Health + Wellness Guide 2019

HEALTH + WELLNESS 2019 LOCAL GUIDE

TIPS FOR ROADWAY BICYCLING SAFETY BOOST YOUR HEALTH BY

RUNNING

DETERMINING IF YOU NEED

FIRST AID OR

MEDICAL

ATTENTION

KNOW THE SIGNS HOW TO RECOGNIZE A STROKE

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LOWCOUNTRY MEDICAL PROVIDERS DIRECTORY

Hilton Head • Bluffton • Beaufort • Savannah

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First aid

DON’T LET COMMON INJURIES SIDELINE YOUR FUN

BY CARMEN LENNOX

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njoying the great outdoors sometimes results in injuries. It’s important to know how to treat minor problems with a first aid kit and to recognize what merits a visit to an urgent care center or an emergency room.

Stingrays

Sunburn

Ear ache

Swimmers can step on their barbed tails, especially from mid-May to late June when rays hang out on the ocean floor close to shore. Wounds from these barbs can cause intense pain and infection, so seek medical attention. Urgent care centers and hospital emergency rooms typically treat more than 200 patients a year. Soak the affected area (usually foot or hand) in hot water to relieve pain.

Cool the burn with a cold shower or cold compresses, but don’t apply ice directly to sunburned skin. Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera to soothe the skin, and don’t pop blisters. Burns draw fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, so drink extra water. Seek medical help for severe blistering over a large portion of the body, fever or chills, or if the person is woozy or confused.

Prevent painful swimmer’s ear by mixing one drop of vinegar with one drop of isopropyl alcohol — also known as rubbing alcohol. Put a few drops in each ear after swimming. Dry the area around the ear with a hair dryer, but make sure it’s set on low and hold it about 12 inches away from your ear. If an earache has already set in, medical attention is needed. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil will help until the doctor can see you.

Jellyfish

Strains and sprains

Beach Shore Service Operations lifeguards treat thousands of people for jellyfish stings every year, but only a few require medical attention. To ease the pain of a sting, rinse the area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. Some people find a hot shower can help calm the pain; others prefer a cool compress. Use mild hydrocortisone cream or an oral antihistamine to relieve itching and swelling.

Bruising and swelling are common symptoms of a sprained ankle, knee, wrist, etc. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Mild sprains can be successfully treated at home. If there is severe tearing of the ligaments, you might also hear or feel a “pop” when the sprain occurs — if this happens, seek medical attention.

Pack your kit

Anti-inflammatory & Painkiller Hydrocortisone Cream Eye Drops Bandages & Band-Aids Antiseptic Wipes Gauze Adhesive Tape & Gloves Instant Cold Pack Scissors & Tweezers

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Run for it EXPERTS SAY RUNNING CAN HELP BOOST HEALTH

BY MOLLY ANDERSON

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unning for even five to 10 minutes a day, once or twice a week, or at slow speeds is associated with substantial mortality benefits over 15 years, a recent study showed.

Runners overall had 30 percent and 45 percent lower adjusted risks of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, respectively, over that period and added three years to their life expectancy compared with non-runners, according to Dr. Duckchul Lee of Iowa State University.

And the study found runners didn’t need to run marathons to see health benefits. Even running less than 60 minutes a week — an average of about eight minutes a day — helped lower mortality rates, Lee said. The same is true for running short distances and at slow speeds, according to the study.

“This study may motivate healthy but sedentary individuals to begin and continue running for substantial and attainable mortality benefits,” Lee and colleagues said.

And the study found runners didn’t need to run marathons to see health benefits. Even running less than 60 minutes a week — an average of about eight minutes a day — helped lower mortality rates, Lee said. The same is true for running short distances and at slow speeds, according to the study.

“This study may motivate healthy but sedentary individuals to begin and continue running for substantial and attainable mortality benefits,” Lee and colleagues said. H&W

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Get started running

BY CARISSA KARN

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f you’ve never run for exercise before, or it’s been a while since you’ve run regularly, it’s important to ease into the sport. Trying to run too fast and too long too soon will make most people want to quit.

Before you start, make sure you have fairly new, high-quality running shoes. Many runners buy their shoes at a running store where custom insoles are also sold. Proper shoes will go a long way toward preventing shin splints, plantar fasciitis and a host of other common runner’s injuries.

Follow this training guide and get ready for runner’s high, race-day excitement and a new-found sense of confidence.

