Health Life September/ October 2019

Improved Health and Recovery Go Hand in Hand Billy Hamilton

Business Brings Healthier Drink Options to Valdosta Area Dezmon Gray & Terence Boyd

Making the World More Accessible Ben Huntzinger

Local South Georgia Clinic Game Changers in Treating Migraine and Spine Pain The Migraine & Spine Clinic of Valdosta

Sept/Oct 2019 | FREE1

You take care of business.

We take care of you.

Neck, Shoulder & Low Back Pain

Headaches

Poor Posture & Flexibility

Mommy Tummy

Bladder Control

The everyday demands and stresses placed on a woman's body can lead to painful and uncomfortable conditions. But you don't have to live with pain and discomfort.

We can help restore your health, eliminate pain and return you to your daily activities.

Outpatient Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine 2300 West Hansell St.

• 229.228.8050 • www.archbold.org

Our therapists offer non-surgical and innovative treatment options for these common conditions.

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

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itgnext.com

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Sept/Oct

2019

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New Treatment to Prevent Hair Loss in Cancer Patients at Archbold

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Aloe Vera Tea Made for More Than Sipping

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Impressive Innovations at Thacker Dermatology

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Is ADHD Overdiagnosed?

Personal Trainer Helps Clients Transform Lives

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Adam Merritt is a personal trainer at Factor X Fitness in Thomasville, Georgia. We spoke with him to learn more about his life and experiences as a personal trainer.

Colquitt Regional Offers Safe Deliveries Through VBAC’s

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Keep Calm and Plant a Garden

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The Physical Manifestation of Stress

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Benefits of Family Fitness

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Cyclical Depression and Barriers to Treatment

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Blindspots in Cancer Funding

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Making the World More Accessible

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Business Brings Healthier Drink Options to Valdosta Area

Many patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer will experience hair loss. Archbold Memorial Hospital’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center is hoping to change that.

Improved Health and Recovery Go Hand in Hand Billy Hamilton is the fitness director at Valdosta Country Club in Valdosta, Georgia, and has been personal training for upwards of 15 years. He has been through hard times and views his faith and his career in fitness as two threads that have worked together throughout his life.

Local South Georgia Clinic Game Changers in Treating Migraine and Spine Pain Opened in 2017, the South Georgia Migraine and Spine Clinic is the only specialized urgent care in South Georgia that treats patients with acute migraine episodes and back pain with non-narcotic nerve blocks and steroid injections, which allows most patients to go back to work and daily life right after treatment.

+ 8 Ideas to Get You Started

Ben Huntzinger

Dezmon Gray & Terence Boyd

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Georgia Hunters for the Hungry in Need of Funding

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Workouts to Support Your Goals

Follow us on social media!

@ healthlifemag Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit

Feature Writers Alex Dunn Steph Coelho Jay Summer Cody Gatts Anna Limoges Cover Photography Eric Vinson

Feature Photography Eric Vinson Jesse Taylor Copy Editor Anna Limoges

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 2019 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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September

National Sexual Health Awareness Month 7

New Treatment to Prevent Hair Loss in Cancer Patients at Archbold Many patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer will experience hair loss. And the common side effect, which typically occurs anywhere from seven to 21 days after treatment begins, is widely recognized as one of the most traumatic experiences a patient may encounter during cancer treatment.

Archbold Memorial Hospital’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center is hoping to change that.

The Singletary Oncology Center recently acquired the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, an FDA approved clinical technology that will help preserve patients’ hair — and their confidence — during chemotherapy.

“The principle of chemotherapy is to interrupt and damage the mitotic and metabolic processes in cancer cells,” said Amanda May, MD, medical oncologist at the Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center. “But because chemotherapy drugs target fast-growing cells in the body, the medicine can’t tell the difference between cancer cells and other cells like hair follicles.

Hair is the second-fastest dividing cell in the body, which is why many chemotherapy 8

drugs tend to cause hair loss.”

However, according to Dr. May, the damage that chemotherapy causes to hair follicles can be alleviated in certain patients by using the new scalp cooling technology.

Scalp cooling, also referred to as “cold cap therapy,” works by narrowing the blood vessels beneath the skin of the scalp, reducing the amount of chemotherapy medicine that can reach the hair follicles.

“The cooling treatment, which happens before, during, and after each infusion, decreases the activity of the hair follicles, which slows down cell division and makes the follicles less affected by the chemotherapy medicine,” Dr. May said.

The cooling system consists of a compact refrigeration unit with a coolant that is circulated through specially designed cooling caps the patient wears before, during, and after each infusion treatment. The custom fitted cooling cap is made of a soft, flexible, silicone material, and it provides a close, but comfortable, fit around the patient’s head. As coolant passes through the cap to extract heat from the patient’s scalp, inline

“The

cooling treatment, which happens before, during, and after each infusion, decreases the activity of the hair follicles, which slows down cell division and makes the follicles less affected by the chemotherapy medicine.”

— Amanda May, MD temperature sensors ensure the cap maintains the scalp at an even, constant temperature.

A neoprene cover on the cap assists in the efficiency and operation of the system, insulating and protecting the cap from high room temperatures and absorbing condensation while ensuring good contact with the scalp— an essential factor for successful treatment. Once the treatment is finished, the cap can be disconnected from the coolant line, properly cleaned, and made ready for the next patient.

The pre-cooling stage takes place 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the drug infusion. This ensures that the scalp is at the required temperature before chemotherapy is

administered. The cap is worn throughout the administration of chemotherapy drugs and up to 90 minutes after treatment.

Scalp cooling is most commonly used for patients with cancer in a tissue or an organ (e.g., breast, colon, ovary, uterus, lungs, or prostate). The treat-

ment is not available for cancer in the blood or lymph nodes.

“Your medical oncologist can help determine if you are a good candidate for the scalp cooling treatment,” Dr. May said.

The cost of the treatment is about $2,000 for each patient and is

currently not typically covered by insurance.

To ensure eligible patients have affordable access to the treatment, the Archbold Foundation recently awarded a grant to the Singletary Oncology Center to help offset the cost for patients seeking cold cap therapy treatment.

“Through donations made to the Archbold Foundation, we are able to offer patients access to this technology that can bring the much-needed comfort they need during their cancer treatment,” said Becky Troyer, administrator at the Singletary Oncology Center.

"We are very excited to bring this new technology to our South Georgia region, and we look forward to watching how it will positively impact the overall well-being of our patients during their cancer journeys.”

— Becky Troyer

“We are very grateful for the support of the Archbold Foundation that will help ensure our patients have access to this new scalp cooling technology, regardless of their ability to pay for the treatment. We are very excited to bring this new technology to our South Georgia re-

gion, and we look forward to watching how it will positively impact the overall well-being of our patients during their cancer journeys.”

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Aloe Vera Tea Made for More Than Sipping Written by: Cody Gatts

Aloe vera tea comes from the sap of an aloe plant, which grows in warm environments, and can be used to treat a wide range of things from a sunburn to digestive problems. Many people combine the sap of this tea with another base tea, such as black, oolong, or green tea. Prepared Aloe vera tea is also occasionally sold in health food stores by the gallon. The steps to make your own aloe tea are as follows: Step 1 – Bring a saucepan of water to boil.

Step 2 – Soak a preferred tea bag in the hot water for 3-4 minutes.

Step 3 – Add about 1 teaspoon of dried aloe sap powder into the tea or squeeze the aloe vera jelly directly out of an aloe leaf.

Step 4 – Add honey or a sweetener after straining the tea.

The cooled solution can serve as a wash for eyes and wounds, or it can be ingested while warm to treat certain digestive disorders. It is also used to treat burns and alleviate the symptoms of over-exposure to the sun by pouring the cooled tea on the affected area.

(For higher degrees of burns, seek medical attention rather than home remedies.) Aloe can also help treat skin conditions such as rashes or insect bites.

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The tea has benefits and detriments depending on the quantity of the tea that is being ingested. Most negative symptoms present themselves at high doses.

• Aloe tea has been studied for having immune system boosting properties.

While its ingredients do have those capabilities, there is not a high enough percentage of those ingredients to be of large benefit.

• The tea is said to be able to relieve certain amounts of abdominal pain when ingested in smaller doses.

