Lexington Woman Magazine

VOL 6, NO 6

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

TM

SURVIVING and THRIVING Cherie Nettles shares her

SURVIVING

Love BEGETS Love Meet an incredible sibling duo who

Experts share advice from

inspirational journey

prove that love is unconditional!

the Holidays

LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER

In this Issue

TM

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22

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lori Samples Duncan (loriduncan86@gmail.com)

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

Crystal Poston Cathy Williams (info@lexingtonwomanonline.com)

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Judy H. Cook Pastor Mark Crumpton Denise Dickinsen Lori Samples Duncan Ashby Jones Adrianna K. Kleckley Tim Loonam, DVM Beth McCrary Tripp Newsome Aida Rogers Elaine Samples Matthew Spain

COVER PHOTO

Clark Berry Photography

DESIGN

Melissa W. Morris

PHOTOGRAPHY Clark Berry Photography Katie Hart Robert Patrick Image Design Tracy Fredrychowski Zil Photography, LLC

From the Editor 4 Happy Holidays!

Events

5 What’s Happening?

Things We Love!

6 Things We Love about Lexington!

Let’s Talk

7

8 9

11 12 15

Greater Lexington Chamber Celebrates Opening of New Building Love Begets Love Beautiful Holiday Skin: Unmask Your Skin’s Beautiful Best Bless...Don’t Stress Tracey Rankin and Happy Wheels The Ashby Chronicle: Superstorms

Celebrating the Survivor in You!

16 Surviving and Thriving: Meet Cherie Nettles

Find us on facebook!

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21

Surviving the Holidays Charity Fashion Show Dems Confetti Celebration Collection

From the Experts

22 Surviving the Holidays

Pets

24 Here Kitty Kitty...!

Professional

26

28 29

30

A Family Tradition: Home Furniture of Irmo Looking Forward to 2013 Avoiding Emergencies and Staying Safe Online Tim McLendon: A Tale of Two Talents

Health & Wellness

34 36

39

Tips for Caring for Yourself The Heritage at Lowman Alzheimer’s Facility Fifteen Minute Fixes for Your Face

Business & Web Directory 43 Contact our Advertisers

Lexington Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Publishing (803) 785-4475 602 Northwood Road Lexington, SC 29072

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. © 2012

Personal Note

44 Living in the Moment

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!

— Lexington Woman Magazine Staff

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Debi Washburn-Sykes

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Happy Holidays!

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I believe that is true. As a child, Christmas was my favorite time of year, and when I became a mother, something magical happened again. It’s what the spirit of Christmas does for people, drawing them closer and bringing out their benevolence.

I remember as a child, my dad was so excited about Christmas that he could never wait until the big day, always dropping little hints. He would say things like, “Lori, if Santa brings you a TV, where are you going to put it?” or “ You better clean off your dresser to make room for a new TV.” He loved it. From the minute Mama started shopping, he was like a little boy. As a family, we traveled to the “Magical Night of Lights” in Georgia, stopping for one last bag of boiled peanuts. He ate a whole bag of boiled peanuts!!! My son, Colton sat on his lap and “ooooohed” and “ahhhhhhhed” at the lights. He gave us a last gift. He gave us a gift of his time. He left us with a magical Christmas memory.

Mama loves Christmas, too, and even though our family was not a wealthy one, she always found a way to help someone else. She baked cakes for neighboring families or for the little old ladies at church who had no family with them at Christmas time.

Even today, she overseas a benevolence program at her home church that will provide Christmas gifts for over thirty-five children this holiday season. She remains a stellar example of generosity.

These last two months of the year excite me. We had a great time at our Surviving the Holidays Fashion Show with Lexington Medical Center, Craig Reagin Clothiers, and Mae’s on Main. Thanks for coming out to support a worthwhile event. Check out the pictures on Facebook — we had our very own made for TV moment. I hope you enjoy our survivor story on Ms. Cherie Nettles in this issue. She is a really special lady!

This issue is again filled with wonderful people in our community who are each making a contribution to this wonderful place we live. I petition you to tell them where you saw them, and if you enjoyed this issue, feel free to share that with them as well.

Until next year, Happy Holidays and God Bless you from our families to yours!

Lori Samples Duncan Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Events

STUCK in a gym contract?

BORED & UNDERMOTIVATED with your workouts?

Want to try something NEW and EXCITING?

What’s HAPPENING? Town of Lexington Snowball Festival December 1 – 2 Lexington Municipal Complex Conference Center

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We will help buy you out of your current gym contract. Bring us your contract and we will give you the price of your membership up to $30 per month off our regular rates for up to 6 months!

(Not valid with coupons or special offers)

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803.414.9601 www.ironfit.us

In the Old Mill • 711 East Main Street, Lexington

The two-day event will kick-off with a 5K race benefiting PattyPacks, a 501C3 dedicated to assisting individuals and families faced with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Saturday evening, is Adult’s Night Out with a formal dance to include food and libations. Sunday is jammed packed with the unveiling of our cell phone walking tour of historic downtown Lexington, the annual Christmas Parade and concludes with a concert and tree lighting at the new Lexington Square. Get more details on each event at the website listed below. www.lexsc.com

This Man Called Jesus Beginning December 2 – 16 (see website for all dates and times) Lake Murray Baptist Church, 1001 Highway 378 West, Lexington

Presented by Lake Murray Baptist Church, this Christmas Drama draws thousands each year.

35,920 attended in 2011 during 16 performances over three fabulous weekends. Presented by a costumed cast of over 405 with live animals, inspiring music, drama, awesome sound effects and lighting, this is a “must see” Christmas holiday event! This two-hour production brings to life before your eyes the story of “Jesus” beginning with his birth and continues with his ministry, miracles, trial, and death by crucifixion, glorious resurrection and awesome ascension. A spectacular “Heaven” scene finale’ leaves the audience in awe! Bring all your family and friends! Arrive early as seating is on a firstcome, first- serve basis with absolutely no saving of seats. Free parking and no tickets are required. www.thismancalledjesus.org

2012 Lexington Jingle Bell Run/ Walk® December 15, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Moore Orthopaedics, Lexington Campus, 104 Saluda Pointe Drive

Get in the spirit this holiday season at the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis®. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit the nation’s pavements, pathways and parks this winter to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Jingle Bell Run/Walk® is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping others! Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving. Call (704) 705-1799 for more information.

Miranda Lambert “Locked & Reloaded” Tour January 17, 2013 Colonial Life Arena, Columbia

Known for their distinctive styles of music, Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley kick off their “Locked & Reloaded” Tour. Miranda and Dierks bring to the stage scores of #1 singles, chart topping albums and trophies from The Grammy’s, CMA’s, ACM’s and CMT’s. Tickets are on sale now online through www.

LMCTix.com, the Lexington Medical Center Box Office at Colonial Life Arena, Play It Again Sports in Columbia, or by phone at 855-4-LMC-TIX. USC Students can purchase tickets with their Carolina Card at the Lexington Medical Center Box Office at Colonial Life Arena. www.ColonialLifeArena.com

Gallery Opening Reception and Night of 1000 Lights December 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens Street South West, Aiken

Kick off the season at Aiken Center for the Arts with their gallery opening reception and night of 1,000 lights. For more information on this and other holiday events, visit their website. www.aikencenterforthearts.org

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Things We Love!

Things We

About Lexington!

by Lori Samples Duncan

The Holidays I love the holidays. This year Lexington is bringing back the old Snowball Dance. This is sure to be a lot of fun and a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the season.

Slide Bracelets I love the new line of slide bracelets from the Eclectic House in West Columbia — beautiful!!! They are sterling silver and can be bought one piece at a time. This is one of my new favorite holiday gifts to give and receive!

an overall career college football record of 107–69–6 (according to Wikipedia).

Villa Tronco I love Villa Tronco’s in Columbia, where tradition meets delicious in a very cheesy way.

For those of us trying to cut back, order your pasta whole wheat!

The Underdog I love the underdog.

At the time of print, the White Knoll Timberwolves have upset two higher seeded teams and are headed to the semi-finals for a shot at the State Championship game. This is the first time ever in school history that the team has gotten this far. Congrats to the Timberwolves, Coach Gordon Walters, and their staff!

Community

Local Shoppers

I love the feeling of community that the holidays inspire. Traditions new and old being established and recreated in our community.

Helping to feed hungry neighbors or buying a present for someone who might not otherwise get one. What a wonderful season to celebrate the birth of Christ.

I love people who buy local and support our local businesses! Don’t forget some of our favorite shops in Lexington who are locally owned and operated.

FCA I love the fellowship of Christian Athletes. I recently read that the late Coach Jim Carlen, who was the head coach and athletic director of The University of South Carolina (1975– 1981), was quoted as saying, “I was one of the original six members of the FCA, the originals. FCA started very small, and then it snowballed. When I hired a coach I always took a close look at his spiritual life,” Carlen said. “When you have God on your side you don’t have to worry.” Coach Carlen compiled

Live Concerts Miranda Lambert is one of the best live shows I have ever attended! See her and Dierks Bentley on their “Locked & Reloaded Tour” at Colonial Life Arena in January!

“Come join us at ‘The River’ and become part of our family!”

Pro Shop • Snack Bar Men and Women Golf Apparel Special Rates for Membership (No Initiation Fee) Special Group Rates Ladies Special Rates on Wednesdays Twlight Specials & Early Week Specials Host of the State 2A Championship 2011, 2012, and just awarded 2013

Mention this ad for 15% discount on merchandise

803-955-0080

200 Indian River Drive • West Columbia indianrivergolf@gmail.com Monday through Sunday 7am-8pm

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Let’s Talk Carolina Behavior & Beyond, LLC is a home-based early intervention provider serving children with special needs ages birth to five

Greater Lexington Chamber Celebrates Opening of New Building

by Aida Rogers

C

lose to 300 people celebrated the opening of the Greater Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center’s new building Nov. 15. photo by Tracy Fredrychowski

Your Journey is Our Passion Services available: One on one early intervention services Service coordination Behavior planning • Potty training Parent support groups Free developmental screenings Play groups • Infant massage

Adrianna Kleckley (803) 446-8113 Suzanne English (803) 447-8449 Office Fax (803) 808-7951

Serving these counties: Calhoun • Lexington Newberry • Richland • Saluda www.carolinabehaviorandbeyond.com

(Front row) Mandy Summers, Nancy Hutto, Randy Halfacre, Scott Middleton, Chris Metz.

