Health Life May/June 2020

Miracle Child Proud to Be a Quitter Maebry Harrell

Jody Benson

FORMER NFL PLAYER PAYING IT BACK TO YOUTH ATHLETES IN THOMASVILLE Danny Copeland

Not All Heroes Wear Capes 3 Ways to Make a Mask at Home

May/June 2020 | FREE1

Weight Lost.

New Life Found.

See how everything changed for Drew.

archbold.org/stories Drew has lost 163 pounds.

Bariatric Weight Management Program Call South Georgia Surgical Associates at 229.226.8881 for more information.

2archbold.org/bariatrics

Gerri hasArchbold lost 70 pounds.

Medical Center @ArchboldMedical ArchboldMedical

We’re diving even deeper into all things health related. With an emphasis on physical health, nutrition, fitness and training, and lifestyle, we want to inform you and inspire you to live a healthy life.

For more information contact our main office at 229-469-7373 or email us at healthlifesga@gmail.com

healthlifemagazine.com 3

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May/June

2020

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Proud to Be a Quitter

8

Drew Berry's New Clothes

Jody Benson of Tifton, Georgia, remembers it like it was yesterday: the day she took her first drag of a cigarette.

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Regular vs Stationary Bicycles

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Adapting to a “New Normal” in a Post-COVID-19 World

Archbold

24 Not All Heroes

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Coping With an Empty Nest

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Know the Basics: Autoimmune Disorders

Wear Capes

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No Sew Masks

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Melton Uses Personal Experience to Help Treat Patients

Thacker Dermatology

Hospitals and their doctors and nurses all over the world are continuing to work to help curb the rising rates of infection, at a great health risk to themselves in the process. Prominent hospitals are staying open and functional to provide healthcare to their surrounding communities in South Georgia.

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Former NFL Player Paying It Back to Youth Athletes in Thomasville Danny Copeland is a shining example of a local, small-town boy doing well and giving it back. “We want these young people, and really anyone, to take their fitness to the next level physically; emotionally; and, most importantly, spiritually, through a walk with Jesus Christ,” Copeland said.

Miracle Child To see Maebry Harrell running around, playing and enjoying life like any other two-year-old child today, you would never know that the daughter of Larry and Denise Harrell went through open heart surgery before her 1st birthday.

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit

Cover Art Mandy Douthit Feature Photography Eric Vinson Copy Editors Anna Limoges Malia Thomas

Feature Writers Alex Dunn Phil Jones Steph Coelho Malia Thomas

Advertising & Marketing Andrew Pipkin andrew@itgnext.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit

Have questions or comments?

Give us a call at 888.715.4263 or email us at healthlife@itgnext.com Health Life Magazine is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2020 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Colquitt Regional

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What to Ask Your Dermatologist

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Mask Protection Efficiency

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Food and Mood

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Alzheimer’s: Progressive Stages and Homecare

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Sew Masks at Home

41

How to Work Out While on Vacation

44

A Fighter to the End

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Raw Food Comeback

Debbie & David "Bull" Durham

If you’re in search of great stories, we have the answer. Healthlifemagazine.com features stories from the magazine, trending topics, recipes, and much more all at your fingertips.

Know of someone who deserves to be featured in our magazine? Let us know!

y a i s M

Month 7

Drew Berry's New Clothes In the spring of 2018, Archbold launched a new bariatric and weight management program, offering a comprehensive range of individualized nonsurgical and surgical weight loss options for effective long-term weight loss results.

The program remains the only one of its kind in the region to have two fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons: Katie Hanisee, MD, and Joey Jarrard, MD. Since the implementation of the program, many patients have successfully transformed their lives post-surgery.

Drew Berry has struggled with being overweight and weight loss for his whole life. In fact, at 27, he was diagnosed with high blood pressure, a common co-morbidity associated with obesity.

“I come from a family that tends to be overweight, so it’s all I’ve ever known,” Berry said. “However, a few years ago, due to my work schedule my eating habits changed, and I lost 150 pounds.”

However, the weight came back.

“I slowly fell back into my old routine,” Berry said. “My weakness at the time was milkshakes, and my thought process was, ‘Only one won’t hurt me.’ Before I knew it, I was drinking three or more a week, which led me to eating the foods I had cut out of my diet, and I gained back the weight I had lost and more.

“I was tired of being overweight.”

After discussing his weight loss options with his primary care physician and Dr. Hanisee, Berry had the gastric sleeve procedure on Oct. 4, 2019.

“I started the program weighing 408 pounds, and since then, I’ve lost 163 pounds,” Berry said. “I’m working towards losing 20 more pounds to reach the goal weight I was at when I lost weight the first time around.”

Berry is now doing things he couldn’t before losing the weight.

“I’m able to walk around outdoors and even exercise and not be out of breath or have my back start hurting,” Berry said. “I can also see my feet now when I stand up!”

According to Berry, the key to bariatric surgery is sticking to the plan that the bariatric team gives you.

“Stick to the advice of portion control, cutting out certain foods, and not eating after a certain time,” Berry said. “It’s not easy, and it takes time to adjust, but it’s worth it.”

When he reaches his goal weight, Berry plans on buying new clothes.

“Dr. Hanisee and bariatric surgery have given me a new outlook on life,” Berry said. “I would recommend bariatric surgery to anyone who wants to lose weight and keep it off.”

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“I started the program weighing 408 pounds, and since then, I’ve lost 163 pounds. I’m working towards losing 20 more pounds to reach the goal weight I was at when I lost weight the first time around.”

— Drew Berry

“Dr. Hanisee and bariatric surgery have given me a new outlook on life. I would recommend bariatric surgery to anyone who wants to lose weight and keep it off.”

— Drew Berry

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Almost everyone has ridden a bike at some point in their lives. If you’re a cycling enthusiast or an elite athlete, you’ve probably used it for intense workouts and training. The health-conscious are more concerned with maintaining a healthy weight while keeping their bodies toned.

That begs the question: Which gives you a better workout, regular bikes or stationary ones?

There’s not a lot of difference between the two.

Stationary bikes have a saddle and handlebars that are supposed to resemble a real bicycle, along with the pedals. Instead of actually traveling while you pedal, a stationary bike remains in place, spinning a flywheel that often has varying degrees of resistance.

Stationary bikes have the benefit of an easy setup. They can also be used anywhere in your home, unlike a real bike. If you don’t want to go outdoors due to safety or if the weather won't permit a bike ride, the stationary bike will always be at your side.

In addition to that, stationary bikes serve as a great workout for your legs, thighs, and glutes, and most machines have various difficulty settings that can make for an intense exercise session.

The main downside of a stationary bike is the lack of upper body engagment. With a real bike, you have to steer it to control its direction. You’re using your arms, back, and core to balance and maneuver the bike on different terrains. With stationary bikes, it can take longer to tone up and feel the impact that riding a regular bicycle offers.

Stationary bikes mean exercising in the same setting every time, which could become boring, causing you to be more inclined to give up on your workouts. Real bicycles offer a change of scenery and a different riding experience each time you go out.

There’s also cost to consider. Unlike a real bike, stationary bikes are low maintenance. However, the upfront cost can be pretty expensive, with the cheaper ones costing around $250. The higher quality ones with extra features can go for $1,200.

Real bikes also encourage you to be more social. Many people find bike riding with their friends and family an enjoyable activity. With a stationary bike, its just you by yourself.

With all of this in mind, which one is better?

The answer depends entirely on what you’re trying to get out of your workout.

If you want to use all of the muscles in your body in your workout while having the added scenery of the outdoors, go for a real bike. If you want a reliable, consistent means of working out your lower body and don’t mind the extra cost, choose a stationary bike.

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Regular vs.

Stationary BICYCLES Written by: Malia Thomas

Adapting to a “New Normal” in a Post-COVID-19 World Written by: Betsy Perry Backe, MD, FAAD

What a difference a month can make. In early March, we were all hard at work with business as usual, and some folks were calling COVID-19 a “hoax.”

In early April, New York and communities around the country, including our neighbors to the west in Albany, saw all too well the devastation that this novel coronavirus can bring to families and neighbors. Work, school, worship, and family life —many of the constants in our lives — have been upended, disrupted, and changed, but we have all managed to create new ways to live, love, laugh, and survive.

