Lexington Woman Magazine

Volume IX

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING

Real WOMEN

Thrisha Shiver

I’m a Survivor

Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll

In this Issue

Volume IX

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING

16

Real WOMEN

10

24

From the Editor 2 Events

Thrisha Shiver

I’m a Survivor

3 What’s happening in and around Lexington?

Cayce, Chapin, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, West Columbia, and White Knoll

Volume IX

Editor-In-Chief:

Lori Samples Duncan (ld@woman2woman.sc)

Media Representative:

Theresa Adams (adamsmedia1@gmail.com)

Contributing Writers:

Ruth Chapman Pastor Mark Crumpton Lori Samples Duncan Steven J. Hutchinson, DMD Tim Loonam, DVM Sneh Patel Tyler Ryan

Things we love about

Lexington 4

Let’s Talk

5 6 8 9

Cho On Main Future Lexington women to look for!

Stop and smell the roses The wedding dress

Professional

10 It’s all good in the fatherhood 12 Stress Management 13 Where are they now?

Watch for this icon and be sure to check out more detailed interviews online in our “On The Couch” series at www.youtube.com/WomanToWomanTV

Pets

14 Arthritis in Pets: What to do when your pet’s ‘get up and go’ has

‘got up and went’

Health & Wellness

Cover Photo:

Clark Berry Photography

Publication Layout and Ad Design: Melissa Wates

Photography:

Clark Berry Photography Hilton Head Island Photography, INC

16 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 28 29 30

Meet Dr. Shane Conner Lexington Medical Center new mobile mammography van What kind of athlete are you?

A half hour with Dr. Davis Allergy Partners of the Midlands Sleep solutions Dr. Ty Coleman – family man Robin Vaugan-Parler on how she got her life back Childhood obesity Being a father Melissa Backman of White Knoll Dentistry

Celebrating the Survivor in You! Woman 2 Woman Enterprises

PO Box 85282 | Lexington, SC 29073 (803) 808.0866 | www.woman2woman.sc Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2010

31 Surviving with style 32 Dr. Thrisha Good Shiver 35 Amee White

Business & Web Directory 39

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

From the Editor

E

very issue of Lexington Woman brings me the opportunity to meet new people, discover new things about Lexington, and yes, love Lexington a little more! This issue was especially fun for me. Because I had so much fun with Mother’s Day, I wanted to celebrate dad’s in our Summer issue.

Since the creation of Lexington Woman, I have received just as much feedback from male readers as females. I always find it interesting that the guys need an excuse as to why they were reading a “woman’s” magazine. I just want them all to know Lexington Woman isn’t just a girl thing! We deliberately choose articles and content we feel men and women will benefit from. I hope to show Lexington men that we love our guys too.

We thought we would talk to a few professional dads about being fathers – how they find a balance between work and home. I think as women sometimes we forget the outside stress that our husbands deal with, because we tend to take on a great deal of the “at home” stress.

I hope these articles make us all a little more understanding of each other!

As always we strive to bring you the best of the best in Lexington and only feature business we are comfortable recommending to our own friends and families. I plan on having Ductz clean my carpet and my vents before the holidays. I learned so much from Dr. Coleman’s article on allergies that I scheduled an appointment. Please don’t forget to tell our advertisers where you learned about them. They make Lexington Woman possible, and without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue to bring you such great referrals.

We have two events coming up this fall to promote our commitment to making a difference in our community called Culinary Cards for Cancer and Love for a Cure. See the ads in the Survivor section and be there with us on September 9th and September 25th to join the fight.

I want to encourage you to send us nominations for future feature articles. We love hearing from our readers and take every comment to heart. I want to thank you for all your positive feedback in our last issue, We hope you enjoy this one just as much.

Remember to count your blessings on a daily basis. I promise if you look, you can always find someone else who has it a little worse than you do.

Until we meet again,

Lori Samples Duncan (Become our fan on Facebook!)

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Events

What’s happening in and around Lexington?

50th Anniversary Showcase August 26 - 29, 2010 Village Square Theatre

Lexington County Arts Association is celebrating their 50th anniversary. In honor of this exciting time, Village Square Theater is producing a musical theater revue fund-raiser featuring songs from various shows produced

by LCAA in the past. A selection of pieces will be presented from the George Boozer revues, from musicals we know and love and there will be some songs from musicals that we hope to produce in the future. You will get a little bit of everything in this fun evening of song and dance AND be able to show your love and support of LCAA for all of the entertainment and opportunities it has provided the community in the last 50 years.

Fathers’ Spotlight!

Love for a Cure Tennis Tournament Saturday, September 25, 2010 Lexington County Tennis Complex

This is a Men & Women Adult/Senior Doubles & MixedDoubles Level 5 Tournament being held in memory of Jay Criscione. Register online at http://tennislink.usta.com/ tournaments (tournament ID #70414310). The entry deadline is Sunday, September 19, 2010. All proceeds will benefit Chemo With Style and Alala Cancer Society. For more information, see the ad on page 36.

2010 Culinary Cards for Cancer Thursday, September 9, 2010 Wingate by Wyndham, Lexington

Take a little tour of the Lexington County restaurants and pick up a card at each station. Each of the best hands from 6-7pm wins a great prize - poker hands will be called in 15 minute intervals with the last winning hand of the evening capturing the grand prize at 7pm.

Tickets are $30 each or 2/$50. All proceeds will benefit Chemo With Style and Alala Cancer Society.

For more information, call Terry Vann Schon at (803) 461-5186 or see the ad on page 37.

Congratulations to the Lexington Youth All Star Cheerleaders!

They won first place in their division and Overall Best Sportsmanship during Jamfest at the Columbia Convention Center.

The special men in Jenna and Jared Williams’ lives

“Grandaddy, JB Whatley, retired to keep us instead of sending us to daycare. We could recite every character from Days of Our Lives. He’s been there at our sporting events, school events and lots of vacations. Our Daddy, Chris Folsom, has been the fixture at sporting events, spend the nighters and of course the one that tucks us in at night.We love you!!”

– Jenna and Jared Williams

Jason Mulligan and his sweet baby girl, Berkeley “Daddy loves his girl!”

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Follow us on youtube with LIVE “On the couch” interviews at Travinia with cancer survivors featured in Lexington Woman Magazine.

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Things We Love about

Lexington

Things we love about Lexington!

Fathers’ Spotlight!

by Lori Samples Duncan

H

ere are some of the things we love about Lexington:

Lexington Woman loves Thai Wasabi Sushi Japanese Warrior!

We love families who love by activation and not just blood relation.

We love people who volunteer their time and talents to make someone else smile – Joyce Glenn Wagster of the Adam Turner Foundation!

Lexington Woman loves service men and women in all branches of the military who are fighting for freedom we often take for granted. I am humbled and in awe of each of you by the sacrifices you make and the commitment to your country.

Lexington Woman loves 4th of July fireworks over Lake Murray!

We love Dems Jewelry’s Pink Posse beads and the Ta-tini beads! Building a bracelet and making a difference!

See photos from the Pink Posse Bead Presentation starting on page 31.

Travinia Italian Kitchen has the best Gouda Mac and Cheese! Try it out – it is amazing! You won’t regret it!

We especially love all of the Lexington school sports! Good luck to all of you!

We can’t leave out Gamecock Baseball! Congratulations to the 2010 National Champions of the College World Series!!!

Lexington Woman loves giving back to the community. Plan to join us at our two charity events, Culinary Cards for Cancer and Love for a Cure, in September. See the ads on pages 36 and 37 for more information!

photos by Amanda Lynn Ward

Kirk Ward

“My dad is an amazing father and honorable man, and is true to his word. I know I can always count on him. I’m so proud to be the daughter of Kirk Ward. I wouldn’t have any other dad in the world. He is my hero.”

– Amanda Ward These photos were taken of Kirk Ward in his Marine Corps Dress Blues, at the Lexington Monument by his daughter Amanda Ward. Amanda is a photography student at White Knoll High School.Thanks Amanda for sharing your photos with Lexington Woman!

Monday - Thursday: Lunch 11am-3pm and Dinner 4pm-10pm Friday - Saturday: Lunch 11am-3pm and Dinner 4pm-11pm Sunday: 11:30am-7pm n Woman Bring Lexingto for a i ab as W to Thai on 10% discount l there! your next mea

803-957-9849 | 5454 Sunset Blvd. Ste. E, Lexington, SC 29072 | www.thaiwasabi.net

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Let’s Talk

Cho On Main

by Tyler Ryan

A

s Leasa Collins took the rest of my nail polish off, she told me how much she loved what she does. “It’s hard to call it work when you love what you do,” she said. Now before we get too far into this, I just want to be clear. The night before I had done a charity event for Project Pet, so yes, I had polish on...that having been addressed, Leasa, is the hands on owner of Cho On Main, and is very quick to point out that she feels like the salon is like being with friends all day...and the friends that come in, all have personalities that she and the staff focus on.

Street, she has evolved her vision into an upscale experience, without the snobbyness (is that a word?) that you might expect to find at such a boutique.

you get into a pool, which will help protect it from the chlorine. It also goes without saying, but even though we all love a good tan, don’t forget the sunscreen.

The 10 experienced Cho artists are all skilled in their respective areas of beauty, and understand the golden rule, and remember that it’s important that the men and women, who come in, come back. With services that range from a full variety of hair treatments to waxing and permanent makeup, Cho On Main has a lot to offer (for example: Currently 200.00 off the application of permanent eyeliner). You may find yourself at Cho, without a hair on your heard being touched, shopping for a special gift in their boutique.

Cho On Main also offers those little touchups before the big summer party, with a full line of waxing services, yes fellas, the ladies aren’t the only ones who come in for that waxing that all makes us cringe. In fact, according to Leasa, she does a lot of waxing for men, and as she cleaned up the rest of my polish, told me she sees a lot of men for manicures and pedis. She says that as we age, if we don’t take care of our feet, things can “get out of hand.” I didn’t really want her to expand much on that, so we left it as it was.

She enjoys making a woman feel pretty and comfortable in their appearance.

It’s that comfort and concern that has had friends returning, often, for over 4 years.

Leasa believes that beauty is an art. A very personal art, which expresses itself differently with every different face and head of hair.

It’s no secret that the summer in South Carolina can play havoc with your skin, hair, and even feet. “Moisturize,” Leasa says of your feet, especially during the summer months. When they are exposed to the elements, walking in the sand, and salt water, they require a little extra work. She also feels that a little extra care to your hair can go a long way. Conditioner. Use it, and bear in mind that your color will fade quicker the more you are out in the sun. Leasa also suggests rinsing your hair with tap water before

Cho On Main may be upscale, but the prices are anything but. With cuts for men that start at twenty dollars, and woman at fortyfive, there are a lot of reasons to stop in, meet Leasa and ladies at Cho. Cho is also a great place to have your wedding, prom, or event hair did. (sic) You can learn more about Cho on their website, www.ChoOnMain.com, or call 356-1111 for an appointment. Yes, you can also walk in, should you find yourself on a stroll of Main Street in Lexington, and find yourself drawn to this great shop.

Leasa believes that beauty is an art.

So you might ask yourself, “What is Cho?” according to Leasa, it means butterfly…to evolve. In the time she has been in Main

Ready for a hot new look that’s really cool? Visit cho on main in downtown Lexington.

At Cho, our impressive staff of hair stylists can help you discover your ultimate look with personalized hairstyle and color, nails, eyelashes and makeup.

Feel free to be you with: • Hair color, cut and styling • Doctor administered Botox • Teeth whitening • Manicure and pedicure • Natural hair and eyelash • Unique accessories extensions by certified specialists

Currently offering $200

off our permanent eyeliner application!

Experience the evolution of beauty.

Experience the evolution of you.

CHO100301_onethird horiz_LW_SEPT10.indd 1

127 East Main St. • Lexington, SC (803) 356-1111

www.ChoOnMain.com 7/13/10 2:56:37 PM www.lexingtonwoman.sc

Let’s Talk

Future Lexington women to look for!

Lauren Allen Biggerstaff (16 Years Old)

L

auren Allen Biggerstaff plans to attend USC Law School to become a Attorney to work for children’s rights. Lauren volunteered with the Special Olympics this year helping with various office duties and also being a buddy to a participant.

She attended the Ban the R Word Rally on March 23, 2010, at the state house to show her support for banning the everyday use of the word “retarded” she is also doing her senior project on banning the R word. Lauren says this “This is one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities that I participate in and what is most dear to my heart.”

cluding Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Student Council, Student Body Treasurer, Student Body Vice President, French Club, FCA, Key Club, Daily Prowl News Show Reporter, Yearbook Staff (3 years), Yearbook Editor - Student Life, French Exchange Student – Summer 2008, 2008 Summer Leadership Program – Columbia College, 2008 Youth Corps.

Lauren volunteers for various organizations and truly tries to make a difference in each of her fundraising or volunteering efforts.

Once such organization that Lauren has helped over the last three years, is Relay for

Lauren is very involved in school activities and clubs. She is an Honor Roll Student. She is also a member of various other organizations and honors in-

Life. Her 2008 team raised $25,000.00. In April 2009 recruited 10 of my friends to join a relay for life team; this 2009 team raised $15,000.00. According to Lauren, the 2010 team has raised $15,000.00 so far this year.