(Back row) Mike Crapps, Mike Flack, Glenn Martin, Barbara Willm, Royce Lehman, Craig Otto “This is a great night for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce,” said Chamber Board Chair Mike Flack, noting that a new building was discussed during his first term as chairman in 2004. “This time we made it happen.”

Located at 311 West Main Street, the $1 million, 7,000-square-foot building is significantly larger and more visible than its previous office on South Lake Drive. Its 800square-foot Visitors Center and larger parking lot will accommodate the growing number of people visiting and moving to the area.

“We’re trying to move Lexington to another level,” President/CEO Randy Halfacre said after a ribbon cutting on the Comporium Porch.

Members gathered on the porch and in the 1,710-square-foot Community Room named for Agape Senior Care. Agape pledged $150,000 to the new building in 2011. Scott Middleton, Agape’s founder and CEO, said he was impressed by Lexington’s warm welcome four years ago when they opened a senior care home here. “This is our way of saying ‘thank you,’” Middleton said.

Along with the ribbon cutting and grand opening, Chamber members celebrated the 25th anniversary of North Lake Construction, which built the new Chamber building. “This building is the culmination of a lot of Lexington leaders’ dreams,” said Royce Lehman, the company’s president/founder. “We’re so happy to be part of this project and look forward to this community growing.”

The building and grounds reflect the talents of many Lexington Chamber members, including architect Craig Otto, interior designer Chris Metz, interior decorator Mandy Summers, Green Earth Services, Pinestraw Place, Zeescapes, Carpet One, Comporium, and All Concepts Electric Company.

The Greater Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center strengthens and promotes economic prosperity, public policy, quality of life and workforce development in the greater Lexington community and MidState Chambers Coalition region. A nonprofit, 501 (c) 6 membership organization, the GLC&VC represents more than 950 businesses and more than 30,000 employees. It’s been “Inspiring Commerce, Embracing Community” since 1959.

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

by Adrianna K. Kleckley photography by Clark Berry Photography

Love Begets Love

W

hen people ask me about my brother it’s impossible NOT to smile. He is such an amazing person! He’s friendly, strong, funny and has an infectious laugh.

Reuben is completely comfortable being himself. He doesn’t judge others and has the purest soul I’ve ever met. It doesn’t bother me that he can’t drive, that sometimes I have to “translate” what he’s saying to others, or that everything in his world is related to a sport’s team — that’s “Rube”, my baby brother and my best friend.

Reuben Wade Kleckley was born March 22nd, 1984. He was named after four generations of Kleckley men and I’m sure my parents had dreams of him playing professional baseball like my daddy and granddaddy did, but God had bigger plans for him.

global delays, not walking until he was two or using phrases until he was four.

When Reuben was two days old, he became very ill. Eight days later, he was flown to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and was diagnosed with Propionic Acidemia, a rare metabolic disorder. At the time there were about 75 cases in the country. Most children didn’t live past infancy and those who did, typically had significant developmental delays. The latter proved true for Reuben. As a child, he had

I think the question I get asked most often is, “Do you ever wish your brother was normal?” Sometimes people are shocked when I say “no”. I mean, what is “normal”?

I think about how happy Reuben is, how much he enjoys the simple things in life and how, at 28, he is completely unaware of the negativity in this world. He’s had a lot of struggles, but he’s had so many more positive experiences! Having a sibling with special needs is not something you wish for and it’s not always easy, but Reuben has given us so much more than we could ever hope to give him. Christmas

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

mornings are still exciting, watching him sing “Victory in Jesus” always brings tears to my eyes and it’s because of him that I’ve dedicated my professional career to working with children with special needs.

For a long time I’d heard “you’re so good with Reuben”… so, my family wasn’t surprised when I changed majors my junior year at USC, to work with children with disabilities. Once I met my first child with autism, I was officially hooked. I became an Early Interventionist after graduating in 2003 and in November, 2011, I partnered with my colleague, Suzanne English, to form Carolina Behavior & Beyond.

Our company provides early inter-

vention services to children with disabilities and developmental delays, mainly serving children from birth to age five. I love what I do and it’s truly amazing to see a child develop and transform before my very eyes. I found my purpose in life and I know without a doubt, I have Reuben to thank for that. He’s taught me that being different is not the end of the world, that there is wealth in every life if you have the heart to find it, and that you don’t have to be in the big leagues to pitch a no-hitter.

See the Carolina Behavior & Beyond ad on page 7.

Let’s Talk photo by Clark Berry Photography

Beautiful Holiday Skin Unmask Your Skin’s Beautiful Best

by Judy H. Cook

T

Judy Cook

Skin care 101 teaches that flawless cosmetic application begins with flawless skin.

Establishing an effective beauty routine is especially important during winter, when cold, dry air dehydrates the skin. Keeping skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and adding moisture back into skin helps to delay the aging process and primes yours face for glamorous holiday makeup. Every complexion reacts to hard weather differently, but the most common concerns are: — Dull, lifeless complexion — Dehydrated with dry patches Severe moisture loss caused by cold weather makes fine lines

he holidays are right around the corner, and that means putting your best face forward for all the party-hopping that comes with the most festive time of the year. But just when you’re gearing up to look fa-la-la-la fabulous, falling temperatures outside and forced air heating inside seem to conspire to take a toll on your skin. more noticeable. Dull and grey.

Once you’ve identified your specific skin concern, treat yourself to a customized beauty routine and beauty ritual to protect and care for your face. After establishing and using your regimen you will experience a calmer, brighter and more moisturized complexion.

This transformation to helping you have a more healthy complexion can be immediate. So try this cold-weather tip for hydration and moisture with a bowl of hot water and towel. Set up a location were you can place the bowl with the towel over your head and covering the face for 3-5 minutes. This is good for all skin types and especially for those with dry skin which is categorized with tight, flaky, dull

and lifeless skin. Sometimes it may even appear to have a yellowy hew.

Some with dry skin have red patches where it is the driest. Those with dry skin are more prone to surface wrinkles and fine lines and will continue to lose collage quicker.

Foundation and other cosmetics tend to soak in and disappear. Of course this is because the skin is literally drinking the moisture in the product. The most important thing to remember is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Be sure not to use products that are made for oily skin such as harsh astringents. Products such as these will dry out the skin even more. Using a great daytime moisturizer is important but adding an extra emollient night cream may be just what the doctor ordered. Your skin

is most alive at night and will soak up regular moisturizers quicker.

Follow up with the regimen that has been designed for your skin type. No matter what your skin type is you should be cleansing, toning and moisturizing your skin with the right products morning and night. Tossing in a specialized product for your skin type can make a world of difference too, but if you are not doing your morning and evening routine, chances are those specialized products won’t do their job!

You can layer as much makeup as you want but it won’t cover up our lack of skin care, beauty starts with a good canvas!!!!!!!

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

Timeless and Tasty

In this moment . . .

It doesn’t matter if you saved money in 15 minutes.

It doesn’t matter if your neighbor has the same insurance you do.

What matters right now is that you get to enjoy the little things in life - feeling completely at ease - because your independent insurance agent and the company that stands behind them have you and your entire family covered.

Call or visit us:

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proudly owned and operated by: Willis & Edna Langley 2425 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia 4324 Sunset Blvd, Lexington

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©2012 McDonald’s

Happy Holidays

from our family to yours!

— Lexington Woman Magazine Staff 10

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

Let’s Talk

Bless...Don’t Stress

by Pastor Mark Crumpton

A

nd Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) To quote a Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”.

But so many of us become stressed out because we are trying desperately to give so much of ourselves that we don’t enjoy much of the season. The primary reason we become stressed is because we over commit ourselves. Learn to say “NO”. It really is OK. Say no to some of the time commitments (ie: all the Christmas parties) you don’t have to be everywhere, slow down and focus on what is important, your family and loved ones. Don’t deprive them of

you in order to attend a party that you didn’t want to be at in the first place.

Say no to overspending. The fact is that most of us can’t really afford to buy gifts for everyone. However, the large majority do it anyway and cause themselves much undue stress that we will literally pay for all year long. Why not suggest that your family / extended family draw names or do a fun gift exchange instead. I have found that most people feel the same way and are relieved that someone finally suggested not buying everyone a gift.

Say no to overspending.

The fact is that most of us can’t really afford to buy gifts for everyone.

Bless ... Don’t stress. When you learn how to say no, your family will be blessed to have a stress free, happy you to share the holiday with.

Another way to reduce stress is to give. Acts 20:35 “... remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is

more blessed to give than to receive.”

With so many families affected by today’s economic situation it is not hard to look right around us and see a family that we can bless this Christmas. Most of us have what we need and we simply trade gifts that we often don’t use. What if you decided that instead of buying unnecessary gifts for everyone in the family that the family would buy less for each other and come together to make this Christmas “the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for another family. There really is something amazing and powerful that happens to us when we give from the heart, the way God gave His only son to us.

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) Pastor Mark Crumpton Lexington Church of God 1228 S. Lake Drive, Lexington (803) 957-6675, www.LexCOG.org

The Crumpton Family www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Let’s Talk

TRACEY RANKIN and HAPPY WHEELS

by Beth McCrary photo by Robert Patrick Image Design

W

hile perusing her Facebook newsfeed just three years ago in June of 2009, Tracey Rankin was captivated by the photos posted by her hometown friend, Jackie Hite Shealy. Jackie’s posts were photos of the brave children she works with through the Happy Wheels program at MUSC Children’s Hospital in Charleston. Curiosity about the program kicked in and Tracey began asking questions. A few months later while on vacation in Pawley’s Island, Tracey volunteered for a Happy Wheels shift at MUSC. After experiencing the program first-hand, she was hooked immediately and knew she wanted to start the program in Columbia.

Upon her return from vacation, Tracey walked into the lobby of Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital to inquire about getting the volunteer program started. Very quickly she found herself sitting in front of the decision maker and Happy Wheels Columbia was on its way to becoming a reality. Three months later on December 7, 2009, Happy Wheels was rolling…quite literally.

At the age of 15, Tracey knew exactly what she wanted to do with

her life. She wanted to work in the music industry and her goal was to one day work for Faith Hill.

Armed with a degree in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University at age 20, Tracey boarded a plane for California. Her destination was the Jay Leno Show to work her first show with Faith Hill. Over a 10 year period, Tracey went on to work with other recording artists including Shania Twain, Sara Evans, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Staind and Flyleaf. Tracey credits the skills learned while working in the music industry for preparing her for the tasks she now executes on a daily basis for Happy Wheels.

