Healthwinter2017

& wellness HEALTH RIVER CITIES

winter 2017

Fight Off the FLU 4 Ways to Stretch your Health Benefits New Tools for Diagnosing Melanoma

A special supplement to the News~Patriot, Hopewell News, and Trading Post.

DR. BAXTER PERKINSON

RANDY DENTAL IMPLANTS July 2015

BURGEL FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION February 2006

WE ARE VIRGINIA FAMILY DENTISTRY The Harritans

(Midlothian)

Whether it was Burgel’s full-mouth rehabilitation, Randy’s dental implants or just one of their regular checkups, Virginia Family Dentistry and Dr. Baxter Perkinson have been there with expert dental care for the Harritans when they needed it most. They’re lifetime patients — and we’re proud to call them “family.�

Tri-Cities 4710 Puddledock Road 526-4822

Huguenot - Bon Air 1612 Huguenot Road 794-9789

Atlee - Ashland 10500 Atlee Station Rd. 550-3324

West End - Short Pump 12390 Three Chopt Rd. 364-7010

Brandermill - Woodlake 6510 Harbour View Court 739-6500

Chester - Rt.1/Rt.10 2601 Swiftrun Road 751-0300

Midlothian - 288 14001 Charter Park Drive 379-1011

Ironbridge - Courthouse 6441 Ironbridge Road 743-8166

West End - Staples Mill 10212 Staples Mill Road 672-4900

Mechanicsville - Hanover 6353 Mechanicsville Turnpike 730-3400

Powhatan 2625 Anderson Highway 598-3000

Patterson - Parham 8516 Patterson Ave 364-7090

www.VAdentist.com WE ACCE P T TH E FO LLOWING INSUR ANCE Aetna

Ameritas Anthem Assurant Cigna PPO Delta Dental Premier Dominion Dental

9)' :(B$5(B$'B%85*(/B ; B5 LQGG

Guardian

Humana

Metlife PDP United Concordia UHC (United Healthcare)

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contents

& wellness HEALTH RIVER CITIES

winter 2017

Publisher

Freda Snyder publisher@hpcmedia.net

ADVERTISING

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Published by Hopewell Publishing Company 516 E Randolph Road, Hopewell, VA 23860 P.O. Box 481, Hopewell, Va. 23860 www.hopewellnews.com (804) 458-8511

Healthier Living Made Easy

4 Appropriate use of pain relievers

6 8

7

Advocate for Kids’ Eye Care

Do I need to see my regular dentist while I have braces?

10

Reintegrating Into Civilian Life

12

Fight Off the FLU

14

Stay Young at Heart (and in Body and Mind)

15

4 Ways to Stretch your Health Benefits

16

New Tools for Diagnosing Melanoma

Advertising rates and information available upon request.

17

Health and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand

©2017 by Hopewell Publishing Company

18

Winter Weather WARM-UP

Family Features

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Balance Brings Results Managing your weight doesn’t mean giving up flavor and convenience. Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating is designed for busy lifestyles, providing healthy food choices that take the work out of planning. Each week, 21 freshlyprepared, portion- and calorie-controlled meals are delivered to your door, from crunchy salads to stuffed peppers. Unlike other prepared plans, meals include fresh fruits and vegetables, and come in a variety of delicious options. To learn more, visit seattlesutton.com or call 800-442-3438.

Living a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge when faced with a lack of time and the ease and availability of convenient foods. There’s no time like the present, however, to get your body in tip-top shape. The impact of good health on your quality of life, regardless of age or physical ability, can be far reaching. From controlling weight by eating right, even on a busy schedule, to making that smile shine a little brighter, use these ideas to help you become a happier, healthier you.

Clean Your Teeth with Style Only 1 in 10 moms feel like they have bathroom clutter under control, according to a survey conducted by Kelton Global. With the new REACH Complete Care 8-in-1 Mouth Rinse it’s easy to transform clutter and chaos into clean and serene. Featuring a convenient toothbrush holder for the REACH Curve Toothbrush, the bottle’s sleek design upgrades your normal routine while looking great on the counter. Both are available at Walgreens and CVS for $6.99, or visit www.Reachtoothbrush. com to learn more.

4 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

Stretch Your Limits Aside from the physical benefits associated with yoga, including weight loss, increased energy and improved flexibility, it can help manage stress and the effects it can have on the body and mind. Because of its rise in popularity and the different ways to practice yoga, it has never been easier to do in the comfort of your home. Getting your own yoga mat, available at local sporting goods stores, is an inexpensive way to help sculpt your mind and body.

