at the time.

“It was truly a blessing in disguise because my journey through the injury and recovery is what sparked my interest in

“If we can convince at least one child to follow their dreams despite the odds, we have done our job.” medicine,” Labat says. She went on to attend Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically black and Catholic university in the nation, where her love for medicine and science expanded — as did her determination to be a voice for the marginalized. “(Sydney) is the most passionate ‘champion’ I know,” says her mother, Dr. Rymsky Graves-Labat. “She values friendships and humanity. She is strong in her faith and her beliefs. I have observed her give so freely that she will often put herself in harm’s way to save another.”

Graves-Labat realized early on that her daughter was destined to be a policy developer and change-maker. She taught her children to always “claim it” — and she has no doubt her daughter will achieve her aim of becoming a doctor for a national team, a professor at a medical school or the U.S. surgeon general.

“She generally speaks her goals and

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dreams into existence,” Graves-Labat says, “and I am confident that these goals won’t be any different.”

Labat pledges to always do her part to effect positive change for her community and the world. In light of racial unrest across the country and the Black Lives Matter Movement, she views 15 White Coats as “just one arm of a very large tree of organizations” pushing for equality and justice.

Going forward, she says, the group will continue their initiative to place their photo in 100,000 learning spaces nationwide, as well as fund several scholarships for Black students wanting to pursue a career in medicine. To contribute to their efforts or learn more, visit www.the15whitecoats.org/.

“If we can convince at least one child to follow their dreams despite the odds,” Labat says, “we have done our job.”

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Compassion, uninterrupted Women’s Resource Center perseveres during COVID crisis

BY TIFFANY D. BELL

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The phone rang one day, and on the line was the mother of a sixth-grader. The mom worked evenings. She and her 12-year-old always had been rather close. Like most working single parents, she had to trust her daughter to remain home alone after school while she worked. Never in a million years would she have guessed her daughter was entertaining the likes of a 17-yearold high school senior.

Now the 12-year-old was pregnant. The relationship between mother and daughter would never be the same. The 17-year-old eventually will face charges for having relations with a minor.

The daughter now must face the guilt and shame of getting pregnant at such a young age.

Stories like these keep the volunteers and staff of the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) going.

October-November 2020

October marks 17 years that the WRC has served the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Women from all walks of life have experienced what WRC considers confidential, considerate and compassionate care. It is one of over 2,300 centers around the world providing pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, STD testing, information on pregnancy options, material resources, parenting education and abortion recovery groups. All services are free and confidential. Together, these centers have helped over 101,000 at-risk abortion clients chose life.

Even in the wake of COVID-19, WRC’s doors have remained open. Like the rest of the world, the Center has taken advantage of technology to continue its mission. Clients have continued to enroll in the Earn While You Learn (EWYL)

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prenatal and parenting learning programs. These classes formerly were held in a group setting within the center.

They now are offered in a virtual format, allowing unlimited enrollment.

Clients also can speak to a virtual pregnancy decision coach if they are undecided about the pregnancy. This service not only is offered here for Gulf Coast residents, but there are hotlines available across the globe offering a listening ear and a safe environment for women without judgment. Often, volunteers at pregnancy resource centers have a similar story or background and are proud to give their time to help others. They know the fears and uncertainty both men and women are facing.

Like many businesses and nonprofits, support is needed more than ever as a result of the pandemic. Nonprofits are finding unique ways not only to continue providing services, but also to fundraise. WRC’s fifth-annual Gala for Babies will be a virtual event this year. Just as in years past, it’s celebrity guest stars will gather on Nov. 12 for an evening of inspiring stories, fun costumes and an extravagant silent auction to raise funding for the center.

Volunteers are also needed. For more information on how you can connect to the Center, call (228) 897-8958 or email info@wrcgulfport.org.

Tiffany D. Bell is the executive director of the Women’s Resource Center, located in Gulfport. Reach her at (228) 8978958 or tiffany@wrcgulfport.org.

Clients also can speak to a virtual pregnancy decision coach if they are undecided about the pregnancy. This service not only is offered here for Gulf Coast residents, but there are hotlines available across the globe offering a listening ear and a safe environment for women without judgment. Often, volunteers at pregnancy resource centers have a similar story or background and are proud to give their time to help others. They know the fears and uncertainty both men and women are facing.

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October-November 2020

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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH

An annual opportunity to raise awareness about the benefits of physical therapy.

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INTERESTING PHYSCIAL THERAPY FACTS You can seek physical therapy on your own People often see a physical therapist because their doctor prescribed PT for them.

But, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to get this treatment unless your health insurance requires that for you to get coverage. Many physical therapists work in private offices.

You can simply call and make an appointment. You don’t need to be recovering from a major trauma or illness.

Instead, you might have a nagging injury or lingering pain. Check with a therapist to see if PT might help. ­— www.healthgrades.com

A woman created the American Physical Therapy Association At first, physical therapy was considered a career field for women. In 1921, a woman named Mary McMillan organized the American Physical Therapy Association, which was then known as the Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association. By the 1960s, membership to the APTA reached nearly 15,000. ­— pdtherapy.com

How this project started The greatest joy for a physical therapist is to hear words like these: “Oh, my goodness, I have no more pain!,” “You’re my angel,” “Thank God for you! So happy I found you,” or “How come my doctor didn’t send me to you?”

The last one is the tough one to hear. This is why I asked Gulf Coast Woman magazine to help share my mission of creating awareness that someone doesn’t need a doctor’s prescription to be evaluated by a physical therapist — but you do need one to get treated. And I’d like to shout out from the rooftops, “ The Mississippi Gulf Coast has the BEST physical therapists in the country! We are here for you!”

I’m excited for you to meet each of the physical therapists in this issue because they are kind, highly trained and qualified professionals.

They have their own specialized, privately owned small businesses or are part of a larger group-owned entity. If you have pain or just need to see a PT to increase your range of motion for a sport, release stress and tension or strengthen your bones, give these PTs a call. It’s time to prevent ailments, get to the root cause of your pain and start healing.

BY JACKIE CASTRO-COOPER, MPT Gulf Coast Myofascial Release Physical Therapy

Creator of The Self Care/Self Love Movement

YOUR WOMAN’S HEALTH ADVOCATE Jackie Castro-Cooper has a master's in physical therapy and is one of the first holistic, alternative physical therapists in the U.S. She opened her own physical therapy practice, Gulf Coast Myofascial Release in Ocean Springs in 2007. Jackie specializes in Intra-Oral TMJ, Women’s Health, Internal pelvic work, babies and children’s health, JFB Myofascial Release, EFT, meditation, and PYT yoga.

Jackie is a woman’s health advocate, a professional speaker since 2011 and the 2020 author of “The Power of Self Care/Self Love: A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Evolving Into Your Higher Self.” Her new healing online course will launch this fall, Back and Neck Pain Relief: The Surprising Gut and Brain Connection. Now you can have Jackie’s 15 years of physical therapy wisdom right in your own living room.

Jackie has been writing her E-Newsletter, which provides self-treatment videos only to her private subscribers, since 2017 (you can subscribe on her website) and has created the public “Women's Health Forum” to educate and promote alternative health care for our communities. She also leads Self Care/Self Love retreats, which include meditation, yoga, journaling, dance and healthy food.

She is a longtime board member of the STEPS Coalition, which is focused on the needs of the under-served, and has founded the Alliance for the Education of Undocumented Youth.

She has been featured in Gulf Coast Woman Magazine, on WLOX and on the Dr. Liana Show.

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Physical Therapy special content INTERESTING PHYSCIAL THERAPY FACTS Physical therapy can help people with Alzheimer’s Physical therapy is one of the few treatments that may slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that destroys brain cells.

It changes the way people speak, think and act. PT for this condition includes healthy and safe exercise.

This is important because exercise may have a role in preserving memory.

Physical therapy can also help people with early Alzheimer’s handle dayto-day activities. This may let them stay independent longer. ­— www.healthgrades.com

Physical therapy can help children with autism Autism spectrum disorder includes many symptoms and behaviors that may respond to PT. Children who have trouble controlling their body movement may benefit from PT, too.

A physical therapist can create a plan to improve motor skills and coordination. It may include play skills. ­— www.healthgrades.com

BY JACKIE 120

CASTRO-COOPER, PT

Physical therapy is path to your relief “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

When you have had enough of the nagging pain, a new stiffness or ache or limited ability to function as you normally do, what can you do? Go to physical therapy!

Physical therapists can treat any musculoskeletal problems and neurological dysfunctions. Don’t live another day in discomfort.

Take charge of your own health and ask for a referral.

In the state of Mississippi, you will need a prescription for physical therapy, which can come from a medical doctor, osteopathic doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, chiropractor or psychiatrist. The benefits of physical therapy range from reducing pain and avoiding surgery to improving mobility and increasing strength.

As movement specialists, physical therapists can analyze the source of a person’s dysfunction and develop a plan of action. A thorough, comprehensive evaluation is key for success.

Physical therapists can create an individualized plan just for you.

Patient education is very important to the understanding of the problem and contributing factors. It

can help promote the best environment in which to heal while teaching you ways to avoid injury and pain in the future. Exercises at home are important for carryover of treatment. Manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, trigger-point release, joint mobilizations, instrument-assisted STM and deep-tissue massage are extremely effective therapeutic methods to help patients with pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

Dry needling is another technique that is very effective for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

A skilled, trained physical therapist who is certified in the procedure will use thin “dry” (no medication) monofilament needles and insert them through the skin into areas of the muscle.

Pilates-based rehabilitation exercises using Joseph Pilates’ principles and Pilates machines will enhance the body to relearn and repair musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.

Don’t hesitate! Make an appointment with a physical therapist to help you find your path to relief!

BY BETH EDMISTON, PT Certified Pilates rehab specialist, certified in dry needling A Core Solution Integrative Physical Therapy

Physical therapists must graduate from accredited program Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education.

Physical therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to those at the end of life.

Many patients have injuries, disabilities or other health conditions that require treatment, but PTs also care for people who simply want to become healthier and prevent future problems.

Physical therapists examine each person and develop treatment plans to improve their ability to move, reduce or manage pain, restore function and prevent disability.

To practice physical therapy in the state of Mississippi, the practitioner must graduate from an accredited physical therapist or physical therapist assistant program. Currently, physical therapists must complete the DPT, or doctor of physical therapy degree.

Physical therapist assistants typically receive a two-year associate degree. There are two physical therapist education programs in

Mississippi and six physical therapist assistant programs.

Physical therapists also may become board-certified clinical specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, women’s health, cardiopulmonary or electrophysiology. PTs are not required to be certified to practice in a specific area.

Mississippi is home to 2,128 physical therapists and 1,401 physical therapist assistants.

There are 58 physical therapists who have progressed to board-certified clinical specialists. Take advantage of the expertise provided by these highly certified professionals today.

Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9

William Carey University Doctor of Physical Therapy students volunteered at the Friends of the Redeemer United Clinic in Jamaica during a recent mission trip.

(adapted from ChoosePT.com)

BY CYNTHIA K. “CYNDI” SCOTT, PT, PHD, MBA Professor and program director of Physical Therapy, Willliam Carey University

Expect great things from God; Attempt great things for God.

wmcarey.edu/pt www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Overcoming tech neck In today’s world, more and more people use their phones so much during the day. From the repetitive and long standing position of looking downward at your smartphone or electronic device, the alignment of the cervical spine changes, resulting in tech neck.

This positioning places a great deal of strain on your cervical spine, causing a lot of tension to your neck and shoulders. You may have heard your head weighs approximately 10-12 pounds. When you bend your neck to look at your phone, about 15 degrees, it doubles the weight of your head to approximately 27 pounds.

Imagine bending your neck at 45 degrees — that’s almost 50 pounds of weight your neck muscles, upper back and shoulders are supporting. This imbalance of muscle shortening and lengthening around the spine can cause short-term pain and even longer lasting problems.

