Health Life September/October 2020

Down, But Not Out Second Time's a Charm Nick Herndon

Ken McDermott

TAKING CARE OF MENTAL HEALTH IN A PANDEMIC SHOULD I GO VEGAN?

+ RECIPES

Mommy Makeovers, Botox & More Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta.

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Sept/Oct

2020

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Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

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Travis Hall works as a drug and alcohol counselor in Tifton, Georgia, helping those who are suffering from alcohol and drug dependency. While Hall mentors those suffering from various afflictions, it wasn’t that long ago that Hall himself was facing some of these same demons.

Mommy Makeovers, Botox & More

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Surprisingly Healthy Foods & Drinks ATSM Partners With Thomas County Central Archbold

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Archbold Offers New Therasphere Cancer Treatment

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Nevro HF10 Therapy: Advanced Treatment for Chronic Nerve Pain Archbold

Dr. Sonya Merriman is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the leader of Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta. She has been a plastic surgeon for 28 years and has no plan to slow down anytime soon.

Being inspired to focus on plastic surgery during a rotation procedure during her general surgery residency, Merriman realized her passion to help improve her patients' lives whether it's through reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.

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Is Caffeine Healthy?

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Putting Your Best Face Forward: Keeping Maskne Away Thacker Dermatology

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Meet Dr. Brown SGMC

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What to Expect When Getting a COVID-19 Test

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Surgeons Offer General/Colorectal Robotic Surgery Close to Home SGMC

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The Mental Health Era

“I told them that if I was going to die, I wanted to die at my home instead of in the hospital," Ken McDermott said. "That was the lowest day of my life. I felt like if I closed my eyes, I wasn’t going to wake up.”

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Social Media’s Effect on the Psyche

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Colquitt Regional Medical Center’s Response to COVID-19

Viking Voice Owes Life to Former Wildcat

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Should I Go Vegan?

After slowly climbing the stairs of Martin Stadium’s massive home side leading up to the pressbox, James settled into his customary spot behind the microphone, and with the words, “Good evening, Vikings Fans,” Wes James was back.

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Does Screen Time Affect Children’s Development?

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The Common Male Cancer

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Easy In-Door Workouts and Tips

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Down, But Not Out

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Taking Care of Mental Health in a Pandemic

Second Time's a Charm

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes

Feature Photography Brandon Pham

Editor Anna Limoges

Copy Editor Anna Limoges

Graphics Mandy Douthit

Feature Writers Phil Jones Steph Coelho Jay Summer Tyrah Walker

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

Have questions or comments?

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

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+ Recipes

Nick Herndon

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Surprisingly Healthy Foods & Drinks Written by: Tyrah Walker

What you put into your mouth is important for your health, especially as you age. You wouldn’t want to spend all your time eating junk food and sodas, putting yourself at risk for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Instead, you should be thinking about your food choices to ensure a healthier lifestyle. Less salty and fatty foods and more fruits and veggies, right? Fun fact: It doesn’t always have to be the same healthy foods and drinks. Here’s a list of foods and drinks that can are surprisingly healthy for you.

1. Red Wine: Ever heard that one glass a day keeps the pain away? Well, that is true for most people. The list is endless for how red wine can help the body, but to name a few, wine helps with lowering cholesterol, sleeping habits, stress, memory, and heart failure.

2. Garlic: Yes, garlic! Garlic can help with breaking a cold if you’re into home remedies. It can also help lower cholesterol.

3. Coconut Water: We all know water is the most important drink to consume when it comes to your health, so why not add more flavor to it? Coconut water is high in electrolytes, low in calories, and a great source of vitamins and minerals.

4. Dark Chocolate: Who said chocolate had to be bad for you? Dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure and helps your skin in the sun.

5. Ginger: Right now it is hard to find ginger in the supermarket. Do you know why? COVID-19. Ginger has been shown to help break fevers and help boost the immune system, two things you might want to do if you have coronavirus symptoms. Ginger can also help with arthritis and even menstrual cramps.

How do you use it? One great way is by making ginger tea.

Ingredients: 1 fresh ginger root 1/2 lemon Water Honey

Instructions: Shave off top layer of ginger root with a small knife. Cut ginger into small pieces.

Note: Ginger roots range in size and have several roots within one “branch.” You only need to break off one root per tea cup.

Cut lemon in half, and then cut that half into slices. Refridgerate the other half.

Add cut ginger and slices of lemon into a small pot. Add water and let boil for 7-10 minutes.

Pour all components into a tea cup. Add honey for sweetness and enjoy!

Note: Best to make in the morning or at the end of the night for relaxation.

These are just some of the foods and drinks that can help you in your daily life. Some other honorable mentions include guacamole, feta cheese, and even popcorn. The most important part is always looking at the labels and asking your primary physician before adding anything new to your diet.

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GH SCHOOL

ORNETS

ATSM Partners With Thomas County Central

Archbold Memorial Hospital’s Advanced Therapy and Sports Medicine clinic is now the official sports medicine provider for Thomas County Central High School Athletics.

“For Archbold it shows that we are a growing program,” said Mark Lowe, Archbold Vice President of Planning and Marketing.

“During the past year, we seriously began to pursue the sports medicine contract with Central, and just recently we were able to make it happen.”

Under this partner-

ship, Advanced Therapy and Sports Medicine (ATSM) will be the sole provider of rehabilitation and sports medicine for Thomas County Central High School.

“Not only is it local, now we’re putting our athletes on the cutting edge of performance,” said Sam Holland, TCCHS Athletic Director.

CHT, Archbold Director of ATSM. "We will have full-time athletic trainers on campus daily to provide treatment and management of conditions, injuries, and concussions. The ath-

TATE CHAMPIONS!

chell Convalescent Center

letic trainers also serve as a guidance system through the medical community for all services to allow better coordinated care and also to recover from injury as quickly as possible.”

The providers at

ty • Pelham Primary Care “We are the only local, fully-incorporated sports medicine program available," said Jami Stephenson, OT,

me • Camilla Pediatrics

ATSM take a team approach to post-injury treatment and rehabilitation by involving multiple specialties. The athletic trainers will also help assist all teams with on-the-field injury treatment, facilitate care coordination with local physicians, and coordinate diagnostic testing as needed.

Archbold’s new ATSM facility is also on track to open in late fall, which allows Archbold to expand the high-quality, specialized care already provided to patients and student-athletes under this new contract.

“The sky is the limit," Holland said.

"With the new sports

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medicine facility being built, this gives our athletes the opportunity, if they are injured, the best possible medical treatment to get them back on the field, to get them back to peak, not only after the fact but also the preventative measures that we’ll be able to bring to the table now with our partnership with Archbold.”

The partnership between ATSM and TCCHS is effective as of July 1.

ATSM has a similar contract with Thomasville High School.

Archbold Offers New Therasphere Cancer Treatment According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of Americans who are diagnosed with liver cancer is rising. Approximately 33,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with liver cancer each year, and about 27,000 die from the disease.

The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 760 liver cancer deaths in Georgia in 2020.

Archbold Memorial Hospital’s Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center, in conjunction with Thomasville’s VITA Surgery and VITA Vascular, is now offering patients diagnosed with liver cancer a new therapy treatment.

"It is typically appropriate for patients for whom surgery is not possible, patients with multiple tumors in both lobes of the liver who are not transplant candidates and in conjunction or sequenced with immunotherapy,” said Steve Johnson, MD, radiation oncologist at Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center. “Therasphere also has a significant role as a bridge treatment to control disease in patients for whom liver transplant is planned. It can also be used to enlarge the other lobe of the liver in patients who are to undergo only a partial liver removal."

Therasphere is a treatment consisting of tiny radioactive glass beads delivered directly into the liver tumor.

“Therasphere is internal radiation,” said Dr. Frederick Johnson, interventional radiologist at VITA Surgery and VITA Vascular. “We are able to inject the radiation directly into the tumor through a catheter that is placed in an artery that we can access from either the groin or the wrist. There’s no cutting, there’s no incision, and it’s done through a very small pinhole about two millimeters in size.”

Therasphere is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, and patients can typically resume daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

“Something that we take pride in is to be able to offer this treatment for patients so that it is convenient for them and they don’t have to drive hours away,” Dr. Frederick Johnson said. “That’s our goal at VITA, and that’s the goal at the Oncology Center: to be able to offer cutting edge contemporary treatment.”

Nevro HF10 Therapy: Advanced Treatment for Chronic Nerve Pain According to the FDA, nearly 20 million people suffer from neuropathic pain. The majority of sufferers have chronic lower back pain.

“There’s pain, then there’s nerve pain, and it would put me on the floor,” said Maurice Perkins, who suffered from chronic nerve pain for years. “I couldn’t get out of bed, I couldn’t roll over,

and it was pretty much to the point where I couldn’t do much anymore.”

Nevro HF10™ Therapy is a type of spinal cord stimulation that delivers mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord.

“The HF10™ system works like a signal jammer,” said Gerald Kadis, MD, neurosurgeon at Archbold Memorial Hospital. “The device is

placed inside your nervous system, and it jams the unpleasant sensations that are trying to get to your brain so the brain doesn’t actually perceive the pain.”