Monitor Activity on the Go Keeping track of your personal metrics, such as steps walked in a day, quality of sleep, heart rate and calories consumed, can be time consuming. Wearable wireless-enabled activity trackers automate this task and allow you to easily log your data on your smartphone or computer while also keeping up-to-the-second track of your progress. Fitness trackers, which are available at most local sporting goods and electronics retailers, can help you identify areas for improvement and reach your goals.

LEGACY MONUMENT DESIGN legacymonumentdesign.com

(804)536-7182

Providing Peace of Mind in 2017 for Those We Serve Specialized Therapy Services

• Granite, Marble, and Bronze Memorials • Cremation Memorials •Mobile Engraving • Cemetery Benches/ Park Benches • Private Mausoleums • Silk Cemetery Flowers • Monument Restoration(Cleaning and leveling monuments)

Cardiac Care Pulmonary Services Advanced Wound Care Peritoneal Dialysis IV Therapies On-site Clinical Assessments

(804) 541-1445 356 S. Crater Rd., Petersburg, VA 23804

201 Eppes Street • Hopewell www.riverview-rehab.com

Offering Synchrony A Revolutionary New System for the Treatment of Dysphagia from ACP

Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017 | 5

Appropriate use of pain relievers Submitted by Collaborative Arthritis Care Most people typically talk with a friend or family member when attempting to choose an over-the-counter medication to relieve joint or muscle pain.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are found in every pharmacy and, therefore, are the most commonly used analgesic agents. Nevertheless, adults should be mindful about the frequency of use and total daily dosage when taking these medications in order to avoid potential side effects.

The majority of medical providers view acetaminophen as the best tolerated and safest pain reliever of the group.

We recommend this medication as an initial option for joint and muscle pain. Very few individuals experience

stomach upset or drowsiness when taking acetaminophen. It also does not worsen high blood pressure or negatively affect kidney function. Medical providers do inform our patients that the total daily dose is 2000mg. An individual who exceeds this limit is at risk of liver toxicity. However, the incidence of liver toxicity due to acetaminophen is very low.

Ibuprofen and naproxen are effective pain relievers. Most people try these agents after taking acetaminophen and finding that it was not effective. Medical providers view ibuprofen and naproxen as having equal potency. However, it is common that an individual may perceive that one agent works better than the other. Both ibuprofen and naproxen can cause stomach upset, can elevate blood pressure and can worsen kidney function.

Individuals that take these medications on daily basis should make periodic visits to their doctor.

Medical providers may also prescribe narcotics for our patients, but generally for short-term use. Typical indications for narcotics can be an acute musculoskeletal injury or fracture. Providers may also prescribe narcotics for acute pain after surgery.

Treatments that work, for you and with you.

Collaborative Arthritis Care 804.524.2400 300-A Temple Lake Drive, Suite 1 Colonial Heights, VA 23834 6 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean. Areas on the enamel surface may begin to lose minerals (the early stage of tooth decay), leaving unsightly white spots. These white spots, or decalcification, are permanent stain marks around your braces. Lines and spots from decalcification remain on your teeth for life, so the best way to avoid them is to not let them develop at all. You may also develop inflamed, bleeding gums (gingivitis) which can be extremely painful. Gingivitis and the early stages of tooth decay can be reversed by taking extra care with your cleaning and diet. If left untreated, they can lead to bigger problems that will require treatment and have life-long effects.

Neglecting your oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can lead to serious oral health problems, cause unsightly staining on your teeth, or force you to spend additional time in braces. Dental hygienists play a unique role in treatment when it comes to orthodontics. Many times patients will have their treatment interrupted or stopped due to many failed attempts to improve poor oral hygiene. By going the extra step, your general dentist and hygienist can help prevent negative outcomes and experiences.

Do I need to see my regular dentist while I have braces? YES!

Submitted by Ellis Family Dentistry

Wearing braces is a rite of passage for many children and teens.

But increasingly in recent years, adults are also seeking orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth, fix their bites and improve their smiles. Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in one’s future, but it comes along with a number of dental hygiene concerns since home care (brushing and flossing) becomes more difficult while wearing braces. The good news is that the dental team can play a big role in helping patients keep their teeth and gums healthy during this period. Even though you are seeing an orthodontist regularly, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to see your regular dentist — in fact, it’s just as important as ever, if not more!