PICK A RACE Many trainers say the best way to motivate yourself to keep running is to find a race, sign up for it, pay for it and put it on your calendar. A fixed race date will help you stay focused and stick to a regular running schedule. Most people start with a 5K. It may help if the race benefits a charity or cause you’re passionate about.

RUNNING FORM Some people are natural heel-strikers while others tend to lead with their toes. The good news: neither form is inherently better than the other. And you are less likely to become injured if you simply maintain your natural stride. The more you run, the more comfortable that stride will feel and — even better — the more efficient your body will become.

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THE RUN-WALK METHOD The Run-Walk Method is a great way for new runners to get started and for experienced runners to improve their times. This method was pioneered by Olympian Jeff Galloway. The technique doesn’t mean walking when you’re tired; it means taking brief walk breaks when you’re not. You can pick whatever ratio of walking and running that works for you.

Some suggested combinations include: (Beginners) Run 30 seconds, walk 1-2 minute. (Intermediate) Run 1-5 minutes, walk 1-2 minutes. Alternate running and walking for the duration of your run.

CHOOSE A TRAINING PLAN The Internet is full of training plans for running, but this simple routine is hard to beat. To train for a 5K, run for 30 minutes every Tuesday and Thursday, and for longer distances on Sundays.

Each Sunday, add 5 minutes to your run. Remember, you can use the runwalk method instead of running the entire distance. Even if you are an absolute beginner, by following this training schedule you will be ready to run a 5k in 7 weeks. H&W yourlocalhealthchoice.com 15

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The Eyes Have It FIVE TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES

BY TIM HORTON

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s the U.S. population ages, the number of Americans with major eye diseases is increasing, and vision loss is becoming a major public health problem, the National Eye Institute says.

By the year 2020, the number of people who are blind or have low vision is projected to increase substantially, according to the Archives of Ophthalmology. Blindness or low vision affects 3.3 million Americans age 40 and older, or one in 28, according to recent studies. This figure is projected to reach 5.5 million by the year 2020.

So, what can you do to keep your eyes healthy? Here are five tips: 1. Point the air conditioner away from your eyes when driving. If you have air going into your eyes for long periods of time, it can lead to corneal abrasions and dry-eye syndrome.

2. Eat foods that are great for your eyes.

For instance, fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, great for preventing dry-eye syndrome. Sweet potatoes contain lots of vitamin A, which helps improve your night vision. Spinach contains lutein, which prevents age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. And blueberries have the most antioxidants of any fruit. Having a cup of yogurt with extra blueberries on top each morning will help you prevent age-related macular degeneration.

3. Instead of cooking with yellow onions, try red ones. Red onions contain large doses of quercetin, an antioxidant that helps fight cataracts.

4. Take a daily multivitamin supplement.

Studies have shown that women who take vitamin C supplements for 10 years or more are 77 percent less likely to develop cataracts.

5. Don’t smoke. Smoking is a major cause of cataracts, dry-eye syndrome and glaucoma.

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Stay Cool MANY AREN’T AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE

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alking along the sandy shore, splashing in the waves, boating in Calibogue Sound adventures abound in the Lowcountry.

But it’s important to be aware that sunburn isn’t the only risk from spending hours outdoors. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke also can cause problems.

Heat exhaustion happens when the body overheats. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include: • Heavy sweating • Rapid pulse • Dizziness • Fatigue • Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat • Muscle cramps • Dark urine • Nausea • Headache Rest and hydrate in a cool area if you experience these symptoms. If symptoms don’t improve in an hour, seek medical attention. Take a cool bath or shower or use a wet towel to cool off. Children younger than 4, adults older than 65 and people with serious health conditions are most vulnerable.