For the past 3 years Tracey’s career has been in sales for a local beer distributor. Until recently she was able to arrange her schedule to include her volunteer work on

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

None of this story about how quickly Happy Wheels Columbia came together will come as a surprise to those who know Tracey Rankin. Born and raised in Batesburg-Leesville, Tracey has been passionately pursuing her dreams from a young age.

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Mondays, evenings, and weekends for her role as Happy Wheels program director. As the program has grown, so have the responsibilities.

Tracey realized that her true passion rested in Happy Wheels and working with children and decided to take the leap to become the first employee of Happy Wheels Columbia.

This opportunity presented itself after Happy Wheels was chosen in August of this year to be the sole charity partner for the first ever Color Me Rad 5K race held in Columbia, SC on October 20th. The Color Me Rad Race series typically attracts 6000 or more runners and walkers while touring the US. A charitable beneficiary is chosen in each city to receive a large portion of the profits by helping to promote the race, encourage registra-

tion, and provide race day volunteers. When Happy Wheels was chosen, Tracey knew it was time to make the leap as the amount of work now required to run Happy Wheels could not be handled on a volunteer basis.

Since its inception in Columbia, Happy Wheels has visited over 6,121 children at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital and gifted them with a book or toy of their choosing. The toys and books are made possible through toy and book drives, donations, and various fundraisers throughout the year.

Tracey and a host of volunteers push a huge medical cart loaded with new toys and books around the hospital’s inpatient floors every Monday. Children battling cancer, heart and lung diseases, Type 1 Diabetes, and numerous other

photo by Zil Photography, LLC

Tracey is also an avid runner with Team Happy Wheels.

Team Happy Wheels at the Color Me Rad 5K Race conditions are allowed to choose one book, toy or game to keep for themselves. Getting to choose an item from the Happy Wheels cart eases the fear of being hospitalized and creates a memorable encounter that is never forgotten by the entire family.

For Tracey, her work with Happy Wheels is not only memorable, it is life changing. “As you can imagine, working with Happy Wheels is extremely rewarding. Meeting the children and witnessing their strength and endurance for the task that God has laid upon them is really life changing. It is so easy to become wrapped up in our busy, day-to-day lives. On Monday, when we walk through the doors of the children’s hospital and ride the elevator up to the 5th floor, everything slows down. Suddenly, there is a perspective that is impossible to find in any other environment.”

Tracey’s most memorable encounter with a patient began on Valentine’s Day in 2011. On that day, she meet Georgia Elizabeth “Simi” Goodwin, a 6 month old battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Simi’s older sister, Katie wanted to name her “Similar” while still in their mother’s womb. When she could not be swayed against the odd name, her parents shortened it to Simi hoping that Katie would eventually move on to something different. The nickname stuck, but there would be nothing similar or the same about this special infant.

Over the course of the next 6 months, Tracey grew to love Simi and found herself looking forward to spending time with her and her family. “She was always happy and always entertaining everyone in the room with the sweetest little evil grin she had to offer.” On July 13, 2011, little Simi lost her battle with leukemia at the age of 1 year, 19 days. Tracey recalls it as the most difficult time she has ever personally encountered while working with Happy Wheels.

While Simi lost her battle with cancer, her work on earth wasn’t complete. Because of this bright-eyed little girl, Happy Wheels is an accredited non-profit today. Her parents, Sam and Elizabeth chose Happy Wheels as one of her memorials. Their wish for the money was that Happy Wheels become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Their wish was fulfilled and now there isn’t a single day that passes where Simi’s hand prints aren’t covering Happy Wheels.

Along with her passion for working with children through Happy Wheels, Tracey continues to pursue her love of music. She sings in the choir at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Irmo under the direction of Marc Rattray. She has been a part of several bands in the past and in her down time enjoys playing her guitar. Tracey is also an avid runner with Team Happy Wheels. Team Happy Wheels is a group of about 45 runners and walkers who participate in 5K’s, 10K’s, half and full marathons all over South Carolina to promote Happy Wheels.

With the Color Me Rad 5K race event now complete, Tracey will be busy planning a birthday party. Happy Wheels Columbia will be 3 years old on December 7th and there will be a local celebration event. Former patients, their families and friends and Happy Wheels supporters will be invited to share stories and celebrate.

Information about Happy Wheels and how to become a volunteer can be found at www.happywheelsinc.org

Beth McCrary is a freelance writer living in Lexington, SC and a Happy Wheels supporter. Her daughter Hannah, a Type 1 Diabetes survivor, was a Happy Wheels recipient during a hospital stay in February 2011.

SERVING THE MIDLANDS

(803) 356-8080

www.midlandslandscape.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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KINARD

JONES

LLC

Attorneys at Law

RESPECTED LEXINGTON ATTORNEYS WHO CARE

• Auto Accidents • Injury • Divorce • Custody • Criminal Defense

803-359-1003

kinardandjones.com

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303 South Lake Drive Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

•

Real Women

Lexington, SC 29072

•

Fax (803) 359-1378

Let’s Talk

THE ASHBY CHRONICLE:

photo by Clark Berry Photography

Superstorms

by Ashby Jones

H

ave you noticed life is not really like the movies? Or novels? In movies and novels you know when to feel sad (the music is a cue, or the characters tell you). You know when to feel elated – you have paid producers and writers and editors to tell you. Also, the book is almost finished or you are about done with your popcorn.

Ashby Jones

Life is not like this at all. The year is about done and there will be a celebration at the end. Enter peace, love and happiness.

The truth is, the holidays feel like clouds to many people.

Like the Wizard of Oz storm, we can unwillingly become swept away in the darkness, especially during the Holiday season. People, homes, bicycles - life passes us by as we watch. Smells are reminders of people who are no longer here.

Family rituals are bittersweet. We are supposed to feel happy and don sparkly tacky sweatervests. We are supposed to cook cheesebiscuits and cheesecake and other things with cream cheese. We do what we are supposed to do. But the storms come anyway.

I watched a friend mow his grass in the pouring rain a few months ago. His wife, an avid reader, a mother of three. His wife, an exercise fanatic (and mother of three).

His wife, a crackerjack accountant (and mother of three). His wife.

She had passed away.

He didn’t really need to mow his grass in a storm. The men in our neighborhood had already meticulously blown leaves, cut bushes until they were bare, edged beside the driveway razor-sharp, carried off the trash, and planted things.

It was sort of a pre-hurricane relief drive.

The storm still came, and the neighborhood men have not run for cover. They stand outside in the storm with him. And like men

do, they don’t mention that they are soaking wet. Instead, they talk about the Gamecocks.

I asked my friend Darra about future storms in my own family. Who would be there if the unthinkable happened? She said “Are you kidding? You would have a COVEN of women descend on your family.” It was an interesting word choice. I picture a group of witches with their brooms and their opinions, their energy and their silence, their prayers and their no-prayers . . . their wine. They would swoop in, sweeping away what they could, stirring the wind so that unnecessaries would disappear, cause lightening to strike the naysayers, and donning their best bedazzled shoes and striped stockings while they waited for the sun to rise again.

These women can be witches. But they are my witches.

Let’s grab each other this holiday season.

Hold on tight, push through those clouds.

This summer Maggie and I went to see Wicked in New York City.

Before the show began, we discussed (ok, I discussed, she eyerolled) the meaning of the play.

We/I discussed the revelation that the “wicked” witch was not so very wicked – just different. And that she sang this important song called Defying Gravity. A song about overcoming and breaking through, being who you are and living an honest life:

Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep It’s time to trust my instincts Close my eyes: and leap!

It’s time to try Defying gravity I think I’ll try Defying gravity And you can’t pull me down!

This was not a movie scene. Maggie and I did not have a soundtrack and I didn’t have half-eaten popcorn. So, I didn’t really know it was a sunlight moment. But I do now.

I realize the sun is sometimes hidden just behind the clouds. If we are not afraid to get right there in the storm with the people we love, we will notice it.

I think about all the soaring that takes place all around me, all the time. Like my friend Amy who jumped out of an airplane to celebrate survival. No broom necessary there. No need for sparkly shoes and striped socks. Just the air, the sun, and the moment. Defying gravity.

Let’s grab each other this holiday season. Hold on tight, push through those clouds. Let’s sweep away the wind, brush away the rain, and help each other see the sun. And when members of our coven struggle this season, let’s stand right there in the storm with them.

We won’t melt.

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15

SURVIVING and THRIVING

Meet Cherie Nettles

by Elaine Samples

photography by Clark Berry Photography

W

hen Cherie Nettles found out that she had ovarian cancer, her first thought was, “God, how can you do this? My children are so young - they need their mother.” And her next thought was, “Because my children need their mother, I am going to fight!” And fight she did.

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Real Women Lexington Woman c e l e b r a t e s t h e s u r v i vo r i n yo u

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Celebrating the It is said that ovarian cancer is the disease that whispers. Many of the symptoms are often dismissed (i.e., bloating, chronic indigestion, and change in bathroom habits).

Cherie had all of these symptoms, but it was the unusual pressure in her right side that prompted her to make an appointment with her doctor. Through an exam, her doctor concluded that she had a benign (non-cancerous) tumor on her uterus. After a few more tests, she was sent to Dr. S. Terry Smith, a GYN Oncologist. Dr. Smith was aware of her test results, and he felt the tumor was non-cancerous.

As for how the process played out, I am going to borrow from the book that Cherie has published (Growing my Divine Shrine: Your way to Live, Love and Laugh Through Life)…

“As a little girl I loved the nursery rhyme: ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpy together again.’ Now that I was a big girl with a big diagnosis – I was literally falling to pieces… I was crying myself to sleep, and before going in for additional tests, I was sobbing until my body had the snubs – you know, when you shake from head to toe because you’ve cried so hard. In my head, I knew the promises of God’s Word, but my emotions had taken over and my heart had no understanding.

In preparation for a CT scan to determine what was going on, I had to drink that awful chalky mixture for the doctor to be able to see my insides. I took small sips, and cried between swallows. About ten minutes after I finished drinking the required chalk, a technician hooked up the IV fluids, and asked me to lie flat on the table that would soon slide me into the scanner.

I couldn’t lie still. My snubs had caused my entire body to continue shaking. Tears flowed as I clenched my fists. The technician asked me

again to lie still, but I couldn’t. Finally, she said, ‘What’s the matter?’

All I could do was open my fists, and when I did, two pictures fell out of my hands. They were of my two children. Distraught, I looked at her and exclaimed that question, ‘How can God do this to me?’ She quickly realized I wasn’t going to calm down, so she had the doctor order Xanax to help me relax.

Have you ever taken Xanax? We would have world peace tomorrow if everyone took that pill!