The device safely delivers stimulation that doesn’t interfere with normal sensory perception, cognitive abilities, or motor functions and is completely reversible.

“It’s given me my life back; that’s the best way I can describe it,” said Perkins, an HF10™ patient. “I love working in my shop, cooking out and grilling, and I’m able to do all that now without even thinking about the pain.”

Implanting the device is a minimally invasive procedure, where a small device is implanted under the skin, just above

the beltline. It is connected to thin, flexible wires that are placed near the spine. Patients can usually go home the same day.

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Is Caffeine Healthy?

Written by: Steph Coelho

For many people, caffeine is what wakes them up in the morning and keeps them going on long, hard days. Whether it’s a luxurious cappuccino or a quick shot of Red Bull, caffeine is an integral part of many people’s lives. But is it healthy?

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is the primary psychoactive ingredient in coffee. It’s found in over 60 different plant sources, including:

• Cacao seeds • Tea leaves • Cola nut seeds • Coffee beans

It’s a stimulant that can help improve focus and counteract tiredness.

Health Benefits

Negative Health Effects

Caffeine has long had a bad reputation, but it has some notable benefits in addition to its stimulating effects.

There’s some evidence that caffeine miligrams has protective qualities, reducing people’s risk of certain cancers and other diseases. Drinking caffeine has been linked to a decreased risk of death from a host of causes, including suicide, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s.

There’s also research that points to caffeine being beneficial for the brain.

It may even improve memory function.

However, because it does have an effect on the brain, researchers suggest that young people avoid caffeine.

Most people drink caffeine without any harmful effects. The sweet spot is two to four cups of coffee per day (or 200-400 miligrams of caffeine per day).

Caffeine can also have a few unpleasant side effects, particularly when ingested in high doses (400 miligrams or more).

Drinking too much caffeine can result in:

• Anxiety • Shaky hands • Agitation • Rapid heartbeat • Sleep issues • Restlessness

Some research links high caffeine consumption to low birth weight in babies whose mothers frequently drank 300 miligrams (or more) of caffeine per day while pregnant.

There’s also evidence that drinking a lot of coffee can increase heart attack risk in males — but not females. For some people, drinking a lot of caffeine can cause high blood pressure.

Caffeine can also interact with certain medications. If your doctor prescribes a medication, always ask about possible interactions.

There’s very little definitive research on the adverse health effects of caffeine.

More often than not, people have no issues drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages.

However, regular coffee drinkers can experience a host of symptoms should they suddenly stop ingesting caffeine. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Headache • Lack of energy • Fatigue • Difficulty focusing and concentrating • Poor mood • Irritability

People with migraines may find that caffeine either exacerbates their symptoms or alleviates them.

Research on caffeine is a mixed bag, but most people who enjoy moderate amounts of caffeine will not experience adverse effects.

Putting Your Best Face Forward: Dermatology Care Thacker Dermatology Keeping Maskne Away Written by: Betsy Backe, MD

With school starting, kids and adults alike are including masks on their back-to-school shopping lists. While masks are perfectly safe for folks over 2 years of age, even for all-day wear, proper cleaning and care is essential to prevent annoying skin irritation. These helpful tips will help keep you protected and looking your best.

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

1. Start with a clean face. Your face should be clean and dry before putting on your mask. If your skin is not particularly oily, just splash it with water, but if you need to wash, try a gentle cleanser like Alastin Gentle Cleanser, Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser, or either of the CeraVe cleansers.

2. Consider a toner. Dermed Clarifying Toner or Soothing Toner can be

helpful in preventing acne or soothing irritated skin. Start off slowly when adding any new skincare product and increase frequency to twice daily as your skin can tolerate it.

3. Don’t neglect your skin care routine. My first layer every day is a vitamin C serum like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic or Phloretin CF. These protect skin against UV and pollution-induced damage and help with fine lines and brown spots. A lightweight moisturizer can help reduce chafing and maintain the skin barrier. I have changed from a tinted sunscreen to Thacker Dermatology’s Simply Sheer because it does not get all over my mask.

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

4. Skip the face makeup (seriously.) One great thing about a mask is that it

covers most of your face. Since I wear a mask all day every weekday and any time I am in public, I have not worn face makeup or lipstick since February.

Makeup soils your mask and can degrade it more quickly, making it work less effectively. It also makes you more likely to get breakouts.

5. Treat your mask like underwear. Wash it daily (or get a fresh one.) Do not

adjust it in public. Do not share it. Handle it by the straps. A lot of moisture can build up in the mask, so it is critical to keep it clean. You get the idea.

6. Wash your face after getting home. A makeup removal wipe is a great

first step, but it is not a substitute for soap and water or a gentle skin cleanser. If you are acne-prone, use a 5% benzoyl peroxide or a salicylic acid wash in the shower and leave it on for a minute before rinsing it off.

7. Combine topical retinoids with moisturizer and start slowly. Anyone

who knows me knows my love of topical retinoids. They help with fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and acne. You can start with adapalene 0.1%, which is now available over the counter. A pea-sized amount can be mixed with moisturizer and applied every third night to the entire face, neck, and V of the chest. If there is no redness, peeling, or irritation, you can increase the frequency to every other night for a week or two then finally increase to a goal of every night. We have prescription strength ones available if needed.

I also mix it up and use SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew a couple of nights a week. Just skip your retinoid those nights to prevent irritation.

8. Consider a weekly soothing Bio-Cellulose mask. Just 15 minutes

a week can reduce redness and irritation and can calm inflamed skin.

They are heavenly.

9. If you are still having problems, see your local dermatologist. There

are many causes for rashes and many treatments for acne. We are experts in diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, and we are here to help you. Call Thacker Dermatology at (229) 469-4383 and schedule your appointment today.

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STAY IN THE Introducing

Celestine Nnaeto, MD, FACP, CAQSM

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

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

• Sports rehabilitation • Injury prevention

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

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Walk a Mile in Their Shoes Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Brandon Pham

According to The Free Dictionary, the phrase "to walk a mile in my shoes" is “to consider or understand another person’s perspectives, experiences, or motivations before making a judgment about them.” As a drug and alcohol counselor, Travis Hall can certainly put his patients at ease as he explains that he has indeed been where they’ve been.

Hall works as a drug and alcohol counselor in Tifton, Georgia, helping those who are suffering from alcohol and drug dependency. He is approaching the 20-year mark in this field and finds his work both enjoyable and rewarding.

While Hall mentors those suffering from various afflictions, it wasn’t that

long ago that Hall himself was facing some of these same demons.

Hall was born and raised in Metter, Georgia, and graduated from Metter High School in 1989.

It was during his high school days that Hall said his problems began.

“I started using alcohol only during high school,” Hall said.

In fact, Hall said that he was not only simply using alcohol during that time, but he was far beyond that point.

“I was most likely a full-blown alcoholic in high school,” he said.

One month after he graduated from high school in 1989, his problems with alcohol nearly cost him his life. He and two of his friends were

enjoying a night on the town in Statesboro.

“We were at an establishment drinking and eating," he said.

As it turned out, there was much more drinking going on than eating. The group decided to head over to a friend's party, where the drinking continued. When the group left hours later, they headed back to Metter.

On the way to take the friends home, with Hall driving, they encountered a sharp curve at a high rate of speed. Unable to properly negotiate the curve, the car flipped and then rolled six times. Hall and one of the occupants were thrown from the vehicle, while the passenger in the backseat remained buckled in with his seatbelt.

“The drugs and alcohol began to have a negative effect on me, and they started taking their toll on my mental state,” Hall said. “I really reached the end of my rope, so to speak.”

— Travis Hall 13

Thankfully, the two friends sustained only minor injuries, while Hall sustained a broken femur in his left leg, along with a closed head injury.

He was taken to Savannah Memorial Hospital, where he was hospitalized. In addition to the leg injury, Hall remained in a coma for three days.

He eventually emerged from the coma with all of his faculties intact. He underwent surgery to repair the broken leg. His hospital stay lasted 31 days, and upon his release, authorities charged Hall with a DUI. Hall and his friends were fortunate to not only survive that horrific crash, but to be able to return to their normal lives. For Hall, that meant enrolling at Young Harris College and taking advantage of all that comes with the leisure part of college life outside of the classroom.

It meant returning to the same bad habits that had begun in high school... and then some.

“I joined a fraternity and, of course, drank a lot,” he said. “I also started using drugs once I got to Young Harris, something I had not done previously.”

That’s also when the fun ran out.

“The drugs and alcohol began to have a negative effect on me, and they started taking their toll on my mental state,” Hall said. “I really reached the end of my rope, so to speak.”

On Feb. 15, 1999, in the full throes of heavy drug and alcohol use and dependency, Hall drove to his parents' home in Metter, knowing his father kept a .38 special handgun in the home.

“I was so depressed from the drugs and alcohol that I was going to end it all right there,” Hall said.

Fortunately, he had what he calls a moment of clarity. He put the 14

gun back in the case, locked it up, and began to break down, realizing how close he had come to ending it all. Less than a week later, he entered a treatment facility where he began to receive the help he so desperately needed. He stayed in intensive treatment for drug and alcohol dependency for a total of 13 months. That included a first month of intensive treatment, meaning a daily regimen totally devoted to group meetings and therapy. Hall transitioned to a halfway house where he lived and continued to focus on his recovery.

