14 minute read
David Legasse
David Legasse has a message: If you feel something, say something. That advice saved his life
Diabetes has been a part of David Legasse’s life for more than a decade. In that time, he has learned to live with the disease and knows the signs that indicate his sugar levels are too high or too low—when he needs something sweet or when a complete meal is in order.
Last year, the owner of The Salt Table shops felt something different. The then-71-year-old, who was generally in good health, was feeling more tired than usual and had experienced an episode of feeling faint, which sent him to see his primary care physician at St. Joseph’s/ Candler’s Primary Care in Pooler.
Legasse’s doctor, Knar Mesrobian, who practices family medicine and has seen Legasse since 2018, became equally concerned over his new symptoms.
“She listened to my heart and didn’t like what she heard,” Legasse said. “I’ve had a heart murmur all my life and I had told her about that, but she didn’t like the way it sounded this time.”
A Doctor’s Life-Saving Catch
Legasse said Dr. Mesrobian knew that fatigue was an unusual symptom for him because he is typically full of energy. Blood work revealed nothing to indicate another problem, so Dr. Mesrobian assumed Legasse’s heart was the source of his new complaints. She immediately referred him to a cardiologist for further evaluation.
“It was Dr. Mesrobian’s observation that something wasn’t quite right during my checkup and her referral to the heart team may have very well saved my life,” Legasse said. He said he is certain that he is living today because Dr. Mesrobian listened to him.
“She pays attention,” Legasse said. “I know she’s incredibly busy and treats all her patients the same, but when I’m there I feel like I’m the only thought on her mind, like there’s no one else in the office but me.”
Dr. Mesrobian said that as she gets to know her patients, she is often able to pick up on both significant and subtle differences in their health—differences the patients may not have recognized.
“I’ve had patients come to simply establish care, but in their preliminary screening, we’ll find diabetes she said. “And they’ll have no idea because they feel fine. I tell patients continuity and preventative care are important. Consistency gives us a home base.”
Had Legasse just continued on, not worrying about getting his heart checked, who knows what sort of consequence that might have had, Dr. Mesrobian said. Legasse said he knows exactly what may have happened. “I don’t know that I’d
Finding The Gift in Each Day
Story by Walinda West | Photos by Todd Wood
Diagnosis
Dr. Mesrobian told Legasse that she believed it was a good idea to get a specialist involved, especially since the risk for heart disease goes up as you age and the practice didn’t have much historical information on his murmur.
An ultrasound revealed Legasse had moderate-to-severe valvular disease. Valvular heart disease is when any valve in the heart has damage or is diseased. The normal heart has four valves or chambers that keep blood flowing in the right direction. In some cases, one or more valves don’t open or close in the proper way which causes blood flow through the heart to the body to be disrupted.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 2.5% of the U.S. population has valvular heart disease, but it is more common in older adults. While some people with valve disease are symptom-free, symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, fever, rapid weight gain or irregular heartbeat.
Treatment
Treatment for valve disease depends on the heart valve affected and the type and severity of the disease. The condition may be treated by medication or in some cases, the disease requires surgery to repair or replace the heart valve.
Within just a few days of his recovery, Legasse said he was able to take long walks through his neighborhood. After a week he was back at work, with cardiac physical therapy for four weeks post-surgery.
“The heart hospital team was absolutely fantastic,” Legasse said. “I don’t think you can find better medical help anywhere.”
Since Legasse’s surgery, he said he has been preaching the importance of listening to your body to anyone who will listen. Picking up on those cues, he said, saved his life.
“I have made this a crusade,” he said. “I have had several people say ‘you’ve made me pay more attention to my health.’” His advice to his friends is the same advice he took himself. “Go in for regular visits and if something is bothering you and it’s unusual, don’t put it off.”
Just eight months after his surgery, Legasse said he feels great. He went into his 72 birthday in November 45 pounds lighter. Legasse said he doesn’t feel his age and joked that he is told he looks much younger than his physical age.
