Health Life November/December 2020

Thrown a Curveball A Healthy Diet and Exercise

Baseball Player Christian Glisson’s Short Game

Entrepreneur Mickey Jacobs Offers Both at Southern Bodies

FESTIVE FLAVORS

HOW TO CREATE HEALTHY, SATISFYING DISHES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON + RECIPES

Stronger Together Monica Prestridge, Founder of Life UnLIMBited

Nov/Dec 2020 | FREE1

TrueBeam On. Cancer Off.

Another weapon in the fight against cancer is at Archbold.

No incisions. No surgery. Varian’s TrueBeam® delivers fast, precise and individualized treatment for cancers in challenging areas such as the head, neck, lungs, breast, abdomen and liver.

TrueBeam® is so versatile, it can deliver radiotherapy or radiosurgery, giving our physicians another worldclass cancer fighting option to shut cancer down.

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Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center www.archbold.org/truebeam

WE'RE EXPECTING Delivering your baby at South Georgia Medical Center just got even better.

AngelEye...coming soon to SGMC! Visit sgmc.org/angeleye to see the advantage.

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Nov/Dec

2020

Happy Holidays

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Denise K. James Graphics Mandy Douthit

Cover Photography Brandon Pham Feature Photography Brandon Pham Michelle Wilkerson Copy Editor Denise K. James

Feature Writers Denise K. James Phil Jones Esther Curry

New TrueBeam® System Fighting Cancer at Archbold Archbold

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A Heart for Adventure

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Our Best Shot:

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A Healthy Diet and Exercise

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What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

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Are All Systems Go?

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Stronger Together

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Festive Flavors

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Merry and Bright

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Avoid Seasonal Burnout

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Thrown a Curveball

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How Do You Know It’s Dementia?

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Playing Hardball

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Answering Your Questions About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Motocross Racer Gavin Gracyk Shares His Story Where Are We on the Journey to Having a COVID-19 Vaccine?

Entrepreneur Mickey Jacobs Offers Both at Southern Bodies

How to Boost Your Immune System

Meet Monica Prestridge, Founder of Life UnLIMBited

How to Create Healthy, Satisfying Dishes this Holiday Season Tips for Glowing, Healthy Skin All Winter Long

Tips for Staying Sane These Season

Baseball Player Christian Glisson’s Short Game

Things to Look For Gracie Frazier Proves Her Grit

Advertising & Marketing v michelle@itgnext.com 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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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.

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New TrueBeam® System Fighting Cancer at Archbold Archbold has added a new piece of technology to its extensive cancer fighting arsenal — the Varian TrueBeam® System.

The TrueBeam® system has become a new standard of care, recognized by medical professionals nationally for giving them the ability to treat a wide range of cancers in numerous ways, many of which were not possible just a few years ago. Some of advantages to the TrueBeam® system include accurate, fast, non-invasive treatments.

“The main advantages of TrueBeam® are related to what is called SBRT, which stands for stereotactic body radiation therapy,” said Steve Johnson, MD, Archbold radiation oncologist. “With SBRT we are able to treat tumors as small as a half centimeter with focused beams that can precisely pinpoint such tumors. For some patients it can mean fewer treatments, even as few as four or five total treatments instead of the usual 30-plus required for curative treatment.”

The TrueBeam® system rotates around the patient during treatment precisely targeting the tumor from any angle, destroying cancer cells’ ability to reproduce while maximally protecting normal tissues.

effects the patient will have and the less potential for long term complications as well."

“TrueBeam® also has a very sophisticated motion tracking device," said David Saunders, MD, Archbold radiation oncologist. "As we breathe, tumors can also move up and down. This new technology allows for adjustments or compensations to coincide with tumor movement out of the intended radiation field. It can activate radiation on and off to fit with the tumor’s actions.”

The state-of-the art TrueBeam® system replaces an older linear Accelerator at just over a $3.4 million investment for Archbold.

The Truebeam® system also includes the Varian Identify System, which uses biometric scanning for quick and simple patient identification and positioning to keep patients as comfortable as possible.

“For a town our size to have this advanced technology is a testament to what Archbold has done in supporting the Oncology Center,” Saunders said.

“This translates into fewer side effects for the patient," Johnson said. "The more accurate we can be with the treatment, the less side

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A Heart for Adventure Motocross Racer Gavin Gracyk Shares His Story Written by: Phil Jones | Photography submitted by: Gavin Gracyk

Gavin Gracyk knows about the dangers that life can bring. As a lifelong motocross rider, he undoubtedly has one of the most dangerous, thrilling pastimes anyone can get into. He’s also an open heart surgery patient and survivor, which can also be dangerous, especially if a condition is left untreated.

Gracyk was born and raised in Ohio and played other sports, including football, baseball and the others that most young kids grow up playing. Yet it was motocross that he loved most and eventually wanted to dedicate himself to. His involvement in the sport was more than just a casual interest. Receiving his first dirt bike at the age of 7, he took to racing right away, which led to sincere passion for the sport. As Gracyk put it, when he’s on the bike, “everything else just gets pushed off to the side.”

Gracyk continued to race throughout his younger years and continued to get better. So much so, in fact, that at the tender age of 13, he raced in a national qualifying event in Tennessee, against dozens of other dirt bike racers from around the country. Af-

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"Open heart surgery is no joke.

I was blessed to have the surgery in Michigan — where I have family close by in Ohio — and then be able to return to Georgia, where I had my COGI family of friends and supporters.”

— Gavin Gracyk

ter just two short years of riding, Gracyk would win the first of four national titles in motocross — 1999, 2000 and 2001, with 2000 yielding two titles. He transitioned into professional racing in 2002, and began to travel across the United States, as well as to Canada and wherever else the races took him. “I went all over the place,” he said. “Wherever the races took me, that’s where I went.”

Gracyk continued to race competitively throughout his 20s, persevering through the challenges of finding sponsorships and spending long days and nights on the road. In addition to racing, he picked up a skill from his father that he also enjoyed. “My father, Gary, never actually raced motocross, but he had a knack of being able to teach it and coach others who rode,” Gracyk shared. That “teaching trait” inspired Gracyk to follow in his father’s footsteps and begin teaching and coaching himself, something he continues to do today.

His racing brought him to Georgia a couple of different times — first in 2007 and then again in 2011,

when he met his current wife, Shena. The two were soon married and now have two daughters: Sayler, age 7, and Skylah, 2. While in Georgia, Gracyk also met Danny Copeland, owner of COGI Athletics.

That’s where Gracyk became involved in coaching others, not only in motocross but other sports as well. The two hit it off, and Gracyk slowly became more involved with COGI, eventually becoming a certified fitness trainer.