After 13 months, he was clean and sober, ready to get back to living. Of course, that also meant being around people and places that would always remind him of his past.

“Everywhere I went, there were reminders of places I used to go and things I used to do, but I stayed focused on what I knew I had to do,” he said.

He enrolled at Georgia Southern University, where he met his future wife, Melanie, in a psychology class after over two years of sobriety. They were married in May of 1999 and today have two children: Clark, 17 and a senior at Tift County High School, and Kenna, 13 and in the eighth grade.

Hall became a drug and alcohol counselor in 2001.

“The thing I enjoy the most about my job is helping other people realize that their lives are going to be so much better once they’re able to move away from the drug and alcohol abuse,” he said.

He should know. After all, he’s walked a mile in their shoes.

“Everywhere I went, there were reminders of places I used to go and things I used to do, but I stayed focused on what I knew I had to do.”

— Travis Hall

Meet Dr. Brown Infectious Disease Timing couldn’t have been better for Dr. Matthew Brown to hit the halls of South Georgia Medical Center. Dr. Brown specializes in infectious disease and never imagined he’d play such a critical role for hospitalized patients in the midst of a pandemic so early in his career.

According to Dr. Brown the road to becoming a doctor wasn’t a direct path. Coming from a medical family, he wanted to explore different avenues and went to school for mathematics and received his MBA in Marketing. But it was his time as a pharmaceutical rep that he realized his passion was medicine.

When asked what attracted him to his specialty he said, “Infectious disease is a remarkable specialty and one of the only fields where you can actually cure the disease.”

The field is very broad and encompasses all ages, race, and gender. He says it’s constantly evolving and a very exciting specialty to be

in, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Brown says he’s thrilled to be a part of the treatment team and looks forward to developing the infectious disease program at SGMC. As to what makes Dr. Brown unique, prior to his medical career you could find him playing in many bands. Dr. Brown is heavily involved in music and enjoys staying active and exploring new foods.

necessary follow-up care.

Future goals are to open an outpatient clinic to meet the growing demand for this specialized care in the region.

For more information visit sgmc.org.

“I COME FROM A VERY BROAD BACKGROUND AND HAVE ACQUIRED AN ECLECTIC SKILL SET THAT I HOPE MAKES ME WELL ROUNDED AND RELATABLE TO MY PATIENTS.” Dr. Brown will treat patients hospitalized at SGMC, as well as provide any

QUICK FACTS

» Board Certified: Internal Medicine » Fellowship-Trained: Infectious Disease 15

Call 229-276-2286 now for an appointment!

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What to Expect When Getting a COVID-19 Test Written by: Jay Summer

Types of COVID-19 Tests After months of COVID-19 outbreaks across the United States, the virus doesn't look like it will disappear any time soon. Anyone who experiences symptoms or might have come into contact with an infected person should get tested.

Testing for COVID-19 is an important part of preventing it from spreading further. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have COVID-19 need to completely isolate themselves from others for 10 days after their first day of symptoms. Then, they may only stop isolating if they have been free of a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Because the pandemic has been deadly and is so frequently discussed, needing a COVID-19 test might trigger anxiety in some people. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help calm your nerves and ensure the testing process runs smoothly.

According to the CDC, there are two types of COVID-19 tests: a viral test and an antibody test.

These tests are conducted differently and serve different purposes. Most people who need a COVID-19 test will receive a viral test, which is also called a diagnostic test.

The COVID-19 Viral Test The purpose of the viral test is to check if a person is currently infected with COVID-19. This is the test that is most commonly conducted. When the CDC and media outlets discuss COVID-19 test results, they are generally referring to the viral test.

When conducting the viral test, a medical professional uses a long cotton swab to collect a sample. Most of the time, they swab the patient's nasal cavity, which requires putting the swab up the patient's nose. This might feel uncomfortable, but shouldn't hurt.

Some healthcare workers take throat swabs instead of nasal swabs, though these are less common. Less common still are saliva tests, in which the medical professional obtains a sample by asking a patient to spit into a cup.

The COVID -19 Antibody Test The purpose of the antibody test is to see if a person has been infected with COVID-19 in the past. When a person has a viral infection, their body develops antibodies to that virus. As a result, we can know that anyone with COVID-19 antibodies present in their blood once had COVID-19.

The antibody test is a blood test. It requires a medical professional to draw a small amount of blood, usually from the patient's arm. The antibody test does not reveal if a person is currently infected with the virus.

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Preparing for your COVID-19 Test

There are a few things you can do to prepare for your COVID-19 test.

Schedule an Appointment

Ask How to Receive Results

If you think you have COVID-19, do not simply show up to your doctor's office or the emergency room. Instead, set up an appointment in advance either online or over the phone. The Georgia Department of Public Health offers free testing to anyone who wants it.

Because COVID-19 is so contagious, doctors' offices and hospitals are limiting the number of patients they admit at a given time. If you show up without an appointment, you might be turned away.

Make sure you know how to receive your results before you leave. Some testing centers call patients, while others require you to make a phone call or check a website to find out your status.

Bring Identification Whether you're being tested by your primary care physician or at a free drivethrough clinic, it's wise to bring your ID. Even if you don't have insurance and are receiving a free test, ID might be required. Bring yours so you aren't turned away.

Wear a Mask Your testing site will likely require everyone waiting for a test to wear a mask. Be sure to bring yours. Without it, you will either be given one to wear or sent home.

Expect to See Protective Gear The medical professionals conducting COVID-19 tests wear protective gear to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. Expect to see healthcare workers in face masks, goggles, plastic face shields, gloves, gowns, and other protective gear.

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Millions of Americans will require COVID-19 tests in the coming months.

The Georgia Department of Public Health offers free COVID-19 tests to any state resident who wants one. If you experience symptoms or come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, getting tested is the smart, kind thing to do.

Board Certified Surgeons Offering General and Colorectal Robotic Surgeries at SGMC

Dr. James Davis Dr. Jared Sanders Dr. David Parker For a comprehensive list of procedures and physicians using robotic surgery at SGMC visit sgmc.org/davinci.

Surgeons offer General/Colorectal Robotic Surgery Close to Home Patients need to know they Surgeons at South Georgia Medical Center are committed to getting surgical patients back to their lives sooner.

According to Dr. James Davis, colon and rectal surgery, as well as hernia repairs, aren’t as scary as they once were.

don’t have to travel to receive the most advanced surgical care, it’s here at SGMC! -Dr. James Davis

In the past, surgeons made large incisions in skin and muscle so that they could directly see and work on the area of concern. This is called open surgery. Today doctors still perform open surgery, but can also perform many general and colorectal procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery.

At SGMC, the Davinci XI robotic system, the newest version to date, changes the game. Patients experience a shorter hospital stay, fewer complications and less risk of having to switch to an open procedure. Although, the biggest satisfier is probably the aesthetic benefit of only needing a few small incisions.

The Davinci XI robotic system at SGMC is used for general, colorectal, and gynecological surgeries.

“Patients need to know they don’t have to travel to receive the most advanced surgical care, it’s here at SGMC,” said Dr. Davis.

Ask your physician if robotic surgery is right for you. Learn more at sgmc.org/davinci.19

Be Kind. Wear A Mask.

Possibility of Transmission 70% COVID-19 Carrier (Without Mask)

Healthy Person (With Mask)

Possibility of Transmission 5%

COVID-19 Carrier (With Mask)

Healthy Person (Without Mask)

Possibility of Transmission 1.5%

COVID-19 Carrier (With Mask)

Healthy Person (With Mask)

40% of transmissions happen BEFORE symptoms. You wear a mask to protect others. They wear a mask to protect you. WE, NOT ME. We all MUST keep our masks on to keep each other safe.

Courtesy of Michigan Medicine

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The Mental Health Era Written by: Tyrah Walker

Several stigmas are associated with mental health and attending therapy. There’s the stereotype that if you’re going to therapy, you must be crazy. Or your pride might have you thinking you don’t need any help from anyone and can fix it on your own. Denial might make you think you're fine and that nothing is wrong.

But have you ever given therapy a chance?

Why is it for some that mental health is a taboo or touchy subject to speak on? While some people engage in therapy, many others may not partake for several reasons. Those reasons include but are not limited to judgment, embarrassment, religious beliefs, and financial burdens.

Registered mental health counselor intern Sakina McCoy believes that everyone should take the time to attend therapy, especially adults. Her belief is that if traumas are ignored, they can easily get passed from generation to generation.

“It is especially important for anyone to

seek therapy instead of ignoring,” McCoy said.

“Adults specifically because various changes can happen in life, and it’s not uncommon for adults to be holding on to traumas that never got resolved in childhood. It affects adults in the workplace and in their relationships - social, familial, and romantic.”

With judgment being one of the many reasons people are afraid to attend therapy, McCoy said there are options for those who are not comfortable.

Group counseling is one option if you’re more comfortable being in a group setting with six or less people. She’s seen that this option works best for people who struggle with anxiety.