• The ingredients in aloe tea have potential laxative-like effects, which could assist with certain gastrointestinal issues. However, some experts advise against drinking aloe tea because the chemicals in it have the potential to cause gastrointestinal toxicity manifesting as diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

• Aloe vera tea has also been found to help with treating high cholesterol and regulating blood sugar in diabetics. A few of its ingredients help lessen the symptoms of those common ailments.

Although there is not enough data to conclusively prove these effects, there is more data from research on the plant itself. Other research states that consuming the latex of the plant has also been linked to kidney damage and miscarriage, and is listed as a possible carcinogen. Overall, the tea is mostly beneficial, but can be more dangerous if you have too much of it.

Impressive Innovations at Thacker Dermatology Written by: Betsy Perry Backe, MD, FAAD

At Thacker Dermatology, we are always working to bring the latest and greatest technology and products to South Georgia and the surrounding areas.

We introduced the EmSculpt in our practice almost one year ago, which is the first FDA-cleared energy device approved to burn fat and build muscle mass, and have had great success treating patients' abdomens and buttocks. At the end of September, our new small, contoured applicators will arrive and allow us to treat biceps, triceps, calves, and thighs in only four 30-minute sessions over two weeks!

We have EmSculpt memberships available that allow interest-free monthly payments to be spread over the course of the year.

Also coming to our office is miraDry, which will be a game-changer for anyone suffering from excessive sweating. The miraDry system is the only FDA-cleared treatment that can dramatically reduce underarm sweat by addressing the root cause of excessive sweat and its accompanying symptoms. This system boasts impressive clinical results with an 82-percent reduction in sweat, 89-percent reduction in odor, and 70-percent reduction in hair in one to two treatments.

It may seem like a radical concept as our bodies certainly need the ability to naturally cool themselves; however, only two percent of the 2 million sweat glands in your body are located in the underarms. Eliminating that two percent does not affect your body's ability to naturally cool itself, so why put up with underarm sweat and odor if you don’t have to?

Along with these great new devices, we've also introduced a new product line called Alastin and have started carrying products from the DermaBlend makeup line. Alastin is a skincare line known for its patented TriHex Technology, which is a proprietary blend of active peptides and botanicals specifically engineered to work with the skin to clear out old and damaged collagen and elastin proteins while supporting the skin's natural ability to produce new collagen and elastin.

Elastin is the protein that gives the “snap back” in skin. This technology can't be found in any other product lines and is backed by extensive science and pre- and post-treatment biopsies. We are thrilled to be the first to bring Alastin to the area.

Our patients are also loving the introduction of the DermaBlend makeup line as they are able to leave our office with makeup on even after a procedure thanks to its non-comedogenic formula. DermaBlend Flawless Creator allows lightweight and customizable coverage levels in a wide variety of skin tones.

Feeling like you just really need to see all this new stuff to truly believe it?

Come see us at our annual Cosmetics and Cocktails event! This year's event will be held Thursday, September 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at our office located at 4233 Camelot Crossing in Valdosta, Georgia.

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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Personal Trainer Helps Clients Transform Lives Written by: Jay Summer Photography by: Jesse Taylor

Adam Merritt is a personal trainer at Factor X Fitness, a professionally-run 24hour fitness center in Thomasville, Georgia. Their 12,000-square-foot gym is filled with weight machines, free weights, and cardio equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, and a Stair Master. Factor X Fitness also offers group exercise classes in addition to personal training.

We spoke with Merritt to learn more about his life and experiences as a personal trainer. His thoughts will be interesting to anyone who has considered becoming a personal training client, is generally curious about the world of personal training, or is even considering personal training as a potential career for themselves.

Merritt has been a personal trainer for three years and has spent the last two of those years at Factor X Fitness. When asked why he pursued personal training, his passion for working out and personal training became evident.

“I’ve loved working out since I was a kid," Merritt said. "[I] started [at] about — 12 years old and continued through today, so personal training was really a no-brainer for me.”

Merritt enjoys working for Factor X Fitness in particular and helping change people’s lives through the work he does there.

“When I got the opportunity to work for Factor X, I just kind of ran with it," he said. "It’s turned out to be a really good decision that has let me be a part of a lot of transformations.”

There isn’t any one type of client that Merritt tends to work with.

“I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with a variety of different clients," he said. "They range anywhere from football players and event athletes to your basic gym-goer just looking to start a healthier lifestyle.”

You don’t have to be an athlete or have any familiarity with weight lifting

“I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with a variety of different clients. They range anywhere from football players and event athletes to your basic gym-goer just looking to start a healthier lifestyle.”

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Adam Merritt

to train with Merritt. If you’re curious about exploring personal training as an avenue to help you begin working out for the first time or to improve upon your existing fitness plan, know that Merritt is available to help you work toward healthier living at any stage of your journey.

Merritt enjoys helping people make changes and achieve their fitness goals.

“Anybody that is motivated enough to make a change has my respect from the start,” he said.

Merritt works a flexible schedule to cater to his training clients.

“I wake up around 4:30 [a.m.] to get ready and meet clients at 5:30 every morning," he said. "Then it’s usually one after the other until lunch.”

He still makes time to keep himself in shape.

“I’ll eat, get a workout in of my own, and then get back to it for my afternoon clients," Merritt said. "I try to be available as often as possible, and clients seem to really appreciate that, as many of them have very demanding jobs.”

We asked Merritt to give general fitness advice we could share with our readers, and he kindly obliged.

The first piece of advice is that working out is only one part of the puzzle.

“If I could give one piece of advice to the general public, it is to make sure you are monitoring what you put in your body," he said. "Working out will always help, but without proper nutrition, it’s almost impossible to see dramatic changes in your physique.”

Merritt’s second piece of advice is to move beyond what you’re used to doing.

“Some common mistakes I see in the gym on a day-to-day basis are really just people being in — their comfort zone," he said. "Most people, myself included, tend to do what they are good at and like doing rather than focus on weaknesses that need to improve.

My advice is to always step outside of your comfort zone. It’s the only way to improve your build, as well as build up some confidence!”

“Anybody that is motivated enough to make a change has my respect from the start.”

— Adam Merritt

“If I could give one piece of advice to the general public, it is to make sure you are monitoring what you put in your body. Working out will always help, but without proper nutrition, it’s almost impossible to see dramatic changes in your physique.”

Adam Merritt

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— PHOTOGRAPHY —

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

evdreamswild

Simple Ways to Make Life Easier for a Child With ADHD 1. Alter the child's

diet to cut down on foods and drinks with added sugar.

2. Have the child start taking vitamins.

3. Praise children with ADHD at least five times daily.

4. Punish the child lovingly.

5. Do chores together.

6. Intentionally model

Is ADHD Overdiagnosed?

Written by: Jay Summer

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed in children that can continue into adulthood. Diagnostic criteria for ADHD are outlined by the American Psychiatric Association.

Like the name of the disorder says, people with ADHD generally have trouble paying attention for extended periods of time and can become hyperactive. People with ADHD might have trouble listening, following instructions, organizing tasks and items, and avoiding distractions.

Researchers estimate that, worldwide, the prevalence of ADHD falls between 3.4 and 7.2 percent of the general population. In the United States, the prevalence of ADHD might be quite a bit higher at over 10 percent. ADHD diagnoses in the U.S. have increased at a rapid rate over the past few decades.

The occurrence of ADHD varies in different parts of

the country, however, and in some states and school districts the disorder has been found to be diagnosed in 30 percent or more of male students.

The variation in ADHD diagnosis rates across the U.S. has led parents and experts alike to wonder if ADHD is being overdiagnosed. And if ADHD overdiagnosis is real, does that mean children are simply misbehaving?

Is medication unnecessary? Is improper parenting to blame? Is ADHD even real?

The answer to the ADHD diagnosis question is complex. ADHD is an actual disorder, so yes, it is real and has now been the subject of research since the 1700s.

That said, ADHD is likely overdiagnosed, according to medical professionals. About 5 percent of the U.S. population likely actually meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD even though a

much larger percentage receive an ADHD diagnosis in many areas.

There are likely multiple reasons children are being misdiagnosed. One is that many doctors don’t actually adhere to the ADHD diagnostic criteria. Instead, they give children who show some signs of ADHD, such as restlessness, the label. Also, because medical professionals know that ADHD is more common in boys, doctors tend to be quicker to diagnose boys with ADHD than girls.

Research shows that kids who are younger than their classmates are more frequently diagnosed, and sometimes misdiagnosed, as having ADHD. The reality is that many of these younger students don’t have a neurodevelopmental disorder; they are simply not as developed as their slightly older peers.