I was once told that nothing that is worth having is easy — that significant personal or professional growth can only happen when one leaves the familiar and ventures into the unknown. I don’t know about you guys, but we all seem to have been dragged out of our comfort zones, kicking and screaming.

Our goal has been to stay one step ahead of the unfamiliar in order to continue to provide the excellent dermatologic care that you have come to know and expect from us.

Even in the face of a global pandemic, Thacker Dermatology is open and here for you. We have adapted our services to continue to care for you and your family, all while doing our part to flatten the curve and keep our patients and employees safe. We now offer TeleDermatology appointments for rashes, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, spot checks, and more. You can see the same staff that you know and trust from the safety, comfort, and convenience of your home or office. If further treatment is needed, we can discuss the risks and benefits of in-person appointments. TeleDermatology is covered by most insurance companies. Many, including Medicare and Tricare among others, are even waiving co-pays. Talk about a silver lining!

We are also offering virtual aesthetic consultations with me for future laser or injectable treatments. During this break, while we are all having to live without our Dysport, filler, lasers, microneedling, peels, or Profound, I am doubling down on my sun protection and skin care. Our aestheticians Holly D., Callie, and Rhonda can design a customized medical-grade skin care plan that will help you break out of your dull routine and get you ready for postCOVID interactions. We have a wide array of products from which to choose, and we are experts at matching the right skin care regimen for whatever your skin goals are. Let us take the guesswork out of the sea of available products and help you get some good self care with skin care. We offer curbside pickup, or we will package and ship them to your doorstep (FREE with a $75 or more purchase).

Change, while uncomfortable, can be good, and we can emerge from this stronger as individuals, families, communities, and as a country. Whatever the future holds, whatever “normal” is, Thacker Dermatology will be here to meet all your skin, hair, nail, and aesthetic needs. From rashes to acne and aesthetics to Mohs surgery for skin cancers, we are committed to bringing you the best that dermatology has to offer.

Call us at 229-469-4383 to schedule your TeleDermatology appointment today and follow us on Facebook (Thacker Dermatology) and Instagram (@thackerderm) for our latest informational videos and our money-saving specials and events.

Keep those hands clean and off your face! We look forward to seeing you all, whether in person or virtually, soon. Stay safe and stay strong!

Dermatology Care Thacker Dermatology Betsy Perry Backe, MD, FAAD is a board certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Florida State University College of Medicine.

Business Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 5p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. - Noon Address: 4233 Camelot Crossing Valdosta GA 31602 Phone: (229)469-4383 Fax: (229)469-4584 Email: thackerderm@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/thackerderm Instagram: thackerderm

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STAY IN THE Introducing

Celestine Nnaeto, MD, FACP, CAQSM

Board-certified in Primary Care Sports Medicine and Internal Medicine If there is one thing that sports and medicine share, it’s the desire to maximize performance. Whether you are starting out as an athlete, competing at a high level, or just trying to stay active, Dr. Nnaeto is available to help you reach your goals.

• Sports physicals • Non-surgical orthopedic and spine interventions • Sports related concussion management

• Sports rehabilitation • Injury prevention

James Scott, MD | William Smith, MD | Edward Hellman, MD | David Banks, MD | Kyle Fleck, MD 2227 Highway 41 North, Tifton | Next to Affinity Clinic | 229-386-5222 | tiftregional.com/GSM

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Proud to Be a QUITTER Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Jody Benson of Tifton, Georgia, remembers it like it was yesterday: the day she took her first drag of a cigarette.

“I began smoking when I was 16 years old,” Benson said.

Like many smokers, Benson said she started out smoking because of the crowd she hung around.

“I had some really good friends growing up, but they were all smokers, every one of them,” Benson said.

Her new-found activity was not very enjoyable in the beginning.

“In the first three to six months of smoking, I would have really intense, dizzy headaches,” Benson said.

Even though she was feeling bad, she kept it up. After six months or so of continuing to smoke, Benson said the headaches began to slowly go away. She was unfortunately now enjoying smoking, one of the deadliest habits known to man.

Benson smoked daily for the next five years.

She would smoke about a pack and a half per day, including up until the time she met Wayne Benson, her husband.

He was also a smoker, so now she had not only a life partner, but a partner to accommodate her smoking habit. The talk of children with her husband began to change things. That’s when Ben-

“It’s impossible to completely avoid other smokers, but it really doesn’t bother me at all. And I certainly don’t miss it!”

— Jody Benson 13

son became pregnant.

The thought of smoking while carrying a child was not something she would consider.

“I liked smoking, but not enough to risk the baby,” Benson said.

With the pregnancy, she was not only celebrating their first child on the way, but also the fact that she was looking at not smoking for the first time in five years, since she had first picked it up at the age of 16.

Benson gave birth to Lee, the couple’s first child, in 1981. Cole, child number two, was born in 1985. As with her first child, Benson remained smoke free during her pregnancy. Two consecutive pregnancies provided incentive for her to remain smoke-free.

That’s five years without a cigarette. However, the unintentional influences

of friends and co-workers pushed Benson back into old habits just nine months after the birth of Lee, and at a time when she felt she was ready to go back to work.

“I went to work for a local grocery store, and as a new employee, I had to go through training with several other employees,” Benson said.

The training was in Waycross, Georgia, several miles away. The group decided to all ride together, which put Jody in the same car with her co-workers, all of whom were smokers.

“I knew it was going to be tough,” Benson said about her willpower to remain cigarette-free.

Her continued exposure to her “smoker friends” simply became too much to overcome. After having kicked the habit for five years, she was once again a smoker, and this time around she remained a smoker for 29

years. She estimates a pack and a half was her daily consumption of cigarettes from age 26 to 55. But, on days when the stress was really bad, Benson could go to two packs a day.

“I really enjoyed smoking," she said. "I’m not going to lie.”

Which is the very reason it took a major health scare to finally get her to quit for good.

In early 2014, Benson noticed that she was becoming short of breath quite easily.

“I couldn’t walk 4 or 5 feet without getting out

of breath,” she said.

Despite what smoking was doing to her body, Benson kept up her routine: Take a break, walk outside with her co-workers, and smoke - or, in Benson’s case, try to.

“I’d light up a cigarette and just cough uncontrollably,” she said.

Finally, Benson forced herself to see a doctor, who diagnosed her with Bronchitis and suggested that she quit smoking.

In 2018, an estimated 13.7%

480,000

(34.2 MILLION) of U.S. adults were current cigarette smokers.

Of these,

Tobacco use remains the single largest PREVENTABLE cause of death and disease in the United States.

74.6%

Americans each year.

Stats courtesy of cdc.com

Benson said she really has no problems with the urge to smoke again, even when in the presence of fellow smokers.

“It’s impossible to completely avoid other smokers, but it really doesn’t bother me at all," she said. "And I certainly don’t miss it!”

On Dec. 2, 2014, Jody Benson smoked her last cigarette. She was done. A 34-year

Cigarette smoking kills more than

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smoking habit, interrupted for five years to have two children, was no more.

smoked every day.

Coping With an Empty Nest Written by: Mailia Thomas

Every parent wants nothing more than see their child grow up and become independent. However, when your last child has finally left the house, there can be a host of mixed emotions.

Some parents are relieved to finally have the house to themselves and have one less mouth to feed. Others feel an intense sadness at the departure of their child.

This sadness is known as a phenomenon called empty nest syndrome. People who have empty nest syndrome recognize the need for their child to move out, but they still struggle with letting them go.

Empty nest syndrome can occur while your child is planning to move out or right after they do so. It most commonly happens whenever a child graduates from high school or college or when they get their first major job.

Parents generally miss having the role of caregiver, or they miss the companionship that being in their children’s daily lives brought them. Some are even concerned with their children’s safety and their ability to pro-

tect themselves. Whichever concern they have, parents usually experience a deep loss of purpose.

These feelings are completely normal. It is not easy to see someone you have raised, protected, and bonded with for about two decades leave permanently. However, empty nest syndrome often goes unchecked due to how common it is for children to leave home at a certain age, so not managing the negative emotions that come with it can lead to some serious problems.