Adjusting Life & Business Priorities
Heart surgery, coupled with a pandemic that has kept customers away from brick-and-mortar stores all around the country, forced Legasse and his wife, Carol, to reevaluate and reimagine The Salt Table, which features the couple’s own brand of salts, seasoning blends, teas, sugars and other flavors. With six stores in the area, The Salt Table celebrated its 10th anniversary this year.
Compared to when the store first started, which depended on foot traffic, 25% of its sales are now online. Legasse said this is the company’s biggest and most profitable year to date.
“With Covid we had time to reevaluate and think things through. As a result, those decisions have paid off,” Legasse said.
Legasse said his illness has given him an appreciation of all the things that matter to him. “You can’t take anything for granted,” he said. “I am not an evangelist, but I have a strong belief that God was watching over me. What I know is that every day is a gift.” n
WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience: • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. • Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort. • Other possible signs, including breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. For more information about heart conditions, visit www.heart.org.
Speech, occupational and physical therapy services for children. Playing with Purpose
Check out our FREE developmental screening tool at chatterboxpeds. developmentchecklist.com
912.988.1526 | chatterboxpeds.com
110 Pipemakers Circle, Suite 115, Pooler, 912.988.1526 2453G US Highway 17, Richmond Hill, 912.445.5612
THE RIGHT BLEND OF INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE HERE IN POOLER
The Salt Table—a “Savannah Original”—is not only a unique brand of hand-blended salts and seasonings made in their own facility, it’s also home to hundreds of other flavors, including loose tea, sugars, honey, oils, vinegars, snacks, coffee, jams, and more.
Founded in 2011 by Carol and Dave Legasse, The Salt Table is an award-winning company. Their unique approach to business and proprietary products brought them the coveted Trip Advisor ‘Traveler’s Choice’ Award (2020) for maintaining outstanding customer reviews, and they have been featured in national publications and television programs.
Carol says, “At the Salt Table you’ll find wonderful local food products found nowhere else, and a friendly knowledgeable staff ready to assist.”
Some Salt Table shops offer award-winning wines and, the new Savannah Airport Spirits Shop even has distilled products from local distilleries and makers.
LOCATIONS: Pooler | Downtown Savannah | Savannah/Hilton Head Airport | Jekyll Island | Savannah Convention Center (912) 988-1059 | www.SaltTable.com
POOLER DAY SPA FOCUSES ON WELLNESS
Sunny Salzman-Clough and her husband Jacob own Down Home Crossfit in
Pooler, and she is also the owner of Pooler Day Spa as well. As a businesswoman, mother, wife and fitness instructor, Sunny knows the importance of balancing a busy life with selfcare and total wellness routines for overall health. That is one of the reasons she loves owning Pooler Day Spa. The attention to detail and focus on wellness is what makes this spa experience so different. Pooler Day Spa is a full-service spa featuring many wellness services, including: • Facials • Massage • Hot stone • Cupping • Waxing • Dermaplaning • Plus many other luxurious services Pooler Day Spa uses organic products—which are also available for purchase—that come in the most delectable scents, and each customer’s experience is carefully crafted to ensure they have the best experience possible and feel the ultimate in relaxation. When she is not overseeing Pooler Day Spa, you can find Sunny at her other passion, Down Home Crossfit.
912.348.2381 PoolerDaySpa.com 447 Pooler Pkwy, Pooler
POOLER DAY SPA GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE!
THE MAN BEHIND THE CROSSFIT MADNESS
It’s no secret that CrossFit can present challenging workouts to its members. But what most do not know is that the programming element that goes into those workouts is far more complex than just what you see before you on the whiteboard.
This is what you will learn when you ask head programmer and owner of Down Home CrossFit Jake Clough to explain how he develops his programs at the gym.
Each workout, strength cycle and accessory movement is part of a larger picture that he has been cultivating for more than 11 years.
One of the reasons the members at Down Home see such great results in all areas is Jake’s vision. With a background in exercise science, numerous certifications, and over 100,000 workouts written, the proof is in the results.
But it’s not just about understanding the science, it’s about knowing your members. Great workouts do not matter if they don’t meet people right where they are. A fact Jake knows well.
Designing workouts for a mass group—while keeping it challenging for all, safe for beginners, and effective for everyone—isn’t an easy task. However, if you ask anyone at Down Home, they will tell you this is exactly what they get!