6, 2002, I woke up in my hospital room and heard a beautiful, still quiet voice saying, ‘Good morning, Cherie. I want you to be confident in Me and be at peace, for there is no more cancer.’ I fell back into my pillow and began to revel at what God had just said to me and He whispered, ‘You will not rest until you write it.’ So, in the small corner

Now my passion is not just to make people laugh, but to teach people to laugh…

My surgery date arrived, October 31, 2002. At the hospital, they once again gave me Valium … so I calmed down. They got me prepped for surgery and took me back to the O.R. Three and a half hours later, the surgeon came out to the waiting room and told my husband I had ovarian cancer, class 3C. My doctor informed my husband he had done a hysterectomy, the cancer had metastasized, and I would begin aggressive chemotherapy in two weeks. Through all of this, my husband had been reading the Psalms to me. I kept begging God for a word. God kept gently whispering in my heart, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ (Psalm 46:10) My husband left the hospital at 9:00 PM on November 5, 2002 to relieve the babysitters.

At 11:00 PM, he called and said, ‘Cherie, I have found your Word from God. It is Psalm 86. Read it.’

I opened my Bible and began to read Psalm 86, reached up for my journal and began to pen what I was reading. Somehow I know that Mike knew that I would journal. I love to write the Word of God and make it personal because the Bible is 66 love letters to us, and because of this journal … I have these words! I drifted off to sleep reading and journaling Psalm 86, the Word of God. NOW, HERE IS THE PART YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE. At four in the morning, November

of my Wal-Mart Composition notebook, my journal, I wrote 11/6/02 between 4:00 and 4:10 AM, God woke me up and said, ‘Good morning, Cherie, I want you to be confident in me and be at peace, for there is no more cancer.’ I drifted off to sleep.

At 6:00 AM, Dr. Smith opened the door and in his exuberant way said, ‘Good morning! Cherie, I have good news for you.’ ... From the latest pathology, it was determined that my tumor was non-invasive. That’s huge. That means it can’t spread.

If it can’t spread, it can’t kill you.

I smiled and asked Dr. Smith if I could read my journal to him… Being the God-fearing man he is, he said, ‘Absolutely!’ After reading my journal, he reached over kissed my cheek …and said, ‘God has smiled on you.’”

On the evening of my first contact with Cherie Nettles, she told me that she was going to meet some friends for dinner, only to be surprised that her husband, along with two of her best friends, had organized a ten year “God has smiled upon you” party. In listening to her story, it became very evident to me that God was not only smiling upon his daughter, but He was using her to smile upon others.

Survivor in You!

At the time of her diagnosis, Cherie was a full-time-stay-at-home Mom who was teaching the Bible to her two children, Alex and Ashleigh, 11 and 8 respectively at the time.

“Cancer actually changed my Bible teaching to Bible teaching with comedy,” laughs Cherie. “And that is where my friends, ministry partners, and audiences dubbed me a ‘Christian Comedian.’ Genesis 21:6 says, ‘God has brought me laughter and everywhere I go and share my story people will laugh with me.’

So, cancer made me laugh … all the time. In Proverbs 17:22, it tells us that laughter is medicine to our souls. Truly laughter heals. Laughter releases endorphins into our bodies, which are a bodies natural pain-killers. Laughter reduces cortisol level, which improves heart function and lowers blood sugar.

Laughter gives us a better sense of well-being and promotes unity. So, who wouldn’t want to laugh? This past summer I became a Certified Laughter Leader. Now my passion is not just to make people laugh, but to teach people to laugh…

Laughter is medicine to our soul.”

I wish I had the space to share with you more of Cherie’s story. She was truly an inspiration and light to me. And no doubt, she has touched countless lives as she shares her story, and this earthly journey. I will leave you with what Cherie says is her most valuable lesson from her fight against cancer, “I realized that every place the sole of my foot treads, God has given me. And that God is the giver and taker of life, and no diagnosis can change this.”

To hear more of Cherie’s story, you can find her book, Growing my Divine Shrine: Your way to Live, Love and Laugh Through Life, via her website at www.cherienettles.net.

This article is brought to you by Dems Fine Jewelers. Visit www.demsjewelers. com or call (803) 407-5290. See their ad on the back cover of this issue.

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Gloria Thompson “I found out that I had breast cancer on July 31, 2004, I am 8 years out. It had made me slow down and enjoy life and I don’t worry about the small things, to take one day at a time.”

Cherie Nettles “Cancer has changed my perspective in every way… so if only a few sentences… I was released from my oncologist at the end of 2011… 10 years out. I am cancer free (as God said I was!) And, I realize life is too short to not live an abundant life… So, I believe in all we do we must live, love and laugh!”

Brenda Osteen “This has taught me that every day is a beautiful day and after 65 years finally “it is all about me!” I have been given the chance to live each day that God has given me with joy, thanksgiving and knowing how precious time is and not to be wasted. Survivors soon learn what is important and what can be left behind.”

Mandy Bowden “I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor with 2 boys, age 7 and 9. Surviving cancer has made me laugh a little louder, love a little deeper, and live more purposefully. I am passionate about showing other women that they too can do more than survive.”

Jackie Foot Kayla Lucas “I have become a stronger person and even though I have still got a long road ahead I know with God’s help I will be fine.”

Amy Kinard “I found my lump on a self breast exam at 34, had bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and 1 year of chemo. I am now 5 years cancer free. I am the star of Lexington Medical Center Pink Glove Dance.”

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

“I am a five year survivor of breast cancer. It has afforded me the opportunity to become friends with some awesome women of faith! It has impacted on me the need to help others! The Bible says, ‘Faith is the assurance of things hope for.’ Without faith, my walk through this journey would have been much more difficult. Each day is a blessing and I have a deeper appreciation for the small things in life that we all take for granted!”

Tonja Brimfield “I am a 6 year survivor of Breast Cancer, I’ve had many challenges, but the entire experience has enabled me to give hope and strength to everyone who is facing this disease. God has blessed me with a new family of dynamic doctors and wonderful survivors from Lexington Medical Center.”

Dee Morgan “Breast Cancer has changed me in so many ways.

In June 2012, I was a 4 year survivor. Since my diagnosis I appreciate every single day of my life.

Simple things like blue skies and a sunny day are special. Standing on my street with my husband watching the sunset is an event. My friendships are richer and family means so much. I thank God for each moment of my life. ”

Carrie Myers “As of June 13th, I am a 1 year survivor with a 6 year old girl and 2 year old boy. This experience has made me not sweat the little things and live life to the fullest. ”

Kim Hamrick Watson “God has blessed me richly—I am thankful for 6 years cancer free! I am recently married and look forward to starting a family soon. Cancer is the best and worst thing that has happened to me.

But what an awesome and unique opportunity it provides to reach out to others. I can honestly say that I got way more out of cancer than it ever got from me!”

Cathy Lindner “I was diagnosed on September 11, 2012, and have just begun radiation treatments. Having cancer has made me much more aware of my surrounding and realizing that most people that we meet in day to day life are dealing with something. I have trusted my faith in God, and drawn closer than ever to my family, and for that I am so thankful. ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to his purpose.’”

Kelly Bauer “I was diagnosed August 2011 and I have survived with the attitude that I had cancer — It did not have me. I am so amazingly bless as it brought me closer to family and friends and taught me to pray every single day.”

Jessica Lanford “I am in my 5th year battling breast cancer.

I was 26 when I was first diagnosed and it is still using my body as a home. I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and am currently taking oral chemo. Although it sounds scary I continue to be blessed with wonderful family and friends.

Nothing will stop me from smiling.”

Bambi Wise (and Kaylie) “I’m at the radiation part of my journey. I’ve had 8 rounds of chemo, bilateral mastectomies and ovaries removed. The way cancer has changed me is I feel like it is a blessing that I’m being used for a greater purpose. I also appreciate my family and my friends a lot more. And I take everyday as a gift from God. And I’m more of an optimistic person now. I feel like I can change someone else’s life. Because my life has been changed by other survivors.”

Thank you to all of our models!

All clothing for our female models was provided by Mae’s on Main.

Thank you to Connie Stuckey and her staff for their help!

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Cody Whitehead is a junior at White Knoll High School.

He is a drumline member for the impressive marching band at WKHS and plans to go into the military and become a pilot.

Nate Nikel is a Newberry College graduate and will be attending law school soon. He recently joined the Shriners and enjoys helping out for a good cause.

Buck White is a student at the University of South Carolina.

He is majoring in accounting and enjoys attending South Carolina games, hunting, and fishing.

Craig Leaphart is a senior at Lexington High School.

He is a Type 1 Diabetic (diagnosed one year ago), who plans to attend the University of South Carolina next fall.

Lexington Woman would like to offer a special thanks to Craig Reagin Clothiers and the men who helped with our Surviving the Holiday Celebration!

Celebrating, Motivating andyoung Educating Real Women

CONFETTI CELEBRATION COLLECTION Dems Fine Jewelers exclusive Bead It to BEAT IT program is celebrating 18 cancer survivors through custom beads that will fit the Chamilia, Trollbeads and Pandora bracelets and can also be worn on chains and earrings. The cost is $38.00, and 20% of the proceeds will be donated to SCOA Cares Foundation and Lexington Medical Center Foundation – The Crystal Smith Fund. Join them as the fight goes on to BEAT cancer! Every woman has a special story and each bead represents her fight against cancer. Dems is proud to celebrate these amazing women.

“Marian” | Grandmothers | Celebrate Special Bonds!

“Cathy” | Easter Egg | Celebrate Blessings!

Something magical happens when a mother becomes a grandmother! Blessed are the ties that bind generations.

If you put all your eggs in one basket, may it be a basket full of blessings; filled with bright feelings, joy and laughter!

“Debbie” | Vacation | Celebrate Memories!

“Sally” | Graduation | Celebrate Achievements!

Travel to new places and enjoy new adventures. The memories we make together will last long after the bags have been unpacked.

Black hats tossed in the air. Excitement, love and pride fills your heart. May your dreams always be limitless!

“Janet” | Beach Life | Celebrate Simple Pleasures!

“Annie Ruth” | Fireworks | Celebrate Freedom!

Take time to bask in the sun, splash in the waves and relax in the sand. Life is all about simple pleasures...make them count.

Light up the night sky with bursts of bright colors and twinkling sparklers as we celebrate pride in our past and hope for our future!

“Cathy” | Summer Sunrise | Celebrate Beauty!

“Betsy” | Thanksgiving | Celebrate Family!

Each new day begins with a sunrise that takes your breath away.

Enjoy the spectacular display of God’s beauty and grace!