Structural neck and back problems, inflammation of connective tissue, stiffness, shoulder pain, headaches, spine wear and tear, and strains to the neck are just among the top ailments. All of these ailments constitute seeing a physical therapist.

In the meantime, to prevent these imbalances, you can stretch and strengthen your neck, chest and upper back muscles to prevent these imbalances. You can help minimize cervical spine strain and support the weight of your head by keeping these muscles in decent shape.

Even though it seems counterintuitive to exercises, your abdominals and lower back, performing exercises in this part of your body can support your upper body, including your neck; thus, preventing tech neck.

Physical therapy is a great means to combat tech neck.

See your favorite physical therapist for therapeutic relief of tight muscles, education on tools to prevent further spine damage, and detailed home program to allow you to take control of your own physical health.

BY BETH EDMISTON, PT Certified Pilates rehab specialist, certified in dry needling A Core Solution Integrative Physical Therapy

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Injured? How to continue your exercise routine Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or one that requires surgery, a fast recovery is probably your priority.

And, if you have been working out for a while, the activity ‘withdrawal’ can be real and cause anxiety for those who are used to a regular exercise routine.

As physical therapists, we help with motion — whether that is in sports, daily activities or work. We use various modalities to help increase circulation, improve the way your muscles contract and decrease pain.

Many people may be under the impression that rest is the best way to heal. Prolonged stationary periods can cause muscle stiffness, atrophy and a loss of tendon flexibility — all of which could lead to reinjury later. That is why it is important to promote the benefits of movement therapy when it comes to injury recovery.

As you resume your exercise routine, it is important to make sure you are under the care of a licensed and highly trained physical therapist who has the latest state-of-the-art treatments and equipment.

Here are some of the latest tools: • “Weightless” treadmills: Devices exist that allow you to walk or run on a treadmill-like surface at 20 and 80 percent of your body weight to lower the impact on your joints and muscles — almost like you are “running on air.”

• For optimizing muscular strength in lieu of moderate- to high-resistance exercises, techniques like Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation (PBFR) can help. A surgicalgrade tourniquet is applied briefly and intermittently to an exercising limb to induce strength and allow you to work out while using a very light load and avoiding heavy weights that could be detrimental to healing tissues.

• For painful and tender muscles, including hard “knots” and “trigger points” in the surrounding areas of the body, dry needling allows the tight muscle bands to be stimulated, thus relaxing muscles, reducing pain and improving function. It is proven to be more effective than traditional acupuncture.

Regardless of the injury, each treatment plan developed by a physical therapist is designed to the meet your specific needs so you can get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy.

BY KEITH GANEY, P.T., DPT, SCS, ATC Board-certified sports clinical specialist.

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Physical Therapy special content

The benefits of physical therapy your normal lifestyle.

PHYSICAL THERAPY HELPS MANAGE PAIN

Chronic pain can be one of the most frustrating conditions to experience, especially if the underlying cause is unknown. Physical therapy techniques can help your joints and soft tissue and restore muscle function, reducing or eliminating pain altogether.

When patients continue to perform the prescribed physical exercises regularly, it can keep pain from returning. Physical therapy also can help reduce or eliminate the need for opioid pain medication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives like physical therapy for most long-term pain. Opioid risks include depression, overdose and addiction, plus withdrawal symptoms when stopping use.

PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP AVOID SURGERY

While surgery is required in some cases, physical therapy can help avoid surgery for others.

By eliminating pain, assisting with healing and improving function, physical therapy often can eliminate the need for surgery. If you’ve already had surgery, physical therapy can help you recover the range of motion and strength required to return to

PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP MANAGE AGE-RELATED ISSUES

As they age, people often develop arthritis and osteoporosis. Physical therapy can help alleviate the pain and speed up the recovery from knee, hip or other joint replacement. Another benefit of physical therapy is that it can help manage arthritis and osteoporosis.

PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP WITH OTHER ISSUES.

Through physical therapy, we can improve mobility and balance, help patients with diabetes and lung disease and build strength and flexibility to help return you to your maximum capability.

Physical therapy also is key in returning athletes to peak performance after injury. You do not need a physician’s referral to make an appointment with a physical therapist for an evaluation. Anyone can be seen by a physical therapist for evaluation, but for treatment in the state of Mississippi, a prescription is required. Your doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or chiropractor can provide that prescription. You can (and should) decide where you go to physical therapy. As always, we hope you choose to support a locally owned small business.

BY JOE FRAME PT certified in dry needling and a certified strength coach.

COASTAL REHABILITATION OF SOUTH MISSISSIPPI

COASTAL REHABILITATION OF SOUTH MISSISSIPPI

Physical therapists who deal with joint motion, muscle strength and endurance, function of heart and lungs, and performance of activities required in daily living, among other responsibilities.

THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES | CARDIOVASCULAR ENDURANCE TRAINING DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES TRAINING Physical Therapy treatments have been proved effective in many problems, such as continuous back pain, neck pain, headache, digestive problems, balance difficulties, whiplash and other collision injuries, occupational and sports injuries.

Some of the other diseases in which physio treatment is helpful are Sciatica, Scoliosis, Fibromyalgia, TMJ disorders, etc.

At Coastal Rehabilitation, JOE FRAME, PT has been caring for the residents of the Gulf Coast for over 20 years. He is certified in dry needling and is a certified strength coach. He has an extensive manual therapy background. He has performed hundreds of functional capacity evaluations and is qualified to perform impairment ratings.

Call for an appointment

228-831-4646

15444 Dedeaux Rd. | Suite A | Gulfport, MS 39503

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Physical Therapy special content

Physical therapy: The alternative treatment of pain From toddler to child to teenager to adult to old age, we engage in activities that are repetitive, strenuous, sedentary, traumatic, accidental, surgical and destructive to our bodies. Our bodies respond by creating compensatory patterns to either protect our injured areas or encourage us to continue to move, resulting in faulty movement patterns and/ or muscle imbalances that create micro-trauma to areas of our bodies.

Our bodies communicate something is wrong through pain. Pain can have an adverse effect on our blood pressure, heart rate, digestive system, immune system, behavior, sexual function, mental energy and enjoyment of life.

Physical therapists are trained to identify and address pain and its causes, to help manage chronic pain, educate in proper movement patterns, promote healthier living and return to activities you enjoy.

Physical therapy may be an alternative

BY KEN treatment for those who experience negative ACKERMAN, side-effects, adverse reactions and /or PT allergies to medications.

Gulf Coast Physical If you are on medication for diabetes, Therapy cholesterol or blood pressure, or if you are sedentary, physical therapy can get you started on an exercise program that will assist you in beginning a healthier lifestyle.

Get back to better health Physical therapy can help you feel better Gulf Coast Physical Therapy treats a variety of conditions such as:

BACK - NECK - SHOULDER - HIP - KNEE - WRIST TMJ PAIN - SPORTS INJURIES - POSTPARTUM ISSUES WEAKNESS - OVERUSE CONDITIONS - POST-SURGICAL ISSUES FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY EVALUATIONS FOR RETURN TO WORK ISSUES We are certified to perform Dry Needling.

KEN ACKERMAN, PT

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Owner of Gulf Coast Physical Therapy in Gulfport, MS Ackerman graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Physical Therapy program in 1999. He participated in postgraduate Manual Therapy program and became an Orthopaedic Certified Specialist (OCS). He has been in private practice here on the Coast since 1999, specializing in all forms of Orthopaedic and Neuromuscular rehabilitation.

9471 Three Rivers Road, Unit D | Gulfport 228-822-9066 | GULFCOASTPTC.COM www.gcwmultimedia.com

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style

Feathering Robin’s Nest Five years after opening, popular Pass Christian gift store is still growing

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

During her 28 years of working for the state as a social worker, Dorothy Roberts often thought about opening her own gift store.

“I have always loved making things,” says Roberts, sister of Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts.

“From cross-stich to jewelry making, I just enjoy the whole creative process.”

By the time she had an opportunity to retire in 2015, Roberts had been crafting and selling her distinctive jewelry designs for a decade. While she was stuck in an airport terminal, waiting out a snowstorm, the would-be entrepreneur had an “a-ha” moment.

“I read an article in Black Enterprise magazine about Michael Vick’s wife, who opened a boutique,” she recalls. “It came to me that Robin’s fan base might be interested in shopping in a store named in her honor.”

Roberts wrote “Robin’s Nest” on a napkin — and the rest is history. This year, her shop, Robin’s Nest in the Pass, marks five years in business.

“We recently underwent a renovation of the building to enhance and protect our external structure,” the owner says, “and the interior has been redesigned to promote a better shopping experience.”

For the first three months of the year, Robin’s Nest sees a number of snowbirds from northern states, and during the spring and summer, travelers visit as they trek between Florida and Texas.

Through the last quarter of the year, many retirees stop by to shop for gifts and décor for their retirement homes. In general, according to Roberts, women ages 45 to 80 comprise the majority of the store’s customer base.

Roberts and her staff know many of their customers by name, and their loyal patrons support the store by bringing in their family and friends. Over the last five years, Robin’s Nest also has formed good relationships with vendors and artists, which Roberts says “is key to keeping a good inventory for our shoppers.”

“The mission of Robin’s Nest in the Pass is to celebrate the creative spirit,” she adds. “Our core philosophy is to provide excellent customer service and quality artisan merchandise and to support local, regional and international artists.”

Aside from local art and artisan jewelry, the store also carries pottery, woodwork, home décor, accessories and gifts for all occasions. Some customer favorites include a pewter bird’s nest necklace and a wire-wrapped bird’s nest necklace by one of the store’s consigned designers. A sculpture collection called Women Standing Tall and scarves, wraps and items within The Power Collection also prove popular, as does a bath and body line called the Lucimarian Collection that honors her late mother.

“What makes us unique is our store environment, merchandise selection and, of course, our namesake, Robin,” Roberts says.

“People enjoy coming into the store and feeling her presence.

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Seeing our family memorabilia adds to their shopping experience.”

The store knows the value of social media, and during the pandemic, Robin’s Nest expanded its online store and offered curbside delivery to maintain sales. Roberts would like to grow the online store even more and reach more customers outside of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Another part of Roberts’s long-term vision is establishing a business next door to Robin’s Nest— and plans are in place to open Roberts Place Café soon, possibly as early as November, which will serve American Southern cuisine. The restaurant will offer daily plate lunches, dinner specials and a room just for sweets like ice cream, gelato and pastries. A large deck will accommodate outdoor dining and live music.

“We look forward to having this business, which will help make Pass Christian a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment,” Roberts says.

Roberts’s family has lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1969, arriving just prior to Hurricane Camille, and she considers the Coast “a wonderful place to do business” because people are diverse, accepting of others and resilient. There’s also a sense of family, she adds, as residents help each other through challenges and celebrate each other’s successes.

“I could have retired to any other state, but I chose to stay on the Mississippi Gulf Coast — most notably, Pass Christian — just as my late parents, Lawrence and Lucimarian Roberts, did,” she says.

“This is home.”

IF YOU GO Robin’s Nest in the Pass 255 Davis Ave., Pass Christian | (228) 222-4863 Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. www.robinsnestinthepass.com www.facebook.com/robinsnestinthepass

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A Hybrid Boutique Polish Pottery • Gifts • Illy • Coffee Women’s Apparel & Accessories 136 Rue Magnolia | Biloxi, MS 228-967-7424

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Makeup mistakes we all make (and how to fix them) Over time, we all develop habits in applying our makeup — and some could prevent you from achieving your best look. Here are some common beauty blunders we’re all guilty of — and what to do instead.

the key to getting an all-day curl without causing the mascara to weigh your lashes down and fall flat within the hour.

My favorite waterproof mascara is MAC False Lashes Waterproof Mascara (maccosmetics.com) because it stays all day but isn’t a pain to remove at night.

GOING TOO LIGHT WITH YOUR UNDEREYE CONCEALER

NEGLECTING YOUR EYEBROWS

It just seems logical that to brighten your undereye and cover dark circles, you’d need to use a lighter concealer — but that’s not always the case. In fact, if your undereye area is particularly shadowy or hollow, with tints of blue or purple, you’ll need to use a concealer that is equivalent to your skin tone. This will help to neutralize any darkness and give you a fresher, more awake appearance.