Another option is using services that allow you to speak to counselors over the phone or by video chat. McCoy finds it to be less invasive, and patients can receive counseling without leaving their homes.

Depression and anxiety can be caused by a

variety of factors, but according to McCoy, social media can have a huge impact on someone’s mental health. Many people are affected by it without acknowledging it. She also spoke on internet bullies and how that can have a negative impact on users.

“Many people use social media as a source of validation, and that could be for many reasons, (like) low self-esteem,” McCoy said. “Having the ability to constantly portray yourself in a certain light to get acceptance and approval continues to be the footing for the unhealthy feelings and ways of coping.”

Social media doesn’t always have to be a negative thing. When used appropriately, McCoy said it can be extremely helpful for businesses and community outreach.

Genetics, environment, illness, stress, grief, and social circles can all also affect mental health.

“I like to say there is no one exempt from, at some point, experi-

encing something that can affect their mental health,” McCoy said. “It is just a matter of how the ‘thing’ is dealt with.”

McCoy believes that the mental health field is being portrayed in a better light on television as of late. In the past, she felt people just got the idea that a person just sits in a chair and the therapist asks the questions, but she said it’s a lot more than that and that she’s glad people are becoming more aware every day of the benefits.

If you’re not in need of counseling but know someone who is, how can you be of help? Being supportive if someone you know is deciding to go or not is one way; however, McCoy said therapy is different for everyone, so tread lightly.

“There’s actually a high chance (that) talking to someone that's not in therapy may hurt the process,” McCoy said. “It’s not uncommon for other people to minimize the therapy process.”

If you are seeking

counseling, continue to be a voice that shares the benefits. Celebrities such as radio announcer Lenard McKelvey, better known as Charlamagne Tha God, are advocates for mental health, especially within the African-American community.

What are some other ways to cope? There are several options if you can’t afford to attend a session, McCoy said.

“Many therapists are willing to adjust their fees to help,” she said. “If seeking a therapist is not an option, I would recommend meditation, journaling, exercising, or even talking to a close family member or friend.”

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Social Media’s Effect on the Psyche Written by: Jay Summer

Social media gained widespread popularity with MySpace in the mid-2000s. Now, nearly 80% of Americans are active on at least one social media platform, according to Pew Research Center.

When social media first began, no one knew how it would affect users. As social media has majorly expanded over the past decade and a half, we've all essentially been part of a real-time experiment. Experts are just starting to understand the impacts of participating in virtual social networking.

Social Media and Mental Health Most experts agree: Social media use impacts mental health.

Some people feel more joyful after using social media, having posted good news or connected with family and friends they wouldn't have otherwise. Other people tend to feel down, a result of comparing their lives and bodies to those they saw on screen and deciding they don't measure up.

Some people, especially adolescents, experience online bullying and harassment that leaves them depressed and afraid. Perhaps just as bad is the feeling of being ignored or ostracized. Teens and young adults can experience low self-esteem after receiving few likes or positive comments on posts. Another common experience is FOMO, a fear of missing out, as they view posts from events they weren't invited to.

These varied experiences are reflected in academic research on social media. More research is needed, however. At this point, different social media studies have returned different results. Some research suggests that social media increases anxiety and depression, while other studies show no effects in those areas.

The issue is more complex than labeling social media as good or bad. How social media affects an individual person depends on multiple factors, such as what they do on social media, how much time they spend on it, and if they're already experiencing mental health issues.

What Are Social Platforms Doing About Mental Health?

Social media networks have taken some efforts toward making their platforms healthier.

Instagram is experimenting with hiding "likes" on the site, though they haven't rolled the feature out to the whole platform. The idea is that without likes, users are less likely to compare themselves to others and feel badly about themselves.

TikTok, a popular video app, shows videos reminding users to take a break from the app if they scroll for too long. Since social media overuse has negative impacts, nudges like this might help people limit their time logged on.

Unfortunately, aside from these small experiments, most social media networks haven't done much to promote healthy social media use. More engagement means more profit, so social media networks are invested in having people scroll and click as much as possible.

If a person wants to limit their social media use for the sake of their mental health, they (or their parents, in the case of children) will have to take efforts to do so on their own.

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Mommy Makeovers,

Botox & More Written by: Tyrah Walker Photography by: Brandon Pham and Submitted by Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta

Dr. Sonya Merriman is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the leader of Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta.

She has been a plastic surgeon for 28 years and has no plan to slow down anytime soon. Being inspired to focus on plastic surgery during a rotation procedure during her general surgery residency, Merriman realized her passion to help improve her patients' lives whether it's through reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.

Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta specializes in cosmetic procedures for the breast, face, and body.

Well-known procedures such as buttlifts, breast implants, facelifts, and tummy tucks can all be done at the practice. Other procedures that can be performed at the practice include skincare, injectables, laser hair removal, and microblading, just to name a few. The prac-

tice has services available for both men and women, including procedures such as eyelid lifts and rhinoplasties (nose reshaping).

“It’s important to me to have the availability for people who want to improve the way they look and the way they feel,” Merriman said. “Plastic surgery is just as much a psyche as it is a body.

If people feel better about the way they look, then they just feel better all over.”

One of Merriman’s favorite procedures to perform is the “Mommy Makeover,” which includes a tummy tuck and one of the reconstructive breast options. She described the service as a “dramatic makeover” that gives mothers a new boost of confidence after giving birth.

Botox is the most popular non-surgical procedure that patients come in for, while breast augmentation and liposuction are the most popular surgical procedures.

“We want them to come in here and feel like we’re going to take care of them and do what’s best for them.”

— Dr. Sonya Merriman

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“We just have a really, really good atmosphere here, and our entire staff always get complimented.”

— Dr. Sonya Merriman

Another main priority for Merriman is to make sure her patients are treated like family. When a patient comes into the practice, they are greeted by a friendly staff that promises to take care of their needs. Merriman said that she “makes friends, not patients,” and that is something she aims for during every patient encounter. The practice takes pride in making every patient feel like family. Merriman doesn’t want her patients to just feel like a number.

“We want them to come in here and feel like we’re going to take care of them and do what’s best for them,” Merriman said. “We just have a really, really good atmosphere here, and our entire staff always get complimented.”

The staff includes a few registered nurses, aestheticians, a surgical technician, an anesthetist, and other office personnel.

Merriman is transparent with all who are interested in getting a procedure. Her number one piece of advice is to do the research.

Not everyone is board certified to provide surgical services, and

(229) 242-3002 (912) 452-5722 230 Northside Dr. Valdosta, GA 31602 sonyamerrimanmd.com 26

more harm than good can be done if not performed by a trained professional.

“Make sure that the surgeon you’re going to see is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has privileges to do the procedures in the hospital even if they’re not going to be done in the hospital,” Merriman said.

“I have my own ASC (ambulatory surgery center). We do our surgeries here at the office, but I have privileges to do all those procedures at the hospital as well.”

This important factor can give the patients a sense of relief in knowing the hospital has done its research on the doctor and has looked into their credentials and training.

Her second piece of advice is to plan ahead.

If surgery is what a patient desires, Merriman always tells her patients to have help and support ready ahead of time for the recovery process, which varies depending on which procedure is being done and the person’s body. Having a strong support system can even help the body to

Hours: Monay-Thursay: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to noon

heal quicker and can help elevate a person’s self-esteem.

One myth that Merriman hears a lot is that implants are easy to do when they really aren’t. She has had patients come in that have had procedures done incorrectly by physicians who were not board-certified.

“You talk to people,” she said. “Online resources are very good as far as getting an idea of what things will be like as far as the post opp and how long it takes to recover.”

Another myth that Merriman comes across is that some procedures make a person look fake or false. The truth is that you can have your surgeon perform so well that one would never be able to tell that you got work done, such as botox or fillers. As Meriman puts it, “You don’t have

to look Hollywood.”

Everyday people can benefit from it.

Why should people consider plastic surgery? Well, for Merriman it’s clear: People want to look and feel great. It boosts confidence and can be beneficial for their mental health. While some may be against changing their looks, she encourages patients to do what’s best for them. There shouldn’t be any negative stereotypes for wanting to enhance. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, male or female; all can benefit from her services.

“For people who are out in the public and need to look their best, I think it gives them an edge,” Merriman said. “People will tell you that there’s age discrimination, that if you look older you may be less likely

to get the promotion or get the job. Looking more youthful, and of course feeling good about it, gives you a step up in the professional world.”

Merriman has performed over 4,000 procedures and is happy to welcome new patient consultations.

With a five-star RealSelf rating, years of experience, passion, and drive, Merriman is one of the best in town and equipped to help patients with their beauty needs. The practice is located in Valdosta, but receives patients from all over South Georgia and North Central Florida as well. For more information on Merriman and Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta, visit sonyamerrimanmd.com.

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Sterling Physician Group pulmonologist Dr. Michael Brown is pictured with a patient at his practice, Sterling Group Pulmonology.

Colquitt Regional Medical Center’s Response to COVID-19 Written by: Tyrah Walker

It’s been months since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic caused everything to shut down.

Moving forward to the second half of the year, numbers are still rising, people are still being affected, and one question still remains: When will things in our country go back to normal?