When a patient starts orthodontic treatment, the general dentist and hygienist enter a co-treatment relationship with the orthodontic team treating the patient. While the orthodontist is focused on improving the patient’s bite and alignment, the dentist and hygienist will make sure teeth stay healthy with thorough examinations, cleanings and preventive care. Orthodontic treatment is a team effort where everyone — the orthodontist, the patient, and the general dentist office — has an important role to play.

Everyone helping with your orthodontic care wants you to have the best results possible. While you are wearing braces, it is essential that you take care of your teeth and gums. Your teeth and smile will be straighter and healthier with braces. Your braces cannot damage your teeth, but poor oral hygiene certainly can. Have a look in the mirror at your new braces. As you see, the brackets and wires have many nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque. This means your risk of tooth decay and gum problems may be higher while you are wearing braces. You need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth everyday and to your diet.

While you are having orthodontic treatment, you need to continue to have regular check-ups with your family dental professional to ensure little problems don’t become big ones. Keeping plaque under control, especially while in orthodontics, is one of the most effective means of maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums. There are three general ways to do it: through diet, daily maintenance, and regular professional care. Taken all together, they are your teeth’s best defense! *Reference: Colgate.com

New Patients Welcome!

* Preventative, Restorative, Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dental Care for Adults and Children * Most Insurances Accepted * Digital X-rays with 80% less Radiation * CEREC Crowns-in-a Day * Full Mouth Reconstructions * Simple & Surgical Extractions * Root Canals * Tooth Replacement with Implants Bridges, Dentures and Partials * Implant Placement Surgery and Final Result all in one place! * Implant Supported Dentures * Periodontal (Gum) Treatment * Invisalign (clear braces) * Teeth Whitening * Beautiful State-of-the-Art Office

Jonathan H. Ellis, DDS David L. Ellis, DDS Jessica A. Dombroski, DDS Family Owned Dental Office Serving Hopewell and Surrounding Area Since 1978!

(804) 458-6733 3416 Woodlawn St., Hopewell

www.EllisSmiles.com

Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017 | 7

Advocate for Kids’ Eye Care

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features Studies repeatedly emphasize the importance of diagnosing vision problems at an early age, but that’s something many parents assume is being covered by their children’s school system. In reality, an estimated one in four American school-age children have vision problems that – if untreated – can affect learning ability, personality and behavioral developments, adjustment in school and, ultimately, could lead to blindness.

While it’s true that schools may provide vision screenings for younger children, one study found that even if a child failed such an exam, 50 percent of parents were unaware of the failure two months after the screening. Furthermore, these screenings do not adequately test for prevalent vision disorders such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes) or significant refractive error.

8 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

These disorders can, if left untreated, have an economic impact, too – children’s vision disorders cost an estimated $10 billion annually in the United States alone. These issues can be addressed early on if children are given comprehensive eye examinations by eye care professionals, and the sooner they’re identified, the better.

A recent study from The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine evaluated the status of vision in the U.S. health care system and recommended comprehensive eye exams as the “gold standard” in identifying potential vision disorders for children before they enter school – even though this is something only three states currently require of their school systems. What’s more, research has shown that of children in the 9-to-15 age group, only 10 percent who needed eyeglasses actually had them.

Through the Kids See: Success initiative, a partnership of the Vision Impact Institute, Optometry Giving Sight and VSP Vision Care, experts in the eye care field are working to educate parents, legislators, child advocacy groups, school nurses, teachers and administrators about the social, educational and future economic benefits of comprehensive eye exams for children prior to entering kindergarten.

Regardless of whether your local schools require eye exams before entry into kindergarten, your child and children you know deserve to start school with a baseline for academic success. One eye exam could change your child’s academic future forever. In the meantime, watch for these signs that your child may benefit from glasses and schedule an eye exam promptly: • Squinting is a classic symptom of either nearsightedness (not seeing well far away) or farsightedness (not seeing well up close).

• Closing one eye to see better could indicate a structural problem like astigmatism.

• Eye rubbing may be the result of eye strain.

• Sitting too close to the television or lowering the head while reading a book are signs of nearsightedness.

• Losing place while reading due to skipping lines

may mean there is an eye muscle problem or vision problem, such as astigmatism.

• Frequent headaches or brow aches are often a result of uncorrected farsightedness.

Find more information about the importance of early eye exams for children at visionimpactinstitute.org.