If not handled correctly, empty nest syndrome can also prompt one or both parents to experience another phenomenon called a mid-life crisis.

This is when a major event in middle age causes someone to develop an unbalanced view of their identity and self-confidence. Past studies have suggested that it can leave parents more vulnerable to clinical depression as well as alcoholism as a means of coping.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here’s some tips on how to healthily cope with empty nest syndrome.

Keep in contact with your child. This doesn’t mean the end of your relationship with your child. This is simply the next stage. You shouldn’t be blowing up their phone with excessive calls and messages, but make it a goal with your child to have at least one conversation a day at a time your schedule permits. You should also make plans to spend time with your child in person.

Fill your calendar. Realize that you can’t be around your child like you used to and be sure to keep busy by planning activities and events. Have a ballroom class you always wanted to go to? Do it. Need to clean out the garage? Now’s the time. Want to remodel the house? You won’t have your child in the way.

Find a good support system. Keep family and trusted friends around you to have a safe space to vent your feelings. Sometimes all we need is a listening ear, a comforting touch, and a voice of reason.

Accentuate the positive. Focus on the benefits that come with a child moving out of the house: more time, more energy for other things, and a chance to reconnect with your significant other.

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— PHOTOGRAPHY —

Contact info: cevinson9216@gmail.com 229-412-1296 Eric Vinson

evdreamswild

Know the Basics: Autoimmune Disorders Written by: Steph Coelho

What is an autoimmune disorder?

An autoimmune disorder happens when your immune system goes awry and mistakes your body for an intruder. Proper functioning of the immune system ensures that bacteria and other invaders are fought off. With an autoimmune disorder, your body has trouble telling the difference between the stuff that’s part of your body and the stuff that isn’t.

In an effort to protect you from what it perceives as foreign cells, a disordered immune system sends out antibodies to attack and ward off bodily danger, except in doing so, targets the body itself, which, in turn, produces ill effects.

Not much is known about why autoimmune disorders develop. Some diseases are more common in certain ethnic groups, and some autoimmune conditions are thought to be triggered by infections or environmental exposure to certain substances.

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to

23.5 MILLION people suffer from an autoimmune disease, and the prevalence is rising.

Many autoimmune disorders have similar symptoms, including:

• • • • •

General fatigue Muscle pain Numbness in the extremities Rashes Swelling and redness (often in the joints)

Autoimmune disorders have no cure, but treatment is possible. Many autoimmune diseases can be controlled with medications that help ease symptoms (e.g., pain relievers to reduce inflammation and aching, topical creams to treat rashes and itching). Immunosuppressants are also used to treat these types of disorders. Naturally, because they limit the function of the body’s immune system, they have serious side effects, and precautions must be made when taking them.

Three-quarters of people suffering from an autoimmune disease are women.

It is estimated that nearly one-third of the risk of developing an autoimmune disease is hereditary, and the same disease may run in a family.

Scientists know of more than

8 MILLION

autoimmune diseases.

people have autoantibodies, blood molecules that indicate a person’s chance of developing an autoimmune disease.

Stats courtesy of www.gene.com and www.niehs.nih.gov

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Common Autoimmune Disorders

There are a slew of autoimmune disorders, but here’s a breakdown of some of the most common ones:

Celiac Disease

While the gluten-free trend has gained traction over the years, most people can easily digest gluten without trouble.

Those with celiac disease are unable to digest this common protein, and when they do, they experience severe gastrointestinal distress. People with celiac disease often have another autoimmune disorder. The condition also has a significant genetic component. The obvious treatment for celiac is to change up your diet, eliminating foods containing gluten.

Lupus

This autoimmune disease causes rashes, joint pain, and overwhelming fatigue.

The disorder may also produce organ damage. Lupus is actually a term that describes a series of immune disorders that act similarly. Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form in this group of diseases. There’s some evidence that lupus has a genetic link.

It may also be caused by environmental triggers such as certain viruses. Those diagnosed with lupus control symptoms using a combination of medications such as anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This common autoimmune disorder targets the joints. Achy, throbbing wrists, hands, and knees are all symptoms of this disease that develops in young adults.

Treatments for RA include medications, dietary changes (to limit the consumption of inflammation-causing foods), and exercise to improve joint function.

Psoriasis

This skin condition causes itchy, scaly patches. Some people with psoriasis also have associated joint paint or have other autoimmune disorders. There’s also some evidence that this skin disease has a genetic component.

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Multiple Sclerosis

With this autoimmune disorder, antibodies attack the body’s neurological system, specifically the myelin sheath. Symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and numbness in certain parts of the body. The most common form of MS is called relapsing-remitting MS, where the disease flares up then goes nearly or entirely dormant for a period. RRMS does not progress like other forms of the disease. There is no cure for MS, but MS-specific medications do exist. They’re used to control the flare-ups and symptoms of the disease. There’s no clear answer as to what causes the disorder, but some researchers believe environmental triggers may cause the immune system to turn on itself.

Migraines

While this neurological condition is still not fully understood, there’s some belief that migraines are a type of autoimmune disease. Those with migraines experience severe headaches, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound.

Other symptoms include visual aura, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. There is no cure for migraines, but medications exist that allow migraineurs to live with the condition. Many migraine medications, however, have significant side effects and were initially developed to treat other conditions. The newest treatment option involves a class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptides, which have been designed expressly for treating migraines.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBS encompasses multiple disorders that affect the lining of the intestines. Inflammation (as a result of a disordered immune system) causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common forms of IBS. Genetics are thought to play a role in whether or not a person develops the disease. Risk factors for IBS include ethnicity (common in Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews) and age (the condition usually presents before 35).

Quick Cut T-shirt Face Covering (No Sew Method) Materials

Tie strings around neck, then over top of head.

T-shirt Scissors

Bandana Face Covering (No Sew Method) Materials Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20� x 20�)

Rubber bands (or hair ties) Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)

Fold top down. Fold bottom up.

Place rubber bands or hair ties about 6 inches apart.

Fold bandanna in half.

Fold side into middle and tuck.

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Melton Uses Personal Experience to Help Treat Patients Written by: Alex Dunn

Dr. Howard Melton, general surgeon at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, has practiced in Moultrie, Georgia, since 1996. During his tenure as a general surgeon, he has had the opportunity to perform a diverse portfolio of procedures.

“General surgery includes anything from straightforward hernias or removal of the gallbladder to appendicitis and endoscopies all the way up to breast cancers, colon cancers, vascular procedures, and various bariatric procedures,” Melton said.

“We have now done over 500 stapled bariatric procedures through our bariatric center.”

In addition to working on the surgical team at Colquitt Regional, Melton also serves as the medical director at Sterling Center Bariatrics, where he says that they can perform almost all bariatric procedures offered. The staff at the Sterling Center, where Sterling Bariatrics is housed, make up a comprehensive team of not only physicians, but other crucial medical staff.

“In addition to the physicians, we have nurses, medical office assistants, nurse practitioners, and a wide range of support staff to help with patients when they first come in the office as well as helping them get through a particular program such as bariatrics, which can be very complex and require a lot of support staff to work through the process or to handle all of their insur-

20

ance issues,” Melton said.

According to Melton, their bariatric service line is among their most popular and sought after procedures offered at the Sterling Center. He said that patients have found the most success with sleeve gastrectomies and gastric bypass. They also offer a couple of endoscopic procedures, including an intragastric balloon.

“This takes up space in the stomach and helps with portion control as well as delayed gastric emptying,” he said. “Patients can expect to lose anywhere between 20 to 50 pounds, depending on how well they stick to the low-carbohydrate food plan. Another procedure is the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. In this procedure, we suture the stomach to decrease the size, all done endoscopically. It is similar to a sleeve gastrectomy, but nothing is removed, and there are no incisions. This is for patients who need to lose a little less weight than standard for a sleeve gastrectomy, someone with a BMI in the range of 30-40.

I think this shows that we offer a wide range of bariatric procedures that can be tailored for individual patient needs.”