During these strange and unpredictable times, citizens look to the medical community for answers and hope. The doctors, nurses, and other medical staff are our heroes. They risk their lives to get us the answers we are searching for. They’re the ones making sure that guidelines are being followed and precautions are being taken for our safety.

Colquitt Regional Medical Center is one of many hospitals ensuring the safety of its patients. One per28

“To protect yourself from COVID-19, the best thing that we can do is work together as a community.”

— Dr. Michael Brown

son you will see walking down the hospital halls and treating patients is Dr. Michael Brown. Not only does Brown practice pulmonology, but he also works in critical care and is the chief medical officer at the hospital.

As a pulmonologist, Brown works as a lung specialist. He sees patients who deal with a variety of lung issues including asthma, shortness of breath, and lung diseases. As one can imagine, Brown has recently been helping patients with lung complications caused

by COVID-19. Studies have shown that patients with a history of lung-related issues have been impacted the most during this pandemic, but there are ways to help control the numbers from rising.

“To protect yourself from COVID-19, the best thing that we can do is work together as a community,”

Brown said. “We all need to wear masks when we are in public areas. So, any time you are within six feet of an individual, you should be wearing a mask.”

The hospital is working hard to ensure that needs are being met for each patient. Safety measures have been implemented to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As an example, all employees and visitors are required to wear a mask inside the hospital at all times. All healthcare workers must also wear goggles or shields in addition to masks when coming into contact with a patient. The hospital has also put into place COVID zones and COVID-free zones within the emergency department and ICU. If there is suspicion that a patient coming in has COVID symptoms, they are placed in a designated COVID zone.

That is just inside the hospital. Outside the hospital, Brown said there are steps that patients have to follow before getting any procedure.

“Anyone coming in for a surgery or same-day procedure will be tested for COVID prior to their procedure date. Those who are coming in for a test must be screened for body temperature and are asked a series of questions about possible symptoms or exposure. We ask them to isolate themselves before they come in for those procedures,” Brown said. “It's to make sure that we’re not causing extra risks to them or to ourselves.”

The hospital is doing community outreach to help relieve some of the stress and anxiety that have skyrocketed during this pandemic. This includes helping other, smaller health facilities during this time.

“We’re working with local nursing facilities and ar- eas that have high risk patients to ensure that they’re doing everything they can,” Brown said. “And in the event of them having a positive coronavirus case, we are giving them the assistance they need to make sure that outbreak is limited.”

“Whenever a patient is coming in the hospital, having that ability to rapidly identify them as having the coronavirus or not having the coronavirus enables us to create those COVID zones and COVID-free zones. It keeps us from having to utilize some of our protective gear that you don’t require for non-COVID patients.”

Brown is extremely pleased with the way the hospi- tal team has helped their patients, even when it comes to providing testing kits. In the early stages of the pandemic in March and April, testing kits were not as readily available as they are now. The hospital had to depend on companies outside their institution, which changed week to week and would take some time to get accurate results. Now, the hospital is able to provide rapid COVID-19 testing kits that Brown described as being “monumental." The test is done by nose swab, and results can be back to the patient within two hours.

“Whenever a patient is coming in the hospital, hav- ing that ability to rapidly identify them as having the coronavirus or not having the coronavirus enables us to create those COVID zones and COVID-free zones,” he said. “It keeps us from having to utilize some of our protective gear that you don’t require for non-COVID patients.”

It is important to note that testing is limited, and the hospital cannot provide rapid testing at large. Those who are coming to the hospital ill and healthcare workers who have come into contact with infected patients are able to get the rapid test.

Brown's best advice for dealing with the current pandemic is to stay calm, be rational with your thoughts, isolate yourself from those who are sick, and wash your hands frequently. He is optimistic that a cure will be found one day and is proud of his team and the organization. Every day, Brown looks forward to being on the front lines to help those in need.

— Dr. Michael Brown

Brown, who also serves as Chief Medical Officer of Colquitt Regional, is pictured with Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney. Brown and Matney meet on a regular basis to discuss COVID policies, protocols, and safety measures.

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Vegan Protein Sources Grains Rolled Oats Quinoa Rice

Should I Go Vegan?

Seeds Hemp Seeds Flax Seeds Sesame Seeds Chia Seeds Sunflower Seeds Pumpkin Seeds

Nuts Almonds Cashews Walnuts Hazelnuts Pecans

Written by: Jay Summer

A vegan diet, which was once considered fringe, is rapidly increasing in popularity across the United States. A Nielsen survey found that 39% of Americans want to eat more plant-based foods, and 14% believe there's no reason to eat meat at all.

Going vegan means completely giving up animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese, yogurt, and milk. Since Americans have one of the most meat-heavy diets in the world, the idea of cutting out animal products might feel intimidating.

If you're curious about trying a vegan diet, medical research findings suggest it might be worth pursuing. There are multiple health benefits associated with giving up animal products and eating more plant-based foods. And with a little more knowledge under your belt, going vegan won't be as difficult as you might think.

Benefits of Eating a Vegan Diet Some people go vegan because they can't tolerate the idea of contributing to the death of an animal. Others are concerned about how animal agriculture contributes to climate change and become vegan in an effort to help the environment. Many people switch to a vegan diet because they want to improve their health.

Research has found that cutting out meat can reduce a person's risk of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. People who don't eat animal products tend to weigh less, have lower cholesterol and blood pressure, experience less arthritis pain, and live longer.

With all of these potential health benefits, it's no wonder the vegan trend keeps growing. A vegan diet can improve a person's health primarily because it involves two major changes: eating fewer animal products and eating more whole, plantbased foods.

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People who avoid animal products and eat a diet rich in plant foods tend to consume more nutrients, less saturated fat, and more fiber. These differences likely cause the differences in health found between vegans and omnivores.

Some studies suggest that reducing animal product consumption rather than cutting it out completely also provides some health benefits, though to a lesser degree. For example, removing or reducing certain meats from one's diet can reduce cancer risk.

According to the World Health Organization, processed meat is carcinogenic, and red meat is probably carcinogenic. Research has connected both with colorectal cancer. As a result, reducing your consumption of processed and red meat could reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and, potentially, other cancers as well.

Soy Edamame Tofu Soy Milk Mung Beans

Beans Kidney Beans Chickpeas Cannellini Beans

Vegetables Brussels Sprouts Artichokes Sweet Corn Mushrooms Spinach Broccoli Asparagus Potatoes Sweet Potatoes

Fruits Guavas Avocados Blackberries Apricots Kiwis Bananas

Is a Vegan Diet Expensive?

A common misconception about vegan diets is that they are expensive or inaccessible to the average person. This idea probably comes from an association of vegan diets with high-end vegan specialty foods, such as oat milk, nut cheeses, and meat alternatives.

The reality is, a person doesn't have to buy specialty health foods or imitation meat and cheese products to maintain a vegan diet. Instead, they can opt for healthy, unprocessed sources of plant protein. These foods tend to be healthier and much less expensive than both animal products and their alternatives.

Here are some affordable food items that are also protein-rich: • Beans, especially lentils • Edamame (soybeans) • Nuts and nut butters • Oats and oatmeal • Wild rice

Transitioning to a Vegan Diet If you're interested in transitioning to a vegan diet, consider doing it gradually. There's no rule that says you must become 100% vegan overnight. An effort to be super strict from day one could frustrate you, and you might give up altogether.

To begin your plant-based journey, reflect on your current diet and write down all of the animal products you currently consume. Instead of overhauling all meals and snacks at once, start with one meal, such as breakfast. After you've eaten a plant-based breakfast every day for a couple of weeks, choose another simple change toward veganism that you can implement.

Gaining the support of others can also help as you become vegan. Community events such as Meatless Mondays, in which people are vegan for one day each week, and Veganuary, in which people become vegan for the month of January, can provide motivation and accountability.

Takeaway Becoming vegan doesn't have to be daunting. If you're interested in transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, whether for your health, the environment, or the animals, keep your purpose in mind to remain motivated.

If the shift to veganism feels difficult at times, remember that you don't have to change everything overnight. Be patient with yourself, give yourself time, and trust that you can do it.

Simple Vegan Swaps Instead of Meat Beans Quinoa Brown Rice Tofu

Lintils Peas Oats Seeds

Nuts Edamame

Instead of Dairy Milk Almond Milk Oat Milk Coconut Milk

Hemp Milk

Soy Milk Flax Milk Rice Milk

Instead of Cheese Nutritional Yeast Vegan Cheese (ex: Follow Your Heart, Parmela, etc.)

Instead of Eggs Flax Seeds Chia Seeds

Bananas Avocados

Applesauce Vegan Eggs

Instead of Honey Agave Pure Maple Syrup

Coconut Sugar Dates

Instead of Butter For Spreading: Earth Balance Miyoko's

For Baking: Bananas Applesauce

Cheap Plant-Based Groceries To Save You Money Beans & Lentils – You’ll save the most by purchasing dried beans in bulk, but canned versions can be budget-friendly.

Rice – It’s cheap and can be bought in bulk to save even more. When combined with beans, it forms a complete protein profile.