Holidays are more than a savory feast. They are the celebration of togetherness! A special day to give thanks for our family and friends.

“Andrea” | Thank You | Celebrate Kindness!

“Amanda” | Mistletoe | Celebrate Traditions!

Thank you for being the kind of person who makes a difference in my world. Your kindness and thoughtfulness means so much!

Twinkling lights and evergreen; caroling and mistletoe... moments spent with family and friends celebrating the magic of the season.

“Paulette” | Cheers | Celebrate Life!

“Nichole” | Birthday Wishes | Celebrate Milestones!

Cheers to family! Cheers to friends! Cheers to heath and happiness! And cheers to a life lived to the fullest!

May your birthday bring a smile to your face, happiness to your heart and many blessings to your life. Warm wishes on your birthday!

“Suzanne” | New Years | Celebrate New Beginnings!

“Teri” | Friends | Celebrate Friendship!

Every new year and each new day is an opportunity to delight in all of life’s wonders. Remember to always say “I Love You”!

The best part of the life is when your family understands you as a friend and your friends support you as your family.

“Winkie” | Valentine | Celebrate Love!

“Beth” | Friday Nights | Celebrate Good Times!

A romantic dinner for two or a quiet night strolling beneath the stars, our moments together are precious! You are my Valentine!

Be spontaneous... celebrate any and everything! All it takes is family and friends to make a party happen!

“Amy” | Lucky Shamrock | Celebrate Wonders!

“Fran” | Anniversary | Celebrate Forever!

For each petal on a shamrock, a wish for you! Good health, good luck and happiness...for today and every day!

With you, I celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday and the hopes and dreams for our tomorrow. Forever “I do”!

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

21

SURVIVING

the Holidays

David Winn, MD, Sally Herpst, MD and Langston Powell, MD, at Lexington Medical Center-Irmo by Clark Berry Photography

L

exington Medical Center’s Urgent Care physicians see a lot of interesting cases around the holidays. Broken ribs and wrists from falling off ladders while working on Christmas decorations. Children with small pieces of toys from Santa stuck in their nose and ears. Escalator injuries. Cuts from broken ornaments. Electrical shocks from cords. Burns. And, kids eating tinsel, holly berries and pointsettias.

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

From the Experts It’s what keeps the doctors at the hospital’s six Urgent Care facilities around Lexington County busy this time of year — in their own holiday hussle.

“The numbers of injuries and illnesses associated with the holidays are more startling than one would think,” said David Winn, MD.

Falls and Fires

With this decreased protection, there’s more opportunity for bacteria and viruses to attack.

The chemical changes can also lead to indigestion, ulcers and ulcerative colitis. They can alter insulin response for diabetics and increase heart rates, blood pressure, platelet aggregation and artery narrowing — putting more stress on the cardiovascular system — and consequently increasing holiday incidences of heart attacks.

Dr. Winn says falls and fires lead the pack.

Around 6,000 people in the United States are treated each year for falls while decorating for Christmas.

“While short term stress may not affect our immune system significantly, the longer holiday stress clearly has an impact on what we see as physicians,” Dr. Winn said.

Fires occur from dry trees with hot bulbs, close heat sources, bad wiring and overloaded circuits. There’s also an increase in kitchen fires from increased meal preparations.

Hearts

Children Kids are especially prone to holiday trips to Urgent Care.

“I saw a little boy with a red plastic wheel up his nose from a toy,” Sally Herpst, MD, said. “How the children choose to use the gifts Santa brings can be more creative than intended.”

Dr. Herpst says they also see a lot of parents each year concerned about their kids eating holly berries or pointsettia leaves.

“While neither plant is fatal when ingested, both can cause a stomach ache and even vomiting if sufficient quantities are eaten,” she said.

The doctors also report children falling out of shopping carts and burning themselves on candles.

Busy Holiday Schedules “I see a lot of people who are very anxious with people coming to town and staying at their house,” said Langston Powell, MD. “People are on the go all the time, too. As soon as they leave work, they’re shopping or preparing their home – and when they’re not, they’re up at night worrying about it.”

That stress can impact your immunity.

“When we are under stress, certain types of chemicals increase in our body,” said Dr. Winn.

“These chemicals suppress aspects of our immune system, including the cells that serve to protect us from illness.”

Doctors report a 50 percent increase in heart attacks in the winter.

“Most heart attacks come on slowly with chest pain frequently described as pressure, tightness, squeezing, crushing or fullness in the chest. The pain sometimes radiates to the neck, jaw, shoulder or arm,” said Dr. Winn.

A heart attack is sometimes accompanied by feeling weak, having a cold sweat, and profound fatigue.

Less serious is heartburn, brought on by indigestion after a hearty holiday meal.

“Indigestion and heartburn patients frequently report uncomfortable feelings of fullness, bloating or burning pain in the upper abdomen frequently during and just after a meal,” said Dr. Winn. “It can be worse after fatty or spicy meals.”

“Unlike a heart attack, heartburn is not usually accompanied by sweating or shortness of breath,” Dr. Herpst said.

Meantime, have you ever heard of “holiday heart?” Doctors describe it as a real condition characterized by a rapid heartbeat from alcohol, lack of sleep and caffeine. Those patients

Lexington Medical Center Urgent Care Holiday Hours Thanksgiving: Irmo and Lexington 10am – 4pm. Swansea, Gilbert, B-L, and Chapin are closed Christmas Eve: All centers are open 8am – 4pm Christmas Day: Irmo and Lexington 10am – 4pm. Swansea, Gilbert, B-L, and Chapin are closed New Year’s Eve: all centers have normal hours New Year’s Day: Irmo and Lexington 10 am -10pm. Swansea, Gilbert, BL, and Chapin closed receive a full work-up of testing to rule out further problems.

Doctor’s Orders There’s a spike in visits the week after Christmas.

“If people are having chest pain or they’re sick, they don’t want to go to the doctor on Christmas- they wait until the day after,” said Dr. Powell. “We don’t recommend that.”

Here’s their prescription for holiday success: • Make time for yourself • Keep up with your exercise routine • Get enough sleep • Say “no” if you don’t have the time • Take care of your self From Lexington Medical Center’s six Urgent Care facilities, have a Merry Christmas.

They also see a lot of parents each year concerned about their kids eating holly berries or pointsettia leaves. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

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Pets

Here Kitty Kitty…!

by Tim Loonam, DVM

T

he population of dogs and cats in the US has been steadily increasing with numbers totaling 165 million pets in 2011. Of these, over 87 million are cats – more than half – making cats the most popular pet in America.

Why are cats so popular? A recent study by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association lists the top 5 reasons cats are so popular as pets: companionship (90%), fun to watch (73%), relieve stress (62%), like a family member (60%), easy to maintain (57%) and pest control (51%).

Cats are quite independent, but yet very lovable and loyal animals.

You can leave them at home all day while you’re working, they will miss you, but you can rest assured they are not going through some separation anxiety issue. Most likely your cat will be napping, chasing “something” around the house (even imaginary!), exploring something that has caught their attention or just being naturally curious by looking out the window.

Cats are cool to have. They love cuddling next to you or laying on top of whatever it is you are reading. They are needy, but only for a little while, because cats have their own agenda!

famously reserved and withholding personalities seduce us into paying closer attention to them. And unlike humans and dogs, cats are not only amazing predators-they are also prey, one reason cats appear so stealthy and reserved. This inherent vulnerability naturally solicits our sympathy and maybe even put us in touch with our own mortality. Perhaps the most compelling explanation for our love of cats is the most simple: we’re in awe of them. We’re inclined to watch cats climb trees, leap to amazing heights, and sprint along the chair rail in our homes because we wish we could do so ourselves! They just blow our minds.

There may be even more deepseated psychological reasons why we love cats as pets so much. Cats’

Cats are quite healthy pets and tend to live long healthy lives if they are spayed or neutered and

live exclusively indoors. They’re very low maintenance compared to dogs. However, recent surveys show cats are under-served in veterinary hospitals making up less than 39% of all visits, and sadly, the relinquishment of cats to shelters has increased. Grace Animal Hospital is a ‘cat-friendly’ practice and we encourage all cat owners to bring their cats in for annual exams. Many cat owners don’t realize this is necessary and many also fail to see the benefit of veterinary care.

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Small Animal Dentistry

From Your Other Family Doctor

Equine Services Pharmacy and Laboratory

Dr. Briana Davis Dr. Tim Loonam Dr. Jacinda DeRoy

Grace Animal Hospital

147 Charter Oak Road • Lexington, SC 29072 Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

To learn more about taking your cat to the vet, visit catvets.com.

Cats are notoriously stoic and hide disease well. Many common cat diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism can be treated and even corrected if caught early with a thorough physical exam.

At Grace Animal Hospital we un-

COMPLETE, COMPASSIONATE CARE

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derstand veterinary visits can be stressful and transporting your cat can be difficult. If your cat hasn’t seen a vet in awhile, but you hate the thought of getting the carrier out and making the trip, please call us for help. Our staff can discuss some easy training steps at home and if necessary, provide a mild sedative (for your cat!) to make the trip and visit pleasant.

Real Women

and Pet Lodge

Behavior and Training Consulation Goats, Sheep and Llama Services Nutrition and Retail Products Referral and Consultation Services Pet Lodge

803.808.PETS (7387) www.gracepets.com

Bark Art

PURRFECT PET PORTRAITS

Portraits from your photo in pencil or paint Wendy S. Jeffcoat – Artist

NOW taki n orders fo g Christmar s!

(803) 356-6252 Email Wendy at wsj170@yahoo.com See more art on Facebook under Wendy S. Jeffcoat Portion of proceeds benefit shelter and medical care of local strays

“We LOVE dirty dogs” Louise Jorgensen, Owner Professional Dog Groomer

Mike Davis, Local Agent

(803) 356-2220 1812 AUGUSTA HIGHWAY, SUITE B LEXINGTON, SC 29072 www.anpac.com

(803) 358-0159

1281 S. Lake Drive • Lexington

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...everything western. West of the Vista.

Apparel, Home, Equestrian & American Indian

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(803) 334-8456 • 811 Meeting Street • West Columbia

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Professional

A FAMILY TRADITION HOME FURNITURE OF IRMO

by Elaine Samples

H

ome Furniture on Lake Murray Boulevard in Irmo has been serving the Midlands as a family owned business since 1946.

In 1973, the Shealy family bought the store and it has been owned by three generations of their family since. In the early 70s, it was a source for furniture, appliances, and even lawn mowers. But over the past forty years, they have refined the store to be the quality source for fine furniture, bedding, and accessories.