Lauren has been a part of numerous fundraisers for The Children’s Hospital, LICS, Harvest Hope Food Bank and other local charities. Lauren hasn’t just been generous with her time and efforts here at home. She has participated in several missions’ trips and also helped with fundraisers for organizations like letters and care packages to our troupes, the Ronald McDonald House and the March of Dimes.

Lauren volunteers for various organizations and truly tries to make a difference in each of her fundraising or volunteering efforts.

Already giving so much of her time and energy to help others we are confident we will be reading about Miss Lauren Allen Biggerstaff in the not so near future. We at Lexington Woman applaud your efforts to make a difference to the world around you.

Web Design | Graphic Design | Media Placement | Speciality Products Branding | SEO Campaigns | Social Media Campaigns

www.TylerRyanGroup.com

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

803.398.1776

Let’s Talk

Ashlyn Combs (11 years old)

T

his little lady may be one of our younger featured “Future Women” to look for, but she certainly isn’t lacking in accomplishments or community service. Ashlyn Combs, age 11, is a part of the EAGLE Gifted Program and an Honor Roll student at Lexington Intermediate. She has received several Citizenship Awards, and voted to be a Peer Helper. Ashlyn is an award-winning writer and also received various art awards.

Ashlyn’s hobbies include singing, guitar,

Ashlyn is playing the role of “Annie”... production, which is July 9-24th. You can get your tickets by calling the Town Theatre box office at 799-2510.

Volunteering is important to Ashlyn, too.

She spends her time helping for various causes, including the Lexington Senior Center, Palmetto Place Emergency Shelter for Children, Meals on Wheels and Cystic Fibrosis.

I think we see a pattern here, Ashlyn Combs is a star on the rise and we are proud to feature this submission as a future woman to look for!

art, soccer, baking, reading, horses, and the YMCA Indian Princesses. She has been in many community theatre productions.

Ashlyn is playing the role of “Annie”, as her first major leading role, opening July 9th at Town Theatre. Katelynn Cannon will be alternating the role throughout the run of the

(803) 359-0123 108 Prides Way Lexington, SC 29072

Know a young lady who should be featured here?

If you know any local young ladies who are working hard toward their future goals, please email your submissions to ld@woman2woman. sc for consideration in our next issue.

Fathers’ Spotlight!

Rebecca and her dad

“My dad taught me from an early age the importance of laughter in one’s soul. He was, and is my source of curiosity and inspiration to explore the world, hobbies, new places, and adventures. This photograph always puts a huge smile on my face, as it brings me back to one of the many times when my dad, niece, and I have spontaneous, silly fits of laughter, yet also of solace. This Father’s Day, I want my dad to know how much he inspired me to be a headstrong, successful woman that still doesn’t take herself too seriously...”

– Rebecca Kazimir

“He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”

– Clarence Budington Kelland

Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Tumbling • Private Lessons Fitness Classes • Birthday Parties • Field Trips

We're flippin' fantastic!

www.renegadegymnastics.com

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

Let’s Talk

Stop and smell the roses

by Pastor Mark Crumpton

S

ounds familiar? Most likely, but do you recall actually doing it recently?

came home, and I was never to have another conversation with him again.

In the chaos and confusion of life’s situations, circumstances, events, and even the blessings in our lives, we are too often distracted and caught up in the “Moment” to actually stop and smell the roses. The problem is that moment carries into the next moment, and the next until we simply settle for an occasional passing sniff, because we are simply too busy to stop This is exactly why you must take time to stop and smell the roses.

One of the hardest things for me was the fact that the last few weeks of his life I became so consumed with the situation that I didn’t once stop to enjoy him. All I could talk about or think about was what the doctor said, and what our options were. After all, once I knew that, I would know how long of a season we would have together.

The Bible tells us to redeem the time. This means: Take it back; seize it; make the most of it.

What are the Roses? These are the beautiful and precious gifts that God has blessed our lives with for a season and then they are gone.

I lost my father one year ago in September 2007. He had lost a lot of weight and we begged him to go to the doctor. Finally he did, and they discovered a mass in his lungs that we were told immediately would not be operable because of the size and location.

Right away he was sent for a biopsy. A few days later the results came in as suspected.

It was cancer, but the exact type was inconclusive. Our only hope would be to shrink the tumor so we would know what we were dealing with, and we had to act fast. He left from the oncologist’s office and was immediately admitted to the hospital to remove a lymph node for another biopsy. He never

Friends, just as we have no control over the date the season of life begins, we have no control of the date the season ends, the “Dash” in between is the Time you have to redeem. I give praise to God that he gave me the strength to redeem a few minutes with my dad 6 months before his death where I would lead my 69 year old father to the lord.

The “Dash” on his headstone may be small but the season of his eternal life with God shall never end because he actually stopped to smell the roses. He stopped to appreciate and accept the precious gift of salvation.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) I would like to share with you the poem that I penned on the way to my father’s funeral realizing that the season had come to an end for this precious rose in my life.

One More Day

(By Mark Crumpton in remembrance of his father Ernest Crumpton) If I had one more day Oh, the things I would do And the things I would say I would take him everyplace He ever dreamed of going I would take him to eat At ALL of his favorite places We would do all those things He waited to do “someday” If I had one more day I would write down every word he spoke I would let him know how much he means to me I would tell him and show him How much I truly love him I could get this ALL done…

If I had one more day Oh, the things I would do And the things I would say If I had one more day Life is here today & Gone tomorrow And a lifetime of joy will bring a day of sorrow Cherish Every “ONE MORE DAY” Pastor Mark Crumpton, Lexington Church of God 1228 S. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073 www.LexCOG.org (803) 957-6675

Fathers’ Spotlight!

Dana Baleno with her son and dad

“My Dad. He’s the first man I fell in love with. And so much fun to be around! He has taught me so many things – much by his example. Most importantly, he has taught me the joy and reward of loving your family unconditionally. The best days are often spent playing baseball in the yard and playing with his grandchildren (Walker, Olivia, Mia and Aidan).

And very often he can be seen (and heard!) coaching from the baseball dugout. While others know him as Coach Walker, Jimmy, Jim, and Dad – he probably most prefers the title of ‘Pop Pop’. I love you!”

– Dana Baleno

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”

– Jim Valvano

Let’s Talk

The wedding dress

by Ruth Chapman

Y

ou’ve heard about the crazy engagement, when my husband asked me to marry him on Old Camden Highway in front of a corn field, but let me tell you what happened after that. We got engaged in September 1986, my senior year at USC. I graduated in May 1987 on a Saturday and began my first real job on Monday with Policy Management Systems (with a swollen face because I had my wisdom teeth removed on the Wednesday prior to graduation!)

We had set the tentative wedding date for February 1988 because two other family weddings had claimed October and New Year’s Eve in 1987.

There had not been a wedding on my father’s side for 20 years and now there were 3 in four months!

Well, the dream job of traveling and teaching turned out to be too stressful.

My job included flying out on Sunday and back in Friday every week, until all of our client’s many locations nationwide had been trained. I lasted 3 months. With the support of my parents and fiancée, I happily resigned and came home. We postponed the wedding, while I spent 6 weeks in unemployment depression before landing a local job, and the first thing they did was put me out on the road for 3 more weeks of training!! But when I returned, we went full steam ahead on the wedding planning.

My mother asked me when we were going shopping for a dress. I told her I didn’t intend to shop, because I had been planning on wearing her dress my whole life. In fact, I had secretly been trying it on for years when she left the house. So I tried it on for her and it fit like a glove. The problem was, after 25 years, it had aged poorly.

It had a full skirt with bands of lace that had yellowed with time. Also, where the shoulders had been pinned to the hanger, there were spots.

We went shopping on Main Street in Columbia for lace and bought some very similar to the original. For the price of $200.00 for lace, and my mother’s sweat and hard work, the dress came back to life. She put a band of lace around the sleeves at the point because of some stains and she cut out little flowers from the lace to hide the spots on the shoulders. She also carefully replaced the worn, yellowed lace on the skirt, all by hand. We were unsure how well the zipper was going to hold, as it was prone to opening on its own, so Mom put some hooks and eyes in strategic places, should the unthinkable happen during the Event.

We then bought a veil from J.B. White’s that was falling apart for $30.00 and she sewed it back together, adding a beautiful rose to the back of it. I had worn that rose to my 8th grade graduation. We added a light blue garter and new shoes and I was set. The day was wonderful, if all too brief, but the dress held up very well, looking beautiful!

By the way, this was third time this dress had been worn in a wedding.

My mother’s best friend also wore the dress when she made a quick decision to marry her fiancée when he came home on military leave.

With only two weeks to plan a wedding and no time to buy a dress, my mother offered hers. For the record, all three couples have remained married to our spouses all these years.

My parents, Beverly and Joe Abdalla celebrated their 46th anniversary this past March and their friends, Carol and Franklin Blanchard of Chapin also celebrated their 46th in December. I guess the dress is good luck!

Visit The Chapman Company Fine Jewelers at 903 North Lake Drive in Lexington for the latest trends in jewelry.

C C

THE

HAPMAN OMPANY

FINE JEWELERS

Specializing in On-Site Repair and Custom Design

803-996-5530

903 North Lake Drive, Lexington (look for the black awning)

www.thechapmancompany.com www.lexingtonwoman.sc

Professional

It’s all good in the fatherhood Can you go from carrying an M-16 to a vacuum? You sure can. Just ask Tim Mozley. He is the proud father of five children, and the owner of a Ductz franchise in Lexington. photo by Clark Berry Photography

Tim Mozley and his twin sons

T

he words Semper Fi carry meaning for a lot of us. If you have never been a member of the United States Marine Corps, you know someone who has proudly served.

The lessons learned proudly serving in any branch of the Military are carried with you, and applied to your work and personal ethic as you continue down life’s path.

10

Can you go from carrying an M-16 to a vacuum? You sure can. Just ask Tim Mozley. He is the proud father of five children, and the owner of a Ductz franchise in Lexington.

In fact, business has been so good, Tim has added a Hoodz franchise to his business, but we will get back into that in a minute.

Tim and his team clean. They clean carpets, HVAC units, and of course driers. Don’t forget that just because you clean the little filter on the top of your drier, doesn’t mean there isn’t a ton of stuff in the hose that runs to the outside of your house. Did you know that a ½-inch of lint can restrict your driers effectiveness by forty-four percent? That means more electricity to get your clothes dry. It means your drier won’t last as long, since it has to work harder, and according Tim, there are over eight thousand homes every year that have a fire because of built up lint in the drier system. That alone is a pretty good reason to call Tim Mozley and Ductz.

While in the Corps, Tim was a pilot. Then he trained the pilots of those great big KC 130’s. Tim also served ten years in the trenches of sales, while getting his MBA. It was a couple years ago, that he started looking around for a franchise that he could succeed with, and found it in Ductz. He has taken his relationship skills, leadership skills, and business experience and created a very successful business that continues to grow.

Living in the sweltering South Carolina heat for many months out of the year means our air conditioners work overtime. How many of us really remember to change the filters?

In case you didn’t now, there is at least 1 filter in your house, which catches all the dust, pet hair, allergens and other stuff that floats among us. It’s when we forget for a while, or just don’t we can run into problems with our HVAC, and Tim gets the call. No, Tim doesn’t repair your HVAC, he’s there before

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

you need to get it fixed — to clean it.

According to Tim, spending the extra few bucks on a good filter will not only save you money in the long run, but last longer than the cheap versions we all seem to reach for. There is an old proverb that the “devil is in the details.” It’s those details, small by some standards, but often overlooked that can save homeowners lots of much needed money over time. Cleaning filters is like changing the oil in your car.

Back to Tim, who clearly has as strong ethic himself, which he extends to his team.

It can be somewhat nervous situation to have a stranger in your home. Every person who wears Tim’s Ductz logo goes through a complete background investigation. He hires only “quality employees” to ensure his clients get the service they deserve, and have come to expect. If you can’t make eye contact or shake a hand, you can’t be a part of Tim’s team.

Tim has also added another service to his growing empire, adding the Hoodz specialized in kitchen stove hoods and lines.

Professional

Your Home. Your Office. Your Health.

Remove stains, allergens and pet odors.

Keep the pet!

The Mozley family As I spoke with this so called “solutions provider for dirty problems,” and did the math...a successful and growing business, a wife, and five kids...I had to ask...”How?” “My wife is the reason…ability, understanding and trust,” says Tim. Tim works hard at his business, and works very hard to ensure the family knows why he does it. He devotes as much time as possible to the family, and although he often works into the night, and on weekends, he makes it a point to take a break after the traditional work day to spend time with those who need his heart as much as the mortgage payment. He eats dinner, spends some time with the kids, and puts them to bed. After that, it’s often times back to work for a bit. “It’s sometimes a challenge,” says Tim, who also knows that there are sacrifices that he has to make, personally and professionally.”

It’s the balance and professionalism that has created Tim’s solid customer base and ensures that Dad is around as much as possible. To learn more about the services that

DUCTZ is taking indoor air quality to a whole new level of clean, from the ground up! DUCTZ, the nation’s premier air duct cleaning company, now offers carpet and upholstery cleaning services. Clean, beautify and protect your carpets and upholstery with DUCTZ Total Care.

Breathe easy knowing you and yours are protected by the best.

DUCTZ Total Care services:

It’s the balance and professionalism that has created Tim’s solid customer base and ensures that Dad is around as much as possible.