Bananas – These are probably the cheapest fruit you can find. You’re paying cents

per pound. If you have too many, bananas freeze well to be used later in smoothies.

Oatmeal – This is a good source of iron and a filling breakfast food. Combine with bananas for an inexpensive daily breakfast.

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BBQ Lentil Balls Ingredients 1 tablespoon vegan butter 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided ½ medium onion, chopped 2 cups sliced mushrooms (16-ounce package) 2 cups cooked lentils, divided 1 cup cooked brown rice ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried basil 2/3 cup instant oats ½ cup breadcrumbs Handful parsley and cilantro 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire ¼ cup Vegan BBQ Sauce ½ teaspoon liquid smoke ½ – 1 cup extra Vegan BBQ Sauce

Instructions Add vegan butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and mushrooms. Cook until vegetables are fully translucent. Once cooked, turn off the heat and set aside.

Add half of the lentils to a food processor along with the cooked mushrooms and onions. Process until just combined. The mixture will be wet and sticky. It should hold and bind together.

Add the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the rest of the lentils, cooked rice, sea salt, garlic powder, basil, instant oats, breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, vegan Worcestershire, BBQ sauce, and liquid smoke. Mix together until fully combined.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Form lentil mxture into balls and then place each one on a pan lined with parchment paper.

Brush lentil meatballs with 1 tablespoon of oil and extra barbecue sauce.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes. Allow to cool. Serve with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.

Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps Ingredients For the Buffalo Cauliflower: 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups chopped) 3/4 cup brown rice flour 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk Pinch of black pepper 1/2 cup Frank’s Buffalo Sauce For the Vegan Ranch Dressing: 1 package soft tofu 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon sea salt Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped For the Wraps: Finely chopped kale or shredded romaine lettuce Thinly sliced cucumber Finely grated carrot Sliced avocado Large tortillas

Instructions Make the Buffalo Cauliflower: Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Mix the flour, milk, and pepper together in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.

Adjust the liquid if needed to create a thick but slightly drippy batter.

Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Roast for 20-25 minutes until starting to get slightly browned.

Remove from the oven and mix with the buffalo sauce.

Place back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes until browned.

Make the Vegan Ranch Dressing: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Wraps: Layer 4 tortillas with thinly sliced cucumber, chopped kale or shredded lettuce, grated carrot, and avocado. Top with the buffalo cauliflower and vegan ranch dressing.

Courtesy of veganwithcurves.com

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Courtesy of runningonrealfood.com

Does Screen Time Affect Children’s Development?

Written by: Jay Summer

Over the past century, the presence of screens in everyday life has rapidly increased. Only 9% of American households had televisions in 1950. By 1978, that jumped to 98%.

Later, computer ownership followed a similar upward trajectory. In 1984, only about 8% of American homes contained a computer. By 2016, that number was over 89%.

The smartphone is the latest screen with skyrocketing ownership. In 2011, 35% of Americans owned a smartphone. In 2019, 81% owned a smartphone, and 96% owned some type of cell phone.

Of course, adults aren't the only ones using these devices. Children watch TV, use computers, and play on smartphones. On average, children 8 and under spend 48 minutes per day looking at a mobile device. Many people are beginning to wonder what effect this screen time has on kids.

How Do Screens Affect Children?

How Much Screen Time Is Okay for Kids?

Most experts agree that too much screen time harms children's development. Researchers found that increased screen time (of any type) led to lower scores on developmental tests given to children ages 2, 3, and 5. They speculate that screen time could be causing developmental and academic delays.

This study wasn't the only to find an association between screen time and child development. Another study found that time spent watching TV predicted lower school achievement. Another found that watching entertaining (but not educational) TV before age 3 was associated with attention problems five years later.

Excessive screen time appears to affect more than children's test results. Brain imaging of preschool children revealed differences in the white matter of kids who looked at screens more.

Looking at screens too much might affect the physical structure of children's brains, particularly in areas known for supporting language and literacy.

The World Health Organization provides screen time guidelines for children under 5 years old: • Less than 2 years old: No screen time at all • Age 2 to 5: Less than one hour of screen time per day The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a bit more lenient in their screen time guidelines: • Less than 18 months old: Limit screen time to video chats with an adult.

• Between 18 and 24 months old: Limit screen time to educational content with a caregiver.

• Ages 2 to 5: Limit non-educational screen time to one hour on weekdays and three hours on weekends.

• Ages 6 and up: Encourage healthy habits and limit screen time.

Although screens can provide children with educational benefits, most American kids look at screens too much. We aren't completely sure how this will affect them yet. Initial research shows that excessive screen time can harm kids, especially those under 2 years old.

As guidelines continue to evolve, parents should focus on teaching their kids how to have a healthy relationship with screens. For example, kids should eat meals without looking at screens, enjoy screen-free time with friends and family, and avoid screens before bedtime.

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Second Time's a Charm Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Brandon Pham

Ken McDermott is a hard-working, blue collar resident of Moultrie, Georgia, who always tries to do the right thing.

That’s why when Ken turned 50, he did what any responsible older male is supposed to do at that age: get your PSA level checked, especially if you are considered atrisk for prostate cancer.

McDermott certainly fit that category. His father, Lewis DeMott, had just passed away from prostate cancer four months earlier, and McDermott knew he had to get tested.

He went to his family physician, Dr. Kirby Smith, who told McDermott that his levels were testing high. Smith referred McDermott to a urologist, who performed a biopsy on McDermott’s prostate.

The biopsy came back positive for cancer.

The specialist wanted to perform surgery. However, a few days later, McDermott happened to run into a friend who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer a couple of years earlier. He suggested that McDermott visit a doctor in Riverdale, Georgia, who had performed surgery on him and was well known around the country for treating men with prostate issues. McDermott agreed to go see the At-

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lanta-area urologist, and he was immediately impressed.

“Dr. Malizia was treating patients from all around the country,” McDermott said.

Surgery was the agreed upon treatment, but once the doctor went in and began to operate, he stopped. Several large blood vessels feeding the cancer had grown around the prostate.

“The doctor closed me up and went and told my wife that if he tried to operate, I would most likely bleed to death right there on the operating table,” McDermott said.

Instead, a series of radiation treatments was scheduled. After eight weeks and 41 treatments, the cancer was essentially gone. A test of his PSA levels revealed that McDermott’s pre-operative number of 5.1 had been reduced to .01. The very cancer that had just taken his father would not take him.

Fast forward 15 years later. In July 2017, McDermott began experiencing

“Dr. Aldridge told them that I didn’t have four weeks.”

— Ken McDermott

a constant sore throat.

“I thought I had a cold or something like that, but it just wouldn’t go away,” he said.

A visit to a doctor didn’t reveal anything out of the ordinary. A visit to the dentist revealed nothing. McDermott was referred to ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Ray-

mond Aldridge. Aldridge prescribed McDermott a 10-day treatment of antibiotics for what he thought was blocked saliva glands.

When that didn’t work, Aldridge decided to perform a laproscopic procedure on McDermott, running the light down his throat. That’s

when the cause of McDermott’s sore throat was discovered.

“He found a tumor the size of a chicken egg on the very back of my tongue,” McDermott said.

Aldridge performed a biopsy of the tumor.

It was determined to be malignant, and it had also spread to McDermott’s

“The oncologist told me, 'Ken, your tumor is gone.'”

— Ken McDermott tonsil. It was stage four cancer. Fifteen years after dodging a huge bullet, here McDermott was fighting once again.

He needed to undergo treatment immediately if there were any chance of saving him.

That’s when Aldridge called the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville to get McDermott into surgery right away. Initially, McDermott was told that it would be four weeks before he could be scheduled for surgery.

“Dr. Aldridge told them that I didn’t have four weeks,” McDermott said.

Fortunately, Aldridge knew a doctor at Mayo who happened to be a friend and was an oncologist. McDermott was able to be seen right away.

“The doctor examined

me and told me that my tumor was too big to do surgery,” McDermott said.

Just as he had been forced to do with his prostate cancer treatment, McDermott underwent an aggressive treatment plan consisting of radiation and chemotherapy. But, there was more bad news.

“The doctor told me that the radiation would kill my saliva glands and that the chemo would blister the inside of my mouth where I had fillings,” McDermott said.

Before Ken could begin the grueling treatment plan, he was first forced to have his teeth removed.

“I went to a dental practice in Jacksonville where they pulled every single

tooth in my head," McDermott said.

"It took about four hours, and it was awful.”

He then waited two weeks to allow his gums to heal before the chemo and radiation began.

McDermott and his wife stayed at the Gabriel House on the campus of the Mayo Clinic. It offers free- to low-cost housing for patients who have long-term treatments scheduled at the clinic.

McDermott’s treatments were scheduled to last seven weeks, and it took a toll on him physically.

“I went from 230 pounds to 150 pounds in just seven weeks,” McDermott said.

After weeks of chemo and radiation treat-

ments, he was to the point that he couldn’t take it anymore.

“I was on my way to have my seventh chemo treatment, and I told the doctor that I didn’t think I could survive another treatment,” he said.

He called his brother to come take him home.

“I told them that if I was going to die, I wanted to die at my home instead of in the hospital," McDermott said. "That was the lowest day of my life. I felt like if I closed my eyes, I wasn’t going to wake up.”