Heat stroke may develop following heat exhaustion. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises and its cooling system stops working. This life-threatening medical emergency is characterized by: • A temperature of 104 degrees or higher • Hot, dry skin • Racing heartbeat • Confusion • Agitation • Slurred speech • Vomiting • Seizures • Loss of consciousness • Coma If any of these symptoms develop, immediately seek medical attention. yourlocalhealthchoice.com 17

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2019 Health & Wellness DEMENTIA/ALZHEIMER’S CARE Beaufort Memorial Memory Cen- NHC Bluffton Memory Care 3039 Okatie Highway, Bluffton ter at Bluffton Medical Services Paul Mazzeo, MD 843-707-8833 www.beaufortmemorial.org/services/ memory-center

843-705-8220 www.nhcbluffton.com

The Palmettos Assisted Living Memory Care

Harbor Point Dentistry

Elizabeth Abell, DMD 40 Okatie Center Blvd., South Ste. 302 Okatie 843-706-9662

DENTAL – PEDIATRICS

3035 Okatie Hwy., Bluffton 843-707-9400 www.thepalmettosbluffton.com

DENTAL – GENERAL DENTISTRY

KENNETH KOWALYK, DMD GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY 15 Hospital Center Blvd., Suite 3, Hilton Head Island 843­682­3030 | briteteeth.com

EDUCATION: Graduate Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine Phi Beta Kappa Regular dental exams and cleanings are important to your overall health. We will provide a custom hygiene schedule, at home hygiene suggestions and techniques unique to you!

Davis and Wine Dental Associates Byron A. Davis DDS., MS Dianna L. Lenick DDS Christopher H. Wine DDS., MS 4 Okatie Center Blvd., S, Ste 103

Okatie 843-705-9551 DavisandWine.com

DENTAL – PERIODONTICS Davis and Wine Dental Associates John W. Vargo DDS., MS 4 Okatie Center Blvd., S, Ste 103 Okatie 843-705-9551 DavisandWine.com

DENTAL – PROSTHODONTICS Davis and Wine Dental Associates Byron A. Davis DDS., MS Christopher H. Wine DDS., MS 4 Okatie Center Blvd., S, Ste 103 Okatie 843-705-9551 DavisandWine.com

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DERMATOLOGY

THOMAS BUNDY, M.D., FAAD, FACMS

Dermatologist & Mohs Micrographic Surgeron, Board Certified HILTON HEAD DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER CENTER, PA 15 Hospital Center Blvd., Hilton Head Island 843-689-9200 | hiltonheaddermatology.com

BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALTIES: Dermatology & Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology BACHELOR OF ARTS: Summa Cum Laude, Washington Jefferson College, PA DOCTOR OF MEDICINE: West Virginia Univ. Medical Center - Morgantown Intern, Internal Medicine: Medical Univ. of SC - Charleston RESIDENCY: Emory University - Atlanta, GA FELLOWSHIP IN MOHS SKIN CANCER SURGERY: Scripps Clinic & Research Foundation, San Diego, CA

Beaufort Dermatology 1096 Ribaut Rd Beaufort 843-524-5550

Hilton Head Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center

May River Dermatology

Dr. Carmen A. Traywick 350 Fording Island Rd. Suite 100 Bluffton 843-837-4400 www.mayriverdermatology.com

A. Thomas Bundy, MD, FAAD, FACMS, Emily Murphy, MSN, FNP-C, Meghan Maloney, MS, PA-C, Kristen Clark, MS, PA-C, Lisa Redmond, LE Amy Myers, LE 15 Hospital Center Blvd., Hilton Head 4 Okatie Center Blvd. South, Suite 202, Okatie 843-689-9200 www.hiltonheaddermatology.com

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Beaufort Memorial Pratt Emergency Center 955 Ribaut Road, Beaufort 843-522-5101 www.beaufortmemorial.org

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Medical Associates of the Lowcountry

Dr. John Schenck 75 Baylor Drive, Suite 155, Bluffton 843-706-2523 medicalassociatesofthelowcountry.com

FAMILY MEDICINE Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Primary Care

Hilton Head Primary Care

Roger Ulrich, MD 11 Arley Way, Suite 201, Bluffton 843-706-8690 www.beaufortmemorial.org

Drs. Stephen Luther, David Vormohr 25 Hospital Center Blvd., Ste. 105 Hilton Head 843-682-2004 www.hhprimarycare.com

Bluffton-Okatie Primary Care

Lady’s Island Medical Center

Drs. Jimena Burnett, Christopher Madison 40 Okatie Center Blvd. S.,Suite 100, Okatie 843-705-9145 www.blufftonokatieprimarycare.com

Dr. Pam Edwards 97 Sea Island Pkwy., Suite 203, Beaufort 843-379-0367 www.ladysislandmedical.com