• Air Duct Cleaning • Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning • Dryer Vent Cleaning

Discover the DUCTZ Total Care difference.

Tim offers, or to get an estimate, call him at 803.233.4097 or check out the website, www.Ductz.com.

803.233.4097 www.DuctzTotalCare.com

803.233.4097

“Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!”

“It doesn’t matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was.”

“Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad.”

– Lydia M. Child

– Anne Sexton

– Anne Geddes www.lexingtonwoman.sc

11

Professional

Stress Management

by Gayle S. Rozantine, Ph.D., B.C.S.M.

W

e all know what it is like to feel stressed. We may feel irritable, jumpy, and tense or have difficulty sleeping, which leaves us feeling tired and reduces our ability to work effectively and make good decisions. Our muscles may become tense, leading to headaches, backaches, clenched teeth and sore jaws, or overall muscle pain.

We may have stomach aches, acid reflux, nausea, or diarrhea. Our blood pressure may increase, and we may have heart palpitations. We may have hot flashes or our hands and feet may become cold. We may feel dizzy and have difficulty breathing. These are common symptoms we experience when we feel overwhelmed by stressful situations.

Although we often think of stress as being negative, stress can create positive or nega-

tive feelings. Stressful situations can have a positive influence on us by motivating us to take action, acquire new skills, increase our awareness and insight, and develop a new perspective. Stress has a negative influence on us when it causes us to feel overwhelmed, rejected, angry, or depressed.

There are many factors that influence our level of stress: • Attitude. Our attitude determines whether a situation or emotion is stressful or not.

A person with a negative attitude typically reports more stress than someone with a positive attitude.

• Nutrition. Poor nutrition places the body in a state of physical stress and at risk of infection. Poor nutrition can be caused by unhealthy food choices, inadequate

food intake, an irregular eating schedule, or substance abuse. This form of physical stress decreases our ability to deal with situations that are perceived as difficult or unmanageable because malnutrition affects the way our brain processes information.

• Exercise. Inadequate physical activity can create a stressful state for the body. A program of regular physical activity will improve your mood and increase your feeling of well-being.

• Support systems. Everyone needs someone in their life to share their experiences, especially when they are having a hard time.

The lack of adequate support makes stressful situations more difficult to manage.

• Relaxation. People who do not know how to relax are less able to handle stressful sit-

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Professional uations because they do not know how to manage their stress.

You may be wondering if it is possible to eliminate stress from your life. Our goal is not to eliminate stress, but to learn how to manage it. What can you do to manage the stress in your life? Identifying unrelieved stress and being aware of its effect on our lives is a first step, but it is not sufficient for reducing the harmful effects of stress. Just as there are many sources of stress, there are many ways of managing it. Learning to manage stress requires a willingness to work toward change. We must identify the sources of stress and change our reaction to it.

We know from research that the most fundamental strategy for creating and maintaining balance and health is learning what is known as the relaxation response, the term we use to describe the deep state of relaxation attained when one focuses attention on breathing and mindfully letting go of muscle tension. Learning to trigger the relaxation response is known to reduce tension, to reduce pain, to ease gastrointestinal disturbance, to relieve insomnia, and to reduce anxiety and depression. It has also been found to increase immune system functioning so that your overall health improves. It is effective in reducing blood pressure, which is especially beneficial for those suffering from hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. Learning the relaxation response teaches you to cope with the hassles of everyday life and helps you to reduce your overall stress. After learning to elicit the relaxation response, you will find that your physical health improves. Learning the relaxation response through a structured stress management program is an important step in learning how to manage the stress in your life.

Gayle S. Rozantine, Ph.D., B.C.S.M. Clinical Psychologist www.quietawakening.com

Where are they now?

T

hree years ago when we first interviewed Paulette Criscione we told her story about being a cancer survivor. We caught up with Paulette recently to find out where she is now.....

Cancer is not the only thing Paulette has survived. She is also helping local business survive the impact of the bad economy by trying to welcome tournament travelers into our community with open arms.

Criscione is the Director of Sports Marketing for Lexington County Recreation and

Executive Director with vision for economic growth.

Paulette says, “We are all very excited about our new tennis facility in Cayce. 2011 is the projected date for the completion of this state of the art facility.”

Lexington is a wonderful community filled with business and people who are willing to go the extra mile. Paulette tries to help our visitors see just that, in their short stay with us. She guides those tournament players and their families to local restaurants, hotels,

Lexington is a wonderful community filled with business and people who are willing to go the extra mile.

Paulette tries to help our visitors see just that, in their short stay with us.

Paulette Criscione Aging Commission. Her job is to connect with people who travel to the Lexington area, guide them to hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Basically: tourism.

and entertainment facilities that share that same goal. Paulette says, “You are supposed to help each other. My job is to go beyond the call of duty.”

As the Director of Sports Marketing, Criscione mainly works with sports teams and their families. “I’m like a travel agent. I provide a service,” she said.

“If everyone focused on service,” she said, “it would help a lot of people who need it, creating a domino effect, a shared impact, on the community. When tournaments come into the area to play, and see the service provided by local businesses they are willing to return.

Everyone has to work together in support of each other.”

As the economy soured recently, less and less people traveled, making Criscione’s job harder. Fewer teams were coming into the area to play. So LCRAC worked hard to bring in more tournaments and Paulette does her part by sharing our community with as many travelers as possible.

Jorge Andrews is a great asset to Lexington County as well as Randy Gibson. Jorge is well known in the USTA (United States Tennis Association) community as well as Lexington County. Randy continues to serve as

Paulette continues her work as co-founder of Chemo with Style along with Terry VannSchon. She remains committed to sharing the story of her cancer journey with others and never takes for granted a single day. It is obvious from listening to her enthusiasm about sports marketing that she carries that same drive into her career with Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission. www.lexingtonwoman.sc

13

Pets

Arthritis in Pets: What to do when your pet’s ‘get up and go’ has ‘got up and went’

by Tim Loonam, DVM

A

rthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is the most common skeletal disease in dogs and cats. Studies estimate 20% of dogs older than one year have some degree of DJD and the incidence is likely similar in cats. The disease, like arthritis in people, is characterized by stiffness, pain, altered gait, decreased activity, and difficulty getting up or lying down.

Pet owners may also report hearing or feel-

The disease, like arthritis in people, is characterized by stiffness, pain, altered gait, decreased activity, and difficulty getting up or lying down. ing ‘crepitus’, the medical term for popping, crunchy or grinding sounds in a joint. DJD may result from an initial injury, a chronic

injury or may be hereditary or congenital.

This article will discuss the disease process and how you can identify it and what you and your veterinarian can do to prevent and treat the disease.

Hereditary skeletal conditions (those passed on from breeding) and congenital skeletal conditions (those the pet was born with) are important contributors to developing DJD. Hereditary diseases include hip and elbow dysplasia, more common in large breed dogs; and luxating patella (loose kneecaps) in small breed dogs and cats. Attempts have been made to control the incidence of these diseases by breeder education and screening dogs prior to breeding with thorough veterinary and x-ray examinations. An example of a congenital skeletal disease is osteochondrosis dessicans (OCD) that occurs in rapidly growing active and large breed dogs. In OCD, the bone literally outgrows the cartilage at the end of the bone and the cartilage may lift off leaving a painful, weak spot in the joint. Its important to note these hereditary and congenital conditions can occur in mixed-breed dogs and cats as well.

Injuries and obesity are also causes for painful joints and DJD in our pets. A torn ligament in your pet’s knee or a joint damaged from the trauma of being hit by a car can initiate DJD. Obesity, the most common disease condition in our pets, should be considered both a primary and contributory factor in DJD; think of obesity as repetitive, long-term trauma to your pet’s joints. Several excellent, long-term veterinary studies have proven that maintaining your pet at a lean body condition is the single most important factor in preventing and treating DJD. Whether from hereditary or congenital causes, or acute or repetitive injury, your pet’s joint becomes inflamed and unstable.

Inflammation is the body’s attempt to heal itself. However, over time, the inflammatory chemicals the body sends to repair the joint begin to break down the cartilage, thin out the joint fluid and harden the ends of the bone. Additionally, the body responds to joint instability by laying down new bone in attempt to ‘shore-up’ the joint. In time, clients can even feel the ends of the bone and joints becoming thickened and remod-

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Pets

The disease, like arthritis in people, is characterized by stiffness, pain, altered gait, decreased activity, and difficulty getting up or lying down. eled. Sadly, these bring on even more DJD and the disease continues to progress.

There are medical and surgical treatments for DJD, and your veterinarian will help you evaluate the options for your pet. Clearly, weight loss and maintaining a lean body condition coupled with regular, controlled exercise may be the most important treatment in limiting the progression of DJD. Many cases of DJD resulting from musculoskeletal injury can respond remarkably to surgery and nearly halt further disease progression.

Surgical treatments for torn ligaments, loose kneecaps, and hip and elbow dysplasia are all available at veterinary surgical centers and even by some general veterinarians who have received additional training. Ask your veterinarian about these options as well as referral to a veterinary physical therapist for exercises and treatments to improve recovery and slow DJD progression.

Many advances in drug development have improved the outcome of medical treatment options for DJD. The cornerstone of medical therapy for DJD is the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs block the inflammatory response to joint injury to prevent the destructive effects of long-term inflammation. There are several families of NSAIDs and your veterinarian will help you find the best fit. Although some

human generics and over-thecounter NSAIDs may be used, never try any of these medications without first consulting your veterinarian, especially in cats. With long-term use, your veterinarian may recommend regular blood tests to catch possible drug side effects early.

Inflammation invariably leads to pain and although NSAIDs offer some pain relief, additional medications to relieve pain may be necessary periodically or long-term. Many joint supplements are available on the market today such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. These food supplements are thought to be ‘chondroprotective’ (protect cartilage) by making joint fluid thicker, cartilage more spongy, and by consuming destructive inflammatory substances. Although there is a lot of anecdotal praise for these products, the few medical studies performed in humans and pets reveal they are best when used early in the disease process and over long periods of time. Several pet food manufacturers now have diets available with high quality supplements added to the food.

Early detection and treatment of DJD will give your pet the best chance for slow progression of this disease. Your veterinarian will help you choose the medical and surgical options for the best quality of life for your pet. And don’t forget the importance of regular exercise and weight control…for you and your pet!

Fathers’ Spotlight!

The Halfacres

“My dad has been one of the biggest inspirations in my life.With his love and guidance I have been able to accomplish more than I could have ever imagined. He always taught me to do my best and to never give up on my dreams.”

– Hope Halfacre-Bryant

“A father carries pictures where his money used to be!

– Unknown

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

15

Health & Wellness

Meet Dr. Shane Conner

by Tyler Ryan

“I

t’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” says Doctor Shane Conner of trying to balance a successful chiropractic practice, along with a family including a wife, twin boys who celebrated their first birthday on June thirtieth, and an older daughter. “It’s a blur at times.” This comes from Dr. Conner, who has seen his share of hard times, including a near death motorcycle accident last summer, which landed him in the hospital and out of work for fifteen weeks, while his wife, Kelli, looked after the then six week old boys and daughter Gracie. As if that wasn’t enough to compare some hard times to, Dr. Conner is also a cancer survivor.

Dr. Conner’s life has been a painful, uplifting, amazing ride that he attributes a “group effort” as the success. “My hat goes off…” to parents who try to have a family and career alone. Saying nothing of the extra curve balls that life has tossed his way.

It almost reads like a Lifetime movie. In 1998, the twenty-six years old, Dr. Conner, not quite a doctor, having just started school, and the very proud father of fourteen month Graci, was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

By the time it was discovered, it had spread to his colon and bladder. He had surgery

Dr. Conner’s life has been a painful, uplifting, amazing ride that he attributes a ‘group effort’ as the success. photo by Clark Berry Photography

Dr. Conner with his twin sons, Fenegan and Gabriel and started what was to be thirty-four treatments of radiation, which left him with what he could only describe as “sunburn on your colon.”

Dr. Conner’s motorcycle injury left him with a concussion, dislocated patella, crushed shoulder, and near loss of his ear, and pain nearly every day. “It was tough, man,” says the Doc. He now works very hard to stay in shape, and is very thankful that he even has the chance to work. Many of his doctors were questioning if he could ever return to work, much less resume some sort of “normal” life with his family. As a chiropractor,

“our livelihood depends on our hands and shoulders.” He believes that his diet, regular chiropractic care, general lifestyle, and love of his family have all played a part in his recovery.

The Doctor jokes with his wife that weird things happen when they have babies. “I can’t go through any more of this…” he says.

Through some pretty tough personal challenges and the births of Graci and twins Fenegan and Gabriel, he and Kelli have built a very successful chiropractic practice on Old Cherokee Road in Lexington. “We built

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

716 Old Cherokee Road Lexington, SC

Health & Wellness

Fathers’ Spotlight!

Doug Combs, Becky Lucas Combs, Ashlyn Combs, Jerry Lucas, Natalie Combs, Lauren Lucas Buda

photo by Clark Berry Photography

Shane, Kelli, Gracie, Fenegan, and Gabriel Conner it from the ground up in 2003,” says Conner, who now employs five other staff members.

between chiropractors and medical doctors is more about their method of caring for people, not education.