“The oncologist told me, 'Ken, your tumor is gone,'" McDermott said.

Just to make sure, Aldridge went down McDermott’s throat with the light, and sure enough he confirmed what the body scan had revealed.

The tumor was indeed gone, but it had left its mark on McDermott.

“Dr. Aldridge told me that I had a huge indention in my tongue where the tumor had been,” McDermott said.

He had done it. He had beaten the dreaded C not just once, but twice, and he did it the hardest way possible.

About a month later, McDermott went for a full body scan to see what progress had been made.

35

The Common Male Cancer Written by: Steph Coelho

Prostate cancer is one of the most common male cancers.

According to statistics from the National Cancer Institute, in 2020 prostate cancer made up 10.6% of new cancer cases in the U.S. This cancer affects the prostate gland, which is a gland involved in producing semen.

Signs and Symptoms

Early-stage prostate cancer often produces no symptoms. In the advanced stages, some symptoms may include:

• Difficulty urinating • Frequent need to urinate • Pain upon urination • Pain when ejaculating • Issues sitting comfortably because of an enlarged prostate • Blood in semen or urine • Erectile dysfunction • Bodily pain in cases where cancer has spread to the bones • Weakness in the extremities • Loss of bladder or bowel control

Screening Tests

Since prostate cancer doesn’t usually produce symptoms in its early stages, screening is recommended for males over 50 years old and males over 40 who have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

Black males should start getting screened for prostate cancer as early as 40 years of age. If you fit the screening criteria, you should speak to a doctor to get information on the risks and benefits of screening.

Screening can help with early detection, which ensures prompt treatment of cancers like prostate cancer.

However, screening tests are not necessarily 100% accurate. In some cases, early diagnosis through screening can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

There are two main ways that doctors

screen for prostate cancer: through a prostate-specific antigen blood test or through a digital rectal exam. The American Cancer Society

recommends yearly PSA screening for males with levels of 2.5 ng/mL or higher.

Other tests that can help detect prostate cancer include a transrectal ultrasound and a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm the type and presence of cancer.

Risk Factors

Based on NIH statistics, approximately 12.2% of males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer in their lives.

There’s no definitive research pinpointing a cause for prostate cancer, but there are a few known risk factors for the disease, including:

• Family history. Males who have a close family member with a history of this cancer are at higher risk.

• Genetics. Some genes may increase a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

• Race or ethnicity. It’s more common in black males.

• Age. Males over 50 have a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

Prostate cancer may also have a link with diet, smoking, obesity, STIs, or chemical exposure.

36

of cases are diagnosed in men over 65.

Treatment Options

Thankfully, this cancer is slow-growing and largely responsive to treatment.

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on its stage. When detected early, doctors may not do anything and opt to monitor whether the cancer grows.

Other options include:

• Surgery. Surgical treatment involves a prostatectomy, which is the removal of the prostate gland. Surgery isn’t typically done for advanced-stage prostate cancer.

• Radiation therapy. There are two types, including brachytherapy and conformal radiation therapy.

• Chemotherapy. This treatment is intended for advanced-stage prostate cancer when cancer cells have spread throughout the body.

• Hormonal therapy. Hormone treatment aims to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. It also may involve the removal of the testicles.

Doctors often opt for a conservative “wait and see” approach when prostate cancer is detected early because treatments have many adverse side effects.

Removing the prostate gland, for instance, has an impact on fertility. Radiation therapy and hormone treatment can also affect sperm production. Males who hope to have children can choose to deposit sperm before treatment.

Prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of 97.8%. When the cancer is localized and has not spread, almost 100% of people will survive at least five years. In cases where cancer has spread, the five-year survival rate is 30%.

Prostate cancer is the MOST COMMON cancer among men, except for skin cancer.

About 2 to 3 men will die from prostate cancer a year.

men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.

13 OUT OF 100

American men will get prostate cancer during their lifetime.

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Viking Voice Owes Life to Former Wildcat Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Brandon Pham

On any given Friday night during the South Georgia high school football season, as you tune around listening to your favorite high school football team’s broadcast on the radio, chances are you’ve heard the booming voice of Wes James coming through your radio.

James has been part of the Lowndes Vikings radio broadcast team, the Viking Voice, for 18 years, calling Viking home and away games during that time. James loves the Vikings and loves to be behind the microphone, so he’s been right at home in the press box on Friday nights.

Last fall, James called his final game for his beloved Vikings, deciding to call it quits.

While Vikings fans surely hate to see him go, at least he got to do it on his own terms, rather than be forced to step away, which is exactly what almost happened to James on two different occasions with health scares.

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“I was told later by the doctor that he didn’t know if I was going to make it if they didn’t operate right away.”

— Wes James

The first came in the spring of 2000.

James woke up one morning hurting with mild stomach pain, and as the day went on, the pain grew worse. Finally, he decided to visit his family doctor, who, after examining him, sent James to Dr. David Parker. At the time, James thought he would be examined, get a prescription, and be on his way home. James found out quickly that would not be the case.

“I asked Dr. Parker how long my exam would take,” James said. “That’s when he gave me the news: three days.”

Parker wanted to do extensive tests to determine the cause of James’ problem.

Those tests revealed that James had diverticulitis, a painful inflammation of the digestive tract. James was given a course of antibiotics and pain medication in hopes of clearing up the affliction.

After six weeks, however, his condition

had not improved, and he underwent surgery. Dr. Parker performed the operation, removing a portion of diseased tissue from James' colon.

James was able to return to normal activities after the surgery, and everything was fine. It appeared the surgery had corrected the problems in his abdomen. He had no pain, and life was good.

Then, in September of 2011, he began having stomach pains once again; only this time, the pain was accompanied with a serious problem: James noticed blood in his stool. Thinking (and hoping) the problem would go away, Wes went about his day,until later that night, when things weren’t getting any better. That’s when he called 911.

EMTs transported James to South Georgia Medical Center, where a series of tests revealed the problem. An artery was leaking blood into his colon. While James was

waiting to be taken into surgery, the artery ruptured. It was then a race against the clock as he was losing massive amounts of blood.

“I was given 17 units of blood before I went into surgery,” James said. “I was told later by the doctor that he didn’t know if I was going to make it if they didn’t operate right away”.

The doctor that James was referring to, and the surgeon who would perform the surgery, just happened to be the same person who had operated on him 11 years earlier. Parker was once again called on to go in and fix the problem, but time was running out. Even with the blood transfusion, it was critical that Parker find and correct the problem. Fortunately for James, Parker did just that, and the legendary voice of the Vikings is grateful that the former Valdosta Wildcat just happened to be available once again.

“I owe Dr. Parker my life,” James said.

Speaking of Wildcats and Vikings, the Winnersvile Classic game that year was coming up, but James was still recovering from major surgery, which took 54 staples to close. However, following the operation and a two-week stay in the hospital, he was determined to be on the call, and indeed he was.

After slowly climbing the stairs of Martin Stadium’s massive home side leading up to the pressbox, James settled into his customary spot behind the microphone, and with the words, “Good evening, Vikings Fans,” Wes James was back.

39

Easy In-Door Workouts and Tips Written by: Tyrah Walker

Although COVID-19 cases are steadily increasing, you can still dine in at restaurants, go to shopping plazas, and go to the gym. We haven’t had a lockdown in months, but there are some who are still uncomfortable leaving their homes unless they absolutely have to, and rightfully so. When you think of the gym, you may be nervous to go because of sanitary reasons (even though there are wipe down stations). If you are one of those individuals, have no fear because you can still have a productive workout in the comfort of your own home.

What if I don’t have any Equipment?

If there’s one thing I’ve learned since the beginning of this crisis, it's that we spend money on things we don’t really need.

There's no need to go to the store and buy items when there are substitutions already in your home.

“I need a yoga or exercise mat.”

“I don’t have any dumbbells.”

“I enjoy intense workouts.”

“Working out at home isn’t the same as working out in the gym.”

What you really need is just something to lay or sit on while you do your exercises. Have you ever thought about using a towel or a bed sheet? It works just as good as any yoga mat.

A great substitution for dumbbells can be anything with weight. My recommendation if you want heavy weight is to use gallon-sized jugs (like milk jugs) filled with water. For less weight, use canned goods, books, or small water bottles.

If you enjoy a more intense workout, try running around the neighborhood with a backpack filled with heavy items inside.

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It’s all in the mind. You can work out anywhere and have the same effect of working out in the gym.

If you want a change of scenery, then try exercising outside on your porch or in your garage.

Workout Playlist

What workouts can I do?

You can never go wrong with these exercises! All can be done without a machine.

40

Without Weights

Jumping Jacks

Burpees

Push Ups

Sit Ups

Squats

Planks (Front and Side)

Lunges

Running

Another thing I’ve seen to be extremely beneficial working out from home is working out along with a video. If you’re like me, I would rather have a workout partner to keep me motivated, but I end up by myself the majority of the time. What do I do? I get my smart television and turn on different workout videos on Youtube.

There are channels for just about every workout you can think of.