Because there is a variety of procedures patients can choose from, Melton stressed the importance of patient education, as well as discussing the procedure that would suite the patient best medically.

“We use accepted national guidelines and then a thorough understanding of the patient's

ongoing medical issues to help make the best recommendation to the patient so that the procedure they get, if appropriate, is the procedure that gives them the best opportunity for long-term success,” Melton said. “We have a fully trained staff who help the patients make initial decisions to start them down one road or the other so that they get a procedure that is more tailored to them, their medical conditions, and their longterm goals.”

One of the reasons Melton is able to provide such great insight for his patients is because he was recently a patient himself.

Melton had the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy performed last May by one of his fellow surgeons at the Sterling Center.

“I have now lost over 70 pounds, and I can tell you losing that amount of weight makes you feel so much better,” he said.

“I encourage it for all of our patients, and we work hard to help them through the process and get them the procedure that is going to help​control their weight for the rest of their lives.”

For those interested in learning more about the procedures offered at Sterling Center Bariatrics, Melton suggests for potential patients to go online first and learn as much as they can about their services as well as researching a healthy food plan in general. Those can be the important first steps in the journey to having a healthy lifestyle.

Colquitt Regional's bariatric surgical center is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

21

HL

Medical Guide

Contact Us To Reserve Your Spot!

229-890-3553 | WWW.VEREENCENTER.COM

888.715.4263 or

healthlife@itgnext.com Kevin J. Collins, MD Board Certified In Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

229-333-9736 | 1-800-331-2910 www.hughston.com

Introducing a

Comprehensive Approach

to Senior Mental Health & Wellness

(229) 896-8100

706 N. Parrish Avenue • Adel, GA 31620 HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT ORBERA? USING THE ORBERA BALLOON, DR. MELTON HAS LOST OVER 35 LBS.

MEDICAL GUIDE 229-502-9725 22

| WWW.COLQUITTREGIONAL.COM

what to ask your DERMATOLOGIST With skin routines becoming more popular now than ever, it is important to keep up with the state of your skin to ensure maximum benefits. Remember, everything doesn’t work for everyone. That’s why it is recommended to visit your dermatologist at least once a year. Here’s five questions you need to ask to get the most out of your next appointment.

1) Will this beauty routine work for my skin?

There are several different types of skin: oily, dry, combination, sensitive, etc. A mask meant to dry out excess oil will not work well for someone with dry skin. Likewise, strong ingredients will not help sensitive skin. Your dermatologist can map out specific routines and plans to help your skin look its best.

2) What products do you recommend for my skin type?

Written by: Malia Thomas

Tips for Health Summer Skin • Limit exposure to UV radiation • Stock up on hats, swimsuit cover-ups, and sunscreen. The higher the SPF, the better.

• Limit your sodium and salt intake and use water to stay hydrated.

• Be consistent with your skincare regimen.

Certain products contain certain ingredients that will mess with your skin. For example, harsh chemicals like salicylic acid and stearic acid can cause severe irritation or even damage sensitive and dry skin. Before using any product, make sure to get your dermatologist’s input and ask about some products they recommend.

3) What’s causing my acne?

Causes for acne are also dependent on your skin type. The best way to treat and prevent it would be to have an examination performed and develop a treatment plan based on the results. Make sure your dermatologist goes into specifics about your skin condition and what to look for in the future.

Best Order for Skincare Products

4) Has my skin been affected by any sun damage?

Sun damage is one of the leading causes for skin cancer. It can also lead to a variety of issues with your skin such as excessive dryness, redness, irritation, blackheads, and damaged pores. It is important to test for any sun damage and get a biopsy for skin cancer. Then discuss with your dermatologist the best sunscreen for your skin type. If the biopsy comes back with some serious results, be sure to get a specific breakdown of it. It also doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion.

5) What can I expect from treatment?

Whether it’s a preventative measure for cancer or medications for your skin, treatments for anything can be scary and confusing. Ask your doctor about side effects of your treatment and what the results are supposed to be. Be sure to ask about how long it’s expected to last or if any changes to the plan will occur down the road.

Cleanser

Cleanser

Moisturizer/Day Cream

Spot Treatments

Toner

Sunscreen

Toner

Serum

Eye Cream

Moisturizer/Night Cream

23

Not All Heroes Wear Capes 24

On March 11, the World Health Organization announced that the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, was officially characterized as a pandemic. The United States, as well as many countries around the world, continued to see a rise in the rate of infections, resulting in President Donald Trump issuing a national emergency.

Formally declaring an emergency opens doors to help curb the current crisis. Specifically, Trump declared an emergency under two acts: the Stafford Act and the National Emergencies Act. The former is typically invoked for major disasters and allows the federal government to offer assistance to the state affected, according to the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. The latter allows the Department of Health and Human Services to alter or modify regulations for programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which can bring about changes in the wider medical system.

“The spread of COVID-19 within our Nation’s communities threatens to strain our Nation’s healthcare systems,” Trump said in his proclamation declaring the national emergency. “It is incumbent on hospitals and medical facilities throughout the country to assess their preparedness posture and be prepared to surge capacity and capability.

Additional measures, however, are needed to successfully contain and combat the virus in the United States.”

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which was first detected in the Wuhan, Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China in December of last year. Its symptoms cause respiratory illness, which can seem flu-like with a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and fatigue. The reason this virus has quickly become a pandemic is because of the ease with which it can spread to others and how it can be lethal to the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Clean Your Hands Often • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

•

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid Close Contact • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

In Georgia, most cases are being seen in the Atlanta area, but there are still quite a few in the southern part of the state. Some hospitals, like TIFT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER in Tifton, have had to report deaths due to the virus.

“This announcement serves a sobering reminder of the need for our community to follow the recommended guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19,” Christopher K. Dorman, President and CEO of Southwell, said. “Stay at home as much as possible. Practice good hand washing. Avoid crowds and keep 6 feet of distance from other people when in public. Avoid touching your face. Practicing these habits is the best protection against COVID-19.”

Hospitals and their doctors and nurses all over the world are continuing to work to help curb the rising rates of infection, at a great health risk to themselves in the process.

Prominent hospitals are staying open and functional to provide healthcare to their surrounding communities in South Georgia.

•

Stay home as much as possible.

•

Put distance between yourself and other people.

•

Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes •

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

•

Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Info courtesy of cdc.gov

CRISP REGIONAL President and CEO Steven Gautney applauds his staff and fellow healthcare practitioners around the world for aiding in this crisis.

"Each day our healthcare workers are putting their lives on the line because they chose to help and care for others even in the worst of times,” he said. “They are our real-life superheroes. To the Crisp Regional team and all healthcare workers across the world, we support you and appreciate the courage you are showing during these challenging times. The safety and protection of our healthcare workers and their families are paramount, and we thank them for everything they are doing to protect our patients and community."

25

ARCHBOLD MEDICAL CENTER President and CEO Perry Mustian shares similar sentiments. He shared some examples of what they are doing to keep day-today operations as normal as possible.

“We applaud (our staff) for providing outstanding care and compassion to all patients who enter our healthcare system,” Mustian said.

“We have shifted from preparedness to response mode with a core group of senior leaders working in a command center handling the day-to-day logistics of our response to COVD-19. The decisions we make are designed to both support you and help protect you during this situation. I am confident that Archbold is ready and prepared to manage through this difficult time, and I want you to know that we’re here for you. We thank you, and God bless the work you do every day.”

Cover Your Mouth and Nose With a Cloth Face Cover When Around Others • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.

•

Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.

•

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2; anyone who has trouble breathing; or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.

• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.

COLQUITT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER has also been working tirelessly during the pandemic. President and CEO Jim Matney praised the staff, and the community, for the risk, time, and effort they have put forth during this crisis.

"The support and outpouring of love that has been shown to Colquitt Regional is nothing short of humbling,” he said. “Our community has rallied together to donate food, make masks, and pray for our staff members. We have also received numerous handwritten cards, pictures, and messages of encouragement. These have provided a bright spot in the darkness. We are here to serve our community, and we are grateful that they have served us so well during these trying times."

Dr. Howard Melton, medical director at Sterling Bariatrics at Colquitt Regional, said everyone — nurses, housekeeping personnel, maintenance technicians, administration, and support staff — has had all hands on deck during this crisis.