If you watch an episode of Two and a Half Men, you might buy into some of the fun that is had at the expense of Alan, who is a chiropractor. There are several stereotypical myths that surround the practice of manipulating the spine and other joints. As far back as 2700 B.C., there have been practitioners of all things adjustments. According to Dr. Conner’s website, chiropractors are real doctors, subject to the same types of testing. The difference

Dr. Conner’s method of care is more than adjustments. It’s a healthy lifestyle that he challenges his patients to adopt. Exercise, nutrition, and of course, regular adjustments from your friendly neighborhood chiropractor. Contact Dr. Conner at (803) 359.2273 or on the web, www. connerchiro.com.

“If it’s in your heart, you will find a way to do it,” said Dr. Conner.

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”

– Unknown

The Hall men

“This is a picture of George E. Hall, Sr., George E. Hall, Jr., George E. Hall, III, Brett W. Hall and Christopher M. Hall. It is good to have the boys have their dad in their lives.”

– Bernie Hall

Creative Therapy • Self-work to change emotions and patterns • Learn how to heal with your own creative strength • Professional psychological service • Wellness and positive psychology

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17

Health & Wellness

Lexington Medical Center’s new mobile mammography van

by Lexington Medical Center

E

arly in the morning outside Airport High School in West Columbia, school nurse Glennette Grimes takes a break from work. But instead of sipping coffee or checking e-mail, she heads outside to Lexington Medical Center’s new mobile mammography van. Within just 15 minutes, she will have a mammogram to screen for breast cancer.

Grimes is one of the first patients in Lexington Medical Center’s new mobile mammography van. The van travels around the Midlands to schools, businesses, churches and community groups. It offers state-ofthe-art digital mammography, which can detect spots as small as a grain of sand. The van is an example of the best mammography technology available.

And because the van travels to you, having a mammogram is more convenient.

That’s why Grimes, like many other women, signed up.

“I think more women have mammograms when the mobile unit is out because you don’t have to take two hours off work,” she said.

The new 43-foot van features electric steps with a porch and awning as well as updated modern décor such as hardwood floors, leather seats, a banquette, window treatments and two dressing rooms. The porch makes entering and exiting the van easier for patients and staff, and because it has two dressing rooms, patients are able to move more efficiently. Also, the cab is more open, creating a more comfortable space for patients and technologists.

The new van replaced the hospital’s older van, which provided quality mammography services for the past 11 years.

The Lexington Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary donated the new mobile van to the hospital. The Lexington Medical Center

18

Foundation supports the mobile mammography van by funding its maintenance and purchasing items such as a laptop computer for patient registration and a GPS system.

“The mobile mammography van will provide the same quality mammography services for women at their work place that we provide at all of our Women’s Imaging locations, which will reduce their time away from work,” says Frankie Haygood, mammography supervisor.

Lexington Medical Center’s certified radiologists review all mammography images from the van the next day. If the doctor sees a change from a previous mammogram or something that is concerning, the patient will be contacted for further testing within a day. If the mammogram’s results are normal, each woman’s doctor will receive a report within 8 to 10 business days.

The mobile mammography van is just one component of Lexington Medical Center’s army in the battle against breast cancer. Lexington Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging center has four locations around Lexington County which are all accredited by the American College of Radiology and Food and Drug Administration. The main hospital location is designated as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Lexington Medical Center is also home to the unique “Five Day Detection to Diagnosis” program, where a team of clinicians provides answers about the health of a woman’s breast within five days after the detection of a lump or abnormality.

According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, more than 40,000 people died from breast cancer in the United States in 2009. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer at some time in her life is a little

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

LMC Mobile Mammography Van less than one in eight. But, because of education, technology and early detection, breast cancer death rates have been going down.

Right now, there are more than 2 ½ million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Women should begin to have yearly mammograms at age 40. If you have a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, you should begin mammograms ten years before the age at which she was diagnosed. So, if your mother was diagnosed at age 40, you should begin screenings at age 30. Women are also encouraged to have a baseline mammogram at age 35.

Lexington Medical Center’s new mammography van is expected to travel to nearly 100 locations in the next year, screening approximately 2,500 women. One stop it will make is Chicago in November. Farber, the company that manufactured the van, will feature it at the Radiological Society of North American convention as an example of what a mammogram van can be.

Meantime, patients including Glennette Grimes are already setting up her appointment for next year.

Learn more about Lexington Medical Center’s mammography van schedule and appointments by calling 803-791-2486.

Health & Wellness

What kind of athlete are you?

Tyler Ryan with Josh Ortegna

“W

hat kind of athlete are you?” The question that sets the stage and assesses the commitment that is required to with Josh Ortegon and his group of professional trainers at Athletes Arena in Irmo.

Make no mistake, this group isn’t your average run of the mill trainer who are going to yell at you to pump out two more reps before you go into spin class, although while I was there, I saw some “spirited” motivation.

Josh’s background in exercise spans over a decade. He started Athletes Arena in 2005, with Shane Miller joining in 2006. The team has come up with a system, geared to young athletes, twelve and up, that promote safe sports, performance and skills that reach beyond the sport, and actually become a lifestyle.

There is a rise in injuries because of overuse and a “lack of education” according to Josh.

Young kids aren’t just simply small adults.

Training must take a different approach. The first goal of the Athletes Arena program is to decrease injury from overuse, lack of education, and exposure to improper techniques that can actually hurt the young athletes.

Josh did point out that there are programs for adults as well.

A very successful program is the eight week

Return To Play Program, which is designed to bridge the gap between a young athletes release from doctor’s care, and their “readiness to return” to full play. After sixteen weeks of ACL recovery, an athlete cannot simply jump back at the same performance level. There must be a ramp back up to avoid another injury. The program can also be applied to identified “at risk kids,” according to Josh. An assessment can show deficiencies in the at risk kids, if it is a matter of education, bad training or poor technique, or simple biomechanical imbalances. When the Return To Play program is applied with these potential risks in mind, it can create a much stronger and healthier athlete.

Josh uses himself as an example of the positive effects of cross training. He cross trained for so many different spots as a kid, he was relatively injury free. Because kids now specialize and can play a single sport for eight to twelve months every year, they are getting hurt at a younger age. Kids are having injuries at age thirteen that you normally see in professional ball players, due to the repetitive sports. “Take time off,” Shane says, not only to play other sports, but to learn how to train properly. He went on to say that even when kids play other sports, they are not

taking time off their primary sport. If you play baseball, stop playing for several weeks.

Don’t stop activity, or other sports, but the body needs rest from that primary sport.

The fitness industry has become “sexy,” Josh said. There is a large group of people in the fitness industry, who now train athletes, and there is a big difference. With the influx of trainers come options for parents who want to help their children succeed, and in some cases reach the collegiate level, on a scholarship. “It’s not too meticulous to ask a lot of questions.” Ask about the trainers backgrounds. Have they worked specifically with athletes? Look for their experience and education specifically with sports. “Just because you teach bio-pump doesn’t mean you should train athletes.”

At Athletes Arena, the six trainers, each with different specialties and a massage therapist make up the team. National level weight lifting, Russian Kettle Bells, agility and foot work, and of course nutrition all make up a well rounded program of services which clearly goes way beyond simple fitness training. You can reach to Josh, Shane, and the rest of the group at 803.750.9036 or logon to www.athletesarena.com.

• Sports Performance • Personal Training • Fitness Nutrition • Massage Therapy

803.750.9036 • www.AthletesArena.com • 7575 B St. Andrews Road • Irmo, SC www.lexingtonwoman.sc

19

Health & Wellness

A half hour with Dr. Davis

by Lori Samples Duncan

D

r. Myles Davis of Columbia Women’s Healthcare is a Columbia native. He attended medical school at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and has been in practice since 1991. Dr. Davis takes pride in delivering thorough and compassionate healthcare. He strives to

Dr. Davis and his wife, Allison, celebrated their twentieth anniversary in February and they have two sons, ages fourteen and fifteen.

Being a busy doctor who is on call sometimes twenty-four hours a day, we asked Dr. Davis how he is able to find balance between work and home. “It’s been hard over the years,” he

two teenagers can be difficult, and last year the family scaled back to one week. Both sons run cross country and are involved in other activities.

Dr. Davis enjoys being a father, not only spending time with his sons, but observ-

What I love and admire about Myles is his dedication to and passion for both his work and our family.

– Allison Davis Dr. Davis with his two sons educate his patients about their care, present them with all their options, and have them take an active role in their healthcare. He also participates in clinical research.

Dr. Davis began his career in general surgery, but especially enjoys the aspect of his current practice that allows him to really get to know his patients, see them year after year, keep up with their families, and take care all of all aspects of their lives. When asked

Dr. Davis and his wife Allison says, “Early on, you are trying to get your career going so you spend a lot of time at work trying to build that career, then as the boys got to be four or five I realized I wouldn’t have that time forever, so it was important to me to spend more time at home. Being a part of a big group, there are seven of us, I am only on call every 6th night. That helps a lot. When we are not on call, we can work or take off. If we don’t work, we don’t get paid, but money isn’t everything.”

Dr. Davis enjoys being a father, not only spending time with his sons, but observing them as they grow into young men who think and problem solve for themselves. how he found his career to be rewarding, Dr. Davis states, “You get to know people very well. It is sharing those special events with my patients; delivering their children, hearing about their graduation, marriages, and seeing their extended families. Occasionally they thank you for taking such good care of them and that makes it all worthwhile.”

20

The Davis’ place a great deal of importance on family time and when their oldest son was six, they began setting aside two consecutive weeks to spend together. The first year during this time, they traveled to California. For the five years that followed, the family went to Europe: Greece, Italy, Spain, France and England. Accommodating the schedules of

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

ing them as they grow into young men who think and problem solve for themselves.

On advice for future dads, Dr. Davis pulls from conversations he has with his wife, Alison. She is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and she spends a lot of time around doctors who often vocalize their desire to have more time to spend with their children.

“You don’t want to have any regrets,” says Dr. Davis, “You have to spend time with your children while they are home, because they are not going to be home forever.”

When asked what woman has inspired him, Dr. Davis replies, “My wife has.” Smart guy!

The Davis family enjoys travel, movies, running, cycling, tennis and the arts.

columbiawhc.com, (803) 254-3230

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Take care of that craving and we’ll take care of you.

tending to the unique nature of women 1301 Taylor Street, Suite 6-J, Columbia, SC 29201

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21

Health & Wellness

Allergy Partners of the Midlands

by Lori Samples Duncan

D

r. Ty Coleman joined Allergy Partners of the Midlands after completing his medical and allergy training in 2005. After graduating with honors from USC Honors College in 1996, Dr. Coleman spent the next nine years training at MUSC in Charleston, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, FL, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. His interest in becoming an allergist stemmed from personal experience in childhood as an allergy patient who gained significant benefit from allergy treatment.

Allergies

Colds

Symptoms

Runny or snuffed nose, sneezing, wheezing, watery and itchy eyes.

Can include fever, body aches and pains, along with allergy symptoms

Warning Time

Symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to allergen.

Symptoms usually develop over several days.

Duration

Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to an allergen and beyond. If the allergen is present year round, symptoms may be chronic.

Symptoms should clear up within several days to a week.

Lexington Woman sat down with Dr. Coleman to discuss some common questions regarding allergies.

LW: Are sinusitis and allergies related?

Dr. Coleman: Allergies can cause significant swelling of the lining of the nose and sinuses which can be a major reason for repeated bouts of sinus headache, pain, pressure or even infection (sinusitis). Allergy evaluation is indicated in people who visit their healthcare provider several times a year for these symptoms. Often they tell their doctors that the symptoms can get better but they “never completely go away.” In these people, nasal congestion and mucus block the normal drainage from the sinus cavities located in the cheeks, nose, and forehead. This can be due to allergies to the environment (such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites) or irritants such as tobacco smoke or perfumes and strong odors or chemicals. Often the sinus problem will not resolve until the allergies are addressed. With successful allergy treatment, the number of sinusitis episodes is markedly decreased.

LW: What is the difference between an allergy and a cold?

Dr. Coleman: It can be hard to differentiate a cold from allergies based only on symptoms, but the main difference is the length of time that symptoms last. A cold normally disappears after a week. Allergies, on the other hand, can last for weeks or even longer. Here are a few guidelines to help you differentiate between a common cold and allergies.

22

LW: Is it true that nasal sprays are addictive?

Dr. Coleman: Prescription nasal sprays are NOT addictive. Prescription corticosteroid nasal sprays, (like fluticasone/Flonase), can very successfully treat hay fever and allergy related runny noses. They can also help break the addiction caused by chronic use of over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin. These OTC sprays work by directly decongesting the nose. In order to do this quickly, they shrink blood vessels that feed the lining of the nose. Using Afrin-like sprays for longer than 3-5 days leads to a dependence on the medication so that going without it leads to worse nasal stuffiness than before. Over longer periods of time, these blood vessels can be permanently damaged. Prescription nasal sprays or oral cortisone may be necessary in these cases. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are very safe for long term use, but they can take several days or up to two weeks to reach maximum effectiveness.

LW: Are their simple solutions for some of our allergy symptoms?

Dr. Coleman: The obvious solution would be to avoid your allergy triggers, but since that can be difficult, some recommendations are nasal saline rinses to remove offending allergens from the nose on a regular or exposure dependant basis (such as after a soccer

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

match or at the end of a fall hayride). Over the counter antihistamines can be used as directed to blunt the allergic response to allergens as well. Once symptoms are severe enough to trigger recurrent infections, chronic congestion and watery eyes, then a physician or an allergist would need to evaluate to consider prescription strength nasal sprays, medications, or potentially desensitization with allergy shots.