Doctors of Optometry Dr. Joseph E. Lebow

Dr. Adam J. Herold

Dr. Ryan Cook

Professional and Friendly Staff • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Full Line of Contacts & Glasses Dr. Joseph Lebow, a native of Petersburg, completed his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in 1987. He is a past president of the Richmond Optometric Society and is active in the Virginia Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Lebow is a Fellow in the Virginia Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Adam Herold graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1999. He is a past president of the Southwestern Virginia Optometric Society and is active in the Virginia Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.

(804)458-5819 221 E. Broadway, Hopewell

Dr. Ryan Cook, grew up in Syracuse, New York and graduated from St. John Fisher College. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and is active in the American Optometric Association.

www.leboweye.com

(804)272-2020 109 Wadsworth Drive, Chesterfield Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017 | 9

Reintegrating Into Civilian Life Family Features

Franchising allows veterans an opportunity to apply the skills they gain in the military, such as leadership, work ethic and discipline, to manage and run their own business.

Beyond skills they gain in the service, there are several qualities those with military training have that help them become successful franchisees, including discipline and drive. Of those surveyed, 54 percent of service members felt confident that the skills they gained in the military help them to be successful in the civilian world.

When Wade Franklin, a former U.S. Navy Officer, made the decision to strike out on his own, he looked for a franchise option where he could leverage these skills with a franchisor that provided support to veterans and was backed by a strong brand reputation.

Helping Veterans Build Careers Once their military service ends, veterans can face obstacles in assimilating back into civilian life. One common struggle is finding post-military employment, which is why some veterans choose to own their own business and pursue franchising.

In fact, The UPS Store found in a recent survey that 63 percent of veterans and active duty service members who envisioned a second career as a small business owner considered owning a franchise.

“After realizing I wanted to own a business, franchising seemed like the way to go,” said Franklin, who now owns a The UPS Store in Arlington, Virginia. “The UPS Store has other veteran franchisees in the network, which is a great avenue of support. They also have a system in place for training and setting up franchisees for success.”

As a participant in the Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative (VetFran), a cooperation of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Corporation and the U.S. Small Business Administration, The UPS Store allows veterans the opportunity to fulfill their desire for a second career. Since partnering with VetFran in 2004, it has awarded franchises to more than 150 first-time franchisees. Of the 4,500 locations in the United States, more than 250 are owned by veterans.

5 Tips to Help Veterans Find Their New Normal While the transition back to civilian life after a military stint or deployment is often full of happiness, it can also be difficult and stressful to assimilate back into life at home. Roles and responsibilities within the household have often shifted and new circumstances have often arisen during time away.

To help make the readjustment process easier, here are a few tips for returning soldiers and military families: Handle Personal Obligations Being on active duty may have caused you to have to put things on hold or allow them to lapse. Upon your return, remember to renew your driver’s license and vehicle registration if it has expired. Renew or reactivate vehicle insurance and have any necessary maintenance performed on your vehicle, especially if it hasn’t been driven during your absence. If you have left the military, register your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your county’s veterans service officer and registrar, and rescind any active power of attorney you may have.

Take Care of Yourself While a proper diet and exercise were undoubtedly built into your military routine, the onus falls on you to take proper care of yourself upon returning home. Remember to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, re-engage in or find new hobbies to occupy free time and make time for rest and adequate sleep.

10 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

Reconnect with Family Trying to make up for lost time overnight is an exercise in futility that may make matters worse. Go slow as you ease back into your old routine as the process of rebuilding relationships with your spouse, children and extended family can take months. Routines and responsibilities have likely changed in your absence, and new experiences and memories were created. Take time to immerse yourself in your family’s photographs and stories from the time you were gone and share with them as much of your military experience as you’re comfortable with, allowing the whole family to connect and find new bonding experiences. If necessary, parenting and relationship classes and programs are available.

Head Back to Work or School If you were in school or employed prior to going on active duty, checking your status with school or your employer can be a good first step toward reintegration. Investigate your educational benefits, including the GI Bill, if you decide to go back to school. Look into unemployment insurance or assistance programs, such as the Transition Assistance Program, if you’re not returning to your former job or were not previously employed.