“This is a monumental effort,” he said. “We have counseled bariatric patients in particular to adhere to strict social distancing as recommended by the CDC. We encourage everyone to adhere to the CDC guidelines including social distancing and to adhere to the stay at home order as issued by our governor. We are just now starting to see a 'flattening of the curve' in New York, which we expect will happen here in the Southwest Georgia area too in the very near future.

“The coronavirus pandemic has affected everything we do and how we interact with patients on the most basic level. We have really reduced patient interaction here over the last couple of weeks and expect that to continue over the next month or so. This is not only to protect the patients, but also to protect our staff and the staff in the hospital.”

26

•

Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Clean and Disinfect • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

•

If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

•

Use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

Info courtesy of cdc.gov

Everyone has a part to play in this pandemic. Remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing, and give appreciation to those who are on the front lines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS COVID-19

vs. Flu, Cold, and Allergies Cold

Flu

Allergies

Cough Fever Breathlessness Body Aches Headache Fatigue Sore Throat Diarrhea Runny Nose Sneezing Watery Eyes Frequently

Sometimes

Little

Rarely

None 27

Former NFL Player Paying It Back to Youth Athletes in Thomasville Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Eric Vinson

Danny Copeland is a shining example of a local, small-town boy doing well and giving it back. The Meigs native and Thomasville resident began playing youth football much later than most of his friends.

“I didn’t begin playing football until middle school,” Copeland said.

Even so, he said he knew he always wanted to play football at the highest level, and he did just that. After a successful high school career at Thomas County Central, he went on to play at Eastern Kentucky University, where he was an Academic All-American and All-Conference football star.

That got Copeland noticed and drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. He went on to play for the Washington Redskins, where his career flourished. Copeland helped the Redskins win a SuperBowl, and he was named Redskins Man of The Year in 1993.

That also happened to be his last season in professional football.

Copeland considers himself fortunate that he was able to walk away from pro football before neck and shoulder injuries became worse than they already were.

“We didn’t have the specialized and micromanaged medical assistance that the players today (in the NFL) have,” Copeland said. “When I played, it was the mindset of shake it off, tape it up, and get back in there.”

But toward the end of Copeland’s sixyear career, there was a defining personal moment that he points to as a sign it was probably time to give it up.

“I had been suffering from nagging neck and shoulder problems,” he said. “I considered it to be the price you pay for playing in the NFL. Then, one day, I remember I was holding my daughter, and a pain that felt like a bolt of lightning shot down my shoulder and arm, and I almost dropped her. I knew right then that was it.

Time to get out.”

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Copeland considered what he wanted to do next.

He thought back to when he was growing up in Meigs and how he always wanted to give back. Even as a young man, he thought that if he ever did make it to play professional football, he wanted to come back home and give back to those who need guidance and mentoring. It sounded easy, but he knew it wasn’t. That’s when he sought advice and guidance from Milt Harding, Redskins team chaplain, , who asked if Copeland would be willing to stay in the Virginia area and help with coaching youth basketball. Harding told Copeland that it would be a great way to learn to translate all he had learned as a player to the kids. Copeland took Harding’s advice and coached a middle school boys basketball program in Virginia for a short while..

Copeland and his wife found their way back to Meigs, where they founded the Christ In Sports Foundation, an outreach program for youth. This program served as many as 250 children at its height, helping kids with literacy efforts as well as youth sports. They operated this program for seven years, until it had served its purpose, Copeland said.

“We felt it was just time,” he said. “The Lord just brought it to a close and encouraged us to look elsewhere to continue helping these kids.”

That next step was to continue to teach youth the importance of having Christ in their lives, with the added importance of leading an active lifestyle.

“I wanted to do more in the way of sports training,” Copeland said.

“I wanted to build upon their physical skills.”

That’s when Copeland and his wife moved to Thomasville, and in 1994 founded Children of Godly Inheritance Athletics and Next Level Training, Inc. Today, the company works with and trains young athletes through one-on-one personal training, boot camps, and high performance workouts. Copeland said the workout facility has not lost its initial focus of building youth through spirituality.

“We want these young people, and really anyone, to take their fitness to the next level physically; emotionally; and, most importantly, spiritually, through a walk with Jesus Christ,” Copeland said.

For information on how you or a member of your family can become involved with COGI Athletics and Next Level Training, visit them on Facebook and Twitter.

You can visit in person at 135 N. Stephens Street in Thomasville or give them a call at 229-226-2220.

“We want these young people, and really anyone, to take their fitness to the next level physically; emotionally; and, most importantly, spiritually, through a walk with Jesus Christ.”

— Danny Copeland

29

N95

Surgical Mask

FFP1 Mask

Virus

95%

Virus

95%

Virus

95%

Bacteria

100%

Bacteria

80%

Bacteria

80%

Dust

100%

Dust

80%

Dust

80%

Pollen

100%

Pollen

80%

Pollen

80%

Mask Protection Efficiency N95, surgical, and FFP1 masks should only be used by healthcare professionals. Other masks, including cloth masks, can and should be used when out in public places or where coming into close contact with others is likely. These masks are generally used to prevent the user from spreading their own pathogens into the environment through coughing or sneezing. Even then, it’s only really effective if used in combination with frequent hand washing and proper disposal of the masks.

Activate Carbon

Cloth Mask

Sponge Mask

Virus

10%

Virus

0%

Virus

0%

Bacteria

50%

Bacteria

50%

Bacteria

5%

Dust

50%

Dust

50%

Dust

5%

Pollen

50%

Pollen

50%

Pollen

5%

Written by: Steph Coelho

There’s evidence that disruption to the gut’s natural biome can have a real impact on the body and brain. Certain foods have a significant impact on gut bacteria, and avoiding things that are high in additives and preservatives can help protect against your gut’s usual function. Gut-friendly food choices include:

• Whole foods • Fresh fruits and vegetables (in a range of colors) • Frozen fruits • Higher fiber foods • Probiotic-rich foods (e.g., sugar-free yogurt) • Fermented foods

It’s important to note that no direct link has been found between consuming certain types of foods and depression. You can’t eat your way into depression. Some studies do show a link between inflammation-producing foods and depression; however, the relationship is not necessarily causal.

“Modifiable lifestyle factors such as dietary choices, smoking, and physical activity could potentially affect depression risk but do not act independently,” says Chocano-Bedoya, senior epidemiologist at the University of Zurich.

Consider the reality that mood often influences food choices and eating habits. Is it our food choices that lead us to a negative headspace, or is it the other way around? The answer may vary depending on the individual and situation. When examining the link between fast food and depression, for instance, a study in the Public Health Nutrition Journal showed a close relationship between the two. People who consume a lot of fast food, the study authors point out, are more likely to develop depression.

The study, and others like it, ignore the reality that those who eat a lot of fast food and processed foods might do so because of lack of access to healthful foods and budget constraints. A recently conducted randomized trial, published in PLOS ONE, demonstrated that a healthier diet might help reduce depression in young adults, but eating healthy can be difficult when you’re living in a food desert.

The relationship between food, mood, and societal pressures needs to be studied further. Dietary choices may not necessarily have a direct link with mood. Society’s fatphobia and poor treatment of persons who don’t fit the traditional size mold are essential to consider when examining the relationship between diet and mood.

Fat people aren’t necessarily depressed because of the food they’re eating — which isn’t necessarily fast food like people might assume.

The depression and anxiety stem from stigmatization and prejudice.

Feel Good Foods Tryptophan Rich Foods

Complex Carbohydrates

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Magnesium

Vitamin D

Chickpeas Tofu Nuts & Seeds Chicken Turkey Eggs Cheese

Whole Grains Vegetables Fruit Beans Lentils Peas

Fatty Fish Spices & Herbs Nuts & Seeds Fruit Vegetables Whole Grains

Spinach Pumpkin Seeds Nuts Tofu Black Beans

Milk Egg Yolks Fish Mushrooms

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How Skipping Meals Affects Your Mood

That said, certain food habits can absolutely directly impact your mood. Chief among them is skipping meals. Anyone who has ever argued with a friend, partner, relative, or spouse can relate to the emotional ‘hanger’ response that occurs when you’re hungry and your blood glucose drops. An animal study from the University of Guelph found that a sudden drop in blood sugar in rats showed a marked increase in cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which produced sluggishness and stress. In humans, this might translate to a poor mood.