LW: What types of things can we do to be proactive during allergy seasons for ourselves and our children?

Dr. Coleman: • Keep your windows closed at night and if possible, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools and dries the air.

• Try to stay indoors when the pollen or mold levels are reported to be high. Wear a pollen mask if long periods of exposure are unavoidable.

• Also avoid hanging sheets or clothes outside to dry.

• Consider taking a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea.

• When traveling by car, keep your windows closed.

• Most important, be sure to take any medications prescribed by your doctor or allergist regularly, in the recommended dosage.

As part of Allergy Partners, P. A., a professional association of more than 50 allergists with offices in more than 9 states, Dr. Coleman and his team can look closely at practice patterns, implement change, and monitor outcomes in a much more meaningful way than an individual practice can. He maintains that the focus of the practice is the patients. “We pride ourselves in taking the time to understand each patient’s concerns and work alongside our highly skilled support staff to make certain the care we provide is the best available,” says Dr. Coleman.

You can learn more at www.allergypartners. com/columbia

Health & Wellness

Sleep solutions

W

e do it every day. We work hard, have dinner, settle in, turn out the lights and drift off to the Land of Nod. Sounds pretty relaxing, doesn’t it? Not if you are among nearly forty million of us who, for one reason or another, don’t get rest, and in some cases, don’t even look forward to trying.

Finding rest is the passion of Doctor Christopher Marshall and the team at The Lexington Medical Center’s Sleep Solutions. For nearly thirty years, Dr. Marshall has practiced medicine in the Midlands, and is now board certified in sleep disorders.

As I spoke with Dr. Marshall, and Nurse Practitioner Cindy Thompson, I learned many interesting facts about sleep, including the different impacts various disorders have on men and women. One of the most common is sleep apnea. It’s thought that six to eight percent of men and up to four percent of women suffer. Interestingly, as women age, Apnea becomes more common, as it may be related to estrogen, and with menopause, the levels begin to taper off, according to Ms. Thompson.

Sleep Apnea is an obstruction of the airway, caused by the collapsing of tissue in the throat as we fall asleep. Sleep Apnea is the culprit behind the favorite friend of spouses, snoring. This “increased upper airway resistance” or partial obstruction allows some air to pass, however, reduces the volume of air that goes into your lungs. If you suffer from an obstructive sleep apnea, instead of a reduction of air flow, it can pinch that airflow totally.

There are several reasons this can happen, including larger tonsils in young people, or weight gain. Sleep apnea can also be simply an “anatomical problem,” according to Dr. Marshall, including having narrow air passages. Other behaviors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, or even medicine can also trigger the disorder.

Although it can be fatal, the majority of peo-

ple, will wake up, and return the flow of air, either by our bodies wiring, or a spouse that has a good left elbow. Sufferers are often left tired, and can have headaches from lack of oxygen.

The good news is that in most cases, treatment and changes in behavior can cure sleep apnea. In fact, forty percent of patients who visit Sleep Solutions are treated with behavior changes, rather than in depth procedures.

Dr. Marshall explained that in thirty to fifty percent of sufferers, a treatment called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, will allow for some much needed rest. CPAP blows continuous air through the airway, and allow for normal breathing and sleep.

Once normal slumber is returned, the team at Sleep Solutions work with patients on behavior modifications, including reduction in weight, cutting back on drinking, and other causes which can be controlled, and allow the return of normal rest without CPAP treatment.

The list of reasons we don’t sleep well continues from apnea, to insomnia, jetlag, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and so on.

Dr. Marshall offers several sleep guidelines, which can help combat some reasons we don’t get the rest we need.

• Wake up at a regular time, even on the weekends • When you get up, leave the bedroom, making it a place only for “sleep, whoopee, and illness” • Avoid naps after three in the afternoon • Exercise • Avoid caffeine and stimulants in the afternoon and evening

Sleep Apnea is an obstruction of the airway, caused by the collapsing of tissue in throat as fall asleep. Sleep Apnea is the culprit behind the favorite friend of spouses, snoring. might envision a traditional hospital room.

They equate it to staying in a “nice hotel” which is more conducive to rest, and an accurate diagnosis. Sleep Solutions is accepting patients on a referral basis. A sleep study and follow up treatment is generally covered by most insurances. The Sleep Solutions page on the Lexington Medial Centers website, www.lexmed.com, offers great information on the program, and resources to learn more about sleep disorders, and what you can expect, should you enter the program.

Clearly the study is a specialty, and the doctors and nurses who are involved with the program have in depth training, a drive for helping those sufferers of sleep disorders, which can have a huge impact, not only for the patient, but for the families of those who don’t sleep well. The Sleep Solutions Center can be reached at 803.791.2683.

The study of sleep is becoming a specialty in healthcare, with specific guidelines for doctors and nurses who treat sleep disorders. Accreditations for facilities, like The Lexington Medical Center’s Sleep Solutions, also ensure that those who suffer can receive the best treatment. Dr. Marshall and Ms. Thompson point out that the Sleep Solutions environment is not clinical, as you www.lexingtonwoman.sc

23

Health & Wellness

Dr. Ty Coleman – family man

by Lori Samples Duncan

L

W: Dr. Coleman, tell us a little bit about your career. How long have you been an allergist? Where were you educated? What brought you into practice in West Columbia?

Dr. Coleman: I graduated high school from the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. I then graduated with honors from the University of South Carolina and obtained my medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. I completed my internal medicine residency at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Since completing my allergy fellowship at the University of Iowa in 2005, I have been with Allergy Partners of the Midlands.

Joining Allergy Partners of the Midlands allowed us to come home to South Carolina.

We expanded into our new West Columbia location in 2006.

LW: Tell us about the day in the life of Dr. Coleman?

Dr. Coleman: My day usually starts by 5am, and if I am lucky, I can fit a couple of workouts in each week. Afterwards it’s straight to the morning routines of breakfast and dressing three kids and toothbrushing and pack-

and fielding phone calls and nurses’ questions. I usually head for home after 5pm and navigate the congested Lexington County corridors. I arrive home in time for daily behavior reports, playtime, dinner, and bath. I tuck in the kids and unwind with my wife talking about what went well—what didn’t go so well—and what we can do better. Then we start all over again.

LW: Are you on call on the weekends and holidays?

Dr. Coleman: I share the availability to answer urgent patient questions or handle emergent medical issues.

LW: We know you’re a father to three children, two of which are twins. Share with us how it felt to find out you were having twins.

Dr. Coleman: It was surprising, shocking, and exciting! I was already living the life of a father with my son, and having TWO more children on the way was hard to fathom.

LW: What is it like being a doctor with a demanding career and the father of three children?

It takes a lot of time management, having your priorities in order, and a great deal of humor and kindness. photo by Clark Berry Photography

Ty and his three children ing lunches and backpacks. Several meltdowns later, we are all out the door by 7am.

We drop off the kids and I arrive at my office by 8am each weekday. From there it’s a busy schedule of allergy patients, asthma tests, 24

“So be sure when you step with great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.” – Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss It takes a lot of time management, having

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

your priorities in order, and a great deal of humor and kindness.

LW: I imagine that you are faced with some of the same tough decisions other dads face.

Share with us some of the ways you find balance with family and career in your own life.

Dr. Coleman: I structured my training so we had our first child towards the end of my training. Finishing the last two years of medical training with one child and practicing the last few years with three years allowed me time to devote both to the practice of medicine and getting to know my children. This gave me the opportunity to focus on what’s most important to me and my family.

LW: How has being a dad changed your view of the world?

Dr. Coleman: I realized that life is hard to control. My children are their own people.

As much as I have worked to be in control of medical knowledge and patient care plans, when you have children you realize that life is more than just facts on a piece of paper— it’s about the importance of quality of life and time spent with family and friends.

LW: Share with us a favorite Team Coleman moment.

Dr. Coleman: Nighttime feedings reflect the essence of teamwork. Sasha would get up and nurse the first baby to wake. Since I only wake to pagers and alarms [thanks to my internship], Sasha would page the cordless phone base next to me. I would wake up and collect the sleeping baby from the crib, change his or her diaper, and then execute the hand-off. I would take the fed baby and change that diaper, and put that baby back to bed while she nursed. If we were lucky, we would get two more hours of sleep before the game started again.

LW: What is one piece of advise you would give to other expectant fathers?

Dr. Coleman: Try not to be so hard on yourself and do your best to live in each moment

Health & Wellness

Fathers’ Spotlight!

Theresa and her father

“I consider myself so blessed to have had such a dad as mine. Loving but strict, I wanted nothing more than to make him proud of me. He was a career Navy man who raised my sister and me after our mom passed away. Now I’M the proud one.Thanks, Daddy, for your service to our country and for being such a great father. I miss you!”

– Theresa Adams

photo by Hilton Head Island Photography, INC

“Ty is undeniably one of the best fathers I know. He’s a Saturday morning with homemade chocolate chip waffles-Dad, a masterful player of Candyland and Checkers-Dad, a snuggle up on the couch with a cartoon-Dad, a hold you tight at the doctor-Dad, a genius with Christmas decorations-Dad, a perfector of backyard kickball-Dad, and a ‘Just one more book’ storytelling-Dad. He is a hero to all of us, and we love him more than all the chocolate chips in the world!”

– Sasha as it comes. It may sound trite, but it does go by so quickly.

Before you know it, you have a THIRD grader!

LW: As with any successful partner I like to think your spouse has made a positive impact on your ability to handle your career so well. Share with us some of the ways your wife contributes to your home to make you a better doctor.

Amy Daniels and her father Herman M. Booth

“This is a picture that was taken of my father and me last year. Daddy is a World War II Veteran, and I was very humbled and honored to be able to go with him on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial. I’m so very proud of the sacrifice he, and so many others, gave to allow us our freedom.”

– Amy Booth Daniels

Dr. Coleman: Sasha is a Physician Assistant and she understands inherently the patient and staffing issues that I deal with everyday. She listens and even offers helpful advice on how to handle to difficult patients or situations. She is incredibly organized which is a huge benefit to each and every successful day. The fact that she is a wonderful cook doesn’t hurt either.

Bailey with her dad Benjamin Poston

“The greatest gift I ever had, came from God; I call him Dad!” – Bailey Poston

of the Midlands A MEMBER OF ALLERGY PARTNERS, P.A.

Advanced care to help you breathe better...for life.

• Comprehensive Exams • Allergy and Asthma Relief • Pediatric Care

Allergy Partners of the Midlands - West Columbia Main Office (open Monday–Friday) 103 Midlands Court • West Columbia, South Carolina 29169 Tel: (803) 794-3581 • Fax: (803) 791-7286

www.AllergyPartnersoftheMidlands.com R. Douglass Markham, MD DeWitt “Ty” Coleman, Jr., MD

Allergy Partners of the Midlands - Camden Second Office (open Tuesdays only) 1001-B Fairlawn Drive • Camden, South Carolina 29020 Tel: (803) 424-2041 • Fax: (803) 791-7286

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

25

Health & Wellness

Robin Vaugan-Parler on how she got her life back

I

magine this, you are in an automobile accident, not once but twice because of a drunk driver. Both accidents are within two years of each other. You go through years of treatment, five surgeries, various techniques to alleviate the pain, sleep sitting straight up for decades, and to top it all beat an addiction to pain medicine. Finally you find a clinic where they are practicing soft tissue mobilization, myofacial release, and craniofacial release therapies. In those words that are as hard to understand as they are to say is where Robin Vaugan-Parler has found relief, thanks to Hima Dalal and Vital Energy.

Robin’s story is a pretty amazing one, in and of itself. In 1981, she was riding with her husband, when the car she was in was struck by a drunk driver. It was a rough accident.

Underwater Treadmill

Her neck was injured so badly, it tore the meniscus in both sides of her jaw. She went through the necessary physical therapy, and was released from doctor’s care. Shortly after that, she was hit by another drunk driver, in 1983. At the time of the second accident, her daughters head was in her lap. Just before the impact, the child’s head shot straight up, and into all the work in Robin’s jaw that had just been done. This time, it caused bone fragments to pierce the brain stem, among other complications. After the second wreck, doctors elected to utilize a Teflon meniscus implant in her jaw, in hopes of rebuilding her TMJ joint.

As Robin explains it, it was a newer procedure which was not successful. This pianist, teacher, and performer said as the years

Power Hose Jet

Robin Vaugan-Parler and Hima Dalal went on, her named changed. She added a new middle name, “Pain.” She describes it as hallucinatory pain. As time went on, she had the Teflon removed, although it was supposed to be permanent. After that came the cortisone shots. In the head, the neck, and the back, six to eight times. Along with the

Our goal is to achieve mental and physical wellness through our combination of Complementary/Alternative therapies with traditional Occupational Therapy.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

Shoulder Rehab

Power Jets Sports Rehab

• Occupational Therapy

• Work Reconditioning

• Physical Therapy

• TMJ Therapy

• Sports Physical Therapy

• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Reiki Therapy • Pediatric Therapy • Aqua Therapy Chair Lift

Hima N. Dalal

Aquatic Push-ups

Occupational Therapist Reiki and Myofascial Release Consultant Sports Personal Fitness Consultant

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• Migraine Headache Treatment

• Myofascial Release Treatment • Yoga/Personal Fitness and Craniosacral Therapy • Neuo/Ortho Injury Rehab

www.vitalenergytherapy.com FM/CFS Support Group Meets Monthly

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

• Chronic/Acute Pain

803.359.1551

163 Charter Oak Road Lexington, SC 29072

Health & Wellness shots came pain killers, which were simply used to ease some of the pain that had been constant for almost 20 years. Hima points out those narcotics are a temporary bridge to get someone to the next step and they just mask the situation. It was the pain killers that turned the corner for Robin, and lead her to Hima. As she realized her addiction to narcotics was destroying her liver and kidneys.