But one day in 2014, when he was just 30 years old, Gracyk was coaching one of his motocross pupils when he started to feel poorly. “I had no energy at all,” he said. After feeling just as bad for a few days — and shrugging it off as being tired from work and raising a family — his wife suggested that he see a doctor.

A trip to the ER resulted in myriad tests, but they revealed nothing unusual, and Gracyk was simply sent home. Fast-forward through a few more days of feeling subpar, and they made another trip to the ER. More tests; still nothing. “The doctor there said he thought it was an unknown virus of some kind,” recalled Gracyk.

He finally went to see a local family physician, Dr. Garland Register. Within five minutes, Dr. Register was able to discern that the problems were related to his heart. Still a young man, Gracyk couldn’t believe what he was hearing — but knew he needed to follow up immediately with a heart doctor. He remembered one of his clients at COGI who was a cardiologist in Thomasville, Dr. William Ellis.

After Dr. Ellis examined Gracyk, he determined that he had a condition causing blood to flow back through a valve and into his heart — a regurgitation of sorts. It meant that Gracyk would need open heart surgery and would need it pretty quickly. “I knew that

if I didn’t have this surgery, I wasn’t going to see my daughters go to school or see them grow up. That scared me,” he admitted.

Dr. Ellis arranged for Gracyk to travel to Michigan, where a heart surgeon specializing in treating patients with the same type of condition would operate. “It was Dr. Bolin with the University of Michigan,” Gracyk explained. “He did thousands of these surgeries.”

Surgery took place on a Friday in September 2014, and Gracyk humbly reported that it “saved [his] life.”

He said he is grateful for those who cared for him and helped him recover.

“Open heart surgery is no joke. I was blessed to have the surgery in Michigan — where I have family close by in Ohio — and then be able to return to Georgia, where I had my COGI family of friends and supporters,” he said.

Today, Gracyk is back at work at COGI, and there’s nowhere else he’d rather be.

“Motocross brought me to Georgia, and I’m grateful for it,” he said, smiling.

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OUR BEST SHOT:

Where Are We on the Journey to Having a COVID-19 Vaccine?

Writer: Denise K. James

Venture to the Food and Drug Administration website and you’ll see that the current COVID-19 “Vaccine Status” reads as follows: Currently, there is no FDA-approved or authorized vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19.

But what does it take to create a vaccine for the American public? Can it really be that hard?

Well, yes, it can.

Here are a few things to know about COVID-19 vaccine research and production.

Researchers fortunately aren’t starting from scratch.

Because COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, is related to SARS and other types of coronaviruses, scientists aren’t forced to start the vaccine research completely from scratch — but read on, and you’ll see it still takes time.

Vaccines typically target one of the proteins of the virus, such as the S-protein.

Most approaches to creating the COVID-19 vaccine involve finding a way to inhibit certain proteins on the virus. For example, some vaccines might stop the S-protein from bonding to human cells and reproducing.

Possible vaccine challenges include long-term safety, aged population safety and few to no complications.

Creating a vaccine is not easy, and it comes with a host of challenges. These challenges can include the long-term safety of the vaccine — for example, will it cause health issues further down the road? — and short-term side effects, if any. Also important is the safety of the vaccine for the senior population, since generally people over 55 process vaccines with less ease.

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The types of vaccines include live, genetically engineered and inactivated.

There are different kinds of vaccines. A live vaccine uses the weakened form of the same germ to provoke an immune response within the body without a “full-fledged” version of the illness being present — however, these vaccines can be dangerous for immunocompromised individuals. Inactivated vaccines use a dead version of the germ to provoke immunity response – but often must be followed up with “boosters” since they aren’t as strong as live vaccines. Finally, genetically engineered vaccines are the newest kind, and none have been approved so far for human use.

As you read this, researchers are working on a genetically engineered COVID-19 vaccine.

Reasons the created vaccine will take so long to get to you include testing phases, production and distribution.

Feeling impatient to get a COVID-19 shot and get on with how life used to be before March 2020? While we’re all anxious for the vaccine to be released, any potential vaccine goes through quite a lengthy process before medical scientists deem it “the” vaccine for preventing the illness. This process includes multiple testing phases (both on animals and on humans) as well as production and finally distribution. Throw in a lot of extra bureaucratic “red tape,” and you’ll see that patience is necessary.

When will we have the vaccine?

Rumors definitely swirl, and unless you’re doing daily research, you probably have little idea of when a COVID-19 vaccine will be available at your local physician’s office or pharmacy. The finish line is constantly shifting, and what the latest medical reports say in the morning could change by the afternoon.

Your best bet, at the moment you read this, is to understand that you and I likely won’t get vaccinated until well into next year. Even if a vaccine is created by the holiday season, it will have to go through trials and other processes before the public has access to it.

But don’t despair — you can protect yourself and loved ones by following the CDC’s advice for COVID-19 safety.

Wash your hands and frequently touched surfaces often.

Don’t slack on washing your hands! Cold and flu season is upon us, and hand-washing is still important.

Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car or handbag too. And don’t forget to spritz and clean your phone and countertops.

Wear a mask in public.

Wearing a mask is about protecting yourself and others, not politics. Wear a cloth mask when you’re in close proximity with others, and don’t forget to launder/replace masks often.

Manage pre-existing conditions.

If you have chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, or another pre-existing condition, take the best care of yourself possible and manage your symptoms.

Boost immunity.

Boost your immune system with nutritious foods, lots of water and plenty of rest and downtime, especially during the hectic holidays.

Maintain social distancing.

Social distancing is still key, even this holiday season when friends and family drop by the house. We’re lucky to live in a climate that is not cold and snowy. Take advantage by hosting gatherings outdoors with plenty of space.

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A Healthy Diet and Exercise

Entrepreneur Mickey Jacobs Offers Both at Southern Bodies Written by: Phil Jones | Photography submitted by: Mickey Jacobs

As the owner of ICS terested in owning a gym Services, Mickey Jacobs for quite a while, and, one had a solid business day, upon walking into that was paying the bills Southern Bodies for his and then some, provid- daily workout, he deciding electrical services all ed to see if the previous around the country. While owners, Steve and Teresa the expansive market Landers, had any interest area contributed to Ja- in selling their facility. As cobs’ business success, it luck would have it, they also caused him to pause did. the hustle and think about “I simply told them that what was really important. if they ever had any interJacobs was approach- est in selling the place, I ing 50 years of age and would be interested. To wasn’t sure he wanted my surprise, they said to continue spending 12 ‘let’s go,’ and just like that, hours a day, I was a gym seven days a owner,” Ja"But those week working cobs said. weight and — not to menThe transtion the exaction behealth issues tensive travcame official were why they on Decemel that went were coming ber 20, 2019, along with it.