Mood Impact of Cutting Out Food Groups

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine posits that significantly reducing consumption of certain food groups can have an impact on mood. The study found that dieters following a low-fat eating plan with the same number of calories as a low-carb plan were much more likely to experience a boost in mood over a period of one year. The study also reported that those on the low-fat diet maintained their elevated mood levels.

It also revealed that low-carb diets have the potential to impact mood negatively. Why? It’s not necessarily solely about the nutrient content of the diet plan. The study authors explain that there are certain factors of a low-carb diet that may make it more likely to decrease overall mood levels. Sticking to a low-carb diet is difficult. It’s far outside the norm in the western world, making it hard to adhere to when around others.

Mood Improving Foods There are a few foods thought to produce a mood boost. Dark chocolate, for instance, is rich in caffeine, N-acylethanomaline, and theobromine. With many foods, it’s likely that the sensory pleasure has more to do with any tangible mood-boosting effects than particular ingredients or chemicals. There’s no harm in munching on some rich chocolate, antioxidant-filled berries, or nuts and seeds if you’re seeking to improve your mood, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll turn your frown upside down.

Diet is not a cure for mood-related mental illness and is not a surefire solution to help curb a bad mood.

A healthy diet isn’t a magic bullet for fixing feelings— or most medical conditions, for that matter. If you’re struggling with depression or another mental illness, please seek help from a professional.

Food for Moods Stressed

Sluggish

Cranky

Anxious

Chocolates may help reduce stress hormones.

Eat folate rich foods like spinach to improve concentration.

Try an apple and peanut butter for your sugar and energy levels to remain stable for longer time periods.

Eat salmon for omega-3 fatty acids to help tame anxiety.

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PMS

Sad

Angry

Eat a sandwich. Carbs help your body boost serotonin levels.

Turn to low-fat milk for vitamin D, which can reduce feelings of depression.

Considered sipping a cup of green tea if you need to calm down.

Chocolate Malt Superfood Smoothie Ingredients 2 frozen bananas 1 1/2 tablespoons maca root powder 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder or 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 date, pitted 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2-4 tablespoons water Optional: cacoa nibs (for topping)

One Pan Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Asparagus

Instructions Add the frozen bananas, maca powder, cacao powder, date, and vanilla extract to a food processor.

Begin processing and add in 1 tablespoon of water at a time to get everything moving. You want to keep the mixture as thick as possible, so be patient as the small amounts of water encourage the mixture to process. Process until a thick and smooth mixture forms.

Scoop the mixture into a glass and pile it high. Top with cocoa nibs, if desired.

Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw.

Courtesy of blissfulbasil.com

Green Salad with Beets, Oranges, and Avocado Ingredients 4 cups leafy greens 3 small oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned 1 small beet, peeled and julienned 1/2 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 1/4 cup toasted pepitas 1/3 cup white balsamic vinaigrette

Courtesy of gimmesomeoven.com

Instructions Add greens, oranges, avocado, carrot, beet, pepitas, and cheese together in a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the vinaigrette, and toss until the salad is combined and evenly coated.

Serve immediately, topped with some freshly-cracked black pepper if desired.

Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders 1/3 cup flour 1 cup panko 1 cup parmesan cheese, separated 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 3-4 lemons 1 tablespoon minced garlic 8 tablespoons melted butter, separated 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning 1 pound asparagus 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons honey Optional: fresh parsley, 1 lemon for topping

Courtesy of chelseasmessyapron.com

Instructions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Grab three bowls. Add the flour to one bowl.

In another bowl, combine panko, 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, about 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

In the final bowl, combine 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest, 4-5 tablespoons lemon juice (depending on lemon flavor intensity desired), minced garlic, and 5 tablespoons melted butter. Remove 4 tablespoons of this mixture and set aside.

Slice chicken breasts to the size of tenders or use chicken tenders.

Coat in flour, heavily dredge in garlic lemon mixture, and then coat in the Parmesan panko mixture.

Place on prepared sheet pan. Use any remaining Parmesan panko mixture and sprinkle over tenders. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning over the tenders.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes and remove.

Flip the tenders.

Place the asparagus next to the tenders and drizzle the reserved lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and toss with tongs.

If desired, place lemon slices over the chicken.

Return pan to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Meanwhile, whisk remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and 3 tablespoons honey in a small bowl. Add pepper and parsley if desired.

Remove pan from the oven and top with the honey lemon mixture and fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately.

(Do not top chicken breasts with the honey lemon mixture unless eating immediately and aren't planning on having leftovers since it will make it soggy.)

33

JUNE is Men's Health Month

34

Alzheimer’s:

Progressive Stages and Homecare Written by: Alex Dunn

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that impairs the memory and other crucial mental functions. In the U.S., 5.5 million people are estimated to have the disease; 5.3 million of those are 65 and older, according to statistics from Alzheimer’s News Today. Common symptoms include memory loss and confusion. While no cure for this debilitative disease exists, some medications and management strategies may offer improvement in the symptoms.

Alzheimer’s is generally broken down into three stages: the mild, early stage; the moderate, middle stage; and the severe, late stage.

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptom progression can vary from person to person. While some have survived 20 years with the disease, on average, people can live between three to 11 years after diagnosis.

Severity of the symptoms depends on which stage the person is in. Here is a list outlining what can be expected during each of the main stages, including their sub stages.

EARLY STAGE This stage has many variables, ranging from seeing no notable difference to mild impairment. Some may be in the early stage for years and not know. There can also be signs of normal forgetfulness, where close friends or family may notice something is off. People in the earlier stage of Alzheimer’s can still lead a relatively normal daily routine and live independently.

MODERATE STAGE People who are close to someone in this stage may start to notice the signs.

Some symptoms may include a decline at work performance, forgetting familiar words or names, or getting lost traveling on a familiar route. It is also common for anxiety and denial to become more pronounced emotions.

After they have been diagnosed, the person may need counseling and to consult a doctor about the next steps.

When symptoms have been pronounced for a few years, the individual will experience a more rapid decline as the disease progresses. They may have trouble with everyday tasks, mood changes are more evident, and they may have decreased awareness and memory.

Depending on how far along, care can vary from seeking counseling to helping them with writing checks, remembering addresses, and remembering important events.

35

LATE STAGE This is when the person diagnosed with the disease will need more care and support. The beginning of this final stage can last about one or two years. The diagnosed person will more than likely still remember important names like their own and family members, but other aspects like current major events or recalling their address can be more difficult. The main change is that they will no longer be able to live independently.

After one or two years, people with Alzheimer’s will progress into a more severe decline that can last up to two to three years. This involves many degrees of care, including helping them choose their own clothes and helping them dress. There is also a decline of hygiene, where they may need help using the bathroom and may begin to lose control of their bowels and bladder. Memory will worsen, and it will be difficult to remember close family members, often confusing them with other people.

It is important to continue to implement consoling for behavioral and psychological problems, as personality changes become more pronounced. These can include a fear of being alone, frustration, paranoia, and shame. Care will include helping them with daily tasks and keeping up with their hygiene.

The final years of Alzheimer’s are quite severe, where the person will lose the ability to respond to their environment. They will need help with most of their daily tasks, including eating and moving. Their speech will become limited to only a few words, and as the disease progresses further, speech will be down to only one recognizable word. In the end, they will be unable to sit up or hold their head up independently. The most common cause of death in late stage Alzheimer patients is pneumonia, where the ability to swallow is lost, and people often inhale liquids by accident.

Caring for someone with this disease is no easy task. It will require a lot of help and support to provide adequate care. It can help to know what will be expected in each stage and to know what form of care is necessary. Support groups are a good option to utilize to help learn and exchange what best care tactics can be used when caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's Communication NEVER

INSTEAD

Reason

Divert

Shame

Distract

Lecture

Reassure

Say "Remember"

Reminisce

Say "I Told You"

Repeat

Argue

Agree

Say "You Can't" Say What They Can Demand

Ask

Condescend

Encourage

Force

Reinforce

Our Mission to Serve Continues In the midst of all the changes in the world today, one thing remains the same:

What matters to you, matters to us.