It was to the point that she felt the Lord had told her she was not going to make it to Christmas. In a rain storm, she drove herself to a drug rehab clinic, where she found the next ten days to be “grueling” as the detox process commenced. This decision, to drive in the rain, to go through the process of beating the addiction, not only opened her eyes on a personal level to all walks of life, but made the next round of treatment possible.

A year ago, she had her fifth surgery on her jaw. Through all the years of use, treatments and cortisone, her jaw continued to be damaged. The surgeon repaired what he could, but told Robin that the pain would be part of her life. At this very discouraging time, Robin went to Dr. Heath Stewart and said “what else do you have?” That’s when she was referred to Hima and Vital Energy.

In January, Robin, in pain, full of scar tissue in her jaw, struggling with simple things like sleeping vertically, after all these years, found relief. Hima’s approach isn’t simply focusing on an injury, or a painful part of the body. Although Robin does point out that some of the treatment is reaching in her mouth and breaking up the scar tissue. Hima describes this as myofascial release treatment.

Robin describes the bond that the two have created...for Hima

to have the confidence to perform the procedure, and for Robin to trust her reaches way beyond the normal relationship between a occupational/ physical therapist and patient... as “amazing.”

Hima’s style is to examine how everything in the body is connected, and how every muscle and fiber can impact the operation and wellness of the body.

It’s more than simply working painful joints. In order to find the relief that Robin has from Hima, it’s a holistic approach. Each patient is viewed as an individual, who is treated keeping the relationship of mind and body in mind. What sets Vital Energy apart is that simple approach. Treatment is not on one part of body. It’s the connection. Hima, equates the body to a sweater. When you have a pull, one small thread, it can have an impact on the entire thing. Vital Energy can treat whiplash from accidents, torn ligaments, TMJ cases and other injuries, neck pain, scoliosis, postural instability, migraine or any other type of headache.

Fathers’ Spotlight!

Garrison Burrows with his granddad, Ron Cunningham

“Garrison participated in the Cub Scout Pack 221’s Pinewood Derby. At seven years old, he is a first year scout, a Tiger Cub, and won the pack championship at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church.

They built the derby car together and got the top speed. Garrison went on to participate in the Indian Waters Council championship, the statewide competition.

It was such a special experience for both of them, one they will both treasure for the rest of their lives! The whole family was so proud of their accomplishment!”

– Amber Burrows

Sara with her dad, Mike Rentz

“I hate to admit it, but my Daddy has always been right...Daddy knows best!”

– Sara Rentz

Hima has worked with Robin to release the scar tissue and loosen the jaw. She has worked on pain, spasms, tension, and numbness. She has worked on Robin’s ability to have facial expressions, smiling, laughing, and even crying. What has the time at Vital Energy meant to Robin? It means she can hear.

Something that had been affected for so many years because of the injuries. It means she can lay down, rather than the constant vertical view of the world she has lived with for so many years. “I haven’t leaned back in years,” she says, before Hima came into her life.

What’s next for Robin? More singing, piano lessons, oh and motorcycles – perhaps. www.lexingtonwoman.sc

27

Health & Wellness

Childhood obesity

by Sneh Patel

A

pproximately 300,000 adults in the United States each year have been associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary life style. President Obama has initiated a national move to fight childhood obesity.

The percentage of children who are overweight has been steadily increasing over the past few years. Children all over the nation are living a more sedentary life as parents are getting busier and the roads and streets are getting more dangerous. Statistically, approximately 19% of children in the United States are overweight or obese. It is a known fact which has been associated with heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Overweight children who are the victims of bullying in school due to their weight are more apt to suffer from depression, a lack of concentration in studies, struggle with social skills, etc. These behaviors have been known to also manifest themselves in their adult lives.

vere obesity, we can help with their weightloss. Our programs are designed to be fun for children as well as educational. We offer personalized and group fitness programs especially for the summer, along with nutritional advice for parents and children.

Here at Vital Energy it is our goal to assist children who are struggling with their weight, whether it is a few pounds overweight or se-

For example, we will assess each child’s individual needs and design a fitness program specifically for them.

...our goal is to assist children who are struggling with their weight, whether it is a few pounds overweight or severe obesity...

Sneh Patel, Exercise Physiologist (803) 467-4217

163 B Charter Oak Road • Lexington, SC 29072 Email: vitalenergyfitness@gmail.com

www.vitalenergyfitness.com

Vital Energy Fitness is currently offering a free weight and BMI assessment with consultation for children and their parents. This free assessment and consultation is available between July 12, 2010 through August 12, 2010. For more information on how to sign up for this free service please contact Vital Energy Fitness at (803) 467-4217 or you can email Sneh at vitalenergyfitness@gmail.com.

• Weight Loss • Personal Training • Bariatric Fitness • Geriatric Fitness • Toning • Nutritional Consulting • Ayurvedic Diet • Facials • Massage • Male and Female Personal Trainers • Under Water Treadmill • Aqua Detox

Ribbon Cutting for Vital Energy Fitness Studio 28

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Health & Wellness

Being a father

Fathers’ Spotlight!

by Steven J. Hutchinson, DMD

O

n July 22, 2008, I knew my life had changed. I was, however, unaware of how much. Holding our first child Elizabeth in my arms, it was hard to hold back my tears of joy, something so precious, wonderful, innocent and sweet invaded my life and heart at that moment.

When we brought Elizabeth home from the hospital two days later, I said goodbye to my old life and hello to the 24 hour, nonstop, hustle and bustle of fatherhood. Even though being a father has been the hardest job I have ever done, it has rewarded me the most.

Those first steps, first words, the way she looked at me for the first time and said “daddy”, it all fills my heart with such joy! I am continually amazed with her ability to learn and to watch her discover life is like rediscovering it for myself. It has given me a new purpose in life to raise her, take care of her, protect her and teach her all about the world around us.

Seeing the innocence of her childlike mannerisms, watching her growing from a sweet baby into a little person has taught me so

much about life. It has shown me there is so much more to life than the daily grind of work, car payments, and cutting the grass.

Fatherhood has given me a more empathetic look towards others.

We are nearing her second birthday, and I am starting to think I am getting the hang of this parent thing. Life is not about me, it is about making sure she has the same oppor-

Those first steps, first words, the way she looked at me for the first time and said ‘daddy’, it all fills my heart with such joy! tunities that I have had, to have these same experiences that I am enjoying raising her. I now realize God did not just give Elizabeth life. Through her, he has given life to me, and for that I am thankful!

Reilly Anne her and Dad

“My Dad is my hero and the best Dad anybody could get. I am thankful that God chose him for me.”

– Reilly Anne Bartlett

Logan Holmes and Jim Byrd

“My father, Jim Byrd, is the Best father any girl could ask for! He served 17 years in the Army so wasn’t always around when I was little..but he made up for it now! This is him with my son Logan Holmes. They are like two peas in a pod!! I love seeing them play together..it’s so sweet!! I love u DAD!!! Thank you for everything you’ve done for this country and our family!!”

– Lindsay Holmes

Dr. Steven J. Hutchinson, DMD Jennifer P. Hutchinson, RDH Cosmetic | Restorative | Preventive

(803) 359-0566 209 West Main Street | Lexington, South Carolina 29072

Now Accepting New Patients www.lexingtonwoman.sc

29

Health & Wellness

Melissa Backman of White Knoll Dentistry

by Lori Samples Duncan

L

W: Tell us what the last year has been like for you.

Melissa: The last year has been amazing. It is hard to believe it has almost been a year since I opened. God has blessed the practice more than I could have ever imagined. The success that I have had over the past year would not have been possible without the support of my patients and my wonderful staff: Regina, Brittney, Faye, and Sandra.

LW: Share with us what the experience of opening your own office has taught you.

Melissa: Opening my own office has taught me that there is so much more to being a dentist than just working on teeth. Being successful is about more than how much money the practice is generating. I strive to treat each patient as if they were part of my family. There is nothing more fulfilling than helping a patient overcome their apprehension about being at the dentist or helping a patient who is in pain.

LW: What are some of the upsides to being the boss and the downsides?

Melissa: The upside to being the boss is making all of my own decisions.

However, this can also be a downside because I am responsible for all the decisions and there is no one else to make them for me. Another downside is there is always work to be done. Even when I am not treating patients, there is paperwork that needs to be done.

LW: How has what you want your practice to be like changed in the last year?

Melissa: The practice is growing at a much faster rate than I anticipated.

I just added a third room and hired another hygienist. I am excited to see what the future holds for the White Knoll Dentistry.

30

LW: Tell us what you love most about the location.

Melissa: I love that I grew up in this area and now have the opportunity to give back to the community. I am looking forward to watching the community continue to grow more in the future. White Knoll Dentistry will be awarding a scholarship to a White Knoll High School Student.

I hope this will help someone fulfill their dream of going to college and then in the future they can also give back to the community.

LW: Tell us what you love most about the patients.

Melissa: I enjoy getting to know the patients and their families. I like being able to treat the whole family.

I love hearing a parent tell me that their child is excited about coming to the dentist and cannot wait until their next appointment. Now that I have been open a year I am seeing the same people coming back for their 6 month check-up and you develop a relationship with them.

LW: Tell us your favorite mishap or “grand opening” funny since you opened the practice.

Melissa: I recently learned that the yellow pages listed my last name as “Batman” instead of “Backman”. The upside is I now have a free yellow page ad!

Dentistry for the Whole Family!

Children are welcome! (ages 1 and up)

www.whiteknolldentistry.com

Call today

(803) 359-3245 for an appointment

5545 Platt Springs Road Lexington, SC 29073

Dr. Melissa Backman

LW: Tell us what your vision is for the future of White Knoll Dentistry.

Melissa: My vision for the future of White Knoll Dentistry is for the practice to continue to grow and to continue changing lives one smile at a time!

LW: What do you want our readers to know about you and White Knoll Dentistry?

Melissa: I would like to thank my patients for a successful first year!

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

New Patients Welcome!

L e x i n g t o n Wo m a n c e l e b r a t e s t h e s u r v i vo r i n yo u

Surviving with style

by Lori Samples Duncan

E

very time I open the pages to this section I hear the song, “I’m a survivor, I’m not gone give up”. Maybe someday this section of Lexington Woman will be filled with stories of women who not only survived cancer, but domestic abuse or maybe a grueling ordeal trapped in a car under a flooded bridge with no one in sight. The “life changing” event isn’t important to the message.

We are all capable of more than we think, and the women in these pages have proven it. They have faced a life threatening illness, an illness that has touched the lives of more people than I can count, and took the bull by the horns so to speak, and won. They fought, and they survived. The two stories you are reading in this issue are just as unique and special as every other issue. I hope they inspire you as much as they did me.

This year Lexington Woman will be joining LCRAC, Chemo With Style, Alala Cancer

Society, TRG, and the Wingate in Lexington for two events to help support local survivors and in memory of one local survivor who touched the hearts of many Lexingtonians. Join us on September 9, 2010 for the Culinary Cards for Cancer at the Wingate in Lexington (see page 37). We will have live music and a taste of Lexington from several Lexington County restaurants. Play a hand of cards for a cure! Great prizes will go to the winning hand, in fifteen minute increments.

At Love for a Cure, on September 25th, we invite all you tennis players to find a partner and sign up for Adult Doubles and Mixed Doubles (see page 36). This event is the first one day sanctioned tournament in South Carolina and we are being joined by a lot of really amazing local businesses to make sure this event is a success. Don’t forget the Friday night social! Come have the best sushi in Lexington, provided by Thai Wasabi!

We have also included pictures from the Fight Like a Girl Round 3 event and the Dems Pink Posse Bead Presentation througout this section. I was honored to be invited to attend each event and encourage you to look for Fight Like a Girl Round 4 and stop

by Dems to purchase a bead and make a difference. I am sure you can find someone you know in these pictures of men and women supporting a great cause.

Thrisha Shiver awed me when she walked the runway for our annual fashion show hours after finishing her fourth chemo treatment two years ago. What a spirit of stickto-itiveness! Amee White is a Pink Posse member and it is my privilege to allow her to share her story with each of you. If you know a survivor we should feature, feel free to email us at ld@woman2woman.sc. These are not cancer pagees...these are survivor pages... www.lexingtonwoman.sc

31

Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

Dr. Thrisha Good Shiver In her own words

“I

can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. This scripture is one of the promises from God that sustained me through my journey of breast cancer.

When I was asked to share my story in Lexington Woman, I saw this as another way God was blessing me to help others who are going through with what I went through one year and ten months ago. As I sat down to write, I reread my journal where I had chronicled my daily meditations, and emotions. This was the second time I actually cried about having cancer. But they were tears of great joy. I couldn’t help but to thank God for bringing me through this year. God is amazing! He healed me and I am a witness of His awesome Power.

As I reflect on this phase of my life, I will share with you my experiences about one of the most drastic changing moments of my life, being told that I had breast cancer. I have read many stories and articles on cancer and asked myself what can I write that will be any different from what other cancer survivors had already shared. Our stories are similar in that we all survived a disease that use to be considered a death sentence. Then I told myself, even though we are cancer survivors who endured some difficult times, we each have a story to tell, and my story just might inspire someone to keep on keeping on.

I decided not to write a story that dwelled on the days of pain, chemotherapy, radiation, loss of my hair, depression, fatigue, finger nails and toe nails turning black, dry skin, nausea, loss of appetite, and joint stiffness.

Instead I wanted to share the lessons learned as I went through this journey. I want to be a light of hope and a source of inspiration for others – not just cancer victims, but everyone. I want people to see that there is life during and after cancer. I want others to see that this is the time that you have to hold onto all the faith you can find.

For years I had my annual mammograms as my doctor recommended and was given

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a clean slate every year. I even did the selfbreast exam and thought I was fine. But on July 9, 2008, the mammogram results revealed that I needed further tests. I had an ultrasound done the same day. The radiologist suggested that I have a core biopsy done immediately and made all of the arrangements for me. I began to feel the urgency of this situation, but I remained calm and kept believing all of this was simply precautionary measures.

On July 16, 2008, I had an appointment with my surgeon; the biopsy was done, and I was told the results would be in a few days. My

cuss the next steps, she introduced my cancer navigation nurse, who was a cancer survivor.

She told me she would always be there to support me through this journey. Everyone in her office made feel that I was not alone and everything was going to be just fine.

I made it home and fell to my knees and did not ask God “why me,” but instead asked Him to give me the strength I needed to get through this situation. I heard Him say, “I will take you through it”; that was good enough for me. From that moment on I refused to let my faith to be shaken. Besides, God had healed my body in January 1973

photos by Clark Berry Photography

Thrisha as a model at the 2008 and 2009 Surviving the Holidays Fashion Shows family and the few friends I told began to hold me up in prayer. I can truthfully say, I was still not in a state of panic because I knew whatever the results were, everything was going to be alright. I have always been a strong believer that everything in life comes as a lesson or a blessing, and I was ready for either one. On July 17, 2008, seven days before my 61st birthday, my doctor phoned me as I was driving home from work and asked if it was a good time to talk. I told her I was driving but I wanted to hear the results then.

She said “it is cancer.” Unshaken, I asked “what’s next.” She asked me to come in the following day to discuss the next step. As I continued to drive home, I do not recall having feelings of fear.

When I arrived at my doctor’s office to dis-

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

I want to be a light of hope and a source of inspiration for others – not just cancer victims, but everyone.

when I was stricken with a stroke at the age of 25. I was paralyzed on the entire right side of my body and was unable to talk or walk, so I knew He would do it again.

I called several of my closet friends and told them about the diagnosis, and they were surprised that I seemed so calm. I was determined to continue my life and daily activities as usual, regardless of the difficult road I had heard about. I looked at this physical challenge as just a ‘bump in the road.’

Between July 17th and August 13th, I had to take test after test in preparation for surgery on August 14th. Three days after surgery, I was determined to uphold my responsibility to meet my students for their first day of class (I am a full-time professor at one college, and

Celebrating the an adjunct at three other universities). My colleagues and family tried to persuade me not to go to work, but they did not win that argument. My supervisor drove me to campus and I am glad I met my class. When I explained to them what I had gone through, they could not believe that I was standing there. I used this class session to emphasize the importance of commitment and meeting responsibilities no matter what. I knew no matter how bad I felt, I had to put a smile on my face to show my students that there is life during cancer. They were as much of an inspiration to me as I was to them.

Not only did I have young Angels watching over me on campus, there were some older Angels there as well. I could not have asked for a more caring, loving, and dedicated group of colleagues as those that I work with. Daily prayer, books, cards, gifts, lunches, and smiles were a part of the daily routine when I arrived at work everyday.

They were inspired by me and I was grateful to each of them. The only days I missed during the 6 chemo and 32 radiation treatments were the days of chemo. It was a tremendous struggle, but God continued to give me the strength I needed to make it to work. During my chemotherapy treatments, my sister, friends and colleagues took turns coming to sit with me, and at the last treatment, one of my colleagues made a point of bringing me a jar of blowing bubbles that is a tradition for the last chemo treatment – each bubble represents a good wish the patient.

The staff at the diffusion center said they were happy I had completed my treatments as they gave me my certificate of completion, but they hated to see me go because I always lit up the room with my smile and sense of

humor. I made it a point to greet all of the other patients with a positive comment on each visit. The nurses told me that it really made their day. My nurse also brought several new patients who were preparing for chemo while I was getting my treatment just so I could talk to them. It seemed that the more energy I gave to others, the more energy God gave back to me. I guess I was being equipped with the insight I needed to help others.

As I reflect back on the night before my first scheduled chemo, September 11, 2008, I cried for half the night. I called everyone I knew for prayer. I was more frighten at that point than I had been through the entire journey.

Thoughts that kept going through my head were “I am going to lose all my hair.” I had read all types of literature on what to expect.

I had gone to cancer support group meetings and heard all kinds of stories. I decided that I was not going to read another article on cancer, and when I attended the meetings, I was only going to talk about the positive things that were happening in my life and keep a smile on my face. Although I didn’t attend the support meetings every month, when I did, it was fun; all of the women said they admired me and my positive approach to this challenge.

For me, the most devastating moment of having cancer was the lost of my hair over my entire body. I was warned by the doctors and nurses that my hair would begin to fall out shortly after the second round of chemo.

Shortly after the second chemo session I was preparing for church and as I brushed my hair, it came out in my hand. I stopped brushing and patted it down and went on to church. All through the services, I could feel

Survivor in You!

my scalp tingling. So I decided I was going to get by head shaved on the following Tuesday.

I wanted to prepare my relatives, friends, students, and colleagues what they would see on Wednesday. On Tuesday afternoon, my sister accompanied me to the barber shop. Hesitantly, I sat in the chair and asked my sister to hold my hand. When I heard the clippers, tears dropped as my locks of hair dropped to the floor.

I got up extra early the morning after my head had been shaved to prepare for work – everything had to be just right. I was trying to feel good about myself, but I wasn’t there yet, so I phoned by neighbor and asked her to meet me outside because I needed a hug.

When she saw me, she said “you are beautiful”, the only thing I see is that big pretty smile”. I got enough strength from her to make it to work.

My colleagues and students also made me feel like a beauty queen when I went into the office. One of my colleagues even shaved her head to show her love and support for me. I was told that I looked better with no hair and 15 years younger. Did that give me a boost! From that day on I was proud of my bald head and did not feel ashamed. The students and colleagues where I did my adjunct teaching were amazed at my stamina to meet every class session. The students in one of my classes surprised one night with a one of those musical cards that sang “I Will Survive”. Whenever I felt I could not take another step, I would play that card and energy came to keep me going. One of the classes I had was a two hour drive away from my home. The class dates always fell two days continued on next page

Dems Pink Posse Bead Presentation

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

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Celebrating the

Survivor in You! after my chemo session. The third day after chemo was always my worst day. I can recall class sessions when it took great effort to talk or lift my hand. I often asked myself, how did I manage to teach for four hours. Then I realized, I didn’t do it, God did it! My sister would drive me to those classes as I curled up in the back seat to rest. On the way back from one of the trips, I told my sister I wanted to have dinner. I was really feeling as if I was about to take my last breathe, but didn’t tell her.

When the server brought the food, I could hardly bear to lift my fork to eat and suddenly lost my appetite. I was feeling awful and told my sister I was going to drive myself home. As I got into my car, the most amazing thing happened. I had started the car and my sister said “there is someone at your window”. There stood a lady I had never seen before in my life.

I cracked my window and she said “I just wanted to give you this”, and she walked away. I told her thank you and opened note. It read: God wants you to know that there is life in your body and your testimony is needed! You shall live and not Die”.

I was convinced that God is omnipresent. I needed Him THEN, and He dispatched an Angel. He was preparing me to give this testimony and encouragement to those of you who are reading this story.

The picture you are looking at in this story is one that was taken at the “2008 Surviving the Holidays Fashion Show.” I had just left my fourth chemo treatment when I posed and modeled for the show. God allowed my light to shine that night. That is why I cling to the scripture that “I can do all things through Christ…” if you just ask for strength.

Whether you are a cancer patient, a cancer survivor, or you are facing another type of challenge in your life, please share this story and poem with them. I hope you and them will be empowered, inspired, encouraged, and strengthen by my story and this poem.

There Is A Reason For every pain that you must bear, For every burden, every care, There is a reason.

For every grief that bows the head, For every teardrop that is shed There is a reason.

For every hurt, for every plight, For every lonely pain-racked night, There is a reason.

But if we trust in God as we should, It will all work out for our good.

He Knows The Reason –Author Unknown This article is brought to you by Alice Jones in memory of W.D. Jones.

I cannot end this testimony without giving tribute to my neighbors. I am single and I live alone, and had just moved into the neighborhood when I was diagnosed. Although my relatives live only several miles away, my neighbors took over. Food, flowers, books, calls, cards, gifts, money, you name it, it was there.

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

– David O. McKay 34

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

“If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right.”

– Bill Cosby

Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

Amee White

by Lori Samples Duncan

L

W: Since your diagnosis what has kept you grounded? Where do you find strength?

Amee: I find my strength in my family and my faith in God. I have a very strong support system. They keep me in their prayers and are always there when they are needed.

God has proven to me more than once that He is always with me, regardless of the circumstances. Just knowing that He is near and that He truly loves me, gives me that strength and peace that passes all understanding.

I also find strength in the experiences of other survivors. For those who have already gone through what I was going through, hearing them prepare me for what was to come, and the hope that could be found at the end of the journey gave me tremendous comfort.

fect, I had the most wonderful husband, a beautiful son and we had just moved in to a new house (next to my mother). All the things that I had wanted all my life had come together and had come true. So, life was grand.

Then on July 24, 2007, the news came that I was now a part of “THE BREAST CANCER GIRLS CLUB.” Having my best friend make the call to my husband that the lump in my right breast was not a benign cyst – it was cancer. Telling my mother – there are no words to describe how difficult this task was for me. My mother was still hurting from the loss of her daughter, my sister Sallee. Sallee died on August 29, 2005 due to her breast cancer metastasizing to the brain. Also, my mother and father had lost their first child, Susan, when she was only three years old to leukemia. And now, her youngest child

I also find strength in the experiences of other survivors...

Amee White LW: What did you learn?

Amee: It brought me closer to God, knowing that I can trust that He loves me and is always with me. It also taught me the things that are truly important in life and to focus on things like my family and friends. Not to not worry about the petty things that life throws at you.

LW: What was the toughest moment for you?

Amee: To begin, I want everyone to understand that everything in my life was per-

– “her baby” had been diagnosed. I just could not bear to tell her. I don’t keep things from Mom, but this was one thing that I had to wait until I new the plan of action before sitting down with her to give her the news. My son was thirteen month old son when I was diagnosed. Wow, this was probably the most emotional. I have a precious son named Harrison Graham White. From the moment I was diagnosed, my thoughts would go to Harrison – I had so wanted a child and now that I had the most precious son, my thoughts were: would I watch him grow up, get married and have children?

LW: The most enlightening?

Amee: On Tuesday, April 22, 2008, I went for a MRI of the brain because it had been determined from a pet scan/ct scan that there was a suspicious spot on my brain.

Because of my sisters death, I was terrified what my outcome would be. I could not help but think…am I going to be in my sister’s shoes.

My mother-in-law came down from Spartanburg to help with Harrison (my son), along with moral support as she is a cancer survivor herself. Early Tuesday morning Jason’s mother had taken Harrison down to prepare his breakfast. Jason and I were alone in our son’s room, full of fear and worry, but knowing that we had to give everything to God. We were both on our knees holding each other when I asked Jason to say a prayer. At the time we were praying, the sun had not fully risen and it was very cool and cloudy outside. We were kneeling in front of a window which faces east. Praying comes very naturally for Jason, but he could barely speak the words from fighting back tears. In the middle of our prayer the sun suddenly broke through the clouds and even with our eyes closed we could literally see the light and feel the warmth around our faces. In that moment we felt the touch of God. We could actually sense the peaceful calm of His Spirit surrounding us. It was almost as if He was telling us, “Don’t worry, I’m right here.” Our tears stopped and the rest of the prayer came to Jason with no hesitations.

We both acknowledged what we had just experienced and we knew it was the presence of the Lord. My husband and I felt this was the first truly “divine” experience I (we) have ever had where we could actually feel God and we knew without a doubt that He was right there with us. The outcome of the day came with great news about my health – it was a benign growth.

LW: Do you feel now like you can conquer anything?

Amee: I don’t feel invincible, but I also know that there is a light at the end of every tunnel. No one is immune from the storms of life and I have come to realize that how we choose to respond to life’s challenges is what can make us stronger or weaker. I know that continued on next page

www.lexingtonwoman.sc

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Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

L e T E N N I S TOURNAMENT First Sanctioned One Day Tournament in SC! Saturday, September 25, 2010 Lexington County Tennis Complex 425 Oak Drive • Lexington, SC 29073

For more information call (803) 359-1312 or (803) 951-1888

Men & Women Adult/Senior Doubles & Mixed-Doubles Level 5 Tournament Jorge Andrew, Tournament Director

Register Online & For More Information: http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments Tournament ID #704143110 $25 for First Event, $30 for Second Event Entry Deadline: Sunday, September 19th Players Social Friday, September 24th (6:30pm - 8:30pm)

Play Cards for Cancer. Pick up a card at each food station from 7-8pm and win a great prize - hands will be called in 15 minute intervals. Win the Grand Slam prize at 8pm.

Funds will support local survivors through the Alala Cancer Society and Chemo With Style

In Memory of Jay Criscione

Chemo with Style

“One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.”

– English proverb

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

I have learned how important it is to take care of myself and focus on my family. as long as I have my faith in God and the support of my family, anything that I may go through will make me stronger and further develop me into who God wants me to be.

LW: How has having cancer changed your philosophy on life?

Amee: I have learned how important it is to take care of myself and focus on my family. To enjoy life and know that every day is truly a gift not to be wasted. I take things like work seriously but not to the point that it takes time and attention away from my family.

LW: Is there a particular saying that makes you feel strong or smile?

Amee: Life is short, so…pray everyday, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that made you smile.

LW: Was there insight from a friend that helped make a dark day seem brighter?

Amee: Shortly after I was diagnosed, I spoke with Jerry Fowler, a dear friend, for an extended amount of time and I will always be grateful for having the conversation. At the time, Mr. Fowler was undergoing treatments for lung cancer. He took the time to call me and speak the words that I needed to lift me up.

His very first question was – “what type of cancer do you have?” I said, “Breast cancer.” He replied, “Oh, the survival rate is so much higher for breast cancer vs. lung cancer and you are going to be just fine!” We talk for what seems like hours, and at the end of our conversation, he said, “Amee, I want you to do something for me. At some point during each day, I want you to say this: ‘Day

By Day In Everyway, By The Grace Of GOD, I Am Getting Healthier And Healthier.’” He said, “If you say

these words, I promise you, you are going to be fine.”

There was not a day that I did not say those words. Mr. Fowler has since lost his battle to cancer, but he is remembered not only by me, but by many others whose lives were touched by him.

LW: Would you like to say something to your doctors and nurses where you received treatment?

Amee: My surgeon was Dr. Stephen Metropol – I was terrified when Dr. Metropol called to deliver the news that the lump in my right breast was not a cyst – it was a tumor and it was cancerous. Dr. Metropol was the most understanding and compassionate doctor that I have ever come in contact with and he new I was extra sensitive because of losing my sister. I wanted to know that I was not going to die. He looked at me and told me that we needed to get all of the results and have a plan of action. After all was said and done (radiation/chemo) he told me, Amee we are going to “grow old together.” These were the words that I had so longed to hear since I was diagnosed. Thank you for everything and for helping me to be a success story.

My oncologist is Dr. Mary A. Ackerman There are no words to express my gratitude for Dr. Ackerman. I had been to her office many times before with my sister Sallee, and I never imagined that I would one day be her patient too. The day I was in her office as a patient, she looked at me and said, “Amee, I understand if you need to seek another opinion or see another doctor because of Sallee.” I knew at that moment, she was my doctor. Dr. Ackerman took care of me and recommended ag-

Celebrating the

Of course, my chemo nurse, Beth.

She was phenomenal and will always hold a special place in my heart.

There are many others individuals at the hospital, Alala and SCOA that were always waiting to care for me with a SMILE and a helping hand.

LW: Is there is a thank you that you would like to publicly express?

Amee: To my husband Jason – From day one, you were there! You not only took care of me, but you took care of our son Harrison – you were Mr. Mom. The strength that you passed to me to help get through the diagnoses, treatments, loss of eye lashes, eye brows and hair, double mastectomy surgery, and re-construction surgery is indescribable. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have you for my husband and our son to have you for his father. I love you now and forever.

To my sisters – Wow, we sure have been through more that we bargained for, but we survived and your baby sister is a SURVIVOR. Thank you for holding my hand.

Thank you taking care of me, Jason and Harrison during the “dark days and long nights.” I love you both so much.

To my extended family - Thank you for the support you not only gave me, but for your support that you gave Jason. You were there to pick up the slack to help him during the tough times and of course to always help take care of Harrison. We are forever grateful!

To Moricia Hare and Pam Hite – I have these two ladies to thank for me being here today! I had just moved into a brand new house and my life

was busy with raising a young child and I had put off going to have what we thought was a “benign cyst” for several months. They both sat me down and told me if I did not call Dr. Metropol that they would pick me up and put me in the car and take me to the hospital to get it done – no more excuses, get it done. They not only saved my life, but were there for me every step of the way.

Thank you for being a very special friend and for saving my life!

To my co-workers/church family/ and many friends – The concern, support and love that each you gave me helped me through a journey that I had hoped I would never experience. Thank you for being there day after day and bringing me food, milk shakes, celebrating the last days of chemo/radiation, for the many cards and words of encouragement throughout my journey. I could not have done it without each and every one of you.

LW: If there is something you can tell other people going through this, what would it be?

Amee: No one can explain why things happen, but it is so important to put our complete faith and trust in the God to see us through the trials of life. He works in mysterious ways and sometimes He may use times like these to bring us closer to Him and to our family and friends. Don’t get ahead of God, we all do that, but only He knows what’s in store for us, and we just need to learn to be still and trust that He is working for our good. The power of prayer is so amazing and really does work!

This article is brought to you by Dems Fine Jewelers. Visit www.demsjewelers. com, call (803) 407-5290, or see their ad on page 34.

A Fundraiser for Chemo With Style and Alala Cancer Society

C

C

gressive treatment. She always went the extra mile to make sure nothing had been overlooked. To see her smile and the “thumbs-up” when she walks in the door after I have had a routine pet/ct scan is worth a million dollars. Thank you for saving my life!

Survivor in You!

2010 CULINARY CARDS FOR CANCER Thursday, September 9, 2010 5:30 - 7:30pm

Tickets: $30 each or 2/$50

Take a little tour of the Lexington County Restaurants and pick up a card at each station. Each of the best hands from 6-7pm wins a great prize — poker hands will be called in 15 minute intervals with the last winning hand of the evening capturing the Grand Prize at 7pm.

Wingate by Wyndham

108 Saluda Pointe Court • Lexington

For more information call (803) 461-5186

Chemo with Style

“Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.”

– Ruth E. Renkel www.lexingtonwoman.sc

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Celebrating the

Survivor in You!

Fight Like A Girl Round 3

Lexington Woman goes international!

Look where we found Lexington Woman!

We would love to hear from any of our readers who travel with Lexington Woman! It would be great to know how many different places our magazine reaches, so please feel free to send us a photo if you’ve recently taken Lexington Woman on vacation with you! Email us at ld@lexingtonwoman.sc with your photos!

Or, check us out on Facebook!

A journey that was meant to happen….

Take a woman with a great sense of style facing a difficult situation with her head held high (and quite fashionably decorated) along with a woman with the heart to help others and the opportunity to do so, and Chemo with Style was inevitable. Paulette Criscione and Terry Vann-Schon formed a partnership and a friendship that has made Chemo with Style such an important part of many survivors journey.

With the donation of 75 wigs and the desire to pay it forward, Paulette and Terry have worked since November of 2005 to help patients who lose their hair while under going chemotherapy, look and feel better as they fight for their lives.

Chemo with Style classes are held every other month, and are open to all cancer patients who are losing or have lost their hair. Hospice Care of Tri-County, SCOA, local merchants, and volunteers support the classes, where they teach and fit each individual with a wig and turban, showing creative ways to wear different head gear, and offering other personal appearance tips. Scarf tying and other tricks are shared along with fun and fellowship. Classes are offered at no cost to the patient.This loosely knit support group supplies each cancer patient an oasis from the sterile medical. Through the hearts of those who are like-minded, Paulette and Terry strive to add sunshine to the day of each cancer survivor.

The “Chemo With Style” events have been made possible by the donations of many caring, loving people.

Sponsors: South Carolina Oncology Associates Hospice Care of Tri-County “Chemo With Style” Volunteers Joan Robinson, Hair to Stay Graciously accepting Donations — Please call Terry Vann-Schon for more information on how to donate.

Contact Terry Vann-Schon for more information 803.400.1177 | 166 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 100 | Columbia, SC 29210 | www.chemowithstyle.com “Chemo with Style” is a © copyrighted program with Hospice Care of Tri-County.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

Business & Web Directory Animal Hospital

Hotels

Grace Pets Animal Hospital...........................................14 www.gracepets.com

Wingate by Wyndham....................................................27 www.lexingtonwingate.com

Automobiles

Hospital

Herndon Chevrolet.........................................................15 www.herndonchevy.com

Lexington Medical Center..............................Back Cover www.lexmed.com

Attorney

Jewelry

The Law Office of Richard Breibart, LLC.....................12 www.palmettofamilylaw.com

Dems.................................................................................34 www.demsjewelers.com

Boutique/Salon

The Chapman Company...................................................9 www.thechapmancompany.com

Cho On Main.....................................................................5 www.choonmain.com

Marketing Services

Dentist

The Tyler Ryan Group.......................................................6 www.tylerryangroup.com

White Knoll Dentistry....................................................30 www.whiteknolldentistry.com

OB/GYN

Palmetto Comprehensive Dentistry..............................29

Gymnastics

Renegade Gymnastics & Cheer Academy......................7 www.renegadegymnastics.com

Health Services

Allergy Partners of the Midlands..................................25 www.allergypartnersofthemidlands.com Chemo with Style.............................................................38 www.chemowithstyle.com Conner Chiropractic.......................................................16 www.connerchiro.com

Columbia Women’s Healthcare......................................21 www.columbiawhc.com

Personal and Sports Training

Athletes Arena..................................................................19 www.athletesarena.com

Photography

Clark Berry Photography..................Inside Front Cover www.clarkberry.com

Restaurants

Thai Wasabi........................................................................4 www.thaiwasabi.net

Vital Energy Fitness Studio............................................28 www.vitalenergytherapy.com

Travinia Italian Kitchen....................................................3 www.traviniaitaliankitchen.com

Vital Energy Wellness and Rehab Center.....................26 www.vitalenergytherapy.com

Salons

Home Cleaning

Therapy

Ductz.................................................................................11 www.ductztotalcare.com

Palmetto Styles.................................................................39 Creative Therapy..............................................................17 www.mytherapycentercolumbia.com

Palmetto STYLES

HAIR S AL ON

9 9 6 - 5 5 3 2 •117 E. Main S tr ee t • Lexingt on www.lexingtonwoman.sc

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A Personal Note

I

Trey

t seems so much has happened since the last issue of Lexington Woman. Like many of you, I have experienced countless emotions in the last couple of months. Trey will begin high school in the fall, Abby made the cheerleading squad at the middle school, Colton played on a winning baseball team for coach’s pitch and had a wonderful time at baseball camp, and Ryan realized he can touch bottom in the shallow end of our pool without daddy’s help. I am as always in awe of how all of our children are so unique and they each bring something special to our family that makes us who we are collectively as the “Team Duncan.” Many of my moments in the last eight weeks were filled with laughter and smiles.

There were also moments of sadness.

Abby

I watched a dear friend experience the cancer diagnosis and subsequent loss of her mother. I wished my dad’s twin brother a Happy Birthday – without his twin. I consoled another friend as she struggled with how much information to share about her husband’s illness with their grown children. I saw an Amber Alert on television. I listened with sadness to the news of more soldiers that won’t be returning home and of an oil spill that is robbing our waters of natural resources, sea creatures of their homes, and families of precious summertime memories.

I saw compassion.

I watched friends bring food, cards and beautiful flowers. My heart was overwhelmed as hands reached out to touch someone and say, “I’m sorry, how can I help?” I heard laughter in a distant voice over the phone, a voice that sounded so much like my daddy. I saw strength and commitment to do the right thing. I was touched as neighbors united in an effort to maximize time and pool resources. I wept at a 21 gun salute during the funeral of a soldier. I witnessed real people really making a difference.

Colton

It goes without saying that every one of us are busy. Busy living our lives, loving our families, raising our children, making a living, enjoying the things various things that make us happy and there is so much to enjoy here in South Carolina. In an effort to inspire and motivate our Facebook fans, I post an inspirational quote on Facebook at least three times each week.

One such quote resonates with me often: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou.

I never want to meet a friend on the street and have them pretend not to see me, because I said something to hurt them or make them feel less important than they are. I wonder what the world would be like if we all tried to consider how we make others feel before each conversation or each interaction.

Ryan

I just wonder….

Lori Samples Duncan

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John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women

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I’m a sister… a cousin… a newlywed… a real estate agent… a patient of Lexington Medical Center.

Megan Dooley Cook, Real Estate Agent

Women’s Services at Lexington Medical Center was created for all the women you are.

During a woman’s life, many roles are played. But no matter what role you’re playing at the time, one thing remains important.

Your health care. Women’s Services at Lexington Medical Center is designed to offer a continuum of care to women of all ages.

So go ahead and live your life. We’ll make sure that while you do, you’ll be receiving the finest care available. Anywhere.

www.lmcWomensServices.com 42

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating Real Women