Charles Shealy, Jr. and his father bought Home Furniture in 1973.

Charles’ father, Charles, Sr., was in the appliance and used furniture business. Charles was a coach and teacher at the high school level, and he decided he wanted to do something different. With a degree in Marketing and an aptitude for client services, sales seemed like a good fit. Over the years, the store has evolved to become a full line home furnishings store that also sells mattresses and accessories, such as lamps, art work, rugs, and mirrors.

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business apart from others. “We offer the best service after the sale of anybody in the trading area,” says Mr. Shealy, “as evidenced by the fact that repeat business is 60% or more of our sales.” In an age where it feels like the customer is only right when it is convenient for the store, and the sales person forgets you after the sale has been made, I find Home Furniture’s commitment to excellent service refreshing.

Home Furniture offers high quality name brands at competitive prices and Mr. Shealy prides himself in the customer service that sets his

In addition to exceptional customer service, one of the more impressive things that sets Home Furniture apart from others is the absence of high pressure sales tactics (since the sales representatives do not work for commission).

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women

They also offer financing, custom ordering that is ready in thirty days or less, and immediate delivery for items on site. Equally exciting?

There is an interior designer, Sylvia Riggin, who has over 25 years of decorating experience. Sylvia is available to help with all aspects of bringing your room, and your home, together.

A real hometown store, Mr. Shealy personally chooses all of the furniture sold by Home and he says, “We do not buy anything at our store that we would not put in our own homes.” Mr. Shealy also endeavors to purchase as many American made products as he can. With a tagline like “Living Southern Style,” Home Furniture

sells a full line of more traditional furniture with a little lean toward transitional. They also offer a complete line of mattresses in their 15,000 square foot showroom.

Focused on quality pieces that are built well and competitively priced, Home Furniture has built a reputation of excellence from the items they offer to the dedication to customer service both before and after the sale. Buying a new home, remodeling, or just looking for something new? Please give Mr. Shealy and his team a chance to meet your home furnishing needs. Stop by and see them at 1201 Lake Murray Boulevard in Irmo, or visit them on the web at www.homefurnituresc.com.

!

e

’r We

ck Ba

HMS is a full service home maintenance company. Our One-Stop approach will save you money and help avoid problems with multiple contractors.

HMS is locally owned and operated as well as licensed and insured.

Please call on our team to get started on any of your home improvement needs and repairs.

(803) 687-0447

Visit our website for more info and to see samples of our work

www.myHMSpro.com

“You will love the way we do business” — Charles Shealy, Jr.

Name Brands • High Quality • Low Prices • Design Assistance Available TEMPLE • BASSETT • BROYHILL • BEST • LANE (803) 781-2925 • 1201 Lake Murray Boulevard, Irmo

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Bouknight Pumps, LLC Pump & Water Conditioning Sales & Service Serving the Midlands for over 60 years

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27

Professional

LOOKING

FORWARD to 2013

by Tripp Newsome, CPA

W

hat a year! As the year 2012 comes to a close we find ourselves a little more comfortable financially than last year at this time.

Entrepreneurs are putting themselves in position to finance venture capital ideas. Empty commercial buildings are being bought, those who have small businesses in mind have selected this time to jump into the market again and begin their adventure. We at Newsome & Company, P.C. are excited about the prospects of 2013… current issues on the hill in exception.

During the year we have seen issues that need to be brought forward in order to make conscious, direct, organized, and informed business decisions.

Accelerated Depreciation The sunset for accelerated depreciation is currently 2013. In order to boost the economy the IRS gives a large percentage of first year depreciation. This gets folks to purchase new equipment. Substance over form you get 30% off at purchase and deduct another 50% in the first year, leaving the remaining for the rest of the class life… 3 years for software, 5 years for computers and equipment, 7 years for furniture, etc. Sounds good and is if you NEED the equipment, and can purchase it out right without paying the back end in interest to the credit card companies. However, paying three dollars to save a dollar has not changed.

Borrowing Money There are terrific interest rates out there.

Banks are working with individuals a little more than in the past several years. There is a broad line between young bankers out of college and accounting, and business valuation.

Let’s make it easier for them. Before you go to the bank make sure you have your financial statements in order, make sure you reevaluate your fixed assets on straight line depreciation instead of the advance depreciation mentioned earlier. Doing this increases your net worth by 30% to 50% on fixed assets alone.

We hope you have a wonderfully prosperous, safe, and relaxing holiday season.

This article was written by Tripp Newsome, President of Newsome & Company, P.C., Certified Public Accountants. Visit www.NewsomeCPA.biz to learn more.

We are committed to your success.

We possess the knowledge, competence, and reliability that you should expect from your accountant. We want to help you become more profitable and secure in retirement, long term care, and make provisions for those who depend on you. Sleep easy!

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(803) 728-1899 Fax: (803) 728-1898

111 Library Hill Lane, Suite A Lexington, SC 29072

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MEMBERS: American Association of Certified Public Accountants SC Association of Certified Public Accountants

Professional

Avoiding Emergencies and Staying Safe Online

by Matthew B. Spain

H

appy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! With the holidays just around the corner, I wanted to remind you about a few things I wrote around the same time last year. Soon, we will all be on the hunt to find the perfect gift for our loved ones.

For many people, shopping locally or online is one of the massive preparation activities we undertake to get ready for the holidays.

You really need to be careful when you go to purchase items online, though, and here are a few tips to help you stay safe when shopping online: • Make sure the site you access is reputable. Avoid shopping at sites that appear on pop ups or that send emails you did not request. These sites can be fake and may lure you into giving out your bank information.

• When purchasing an item online, be sure the site is secure. There

should be a lock symbol at the top or bottom of your browser to indicate that you are on a secure site. You should also look in the address line of your browser (the line that says http://www. example.com) and be sure that the http actually is https://. This is a quick and easy way to be sure you are on a secure site.

Sometimes, it seems that the holidays are full of emergencies.

Whether medical or household related, they are emergencies nevertheless. One emergency people may forget about is a computer emergency. These can hinder you more than you realize, because

they can keep you from finding that perfect recipe online, or the perfect gift for your loved one. Here are a few tips to keep the potential computer emergencies away: • Be sure you have proper security software on your computer. If you have a lot of pop-ups or odd error messages that just started to show up, your computer may be infected. We can certainly help you disinfect, if this is the case.

• Take care of installing those pesky computer updates. Microsoft, Apple, and multiple other vendors push updates out to keep you protected and your computer safe.

• Call for help before the problem gets worse. Many people start to have computer problems, but decide to not worry about the problems until they get worse.

Most of the time, it will only get worse. In most cases, the expense will be higher the longer you wait. The nature of infections and problems is that they start out small, and then explode into a really crazy ordeal.

I hope that these valuable tips will keep you safe not only during the holiday season, but during the rest of the year as well.

God Bless and Happy Shopping!

803.354.0074 602D East Main Street • Lexington ON-SITE REPAIR FOR YOUR COMPUTER EMERGENCY

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29

Professional

TIM McLENDON:

A Tale of Two Talents

O

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by Denise Dickinsen

photography by Robert Patrick Image Design

pen several doors in Columbia’s bustling downtown and Vista business districts and undoubtedly you will discover the interior design talent of Tim McLendon.

McLendon’s commercial design projects comprise a wide variety of restaurants and clubs; real estate developments; spas and retail, medical and other offices.

Whether a single, private office or a large, public complex he brings his professional expertise to create an aesthetically appealing space that meets employee and customer functional needs. Take a walk downtown and step into McLendon’s design in law offices. Pre-sale model units and re-designed public spaces, including Capital Places’ apartments and condominiums at the Capital I, the historic Kress and landmark Tapps buildings. A new Capital Place project is in progress to renovate the Berry Building condominiums across from Mast General Store on Main Street to represent a boutique hotel style.

In the Vista, McLendon’s diverse clientele includes the South Carolina Philharmonic Symphony, Cohn Construction headquarters and thriving hospitality sites such as J.T. Salon and M. Vista restaurant. His next design task involves plans to revamp the Trustus Theater bar and concessions area.

Over the past two years McLendon worked with Jeff Balish of Dining Group South to set the design for the newest Vista dining venue, Cola’s Restaurant, a lovingly restored 1930’s building formerly housing the regionally and nationally know Chero, Nehi and RC Cola bottling companies. Reviewing the project, Balish credits McLendon “for all the help and support he gave me in getting Cola’s up and going. Great advice on colors, fabrics and design elements and just a good guy

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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to talk to when design issues got to me.”

In the realm of interior design, Tim McLendon’s artistic vision for the way he puts together space, lighting, décor, colors and textures is influenced by his vast experiences and excursions. McLendon comments that he has “traveled around the world and draws design elements and imagery from everywhere I go.” Enhancing the complete visual environment, McLendon designs the look of a space through the application of paint, fabric, floor coverings, window treatments, furniture, accessories, lighting and other materials.

Where on lives defines their personal style – in chic modern apartments, casual beach houses, up-

scale city – center condominiums, sprawling suburban family homes or unique historic residences.

Whether designing new construction interiors, redefining one or two rooms, or an entire house, McLendon transforms what was once “house” space into a standard of living the one can truly call ‘home.’

McLendon develops deign components that range from the traditional, to transitional and mid century modern design styles… and most anything in between. “The most important step in the design process is really getting to know my clients, so that I understand their vision, McLendon’s approach is to transcend his design beyond the expected. “ I like to take a foundation piece of a person’s or a

Professional family’s life – it might be a treasured heirloom antique, a piece of fabric or contemporary art. The, I develop the design for their space from that inspiration.” As a very personal touch, McLendon often installs his original art which he crafts especially for the project. A successful project comes together when McLendon conducts the ‘reveal’ to discover that he met his client’s needs by giving them new space filled with not only beauty, but also with comfort, energy and a sense of their personal spirit. McLendon notes that “Often, a client doesn’t know beforehand that their new space is actually what they’ve always wanted.”

‘The Store’ as he affectionately refers to his home, is actually a one-room neighborhood grocery store, circa 1913 which has been transformed into residential living space.

Studies show that professionally staged homes sell faster and for more money than non-staged homes. When staging each room for show, McLendon has the knack to look through a home buyer’s eyes and creatively edit and arrange the seller’s furniture, accessories and lighting to bring the home’s best features forward. For private home owners and real estate agents, McLendon’s successful hand and eye for staging minimizes days on the market while maximizing sales prices. In giving advice to sellers, McLendon notes that “The most important lesson – and one that is usually the hardest for the homeowner to do, is to edit their personal effects, collections and emotional items that clutter up a room. Great Aunt Edna’s heirloom trinkets and family photos may actually distract potential buyers from seeing a space clearly.”

McLendon’s design creativity, knowledge and practice has gained notability throughout North and South Carolina, Georgia, Miami, Manhattan, Denver and beyond to international destinations in Spain.

When he’s not designing com-

mercial or residential spaces for the pleasure of others, McLendon spends his free time enhancing his personal residence in Elmwood Park. “The Store” as he affectionately refers to his home, is actually a one-room neighborhood grocery store, circa 1913 which has been transformed into residential living space. His unique repurposed space also serves as his creative studio. A popular stop on numerous neighborhood sponsored home and garden tours, the Home and Garden Television (HGTV) featured McLendon’s home on the show ‘Building Character.’

McLendon was featured by the Columbia Museum of Art – Columbia Design League’s ‘Meet the Designer’ series. As a creative designer, McLendon is known for bringing unparalleled value to both commercial and residential spaces. Yet, there is a second tale to McLendon’s creative spirit. Many of his clients are surprised to learn that he was first renowned for his original music as an exceedingly talented pianist, vocalist and songwriter. In the path of his design inspiration, McLendon played for the enjoyment of audiences at venues all over the world.

Notable engagements include special appearances on ‘Paula’s Party’ with Paula Deen on the Food Network, international stages for Carnival Cruise Lines flagships and www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

31

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5400 Augusta Road, Lexington

Assorted Rocks • Bag Products • Decorative Rock • Firewood/Railroad Ties • Fire Pits • Natural Stones Pinestraw and Mulch • Plants • Playsets • Sod • Soils, Sands, and Gravel • Trailers • Trampolines

Subscribe online and see all of our past issues at www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

5315 Sunset Blvd Lexington, SC 29072 803-951-1607 meliott@gatewaysupply.net

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Visit KOHLER.com/castiron to learn more. *KOHLER Enameled Cast Iron sinks installed in North America carry a Lifetime Limited Warranty for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns his or her home. For complete warranty information, visit KOHLER.com.

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Professional

‘I have so many musical numbers and set designs in my head, but there’s still a long way to go.’

803.996.5100

www.whiteheadortho.com Crocodile Rock in the Vista; as well as performances with Disney; Opryland and the GMC Band. He masters an extensive repertoire covering everything from jazz to rock, new age to classical, and all genres in between. His latest Cd, ‘Sundown’ receives rave reviews and is described as “Rich and buttery-smooth with a touch of spice that melts into your heart and soul, and swirls round, hitting all your senses.” Other accomplishments include his appearance in a Dolly Parton Video, A movie with Dick Van Patten and voice talent for commercial radio advertisements.

Dr. James D. Whitehead III

203 Mallard Lakes Drive Lexington, SC 29072 Schedule ts p A pointmen Now!

Coming Soon to White Knoll!

1781 South Lake Drive, Ste. A Lexington, SC 29073

A recent claim to fame, McLendon independently wrote and performed the score for the indie file ‘My Sweet Misery, ‘ which won numerous national and international awards.

Recalling the experience, he observes, “It was a unique and inspiring challenge to create music for a specific unseen scene that would evoke the feelings that the producer wanted the audience to experience in that moment.”

After traveling the world, McLendon now performs at home in South Carolina. He plays in the finest restaurants and clubs; at casual oys-

ter roasts and black-tie affairs and for private celebrations and corporate events. Partnering with select musicians, ‘Tim McLendon and Su Band’ also offers a variety of performance groupings as a duo, trio, quartet or more with piano, bass guitar and drums, with multiple vocals. Whatever his location nor occasion, Tim’s clients respond that “He knew just how to ‘read’ his listeners to create a musically memorable event.”

McLendon’s latest behind-the-scenes venture is writing the story line for his original musical, “Lizardo, A Musical Tail,” which is based in part on the urban legend of the Lizard Man from McLendon’s home town in Bishopville, SC. When finished, A Musical tail will bring his combined artistic talents to center stage for both music and set design. “I have so many musical numbers and set designs in my head, but there’s still a long way to go,” McLendon Comments.

So how does the tale of two talents end?

McLendon hopes his story is timeless, “I look forward to transforming unique spaces and composing beautiful music as long as I can.”

For design consultation or music engagements, Tim McLendon can be reached at (803) 318-2691. www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

33

Health & Wellness

Tips for Caring for Yourself

I

n today’s fast paced world it is easy to push ourselves and our bodies to the limit. Before you know it, you have gone too far, done too much, and rested too little, resulting in stress. The holidays can turn out to be very stressful for many people. We all experience a certain amount of stress every day, but beyond a certain point the stress can become harmful and can cause damage to your health, your mood, your relationships, your productivity and your overall quality of life.

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS: Maintain a Balance Between Rest and Activity It is essential that you maintain a balance between getting the right amount of rest for your body and over exerting yourself. Learning how to relax is fundamental in maintaining your balance, physically and mentally. Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing will assist you in reaching a state of restfulness as well as boost your feelings of joy and serenity.

Sleep is absolutely essential for your body and your mind. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a host of ailments (i.e., suppressed immune system, decreased mental acuity, irritability and many others). Maintaining the correct bal-

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

ance between nutrition, exercise/ fitness and sleep will help you keep your body in top working order.

Nutrition and Exercise Everyone knows that proper nutrition is required to maintain your body in top condition. Make an inventory list of the items in your pantry and the nutritional values assigned to each item to know just how much you are putting in your body of each. Learn the basics of proper nutrition and tailor your life around eating right. Fueling your body correctly will allow you to maintain your focus, stamina, and physical ability.

Exercise is also essential to maintain your body’s performance.

Exercise is also a terrific stress

Real Women

reducer. Simply going for a walk, whether it be along a walking trail or just around your neighborhood, will lower your stress levels tremendously, if not completely. So maintain a regular exercise routine.

Travel – Lighten Your Load The holiday season is one of hustle and bustle where it seems that you never have enough time to get everything completed that you have set out to do. If you are traveling during this time of year, make sure that you lighten your load.

This simple step before you travel will prove to be most invaluable to you in the long run. Travel can be stressful enough as it is, the more you can do to minimize the amount of stress you experience,

the better your trip will be.

The results of having too much stress can manifest itself in many different ways physically. For example: persistent aches and pains, fatigue; gastrointestinal issues; headaches/dizziness; shortness of breath; frequent falls; and muscle stiffness.

The above tips are to assist you in caring for yourself with the intention of showing you ways to reduce the amount of stress and its effects. This, along with occupational/physical therapy, and aquatic therapy will help you build solid strength, stamina and flexibility.

Contact Vital Energy Occupational Therapy & Wellness Center at (803) 359-1551 to learn more.

Occupational Therapy

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

Physical Therapy

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy Pediatric Therapy

• Sports Physical Therapy

Aquatic Therapy

• Reiki Therapy

• Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome • Chronic/Acute Pain • Migraine Headache Treatment • Yoga/Personal Fitness

• Pediatric Therapy

• Neuro/Ortho Injury Rehab

• Aqua Therapy

• Scoliosis Rehab • Myofascial Release Treatment and Craniosacral Therapy • Rheumatoid/Osteoarthritis Therapy Underwater Treadmill

Reiki Treatment

Hima N. Dalal

Occupational Therapist Reiki and Myofascial Release Consultant Sports Personal Fitness Consultant

• Work Reconditioning

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

Providing Psychological Services throughout South Carolina

Assessment. Consultation.

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123 Library Hill Lane Suite B Lexington, SC 29072

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803.359.1551

163 Charter Oak Road Lexington, SC 29072

INVITES YOU TO JOIN US Thursday, December 6th from 4pm – 7pm as we showcase the newest OAKLEY frames!

Food and drinks will be provided, and all those who attend may be entered in a drawing.

For more details, check out

www.facebook.com/EnvisionFamilyEyeCare 803.996.2020 • 5166 Sunset Boulevard, Suite J, Lexington www.EnvisionFamilyEyeCare.com www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

35

Health & Wellness

The Heritage at Lowman Alzheimer’s Facility

by Lori Samples Duncan

A

fter my shower today, I tried putting my socks on before my undergarments. “So what?” you ask. I usually start from the bottom up. I tried this experiment because of something Denise Dickinsen said to me during an interview about Lutheran Homes of South Carolina and their Reunion Memory Support programs for persons with Alzheimer’s. It made me uneasy to get dressed a different way than normal. It made me uneasy, yet I chose to do it this way. How much more frustrating is it for someone who can’t communicate the way they like to get dressed?

Do they brush their teeth before they shower, or after? Do they eat breakfast first, or do they watch the news…

So many little things make up our days, the sum of which constitutes a life. For this reason, the Lutheran Homes takes special care in working with the families of their residents because every detail is important to ensure that the best care is provided.

Across the state, Lutheran Homes has four different memory support programs based on the same principles: only the physical address and actual building is different.

I sat down with a Mimi Morrill, Director of Memory Support, at the Heritage at Lowman and Denise Dickinsen, of Lutheran Homes to find out why the Heritage would be a place for a loved one.

Lori: Tell me what you love about the Heritage at Lowman?

Mimi: One of the things I love about this particular building is its design. It was crafted to be conducive to dementia with an exterior

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

courtyard, so that residents can roam freely. This has really helped our elderly gentlemen not feel confined or trapped. The freedom of movement in and out of the courtyard is probably my favorite part of the physical building. Another thing I love about Lowman is the longevity of the tenure of staff.

We have staff members that have been here for 30 years, which is really demonstrative of their passion and dedication. We hire based on personality and passion, and our CARES training is designed to enhance both of these driving forces in our employees. Our caregivers genuinely care for our clients, and, based on the feedback we receive from families, it is evident that they notice.

Another thing that I like here is the programming: the activities and the fact that we have a full time life enrichment director who

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thinks outside the box, and really reaches out and touches people who suffer from dementia. She offers unique activities such as kite flying, a remote control car derby, and a fair day, where our residents went outside as if they were at a county fair; complete with games, candied apples, corndogs and cheese corn puffs. It’s really exciting to experience first hand some of the atypical activities we offer, which are specific to the stimulation of people with dementia. We offer BeWell Brain Builders for enrichment programs which engage us with the residents at their cognitive level. Our residents can participate as much or as little as their level of comfort and no one has to feel excluded or uncomfortable, because there is room for all levels of participation.

Lori: What is the CARES program?