Hip Hop Fitness: If you enjoy working out and dancing to hip hop, then the Hip Hop Fitness Youtube channel is the perfect one for you. It’s hosted by fitness guru and choreographer Mike Peele.

His videos are beginner friendly and are the perfect mix of dancing and fitness. His videos vary depending on what area you want to work out the most. It’s fun, entertaining, and gives you a chance to show your sexy side. To top it all off, Peele always ends with a word of encouragement toward the end of his videos.

POPSUGAR Fitness: This Youtube channel is great because it’s in a group setting and has a person demonstrating the modified version while the rest of the group is going full speed. They have several hosts on the channel, but one of the main hosts is fitness instructor Deja Riley. All videos are 30 minutes long or shorter, so they're perfect to do right before work or even on your lunch break.

Yoga With Adriene: If you would rather enjoy a more peaceful workout, then yoga would best fit you. Hosted by Adriene Mishler, this channel helps you learn the proper yoga poses. Other related videos she includes are focused on mind and body personal development.

These are just some of the many exercise videos you can enjoy while working out. Just remember to have fun. Working out doesn’t have to be a dreadful thing to do.

With Weights

Bicep Curls

Tricep Extension

Goblet Squats

Shrugs

Floor Presses

Front Raises

Lunges

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Down, But Not Out Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Brandon Pham

Like so many young boys growing up in Thomasville, Georgia, Nick Herndon loved sports.

But while most of his friends played multiple sports, he was focused on just baseball.

“I loved to play other sports with my friends, but as far as playing organized sports in the leagues around Thomasville, I always wanted to play baseball,” he said.

Herndon said that while his parents (Joey and Frances Herndon) supported him, there was no pressure to take up sports.

“I really just took up baseball on my own,” he said.

Herndon not only liked the game of baseball, but he was pretty good at it. As an eighth-grader, the high school coaches took notice of Herndon’s abilities and invited him to play with the high school squad. He played through his ninth- and tenth-grade seasons with the varsity Thomas County Central team.

At that point of his high school career, Herndon had been used only as a position player. Then, in his junior season, he gained weight and began to get stronger. He began doing arm exercises to increase his velocity. Coaches took notice, as he was clocked at 90 miles per hour while throwing off the mound.

His high school coaches, while continuing to

play him in the outfield, started to use him as a pitcher too. According to Herndon, this began to put added stress on his arm. He recalled a region game when he pitched about six innings.

“I threw right at 90 pitches, and I noticed the next day my forearm and elbow were sore,” he said.

He decided to take a few days off to let his arm rest. Then, with the next game, Herndon was scheduled to pitch. He made it through the first inning, throwing a total of nine pitches, but he knew something was wrong.

“My arm felt like it was on fire," he said. "I couldn’t even lift it.”

Within a week, Herndon was in Gulf Breeze, Florida, at the offices of famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

Herndon said he knew about Andrews, as a friend had gone through the same surgery as Herndon was scheduled to have, and the friend and his family had recommended the doctor.

“I knew he was a bigtime guy," Herndon said.

"You see all these famous athletes walking around his office, so you know right away how talented a doctor he must be.”

Herndon was also struck by the doctor's low-key demeanor.

“He treats everyone the same,” Herndon said of Andrews.

“My arm felt like it was on fire. I couldn’t even lift it.”

— Nick Herndon

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“I knew he was a big-time guy. You see all these famous athletes walking around his office, so you know right away how talented a doctor he must be.”

— Nick Herndon Andrews performed Tommy John surgery on Herndon on March 29, 2018. It is formally known as Ulnar Collateral Ligament Transplant surgery and is nick-named after Dodgers left-handed pitching ace Tommy John, who was the first athlete to undergo the then-unknown procedure. The surgery consists of transplanting a tendon from the patient's forearm or leg and using it to replace the damaged UCL in the patient's elbow. Andrews is known today as the expert at performing the procedure.

Herndon began rehab within a week of the surgery. He worked with therapist Chris Jarrett at Thomasville Physical Therapy, following a regiment set forth by Andrews.

“Chris and I would call Dr. Andrews periodically and update him on my progress,” Herndon said.

The physical therapy lasted nine months.

Herndon remembers the first time he picked up a baseball and was cleared to throw again.

“It was really, really weird,” he said.

Slowly but surely, Herndon regained his strength and confidence, and he was in the starting lineup, playing centerfield and batting second in TCC’s first game of his senior season. The number of throws he could make from the outfield was limited, and he had a pitch limit of 35 pitches.

(He didn’t return to the mound until the end of the season).

Herndon picked right up where he left off: He finished his senior season 44

with a .514 batting average and .886 slugging percentage. He was also named the Region Player of the Year.

Herndon is now the starting center-fielder for Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. He played 22 games for Santa Fe before their season was cut short due to COVID-19. In the short season, he finished with a .356 batting average, two home runs, and 18 RBIs. During a one-week stretch of the season, Herndon batted .545 (1833) with 11 runs scored, four doubles, one triple, one home run, and 10 RBIs. For his standout performance in just eight games, he was selected as the FCSAA State Player of the Week. Because of the shortened season, he will be ruled a freshman for the 2021 season.

Despite his great success, Herndon understands that his injury could have easily ended his baseball career, and he is grateful for getting another opportunity.

“My set back with Tommy John surgery wasn’t easy, but it made me a better person and a better ball player," Herndon said.

"This game will put you through highs and lows, but through it all I’m thankful that God was, and still is, with me every step. I’m blessed to have parents who love me and support me and my love for baseball.”

45

Taking Care of Mental Health in a Pandemic Written by: Steph Coelho

Taking care of mental health is essential at any time. But during a pandemic, people may face additional challenges that make it difficult to address mental health concerns.

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout North America, people with and without existing mental health conditions may feel overwhelmed and anxious. Both children and adults may find themselves feeling nervous or fearful of getting sick.

While it’s vitally important for people to follow health guidelines, like those outlined by the CDC, it’s also crucial that people pay attention to their mental health during these difficult times.

46

Population-Wide Mental Health Effects of a Pandemic

People may have a multitude of reactions and experiences to and as a result of the pandemic. COVID-19 has also affected the population as a whole by increasing known risk factors for mental health issues, including:

• Unpredictability • Uncertainty • Social isolation as a result of lockdown and social distancing • Financial stress • Inactivity • Decreased social support

As the economy has taken a hit, so has mental health — even in people who did not previously have mental health issues.

According to a recent study on COVID-related mental health issues published in The Lancet, evidence shows a marked increase in depression, anxiety, and stress in the general population due to the pandemic.

The study notes that young people are notably at risk for mental health issues at this time, citing an increase in calls to helplines for help with anxiety.

People with existing mental illness are also greatly affected by the pandemic.

There’s some evidence that people with existing psychological issues may be at a higher risk for contracting the virus. The onset of the pandemic has also reduced access to medical care and support services.

People who are at higher risk for mental health issues during a crisis, like a pandemic, include:

• People who are at high-risk for COVID-19 complications • Young people • Caregivers • Frontline and essential workers • People with existing mental health issues • People with substance abuse issues • People who have faced employment changes like loss of a job or reduced income • Socially isolated people • People with disabilities • Racial and ethnic minority groups • Homeless individuals

Unfortunately, while the population’s mental health has been widely affected by the pandemic, the already under-equipped mental health system is struggling to handle the current mental health crisis. It is currently unable to meet the rising mental health needs of society during a pandemic.

Some people may experience mental health issues for the first time during the pandemic. For most, anxiety and other worries will dissipate as the situation eventually comes to an end. However, for others, these mental health issues may stick around.

Trends We Can Expect to See in the Future

The pandemic’s mental health challenges have made clear the importance of accessible mental health services and support. They have also clearly demonstrated the many weak spots in the system.

We will likely see a continued increase in remote mental health services long after the pandemic has ended. We may also see changes in how telehealth services are rendered and reimbursed.

We may observe new, emerging approaches to providing mental health services. We will also likely see a continued upward trend in mental health issues, particularly as a result of the situation's impact on the economy. People will experience mental health ripple effects as they face economic hardships.

There may also be a lingering, collective obsession with hygiene.

Suppose the current mental health crisis is not addressed. In that case, the country can expect the number of people affected by mental health disorders to increase down the road.

Changes We’ve Already Seen

Increases in telehealth services is a significant change brought on by the pandemic. While telehealth was already around, the pandemic prompted a boom in this industry.

Remote healthcare services, including mental health services, allows for increased access. Still, this type of remote care is not appropriate for everyone. Not everyone is technologically savvy or able to access a computer with an internet connection. Digital therapy, like in-person therapy, may also not be financially within reach for some people.

The future mental health of citizens post-pandemic is reliant on ensuring services and support are accessible and available to all.

6 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Outbreak

1 Limit Your Coronavirus News Intake 2 Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms 3 Find a Way to Vent Your Feelings 4 Keep a Healthy Lifestyle 5 Get the Facts: Be Prepared, But Realistic 6 Remember Your Strengths 7 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health

1 Develop a Morning Routine 2 Start Gratitude Journaling 3 Avoid Procrastination 4 Cut Digital Time and Read a Book 5 Create Something 6 Practice Mindfulness 7 Set a Night Routine

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