For added brightness, try setting your concealer with a brightening powder, after concealing any darkness. Just a dab of Bare Minerals Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($22) will do the trick.

YOUR EYELASHES FALL FLAT

This may seem self-explanatory, but you need a lash curler. Start by positioning your curler at the base of your lashes, making sure every little lash is included. Press down on your curler and hold for about 5 seconds before pumping it open and closed six to eight times. Repeat this process two more times while moving your lash curler up to the middle of your lashes, finishing with the tips.

Now coat your lashes generously with a waterproof mascara. I don’t know what it is about waterproof mascara, but it’s

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I know this one can be tricky, because when it comes to brows, it’s easy to go overboard. However, eyebrows are the picture frames of our face – so we shouldn’t overlook them.

Most of my clients are shocked to learn that I prefer a powder over a pencil or pomade. This is because powders are softer and more forgiving, and mistakes can be wiped away easily. Start by grabbing a double-ended brow brush (one with an angled brush on one side and a spoolie on the other) and dip it into a brow powder (or even an eyeshadow — just make sure there’s no shimmer!)

Then, simply underline the shape of your natural brow. Follow by filling in the tail.

Now, with the little bit of product left on your brush, lightly shade in the front of your brow, avoiding making it too stark or blocky. Take your spoolie and brush through any areas that may have picked up too much product. Pro tip: For unruly brows, try brushing the tiniest amount of Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel ($4.69, target.com) through your brows for intense hold.

Crissy Cox is a freelance makeup artist on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, specializing in on-location wedding and special event makeup. Contact her or learn more at facebook.com/CrissyCoxMUA.

BY CRISSY COX

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GET THEBurnished LOOK. Bronze ow that summer is long gone, we can finally talk about Mary Kay Chromafusion® Eye Shadow in Blossom (base), Burnished Bronze (crease) and Hot Fudge the autumn trends we love most. It’s fall, y’all! I can’t GET THE LOOK. (enhance), $8 each GET THE LOOK.Mary Kay Chromafusion® Eye Shadow in Blossom believe we’re already in the season of cozy knits and Mary Kay® Eyeliner in MK Black, $12 Mary Kay Chromafusion® Eye Shadow in Blossom Prep skin with oil Line and fill lips for a (base), Burnished Bronze (crease) and Hot Fudge mattifier.

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Kay® Gel Semi-Matte (enhance), $8 each andcontrol control oil withMary Kay® $8 each Oil Mattifier, $18 and oil with Liner in(enhance), Lip Kay® Liner inLip Mary Kay Chromafusion® Blush in Darling Pink, $14 Fall is one of my favorite shopping seasons. Stores are filled LipstickMary in Crushed Berry matte foundation. matte foundation.

Kay® Eyeliner in MK Black, $12 Berry, $12 Mary Kay® Eyeliner in MK Black, Berry, $12 TimeWise® Matte (on model) or Gel Semi-Shine Mary Mary Kay Chromafusion® Contour in Latte, $14$12 with gorgeous shades like mustard, burnt orange, hunter green Mary Kay® Lash Intensity® Mascara in Black, $18 Mary Kay® Gel Semi-Matte 3D Foundation, Lipstick in Apple Berry, Mary Kay® Lash Intensity® MascaraininGlazed, Black, $18 Mary Kay Chromafusion® Highlighter $14 Mary Kay® Gel Semi-Matte Oil Mattifier, $18 Mary Kay Chromafusion® Blush in Darling Pink, $14 Lipstick and brick red. One of my favorite things to do during the fall is $25 each eachin Crushed Berry Oil Mattifier, $18$18 Beat the heat with a long-lasting matte look Prep that’s skin with oil Line fill lips for a as effortless as it and is breathtaking.

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Mary Kay Chromafusion® Blush in Darling Pink, $14 Lipstick in Crushed Berry TimeWise® Matte (on model) or Gel Semi-Shine Mary Kay Chromafusion® Contour in Latte, $14 3D Foundation,Matte Lipstick in Apple Berry, TimeWise® (on model) or Gel Semi-Shine Mary Kay Chromafusion® Contour in Latte, $14 Mary Kay Chromafusion® Highlighter in Glazed, $14 $25 each $18 each marykay.com 9 3D Foundation, Lipstick in Apple Berry, All prices are suggested retail. $25 each

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create monochromatic looks with the clothes in my closet. about a monochromatic look that makes everything look so effortless and high-end with minimal effort. If you love to match, the chromatic look is for you. marykay.com The key 9to creating your look is color matching or curating a combination of hues within the same family. Let’s start with an easy look: all black. Everyone has black in their closet, whether it’s black jeans, a black T-shirt, etc.

I went with a long-sleeved, high-neck top (Who What Wear), a high-waisted, faux-leather belted short (Nasty Gal) and a thrifted, oversized black jacket. I completed the look by adding a black headband (Shein), a black purse (Forever 21), black stockings and glittery black boots (Target). Super easy!

I love this look because it’s got personality. I’m wearing all black, but it looks purposely coordinated.

You can also try combining tones like tan, maroon, pink and olive. Once you get the hang of it, monochrome looks will be your go-to look of the season.

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Jasmine Ball is a Mississippi fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger. Connect with her via Instagram (Miss_Ball23), her blog site (www.theball-post.com) or by email at theballpost1@gmail.com.

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A girl s’ gotta have it!

BY JASMINE BALL

Every woman has products that are near and dear to her heart. Whether it falls under beauty, fashion or home décor, we’ve just gotta have it! That product can be the finishing touch for our favorite outfit or the luxury we look forward to at the end of the day. Just in time for holiday shopping, here are my top five musthaves for the tail end of 2020: HAIR

Whether we have long, luxurious locks or curly coils, hair tools are a major part of most women’s everyday life. We brush, comb, blow dry and flat iron, but we don’t really know the damage it could cause to our hair.

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is a must-have for all hair types. Although it’s pricy, this dryer is engineered to protect from extreme heat damage.

It’s known for being fast, and it decreases frizz and flyways, too.

You can’t beat that!

BEAUTY

The best thing we can do for ourselves is care for our skin — and a good sunscreen is a smart way to start. Some people think they only need sunscreen in the summer; that’s not true.

Living on the Coast, we’re always exposed to the sun. Even having the blinds open in your home exposes you to the sun.

I have two sunscreens that provide fantastic protection.

Black Girl sunscreen is the best for people of color. It keeps you protected while using natural ingredients to help rejuvenate your face and body. My second choice is Supergoop. There’s a variety of products that help your skin year-round, and the best part is it doesn’t leave any residue.

Both products have been the top sunscreens to purchase this year.

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CANDLES

One thing about us girls: We love anything that smells good. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I love candles. They are comforting and ease a lot of pressure you may have felt during the day. Candle shopping is the highlight of my weekends, and T.J. Maxx is my go-to spot. Some of my favorite candles are from FORVR Mood and DW Home.

CLASSIC SNEAKERS

One thing I tend to purchase is good sneakers. I love having an item I can wear with almost any outfit and know it will work. One of my favorite shoes is the Adidas Stan Smith. It’s a classic, white sneaker that pairs nicely with anything. The best part is that it’s a unisex shoe, so everyone can look good while wearing it.

If you want to be even more trendy, try Air Force Ones.

They are comfy, too, and come in different colors to match your aesthetic precisely.

ON-THE-GO BOTTLE

Not that you need another water bottle, but the Stojo cup is the best travel bottle of 2020. It’s a 20-ounce, shape-shifting cup that collapses into a sphere when you’re done drinking. You can even save space by attaching it to your bag strap, bookbag, bike handle, etc. The best part is that it’s BPA free, lead free, Phthalate free, dishwasher safe and comes in the cutest colors.

Jasmine Ball is a Mississippi fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger.

Connect with her via Instagram (Miss_Ball23), her blog site (www. theball-post.com) or by email at theballpost1@gmail.com.

HAVE FUN OR START A NEW CAREER Kids are in school, Christmas is coming so lets make gifts!!!

Design a piece of jewelry for your friend or a family member that they can cherish for years to come because it is your creation.

If you are looking to start a new career or want to do something fun and different then SAS by Design Studio is just the place to be. Go to our website www.sasbydesign.net and signup for some fun classes.

DON’T FORGET THOSE SPECIAL OCCASIONS:

Mother/Daughter Outings, Birthdays, Promotions, Girls/Guys Night Out, etc. with Friends, Family or Co-workers. Call 228-864-9138 to setup a private party/class to make beautiful jewelry. We teach the art of jewelry making so check us out at www.sasbydesign.net and register for our many classes.

CLASSES OFFERED:

Enameling on metal | Etching on metal | Fold Forming | Riveting | Soldering Fused Glass | Silk Scarf Dying | Metalsmithing | Precious Metal Clay (PMC) Hydraulic Press Texturing | Beading and so much more

WWW.SASBYDESIGN.NET | CALL 228-864-9138 SAS by Design Studio is located in Long Beach, MS tel: 228-864-9138 | web: www.sasbydesign.net | email: sasbydesign@aol.com facebook: SAS by Design Studio | Etsy: www.sasbydesign.etsy.com

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LEANNA GARCIA

Leanna Garcia is a fine artist and creative entrepreneur. She stays busy between painting custom bridal bouquets and keeping up with her four young children. She is also a foster parent and advocates for foster children here on the Coast and across the country. You can follow her creative journey on Instagram (@withloveleanna) and on her website, www.leannagartwork. com. Here are the products she relies on most:

g n i l l i p S her secret

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POLENE NUMERO NANO This is hands down my favorite purse.

It’s the perfect size, and it’s made really well and can be added to any outfit. It’s feminine, classic and the perfect balance of structured, yet casual.

MARRAKESH OIL HAIR STYLING ELIXIR My stylist told me I had to have this oil, and she was right! It’s a MUST in my hair care routine. I have thick, coarse hair, and the oil is deeply moisturizing without making my hair feel greasy. It’s liquid gold.

One of the best parts, though, is the smell.

It smells so good that my kids beg me to put it in their hair, too. It’s a fan favorite in my household.

HANDCRAFTED MAGNOLIA EARRINGS BY VIXON SULLIVAN “There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” - Henry Matisse These are the only earrings I wear, and that’s not an exaggeration. I love that they are handmade and one of a kind. I own these in about four different colors and three different sizes. Vixon has an incredible eye for detail, and his work is truly unmatched.

ESSIE NAIL POLISH IN “BIRTHDAY GIRL” My daughter turned 5 right at the beginning of the pandemic, and we had plans to get a mani-pedi together. Instead,

I bought about 10 different shades of nail polish, and we had a fun little spa day at home. This polish has now become a favorite of ours. It has just the right amount of shine and sparkle without being too overwhelming. We apply it on top of most of our polish now, and I always smile when I see the name.

DR. BRANDT HYDRO BIOTIC SLEEP MASK I’ve always loved a good moisturizer and face mask, and this product is the best of both worlds! It’s a leave-on sleeping mask that hydrates your face overnight. It’s also alcohol free, paraben free, sulfate free and fragrance free. I have very sensitive skin, so a product that’s not full of chemicals and additives is a must.

BENEFIT PORE PRIMER I’ve tried many primers, but this is the one I always grab. It makes my face feel so smooth and really blurs out my pores.

I haven’t worn much makeup over the past few months, but this is one product I’ll wear even on those no-makeup days because I really love how it feels on my skin.

PERFECT LIP GLOSS BY LIMELIFE BY ALCONE This lip gloss is always in my bag. I love the glamorous touch of the packaging, but I love the formula even more. It’s like

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VICTORIA’S SECRET “VERY SEXY EAU DE PARFUM” This has been my favorite fragrance for over 10 years. I also own nearly every product in this fragrance line from Victoria’s Secret. I love it that much. It’s warm, woodsy and has notes of vanilla orchid and wild blackberry. I can’t imagine ever loving another fragrance as much as I’ve loved this one.