Other children are wrongly diagnosed with ADHD not because they are just kids being kids,

but because they have a different disorder. ADHD has overlapping symptoms with multiple psychiatric, developmental, and physical disorders. A child misdiagnosed with ADHD might have other disorders, such as sleep apnea or autism.

The bottom line is ADHD is real, and children who have it should be treated. ADHD medications come with side effects and risks, however, so it is important for parents to be aware that they don’t want their child on ADHD medication unless the child truly has ADHD. If a parent is concerned about their child being misdiagnosed, they might consider seeking out another doctor for a second opinion.

or role play good behaviors.

7. Make the child wait.

8. Put Epsom salt in the child's nighttime bath.

ADHD Symptoms To Look For • Inability to sit still,

squirming in seat • Easily bored • Anxiety • Appearance of poor memory • Difficulty following instructions • Insomnia • Emotional outbursts • Impatience • Prone to anger • Ineffective organizational skills • Unstable personal relationships

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Improved Health and Recovery Go Hand in Hand Written by: Jay Summer | Photography by: Jesse Taylor

Billy Hamilton is the fitness director at Valdosta Country Club in Valdosta, Georgia, and has been personal training for upwards of 15 years. He got his start after seeing a newspaper advertisement for a personal trainer position at the YMCA and applying years ago. His experience with fitness and personal training goes beyond the average health transformation story, however.

Before Hamilton first began training, he had custody of his two young daughters and was looking for work that would fit around their schedules.

“I had a job that I just wasn't happy doing and was feeling really unfulfilled,” he said. “I had always liked athletics and enjoyed working out, so it (the YMCA) just seemed to fit.”

Hamilton has been through hard times and views his faith and his career in fitness as two threads that have worked together throughout his life. At one point, he was in two severe car crashes within a few months' time. He should’ve been hurt based on the severity of the crashes.

“I walked away from both of them without a scratch,” Hamilton said.

After the car crashes, Hamilton felt like he must’ve survived for a reason.

"As far as my faith and my work are concerned, and my fitness journey, well, I believe that we have all been given gifts. Each of us has something we are good at doing. We aren't given our gifts to keep things to ourselves, but to help encourage and lift others up. I just feel that one of my gifts happens to be athletics and working out.”

— Billy Hamilton 16

“God is not finished with me yet,” he said. “He has something here for me to do.”

That something is helping others become healthier and remaining healthy himself for his family and clients.

Hamilton’s words about his faith spurring his career are inspiring: “As far as my faith and my work are concerned, and my fitness journey, well, I believe that we have all been given gifts. Each of us has something we are good at doing. We aren't given our gifts to keep things to ourselves,

6 Tips for Recovery 1. Open Up 2. Discover a Support Community 3. Seek Professional Help 4. Find Literature Related to You 5. Cultivate Self-Esteem/Self Love 6. Change Old Habits “When people hear ‘recovery,’ they often think pills and alcohol and other substances.

Truth be told, there are so many things out there that people need recovery from that don’t have to do with substances.”

— Billy Hamilton

Tift Regional

PRE-SEASON PREVIEW FROM REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL COACHES

Health System

TO MEN’S HEALTH SATURDAY, JULY 27TH 8 - 11:30 AM

Tift Regional Community Events Center 1657 Carpenter Road South, Tifton Moderated by Chris Beckham with The Chick-Fil-A Football Friday Night Radio Show

• Free Screenings • Health Tips • Fantastic Food • Health Seminar

• Great Door Prizes • Fan Frenzy Grand-Prize ...and more!

* No registration is required. For more information, call (229) 353-6316 or visit the Calendar of Events at www.tiftregional.com.

but to help encourage and lift others up. I just feel that one of my gifts happens to be athletics and working out.”

The gifts Hamilton shares benefit a variety of people. He is involved with a recovery group.

“When people hear ‘recovery,’ they often think pills and alcohol and other substances.," Hamilton said. "Truth be told, there are so many things out there that people need recovery from that don’t have to do with substances.”

For Hamilton, improved health and recovery go hand in hand.

Whether Hamilton is helping people build muscle, lose weight, or recover from addiction, he believes in putting in the effort to change.

“If you want something different, you have to do something different," he said. "So, if you are a stay-at-home mom, a high school soccer player, a cancer survivor, or a heart transplant recipient and you want to be better, it will take work. I have been so blessed to have been part of so many lives and so many journeys just simply because people showed up and trusted the process and did the work. [Change] doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen.”

Hamilton is willing to work with anyone, even clients whom others might consider more difficult to train.

“I don't have any particular clients or client types I prefer, but I do enjoy working with those who have a major health issue to address," he said. "I have done a good bit of work with injury recovery and some transplant individuals as well.

I have had several cancerrelated clients and conditions along those lines, too. The thing is, no matter who the trainer is or what kind of program the individual is on, it is still up to [the client] to show up, to do the work. To me, that's where you find the real heroes.”

Helping others through personal training not only benefits Hamilton’s clients, it benefits Hamilton as well.

“Working out and staying in shape and helping others maintain and improve their health makes me feel good about me, if that makes sense,” he said.

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It’s not an emergency, but it’s a minor medical issue that can’t wait.

Sprain, strain or sore throat? Convenient Care at Cook Family Wellness Center offers adults and children treatment for minor injuries and illnesses such as: Cold Flu Sinus infections Sprains Strains

Ear Infections Sore Throat Urinary Tract Infections Bronchitis Other Minor Health Problems

The clinic also offers a 24-hour nurse line--just call 229-896-3424, even after the clinic is closed.

Convenient Care Hours

Monday through Friday: 8:30 am - 10:00 pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Convenient Care at

Cook Family Wellness Center

103 James Street, Adel (across the street from the hospital)

Call 229-896-3424 or visit cookmedicalcenter.com for more information

229.469.4892 www.smallcakescupcakery.com 3209 N. Oak Street Extension Valdosta, GA 31605

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Colquitt Regional

Offers Safe Deliveries Through VBACs Written by: Alex Dunn

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Colquitt Regional has emphasized its commitment to superior women’s healthcare in recent years with the renovation of its Labor and Delivery Unit and building a state-of-the-art outpatient women’s clinic. In addition to improved facilities, they are also offering women expanded options for their birthing experience. Vaginal birth after cesarean section, also known as VBAC, is one of the unique practices available at Colquitt Regional that is not usually considered by other hospitals in the region because of its risks. Common practice often dictates that if a woman delivers a baby via C-section, then any subsequent births will be delivered by C-section as well.

C-sections are necessary when a patient is not able to give birth vaginally and must undergo the surgical cutting of the abdominal wall and uterus lining to remove the baby.

Board-certified OB-GYN Jim Small, MD, M.Ed., FACOG, explained that there are many factors that can contribute to an emergency C-section.

“They can happen for a number of reasons,” he said. “Sometimes the baby just won't fit through the mother's pelvis, or sometimes it can be the baby just doesn't like going through labor. Fortunately, emergency C-sections are the rarest of all C-sections.”

Small, who has been with Sterling Center Women’s Health for over three years, said that he has delivered about 150 of the 400-500 babies delivered in the hospital each year. Of those, Small said, they were mostly vaginal births, and over a hundred of those were successful VBACs. Sterling Center Women’s Health providers practice and deliver exclu-

sively at Colquitt Regional.

For an expectant mother who wants to attempt a VBAC, Small said there are certain criteria that must be met.

“This is done in conjunction and counseling with the obstetric provider such as myself,” he said. “We look at a number of factors to consider potential success to deliver vaginally. The most significant of these factors is of course why they had the first C-section. Our hospital is fully equipped to manage the potential risk of attempting this delivery. The biggest emergency risk is actually less than 1 percent, which is related to the prior uterine scar from the previous cesarean delivery.”

Not every woman is a candidate for VBAC, but Colquitt Regional welcomes the opportunity to discuss the possibility.

Furthermore, Colquitt Regional is one of the few hospitals in the region that even considers performing VBACs, according to Small.

“The biggest risk with a VBAC is actually related to the uterine scar,” Small said. “There’s approximately a 0.7-percent chance that that scar could tear during the throes of active labor. Consequently, the reverse is actually a 99-percent chance that this scar will remain intact. However, this is the main reason we have the greatest concern about attempted VBAC because if the scar did tear it can present as an emergency cesarean delivery, which has its own set of complications.”