Watch for Signs of PTSD While returning to a normal routine as a civilian takes time, months of anger, rage, isolation or unpredictability may be signs that a former servicemember is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. While rebuilding connections can help alleviate some of the effects of PTSD, it is important to get professional help if you begin to show signs of the disorder – which 11-20 percent of veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom experience, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Local VA hospitals or clinics, as well as the Military Crisis Line (800-273-8255), are among the resources available to veterans dealing with PTSD. For more tips to help veterans re-assimilate into everyday life, visit elivingtoday.com.

Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017 | 11

Fight Off the FLU Family Features

Colder weather and cold and flu season go hand-in-hand.

While you may not be able to completely avoid getting sick, you can take some steps to protect yourself and minimize the chances of a serious illness.

The flu is a highly contagious illness that can result in hospitalization and even death. Managing your own risk of exposure to the flu not only protects you, but can help minimize the chances of passing on a potentially dangerous illness to those in higher risk groups. Those with compromised immune systems and risk factors such as age (both the elderly and young babies and children) and other 12 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

health conditions are at an elevated risk.

Know the signs.

It can be easy to confuse whether you’re fighting off symptoms of a common cold or a more serious bug like the flu. A common misconception is that the flu is defined by fever, vomiting and diarrhea. While these symptoms may be present with a case of the flu, the flu is primarily a respiratory illness. A variety of tests can help verify whether you have the flu, with varying degrees of reliability. Unless a definite determination is required and may affect your treatment (for example, if you are pregnant and need to avoid certain medications), chances are your doctor will not administer a test and will instead treat your symptoms.

Get vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine. Getting the vaccine early in the season is advisable because it can take as long as two weeks to be effective. Although the vaccination may not completely eliminate your chances of contracting the flu, it can minimize the severity of symptoms and reduce the likelihood of hospitalization due to the flu.

Although the vaccine is available in both shot and nasal spray

forms, the CDC recommends the shot as the preferred preventive method.

Other preventive steps.

Although it is not always practical or possible, avoiding contact with those infected with the flu virus is an important preventive measure. The flu is very contagious and is thought to be transmitted in the droplets of saliva or nasal mucus that occur from coughs and sneezes. Encouraging those who are ill to cover their mouths with their sleeves or elbows (not hands, where germs are most easily transmitted) and regularly and thoroughly washing your hands can help reduce your risk, as well.

Treating the flu.

Difficulty breathing, pain in the chest or abdomen, confusion, dizziness, severe vomiting and seizures are all indications that your illness requires immediate medical attention. Even if you aren’t experiencing these serious symptoms, you may benefit from a visit to the doctor, who can provide prescription antiviral drugs to shorten the length of your illness and help minimize the severity of symptoms. Other treatments include getting plenty of rest and preventing dehydration by drinking plenty of water or other clear fluids.

Find more cold weather tips for healthy living at eLivingToday.com.

Are you ready?

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Three Locations to Serve You CHESTER Breckenridge Chiropractic 12300 Bermuda Crossroads Ln • Chester BRANDERMILL 6301 Harbourside Drive Suite 201 • Midlothian

MIDLOTHIAN 1700 Huguenot Rd. Suite 213 • Midlothian

www.IdealWeightLossVA.com

Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017 | 13

Stay Young at Heart (and in Body and Mind)

Family Features When joints ache and you don’t move as fast as you used to, it may seem that growing old is anything but graceful. While you can’t stop the hands of time, there are ways you can keep your physical and mental well-being in tip-top shape for years to come.

Even if you’ve spent a lifetime practicing healthy habits, your senior years are no time to allow those practices to fall to the wayside. On the other hand, if you put off quality self-care for later in life, rely on your experience and maturity to know that taking care of yourself is as important as, well, life itself.

Eat balanced meals. It’s never too late to begin paying more attention to what you eat. Seniors may be prone to poor eating habits for the sake of convenience or because it’s not as much fun cooking for one or two when you once had a full house to feed. Actually, as you age, keeping your weight in check and continuing to fuel your body with essential nutrients is more important than ever.

Keep moving. It’s true that aches and pains may keep you from being as spry as you once were, but limiting your movement can actually create a snowball effect that results in even less mobility over time.

Muscles that aren’t used regularly can weaken and restrict your movement even more, so work with your physician to determine an appropriate amount of activity for your condition.

14 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

Mind your mind. When you’re in the workforce, or while you’re tending to the needs of a growing family, you rely on your brain to power through, probably without even thinking about it. Yet over time, most people experience some degree of cognitive deterioration, partially from basic biology and partially from lack of “exercising” that vital muscle. Keep your mind sharp by communicating regularly with your family and friends, and seek out activities that put your brain to use, such as crossword puzzles or word games.