HERBAL SALVE BY SOUTH OF SANITY FARMS This summer, my family took a quick trip to the mountains, and one of the rentals we stayed at was a beautiful working farm. Our last day there, my toddler got a really bad blister and heat diaper rash. I didn’t have any ointment, but the owner graciously offered me some of the herbal salve they make by hand at the farm. It immediately healed my boy’s irritated skin, and now we use it for everything! It is great for cuts, burns, itching, chapped lips and even wrinkles. This has become a must-have in our family, and we have many uses for it.

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combining a sheer gloss and a lip cream.

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Clothed in Moxie Specialty boutique caters to curvy customers

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Crystal Cagle believes that fashion is for every body — regardless of size or shape.

“A great outfit has the power to make a woman feel confident,” says Cagle, owner of Moxie Shop, “and we believe in wearing what makes our souls happy!”

Cagle’s business, which started online in April of 2018, was born of her own struggle finding cute clothes for her curvy frame. She never shopped at local boutiques because they didn’t carry her size.

“Then I came across a boutique in north Mississippi that had a great curvy selection, and that was it,” Cagle says. “I knew I needed to provide this in my area.”

Cagle holds a bachelor of fine art degree in graphic communication from The University of Southern Mississippi and worked in advertising and marketing for 15 years within the casino and healthcare industries.

From design to media buying to social media management to event planning, “I’ve done it all,” Cagle says — and

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now she can add entrepreneurship to the list.

She opened a small storefront in Ocean Springs — where she grew up — in November of 2019, and she relocated to her current storefront downtown in July of 2020 Because her business started online, Cagle says closing her doors during the pandemic was a pretty smooth transition.

“During that time, I started a weekly live sale on Facebook called Girls’ Night, which was a great way to show customers our new items while also staying in touch and checking in each week,” she says.

“Now that the storefront is open again, we make every effort possible to keep our space safe for our customers.”

Those customers generally are women size 12-24 looking for trendy and affordable apparel, as well as ladies of any size shopping for shoes, accessories and gifts. Cagle’s passion for her work is fueled by a desire to fulfill a need in her community.

“It is reinforced with every face that comes through our doors,” she says, “or every time someone says how grateful they are that we provide their size.”

The size range sets Moxie Shop apart, according to the owner, as well as unparalleled customer service. Moxie, by definition, means a force of character, determination or nerve — and Cagle and her team are determined to give patrons an extra shot of self-confidence.

“I want my customers to be bold every day,” Cagle says, “and I hope that I help in that regard.”

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The rise of the

outdoor griddle and why you need one

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

The grill’s long reign as outdoor cooking champion may be coming to an end.

Consider everything you love about barbecuing on your charcoal or gas grill — quickness, simplicity and great flavor.

Now remove many of the drawbacks, and you’ve got the outdoor griddle.

“Locally, we are seeing more and more people purchase griddles from us to incorporate into their outdoor kitchen spaces,” says Matt Compton, sales manager with Compton & Son Appliance LLC and Outdoor Living Center in Gulfport.

Sales are skyrocketing nationwide, according to Popular Science — with griddle-maker Camp Chef seeing 150 percent growth and another manufacturer reporting a 600 percent spike. Retailers have struggled to keep them in stock. So why the surge in popularity?

“The outdoor griddle is great for cooking foods that you would traditionally see at a hibachi (restaurant), like steak, chicken, shrimp and rice,” Compton says. “You can also try some different options, such as doing a pressed hamburger that tastes like you would get it from an old-school burger joint, breakfast with the family on a cool morning or a Philly cheesesteak. Who doesn’t love a good Philly cheesesteak?!”

Griddles have several advantages over a grill: There’s no gaps or grates for food to fall into. If the surface is well seasoned and oiled, your fish and burgers won’t stick. The solid metal surface also ensures faster and more thorough cooking.

A griddle can become an entertainment piece for social gatherings, Compton adds, which enhances its appeal. Loyal fans have even established a social media presence, including a Facebook group dedicated to Blackstone griddle owners.

“If you are looking for an entry-level griddle, the Blackstone models are an inexpensive way to get into the market to see if you will truly use or enjoy it,” Compton says.

He advises not to expect a long life out of a lowerquality unit— especially in the punishing climate of south Mississippi. Brands like Le Griddle from France or Blaze, Fire Magic and Lynx offer high-end models, he says.

Options range from tabletop/portable units and attachments for existing grills, some in the $100 or less range,

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to fully loaded griddle stations that cost about $300 or more.

Whatever you buy, Compton advises, protect it with a cover.

“No matter if it is a cloth cover, stainless lid or a fully covered porch, it is important to keep your outdoor equipment covered,” he says. “Keeping the equipment out of the weather and properly cleaning it after each use will make the unit last longer.”

“Locally, we are seeing more and more people purchase griddles from us to incorporate into their outdoor kitchen spaces.”

Matt Compton Sales Manager, Compton & Son Appliance LLC

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BY EMILY WIELGOSZ Gulf Coast Mom’s Blog contributor

Setting up your virtual learning space We all are going through some pretty historic, but also completely uncharted, territory right now. Many of us are continuing to work from home or taking on the new routine of what full-on virtual or at-home learning looks like for our families.

As an SLP (speech-language pathologist), I prep my classroom every year to ensure it’s a warm, welcoming environment that also feels organized and functional. If we are going to be working and learning from home this year, our homes are no different.

Can you remember a classroom that stood out to you as a child? Or maybe even as a parent? You can immediately walk in a space and know if it’s a nurturing environment that fosters learning.

As you get settled into the school year, this quick guide can help make your home just that for the whole family.

MAKE IT SEPARATE

It’s kind of like when we were in school.

How much work would you get done in a dorm room full of distractions versus the structured library?

For our family, we not only have a designated space for work, but we also have separate spaces that are within earshot for both the adults and kids.

The good news is you don’t have to go crazy or remodel your home to make it work.

MUST-HAVES: • Table and chair set for young kids 148

October-November 2020

• Desk for older children or parent (similar one here) • Portable desk or a laptop desk cart to move as needed!

• Desk for the fancy mama • Typical office chair • Not-so typical office chair • If you’re a true unicorn and work better in comfy spaces, check out a bed desk KEEP IT SIMPLE AND ORGANIZED

We have teacher workdays in school, and I encourage you to do the same.

Start with lots of grace and seek out ways to plan, simplify and organize your materials so it’s less stressful during learning or working time.

MUST-HAVES: • Portable utility cart • If you have young ones, you need a Crayola kit to keep art supplies in one place • Individual dry erase lapboards from Educate & Celebrate • We use mason jars left over from our wedding to organize, but consider a sleek desk caddy.

• Functional cabinets for coloring books, crafts, etc., or for older kids to separate their work by subject. I love these fun, ombré color decals to make them inviting.

MAKE IT WELCOMING

One of my favorite things to do is put some greenery and inspiration in my classroom. Your environment deeply impacts your mood and productivity.

I love how fresh a live plant can make a room feel, and I have them in both my home and classroom. The air inside your home can be more harmful (often two to five times more) than the air outside, so these can serve a dual purpose of being pretty and purifying.

MUST-HAVES: • Our indoor plant of choice is a snake plant • The Bloom daily planner is great and inexpensive.

• Fancy desk accessories for mom, because pretty paperclips actually do spark joy • Fun paperclips for kids • Positive mindset posters for kids • Daily desk quotes for mom • Daily gratitude journal While this time undoubtedly will be different, you can take some small steps to make it as smooth as possible.

Whether that’s sanity-saving-storage or some inspirational messages, I hope you feel encouraged to make your space everything you need for the year ahead.

If you need reminded today, you’re a great mama, and no matter what the rest of this school year holds, we’ve got this!

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151

Recognizing the signs of

parenting burnout FROM HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

If you’re like many parents, you may have initially responded to the COVID-19 crisis with not only anxiety and dread, but also a great deal of resolve — vowing to “step up to the plate” and “tackle this challenge head on.”

Unfortunately, parenting during the COVID-19 crisis is a perfect storm to fuel parent burnout. Psychologists who have studied burnout have found that it follows a fairly predictable pattern. The pattern itself has been described in a variety of ways, but the six stages of burnout outlined

by Katie Maycock, an anxiety specialist at Thrive Global, captures it particularly well.

WHEN APPLIED TO PARENTING DURING TODAY’S CRISIS, THE STAGES LOOK SOMETHING LIKE THIS: STAGE 1: EXCITEMENT While you might not have been excited (not even a little bit) at the start of the crisis, you may have been feeling energetic and committed to making the best of a difficult situation. You may have poured a lot of time and energy (often out of necessity) into creating a home situation that would make this time manageable for you and your family.

STAGE 2: LET’S WORK HARDER

Your initial energy is starting to wane, but you’re committed. You look past the cracks that are starting to show and continue to push even harder. Self-care takes a back seat, and your eating habits and sleep suffer.

STAGE 3: FRUSTRATION

Your efforts to push harder aren’t working. You become increasingly tired, forgetful and frustrated. You struggle to concentrate and keep up with even the most basic tasks on your list. At this stage, you may notice yourself getting increasingly irritated by your children, spouse or other family members, and you are starting to feel hopeless.

STAGE 4: ILLNESS AND DENIAL

You start to feel physically run down, and possibly even ill. Your body is sending strong signals that you are headed for burnout, but you deny that anything is wrong and continue to forge ahead.

STAGE 5: APATHY AND LACK OF DRIVE

The motivation and commitment you felt at the start of pandemic feels like a distant memory. Instead, feelings of apathy and withdrawal take over, sometimes accompanied by feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a lack of confidence in your parenting abilities.

STAGE 6: BURNOUT

At this stage, you’re completely exhausted – emotionally,

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during COVID-19

mentally, and physically. You may feel overwhelmed and struggle to enjoy any time with your family or the simple things that usually make you happy. Symptoms of anxiety and depression are common at this stage.

Parenting burnout will leave you feeling miserable and can take a serious toll on every member of your family.

There is no magic bullet for avoiding burnout, but you can recognize the early signs and intervene before things become more severe.

If you were experiencing burnout at your job, taking a few days off or delegating some tasks would help considerably.

Unfortunately, you can’t take any days off from parenting during a crisis. So instead, focus on the little things you can do to help reduce your stress level.

If you have a spouse or partner at home, be honest about how you are feeling, and see if your significant other can take a few tasks off your plate. Then, carve out time to do some things that help you feel recharged. Chat with a friend, spend some alone time outside, take a relaxing bath or listen to your favorite music or podcast while you go for a walk.

It’s more important than ever to practice self-care right now.

Perhaps most importantly, do everything you can to get enough sleep each night and eat well throughout the day.

Sleeping and eating well aren’t easy when you are stressed, so take baby steps to move your eating and sleeping habits in the right direction.

Lastly, if nothing seems to be working, consider talking with a therapist. Your primary care provider or health insurance company should be able to connect you with a professional who can help.

Parents across the country have spent seemingly countless days juggling childcare, supervising e-learning assignments or homeschooling activities, figuring out ways to keep the kids busy while also following social distancing guidelines and being present for their kids as they work through their feelings of anxiety, frustration and confusion. We’re managing all of this while not being able to do many of the things we typically rely on to relieve stress — including structured, out-of-the-house activities in which they are occupied and safe.

Some parents also are coping with the challenges of parenting a child with ADHD under these very difficult circumstances. You can get additional resources on parenting a child with ADHD by checking out our ADHD blog and one of our most recent webinars, “Creating Structure at Home for Children with ADHD.” Contact your local Huntington Learning Center in Gulfport at 228-832-1226 and learn more at https://huntingtonhelps. com/center/gulfport.

money

Do you need more coverage for your

personal property?

You need homeowners or renters insurance to protect where you live from devastating financial loss should something bad happen to your home. Within your home, however, your personal property

BY ANGELYN TREUTEL ZERINGUE is likely what you cherish most.