If you’re looking to switch up your fitness routine in 2022, we encourage you to check out Down Home CrossFit.
EXPERIENCE THE PROGRAM FOR YOURSELF WHEN YOU TRY 30 DAYS FOR $30.*
* Purchase deal online for a limited time. One per person. Can be gifted
Kirkland’s Flooring has been committed to quality and unbeatable prices for the past 20 years starting in Evans, Ga, but they never planned on just stopping there.
Kirkland’s Flooring was not new to the Savannah area as they started doing new construction work in 2009. So in July 2020, Kirkland’s Flooring decided to lay down roots in the lowcountry and opened their Savannah showroom. Located less than a mile from the popular Tanger Outlets, it is arguably in a perfect location in the ever-growing Pooler area.
In their beautiful showroom, they exclusively sell Evacore Waterproof Floors. These luxury floors are designed for comfort and to be lived on. Waterproof Click looks exactly like real hardwood, but it’s low-maintenance, stain & water resistant and affordable. No wonder it is quickly becoming the #1 flooring consumers choose!
Why choose Kirkland’s Flooring?
Kirkland’s is here for you every step of the way! They are a full service and complete turn key company from start to finish.
Founded on quality, customer service, dedication to product knowledge and a standing reputation, they have always and will continue to focus on their crews leaving their customer’s homes with a lasting impression of a job well done.
With business in the lowcountry flourishing, you can say that Kirkland’s Flooring Pooler location is another great success story for the company of 20 years and counting. Today, Kirkland’s continues to be committed to quality and offering a greater selection with unbeatable pricing that simply can’t be matched by big box stores.
Now in Pooler (on Benton Blvd, 1.5 miles from Tanger Outlets)
912.200.7914
kirklandsflooring.com 1775 Benton Blvd, Savannah
We are HEAR for you Pooler!
Happy New Year!
n AHAS has over 50 years combined experience with only Doctors of Audiology n We have all price points and can meet any budget n We have all the top-quality hearing devices on the market today n No interest 18-month payment plans available n Let us check if your insurance company has a benefit for hearing aids n Ear Nose and Throat physicians on site n The office is open for walk-in cleanings or minor problems 5 days a week
Call to make your appointment! 912.351.3038
Voted 2021 Best Audiology Group & Best Audiologists
(L-R) Dr. Casey Allen, Dr. Katy Laws, Dr. Sarah King
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT OFF THE POOLER PARKWAY 1000 TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD, SUITE #200
912-748-0110 www.poolerchamber.com PO Box 708 305 W. Collins St, Pooler, GA
SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT IN POOLER
The Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce is in the people business! We are committed to nurturing positive relationships within the city so that we all prosper. We are excited and hopeful for 2022 and have many fun and informative events planned throughout the year. Here are just a few of the scheduled and upcoming events we have in store:
As you support local businesses through your activities in our city, you are supporting neighbors just like you. Shop owners, restaurant leaders, medical professionals, and more. Your patronage makes Pooler what it is today. A wonderful place to eat, shop, play and stay.
Visit PoolerChamber.com often for details about our upcoming events, our members and more.
2022 EVENTS
Check our website for upcoming dates, times, and details for the following events throughout 2022:
January • Business After Hours at Cambria,
January 20
February • Job Fair—Lunch & Learn, February 7
March • Business After Hours • Sunset Shopping in the Park • St. Patrick’s Day Parade Shuttles
April • Sunset Shopping in the Park
May • Sunset Shopping in the Park • Lunch & Learn • Business After Hours
June • Food Truck Fest & Marketplace
July • Business After Hours August • Economic Outlook Event
September • Pooler Patriot Weekend • Business After Hours • Sunset Shopping in the Park
October • Sunset Shopping in the Park • Halloween Contest • Hearts for Heros Gala
November • Business After Hours • Sunset Shopping in the Park • Be Thoughtful & Thankful
Campaign for Compassion and
Generosity • Toys for Tots • Donation drive (gently used items)
December • Annual Dinner • Breakfast with Santa • Holiday Festival