Be a social butterfly. A common lament of middle-age is the lack of time to nurture friendships. With an empty nest and an open calendar, there’s no time like the present to strengthen long-term bonds or seek out new companions who share life experiences and a desire to age with grace. Close connections with friends and family members will not only boost your emotional well-being, they can ensure there are others watching out for you on a regular basis.

Do as you’re told. When you’re younger, skipping an annual checkup here and there seems like no big deal. As you age, those regular assessments are more important. They serve an important role in identifying potential issues and introducing treatments before big problems arise. Honor your regular medical appointments and heed the advice you’re given - including taking any medicines as prescribed.

Find more tips for living healthy as you age at elivingtoday.com.

LASIK, dental, vision and hearing benefits can increase from one year to the next for those who continue to enroll and use their benefits. Members could earn monetary rewards to use for dental, vision, LASIK, orthodontia and hearing benefits, care materials and services simply by using their benefits and keeping the benefits paid out under a specified amount.

4 Ways to Stretch Your 3 Health Benefits

Medical screenings.

Routine health screenings, such as mammograms, immunizations, colonoscopy procedures and prostate cancer screenings, which may be covered fully or in part by your medical coverage, can help you stay healthy and lower health care costs.

Often, employees enroll in medical insurance plans for protection against unpredictable events, sudden illness or serious health concerns that may result in expensive medical bills. Getting the most from your benefits requires understanding coverages and deductibles, as well as taking advantage of voluntary benefits, like dental, vision and hearing, to stay healthy and save money.

1

Avoid surprises.

About 91 percent of adults in the United States are confused about what their benefits cover, according to a recent Harris poll. The best starting point is to review your plan so you understand the care and services covered. If you have a high-deductible plan, you will need to pay for most or a percentage of the health costs until reaching the individual or family deductible. Be prepared to pay any copayments or deductibles the plan requires before receiving care. Also, before scheduling appointments, ask for a cost estimate for the appointment, tests or service.

2

Preventive dental and vision.

Many voluntary plans, such as dental and vision, offer preventive exams, such as routine cleanings and vision exams, that are fully covered. That’s because these preventive exams help to maintain and improve overall health and help reduce health costs. Voluntary coverage is affordable and many plans offer added incentives. For example, coverage for

4

Get paid to save.

Many employers encourage employees to save money by matching a percentage of the amount the employee contributes to the plan. If available, enroll in a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account to set aside money to pay for health care costs. Remember that these accounts are not a substitute for the coverage provided by voluntary benefits.

Learn more about the questions to ask when reviewing benefit plans at ameritasinsight.com.

Great Service & Great Prices in 2017!

FREE DELIVERY • MAILING SERVICE AVAILABLE

(804) 458-DRUG (3784)

www.458drug.com • HometownDrug@gmail.com

DR. CLIFFORD ROFFIS & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS

S erving our patient’s personal eye health with professional and state-of-the-art eye care.

4811 S. LABURNUM AVE HENRICO, VA 23231

We Are Moving!

Very soon, Hometown Drug will be opening our doors at the new location, 2508 Gray St, in Hopewell. It is located just a minute away, behind OK Tire on Oaklawn Blvd, right off High Ave. Our goal is to have no interruption in service during the process. We look forward to seeing YOU soon at the new store with a beautiful drive thru, larger waiting area, public restroom, wide variety of over the counter items, and continued personable customer service!

PHONE 804.226.1144

www.drroffis.com Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017 | 15

New Tools for Diagnosing Melanoma Exclusively at Paladin Dermatology!

Bob Marley, President Jimmy Carter, Sam Donaldson, Troy Aikman, Senator John McCain…aside from being famous members of our society, have all been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

In fact, Bob Marley died from malignant melanoma at age 36 when a dark spot under his nail was mistaken for a recent soccer injury.

Skin cancers, including malignant melanoma, don’t just happen to people with light colored skin who spend their time in the sun or in tanning beds. Certainly, too much ultraviolet light exposure is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer, but even darkly skinned patients and people with limited sun exposure can get it. That’s because some skin cancers have a genetic basis, and those genes can now be detected with a simple, painless test.

Keep reading!