Protecting your possessions from loss is financially and emotionally important. You must ensure that you have the right amount of coverage for your belongings and the right type of coverage.

The sheer number of items within your home or apartment, and how much emotional value you place on many of them, may make it seem difficult to quantify the value of your personal property. Your insurance policy can provide personal property coverage for loss or damage to your personal belongings, including clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics and most other items in your home. This coverage allows you to receive financial reimbursement for those items that may seem irreplaceable. Most home insurance policies start coverage for personal property at approximately 30 to 70 percent of the amount of coverage you have on the structure of your home, but only you can determine if this is sufficient.

Do you need more personal property coverage? The best way to tell is to prepare a personal property inventory, or a detailed list of everything you own and how much each item would cost to replace. If you take your home or apartment and turn it upside down, anything that falls out is considered contents and needs to be counted for your coverage. A quick video of each room and closet is a good

way to start a record.

Insurance companies typically group like items into categories and assign maximum limits for those categories. For example, your insurance policy might limit jewelry coverage to $1,000 per piece and $2,500 for all of the jewelry in the household. If you have a piece of jewelry that is worth more than the maximum, the basic coverage provided in your policy is inadequate.

You can increase the “special limits of liability” for the categories in which you have more valuable items, or you can use a scheduled personal property rider to increase the coverage limit for a certain item. These riders typically provide all-risk coverage, which means that the scheduled items are covered for all risks, not just the basic “covered perils” outlined in the main insurance policy, and typically are not subject to a deductible. Be sure your read your policy or ask your insurance agent how the coverage works.

Your personal property coverage can be based on actual cash value or replacement cost. Actual cash value policies pay to replace your possessions minus a deduction for depreciation. Replacement cost policies reimburse you for the actual cost of replacing the items with no deduction for depreciation. Replacement cost policies offer the best protection and ensure that you will be able to replace your possessions with similar ones at today’s prices.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue is president of SouthGroup Insur ance Services, a CPA, PWCAM, CBIA and licensed Trusted Choice insurance agent. Reach her at www.southgroupgulfcoast.com, (228) 385-1177 or azeringue@southgroup.net.

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153

Starting a small business WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

BY KATHY ROGERS

Having been an entrepreneur myself for over 40 years, I know how much work starting and operating a small business can be. As you make plans, here are some things I advise you to consider: FINANCES

The most common reason a small business fails is money — either a lack of startup or working capital. Are you financially prepared to receive no salary from your business for the first six months to two years if that’s required to stay afloat? If not, then you must include your own personal financial needs when setting your business budget and estimating startup and working capital. Failure to have enough financial reserve to pay your business expenses and yourself means someone will not be paid.

After you’ve established that you have the necessary finances, one of the first things I recommend is opening a business checking account. Deposit all business income and pay all business expenses from this account. Do not pay your personal bills from your business account. If you have money in your account and you need it for personal expenses, write a check to yourself for an owner’s draw, or salary depending on the advice of your accountant, and deposit it into your personal account.

It works the same way if you need to transfer money from your personal account to your business account; write a check to the business, and deposit it into the business account.

I strongly advise against comingling your business and personal income and expenses. Keep business as business.

Another financial area that often causes problems is taxes — sales tax, payroll tax and income taxes. Will you have W-2 employees or 1099 team members? Do you know the legal and financial differences? The sales tax charged to customers and payroll taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks is a liability, not an asset, so treat it as such. One of the easiest and most costly mistakes is not planning for taxes. Speak with your accountant and devise a plan to pay your taxes on time.

RELATIONSHIPS

Small business owners often start their enterprise as a “side job,” meaning their “regular job” still pays their bills. If you plan to continue your “regular job,” carefully and prayerfully

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"My daddy had a saying: 'Can’t never could.'” consider whether you have enough time and energy to do both. If you are married, do you have the support of your spouse for this new business venture? He or she can be your biggest supporter or your worst critic. This support is especially invaluable on days when things don’t go according to plan.

Do you have small children? Will their lives or yours be better for the sacrifice? Are you a caregiver for your parents or others? Have you made preparations for others to assume those duties? All these factors can zap your stamina, resulting in poor performance in all areas.

VISION

What is your vision in starting your business, and what type of legacy do you want to leave? Do you have a mentor or someone with wisdom and business experience who is willing to be a sounding board for you? Seek this person’s counsel. Will you be a sole proprietor, or will this be some sort of partnership?

Money has a way of dividing friends and family. If they are involved, be sure their vision, the amount of work they are willing to commit to and their financial needs and expectations are compatible with yours. Have a clear, written plan agreed to and signed by all parties. If your partner has a spouse not involved in the business, be sure to have that covered in your written plan. Do you want to be in business with the spouse of your partner? Could you afford it if you

lost your partner? Speak with a life insurance professional about coverage for both yourself and any partners in the event of a death or debilitating accident.

One thing I know after years of small business ownership is that whether your dream is just to be your own boss or to open a business with multiple locations and employees, it requires work and a cando spirit. My daddy had a saying: “Can’t never could.”

What you believe about yourself makes a world of difference. If you believe you can, then you have a chance to succeed. If you believe you can’t, then you will never start and never know whether you could have made your dream come true. Start with your dream, learn all you can about your chosen field, develop a plan to meet the need you see in the marketplace, be willing to put in the work and make a financial plan.

The results of bringing your business dream to fruition may be just the thing this world needs.

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THE

kinder, gentler DIVORCE

It is not hard to find a country music song about love gone wrong and divorce, but does splitting up always have to end in an ugly legal battle? Not really, if

BY KATHY both parties can agree to a nonBROWN VAN ZUTPHEN adversarial divorce method.

It’s hard to find an area in the law with more important issues than those common in divorce, such as property division, child support and spousal support. Therefore, most people enter the divorce process with the idea that there must be a “winner” and a “loser.” However, many states have developed a more collaborative approach to divorce, intended to facilitate an agreement that lets both parties leave the marriage a “winner.”

Mississippi has not adopted an actual “collaborative divorce” law, but a divorce based upon irreconcilable differences is close to that process. The irreconcilable difference process is designed to allow couples who have agreed to get a divorce to work out a settlement that best meets the needs of both parties and the children without litigation. Mississippi’s irreconcilable differences divorce process will, however, allow the divorcing couple to submit specific issues to a court for determination if there is general agreement but certain areas on which

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the parties can’t agree.

There are many advantages to such a non-adversarial divorce. It is a voluntary and mutually agreed upon outcome after full disclosure of the facts. Therefore, the process doesn’t determine a “winner” and a “loser” and is far less emotionally damaging to the parties and the family. Another big advantage is that it is more cost effective than litigation in which the parties are paying each attorney to fight one another. Furthermore, because the parties are working together to find a mutual agreement, it tends to move faster toward a resolution than other adversarial methods.

If you have any questions about how you can achieve a kinder and gentler divorce, please call my office, and we will be happy to discuss the process with you.

Kathy Brown van Zutphen is an attorney licensed to practice law in Alabama and Mississippi. She focuses on the “elder law” areas of trusts, estates and conservatorships. Additionally, she litigates lawsuits and represents small business owners as part of her legal practice. Visit her website to learn more: www.coastwidelaw.com or reach her at her office: (228) 357-5227.

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success

5 QUESTIONS FOR THE

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Lauren Williams, director of development and compliance for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, shares how the organization got started, how it promotes philanthropy locally and how it’s helping during the COVID-19 crisis.

WHAT DOES THE GCCF DO? WHAT IS ITS MISSION?

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (“Community Foundation”) helps people with diverse interests invest in charitable causes to improve the quality of life in south Mississippi. We also provide administrative services for over 100 funds to help grassroots organizations achieve their charitable objectives.

WHEN AND HOW WAS IT FOUNDED, AND WHAT DIFFERENCE HAS IT MADE IN THE COMMUNITY?

The Community Foundation was founded 30 years ago when a group of concerned citizens saw the value of establishing a foundation to promote charitable giving locally. Over the past 30 years, the Community Foundation has distributed over $75 million to support a variety of charitable programs across south Mississippi.

HOW IS GCCF DIFFERENT THAN OTHER CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS ON THE COAST? The Community Foundation plays a unique role by attracting, managing, and distributing millions of dollars to improve the lives of local people. Rather than focusing on a single cause, the Community Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes that strengthen and uplift the community.

The focus of the Community Foundation is as broad as the

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interests of our donors. Whether a donor wants to focus on education, child advocacy, animal welfare, workforce development, downtown revitalization, the arts or programs to assist people in need, the Community Foundation helps donors fund causes that are meaningful to them.

WHAT’S NEW WITH GCCF? WHAT HAS THE ORGANIZATION DONE TO ASSIST PEOPLE DURING THE PANDEMIC?

In times of disaster, the Community Foundation is uniquely situated to respond to evolving community needs. Currently, the Community Foundation is working with local donors, utilizing our own disaster reserve funds and coordinating with national funders like the Knight Foundation and Kellogg Foundation to provide COVID relief funding.

Grants have been made to social service organizations to assist with food, medical care, childcare and housing.

Additionally, grants have been made to nonprofits, museums, Mainstreet organizations and libraries to assist with operating safely during COVID. So far, the Community Foundation has distributed almost $250,000 in COVID relief grants.

WHAT’S COMING UP FOR GCCF THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation and six other state community foundations are partnering with the Mississippi Development Authority to administer a grant program that will provide CARES Act funds to reimburse eligible food pantries and nonprofit agencies for qualified COVID-19 expenses. Details are being finalized, and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation anticipates the grant program will be available to assist local organizations with grants of up to $4,000 within the coming months.

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TOP

INFLUENCERS

2020 FINALISTS

Presented by Next Home Simplicity

Top Influencers awards once again will be an integral part of the Success Women's Conference, which will be held from Oct. 5-11 this year as a virtual event. Both local and national women of influence will be recognized.

Of the Top Influencers, one will be named the Coast’s Most Influential Woman, and an up-and-coming leader will be named a One-to-Watch Influencer.

Angelyn Treutel Zeringue SouthGroup Insurance Services

Alexandria Rodriguez Chef Danie Cooks, Stick With It Studio

Dhiana Skrmetti Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Jada Green Broken to Heal Women Center

Kristie Aylett The KARD Group PR/ Marketing

LaShaundra McCarty City of Gulfport

Lynn Frisby self-employed community philanthropist

Sheila Farr Gulf Coast Training & Education Services LLC

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Misty Stevenson Stevenson Elite Renovations

Shelley Chennault Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort

October-November 2020

Angelica Espinal Mississippi State University Head Start

Jemina Ballard U.S. Air Force

Bridget Turan Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Jenny Leven:s City of Long Beach

Carmelita Scott Woodforest National Bank

Joan Hampton Oasis Mental Wellness LLC

LaTracey Drux Black Authors Rock LLC

Latrina McCarty Pascagoula-Gautier School District

Nadine Gentles H2 Cutz

Nita Chase Chase Chase & Associates PLLC

Pamela Berry Yellow Rabbit PR & Marketing

Sondra Love Magee Merit Health Biloxi

Starr Chapman Rum Kitchen LLC

Tanisha Phillips Building Behaviors Counseling Services LLC

LaWanda Jones American Cancer Society

Top Influencer Awards will take place on Oct. 10 at 7pm during the Virtual Conference on Oct. 5-11, 2020.

Dawn Lieck Finally Free LLC

Katherine Widdows Hancock Whitney

Annie Sanders Safe Haven Center for Domestic Violence

Arlana Hargrave EXIT Magnolia Coast Realty

Deborah Quave Deborah Quave Enterprises LLC

Denise Baumann Creative Elements Productions LLC

ANDREW AND BRITTANY GEOTES

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SIMPLE

LeAnna Morgan Saucier Memorial Hospital

Katrina Currie Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Kay Daneault Mental Health Association of South Mississippi

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The market is HOT. Buyers are looking for new inventory.