Mimi: CARES is a great staff straining program. (The Alzheimer’s CARE program is a first-of-its-kind Alzheimer’s training program addressing current and future health needs by offering caregivers a new approach to Alzheimer’s care. The approach encourages engagement to help persons with dementia live successfully.

Caregivers learn to immerse themselves in the mindsets of their loved ones to help

manage behavioral symptoms and facilitate daily care) All of our staff has just undergone training and received certification, and it makes a huge difference. I actually see it: I see them putting it into practice daily. The program is online so that caregivers and family members can complete it at their own pace.

After completing the modules, participants test to become certified in essentiALZ-by the national Alzheimer’s Association.

Denise: Alzheimer’s eventually erases all levels of education, ethnicity and personhood, … and caregiving in this situation is just hard. That’s why we require all of our staff, from our nurses to our housekeepers and maintenance people, to be certified.

Lori: Wow, so the entire staff is trained on this new program?

Denise: Right. We are the only communities that we are aware of in South Carolina that have enrolled in this program. It’s also important for us to work with families. We find out who that person was before dementia and look after the person and their family. Sometimes a person travels back to who they were many, years ago. They may be 87 today, but in their minds they are 32 and living a very vibrant life that is much different to whom they are

Health & Wellness ing care in Illinois. I was always wondering, would my grandfather recognize me the next time I visited him?

Reunion Memory Support Director Mimi Morrill, LPN and Life Enrichment Director, Mary Shuford lend a hand to resident Mary Bickley

today. We try to get in touch with the family to find who and what brought them pleasure. It is the small things. Our goal is to help people with dementia be successful. We want them to feel at ease in our presence, to feel valued; to feel that they do make a difference and that they have purpose.

Lori: Is there an age limit or a certain age for admission?

Denise: Our age for admission is age 50+, but we make exceptions given the circumstances. One of the things we do that is different from most places is that we have a flexible assisted living program where people can come for a few days a week and go home as they

desire. It gives families a much needed break. Our goal is to help people with dementia be successful. We want them to feel at ease in our presence, and to feel valued; to feel that they do make a difference and that they have purpose.

Lori: It has to be depressive when you realize what you are going through.

Denise: I remember a gentleman in a support group saying that Alzheimer’s is the longest goodbye.

The minute you get the diagnosis that you have Alzheimer’s is the hardest part. I remember caring for my grandfather as a long distance caregiver. I was living in Washington and Louisville and coordinat-

I remember another gentleman who said that he rolled over in the middle of the night in bed with his wife, and she didn’t know who he was. They had been sleeping in that same bed for 50 years. Unfortunately, what come about are behaviors that are challenging, Recognizing that challenged people are trying to communicate, we do whatever possible to help them be successful to live their lives.

Mimi: Some of our families come and exercise in our wellness center and use the pool. The facility provides stress relief, which is something else we work on with our families, residents and staff.

Everyone has to take care of themselves before they can take care of someone else.

Lori: Does insurance pay for assisted living?

Denise: Many long term care policies cover assisted living. South Carolina’s Medicaid program does not pay for Assisted Living, although it does cover some homebased support such as our BeWell Home Services.

Lori: What is the importance of working with the family?

Denise: We stress that caregivers really have to know who a person was and who the person is now; to tyro merge their past and where they are presently together. Our caregivers work their shift and then they may have rest and relaxation, whereas a family member is not always able to do that. Love is a marvelous thing, but sometimes it’s not enough. When a person moves to one of Lutheran Homes’ programs, the family takes on a new role. No more are they burdened with the physical chores of caring. Somebody else is there 24/7, to take care of those worries. Families can spend their time bringing happiness and joy when they visit. They are able to give hugs and love.

During a time that can be very stressful and uncertain, it helps to have someone who really cares about you and your family member. If your family is facing the possible onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia, you owe it to yourself to look into the Heritage at Lowman and Lutheran Homes of South Carolina. You can find them on the web at LutheranHomesSC.org or give them a call at (803) 732-3000 or (800) 756-9443.

Alzheimer’s? We can help.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is challenging. When you can’t do it alone, let Lutheran Homes of South Carolina’s certified Alzheimer’s caregivers help you continue to care.

Assisted Living Memory Support • Heritage at Lowman - Chapin • Rice Estate - NE Columbia

• Lutheran Hospice • BeWell Home Services

Learn more.

800.756.9443 LutheranHomesSC.org www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

37

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Health & Wellness

Fifteen Minute Fixes for Your Face

L

exington Medical Center recently welcomed its first plastic surgeon to the hospital’s network of care. Todd Lefkowitz, MD, offers plastic and reconstructive surgery at Lexington Plastic Surgery, a Lexington Medical Center physician practice.

Dr. Lefkowitz received his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina.

He completed a residency in General Surgery at Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center in New York and a residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Louisville Hospitals. He also completed a fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at The Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Institute, which is part of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Dr. Lefkowitz grew up in West Columbia and attended Brookland-Cayce High School.

The holidays are a busy time. There are parties to attend and family to see. You want to look fantastic, of course. But with a hectic work, family, shopping and social schedule, time is limited. That’s where a number of procedures with Dr. Todd Lefkowitz at Lexington Plastic Surgery can help. Requiring little to no downtime and offering immediate results, these procedure can also be a great Christmas gift.

With prestigious training, years of surgical experience, a wide variety

of tools and a surgeon’s understanding of anatomy, Dr. Lefkowitz provides a consultation, educates patients on their options and customizes treatment based on what is best for them.

Botox® is the most common, noninvasive technique for rejuvenating your face. A Botox injection works by halting nerve impulses to muscle, which relaxes muscles and softens or erases fine lines. Botox is most often used on the forehead, between the eyebrows and for crow’s feet. Dr. Lefkowitz can perform a consultation and procedure in 30 to 45 minutes – making Botox a “lunchtime” treatment. It’s safe and effective, and lasts approximately 3 to 4 months.

Other wrinkles and folds can be treated by a variety of fillers. A filler is a naturally occurring acid-based substance injected

into the skin to help give fullness, which reduces lines and wrinkles caused by time and gravity. These safe treatments can last from 6 to 9 months.

Additionally, chemical peels can also help fight the effects of sun damage, aging and general wear and tear on the skin. Chemical peels refurbish and reorganize the fibers that give skin its elasticity and youthful appearance. They are also effective in exfoliation, helping to remove the top layer of skin and promoting increased stimulation of collagen, which helps to grow new, healthy skin cells. Downtime from a chemical peel ranges from 7 to 14 days. Dr. Lefkowitz uses a medical grade peel that he customizes based on your skin type and extent of skin damage.

Lexington Plastic Surgery also offers Latisse,® a prescription drug

At the end of the day, achieving beautiful, youthful skin is a multi-pronged approach ranging from a doctor’s tools to lifestyle.

Todd Lefkowitz, MD that makes eyelashes longer. You apply Latisse nightly to your eyelashes. The product produces fuller, darker, longer lashes.

At the end of the day, achieving beautiful, youthful skin is a multipronged approach, ranging from a doctor’s tools to lifestyle.

“No matter what you’re starting with, there’s no substitute for a commitment to physical health and well-being,” Dr. Lefkowitz said. “Proper hydration, a healthy diet, regular exercise, sun protection and no tobacco use is essential to achieving a healthier, more youthful looking you.”

Each of these FDA-approved procedures can help you achieve your beauty goals quickly, safely and easily.

In the meantime, Dr. Lefkowitz is proud to be back home in West Columbia.

“I enjoy serving the needs of the community that helped raise me,” he said. “I have nothing but good memories growing up here. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to those who gave so much to me.” www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

39

The Midland’s Best Kept Secret in Retirement Living LIFE IS A LUAU at The Columbia Presbyterian Community The Columbia Presbyterian Community has been serving seniors of all faiths for over 35 years!

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40

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Real Women

www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

41

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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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www.lexingtonwomanonline.com

43

A Personal Note

I

try to find moments in my life to share with you because I want you to know my family and I are like you and yours. Each time I bring a personal note to you, it is just that — personal. I was eighteen years old when a friend of mine who I loved was killed in a car accident. Drinking and drugs were involved, and the driver was charged with manslaughter. As a senior in high school, I lost three peers and a fellow graduate. I believe this is when I began to realize that life is fragile and that tomorrow is not promised.

I try to be grateful for every moment of every day that has been given to me. If you have been reading Lexington Woman Magazine for a while, then you know that I am very thankful for my children.

Trey

Our oldest son just made SATB Allstate Choir and was starting right guard for WKHS Varsity Football team that just finished a *record breaking season. Trey is a young man who has had many accomplishments to celebrate over the last sixteen years. I would like to think some of that is because Trent and I are wonderful parents. The truth is that he is just an overachiever, and since he was a little boy, he has understood the relationship between hard work and results. He works very hard for everything that he wants, and his hard work always pays off.

Abby traveled to Myrtle Beach in October to participate in the SC Honor Choir weekend where, she was selected from a group of exceptional singers to represent CSMS. She was one of three students from last years 8th grade class who made the cut. She loves the new experience of being in high school and is continuing to be a great student this year. As part of our families journey to be healthy, Abby has begun running, and I love that she has made a commitment to do something for herself. She is one of two comedians in our house and makes me laugh daily.

Abby

Colton is growing up too fast, as they all are. He celebrated his tenth birthday on September 9th. He is my little patriot. I brought him home on September 11, 2002. He was wrapped in an American flag blanket, hand sewn by the volunteers at NE Georgia Medical Center to commemorate 9/11/2001. His love of history makes for interesting dinner conversations. He knows facts about our country and previous presidents that leave me in awe. He was a junior groomsman in a recent wedding, and I wish I could share with you the video of him dancing out of the church. Colton’s love of life is infectious.

Ryan will be six in a couple of months. I can’t believe where the time has gone. He loves the fact that Ryan means “little king,” and he likes to remind us. I have told my friends about his love of being the boss. So while we are at a wedding reception in a large church, my friend asked Ryan, “Hey, who is the king of this house?” She fully expected his answer to be, “me,” because he thinks he is king of our home — King Duncan. He looked at her, pointed to a cross in the corner, and said with a grave expression on his face, “There is only one king of this house and he died on the cross.” I had to choke back the tears.

Out of the mouths of babes sometimes comes great wisdom.

Colton

I hope to teach them all not to be so hard on themselves. I want to teach them not to get consumed about the future and appreciate today. I want them to enjoy who they are now in this moment in their lives. To be grateful for every day and with every gift with which they have been entrusted. What if we all live our lives less worried about what we do not have and more grateful for what we do have?

Your Friend,

Psalm 118:28-29 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

Lori Samples Duncan

Ryan 44

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