With that being said, any mother who has agreed to attempt a VBAC is monitored closely during pregnancy and throughout the course of labor. Small also said that the key to a successful birth is based off of excellent care while pregnant and in labor. To ensure that all attempted VBACs have a great likelihood of

success, Colquitt Regional has adopted a team approach. Board Certified anesthesiologists, OB-GYNs, a nurse midwife, and the staff of the Labor and Delivery Unit have worked together to put protocols and safe practices in place for all VBAC procedures.

“This means that a mother should come to the office as soon as she realizes she may be pregnant and followed along throughout the pregnancy with regular visits and care,” Small said. “All of the studies have shown that good prenatal care leads to the best outcomes.”

Colquitt Regional offers the crucial service of providing expectant mothers the attentiveness and care they

need to have a safe delivery.

Small offered some advice to make the experience easier and safer.

“My advice to all mothers is to make a plan for what they would like their birth to be, but understand the key word is ‘flexibility’ because, in reality, the one in charge of the birth is actually the baby,” he said. “We’re simply here to make the experience the best possible, and our team works on that from your first prenatal care visit through the entire pregnancy, through the prenatal classes, through the birth experience, and into the subsequent postpartum time.”

The motto Sterling Center Women’s Health

goes by is “for women, for life,” which Small believes they stand by to the fullest extent.

“I'm very proud of what we have to offer for women here at Colquitt Regional Medical Center and Sterling Center Women's Health,” he said. “This facility is one of the finest in the state of Georgia, and I believe we are privileged to take care of the women in this community.”

Small practices alongside Linnea Mehls, MD, and Michelle Holzman, CNM, APRN, at Sterling Center Women’s Health, part of the Sterling Physician Group located in Moultrie, Georgia.

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Keep Calm and Plant a Garden Written by: Cody Gatts

As an outdoor activity, gardening allows you to get some exercise and sweat. Any physical movement is good for your body, and because gardening mostly takes place outside, your body is able to absorb the vitamin D that it needs.

Cortisol is the hormone associated with stress, and stress is a huge health risk.

Chronically elevated cortisol levels have been linked to everything from immune function to obesity and heart disease. Elevated stress levels can also cause memory and learning problems.

Gardening may be just one way to achieve your target 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise each week. A study indicated that gardening regularly cuts stroke and heart attack risks by up to 30 percent for those over 60 years old. Activities such as gardening, do-it-yourself projects, and housework may be as good as formal exercise when it comes to reducing the risk for heart attack and stroke. Make sure to expose your limbs (without sunscreen) for just 10 minutes during midday

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gardening. That exposure will give you enough vitamin D to reduce risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, and various cancers.

People with lower vitamin D levels may be doubling their risk of dying from heart disease. In most cases, too much time spent indoors is to blame.

As we age, diminishing dexterity and strength in the hands can gradually narrow the range of activities that are possible. All that digging, planting, and pulling does more than produce plants. Gardening activities will increase your hand strength. Gardening keeps those hand muscles vigorous and agile without exercising around hand-based exercises.

Researchers found daily gardening can cause the single biggest risk reduction for dementia, reducing incidence by 36 to 47 percent. Why does gardening make such a difference? Alzheimer’s is a mysterious disease, and the factors controlling its development and progression remain poorly understood.

However,

gardening involves many of our critical functions, including strength, endurance, dexterity, learning, problem solving, and sensory awareness.

The positive bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, is common in garden dirt and absorbed by inhalation or ingestion of vegetables.

The bacteria have been found to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, allergies, and asthma, all of which may stem from a low functioning immune system.

Researchers are still speculating how our immune system may interact with our brains and play into a variety of mental health issues in addition to our ability to fend off infection.

Horticultural therapy (also known as gardening therapy) is a professional practice that uses plants and gardening to improve mental health. A horticultural therapist works with any group that can benefit from interaction with plants.

Those potential groups include veterans, children, the elderly, and those dealing with addiction or mental health problems.

Gardening therapy

is rooted in the idea that interacting with plants can bring about good thoughts, whether it's tending a garden or having potted plants in your home. Taking care of a plant or a garden with guidance from a therapist can improve not only your state of mind, but your blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormone levels.

When we exercise, levels of serotonin and dopamine (hormones that create good feelings) rise, and the level of stressful cortisol is lowered. Some of the therapeutic power of gardening is that it allows us to unleash our anger and aggression as well as providing an opportunity to experience the feeling of nurture. The great thing about destructiveness in the garden is that it's also connected to renewal and growth. If the plants aren’t cut back, then they will swamp any available space.

Anxious people often feel overwhelmed by the world around them, and gardening can be a good way of gaining a sense of control. Trying to control other people is a fruitless exercise.

People are more likely to succeed in controlling their beds and borders, which makes gardening a particularly satisfying experience.

Gardening also allows reflective time to deal with grief. Garden therapy has proven helpful to many eating disorder and depression sufferers. Not only does it help them to peacefully reconnect with themselves, it also allows them to have the same control. Studies have revealed that children with ADD who regularly spend time in green spaces swiftly experience a marked reduction in their symptoms.

7 Calming & Relaxing Plants to Have at Home

JASMINE

LAVENDER

ROSEMARY

ALOE VERA

SNAKE PLANT

GOLDEN POTHOS

GERBERA DAISY

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Local South Georgia Clinic Game Changers in Treating Migraine and Spine Pain Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson

The Migraine and Spine Clinic of Valdosta is the game changer when it comes to treating migraine and spine pain. Opened in 2017, the clinic is the only specialized urgent care in South Georgia that treats patients with acute migraine episodes and back pain with non-narcotic nerve blocks and steroid injections, which allows most patients to go back to work and daily life right after treatment.

Business owner and Valdosta University alumnus Josh Batson is a neurology nurse practitioner who brings his philosophy of patient-first medicine to The Migraine and Spine Clinic.

The idea of the clinic was born when Batson was working as a provider and heard the horror stories of migraine sufferers that reminded him of what his wife went through years before he went into medicine. Batson witnessed severe attacks early on in their marriage, often accompanying her to the ER waiting room where migraines were not usually treated as emergent cases.

“After hearing the same accounts over and over, I thought, ‘There has to be a better way,’” he said. “Part of my training in neurology was in nerve blocking techniques to abort active migraines. We began working patients in on a call-in basis requesting treatment for active migraines during normal office hours.

"This worked great for current patients and when we could work them in, but then the thought of ‘What about other migraine sufferers?’ kept popping up. I wanted a place that could quickly and effectively treat an acute migraine attack while keeping the migraine sufferer in mind from the time they entered until they left.”

The clinic grew from there. While migraine treatment is Batson’s passion, he is also trained in spine disease management, something that is often treated similarly to migraines in an ER. Batson’s clinic is trying to change that misconception.

“There are some quick, safe, and effective treatments that can help acute attacks or flare ups for those people too,” he said. “By having an urgent care clinic in the community specializing in head, neck, and back pain, we help prevent some of these non-emergent patients from going to the ER and in turn help keep the wait times down while allowing ER professionals to focus on true emergencies.”

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3315 N Valdosta Rd. Suite A. Valdosta, GA 31601

Mon - Fri: 9AM - 5PM Sat - Sun: 12PM - 4PM

229-333-9838

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

Deuteronomy 28:6

themigraineandspineclinic.com

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Most of Batson’s philosophy of putting the patient first derives from his background in customer service in the restaurant industry, which he implements in his work now to give patients the best care possible.

“The hospitality industry can teach you a lot about people, life, and yourself,” he said. “I learned so many skills over the years, but I would say learning about and how to manage people was the most useful. I was the guy who comes to your table after you complain to your server. My job was to fix the problem and ensure you left happy. Seems simple enough; however, I quickly learned different things make people happy.

"One basic takeaway from all this is that you can't put people in a box and treat them all the same way. Unfortunately, modern day medicine's approach is this way. I believe in individualizing a person's care. My migraine patients are almost all different. Sure, they all have the same neurological disease, but it presents in each of them a little differently.

So my plan of care is customized for each person.

I created this business because a group of people needed help, and I had the ability and know how to do it.”

It was also important for Batson to surround himself with a team that had the same passion and empathy for patients.

Along with Batson, Justin Haskins and James Garrett, both of who are nurse practitioners, bring their neurology expertise and offer the clinic the flexibility to be open seven days a week. Haskins suffers from neck and back pain, and Garret suffers from migraines. They understand and know from personal experience how a patient is feeling when they come into the clinic.