Paula Vondenstein Bible Belt Blues

Leslie Ramon Loaves and Fishes, Ramon Insurance

Lisa Bradley Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

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HOW TO REACH US

Theressia Lyons Pearl River County Board Of Supervisors

Tomesha Davis Habitat for Humanity International

Ravin Nettles Gray Meetings & Events

Andrew Geotes, Broker/Owner 228.365.5506 MSPropertyPro@Gmail.com Brittany Geotes, Owner/Realtor 228.263.5424 YourRedRealtor@Gmail.com

N H S i m p l i c i t y. c o m Rita Green Geaux Fig CATE

Yolanda Jerry YJ Empowerment Solutions LLC

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Retired, but not forgotten

Longtime business manager left mark on Hancock Chamber

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

T

ish Williams, executive director of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, calls her friend, Sally Isaacs, “the calm before the storm.”

“No matter what the situation is, she always approaches it with a calm demeanor,” Williams says of the Chamber’s former business manager.

“She looks at both sides of the situation with an objective mind and always finds a way to bring people to the middle when decision-making.”

When Isaacs announced her retirement and departure from the Chamber, effective Aug. 28, Williams summarized what she’d miss about her into a single word: everything. During Isaacs’s decade of service, Williams admired her levelheadedness, professionalism, dedication and ability to see the big picture.

“She is an amazing, compassionate leader who has left her mark on Hancock County,” Williams says.

When Isaacs came to the Coast from Kentucky, via Starkville, she was doing business at Williams’s brother’s law firm, Haas and Haas Attorneys. She told him she wanted to get involved in the community, and he referred her to Tish.

Isaacs started as a volunteer, helping garner support for a grant the Chamber

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was applying for with the Economic Development Administration.

“She went door to door and gathered the signatures to support the grant to establish a Business Resource Recovery Center (BRRC) in the aftermath of the Gulf oil spill,” Williams says. “Next, we put her to work organizing the 200 booths and vendors for the annual Bridgefest in Old Town (Bay St. Louis).”

From there, Isaacs helped with the front desk, meeting and greeting visitors.

When the Chamber secured the grant, she managed the BRRC, providing technical assistance for small businesses, in addition to managing a $500,000 grant to provide technical assistance and grants for fishermen across the Coast in response to the oil spill.

When the business manager position opened, Isaacs moved into that role and also oversaw the Job Generation Fund, a $3 million, low-interest forgivable loan program that helped 44 small businesses rebuild after Katrina.

She provided staff support to the Education Committee as well, which honors 250 local teachers with a special dinner each year. Since 2009, it has awarded 121 grants totaling

$54,000. The committee also arranges an annual breakfast for high school seniors, motivating them as they graduate and registering them to vote.

“She also enjoyed staffing Leadership Hancock,” Williams says. “This program provides information and skills-building for emerging leaders in Hancock County.”

Since its inception in 1996, she adds, the program has graduated close to 500 leaders.

Outside of work, Isaacs volunteers with the community garden and other organizations. Williams notes that she chose to retire to enjoy traveling with her husband, Mark, to all the places on their bucket list.

“Whether they’re eating lobster or on a wildlife safari, we want Sally and Mark to know that no matter how far they may roam, they can always call the Bay home,” Williams says.

In announcing her decision to her colleagues, Isaacs emphasized that she wasn’t leaving the area, so she’d still see everyone around the community.

“I am so thankful for the many friends who I met through the Chamber,” she said in her departure message. “I value the time I have spent working with all of you and the friendships that will continue.”

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Annulis named Karen Sock Woman of the Year

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

In her application to be named Karen Sock Woman of the Year, Heather Annulis shared the qualities she admires in others: selflessness, a servant’s heart and a can-do spirit — as well as tenacity, grit and grace.

“I love it when people are selfless and give of themselves, their time, and their talents freely for the advancement and development of others,” she wrote. “True leaders lift others up and see the positives in every situation and in every human being.”

Annulis’s own qualities made an impression — earning her Lighthouse Business and Professional Women’s most prestigious title. Besides being named Woman of the Year at a virtual luncheon held in August, she also was named the winner in the education category.

“This award is an amazing honor, one that was unexpected and a big surprise,” Annulis says. “I accept the award on behalf of all educators on the Coast, especially those at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park.”

Annulis, Ph.D., is a professor of human capital development and serves as associate vice provost (Gulf Park Campus) and director of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development (Coast) at USM. She describes herself as passionate about helping people develop competencies that make a difference in their lives and their communities, and she has spent her career bringing innovative strategies to higher education.

Although she has served as chair of over 30 Ph.D. dissertations and has numerous other accomplishments to her name, Annulis says she is most proud of raising a self-confident, independent and kind-hearted daughter.

“Motherhood helps me to be a better mentor for students and keeps my heart soft towards people, she says. “I try to treat all people in the way in which I want others to treat my daughter.”

Sonya Bowser Ashley, 2020 Women of Achievement Chair, says in reviewing the candidates’ biographies, it was clear they’d all faced hardships. But through those challenges, they demonstrated confidence, resilience and determination.

Even in such impressive company, Ashley adds, Annulis shined and showed herself to be an inspiration to many.

“She is an honorable servant leader who leads with strength, yet demonstrates compassion,” she says. “She is a great example for the women of the Mississippi Gulf Coast that perseverance and hard work pay off, and that with strong faith, all things are possible.”

Lighthouse BPW’s mission is to unite professional women, support business and community relationships and provide leadership skills and networking opportunities. In addition to the Karen Sock award, Women of Achievement winners are recognized in seven professional categories. Nominees need not be Lighthouse BPW members, but they must live and/or work on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“I am so proud of all of the finalists, and especially the category winners,” Ashley says. “Each of these ladies is a leader in her respective field.”

Next year’s Women of Achievement nominations opened on Sept. 15. Visit Lighthouse Business and Professional Women’s website (https://www.lighthousebpw.com/) and Facebook page for Women of Achievement announcements and more information.

THE 2020 WINNERS IN EACH CATEGORY ARE AS FOLLOWS:

CORPORATE - Amy Altese, director of retail operations, Hancock Whitney Bank

EDUCATION - Heather Annulis, the University of Southern Mississippi

ENTREPRENEUR - Tami Munsch, self-employed attorney/law firm owner (Tami Munsch Attorney at Law)

MILITARY / GOVERNMENT – Master Sgt. Mariyka Anderson, education and training superintendent, U.S. Air Force

NONPROFIT - Keva Scott, Chief executive officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast

YOUNG CAREERIST - Jenny Ryals, research associate, Mississippi State University

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MEDICAL - Dr. Tricia Aultman, physician/ hospitalist, Memorial Hospital, Gulfport

ELEVATIONS

Join the FUN!!! Join today!!!

Membership in the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is open to any individual or business.

Membership in the Biloxi Bay Area Chamber of WeCommerce don’t have city, oror state lines isinopen to anycounty individual business.

Membership Biloxi Bay Chamber Membership inthe the Biloxi BayArea Area Chamberof of We don’t have city, county or state lines for our membership.

Commerce is open to any individual or business.

Commerce is open to any individual or business. for our membership.

ALL are ALL welcome tohave join the FUN Chamber #BBACC! We don’thave city, county state lines We county oror state lines aredon’t welcome to city, join the FUN Chamber #BBACC! forour ourmembership. membership. for ALL are welcometotojoin jointhe theFUN FUNChamber Chamber#BBACC! #BBACC! ALL are welcome

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(228) 435-6149 info@biloxibayareachamber.org Come by and -see Biloxi Visitors Center 2ndus!

Floor/East Hall info@biloxibayareachamber.org nd Biloxi Visitors Center 2 Floor/East Hall (228)-435-6149 www.biloxibayareachamber.org www.biloxibayareachamber.org info@biloxibayareachamber.org (228) 435-6149 facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber www.biloxibayareachamber.org info@biloxibayareachamber.org facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber www.biloxibayareachamber.org facebook.com/biloxibayareachamber

Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography

Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography Photo credit: Albert J. Henrion, Jr. - AJH Photography

Kevin Felsher

Shereen Markowitz Kostmayer

BILOXI MAIN STREET WINS THREE AWARDS Biloxi Main Street received three honors in the Mississippi Main Street annual awards.

In the Design category, Corey Christy received the award for the Outstanding Public Arts Project for the Biloxi murals.

In the Economic Vitality category, Kevin Felsher received the Outstanding Business Recruitment Program award for the 2019 Downtown Development Incentive Forum.

Also in Economic Vitality, Dixie Newman and Shereen Markowitz Kostmayer received the Outstanding Entrepreneurial Partnership award for their Jacked Up Coffee Bar and Southern Bound Book Shop collaboration.

The Hancock Chamber Business Women’s Leadership Roundtable was founded in 2006 to offer professional women in Hancock County opportunities for networking and professional development. Under the direction of the Hancock Chamber, the group hosts quarterly meetings providing both personal enrichment and ideas for business development. All women in business are welcome, including newcomers.

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Purpose from pain Miesha Willis rose above a dark past to claim a bright future

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

A

s early as age 3 or 4, Miesha Willis remembers thinking, “I will not live like this when I’m grown.”

The lifelong Gulfport resident was always keenly aware of her surroundings — and the fact that her parents struggled with substance abuse. They began by selling drugs like marijuana and cocaine, using them recreationally before moving to crack cocaine.

“Originally, they didn’t look like drug addicts, neither did we look like children of drug addicts, but I knew that we were not like other people,” Willis says. “I went to school every day knowing that we were different.”

After numerous evictions and utility shut-offs, Willis’s mother reached rock bottom. Willis went to live with her grandmother at age 10, and while her home life was better, the exposure to illegal substances in her neighborhood continued.

“The very things that my father and mother did that I hated, I began to do as well,” she says. At age 12, she was smoking marijuana and getting suspended from school. At 13, she was selling drugs and had an extensive juvenile record. By age 16, she had spent time in Columbia Training School, a facility for troubled teenage offenders, and was a ninth-grade dropout in an

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abusive relationship with much older Eddie C. Willis.

Nonetheless, “I know now that God’s hand was upon me, and He had a plan for my life,” Willis says. “The same week I dropped out of school, something told me go and get a GED. I did and passed with ease the first time.”

Approaching age 18, Willis knew she couldn’t face the consequences of adult charges and resolved to stop selling drugs. She embarked on a cosmetology career and became the youngest student ever to enroll at Chris’ Beauty College.

In 2002, she opened her own salon — Shades of Essence.

That same year, she married Willis, who also had a criminal past but assured her he was committed to change. They now have been together 24 years and married for 18.

“We have seen some valleys, been through some fires and some floods, but I can say we’ve chosen to do it together,” she says. “He’s my best friend, business partner and co-laborer in the gospel.”

The pair now serves on the ministerial staff at Faith Works Ministries, where he is assistant pastor.

Having overcome so much, Willis began to think she could “believe” her way through any challenge, but a struggle with infertility forced her to accept she may never have a child.

“My husband is seven years older

than me and had children prior to our relationship,” she says. “I have had the privilege of helping him raise them, and did it with joy, but it didn’t stop my longing to be a mother. This was the greatest test of my faith and the best opportunity I have had to understand the ways of God.” Her miracle eventually came in the form of 1-year-old Eddie Jr., but Willis didn’t waste time while she waited for motherhood. Over the years, she became the youth pastor at her church and mentored many girls she encountered, seeing herself in them and recognizing the scars life had left on their hearts. She also started a community outreach called More Than I See, which is dedicated to celebrating and encouraging girls and young women. The outreach plans to launch its first career camp this summer.

Willis says she never could have imagined the life she lives today — a salon owner and CFO of her husband’s commercial janitorial company, E&M Willis Inc. Years of negative mindsets and generational patterns are part of who she is, but they don’t define or control her.

“Everything went according to the master’s plan,” she says. “I choose to embrace every adversity and use it to help someone else. This gives purpose to all of the pain.”