Charleston ENT & Allergy at Beaufort, Bluffton & Hilton Head

Palmetto Medical Group

Drs. David Maurer, MD, Kenneth A. Brown, MD, Don R. Christian, Jr., MD, Julien A. Norton, MD, Steven Strocko, PA-C; Audiologists: Tracy Brande, MS, CCC-A, Elizabeth Ott, MS, CCC-A, Lisa Crouch, MA, CCC-A, Devlin Duckery, Au.D., CCC-A 23 Main Street, Suite 201, Hilton Head Island 10 Arley Way, Suite 101, Bluffton 1231 Ribaut Rd., Beaufort 843-766-7103 CharlestonENT.com

Dr. Lynn Goetze Dr. Kamal Patel Stephanie Lovato, MSPAS, PA-C Erica Roper PA-C Jennifer Stokes - FNP-C 4818 Bluffton Parkway Bluffton 843-706-0600 www. PalmettoMedicalGrp.com

St. Joseph’s/Candler Physician Network – Primary Care

Brian N. Anderson, MD, 81 Main Street Hilton Head 843-681-1680 Stephen Goldner, MD, Peter Rippey, MD, Charles Sevastos, DO Belfair Towne Village, 10 Oak Forrest Road, Suite C Bluffton 843-815-3006 www.sjchs.org

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Save your skin from the island sun VISITING AN ISLAND WITH A BRIGHT BLUE SKY AND WORLD-CLASS BEACHES CAN LEAD TO IRRATIONAL DECISION-MAKING. LIKE GOING OUTSIDE UNPROTECTED FROM THE SUN.

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ummer on Hilton Head Island is ideal for swimming, boating, golfing, riding bicycles and horses, fishing and frolicking in the surf. But even a few minutes of the island’s sun can cause skin damage.

Ultraviolet rays accounted for 80 percent of skin aging in a recent study of almost 300 women published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to dark spots, wrinkles, sagging and degradation of skin texture — changes that can leave your skin resembling an elephant’s mottled, leathery hide.

Beyond cosmetic changes, the risk for skin cancer increases with five or more sunburns, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A tan is a sign of DNA damage to skin cells.

The risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, doubles after one childhood sunburn that blisters. A child’s skin is especially vulnerable to the sun’s radiation.

The challenges of skin protection are even greater for those with fair skin.

“As a redhead with very fair skin, my mother instilled into my mind at a young age to take care of my skin. She taught me to always apply sunscreen and get skin checks by a dermatologist,” said island resident Angele Barker.

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Take the Quiz “One day while shampooing my 8-year-old son — all three of my young children are fair-skinned like me — I found some black spots on the top of his head. Our pediatrician told us to get them checked out at the Medical University of South Carolina.

And just as a precaution, we had them removed,” Barker said. “So when we go out in the sun, we always apply SPF 100 sunscreen.

Even though the new sunscreens are ‘waterproof,’ I find with the humidity and the ocean’s salty water, sunscreen doesn’t stay on, so every few hours I reapply it.”

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every two hours, and reapplying after swimming or physical activity. Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age skin; UVB rays can burn skin. Both can cause skin cancer.

“Especially for people from the north who don’t know the intensity of Hilton Head’s sun, you need to constantly reapply sunscreen or you will get blistered,” Barker said.

Experts say that more than 50 percent of skin cancer occurs on the face, so reapplying a sunscreen to your face and wearing a wide-brimmed hat or one with a desert-type flap that shields the face, ears and back of the neck are crucial precautions.

“Our pediatric dermatologist told us the best time to go to the beach is 3 o’clock and on. The intensity of the sun is highest around noon, when you can do the most damage to your skin,” Barker said.

“I normally apply sunscreen 30 minutes before we go to make sure its dry. A lot of people apply it on the beach and that’s not the place where you should apply it. You’re more likely to miss places. And I use the cream, not the spray, even though the spray is more convenient. Creams stay on the skin and apply better.”

Shield your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding them with a pair of oversized sunglasses offering UV protection. And don’t forget to apply lip balm with sunblock to keep lips from blistering.

And don’t be afraid to think outside the typical sunscreen lotions or creams when it comes to skin rotection.

“As the kids got older, we started using the long-sleeve shirts with sunblock. They really like those,” said Barker.

Clothing designed with a built-in SPF of 30 offers 97 percent UV protection. But the sun’s UV rays can penetrate regular clothing, so dress carefully. And be sure to protect your skin on a cloudy day, too; clouds do not block the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

“I think if you’re smart and you protect your children from UV rays, you can do whatever you want in the sun,” Barker said. “But you have to protect your kids. When they’re little, they can’t do it — they need your help. It’s important that you protect them from getting burned. I don’t think my kids have ever gotten burned.”

Avoid the island’s noonday sun. Remember: the greater the exposure, the higher the risk. Stay in the cool shade as much as possible. And never go outside without sunscreen on Hilton Head Island. H&W

HEALTHY SKIN STARTS WITH KNOWLEDGE

How much do you know about your skin and skin cancer?

The National Institute of Health invites you to take this quiz and learn more.

1. Skin cancer Is: A. The most common form of cancer in the United States B. The second most common form of cancer in the United States C. The rarest form of cancer in the United States 2. There are: A. Three main types of skin cancer B. Two main types of skin cancer C. Four main types of skin cancer 3. The most dangerous form of skin cancer is: A. Melanoma B. Squamous cell carcinoma C. Basal cell carcinoma 4. The most common type of skin cancer is: A. Melanoma B. Squamous cell carcinoma C. Basal cell carcinoma 5. Men tend to develop melanoma more often: A. On their toes B. On their arms and legs C. On their trunk 6. The most common sign of skin cancer is: A. A change on the skin B. Hives C. Itching 7. If the cancer hasn’t spread, the first choice for therapy is usually: A. Immunotherapy B. Radiation therapy C. Surgery 8. Someday, cancer vaccines might be used to: A. Prevent melanoma B. Prevent polio C. Treat melanoma ANSWERS: A, A, A, C, C, A, C, C

Preventing Sunburns Lowers Skin Cancer Risk

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Support System WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE HAS A PROBLEM WITH ALCOHOL, HELP IS HERE

BY CAROL WEIR

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hen alcohol is ruining your family life, it’s hard to be optimistic about the future. In the Lowcountry, help is at hand and better days can be on the horizon. Al-Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether the alcoholic acknowledges the drinking problem or seeks help.

Many who come to Al-Anon are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. They come to Al-Anon because they want and need help.

At Al-Anon meetings, members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. They come together to learn a better way of life and to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or has gotten sober.

And there is help for all members of a family affected by alcoholism. Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people, mostly teenagers, offering support to other kids their own age going through similar things.

One of the Al-Anon and Alateen program’s basic principles is that of anonymity. Meetings are confidential, and there are no fees or dues to attend. Alateen and Al-Anon are not religious programs.

The Ultimate Alateen Group meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Bluffton United Methodist Church, 101 Calhoun St., Bluffton. For a schedule of Al-Anon meetings in the Lowcountry, go to: al-anon-sc. org/district-6.html. For more information about Al-Anon and Alateen, call 843-785-9630. H&W yourlocalhealthchoice.com 27

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PEDIATRIC THERAPY Beaufort Memorial Health Link For Children 31 Innovation Dr., Bluffton 843-522-7180 Beaufort Memorial Hospital

989 Ribaut Road, Suite 360, Beaufort 843-522-5900 www.beaufortmemorial.org

PHARMACY Burke’s Main Street Pharmacy 1101 Main Street, Hilton Head island 843.681.2622 BurkesPharmacy.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY/REHABILITATION Beaufort Memorial Outpatient NHC Bluffton Rehabilitation 11 Arley Way, Bluffton 843-522-5630 www.beaufortmemorial.org

PLASTIC SURGERY The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery Dr. Richard J. Greco 29 Plantation Park Dr. #301 Bluffton, SC 843-757-0002 5361 Reynolds St. Savannah, GA 912-355-8000 www.aginggracefully.md

3039 Okatie Highway, Bluffton 843-705-8220 www.nhcbluffton.com

Pinnacle Plastic Surgery Dr. Audrey A. Klenke 7 Mallett Way, Bluffton 843-815-6699

Weniger Plastic Surgery

Dr. Frederick G. Weniger 350 Fording Island Rd. Suite 200 Bluffton 843-757-0123 www.wenigerplasticsurgery.com

PODIATRY Island Podiatry

Bluffton Okatie Outpatient Center 40 Okatie Center Blvd. South Dr. Jill C. Blau Suite 100, Okatie The Shoppes at Hamilton Village 95 Sea Island Parkway,Suite 102, Beaufort 843-379-9913 www.islandpodiatrySC.com

RADIATION ONCOLOGY Beaufort Memorial Radiation Oncology Jonathan Briggs, MD Keyserling Cancer Center 989 Ribaut Road, Port Royal 843-522-7800 www.beaufortmemorial.org

St. Joseph’s/Candler Radiation Oncology Center

Radiation Oncology Center at the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion Joshua McKenzie, MD, John Mikell, MD, John Pablo, MD, John Schuler, MD 225 Candler Drive Savannah 912-352-1700 www.sjchs.org/cancer

Joshua McKenzie, MD, John Mikell, MD, John Pablo, MD, John Schuler, MD 25 Hospital Center Blvd., Suite 101 Hilton Head 843-689-6490 www.sjchs.org/cancer

RADIOLOGY/IMAGING Beaufort Memorial Bluffton Medical Services 11 Arley Way, Suite 102, Bluffton 843-706-8660 www.beaufortmemorial.org

Beaufort Memorial Breast Health Center 989 Ribaut Rd., Beaufort 843-522-5015 www.beaufortmemorial.org

St. Joseph’s/Candler Imaging Center – Bluffton

Belfair Towne Village, 10 Oak Forrest Road, Suite A Bluffton 843-836-4300 www.sjchs.org

SKILLED NURSING NHC Bluffton

3039 Okatie Highway, Bluffton 843-705-8220 www.nhcbluffton.com

SURGERY Beaufort Memorial Surgical Specialists

E. Perry Burrus, MD, FACS; Deanna Mansker, MD; H. Tim Pearce, MD, FACS; Stephen Sisco, MD; Andrea Hall, AGNP-BC Laura Kaiser, PA-C 11 Arley Way, Suite 102, Bluffton 1055 Ribaut Road, Suite 30, Beaufort 843-524-8171 www.beaufortmemorial.org

Okatie Surgical Partners Bluffton Medical Campus 75 Baylor Dr., Suite 290 Bluffton 843-705-8919 okatiesurgical.com

SPINE MEDICINE Dr. Charles J Nivens, MD

3 Plantation Park Drive, Bluffton 843-705-7471 nivensspine.com

Outpatient Surgery Center of Hilton Head 190 Pembroke Drive, Hilton Head Island 843-682-5050 www.hhisurgery.com

Southern Surgery Specialists

Dr. Carlos Montenegro 1010 Medical Center Dr.,Suite 250, Hardeeville 408 Jackson Ave. East, Hampton 843-682-2519 www.southernsurgeryspecialists.com

VASCULAR SURGERY Beaufort Memorial Surgical Specialists J. Chadwick Tober, MD, FACS; Annsley Troxell, PA-C 11 Arley Way, Suite 102, Bluffton 1055 Ribaut Road,Suite 30, Beaufort 843-524-8171 www.Beaufortmemorial.org

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Health Briefs Hilton Head Regional Healthcare opening senior behavioral health unit Hilton Head Regional Healthcare has recently opened The Cove, a new geriatric behavioral health unit at Hilton Head Hospital. The Cove offers individualized short-term care for older adults experiencing psychiatric symptoms requiring 24-hour inpatient treatment. This program is designed for adults ages 65 and older who are experiencing emotional, behavioral or mental health issues such as social withdrawal, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety or dementia. Treatment includes psychiatric and physical assessment, group activities, individual and group therapy, as well as family education and support.

New company offers personal chef services Thomas Carrig has opened Chef T LLC in Bluffton, providing personal chef services. The company will offer in-home customized food and wine service, including dinner parties, weekly meals, wine classes, cooking classes, cooking demos and nutrition consulting. Chef T will specialize in nutritious foods with ingredients locally sourced from sustainable family farms. Carrig holds a degree in culinary arts and a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Johnson & Wales. He also is a nutrition and dietetic technician and certified wine specialist. For more information, go to cheftllc.com.

Pediatric therapy opens in Buffton Leslie Bigwood and Ashley Cubbage have opened Now We're Talking Therapy Service at 1536 Fording Island Road, Suite 105 in Bluffton.

The company offers pediatric speech and occupational therapy services, both in the clinic and in the community. Bigwood previously owned Simila Clinic in Savannah. Cubbage has worked independently in Beaufort County. For more information, go to nwt-therapy.com.

Beaufort Memorial adds Kaiser Beaufort Memorial Surgical Specialists has added a physician assistant to its team of board-certified providers. Laura Livergood Kaiser, PA-C, holds a master of clinical medical science degree in physician assistant studies from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. During her training, she gained clinical experience in specialties ranging from internal and emergency medicine to general, vascular and trauma surgery.

Previously, Kaiser worked as a primary care provider at Hampton Regional Medical Center’s Coastal Plains Primary Care practice in Varnville and as a physician assistant in the hospital’s emergency room, where she developed a fast-track system to expedite patient care.

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New St. Joseph’s Candler/ Pooler Campus opens The new St. Joseph’s/Candler Pooler Campus opened in April. The medical campus houses surgical suites, many medical specialties, primary care, urgent care and more. The 220,000-square-foot facility will have three phases and cost $62 million. This first phase is 83,000 square feet and cost $32.5 million.

The new 27-acre campus is on Pooler Parkway near the intersection of Interstate 16.

The project will be multi-phased and built out over a 10-year period.

MUSC buys 4 hospitals The deal is done: the Medical University of South Carolina has bought four rural hospitals around the state in a first-of-its-kind deal for the Charleston-based health system.

The acquisitions were valued at $176 million, including $39 million in leases MUSC is taking over. The $137 million balance is being financed with borrowings from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program.

The purchases expand MUSC’s reach to one hospital each in Chester, Marion, Lancaster and Florence counties. They are to be renamed to reflect the ownership change.

Fusion Fit Training available at TrueFit Pilates Fusion Fit Training is now operating out of TrueFit Pilates & Training Studio in Bluffton.

Fusion Fit Training is a small group training program that encompasses metabolic training, strength training, cardio intervals and movement. The workouts optimize fat burning, weight loss, metabolism and hormones; helping you avoid pain and injury while developing proper exercise technique and execution. The program also is focused on boosting performance and fitness and promoting a healthy relationship with exercise and fitness, nutrition, wellness and a healthy lifestyle. The group is owned by Rachel Cantore, a personal trainer and health and wellness coach.

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2019 Health & Wellness

No Smoking Zone RISING POPULARITY OF VAPE PENS HAS HEALTH OFFICIALS WORRIED

BY MARK ANDERSON

S

arah answered the question quickly and emphatically: “No, I don’t vape, and I don’t plan to start. I see too many kids in my high school who are addicted to JUULs. They vape any way they can — in the bathroom, outside, even in class, when they hide the device up their sleeve.”

Sarah (not her real name) was among eight students who spoke during one of two recent meetings held at Hilton Head Christian Academy and May River High School on the health risks of e-cigarettes.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, which produce smoke from burning tobacco, vape pens electronically heat “e-liquid” or “e-juice” — a nicotine-laced liquid that also contains flavoring, chemicals and metals — until it forms an aerosol with high concentrations of nicotine. This aerosol or vapor is then inhaled by the user. These e-cigarettes come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors — more than 15,000 flavors are currently available, and more are being added.

Because these vape pens don’t look or taste like regular cigarettes, many people assume they’re safer and less addictive.

They’re wrong.

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‘‘

WE ARE TRYING TO ENGAGE AND

EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE

DANGERS OF THESE PRODUCTS, BUT ALSO REMIND TEENS THAT

THEY ARE ILLEGAL FOR MINORS. -JOY NELSON, COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER FOR THE BLUFFTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

A student at the school meeting said that in eighth grade, she asked her older brother about vaping. He told her it was as bad as smoking cigarettes, so she quit. But that doesn’t usually happen, teachers say.

“The students tell me they think vaping is harmless,” said Laura Pirkey, social studies teacher at Bluffton High School. “They don’t know the health risks.”

“Parents, don’t be surprised,” a middle school administrator at one meeting warned. “Middle schoolers are using e-cigarettes. Don’t wait until high school to act.”

Millions of Americans use e-cigarettes, introduced to the mass market in 2007. Many mistakenly think there aren’t as many chemicals in vape pens as regular cigarettes, and some smokers have even used vape pens to give up smoking tobacco.

Those people, experts say, are really just giving up one toxic habit for another.

“E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “It can contain harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds and cancer-causing agents.”

And because e-cigarettes are relatively new, little is known about their health effects.

“No studies on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes exist yet,” said Cathy Redmond, owner of Pirate’s Cove Vapor Lounge in Bluffton. “But there is plenty of documentation that e-cigarettes are much

safer than traditional cigarettes.”

That still doesn’t mean that e-cigarettes are safe, others said.

“No matter how it enters the body — e-cigarettes, conventional cigarettes or chewing tobacco — nicotine is hazardous,” said Dr. Michael Blaha of the Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease. “Nicotine is highly addictive. It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack. You’re exposing yourself to chemicals that we don’t yet understand.”

“While all e-cigarettes’ risks aren’t known, nicotine’s effect on brain chemistry is concerning,” said Reston Hartsell of the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, keynote speaker at the school meetings.

“Possible long-term damage to younger users, whose brains don’t fully develop until their mid-20s, is troubling.”

For some young people, there is also a legal issue.

“We are trying to engage and educate the public on the dangers of these products, but also remind teens that they are illegal for minors.” said Joy Nelson, community relations manager for the Bluffton Police Department.

Today, the most popular vaping device is the JUUL — small, sleek and similar in appearance to a USB flash drive. Its subtle design makes it easy to hide, which explains its popularity among middle and high school students. JUUL has 72 percent of the market share of all vaping products in the U.S.

Justin, (not his real name) a cashier in his early 20s at a local pharmacy, says he vapes, but uses only 0.3 percent nicotine in his device. He doesn’t vape a higher concentration because his uncle, a longtime smoker, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 49, leaving a wife and two young daughters. “I want to have a family someday,” he said.

The Truth Initiative, a nationwide tobacco-control organization, surveyed students between the ages of 12 and 17 in April 2018. The results showed that 18 percent had seen JUUL used in school.

“Two decades of combatting tobacco use has prepared us to continue the fight and take on the new epidemic of youth e-cigarette use,” the organization’s website states.

Peter Manos, a local pulmonologist, is more blunt: “All of the gains we have made so far in reducing youth tobacco use have been wiped away with the new e-cigarette epidemic. It’s so easy now for anyone to buy a vaping device online.”

Concerned, the federal government is cracking down. In September, the Food and Drug Administration sent more than 1,300 warning letters and issued fines to retailers that illegally sold e-cigarette products to minors during the summer.

The agency also is considering restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes — those most popular among youth.

Locally, sale of vaping products to minors doesn’t seem to be a problem — and local officials want to keep it that way.

“We have had no reports of local retailers selling e-cigarettes to minors,” said Lt. Todd Calhoun of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department. “If we did, we would certainly investigate it.”

Nationally, however, e-cigarette use among young people is an “epidemic,” FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb said.

“Let me be clear that nicotine isn’t a benign substance. We see clear signs that youth use of electronic cigarettes has reached an epidemic proportion and we must stem this clear and present danger.

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2019 Health & Wellness

Know the Signs

BEING ABLE TO RECOGNIZE A STROKE COULD HELP SAVE A LIFE

BY GREG STARK

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hen it comes to spotting a stroke and getting help, time is of the essence. That's because prompt treatment might make the difference between life and death — or the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability.

Being able to spot the signs of a stroke can help save valuable time. The easiest way to remember what to look for is to think F.A.S.T. — facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911.

The most common sign of a stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body. Other warning signs can include: • Sudden numbness or weakness of the

face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause. H&W Source: American Stroke Association

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2019 Health & Wellness

Follow these tips for bike safety

BY FRANK BABEL

On Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, avoiding bike accidents can come down to a judgement call made in a millisecond. Here are some tips to avoid injuries:

For motorists:

For cyclists and pedestrians:

•

• • •

• •

•

Speed kills. Don’t speed.

Don’t roll through stop signs. At intersection look twice in both directions before entering traffic.

If you see a waiting bicyclist, make eye contact, and then decide who goes first.

When making right turns onto roads or driveways, look to the right for approaching cyclists.

For Everyone: •

We all are the people responsible for safety: motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.So please err on the side of caution, be patient, pay attention, and no texting or distracted driving.

•

•

Most crashes happen at intersections. Always make eye contact with drivers of waiting vehicles at intersections.

Pay attention to what is around you.

Stop at roadway stop signs.

Be mindful that in South Carolina, motor vehicles have the right of way. So if a vehicle stops while you are waiting at a crosswalk, don’t go. Wait for a traffic opening. There may be a hidden approaching vehicle.

Cross arterial roads at signalized intersections or an underpass.

Frank Babel is Co-chair of Hilton Head Island Bicycle Advisory Committee.

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