“By having an urgent care clinic in the community specializing in head, neck, and back pain, we help prevent some of these non-emergent patients from going to the ER and in turn help keep the wait times down while allowing ER professionals to focus on true emergencies.”

— Josh Batson Equally as important was that the patients felt welcome and understood from the time they arrived (or called). Both Rebecca Moore and Glenda Homer are caring individuals and have an understanding of the symptoms patients suffer from.

Since its opening two years ago, The Migraine and Spine Clinic has grown slowly but surely and is set up with low-lit rooms, recliners, and cool temperatures for patients coming in suffering from symptoms. Batson described what a typical day is for him at the office.

“We are an urgent care clinic, so our days vary on patient counts,” he said.

“In the beginning, it was not uncommon to have days with no patients at all. We have been blessed to have steady growth over the last two years and a loyal patient base, so those days are few and far between anymore. We treat predominantly acute migraine attacks, but we

treat a good bit of sciatica.

These flare ups can derail someone's plans. We are here to get you back on the right track.”

The clinic is known as a game changer because it is the first of its kind in the area to specialize in this specified urgent care.

“We are a great option for head, neck, and back pain sufferers who need relief fast,” Batson said.

“We are faster, more economical, and more willing to treat these disorders than the ER. It allows the ER to focus on true emergencies by peeling off a group of would-be patients that would otherwise further clog up the waiting room.”

Batson’s clinic also uses non-narcotic nerve blockers and steroid injections to help reduce pain. Batson explained that research shows that narcotics can help headaches in the short term but lead to rebound headaches later on and sometimes at a more intense level of pain than before. He believes using alternative methods to pain management is what contributed to their success and growth.

“We customize each treatment to each patient and their symptoms, and because of this we have had a high rate of success,” he said. “”Pain is the No. 1 reason people go to the doctor. In a time when everyone is focused on not giving patients opioids, we need other options or pieces to the puzzle. Lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and physical therapy are all pieces of the puzzle that already exist in the world of medicine and have for some time. We

have to be able to offer patients meaningful pain relief, and we believe the Migraine and Spine Clinic does just that.”

Get Relief from Migraines, Neck and Back Pain

The Migraine and Spine Clinic of Valdosta is the only specialized migraine and spine urgent care in South Georgia. When you have an active migraine or back spasm, an injection or nerve block for the pain may be the solution. With a decade of experience, you can trust that you will receive personal and prompt care using treatments that alleviate your pain today.

3315 N Valdosta Rd. Suite A, Valdosta, GA 31601 | 229-333-9838 | themigraineandspineclinic.com 27

How to deal with stress How do we manage stress levels without relying on unhealthy methods? Here are a few coping mechanisms:

Get physical. Exercise is a well-known way to combat stress. It has positive effects on overall health and boosts endorphin levels.

Get professional help.

Whether you choose traditional talk therapy or engage in animal or art therapy — both of which have been shown to notably lower stress levels — therapy is a tried and true method for dealing with all types of stress.

Engage in routine leisure time.

In other words, finding the right work-life balance is critical to managing stress levels. We all need routine downtime to recharge. We can’t avoid stress altogether, but having hobbies, enjoying family time, and incorporating soothing self-care routines in our daily lives can help with stress management.

Spend time outdoors. New research has shown that time spent in nature has important health benefits, including helping with stress reduction.

Meditate.

Try downloading a meditation app to help clear your mind and center yourself. Or, find a relaxing meditation-style yoga class if you prefer to stay off your smartphone.

The Physical Manifestation of Stress Written by: Steph Coelho

We all experience stress at one time or another. Whether it’s work deadlines or family disharmony causing your cortisol levels to rise, stress can have a real effect on your mind and body. Stress manifests as a result of everyday annoyances (e.g. being stuck in a traffic jam) but can also be the result of instances of trauma (e.g. divorce or a death in the family). We’re all built to respond to moments of stress, but when stress levels are constant, you’re likely to notice physical repercussions.

When we’re dealing with life’s daily stressors and anxieties, it‘s sometimes difficult to tell when stress has risen to an unhealthy level. Here are some of the dangerous ways that stress manifests physically along with the best (and worst) ways to cope and manage stress.

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Indulge. Keep a bar of dark chocolate around and treat yourself from time to time. Did you know that eating dark chocolate has been linked to a reduction in stress and inflammation?

When stressful moments in your life arise, avoid coping in harmful ways like overeating, skipping meals, lashing out in anger or violence, oversleeping, withdrawing, and shutting down. Try one of the above coping methods instead.

If the stress you’re experiencing seems insurmountable, don’t be afraid to speak to a professional. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to talk to someone right away, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-2738255).

How does stress physically affect us?

Hair

Brain

Mouth

Immune System Heart

Lungs

Muscles

Digestive Tract

Reproductive Organs

Skin

Are you feeling wiped out from the rigors of childrearing? Maybe you’ve been experiencing a higher workload at the office and find yourself struggling to handle the increased volume of tasks. Stressful moments occur in all of our lives, so why does it matter how we handle and cope with them?

Over time, high stress levels can have a detrimental impact on our physical health. Extensive research shows that prolonged periods of elevated cortisol levels may impact the body in more ways than one. The effects of stress aren’t limited to acute reactions like headaches and irritability. Down the line, those who have trouble coping with stress may experience ill effects on their overall health.

A 2019 study from the Galvan Institute of Medical Research showed that individuals are more likely to gain weight when stressed because of increased levels of insulin produced by the body. Stress also has an impact on our gut bacteria. When our gut bacteria is out of whack, it may have an adverse effect on our immune system. Research from Ohio State University says that this might explain why those with diseases like IBS experience flare-ups during periods of elevated stress.

Stress may also have an impact on fertility in men and women. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, men in their study who reported feeling stressed were found to have low-quality sperm.

In women, stress may harm reproduction function and, in particular, has been shown to have adverse effects on the ovaries.

The most severe effect of high stress levels is the increased risk of cardiovascular illness. A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology showed that individuals with high blood pressure experiencing work stress and sleep issues were much more likely to die of heart disease than their nonstressed, healthy counterparts. A 2018 study from the European Society of Cardiology demonstrated that those with high-stress careers are 48 percent more likely to experience heart issues like atrial fibrillation, compared to those working in less stressful environments.

Yoga Poses for Stress Relief

Easy Pose

Yoga Squat

Downward Dog

Bridge Pose

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Benefits of Family Fitness 8 Ideas to Get You Started Written by: Steph Coelho Photography by: Eric Vinson

Getting moving as a family has so many amazing benefits. Group physical fitness not only represents an important bonding opportunity, but it’s also a way to reduce sedentary behavior in young children. Sweating together as a family establishes a foundation for fitness in kids that will remain with them throughout their lives. Children, after all, model their parents' behavior and are more likely to participate in physical endeavors if their parents also participate.

With a spouse or partner, moving together is the perfect way to spend time with one another without the distraction of screens or technology. Enjoying fitness activities with any member of your family won’t just benefit your relationship, though. You’re more likely to show up if you know someone else is waiting for you at the hiking trail or the gym. You’re also more likely to put in an acceptable amount of effort if you’re working out with someone else rather than alone.

Strategies for encouraging your family to move together Create a routine.

Walk or bike together.

Get a dog.

Start a garden.

Whatever activity you pick — walking together after dinner, biking to school, playing soccer at the park — make it a regular occurrence instead of a special one-time occasion. If it feels like it’s part of the weekly routine, you’re more likely to repeat the routine and have it become a real path to family fitness.

Instead of instinctively grabbing the car keys when it’s time to run an errand, lace up your sneaker or don your helmet and ask a family member to tag along. Both walking and biking are accessible, low-impact activities and don’t require much pre-planning or effort.

Consider the responsibilities and costs that come along with a family pet first, and if the fit is right, head to your local shelter.

Try turning daily dog walks into a family affair.

You’ll not only teach your kids about where their food comes from, but you’ll be able to enjoy time outside together. Plus, digging, weeding, and harvesting will have you all working up a sweat.

Go on an outdoor adventure.

Plan active outings.

Don’t make it about weight loss.

Include your child’s friends.

Enjoy the great outdoors together! Spending time outside increases mood, reduces stress, and is a lot of fun. Turn physical activity into something fun instead of a chore.

Head out to an orchard to pick fruit or walk around and discover a new part of town together.

Physical activity doesn’t always need to include huffing and puffing. As long as you’re moving together, it counts!

Physical fitness shouldn’t be about losing weight. It should be about encouraging healthy habits and, of course, FUN!

Did you know that children are more likely to feel positive about physical activities if they’re participating with a friend? Ask your child to invite a playmate to join your family game of frisbee in the park or on your next hike.

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Cyclical Depression and Barriers to Treatment Written by: Steph Coelho

For many, depression feels like a constant sadness, gnawing away at fleeting moments of happiness in life, an ever-present melancholy always there in the background. Depression, however, doesn’t necessarily present in such a predictable way in every person. For some, depression manifests in cycles. The waves of sadness come and go on repeat, sometimes in noticeable patterns, other times in random bursts. For those with cyclical depression, diagnosis and treatment may be more difficult.

Cyclical depression is more common in those who have PTSD or chronic illness but is not limited to these populations. There are three main types of cyclical depression, including cyclothymia, dysthymia, and seasonal affective disorder.

How can cyclical depression limit treatment options or make it tougher to seek treatment?

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Use this questionnaire to help decide if you need to seek a specialist who treats depression.

When depression appears suddenly and vanishes days or weeks later, the condition may be tough to diagnose. In some cases, cyclical depression may not even be recognized as depression. When feelings of depression subside, those affected may believe they are cured and won’t bother to seek treatment.

Treatment can also be difficult if there’s a lack of understanding on the part of mental health practitioners. The illness doesn’t manifest in a predictable manner, so it’s more difficult for mental health professionals to check off the boxes and make a quick diagnosis. Diagnosis of cyclical depression may require more time than diagnosing someone with traditional depression.

Cyclical depression can also be misdiagnosed as bipolar disorder or any number of other mental illnesses because it presents differently than depression and is not as common.

If depression is not constant, traditional treatment options may not feel right or work correctly. In some cases, medications may worsen the issue and have detrimental side effects.

Because of its ebb and flow, there’s also a perception that this form of depression is less severe than traditional depression. While feelings of sadness and despair are often milder in persons with cyclical depression compared to classic depression, it does not make the illness any less debilitating or less deserving of treatment.

When depression is constant, it can be easier to notice symptoms in oneself. Others around you may also be more apt to pay attention to changes in behavior. If depression comes and goes, however, it becomes difficult to self-diagnose because of fluctuating feelings and symptoms. People may then be less inclined to seek help.

It’s essential to recognize that there exist two distinct types of depression and that these mental illnesses do not present identically in different people.

Increased awareness is critical in providing people with the tools to recognize depression in themselves and empower them to seek treatment when necessary. It’s also vital for practitioners to recognize that forms of cyclical depression may require more time and patience in terms of treatment.

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Not at all

Several days

More than Nearly half the every day days

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things 2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless 3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much 4. Feeling tired or having little energy 5. Poor appetite or overeating 6. Feeling bad about yourself, that you are a failure, or have let yourself or your family down 7. Trouble concentrating on things such as reading the newspaper or watching television 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way Information courtesy of adaa.org

October National Down Syndrome Awareness Month

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Blindspots in Cancer Funding Written by: Steph Coelho

Funding For High-Profile Cancers

Why Are These Cancers Underfunded?

Every year in October, Breast Cancer Awareness month succeeds in raising millions of dollars to fund research and awareness programs for this devastating cancer that affects 12 percent of women in the United States alone. Men, too, are affected by the disease, and more than 2,000 American men are expected to be diagnosed with the invasive cancer in 2019. Thankfully, extensive funding has helped with early detection and treatment of this cancer. It’s now one of the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in the United States. Despite its prevalence, recently published survival rates are encouraging. The five-year survival rate of women in the U.S. diagnosed with breast cancer (whose cancer has not metastasized) is 99 percent. Since the late ‘80s, survival rates have drastically improved.

Pediatric cancers, too, have seen an important increase in survival rates. While the number of children being diagnosed with childhood cancers is increasing, the five-year survival rate has improved dramatically, largely thanks to improved treatment options available.

High-profile cancers like breast cancer, pediatric cancers, leukemia, and lymphoma receive a large amount of funding, and organizations have successfully raised awareness for these prolific and deadly diseases.

There are, however, several cancers that have failed to catch the attention of donors and receive limited funding for research and awareness initiatives. Pancreatic, lung, gallbladder, stomach, and gynecological cancers have lower survival rates and yet touch a significant portion of the country’s population.

A recent study in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network explained that a large portion of deadly cancers receive limited funding despite their low survival rates and prevalence.

While all cancer funding is important, the study suggests that efforts must be put forth to recalibrate our perceptions regarding these cancers.

There’s evidence to suggest that people associate negative behaviors — like alcoholism and smoking — with diseases like liver and lung cancer. Lung cancer is only second to skin cancer in prevalence in the United States. While the risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer rises in those who smoke, the disease does not discriminate.

Another barrier to awareness and funding efforts is people’s reluctance to speak about embarrassing symptoms — like those related to the bowels or genitals.

Many women’s cancers (cervical and ovarian, for instance) are also underfunded. For diseases like ovarian cancer, a lack of funding represents a substantial setback concerning detection and treatment options.

The deadly cancer’s low survival rates are in part due to the fact that many people are diagnosed when the cancer has already metastasized. According to study results presented last year at the Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer, the statistics point to important gender inequality present within the U.S. healthcare system. While women are entering the scientific and medical fields at an increasing rate, it must be noted that research is still primarily spearheaded and funded by men.

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A Cancer Cheatsheet: More Funding Required Pancreatic Cancer This cancer, which affects the pancreas, has a relative five-year survival rate of 50 percent. The five-year survival rate, however, is entirely dependent on the detected cancer’s stage. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer symptoms are often undetectable or not particularly noticeable until the disease has progressed significantly. The disease represents approximately 3 percent of cancer cases and 7 percent of cancer deaths in the United States.

WILL BE DIAGNOSED WITH PANCREATIC CANCER IN 2019 RELATIVE SURVIVAL RATE OF PANCREATIC CANCER IS

IT ACCOUNTS FOR

OF ALL CANCER DEATHS

THE AVERAGE LIFETIME RISK OF PANCREATIC CANCER IS ABOUT

Lung Cancer Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Smokers have a higher risk of getting lung cancer, as do African American men — whose risk is 20 percent higher than Caucasian men. Older adults are more likely to develop the disease.

EACH YEAR, MORE PEOPLE DIE OF LUNG CANCER THAN OF COLON, BREAST, AND PROSTATE CANCERS COMBINED

PEOPLE ARE DIAGNOSED EVERY YEAR

OF ALL NEW CANCERS ARE LUNG CANCERS

Gallbladder Cancer NEW CASES WILL BE DIAGNOSED IN 2019 Gallbladder cancer is another disease that’s not often diagnosed until it’s in the later stages. Only 1 in 5 cases of gallbladder cancer are caught early. Symptoms are not usually noticeable until the cancer has metastasized.

OF GALLBLADDER CANCERS WERE FOUND AFTER THE CANCER SPREAD TO REGIONAL ORGANS OR LYMPH NODES

OF CASES AND DEATHS OCCURRED AMONG WOMEN

Ovarian Cancer Ovarian cancer is the fifth deadliest women’s cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s also one of the most lethal gynecological cancers. It’s another cancer that’s difficult to detect thanks to its vague symptoms — bloating and feelings of fullness — which are often mistaken for other ailments (e.g., indigestion). The cancer is typically detected once it's already spread to other parts of the body; once this has occurred, treatment becomes difficult, and survival rates drop. While women of any age can develop ovarian cancer, it’s more likely in women over 40. Risk also increases in women with a family history of the disease.

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OVARIAN CANCER RANKS WOMEN WILL RECEIVE A NEW DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN CANCER IN 2019

IN CANCER DEATHS AMONG WOMEN

A WOMAN'S RISK OF GETTING OVARIAN CANCER DURING HER LIFETIME IS ABOUT

OF OVARIAN CANCERS ARE FOUND AT AN EARLY STAGE Information courtesy of cancer.org and cdc.gov

Making the World More Accessible Written by: Alex Dunn Photography by Eric Vinson

Suddenly becoming paralyzed requires a strong will to adapt to new limitations. Not only is the body immobilized, but patients must learn how to perform everyday task differently. Wheelchairs, for instance, are meant to provide more mobility, but it's often still not enough to go back to life as it was before.

Ben Huntzinger, 33, of Cairo, Georgia, is a T4 paraplegic who knows all too well what life in a wheelchair is like. In 2009, Huntzinger was involved in a car accident while under the influence. He broke the fourth vertebrae in his back and severed his spinal cord.

Huntzinger was very active before his accident, working 40 hours a week and still making it to the gym each day. He enjoyed running half marathons, fly fishing, hunting, kayaking, and mountain biking.

“Clears the cob webs, as my mom says,” he said Like most, Huntzinger struggled coming to terms with his injuries. He said he had to ultimately decide what he wanted his life to be like in this new situation.

“It is what you make it,” he said.

“If (I) let myself get down and out, then I’ll be down and out. But if I remain positive and keep moving forward with hope, motivation, and joy, then everything’s okay.

There’s definitely a learning curve after you get paralyzed.”

Huntzinger continued to challenge his body by placing 45-pound weights on his lap and pushing up a parking deck. He wanted to find a new meaning for life with his injuries.

“I was searching for the discipline and regimented lifestyle spinal cord rehabilitation gave me,” he said. “My personal trainer came in every morning at 6 a.m. ready to work. (At) the very start of it all, I was thinking, ‘Man, this is stupid. No wonder everybody’s depressed.’”

“I kept tinkering, hustling everybody I could to help: Georgia Tech, machine shops, welding schools, anybody. It just all boiled down to they couldn’t see or understand what I was getting at because they had no idea how much I was doing and still do sitting down.”

— Ben Huntzinger

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“I wasn’t going to live according to the wheelchair's lifestyle. I wanted to take it to the next level.

I wanted to be the guy that everyone looked up to and did something about the problem I saw the need to fix.”

— Ben Huntzinger

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Huntzinger quickly re- I was doing and still do alized during his rehabil- sitting down.” itation that wheelchairs Huntzinger decided did not offer him enough to enroll in South Geormobility. He decided that gia Technical College enough was enough with in 2018 to enhance his his limitations. welding skills and learn “Wheelchairs won’t how to get his creations even roll on the grass,” he on paper. Going off the said. “Or over the cracks inspiration of the aesthetin sidewalks. ics of mounI saw quadritain bikes and plegics that "I’ll never stop his love for couldn’t use moving forward outdoor livtheir hands ing, Huntzingwith better ways er or had to created to make the an all-terrain use a straw beside me earth accessible wheelchair. in rehab In April 2019, for everybody. every day.

Huntzinger I was born for Only someentered the this mission.” Georgia one pitying In— Ben Huntzinger Venture Prize themselves would not competition feel extremewith his invenly grateful to at least tion and won two of the have their hands. I was three top awards and real gung-ho about the $25,000. He said that whole situation. I would he wants to change the show newly injured pa- wheelchair lifestyle for not only himself, but for tients how to do things.”

It didn’t take long for others too.

“I wasn’t going to live Huntzinger to realize that the wheelchairs available according to the wheelto him limited his mobili- chair's lifestyle,” he said.

“I wanted to take it to ty mechanically.

“I mean, there was so the next level. I wanted much more you could do to be the guy that everywith your day physically one looked up to and if your wheelchair would did something about the go with you,” Huntzing- problem I saw the need er said. “I used to push to fix.”

When asked about my wheelchair from my house to the Shepherd next steps with his invenCenter every day to lift tion, Huntzinger explained weights. You are dodg- that he had a lot in store ing pot holes, roots, go- for his future plans, maining up and down hills. ly targeting others who You need something that could also benefit.

“I am always creating can traverse that terrain better than a standard new things,” he said. “I am working with quadriwheelchair.”

Huntzinger began plegics on better ways to collecting sporting help serve them. I want equipment and experi- every paralyzed veteran to have one of my chairs menting with the parts.

“I kept tinkering, too. These two things are hustling everybody I big goals I am working could to help: Georgia toward. I’ll never stop Tech, machine shops, moving forward with welding schools, any- better ways to make the body," he said. "It just earth accessible for evall boiled down to they erybody. I was born for couldn’t see or under- this mission.” stand what I was getting at because they had no idea how much

Football Banquet 2019

Business Brings Healthier Drink Options to Valdosta Area Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson

has to stay sharp because anything can happen before you acDezmon Gray and Terence Boyd had a dream to bring a healthtually open the doors.” ier option to Valdosta, Georgia. While that dream took five years, Talk of the Town Nutrition’s goal is to provide a positive, clean two failed startups, and a lot of motivation to complete, they were finally able to open Talk of the Town Nutrition, a place that offers atmosphere where customers can come to get all the nutrients healthier drink options in their teas, shakes, and enhancers. their bodies need on a daily basis.

Gray and Boyd said that it was hard to find the financial aid to “We want people to feel good when they walk out the door and have plenty of energy,” Gray and Boyd said. “We want this give them a kick start, which was only one among many factors that place to feel like home, and we also want to let people know that involved starting a business.

“We finally got someone to believe in us, and everything they can trust our expertise from our experience when it comes to went through,” Gray said. “It’s tough to open a business, so any nutrition or exercise needs.” many unexpected expenses and extra fees always seem to come The business offers a variety of options that can suit any customer’s needs. Both up. You really have to have a solid mentality owners explained when wanting to open “We want people to feel good when they walk out the door and that there are three a business. Your mind have plenty of energy. We want this place to feel like home, and we steps to choosing the

also want to let people know that they can trust our expertise from our experience when it comes to any nutrition or exercise needs.”

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“We always want the best customer service, and you can always get better in every aspect of the business."

perfect combination of healthy drink.

Step 1 is to choose the type of tea they want, which all help burn fat, speed up the metabolism, and provide antioxidant support to the immune system. Costumers have a choice of lemon, raspberry, Chai, cinnamon, and peach.

Step 2 is to choose Aloe, which focuses more on digestive health. Flavors include mango, mandarin, and cranberry.

Step 3 involves choosing a plant-based shake, which includes a list of creative and yummy sounding flavors that range on a list of $7, $8 and $9. Shakes have 24 grams of protein and are all under 300 calories, low in sugar, fats, and carbohydrates.

“People can come here to lose weight or to gain lean muscle,” Gray said. “We have something for everyone. We have so many enhancers, from collagen to extra fat burners and other supplements that actually help create double the energy than the tea. We also have extra protein options and fiber and probiotics, which is important for gut health.”

To come up with their menu, the team creates flavors that sound and taste good. Some of their most popular orders, according to Gray and Boyd, are blueberry muffin with a peach mango tea or chocolate caramel chip with a raspberry cranberry tea and pomegranate liftoff.

Both of the owners’ favorite, however, is banana pudding with raspberry cranberry tea pomegranate liftoff, hands down.

For new customers who may find all the different combinations intimidating, Gray suggest trying the chocolate caramel chip or the snickers with a peach mango or rasp-

Dezmon Gray “People can come here to lose weight or to gain lean muscle. We have something for everyone."

“We want to listen to the customers and see what they want and adjust from there."

Terence Boyd

berry cranberry tea.

Talk of the Town Nutrition are also distributers of Herbalife, a global nutrition company, whose products they use for their shakes, teas, and enhancers.

“We use plant-based proteins for weight loss shakes, and for anyone wanting to gain weight, we use a whey protein with pure ingredients,” the owners said.

As for the future of their business, Gray and Boyd plan to expand their horizons by opening more shops.

They will do events for college football game nights by adding more TVs and implementing longer work hours.

“We always want the best customer service, and you can always get better in every aspect of the business," Gray and Boyd said. “We want to listen to the customers and see what they want and adjust from there.

“It’s been a long journey. We encourage each person to stop by and see what we offer. We have something for every single person, doesn’t matter age or what level you are in your health journey. We also want to encourage other dreamers not to give up. It’s going to be tough at times but worth it in the end. We are very blessed to be doing this and ready to open up more.”

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Georgia Hunters for the Hungry in Need of Funding Written by: Cody Gatts

The Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program allows hunters to share their bounty of meat from the last hunt they had. Hunters for the Hungry helps feed Georgians in need by paying accompanying deer processors to process and package the ground venison for food banks. According to Feeding America, 1 in 7 Georgians struggles with hunger. More than 500,000 of the total people are children.

Food banks feed Georgia’s 1.6 million hungry residents with canned goods, dried grains, and other food types, but they are rarely able to offer high-protein options like meat. Georgia Hunters for the Hungry hopes to remedy that situation with the use of venison.

Venison is an ideal food type to nourish the less fortunate because it is high in protein and low in fat.

The program operates with around 20 meat processors that accept donations on behalf of the organization throughout the state. The Meat Shed processes an extra 750 42

to 1,000 pounds of deer meat every year to donate to Georgia Hunters for the Hungry. The Georgia Wildlife Foundation has spent years recruiting more hunters and processors to help fill Georgia’s ever-growing need.

Donations from The Meat Shed lasted the Milledgeville-located Café Central through the whole winter last year, said Jim Humphries, executive chef of Café Central.

Humphries used the 400 pounds of ground deer meat in soups, chilis, and hamburger patties mixed with beef.

"It helps us save money because that's free protein to us that we don't have to pay for," Humphries said. "So, we can use money in other areas to buy more food, whether it's to give out in our canned goods or actually for cooking purposes."

Humphries was nervous to incorporate venison into his menu at first, fearing that his visitors wouldn't like the unfamiliar taste.

When he mixed the

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venison in with beef, no one really noticed.

Mostly, people are just glad they have something filling and warm to eat.

"Being able to provide a free hot meal once a week is vital," Humphries said. "And then at the same time, and in all honesty from my personal beliefs, it's what we're called to do, is to turn around and serve others who are less fortunate in the community and need help.”

Humphries was not the only person to understand the importance of shelters having protein to serve.

"We're always going to have the problem where peo-

ple need food," said Adam Schiavone, wildlife technician and volunteer coordinator for the Georgia Wildlife Foundation. "Protein's one of the hardest things for the food banks and soup shelters to get. And it's just an easy way for hunters to help solve that problem."

The Georgia Wildlife Federation reimburses partaking processors $1.50 for every pound of meat that they butcher. Once the meat is ground up and packaged, it’s delivered to the Georgia Food Bank Association, which then distributes the venison to communities across the state. The process

gets harder without funding, though.

“Funding is the program's greatest challenge”, said Sam Stowe, sportsmen program manager for the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

The nonprofit organization runs on individual donations and grants from the Walmart Foundation, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and a handful of other funders.

The program nearly collapsed for several years during the recession when donations were too few. Years later, Stowe still struggles each year to keep the organization afloat.

Stowe is committed

to growing the program. Eventually, he hopes to partner with processors in all 159 counties. He wants the program to expand and help as many people as possible because currently the program is not reaching everyone who needs it.

"There's only so many dollars in the coffer that you're able to allot that dollar-and-a-half a pound," Stowe said.

"That's my problem.

We're not having more processors because we run out of money to pay the guys with.

“The organization benefits both the hungry and the hunters. It's just a way that hunters can really feel good

about their hunting and the fact that they are helping these families.

“Hunters interested in participating in the GHFTH program can bring field-dressed deer to any of the designated drop-off locations between Oct. 19 and Jan. 12 (during normal business hours).”

To find a list of all of the locations to drop off the meat for processing, consult the map on the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry page.

For More Information: 11600 Hazelbrand Road Covington, GA 30014 770-787-7887 info@gwf.org www.gwf.org/ghfth

South Georgia Drop-off Locations Harris Kuntry Meats and Grocery

Country’s Processing

Hart’s Deer Processing

Mossey Creek Outdoors

66 Cochran Hwy Hawkinsville, GA

210 Peafowl Rd Sylvester, GA

1628 Philema Rd. Leesburg, GA

2788 Americus Hwy Dawson,GA

478-783-3276

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229-344-4929

229-869-2295

229-995-4109

Venison Recipes Venison Chili Ingredients

Instructions

1 pound ground venison 1 small onion, chopped 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles, undrained 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 pints canned light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 pint canned tomatoes 2 quarts tomato juice 2 tablespoons chili powder

Start by adding your ground venison, chopped onion, green chiles, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper to a 5-quart stock pot. SautĂŠ over medium heat until onion is translucent and meat is cooked through.

Drain meat mixture of excess grease and put back in pan.

Drain kidney beans and tomatoes, rinse.

Add kidney beans, tomatoes, tomato juice, and chili powder to the 5-quart pan.

Return to heat and simmer uncovered on low for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.

The longer it simmers, the thicker and more flavorful the chili will be. If it's becoming too thick too quickly, cover it to prevent too much water from evaporating.

Top with sour cream, cheese, and green onions.

Recipe courtesy of therusticelk.com.

Venison Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes Ingredients

Instructions

1 pound ground venison 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, minced 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup yellow onion, diced 1 cup green bell pepper, diced 1 1/2 cups beef broth or vegetable, no salt added or unsalted 2 teaspoons corn starch 1 tablespoon ketchup 1 tablespoon butter 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese 4 hamburger buns

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until done. Transfer bacon and half of the fat to a heat-proof bowl to cool slightly Break up venison in bowl. Add onion powder, garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, bacon and fat, and parsley.

Mix together until well combined. Let rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and let sit out for 10 minutes Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat.

Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add bell peppers and saute for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Push vegetables to the side of the skillet and add venison mixture in the middle. Cook for about 5 minutes until meat is just browned through, mixing everything together.

Add ketchup, 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch into the broth and add liquid to skillet.

Allow broth to absorb, stirring occasionally. You don't want it to completely absorb, or it won't have the traditional sloppy texture.

You want it to absorb about 75 percent.

Melt the cheese in the microwave for 1520 seconds at about 70-percent power. Portion sloppy joes onto buns and add melted cheese on top of each sandwich.

Recipe and image courtesy of karylskulinarykrusade.com.

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Workouts to Support Your Goals Written by: Anna Limoges

Truth be told, the way your body looks is 80 percent based on your diet. So, if you want to change the way your body looks, start with taking a look at what, when, and how you eat. However, that’s not to say that exercise isn’t important too. Any type and amount of exercise is beneficial to you overall health, but if you’re looking to meet certain goals, you need to find a workout plan that supports those goals. Here are some common fitness goals and the types of workouts that can help you achieve them.

Goal: Lose Body Fat Exercise: High-Intensity Cardio

Goal: Increase Muscle Size, Endurance, or Strength Exercise: Lift Weights

To put it simply, if you want to lose body fat, you have to burn more calories than you consume. While lifting weights can help build muscle and raise your resting metabolic rate, it doesn’t offer the highest impact in terms of actively burning calories during your workout.

For fat loss, cardio is where it’s at. I’m not talking about mindless cardio at a steady pace that will bore you to tears and barely have you breaking a sweat. I’m talking about dynamic cardio that requires intense periods of physical activity followed by brief rest periods, also called high-intensity interval training. The “intense” part should require you to give it your all and push yourself for 2090 seconds. That should be followed by an active rest period that lasts one to three times as long.

The goal is to get your heart rate up and to sweat.

Whether you lift with lighter weights for higher reps or with heavier weights for lower reps, your muscles will still grow in size.

However, lighter weights with higher reps will increase muscle endurance (your muscle’s ability to repeatedly contract and relax without stopping), while heavier weights with lower reps will increase muscle strength (the maximum amount of force your muscle can exert in a single try).

To get the best of both world, do a combination of both types of weight lifting. Do high reps with lighter weights and low reps with heavier weights on alternating days.

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Goal: Improve Flexibility Exercise: Yoga Flexibility is the ability of muscles and joints to move through their full range of motion. When you have a full range of motion, you increase your athletic ability and decrease your risk of injury.

While stretching daily will increase you flexibility, yoga will put that felibility to the test in a more active way.

Try Hatha or Vinyasa yoga classes to increase flexibility. If you're hesitant to jump into a class, here are a few yoga poses you can incorporate into your daily stretching routine to get your feet wet: Eye of the Needle Pose Downward Facing Dog

Pyramid Pose Bound Angle Pose

Goal: Improve Athletic Ability Exercise: CrossFit To improve your athletic ability, you need to focus on utilizing compound movements (activating more than one muscle group at a time) that will help you develop speed, power, intensity, and control over your body. Athletes focus on refining those qualities to get the best performance possible out of their bodies.

CrossFit workouts utilize compound movements, are varied enough to keep you interested, and easily modified to suit your current fitness level. Here are the nine basic CrossFit movements you need to know to get started: Air Squat Front Squat Overhead Squat Shoulder Press Push Press

Deadlift

Push Jerk Deadlift Sumo Deadlift High Pull Medicine Ball Clean

Shoulder Press

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