“I had a great to the gym in when Jacobs business that the the first place. became was doing proud new I thought really well. I proprietor was making of Southern about June’s good money.

Now suggestion and Bodies.

But it hit me the owner one day that decided to put of two busithere’s more nesses, he a restaurant to life than certainly had inside the gym.” enough to just money,” — Mickey Jacobs he said. keep him He began busy.

But to think about doing his entrepreneurial spirit something connected to was still burning strong. another area of his life He had owned a restauhe really loved: working rant back in the 1990s, out. At the time, Jacobs and a suggestion from a was a long-time mem- business associate made ber of Southern Bodies, Jacobs think about merga workout facility in Tif- ing his former restaurant ton, Georgia. “I’d been experience with his new a member for 20 years,” business. he pointed out. He con“June Adams menfessed that he’d been in- tioned we should put a 13

restaurant inside the gym.

I got to thinking about how hard it was to eat healthy on the run,” he explained. “I knew that we had several members battling weight problems, but because of their busy schedules, they were having to eat when and what they could — and that meant going through drive-thrus. But those weight and health issues were why they were coming to the gym in the first place. I thought about June’s suggestion and decided to put a restau-

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rant inside the gym.”

That, said Jacobs, would allow members to choose healthy foods while they were working out and hopefully keep them from having to choose fast food. As an added bonus, the fulfilling experience of owning a restaurant almost 30 years earlier would mean working knowledge for his new project.

“I enjoyed both sides: owning the gym and running a restaurant,” he commented.

So

what

does

the

restaurant’s menu offer members? “We serve healthy meals,” Jacobs noted. “But we want to serve tasty foods at the same time. I didn’t want to serve food that was healthy but didn’t taste good. I didn’t want our members having to force it down just to eat healthy.”

Jacobs once again consulted with Adams to create a delicious menu, pointing out that she had years of experience in the food business. They soon came up with a gener-

ous menu that includes plenty of classics: veggie omelets for breakfast and lean meat dishes, such as a lean hamburger steak with light gravy, for lunch.

There are a few surprises as well.

“We also have taco salad, Korean BBQ, stuff like that,” he said. “The menu changes every week. We wanted to make it as much of a real restaurant as possible. We offer items that you can order ahead of time or on the spot, and we even deliver.”

According to Jacobs,

he plans to offer prepared, packaged meals for members, perfect for taking home and reheating during busy weeks for tasty yet healthy options.

The new to-go meals should be ready very soon. Jacobs is excited and said he couldn’t be more pleased with his new venture.

“This is a match made in heaven. I have found my happy place,” he beamed.

Gastro Problems Don’t Wait...

You Shouldn’t Either It’s been a particularly exciting year for South Georgia Medical Center, especially since the ever-advancing specialty of Gastroenterology welcomed two new physicians to their team.

affecting the stomach, intestines, esophagus, liver, pancreas, colon and rectum.

Why is that important for the region? Some sensitive medical concerns - like those involving your gastrointestinal tract - may need more specific care than your primary care doctor typically provides. And when it comes to this specialty care, it’s important for patients to get seen sooner so they can get to feeling better quicker.

Patients are usually referred to a gastroenterologist by a primary care doctor when they’re experiencing any symptoms of a digestive health disorder or if they need a colon cancer screening.

Gastroenterologists perfoming procedures at SGMC now include Dr. Maria Castellano, Dr. Sai Raghavapuram and Dr. Loan Vu. These physicians have specialized medical training and significant experience with diseases

Often, seeing a gastroenterologist leads to more accurate detection of polyps or cancer, fewer complications from procedures and less time spent in the hospital.

For more information visit sgmc.org/gastro.

SIGNS YOU MAY NEED TO SEE A GASTRO SPECIALIST » Abnormal Bowel Movements » Rectal Bleeding » Frequent Heartburn

» Regular Colorectal Cancer Screening » Abdominal Pain/Bloating

» Esophageal Pain or Difficulty Swallowing » Pancreas or Liver Problems

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What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

Written by: Denise K. James

Have you ever heard the term “holiday heart syndrome?” This occurrence, named after the binge drinking typically done around the holiday season, can cause your heart to experience a faster, more irregular heartbeat.

What is the difference between holiday heart syndrome and actual arrhythmia?

Heart arrhythmia, which is any disorder affecting the heart’s beat, can be triggered by excessive drinking or dehydration. But in individuals who don’t have arrhythmia, the heart’s normal rate is restored once the after-effects of drinking alcohol have faded.

Who is most at risk?

According to the Harvard Medical School, holiday heart syndrome can affect just anyone — not only people who have heart problems. However, individuals who have atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia disorder where the top two chambers of the heart are “misfiring” and therefore causing an irregular and rapid beat, might be more prone to bouts of holiday heart syndrome. In fact, some people don’t realize they have atrial fibrillation until a night of heavy drinking triggers it.

What are the symptoms of holiday heart syndrome?

What can you do about it?

Experts suggest helping your heart get back to normal by one or more of the following: • Drinking a glass of water slowly • Taking a number of deep, calming breaths • Aerobic exercise, yoga and meditation • Engaging the vagus nerve by singing, chanting or humming

Should you panic if you have holiday heart syndrome?

No, you should not panic. But you should absolutely drink less alcohol and less caffeine, both of which can throw off your heart rhythms. Ample rest, exercise and the other normal pillars of health are also useful for keeping your heart on track.

If you wake up the morning after binge drinking — defined as five or more drinks in two hours for men and four or more drinks in two hours for women — and your heart is racing, pounding or skipping beats, you’re likely suffering from holiday heart syndrome.

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Are All Systems Go? How to Boost Your Immune System

Written by: Denise K. James

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What is the immune system?

We’ve all heard a lot about the immune system, especially in 2020, but what is your immune system responsible for? Simply put, it is your body’s defense against all forms of illness. If your immune system is not functioning efficiently, getting over any kind of illness is much harder, even a simple cold. Your immune system also recognizes if it’s fought a certain virus or bacteria before — that’s how you become “immune” to something.

Your immune system is important, but if it’s running the way it’s supposed to, you shouldn’t really notice it. However, if your immune system is having issues, you might not feel as spry as you should.

Signs your System is Down Here are the six tell-tale signs of a struggling immune system, according to the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Medicine.

Constant Tiredness

This one seems like a no-brainer, but if you can’t seem to wake up, even after multiple nights of solid rest, there might be an immune system issue to blame.

Wounds that Don’t Heal Well

Did the last skinned knee or cut on your skin seem to take a little too long to heal nicely? The immune system is responsible for sending healthy cells to heal wounds, and a sluggish immune system might be the issue.