HOW I BUILT MY BUSINESS:

Pixel Pop Designs

If anyone had told me 11 years ago that I would be running a quite successful home business and providing marketing solutions for several other companies while staying home with my toddler, I might have laughed in her face. At that time, I was working two jobs and desperately attempting to launch a small Jennifer Hearne, owner and business in the evenings designer of Pixel Pop Designs and on weekends. I was sacrificing the relationships in my life, my social time and my hobbies to chase my dream.

I wish I had taken the time then to create a simple plan for managing that business more efficiently. Since that time, I have retired that business and created a new one. I want to share with you a few tips for efficiently launching your business.

The first step to becoming a successful business owner is creating a business plan. Many templates are available online for creating a proper plan, but it simply boils down to asking yourself the pertinent questions that establish the principles on which to build your business. Define your product or service. Determine the demand. Will you offer your item/ service in person, online or both? How will you execute daily activities/production/services? How will you reach new customers? How will you market your business? Assess your strengths and weaknesses and apply those to the way you will run your business. This plan will serve as a guideline and create goals to achieve while working on your launch.

After creating your business plan, you must evaluate the financial risks and investment required. Make a list of all of

the items needed to get started. Will you need inventory?

Will there be overhead costs? Do you need a workspace? If you are employed, do you plan to leave your job? Ask yourself all the “what-if” questions to uncover any scenarios that may be surprising later. If you become your own boss, you may no longer have the luxury of sick days or possibly healthcare benefits. You’ll need to plan accordingly.

Once you have evaluated the major aspects of your business, as well as the things needed to get started, you will need to handle all of the legal aspects. Being an entrepreneur is not as easy as creating something and selling it on Facebook. You must register your business with the state and create an account with the treasury office for reporting and paying taxes for qualified transactions. I recommend finding an experienced accountant who can assist you with registering your business and advise you on the next steps in terms of classifying your business structure (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.). This aspect intimidated me most. I wish someone had told me that most accountants offer these simple services for a very small fee.

I have listed only a few of the preliminary tasks necessary for planning your business. An aspiring entrepreneur also should consider branding aspects such as a logo and the graphics needed for outfitting social media pages, groups and a website if desired. My best piece of advice was passed down to me: work smarter, not harder. Put your all into your business plan. Try to uncover all the roadblocks that your business may encounter and create a plan for each. Be organized and always plan ahead. Most importantly, have fun. Do what you love and what brings you joy.

Jennifer Hearne is the owner and designer of Pixel Pop Designs, as well as the marketing director for Chick-fil-A Edgewater Mall and marketing director and designer for Southern Taters: A Small Town Smock Company. She can be reached at jennifer@pixelpopdesigns.com.

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ELEVATIONS

MCGOWN HONORED WITH CAPPS AWARD The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra Guild has announced that June McGown is the 2020 Jean Capps Award winner.

The award, honoring the late Jean Capps, goes to the guild member who exemplifies dedication and devotion.

RILEY WINS MEYER AWARD Hillyer House owner Paige Riley has won the HOSA: The Historic Ocean Springs Association 2020 Meyer award.

The Bob and Virginia Meyer Award is HOSA’s most prestigious annual honor given for an outstanding construction, renovation or other significant project.

HOSA describes Riley as a strong, longtime supporter of local artists and the creative economy.

The member that nominated McGown commented, “June is one of those quiet worker bees who is often overlooked because she does not draw attention to herself and her efforts to support the Gulf Coast Symphony Guild. The awarding of the Jean Capps Award would be an appropriate recognition of her support of the Guild and the Symphony.”

Hillyer House marks 50 years in business this year and held a celebration over Labor Day weekend. To open the festivities, a glass art installation created by artist Jerry Spehr was uncovered and shared with the public.

BELL HONORED WITH BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS AWARD Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast’s Corporate Board Chairman, Carlos Bell, has received the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Mississippi Alliance award for Outstanding Achievement: Board Member of the Year for the state of Mississippi.

This award recognizes a board volunteer who has rendered exceptionally devoted service to his/her local Boys & Girls Club organization, as well as to the Area Council. Bell has championed the cause of BGCGC for over a decade while leading the board through unprecedented times.

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food & fun

FLAVORS, MEMORIES LINGER AT

Vestige

BY CHRIS DEARMAN

The award-winning Vestige in Ocean Springs has refined its culinary style over the past seven years — earning acclaim and making the restaurant a foodie favorite for locals and tourists alike.

Vestige is owned and operated by Ocean Springs native Chef Alex Perry and his wife, Kumi Omori, who met at a friend’s birthday party shortly after Perry graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu-accredited Orlando Culinary Academy. After working in Mobile for many years, they considered various places to open their own restaurant but couldn’t find anywhere that felt right. Returning to Ocean Springs to regroup in 2013, they settled in a location they love and have since made their modern American eatery a must visit.

The name Vestige, which is defined as the trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists, comes from Chef Alex and Kumi’s desire to play off of what people have when they go out to dinner.

“There’s a monetary investment, but it is kind of there, and then it’s gone,” Chef Alex says. “We wanted our restaurant to

produce the vestige of the meal you had — how you remember it, and how you are remembering us.

“That was sort of a guiding philosophy when we first opened — putting this really good experience together of producing great memories.”

They’ve used locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients from the start, but Vestige initially served dishes that would qualify as Southern cuisine. Kumi, who grew up in small village in northern Japan and creates most of the breads and desserts Vestige offers, often would give Chef Alex Japanese cookbooks for Christmas. This got him interested in the Japanese naturalistic feel of cooking.

“It’s not just using what grows in the region,” Chef Alex says, “but sometimes showing what that day looks like, or what a memory from your childhood looks like, on a plate. They incorporate a lot of that into hyper-seasonality, and a lot of times, it’s done kind of minimalistic. Less is more.”

Vestige always has believed in the seasonality, sustainability and locality of ingredients, which combined naturally with the

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Japanese aesthetic, flavors and techniques they began infusing into their cuisine. This gradual evolution is the inflection point to where they are now, with an ever-changing menu using what grows here, both farmed and wild. Chef Alex says they use a lot of fermenting and preservation to paint a different picture of what coastal cuisine can be.

“When you think of coastal cuisine, you think of kind of the obvious — the jambalaya, the po’ boys, the etouffee, the shrimp, the fish,” Chef Alex says. “Not that there is anything wrong with that; it’s just that we saw a different way to view the food on the Gulf Coast.”

The service and cuisine continue to evolve at Vestige, and the challenges of the 2020 pandemic prompted yet another change: a weekly prix fixe tasting menu. Guests initially were a little wary about not choosing what they order, but the creative dishes featured each week on Instagram and Facebook are now a big draw.

“People really are starting to warm to the idea,” Chef Alex says. “You come in and don’t have to worry about anything. You just order your drink, and if we are any good at what we do, it’s not going to be bad.”

I can attest to that, as the meal my girlfriend, Lauryn, and I had during our visit was exceptional. Shortly after we were seated, our server, Michael Anthony, presented us with an amuse bouche of a pouched Biloxi French hermit oyster with a locally grown tomato gazpacho inside the shell. The small bite was bursting with big flavor, and based on this start, we knew we were in for a treat.

Next up was a smoked Verlasso salmon with a basil oil and cucumber juice emulsion, topped with a homemade

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crème fraiche with fresh ground cherries. The light dish was absolutely charming.

After cleansing the palate with a delightful milk bread with blueberry butter, we followed with a sous vide prime New York strip that was pan seared in a cast-iron skillet to medium rare.

It was plated on an eggplant purée and topped with a pickled kombu and a seaweed hollandaise sprinkled with a bayberry.

Perfectly cooked, it melted in your mouth with each delicious bite.

We concluded our meal with a fresh blueberry custard tart treat made with a diplomat crème and a black sesame crust.

Plated with a blueberry coulis and topped with a French whipped blueberry crème quenelle, it was the perfect end to a tremendous meal.

Last year, Chef Alex was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a semi-finalist in The Best Chef: South category.

Next year, he and Kumi will open a second Ocean Springs restaurant called Apple Pear, which will be part of a collective that includes a bookstore, brewery, wine shop, garden and communal space on Porter Avenue. Vestige is open Tuesday through Saturday and offers a weekly changing, multi-course dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.

IF YOU GO 715 Washington Ave. Ocean Springs, MS 39564 (228) 818-9699 www.vestigerestaurant.com www.facebook.com/vestigerestaurant

Vacation?

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Blue Dog Bistro is a place where great people come together to positively impact our guests, each other and the community we serve.

Blue Dog Bistro is the first vegan, keto, paleo, and gluten free friendly restaurant on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We are inspired by the growing desire to eat healthy, and we believe that by creating a unique menu with a delicious variety of nutritious options we can promote a wholesome way of living. Our goal is to motivate the community to living a healthier, cleaner lifestyle.

Specialty Coffees Golf Cart Taxi Service: 228-297-1234

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Private Parties/Catering and Gift Cards Available!

1801-A Government St. | Ocean Springs 228-447-4023 | bluedogbistro.com Monday – Tuesday Closed | Wednesday – Friday 8am - 9pm | Saturday 7am - 9pm | Sunday 7am - 3pm

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Flying during the holidays?

Here's what to expect

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Anyone planning to fly over the upcoming Holiday season should consider their mask just as important as their boarding pass.

Chaille Munn, director of marketing for the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, urges passengers to familiarize themselves with new travel protocols and to expect to wear a mask throughout their journey — from check-in through departure at their destination airport.

“The airlines are also doing their part to ensure a safe travel experience,” Munn says. Those measures include requiring masks and protective plexiglass barriers at check-in counters.

Additionally, in-flight food and beverage services have been modified, reduced or suspended, Munn says. On the plane, High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems work to remove contaminants and bacteria, and after flights, enhanced aircraft cleaning protocols, including fogging and electrostatic spraying, are performed.

At Gulfport-Biloxi International, according to Munn, the airport’s custodial team is conducting enhanced cleaning procedures, especially for frequently touched areas like handrails, door handles, seating and other hard surfaces.

Travelers will notice additional hand sanitizing dispensers, social distancing decals and signage reminding passengers of CDC guidelines.

In April, Munn says the airport saw some of its lightest days — with a 92 percent decrease in passenger volume compared to April of 2019.

“Our numbers are slowly but certainly climbing as

Your mask will be just as important as your boarding pass.

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passengers gain confidence in the many measures being taken by the airlines and airports to create a safe and healthy travel environment and the desire to travel continues to grow,” she says.

To stay safe and healthy while traveling over the holidays, Munn advises steps that have become familiar since the start of the pandemic: Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, use a mask in public, avoid touching your face, maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from other groups and finally, stay home and seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

“We hope to see plenty of pent-up demand for travel over the holidays, especially by those who were not able to take their typical summer vacations,” Munn says. “While the last few months have kept people home and away from distant loved ones, the Airport is here and prepared when the Gulf Coast community is ready to travel again.”

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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TOO BUSY TO COOK? NO PROBLEM! Your no-stress holiday meal guide

BY JENNIFER GENTILE

Even if we look forward to the holidays, most of us dread the work required to feed a house full of guests. Those classic dishes everyone clamors for won’t make themselves — but that doesn’t mean you have to toil in the kitchen for hours.

Fortunately, we live on the Coast — which has plenty of outstanding caterers, restaurants and supermarkets to help with meal prep. Whether you need to add some side dishes to your spread, or you want appetizers, dessert and everything in between, your options abound.