36

MOULTRIE | 229-890-3342 THOMASVILLE | 229-227-0880 TIFTON | 229-386-2273

Senior Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

Sewn Cloth Face Covering Materials Two 10” x 6” rectangles of cotton fabric Two 6” pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties) Needle and thread (or bobby pin) Scissors Sewing machine

1.

Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the mask as if it was a single piece of fabric.

2.

Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down.

All mask instructions and images courtesy of cdc.gov

3.

Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the mask. These will be the ear loops. Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight.

Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the mask behind your head.

4.

Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem. Gather the sides of the mask on the elastic and adjust so the mask fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.

37

Miracle Child Written by: Phil Jones Photography submitted by: Denise Harrell

To see Maebry Harrell runfortable as possible, they stayed ning around, playing and enjoyat the Ronald McDonald House. ing life like any other two-yearThe haven is named for the hamold child today, you would never burger chain’s world-famous know that the daughter of Larry mascot, where parents with ill and Denise Harrell went through children can stay temporarily in open heart surgery before her close proximity to the hospital.

1st birthday.

Harrell gave Thankfully, that’s “We had to really make birth to Maebry just the image sure that Maebry didn’t at Northside Hosthat Maebry’s cry a lot. The doctors pital, where the parents hope newborn was extold us that crying others see when amined and dewasn’t good for her they meet Maebtermined to have ry as she contin- heart. I had to be very a large ventrical ues to grow and careful and cautious septal defect, a heal from her pulmonary atresia, about making sure she and a transposiearlier issues. didn’t cry too much, Denise Hartion of the great which is very tough rell was 20 weeks arteries. Doctors pregnant when began a plan of when you’re talking doctors told her action for treating about an infant.” that they felt Maebry, which inMaebry had a cluded adminis— Denise Harrell significant heart tering a medicine defect. To get a to her to keep her more definite diagnosis, doctors patent ductus arteriosus blood wanted Harrell to visit with heart vessel open, which would keep specialists affiliated with Sibley her alive and keep blood flowing Heart Center in Albany, Georproperly until a full, more comgia. There, doctors performed plete plan could be devised. an echocardiogram, where they At 7 days old, Maebry unconfirmed the initial diagnosis: derwent a procedure to place a Maebry had multiple heart destint in that PDA vessel. At that fects. This required that Harrell point, doctors waited to do any go through yet another, more further procedures. detailed test in Atlanta.

“The doctors wanted Following this test, plans Maebry to grow a bit were made for Harrell to delivand gain weight before er Maebry in Atlanta, in a setting prepared for high-risk births, unthey did their next proder the watchful eyes of specialcedure,” Harrell said. ists on hand. Doctors requested That was only a few days, that Harrell be there one week in though, as doctors installed advance of Maebry’s scheduled another stint when Maebry due date. To accommodate the turned 13 days old. They then family, and keep them as comentered a wait-and-see period 38

until Maebry reached 5 months old.

“This was a tough time,” Harrell said. “We had to really make sure that Maebry didn’t cry a lot. The doctors told us that crying wasn’t good for her heart. I had to be very careful and cautious about making sure she didn’t cry too much, which is very tough when you’re talking about an infant.”

The next step for little Maebry was the most serious procedure yet: open heart surgery. An open heart surgery procedure is a serious operation for anyone, let alone a 5-month-old child. The surgery was performed at Egleston Hospital, where doctors performed three procedures, including patching up the large ventricular septal defect (the hole) in Maebry’s

“There are no restrictions on her. She is allowed to do anything.”

— Denise Harrell

heart; they also rerouted the major arteries to the heart and put in a conduit tube to her heart. Maebry came through the operation like a champ.

“We stayed at the hospital after the surgery for a while, until doctors told us that the surgery had been successful," Harrell said. "It was such a relief after everything she had been through in such a short period of time. We came home, and Maebry has been fine ever since.”

Once Maebry returned home, she was required to undergo periodical follow-up visits with her doctors.

“They listen to her heart, and so far everything sounds fine," Harrell said. "As her heart continues to grow, her heart will stabilize and become stronger.”

Now, Maebry is required to see her cardiologist just once a year.

After having already gone through more procedures than most heart patients will go through in a lifetime, Harrell said Maebry is just like any other 2-year-old.

“There are no restrictions on her," Harrell said. "She is allowed to do anything.”

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How to Work Out While on Vacation Written by: Malia Thomas

When you’re on vacation, working out and keeping healthy is probably the last thing on your mind. After all, you’re just trying to enjoy your free time and relax from the daily pressures of work and family. Besides, there’s so much local cuisine to try out, and those beachside chairs are so comfy.

Well, whether you like it or not, what you do on your vacation does affect you when you get back home. If you fall into bad habits, it can be hard to break them once you’re back in your regular routine. It’s bad enough your sleep schedule will probably be out of whack, but gaining weight and bad eating habits will only add on to that pile.

You should enjoy yourself, but vacation and travelling aren’t get-out-of-jail-free cards for your health. If you want to maintain your fitness while you’re taking your next trip, here are some tips.

Hotel Exercises Fun fact: Most hotel gyms go unused. This is due to the general lack of privacy and awkwardness. But don’t let that stop you from getting in a killer workout. You can easily use your room or other areas of the hotel to get in your reps.

Utilize your chairs and ottoman. They are perfect for squats and leg-ups. Just straddle your legs in a squat position and use them as a base. For leg-ups, just raise your leg to rest your foot on the chair or ottoman and alternate each leg in your preferred set of reps.

For a simple arm workout, just start doing pushups beside your bed. For an added challenge, put your feet on an elevated surface (like the aforementioned ottoman) and try to raise your body to it during your pushup. It you’re crunched for time, turn it into a planking session.

If you truly want to break a sweat, instead of using the elevators to get around, use the stairs. Not only is it great for the legs and glutes, but if you decided to carry a suitcase or heavy object while walking, you get to train your upper body too.

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Summer Vacations This goes without saying, but swimming is a great way to work out your arms and legs. It’s also a pretty fun way to keep yourself refreshed while basking in the sun. Win-win.

What to take in the beautiful scenery and get your cardio up? Running around the beach alongside the ocean waves or around your resort’s property is a great way to stay fit and have a blast doing it.

Find some trails and walkways around the beach or in the area and take a hike with your family. It’s a great opportunity for some adorable photo ops, to get some memorable vlog content, or to just bond with each.

Whether it’s at your hotel’s pool or on the beach, volleyball is the perfect way to work out your arms and break a sweat.

For total upper body strength training, rent a kayak for the day and taking it out on the ocean.

Winter Vacations Mountain climbing and biking will require an adequate amount of physical fitness from the jump due to it being a vigorous workout. You will also need a map and to canvass the area a couple of times to get a feel for the environment. However, once you’ve done that, it will serve as a great way to keep in shape while vacationing.

Snowboarding and skiing will build up your leg strength and are great cardio.

Another great cardio boost is cross-country skiing, where you’re pretty much walk around the surrounding trails in your skis. A bonus: There’s no risk of having one of those downhill slope wipeouts.

For a combination of upper body strength and cardio, be sure to go sledding. If the hill is tall enough, the payoff will be worth it.

This is not for the faint of heart, but ice skating is a challenging yet fun activity for the whole family. Even better, it will work out all parts of your body if you do it right.

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Even though these can be done at any time, it is the best to get these workouts in early in the morning so you can focus on relaxing for the rest of the day.

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A Fighter to the End Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Eric Vinson

Debbie Durham was known around the Moultrie community as a loving mother and wife. According to those who were lucky enough to be around her, she could “sing like an angel.” In fact, Debbie and David “Bull” Durham met almost 30 years ago when he was the minister of music for a local church and needed a piano player for an upcoming revival. She was Debbie Smith, 29, and he was 34. Bull Durham found more than a piano player that day, as the two married a year later. The Durham family practically doubled overnight, as Donna and Drew were Bull’s children from an earlier marriage, while Davis and Diana arrived from the marriage of Bull and Debbie.