Frequent Infections

If you constantly suffer from sinus infections, ear infections or any kind of bacterial infection — and you’re taking more than two rounds of antibiotic treatments per year — your immune system might be telling you that it’s struggling to keep up.

Frequent Sniffles

Feel like you’re always either on the brink of getting a cold or just getting over a cold? While it’s normal for healthy adults to get a couple of colds each year, you shouldn’t feel like you always have one — and it shouldn’t take more than a week to feel better.

An Unhappy Gut

It’s surprising how much our digestive system actually works in tandem with the rest of our body. That said, if you frequently have bouts of constipation, diarrhea, gas or just general stomach discomfort, it could be your immune system. Healthy gut bacteria is crucial for immune balance, and a disruption in your gut can make it tougher to fight off sicknesses.

Chronic Stress

If a big week at work or a small problem in the school pick-up line are liable to knock you back on the couch with fatigue, your immune system could be to blame.

White blood cells are responsible for keeping you healthy, and if you feel a sense of general malaise at the slightest bit of stress, it might mean your immune system is working harder than normal.

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Ways to Boost Immunity Even if you don’t recognize yourself on the preceding list, boosting your immune system and good health go hand-in-hand.

Most of the tips below are basically “healthy living” strategies, but since the immune system is interconnected to everything else, consider it your blueprint.

Stop Smoking or Vaping.

You’ve heard it often enough to know that smoking is terrible for your entire body.

That includes your immune system.

Protect Yourself From Illness When Possible.

Hand washing gained popularity in 2020, but don’t let your enthusiasm dwindle in the new year. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself from illness. Also remember to wash fruits and vegetables and cook meat thoroughly to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Balance Your Diet.

Fruits and vegetables are the key to a healthy immune system. Don’t skimp on fresh fruits and veggies at each meal. Experts suggest supplementing certain nutrients with vitamins if you don’t feel you’re getting enough through food.

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Manage Long-Term Stress.

Short-term stress happens in life, but chronic stress, due to relationships, work or the view of the self, can take a toll on the immune system.

Get Some Exercise.

A couple of hours of exercise per week can greatly increase your overall health and manage your stress levels – which, in turn, helps your immune system run more efficiently.

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Stronger Together Meet Monica Prestridge, Founder of Life UnLIMBited Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Brandon Pham

Monica Prestridge has been an amputee almost her entire life, since an accident took part of one of her limbs in early childhood. Fortunately, she doesn’t remember one bit of that fateful day in January 1976 that claimed her lower left leg, and that, she claimed, is just fine with her. “It’s a blessing that I don’t remember anything from the accident,” said Prestridge.

Prestridge, who grew up in Moultrie, Georgia, was only 4 years old and playing with her siblings in the yard on that chilly January day. Though she can’t recall the series of unfortunate events, she can tell the story of the accident as her family does: “I was in the yard with my two older brothers. We were supposed to be working and helping our dad, but we were mostly playing. I don’t know why, but I wanted to be where my father was, so I ran toward the riding lawn mower. He was mowing close to the house, and I actually came running around the corner, tripped and fell. My father didn’t see me right away, and I went under the lawn mower. I lost my left leg below the knee.

Despite injuries to both legs, 22

“Growing up in South Georgia in the 70s and 80s, I had no idea that there were other amputees in the world. I felt like I was the only one.”

— Monica Prestridge the doctors were able to save my right leg.”

According to Prestridge, she spent her younger years feeling pretty normal, given the tragedy of the accident — she had no problems with mobility and could do pretty much anything she wanted to do. “Because I was so young and thankfully have no memory of what I went through — including the accident, the rehab and getting fitted for the prosthetic — I just didn’t know anything else. This is normal for me,” she said.

However, she also did not have a sense of community with other amputees — people to

compare notes and experiences with. “Growing up in South Georgia in the 70s and 80s, I had no idea that there were other amputees in the world.

I felt like I was the only one,” she admitted.

Then one day, just before her 48th birthday, Prestridge had what she referred to as a “defining moment.” She’d had a tugging on her heart for a long time that she needed to “do more,” but, until then, the message had been unclear.

“I lost my middle brother when he was just 48 years old. That really hit me hard. So leading up to my 48th birthday, it struck me that 48 years

of life was all that my brother got,” she shared.

“I thought to myself that if this was all that I had, what had I done with my life up to that point? And that was when it hit me.”

The “it” would be to start a support group for fellow amputees. “I wanted to give amputees a place to come meet with other people who had been through the same thing,” she said. “I wanted amputees to know that they’re not alone.”

Almost as soon as the group took shape, it started to grow and make a difference. Prestridge made the decision to take a leap and expand into a real organization, known

as Life UnLIMBited. The nonprofit is based in Moultrie and continues to offer the support meetings Prestridge feels so passionately about.

Now, though, the organization is providing much more than that.

“We are now doing adaptive fitness events that help amputees learn to become more active and do the things that they had no idea that they were able to do. No one had ever been there to show the amputees and their families that they could do more than they ever thought possible,” she exclaimed.

Speaking of families, Life UnLIMBited offers support groups for the caregivers of amputees as well. Thanks to its growing popularity in the community, the organization has recently moved from operating in conference rooms inside Colquitt Regional Medical Center to occupying its very own space, which was generously donated. So far, Life UnLIMBited has about 20 regular members, and Prestridge said another new and exciting feature of her still-growing nonprofit is the recent addition of the Care Closet.

“We have donated equipment — such as wheelchairs, canes, prosthetics and orthotic supplies — for those who need these things but cannot afford them or whose insurance doesn’t cover them,” she said.

Like so many other businesses, Life UnLIMBited has had its share of challenges in 2020.

Besides the coronavirus, another hurdle presented itself. Just as she was creating opportunities to support others, it turned out that Prestridge was the one unexpectedly in need of support. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to under24

go a double mastectomy. Despite the physical and psychological toll of the year, Prestridge has stayed the course.

“I’ve always known this was a calling,” she mused. “I can now look back on my entire life, including what I’ve been through with the amputation and the cancer, and I can see how God was preparing me for this all along.”

Prestridge recognizes that the local amputees she serves are just a small part of a larger group out there who are greatly in need of support. “We estimate that there are approximately 200 amputees living in Colquitt County alone,” she pointed out. “But there aren’t very many businesses and groups like ours that support the amputee community in Georgia. That just shows how much of a need there is for what we do.”

She added that demand for similar support in the future will be greater than ever, given how many individuals neglect their need for physical activity and a well-balanced diet.

“We are a society with rising rates of inactivity, and that leads to obesity, which leads to diabetes.

Unfortunately, diabetes can lead to amputations,” she noted.

What is Prestridge’s message to fellow amputees? “Please remember that you are not alone.

We are here for you, to talk to and share your experiences with others who will understand,” she said.

“I can now look back on my entire life, including what I’ve been through with the amputation and the cancer, and I can see how God was preparing me for this all along.”

— Monica Prestridge

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Festive Flavors

How to Create Healthy, Satisfying Dishes this Holiday Season Written by: Esther Curry | Photography by: Esther Curry

Nothing says “happy holidays” like sharing a homemade dish with your friends and family.

When you decide to make something in your own kitchen, there are personal touches being shared you might not even be aware of. Sure, you might think you’re sending the simple “I love to cook and bake” message, but it's more than that — you’re telling everyone at the table who you are and how you view food.

The holidays are also a time to relax and enjoy the company of people around you. Although it’s perfectly normal to be self-conscious about overindulging — and it’s easy to do during seasonal festivities — you shouldn’t get so caught up in making healthy choices that you forgo sitting in the dining room with your aunts and uncles because the desserts are too tempting.

I have been cooking for over 14 years, and I have hosted many gatherings and brought many dishes to other people’s homes. After a while, I noticed some things. If I buy high-quality ingredients, the food simply tastes better. Secondly, if I balance flavors of sweet, sour, salty, fatty and savory just right, the dish is much more satisfying, and it’s less likely anyone will need seconds.

When you use fresh, high-quality and locally sourced (when possible) ingredients, the nutritional content automatically increases. When flavors are balanced, everyone enjoys the meal so much more. And of course when you lovingly prepare a dish for others and your intention for them to enjoy it shines through, friends and family will notice the special touch. Home cooking is a way to show love — a way to nurture someone’s belly and soul, including your own.

How Balance Curbs Overeating What keeps us from overeating and feeling satisfied instead? You’ve heard everything in moderation is OK, but how exactly does that work? Start by thinking about your complete day of food. When you deprive yourself of some healthy fat in the morning, it’s harder to control your ice cream portions at night. That means a little healthy fat should be welcomed in your day to avoid overindulging later.

If the holiday meal is prepared with high-quality ingredients, the flavors are balanced and thoughtful and you fill your plate with a variety of nutritionally diverse items — such as protein, fat and vegetables — this makes for a more balanced, satisfying meal, and you will have a lesser chance of overindulging. Conversely, if most of the items on your holiday plate are far too salty, fatty or sweet, your body will crave more nutrients, which can lead to overeating.

This season, empower yourself before the big meal by making your own dessert or side dish that is delicious and satisfying — and that you won’t feel sleepy and lethargic after eating. A tasty and healthy cooking style is not as hard as you might think.

How to Practice Balance in the Kitchen The way to develop your own palate and understand flavor profiles is to literally start trusting your gut. If you’re a novice in the kitchen, you can begin your flavor journey by preparing a homemade salad dressing. To create a tasty dressing, you’ll need to balance the fat, salt, sugar and even tartness. If it’s too salty, add more sweetness. If it’s too sour, add more fat. If you crave more “punch,” simply increase the vinegar, garlic or mustard. You can tailor the dressing to your own preferences.

After some practice, you will automatically learn to balance flavors in any type of sauce, soup or dish you make. You can get even more creative at that point — and get ready to “wow” everyone at the holiday meal.

The holiday recipes I have included here are balanced, tasty and easy to make.

It’s my goal to help people like you create meaningful memories this year with loved ones — not stress out about what to prepare for a big meal or what to eat.

Yes, you can make a holiday dish that is both healthy and a crowd-pleaser, believe it or not. You just need the right ingredients, some creativity and a dash of patience.

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Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Thyme Dijon Mustard Dressing Ingredients:

2 large Japanese sweet potatoes, cut into chunks 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 teaspoons kosher salt Pepper to taste 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or enough to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Place chopped sweet potatoes on a pan, and drizzle with olive oil and add the last 3 ingredients. Place sheet in oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden and fork tender.

Once potatoes are out of the oven, put on a serving platter. Sauce can be served on the side or drizzled on top.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Mustard Dressing Ingredients:

2/3 cup dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar 1 teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons honey 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Directions:

Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.

Spiced Chai & Orange Chia Seed Pudding Ingredients:

1 cup chia seeds 1 tablespoon of chai spice 1 orange, zested 2 tablespoons hemp seeds Âź teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 4 cups whole milk (Coconut milk can also substitute.)

5 pitted dates

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Rosemary Beet Punch (Nonalcoholic) Ingredients:

1 large beet (about 1 cup), peeled and quartered 2 to four 7-inch long sprigs of rosemary 4 cups filtered or spring water — enough to cover the rosemary and beets in pitcher 2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice from about 5 medium-sized oranges

Directions:

Heat 4 cups of water to a boil. Place rosemary and chopped beet into a large glass pitcher. Pour hot water into the pitcher, and stir well. You can also add the rosemary and beets to the pot you are boiling water in. Cover mixture and let steep for 3 to 5 hours, or until almost room temperature.

Strain beet and rosemary water into another pitcher to remove the rosemary and beet pieces. Add orange juice and stir. Punch can be refrigerated for later or served immediately.

Yield: 1 pitcher of punch

Directions:

Combine the first 5 ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Add 4 cups of milk and 5 dates into a blender. Blend until the dates are finely chopped.

Add the date milk into the mixing bowl with dry ingredients. Mix until all of the chia seeds are coated.

Place the mixing bowl into the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours or overnight, until the pudding becomes a thick consistency.

Chai Spice: Ingredients:

2 teaspoons ground cardamom 2 teaspoons ground allspice 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoon ground cloves 6 teaspoons ground ginger

Directions:

Mix together and store in a jar.

Spoon chia pudding into serving dishes, and garnish with a dried orange slice or fresh orange slice.

Yield: 6 servings

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Merry and Bright

Tips for Glowing, Healthy Skin All Winter Long Written by: Denise K. James Photography by: Michelle Wilkerson

Your Ideal Winter Skin Routine Winter skin is a real thing, y’all.

And while we can cover up our legs and arms with stylish clothes in the cooler weather, a glowing, healthy face is important all year long.

Are you one of those people who sticks to the same routine and the same products whether it’s January or July? You might be doing your skin a disservice. This season, treat yourself to a skin routine that will keep you glowing and smiling until spring comes back.

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Upgrading your routine in the colder months doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are a few recommendations for daily skin care.

Switch to a thicker moisturizer.

In the summer, we tend to use lightweight moisturizers that don’t clog our pores and absorb quickly. In the winter, experts suggest switching to something a little thicker and richer. Remember, though, sunscreen is still important in the winter months, so find a moisturizer that includes SPF, or layer sunscreen over your moisturizer.

Use a moisturizing face wash and cooler water.

Switching up your face wash in the winter months is also a good idea. Experts suggest a creamy formula – rather than a gel or foam — for the best effect. And skip the hot water as you wash your face and body.