Taking good sun protections measures is important and we’ve all heard how critical it is to avoid the sun, wear sunscreen and protective clothing, and stay out of tanning beds. Beyond these prevention techniques, we must stay vigilant for skin cancer to identify lesions early when they are still at a treatable and curable stage. That’s right – many skin cancers can be treated and cured if they are caught early.

At Paladin Dermatology, we recommend full skin exams

16 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

to all patients. These exams are quick, easy, and painless, and have the potential to save lives. Our highly experienced staff of providers have received advanced training in using handheld dermatoscopes. These instruments allow us to see features of moles and skin lesions that are not visible with a simple visual exam. This avoids many unnecessary biopsies and tests, so we can focus on the lesions that are most suspicious for skin cancer.

Additionally, at Paladin we are proud to offer the newest diagnostic tool for malignant melanoma! The DermTech PLA test allows us to take a sample of skin cells from a suspicious lesion to detect genes commonly found in melanoma. This non-invasive test is completely painless, does not require a shot of anesthetic, and doesn’t leave a scar.

The test is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and commercial insurance plans.

Please call our office today to schedule a skin exam and learn more about dermatoscopes and the non-invasvie DermTech biopsy! 804-324-4511 “In our quest to better serve patients and provide convenient health care that’s accessible, we are now offering extended hours. We will be open until 8pm on Tuesdays and Wednesday. No need for patients to call out of work or have their kids miss any more school days. We can attend to patients immediately because we take walk-ins and are in-network with most health insurance plans, like Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA Premier, Optima, major commercial insurance plans and many more. We meet patients on their terms.”

Family Features Most people recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle when it comes to physical and emotional well-being, but you may not realize that some health-related activities can pose a safety risk if you don’t take proper precautions. Making safe habits part of your healthy lifestyle can help ensure you’re able to enjoy the results of your efforts.

Warm up your workout. Exercise and physical activity are essential to a healthy lifestyle, but failing to approach your workouts with the proper warmup and know-how can really backfire. According to the experts at WebMD, a warmup is important because it gets blood circulating and eases muscles into more vigorous activity, getting them loose, warm and ready for the challenge.

Know that technique matters. Another potential safety pitfall when it comes to working out is improperly using weight machines or employing improper technique for activities like yoga or core training. Failing to execute your exercises correctly can not only produce sub-par results, you may actually end up hurting yourself by causing a sprain or other injury. Even if you tend to be a loner when it comes to working out, enlist the expertise of a trainer or coach who can show you the ropes before you set out solo.

Exercise caution outdoors. A few hours spent in the great outdoors can leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated; fresh air is good for your body and your spirit. However, spending too much time soaking up the sun can have a detrimental impact on your health – overexposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer. Exposure to the elements, such as

strong winds or harsh cold, can also take a toll on your body. The American Melanoma Foundation recommends lathering up with a sunscreen that has a Skin Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 any time you’ll be outdoors for more than 20 minutes. Even winter conditions pose a threat to bare skin, as snow can actually reflect UV radiation.

Be wary of expiration dates. Most people at least periodically use prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines as part of their commitment to staying healthy. However, for people who rarely use medicines, their cabinets may be filled with potentially dangerous, expired medications. According to the FDA, both prescriptions and over-the-counter meds can lose their effectiveness over time and even become unsafe. Especially concerning are the medicines that can change chemical composition or become a breeding ground for bacteria over an extended period of time. That’s why it’s important to properly discard medicines after their expiration dates have passed.

Make reasonable eating choices. With countless diet options available, it may seem impossible to know which is most likely to help you achieve your desired results. When evaluating eating plans, be careful to avoid diets that are excessively restrictive, as these can have a serious impact on bodily organs that rely on nutrients to function. Also be wary of diets that recommend cutting entire food groups; a balanced diet with moderate portion sizes is the best approach for delivering your body the nutrition it needs for top performance.

Committing to healthier living is an important step, so be sure you can reap the rewards by making your journey to better health a safe one. Find more tips for living a healthy lifestyle at elivingtoday.com.

Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017 | 17

(Family Features) Sweaters and scarves aren’t the only ways to brace yourself against blustery weather. There’s no time like winter to putter in the kitchen, where the cozy heat from the stove and the aromas of mouthwatering dishes can warm you from the inside out.

Rich, hearty stews and creamy casseroles are perfect for winter dinners, but when you’re craving something other than traditional comfort food, there are plenty of other options that will chase away the chill, such as a glass of Pinot Noir.