Bull Durham is the owner of a successful insurance business in Moultrie. Debbie served as his bookkeeper from the day they married up until November 2018. That was when the pain of cancer plus the devastating side effects of treatment became too much to overcome.

Bull Durham recalled the first time Debbie mentioned anything about back pain.

“It was late 2013, and she was working at her desk, and she was complaining about pain in her upper back every time she tried to open a desk drawer,” he said. “Just the smallest thing made her back hurt.

Bull said they agreed that Debbie needed to see a doctor, but would wait until the Christmas season was over. At the start of 2014, Debbie saw a local doctor who ordered CAT scans and eventually referred her to a physician in Albany. Once there, doctors thought they had discovered the root cause of Debbie’s pain: a disc out of alignment in her neck. To fix the problem, Debbie was scheduled for neck surgery. Within days after undergoing the operation on her neck, Debbie and Bull Durham knew something was wrong.

“She knew pretty quick that the surgery had done nothing to alleviate her pain or fix the problem,” Bull said.

“It had to be something else.”

The Durhams then turned to The Hughston Clinic, which had an office in Valdosta. They performed a bone scan and a CAT scan, but saw nothing. That’s when Bull’s instincts kicked in.

“I knew that they were overlooking something; I just knew it,” he said. “I asked the doctor for the disc. I wanted to review the disc in his office sitting right there with him.”

To the amazement of the doctors, and to Bull, there it was in plain sight: a bright, white, 8-centimeter, circular mass, sitting right behind Debbie’s shoulder blade. The doctor knew they had somehow missed the obvious, but admitted that Debbie did indeed have cancer. Specifically, the diagnosis was leiomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer that attacks muscle tissue in mostly women. It is an

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“She encourages me to keep going and to keep doing what I’m doing.

She reminds me that one day we’ll see each other again.”

— Bull Durham

aggressive cancer, and doctors told Bull and Debbie that she may have five months to live. According to Bull, their faith was strong.

“We knew this was in God’s hands,” he said.

A treatment plan was devised that included 12 rounds of radiation to shrink the tumor. Then, surgery was scheduled at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, and in December of 2015, Debbie went through a grueling seven-hour surgery. To reach the tumor, surgeons were forced to saw through seven ribs. They placed a metal plate in Debbie’s back to help stabilize the loss of so much of her rib cage.

Following the surgery, Debbie returned home and went back to work alongside her husband. According to Bull, Debbie was doing well. She had been working most days, and her chemotherapy and radiation treatments were administered only on an as needed basis.

In August of 2018, her cancer returned. Debbie and Bull decided that she would have more chemotherapy, and she underwent the cancer fighting treatments for three consecutive days on Aug. 16-18. It became too much for Debbie’s body, and she developed complications. On Dec. 3, 2018, she passed away.

“It was probably as much of the chemotherapy that got my wife as much as the cancer,” Bull said.

But Debbie had outlived the doctors’ initial prognosis.

“They gave her five months, and she lived for six years,” Bull said.

While he misses his wife, he knows she is looking down on him, and he even hears her sometimes.

“She encourages me to keep going and to keep doing what I’m doing,” Bull said. “She reminds me that one day we’ll see each other again.”

Raw Food COMEBACK Written by: Malia Thomas

Many diets come and go, but one diets that seems to continuously make a comeback is the raw food diet. The raw food diet consists of cutting out meat and preservatives and only consuming organic fruits, vegetables, and grains.

The diet comes from the idea that if you cook food, you strip it of the nutrients that help your body. That’s what makes it raw; everything must be eaten in its natural state.

Proponents on this diet claim that it will clear up issues associated with eating cooked food, such as fatigue, headaches, and minor pains.

Research does support these claims. Nutritionist and healthcare writer Sandi Busch found that foods cooked at higher temperatures for a long period of time do lose out on important nutrients such as vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamins B-6 and B-12, niacin, and folate.

Water-soluble vitamins get soaked into the cooking water, so vegetables especially lose a lot of their vitamins when cooked or steamed. However, mineral loss in cooking is more negligible, with steamed vegetables and other foods retaining 90% to 95% of their minerals.

However, turning to a completely raw diet does seem like an extreme reaction to the lack of nutrients. The raw diet is restrictive in nature; you cannot consume any foods with the slightest hint of processing or cooking. This means you have to cut out junk foods or snacks, baked goods, pasteurized milk, store-bought juice, and alcohol.

In addition to that, cooked foods are easy to digest. If you end up going on this diet, whether cold turkey or gradually, you will likely experience indigestion at the beginning.

On the other hand, the raw diet does retain all of the nutrients lost in cooking. Thanks to its healthful emphasis on vitamins and lower calorie content, it usually leads to healthy weight loss. The lack of preservatives has also been proven to help with inproved mental clarity and a better sleep cycle.

The raw diet’s effectiveness depends entirely on what you can handle. If you feel it is too restrictive, there are alternatives to keeping your essential vitamins while cooking your food. You can avoid soaking vegetables in water while preparing them. Save the cooking water and use it in soups, sauces, or gravies because it holds all the leached nutrients. If your diet is heavy in meat and preservatives, try replacing some of your foods with a raw option. Instead of cookies for a snack, opt for some grapes once in a while.

If you do think you can handle a raw diet, don’t quit your current diet cold turkey. It will take time for your body to adjust. Here’s some ideas for a raw diet that will help you get into a routine:

Breakfast sets the tone of the day, so start off with a simple chocolate and strawberry smoothie. Use coconut oil and protein powder for the protein and nutrients, and add the hemp, maca, almonds, and strawberries for flavor.

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A vegan taco would be perfect for lunch. Just add a spicy nut and seed crumble and a fresh, organic salsa to leafy greens.

For a snack, keep it simple and make a mini fruit salad. Incorporate all of your favorite fruits and mix it all together. Bonus points for adding a nutty topping for some crunch.

Red Peppers Stuffed With Confetti Guacamole Ingredients

Instructions

4 medium avocados Juice of 2 limes Sea salt to taste 1 tsp maple syrup 1 1/2 cups (packed) shredded curly kale 1 sweet bell pepper, diced 1/2 cup zucchini, diced 1/2 cup red onion, diced 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional–only if you want some heat) 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas 3 sweet bell peppers, cut in half, seeds and stem removed

Remove the pit from the avocados and scoop them out of their shells into a mixing bowl. Mix them with the lime juice, sea salt, and maple syrup until they’re mushy but have a little texture still.

Add the kale and mix until incorporated. Add the pepper, zucchini, onion, jalapeno, and chickpeas. Mix well with hands to combine.

Scoop the guacamole into six pepper halves.

Courtesy of thefullhelping.com

Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa Ingredients

Instructions

1 cup strawberries, diced 1 cup mango, diced 1 avocado, diced 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced 2-3 tablespoons cilantro, diced 1 small lime, juiced 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix to combine. Garnish with extra cilantro. Serve with pita chips for dipping. Also great served on salmon, fish tacos, or shrimp.

For serving:

Multigrain pita chips Courtesy of ambitiouskitchen.com

Raw Avocado Cucumber Sushi Rolls Ingredients

Instructions

1 English cucumber 1 large avocado, peeled and pitted 1 cup curly kale leaves, ribs removed, chiffonaded 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon Celtic sea salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin Pinch of cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon sweet paprika, to garnish

To prepare the cucumber, use a mandoline (at the 1/16-inch setting) or a wide vegetable peeler and slice the cucumber lengthways into long slices on one side of the cucumber (until you get to the seeds), and long slices on the other side (until the seeds). Discard the tiny green outer layers. You should be left with 4 inner long slices without seeds. Set aside.

In a bowl, mash the avocado. Stir in the chopped kale leaves, lemon juice, salt, cumin, and cayenne.

To assemble, spread 1/4 of the mixture with a spoon onto each cucumber strip and gently roll up.

(You may need to secure them with a toothpick.)

Place these rolls end down onto a plate and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Consume immediately.

Courtesy of theblendergirl.com

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