Consider using a toner to seal in moisture.

Think of a toner as a clarifying product for your skin — it makes sure it’s squeaky clean. That said, if you’ve always skipped toner in the past, using a toner can make it easier for your skin to absorb moisturizer.

Are steam rooms useful?

If you have access to a steam room, it can definitely benefit your skin. The humidity helps rid your skin of toxins and even improves circulation. If you aren’t a member at a gym with a steam room, you can still recreate the effect in your bathroom by running a hot shower. Just don’t actually bathe in the water!

Are supplements worth it?

Homemade Mask Recipes

Experts generally agree that too much exfoliation is not only unnecessary, it can be harmful for your face. When you want to treat your face to something special, homemade masks and scrubs can be better and more fun than many commercial products. Here are a few moisturizing ideas for self-care night. (Remember to test a small area first to determine skin’s sensitivity.)

What about a special supplement for skin health? We’ve all gone down the beauty aisle in our favorite store and spotted the latest capsule or gummy, promising the skin of our dreams. Should we shell out the cash for these? As it turns out, most experts say no. As long as you’re caring for your skin otherwise, these additional supplements won’t do much. Yes, your skin needs nutrition and water, but it should ideally come from a healthy diet.

Avocado Mask

Mix together half of a ripe avocado, a tablespoon of plain yogurt and a teaspoon each of honey and olive oil. Blend well and pat onto your face.

Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off.

Banana Mask

Take a ripe banana, mash well, and then mix with ¾ cup of plain yogurt and a teaspoon of olive oil. Pat the blended mixture onto your face. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then wash off.

Egg White Mask

Egg whites are known for collagen — the same thing that gives skin elasticity. For this mask, whisk one egg white until foamy, then add a teaspoon of coconut oil. Pat the mask onto your face, and wait until the egg whites feel dry. Wash off with warm water.

Brown Sugar Scrub

If your skin could use a nice scrub, why not use the brown sugar in your pantry? For this scrub, mix together one tablespoon of organic brown sugar with one tablespoon of coconut oil. Then gently apply the scrub using circular motions. Wash off with warm water.

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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 888-715-4263 or email us at healthlife@itgnext.com

healthlifemagazine.com

Avoid Seasonal Burnout

Tips for Staying Sane These Season Written by: Denise K. James Photography by: Michelle Wilkerson

It’s the most wonderful time of the year ...until you’re stretched out the sofa, exhausted and overwhelmed from the hullabaloo, that is. Every year we tell ourselves we’re going to do less and spend more time basking in the real glow of family and friends, rather than attempting to string the perfect LED RGBs from every corner of the house so it’s brighter and twinklier than the neighbor’s.

Why do we do this to ourselves? And more importantly, what are some REAL tips to keep us from repeating the chaos year after year? We can’t simply tell everyone we’re skipping the festivities, can we? Fortunately, we don’t have to — there are ways to maintain sanity and enjoy everything the season has to offer without exhausting our minds and bodies.

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Shopping for Gifts The holiday season is filled with gifts, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Here are a few tips to make shopping more of a joy and less of a chore.

Start early.

Don’t start shopping three days before your celebration. Trust us, you’ll be much happier if you don’t. Take an extra half-hour during other errands or after work to get shopping done in smaller “chunks.” The trick is to incorporate as much of your shopping into everyday outings as you can, rather than facing a six-hour shop-athon on the Saturday before Santa arrives.

Shop local.

When was the last time you went to a big-box department store or discount store?

They still have their place, but during the holidays it’s better to avoid anywhere crawling with people and take a look at what your own community business owners have to offer. You really can’t go wrong here: fewer people to tango with, smaller chance to contract COVID-19 and support for the local economy!

Keep “no name” gifts on hand.

Remember that time your friend from college came over with a candle and a bottle of wine and you panicked? Don’t let that happen again. Keep a few “no-name” gifts that could be good for anyone who surprises you, such as wine, gourmet candy and snacks, candles and hand soap.

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Cooking and Decorating The sights and scents of the season are certainly treasured, but so is your mental health. There are ways to have both.

Prioritize.

There is no end to the work you can do during the holiday season, and it’s important to understand that you’re in control. Make a quick list at the beginning of the season of what is most important to you in terms of decorating, cooking and other preparations. Let the rest slide. No one but you will notice.

Take shortcuts if you want to.

Not in the mood to care for a real tree this year? Buy an artificial one. Same thing goes for store-bought desserts and gift cards in place of elaborate gifts. The sentiment of the holidays is captured in people, not in objects.

Share the work.

If you’re hosting, don’t be scared to ask people to bring their own beverages, side dishes and snacks. A potluck is always fun and gives others the chance to show off their contributions. You can even turn the potluck into a decorating party and share even more of your task list!

Parties and Gatherings

‘Tis the season for soirees every night of the week. Follow our advice so you don’t end up partied out.

Give yourself space.

It’s perfectly OK to say “no” to something, even if it’s a relative that you have a less-than-stellar relationship with. If you’re feeling stretched thin, wait until after the season passes to catch up. There’s another year coming, after all.

Remember, public outings are shorter.

Here’s a secret: go to a restaurant or coffee shop with a relative or friend, and you can cut the time obligation in half. If you go to someone’s house or they come to yours, parting ways can be harder.

Create a party curfew.

If you do choose to attend a party, you don’t have to stay until midnight — you can leave at 9 p.m. after cheese, crackers and a single glass of wine. If you go to a party with the intent of capping the event at two hours — then go home and unwind before bed — you’ll reap the benefits.

Avoid “just this once” mentality.

Are you a nondrinker who might be swayed to take a celebratory shot during the holidays? Do you stick to a nondairy diet ...but you’re tempted by blue and brie on the charcuterie tray? Avoid the temptation to overindulge in things that might “shock” your system.

Stick to one drink.

Don’t want to feel tired and subpar the next day? Stick to one cocktail, beer or glass of red wine, and sip slowly.

For bonus points, stick to mixed drinks that have no sugars from fruit juices or simple syrups. A splash of club soda or seltzer and a wedge of orange or lime is your best mixer for a happy day ahead.

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Thrown a Curveball Baseball Player Christian Glisson’s Short Game Written by: Phil Jones | Photography submitted by: Christian Glisson

It’s been five years now since Christian Glisson completed a brief career in baseball that had a promising start. His high school career ran from 2004 until 2008 and was highlighted by numerous awards and accolades. Glisson was a two-sport athlete in those years, initially shining at Tift County High School before transferring to Lowndes High and continuing both baseball and football. Memorable moments included helping Tift County’s baseball team reach the state Final Four with his two-out, two-strike, game-winning homerun against Starrs Mill High School — then the number-two-ranked team in the country. Glisson would also help the Lowndes High football team win a state championship in 2007. However, it was his undeniable baseball prowess that eventually landed him a scholarship to attend The University of Georgia and play baseball for the Bulldogs.

With baseball officially his main focus, Glisson began working doggedly on his skills and technique. He was a catcher, a physically demanding position that involves handling pitchers and overseeing the alignment of other defensive players behind the pitcher. In essence, the catcher is considered the “quarterback” of a baseball team.

While preparing for his senior season at Lowndes, Glisson accepted the invitation from The University of Georgia’s then-coach David Perno to come and work with kids who had signed up for the school’s annual baseball camp. The camp is a fundraising event that allows young, aspiring baseball players the opportunity to work with UGA players and coaches. Glisson said he “jumped at the chance” to go to Athens, meet some of his future teammates and teach baseball to the young players.

But when he received the invitation, it was not baseball season. It was, as Glisson recalled, “about a week before Christmas.”

“It was cold — very cold,” he recalled. “I think it was 19 degrees, with a howling wind. It wasn’t a very good day to play baseball, and I had never enjoyed playing baseball in the cold weather.”

Still, Glisson had already committed to teaching at the camp, and he knew they were counting on him.

“Everyone knew who I was, as I had been a highly recruited baseball and football player,” he said. “I was known for having a good throwing arm, which is a big reason UGA signed me.”

Glisson recalled trying to warm up with his teammates before they would begin working with the campers. “We threw some warm-up tosses for just a little bit, before one of the coaches called us over to speak to some of the campers. We stopped warming up and went over and hung out with the catcher coach and some of the other guys there for about an hour,” he said.

“I had spoken with several guys and heard from countless others who said that after having had the surgery, they were actually stronger than before."

— Christian Glisson

As the session began, Glisson was asked to throw a few balls down to second base. “I felt a pop, and I knew something was wrong,” he shared. “But I knew all eyes were on me, so I kept trying to throw. My next throw floated out of my hand and landed over between first and second base — way off the mark.”

Just like that, Glisson had injured his elbow. But when the X-ray image of his elbow didn’t indicate any tissue or ligament damage, Glisson began pursuing a series of holistic treatments, including injections of vitamins C and B-12, collagen, glucosamine and various other anti-inflammatory agents. Unfortunately, the elbow pain didn’t get any better.

Finally, in late March of the following year, Glisson and his parents decided to consult a well-known orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews. Dr. Andrews examined the elbow and recommended surgery — a procedure known as “Tommy John surgery,” or collateral ligament reconstruction. Dr. Andrews told the family that Glisson’s injury was likely caused by “overuse.” Still, Glisson felt hopeful about the future of his arm.

“I had spoken with several guys and heard from countless others who said that after having had the surgery, they were actually stronger than before,” he explained.

Following his surgery and rehab, Glisson would join his teammates in Athens. Unfortunately, he wasn’t really able to contribute except for a few bats — the average recovery time for patients of Tommy John surgery is anywhere from eight months to one year.

Between his slow recovery time and wasted freshman season due to not meeting redshirt criteria, Glisson decided to return to Valdosta, enrolling at Valdosta State University.

The move turned out to be a good one, as Glisson was named the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year in 2012. However, the lingering effects of his arm injury would keep him from being drafted by a major league team. He would give it one more try, playing in the independent league, but Glisson ultimately decided five years ago that he was done with baseball.

Today, Glisson is in medical device sales, working as an account manager with Phillips. He is a full-time dad to his son Christian, age 6, and he and his fianceé are expecting a second child in 2021 — certainly a home run of a different kind.

How Do You Know It’s Dementia?

Things to Look For

Written by: Kim Shiver, Legacy Village Assisted Living & Memory Care Photography by: Eric Vinson

Have you noticed a change in the way your loved one is making decisions? Or maybe that he or she is more forgetful? When you spot subtle changes, it is quite normal to suspect Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. Before you visit the physician, however, keep a list of your observations. Below is a list of a few behaviors worth noting for discussion at an appointment.

Challenges with Processing and Memory: As we age, our brain tends to slow

Once your notes are complete, it is time to accompany your loved one to their doctor. Discuss your concerns with the medical provider and determine a plan of action. If you learn that a form of dementia may be the cause for your concerns, here are a few questions you could ask.

down a bit, so it is normal to take longer to recall some things. However, if you see your loved one forgetting recent events or appearing more confused, make note.

1. What kind of dementia is suspected, and what evidence supports the diagnosis?

Inability to Remember Month or Year: When schedules change, such as after

2. How far has the dementia progressed?

What stage is it?

retirement, it is easy to lose track of the day of the week. But if you notice your loved one forgetting the year or the month, jot it down. You may also notice missed appointments or difficulty keeping commitments.

3. What can we expect further down the road?

Repetition: Are you listening to the same stories over and over? This is a common

4. Are there any treatment options to consider? If so, how does each treatment help?

Misplacing Items: Did you find the fabric softener in the refrigerator or the TV re-

5. Should my loved one continue to drive or live alone?

sign of impaired memory and should also be noted.

mote in the bathroom drawer? While these things may seem humorous, they could be a sign of something more serious and indicate that mental processes are changing. Such occurrences are worth writing down.

Changes in the Handling of Finances: If your loved one has historically paid

bills on time and kept a close eye on their finances but is now missing payments or having a difficult time keeping track of money, make note.

Disregard for Safety or Poor Judgment: Is your loved one behaving recklessly or making decisions that are out of character? If so, you should add it to your list of concerns.

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6. How can I support my loved one during this journey?

While this information is in no way an exhaustive list, it is a starting point. If a diagnosis of dementia is the outcome, it does not have to be a looming dark cloud. Many dementia diagnoses are treatable and having the right information can make planning for the future easier. You will find there is still plenty of joy in life for your loved one to experience.

If you are the caregiver for your loved one with dementia, be sure to prioritize your own self-care and have a support system in place.

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

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Playing Hardball

Gracie Frazier Proves Her Grit Written by: Phil Jones | Photography submitted by: Gracie Frazier

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A native of Moultrie, range of motion wasn’t Georgia, Gracie Frazier where it needed to be, described herself as al- and it was determined ways being “the athlete that a second surgery in the family.” However, would be needed to rewhile she loved playing move scar tissue. This sports with her friends, would force Frazier to be there was a stark differ- away from the game she ence: the other kids were loved so dearly for 10 dabbling in softball, bas- months. But eventually ketball and any sport they she returned and felt betcould think of. Frazier, on ter than ever. Her playing the other hand, preferred seemed to reflect that, to stick to the one sport too. She was playing well, she loved most: softball. and college recruiters “I played were startsoftball, and to pay “The recruiting ing that was it,” attention. she said. “I just stopped. It was But a never had 15 so discouraging.” mere any interest months after in playing that first inju— Gracie Frazier any other ry, Lady Luck sport.” thumbed Frazier said her par- her nose at Frazier once ents sacrificed a lot to again. “I was rounding allow her to participate in third base after hitting the sport — first with local a triple, and as I pulled teams, then driving her to up, I felt it — I had torn Atlanta to play with one my right ACL,” she said. of the top travel teams in This injury, though not as Georgia: the East Cobb bad as the first, would be Bullets. Ultimately, her much more destructive in dedication to softball terms of the future. “The made her one of the best recruiting just stopped,” players in the state. she confessed. “It was so Though Frazier has al- discouraging.” ways been talented and Never one to give dedicated, her injuries up, Frazier persevered. became a nagging issue, After surgery and rehab, beginning with her fresh- she returned to playing, man season at Colquitt eager to work hard and County High School. Af- regain the attention of ter securing collegiate a starting teams.

In position for “I had the mindset a d d i t i o n her first year, that I was going to to playing she suffered at Colquitt work hard, and if a torn ACL County, and menis- it was God’s plan, she’d been cus in her playing travthe right school left knee, el ball in the would find me.” along with a Atlanta area fractured fewith the Bul— Gracie Frazier mur. A bad lets. It was injury, yes, during her but because of her age time with the travel team and great physical con- that Eastern Kentucky dition, it was something University took notice of she could rebound from. Frazier’s skills. The head Frazier optimistically un- coach, Jane Worthington, derwent surgery, and it had come to watch the was a success. game and offered Frazier Then, four months fol- an opportunity to visit the lowing the surgery and school. At that moment, well into rehab, some- Frazier knew she’d found thing wasn’t right. Her the right fit.

“I was rounding third base after hitting a triple, and as I pulled up, I felt it — I had torn my right ACL.” — Gracie Frazier

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“I had the mindset that I was going to work hard, and if it was God’s plan, the right school would find me,” she said.

Happily enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University, Frazier was ready to put her injuries behind her. However, she’d soon find it would not be as easy as that. Before playing her first game at EKU, she suffered a minor injury while lifting weights.

Fortunately, this mishap needed no surgery, and after a short rehab for the shoulder, Frazier was ready to take to the field for the team’s first practice of spring. She attempted to make a catch and ended up injuring her shoulder — the same one that she had hurt while lifting weights just a few weeks earlier!

This, alas, would mean yet another surgery to fix what turned out to be a torn labrum. There would be nine months of rehab to follow, and this surgery 42

and rehab became the toughest of them all.

“I thought the knee surgeries were bad, but they were nothing like the shoulder surgery,” said Frazier. “It was very rough getting through that.”

Thankfully, she did get through it. Frazier is now focused on settling in at Eastern Kentucky and becoming a contributing member of her team. In the future, she wants to use her college education to help those who have been through or may go through what she endured.

“I’m majoring in exercise science and psychology,” she explained. “I want to help … because I know what it’s like, and it’s rough.”

And if anyone knows how to teach perseverance, it’s Gracie Frazier.

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Answering Your Questions About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Written by: Denise K. James

November is COPD Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to educate yourself so you can educate and protect those you love.

COPD, the shorter name for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is more common than you’d think, affecting some 16 million Americans, as reported by the Center of Disease Control.

Here are some other things you might not have known about COPD, including whether it makes COVID-19 more dangerous.

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What are the most common symptoms of COPD? Common symptoms of COPD can include coughing, wheezing, excess mucus, trouble breathing deeply and overall shortness of breath.

What causes COPD? The disease can be caused by environmental factors, including poor air quality and cigarette smoke. It can also be the result of genetics and respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis. However, most of the United State’s cases are attributed to cigarette smoking.

Who is most likely to get COPD? The bulk of data suggests that COPD is more common among men and women who are ethnic minorities and live in lower income communities, according to the CDC. Despite the fact that the illness was once considered more common in men, data since 2000 shows that more women than men die from the illness.

Reasons for this might include women being more susceptible to lung damage from smoking and other environmental irritants.

What is the relationship between COPD and COVID-19?

Because the symptoms of the novel coronavirus can include coughing and trouble breathing, the illness can be quite dangerous for people suffering from COPD. The good news, however, is that having COPD does not mean you’re more likely to contract COVID-19, according to the University of Maryland Medical System website.

What kinds of effects does COPD have on a person’s lifestyle?

Individuals who suffer from COPD aren’t always diagnosed — many Americans have the illness without knowing it. Those who have been diagnosed but fail to manage or treat the illness may find it affects other aspects of life, including fewer social outings; limited physical activity; more doctor’s office or hospital visits; more mental health problems, such as depression; difficulty working; and increased confusion or memory loss, according to the CDC.

How is COPD diagnosed and treated?

COPD is diagnosed with the help of a fairly simple lung test called a spirometry. This test is used to measure lung function on anyone who has breathing difficulties.

Treatment can run the gamut from diet and exercise improvements to learning to breathe more effectively and preserve energy. Protecting yourself from lung infections – including vaccinating against the flu — and quitting smoking are crucial. In some cases, medication and supplemental oxygen might be necessary.

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Love Your Lungs, Improve Lung Function Improving your lung function, even without COPD, is a great idea and can only lead to greater health. Here are a few ways to improve lung function and maintain ideal oxygen levels in the body.

Do not smoke or vape.

If you smoke cigarettes or use a vaping device, quit. Though people frequently think vaping is safer than smoking, the amount of research “about how vaping affects the lungs is in the initial stages,” according to Johns Hopkins lung cancer surgeon Dr. Stephen Broderick.

Practice yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises regularly.

Yoga, meditation and deep breathing can train your body to take in deeper, oxygen-rich breaths — a habit that can carry over to other parts of your day.

Eat foods that include antioxidants.

Foods that include antioxidants are known for destroying free radicals that compromise lung health. To add antioxidants to your diet, eat more blueberries, dark leafy greens, peppers, apples, tomatoes, pumpkins, cocoa, olive oil, nuts, yogurt and fatty fish. Green tea is also packed with antioxidants.

Improve indoor air quality as much as possible.

Indoor air quality matters for lung health. To ensure better indoor air quality, keep a clean home, change air filters regularly, buy indoor plants, open doors and windows for fresh air and invest in a dehumidifier or air purifier if necessary.

Exercise, laugh and sing.

Moving around is good for our whole body, lungs included. Go out for a run, walk or bike ride to get some aerobic exercise and fresh air. And guess what? Singing and laughing are also good for your lungs! So go ahead and watch that funny movie or sing in the shower — your lungs will thank you.

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