These three dishes feature common proteins – chicken, beef and fish – in preparations that make it easy to reimagine your winter weather menu. Find more recipes and ideas for warming up this winter at culinary.net.

Fruit Juice and Fish Fillets The temperatures may be falling, but you can still fire up the grill and fill up your plate with a tasty recipe like this Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish, which combines sweet juices for a citrus sauce that coats grilled catfish. Find more main dish recipes including catfish at uscatfish.com.

Grilled Citrus Rosemary Catfish Recipe courtesy of The Catfish Institute Servings: 4 Citrus Sauce:

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6

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1/4 Catfish:

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lime, juice and zest only lemon, zest only orange, zest only ounces pineapple juice cup brown sugar tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped teaspoon salt U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets lemons salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat grill.

To make citrus sauce: In small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

To make catfish: Place catfish in shallow dish and squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon over each fillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes.

Grill catfish fillets, skin-side-up, 3-4 minutes. Flip over and grill 2-3 more minutes.

Transfer catfish to serving plates and spoon warmed citrus sauce over fillets.

18 | Tri-Cities Health & Wellness - Winter 2017

A Cold-Weather Solution While it can be a challenge, there are several ways to pair food and wine appropriately during winter, despite bitter weather. A warm, comforting dish, like Roasted Chicken with Salsa Verde from James Beard award-winning chef Jonathan Waxman, combines well with rosé during the cold season. One reasonably priced wine that matches chicken well is Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir. The crisp flavors of light red fruits combine with the herbs accompanying the chicken. It’ll also complement the many other flavors of winter, when an array of dishes hit the table and challenge hosts to find the right wine to serve.

For more wines that work well in wintertime, visit angelinewinery.com.

Chicken and Salsa Verde Recipe courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman Chicken: 1 fresh free-range organic chicken (4 pounds)

sea salt, to taste

freshly ground black pepper,

to taste 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 lemon Salsa Verde: 1/4 cup capers in salt 4 anchovy filets 3 cloves garlic 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup chopped arugula 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup chopped tarragon 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon sea salt To make chicken: Heat oven to 450 F. Wash chicken in hot water. Dry with paper towels.

Using kitchen shears, cut out backbone

of chicken and remove any fat (this can be added to chicken stock). Using heavy chef’s knife, cut out breastbone. Season halves with sea salt and black pepper.

Place chicken halves, skin side up, on two sizzle platters and dab with olive oil. Cut lemon in half and place 1 half, cut side down, next to chicken on each platter.

Roast chicken 35 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. When done, remove chicken to platter and pour off excess fat. Cut each breast in half and cut the thigh from the leg. Serve with salsa verde (recipe below) and garnish with roasted lemon.

To make salsa verde: Soak capers in cold water 1 hour then drain.

Soak anchovies in cold water 15 minutes then pat dry and remove bones.

Using mortar and pestle, smash capers, anchovies and garlic, until smooth, then transfer to large bowl.

Add all herbs and olive oil.

Season with sea salt.

Pair each serving with Angeline California Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Whole and Hearty A hearty meat-and-potatoes meal is a sure way to warm up on a cold winter night. This heart-healthy, one-dish meal is made with lean top round beef, lots of vegetables and a spicy herb mixture. Find more healthy main dish ideas at health.gov.

Black Skillet Beef with Greens and Red Potatoes Recipe courtesy of the USDA

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pound top round beef tablespoon paprika teaspoons oregano teaspoon chili powder teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon black pepper teaspoon red pepper teaspoon dry mustard nonstick spray red-skinned potatoes, halved cups onion, finely chopped cups beef broth large garlic cloves, minced large carrots, peeled and cut into 2 1/2-inch strips bunches (1/2 pound each) mustard, kale or turnip greens, stems removed, coarsely torn

Partially freeze beef. Thinly slice across grain into strips 1/8-inch thick and 3 inches wide. Trim away visible fat.

Combine paprika, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper and dry mustard. Coat strips of meat with spice mixture.

Spray large, heavy skillet with nonstick spray. Heat pan over high heat.

Add meat; cook, stirring constantly, 5 minutes.

Add potatoes, onion, broth and garlic. Cook over medium heat, covered, 20 minutes.

Stir in carrots; lay greens over top and cook, covered, until carrots are tender, about 15 minutes.

Serve in large serving bowl with crusty bread for dunking.

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merchantshope@merchantshopecemetery.com Tri-Cities Health & Wellness -Winter 2017 | 19

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