ALWAYS DELICIOUS CATERING – RUM KITCHEN 324 US Highway 90, Waveland (504) 405-8375 www.rumkitchenwaveland.com

BROOME’S BUFFET AND CATERING 1801 Government St., Ocean Springs (228)-875-8123 www.shopatbroomes.com

CAJUN’S FABULOUS FRIED CHICKEN 112 Pass Road, Gulfport (228) 863-3112 http://cajunschicken.com/

CATERING CREATIONS

1822 15th St., Suite 7, Gulfport (228) 864-2500 cateringcreationsllc.com/

DESPORTE’S SEAFOOD

197 Caillavet St., Biloxi (228) 400-9100 www.facebook.com/DesporteSeafoodLLC

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DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT 11240 US 49 North, Gulfport (228) 539-0031

3821 Promenade Parkway, D'Iberville (228) 396-1819 www.dickeys.com/

EAT DRINK LOVE CATERING 604 Porter Ave., Ocean Springs (228) 217-7160 www.eatdrinklovecatering.com/

FALLON’S GOURMET

2308 25th Ave., Gulfport (228) 575-5090 http://fallonsgourmet.com/

THE HONEYBAKED HAM CO. 1533 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs (228) 875-5828 www.honeybaked.com/

MS. AUDREY’S SOUTHERN KITCHEN AND CATERING 1526 Mills Ave., Gulfport (228) 214-4287 www.msaudreyssouthernkitchenandcatering.com/

NANA J’S SOULFUL KITCHEN

6512 Washington Ave., Ocean Springs (228) 447-3502 nanajssoulfulkitchen.business.site/

NAOMI’S CATERING

18224 Dedeaux Clan Road, Gulfport

(228) 832-6171 www.naomis.com/

QUALITY POULTRY AND SEAFOOD 895 Division St., Biloxi (228) 432-0444 www.facebook.com/QualityBiloxi

ROUSE’S SUPERMARKET 1444 Pass Road, Gulfport (228) 678-7006

3164 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs (228) 300-4915 4407 East Aloha Dr., Diamondhead (228) 364-6084 https://www.rouses.com/

SCRANTON’S RESTAURANT AND CATERING 623 Delmas Ave., Pascagoula (228) 769-5944 www.scrantons.com/

THE SHED BARBECUE AND BLUES JOINT 7501 Highway 57, Ocean Springs (228) 875-9590 www.theshedbbq.com/

ART SEEN canceled, returns May 2021 Local art lovers and supporters must wait until next year to attend “the party your imagination would throw.”

The ART SEEN benefit at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art has been canceled for 2020. ART SEEN is described on the event’s webpage as “an otherworldly evening fusing fashion, performance, light, spirits and culinary artistry inspired by Walter Anderson’s masterful depictions of the world.”

While regretting the “difficult decision” to cancel this year’s event due to the pandemic, ART SEEN coordinators are excited to resume the benefit on May 3, 2021. The event theme, “Flights of Fantasy,” is inspired by the feathers of peacocks and pelicans, the wings of luna moths and monarchs, travels by magic carpet and the cosmic paths of heaven-bound rockets.

For more information, visit https://artseenparty.com/.

SIMPLY SEAFOOD AND CATERING 9817 Jim Ramsay Loop, Vancleave (228) 990-7161 www.simplyseafoodandcatering.com

SOUTHERN FLAVOR CATERING AND EVENTS 13247 Seaway Road, Gulfport (228) 697-0150 southernflavor.net/

WILDFLOWER CATERING

2404 23rd Ave., Gulfport (228) 863-0409 www.cateringbywildflower.com/

WINN-DIXIE

10511 D'Iberville Blvd., D'Iberville (228) 392-9298 1515 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs (228) 875-8388 11312 H, US 49, Gulfport (228) 832-8452 109 N. Cleveland Ave., Long Beach (228) 863-8680 https://www.winndixie.com/

CATERING AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP OR DELIVERY

Food is Made Fresh Daily Desserts Made From Scratch NOW TAKING CAKE ORDERS

PASTRIES SANDWICHES SALADS - SOUPS COAST ROAST COFFEE

LINSEY O’KEEFE OWNER 360 Courthouse Road, Suite C Gulfport MS 39507

www.nezatys.com 228.897.1139

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm www.gcwmultimedia.com

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Good Shepherd Christian Academy provides quality education partnered with a Christian environment to students in the Gulfport, MS area.

GOOD SHEPHERD We use the “Beginnings” curriculum and computer programs to enhance preparation for kindergarten.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Enroll your child today in the safe, healthy, cheerful environment of our scho

Always Available Call Stephen for quotes

Full Service Caterer & Event Planner

Professional Service Exceptional Events

WE PROVIDE CLEAN AND MODERN, READY-TO-GO CAMPERS Camper trailer rentals come with camper delivery and set up service WE DELIVER ANYWHERE FROM COVINGTON, LOUISIANA TO DESTIN, FLORIDA! Enjoy the excitement of camping without the headache of camper ownership.

Retail shop for all your camping needs 10381 Hwy 603 | Suite A | Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520 Email: info@gulfcoastcampers.com | 228-463-3200 Visit our website: www. gulfcoastcampers.com

Is refinancing right for you?

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AFI Mortgage | NMLS 145368 1113 Ames Avenue Ocean Springs, MS 39564

AFI Mortgage, division of AmeriFirst Financial, Inc., 1550 E. McKellips Road, Suite 117, Mesa, AZ 85203 (NMLS # 145368). 1-877-276-1974. © 2020. All Rights Reserved. AmeriFirst Financial, Inc. is an independent mortgage lender and is not affiliated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Federal Housing Administration.

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Our loving and professional staff works with every child provides quality education partnered in a caring, positive, and encouraging manner. with a Christian environment • Chapel each morning 80 48th St. • Gulfport, MS 395 • Christian environment to students in the Gulfport, MS area.

Hours of Business: • Low child/ teacher ratio • Child care from 6 weeks to completion of Pre K

Mon. thru Fri. 6:30 AM to 5:45 P

We use the “Beginnings” curriculum and computer programs to enhance preparation for kindergarten.

Enroll your child today in the safe, healthy, cheerful environment of our school. Our loving and professional staff works with every child in a caring, positive, and encouraging manner.

Floral Arrangements • Table Decorations Ice Carvings • Rentals • Cakes • Mobile Kitchens We Also Do Rehearsal Dinners

Meet Our Owner Stephen Soldo

CONTACT STEPHEN FOR QUOTES

Chapel Each Morning Christian Environment Low Child/Teacher Ratio Child Care for 6 Weeks to Completion of Pre K

228-990-7161

80 48th Street • Gulfport, MS 39507

ht3434@bellsouth.net www.simplyseafoodandcatering.com

Hours of business: Mon. thru Fri. 6:30 AM to 5:45 PM

fill your cup

HEMMED IN

BY ROBIN KILLEEN

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel restricted — hemmed in by whatever’s going on around me. In fact, entire nations can feel hemmed in at times, possibly due to a natural disaster, an upcoming election or a pandemic, much like we are experiencing today.

The definition of “hemmed in” is to surround someone or something, to limit or restrict what someone or something can do. A narrow place that "hems someone in" applies internal pressure, causing someone to feel confined and without options.

Well today, I want to share some great news: God has us surrounded — hemmed in!

Psalms 139:5 says; “You hem me in, behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.”

When God says he has us hemmed in, it means he has us totally surrounded. We are not confined. He has us protected and directed by his hand.

I don’t know about you, but this revelation brings me such peace and comfort, knowing that God is in control of everything. Not only does God go before us, but he also walks behind us and alongside us. He is our all-knowing, loving God. Luke 12:7 says; “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” It also says don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Psalms 139:2-4 says he knows when we sit, and he knows when we rise; he perceives our thoughts from

afar. He discerns our going out and our lying down; and he is familiar with all our ways. Before a word is even formed on our tongues, he knows it completely.

We have to hold on to this truth, that we are hemmed in by God, and freedom comes from learning to trust him and truly resting in him during difficult times and seasons.

When we hem a piece of cloth or a pair of pants, they look finished. They are protected so they don’t unravel or fall apart.

Once the fabric is hemmed, it is protected, and the edges are secure — just like us.

Let’s look at Psalms 139, verse 5, again, “You hem me in, behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.” He hems us in so we have borders, and those borders are protected. He hems us in so we are secure and finished in him.

How wonderful it is for us to be fully known and fully loved

by God! Now we can freely go into today knowing God has us “hemmed in.”

"We are hemmed in by God, and freedom comes from learning to trust him and truly resting in him during difficult times and seasons."

Killeen is founder of W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom). W.O.W. meets every second Wednesday of the month at noon at the Knight Nonprofit Center in Gulfport.

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MHASM

Serving, supporting and empowering those with mental illness

BY KIMBERLY BARTA

WHAT WE ROUTINELY DO IN A YEAR

• 25 regular clients three days a week at our DropIn Center • 3,900 meals to people with mental illness • 1,000 supply bags to homeless people on the Gulf Coast • 15 formerly chronic homeless in our HUD Supportive Housing Program • 3 bus tickets to get homeless people back to their families in other states • 1,600 bus passes to homeless people • 100 mental health providers trained in mental health-related activities • 5 people supported to obtain employment • 75 personalized Christmas gifts distributed • 700 people given community resource information via phone • 125,000 individuals exposed to mental health awareness information *Information obtained from the MHASM website: msmentalhealth.org. Some numbers are approximate and may vary.

For 40 years, the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi (MHASM) has been nestled in the Bayou View neighborhood. MHASM started as a grassroots organization in 1963, founded by a group of ladies who sold knitted goods to purchase Christmas gifts for people institutionalized at the state hospital in Whitfield. With time, MHASM has grown tremendously and is considered a community support agency.

MHASM’s mission is to be a champion of positive mental health and wellness. The organization provides resources and support services for those living with a mental illness. Thirteen members constitute the MHASM staff, with four being full time.

OPAL SMITH DROP-IN CENTER

The Opal Smith Drop-In Center is a day program for adults living with a mental illness. The center is a safe, non-judgmental environment where people can spend the day with their peers.

It provides the opportunity to work toward personal recovery and wellness goals. Community partners visit to speak about different life skills, and breakfast and lunch are served daily.

The center is a person-centered program, which means members decide what the structure of the program entails and what activities they want to explore. We encourage and empower our members to live their most independent life. Within this program, we also have certified peer support specialists, whose experience allows them to help others. This program is funded by the state Department of Mental Health.

HOMELESS OUTREACH (PATH)

MHASM has two homeless outreach navigators who work within our PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) program. Their main goal is to go into the community and reach members of the homeless population who may be living with a mental illness.

Our navigators begin to build a rapport with those individuals. They see what situations have brought them into homelessness and what steps could be taken to help them achieve housing, employment, benefits, medical assistance, proper identification/documentation and much more.

Our PATH program works closely with other agencies on the Coast to put all needed resources and services into place. While working closely with the individuals, they may supply them with such necessities as tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, insect repellant and food. The program also includes a staff member who can work closely with those needing assistance in applying for Social Security benefits.

SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM

Our Supportive Housing Program, funded by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), helps those who are chronically homeless and living with a mental illness by putting them into their own apartment. While in the program, they work closely with a case manager to achieve independent living goals, such as obtaining disability benefits, food, health care and a job.

The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi also offers various wellness programs for the community, such as WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) and Mental Health First Aid. We also participate in many health fairs within the community and have started virtual support groups. Learn more about MHASM and its programs at https://msmentalhealth.org/.

Kimberly Barta is the director of programs at the Mental Health Association of South Mississippi.

She can be reached at (228) 864-6274 or kbarta@msmentalhealth.org.

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BRANDI STAGE PORTRAITURE High Quality Dynamic Photography Individual & Family Portraits Headshots Personal Branding & Content Creation Editorial & Advertising 228-344-3230 www.brandistage.com

www.gcwmultimedia.com

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L. Randy Buntyn, DMD • L. Ross Buntyn, DDS

Proudly Introducing Advanced Full-Arch Dental Implant Restorations With When it comes to dental implants, experience makes the difference.

That’s why Smile Gulf Coast is now your area’s only Hybridge Certified Dental Implant Provider. Hybridge brings advanced technology, efficiency and lasting results to patients in need of a new smile.

Trust Smile Gulf Coast − Delivering comprehensive and comfortable dental care for two generations.

Ross Buntyn, D.D.S. and “Randy” Buntyn, D.M.D.

Implant • Cosmetic • General Dentistry 1203 Government St. • Ocean Springs, MS 39564

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Call: 228.875.3343 Email: SmileTeam@SmileGulfCoast.com October-November 2020HybridgeGulfCoast.com Visit: