Medical Examiner by Daniel Pearson

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JULY 20, 2012

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HORTICULTURAL THERAPIST

The Powers of Flowers W

hat was your first thought when you read the headline above? If it was, “Finally. I’ve got a neurotic Bonsai that I’d like to get into therapy ASAP,” you’ve got the wrong article. This one isn’t about people helping plants; it’s about plants helping people. Sound a little crazy? It does. Plants are not sentient creatures like people, cats, and sometimes dogs (just a small joke for our many dog-loving readers). Plants just sit there. You can’t talk to them. Well, you can, but they’re not like teenagers; they won’t talk back. What’s more, they take Newton’s first law of motion (to refresh your memory, here it is: Corpus omne perseverare in statu suo quiescendi vel movendi uniformiter in directum, nisi quatenus a viribus impressis cogitur statum illum mutare) to ridiculous extremes. And yet, just like people, plants have pride in their heritage. Some are content to simply be called violets, while others insist that they be called African Violets. But hyphenated plants are kind of cool. It serves as a reminder that they’re not from around here. You could be looking at a plant that’s native to some exotic location like Africa, Japan, or the jungles of South America, and there it is, right there in your living room or yard. As for Newton’s first law, sometimes it’s nice to have someone (or some thing) that will not move unless acted upon by an outside force, something to look after that is utterly dependent upon you for its care and feeding. And unlike your car keys, you know it will be right where you left it next time you come looking. And as for the whole talking thing, while it’s true that plants don’t talk back — or talk much at all — they are great listeners. They’re completely non-judgmental, so even if they think you’re a clown, you’ll never know it. Flower Power These are just a few of the many reasons that led Michaela Berley to the field of horticultural therapy, or HT for short. Yes, HT is an actual, official, recognized form of therapy with a long and storied history. (See The Skinny) The Medical Examiner caught up with Michaela during a recent flower arranging session at Cumberland Hills in Aiken, the assisted living branch of the Cumberland Village retirement community. Nine residents walked in empty-handed and walked out less than an hour later with a beautiful arranegment of fresh flowers they created, bound for a proud spot in their own quarters. If that sounds like something you could do, you’re right. You could. But not necessarily tomorrow or next week, or even next year. There is a reason that HT is taught on the university level, and that

Perle Hickman, a resident of Cumberland Hills in Aiken, builds a bouquet as part of a horticultural therapy program. [Photo by Mallory Berley] the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) certifies its members via a fairly rigorous process. “You have to know what plants are common skin irritants and stay way from those,” she says. Another factor: “bringing some older adults with dementia to a table setting for a flower arranging session could be a meal trigger.” An unseen nibble here and there — you can’t watch everybody every second, after all — and the plant therapist who has brought oleander or Carolina Jasmine or any of numerous

THE SKINNY ON THERAPEUTIC GARDENING • In the 19th century, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a Declaration of Independence signer considered to be the “Father of American Psychiatry,” reported that garden settings held curative effects for people with mental illness. • Rehabilitative care of hospitalized war veterans in the 1940s and 1950s greatly expanded the practice of Horticultural Therapy. Today, HT is recognized as a practical and viable treatment with wide-ranging benefits for people in therapeutic, vocational, and wellness programs. • People with physical or mental disabilities benefit from gardening experiences as part of HT programs, and they learn skills, adaptations, and gardening methods that allow for continued participation at home. • As a cognitive therapy, HT helps clients learn new skills and regain those lost. Improved memory, initiation of tasks and attention to detail are recognized HT benefits. Social growth occurs: people caring for plants learn responsibility and experience hopeful and nurturing feelings. HT used in physical rehabilitation retrains muscles and improves coordination, balance and strength. In vocational HT settings, people learn to work independently, solve problems and follow directions. + — ahta.org

Please see HORTICULTURE page 9

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JULY 20, 2012

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Drowning doesn’t look like drowning This article can save lives. Please read it. Please save it. We ran this article in the Medical Examiner two years ago. It’s important enough to run again.

The new captain jumped from the cockpit, fully dressed, and sprinted through the shallow water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the family who were swimming between their anchored sportfisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife. They had been splashing each other and she had screamed but now they were just standing, neck-deep on the sand bar. “We’re fine, what is he doing?” she asked her husband, a little annoyed. “We’re fine!” the husband yelled, waving him off, but the captain kept coming. ”Move!” he barked as he churned past the stunned couple. Directly behind them, not ten feet away, their nine-year-old daughter was drowning. Safely above the surface in the arms of the captain, she burst into tears, “Daddy!” How did this captain know, from fifty feet away, what the father couldn’t recognize from just ten? Drowning is not the violent, splashing, thrashing call for help that most people expect. The captain was trained to recognize

drowning by experts and years of experience. The father, on the other hand, had learned what drowning looks like by watching television. If you spend time on or near the water (hint: that’s all of us) then you should make sure that you and your crew knows what to look for whenever people enter the water. Until she cried a tearful, “Daddy,” she hadn’t made a sound. As a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer, I wasn’t surprised at all by this story. Drowning is almost always a deceptively quiet event. The waving, splashing, and yelling that dramatic conditioning (television) prepares us to look for is rarely seen in real life. The Instinctive Drowning Response, so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the

approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC). Drowning does not look like drowning. Dr. Pia, in an article in the Coast Guard’s On Scene Magazine, described the instinctive drowning response like this: 1. Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled before speech occurs. 2. Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their Please see DROWNING page 3

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DROWNING… from page 2 mouths start to sink below the surface of the water. 3. Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe. 4. Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment. 5. From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs. (Source: On Scene Magazine: Fall 2006) This doesn’t mean that a person that is yelling for help and thrashing isn’t in real trouble – they are experience aquatic distress. Not always present before the instinctive drowning response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long, but unlike true drowning, these victims can still assist in their own rescue. They can grab lifelines, throw-rings, etc. Look for these other signs of drowning when persons are in the water: • Head low in the water, mouth at water level • Head tilted back with mouth open

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

What’s your story? • Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus • Eyes closed • Hair over forehead or eyes • Not using legs – Vertical • Hyperventilating or gasping • Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway • Trying to roll over on the back So if a crew member falls overboard and everything looks O.K. – don’t be too sure. Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning. They may just look like they are treading water and looking up at the deck. One way to be sure? Ask them: “Are you alright?” If they can answer at all – they probably are. If they return a blank stare you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents: children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, get to them and find out why. + Posted by US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Mario Vittone on June 16, 2010 at http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/ gCaptain’s blog is a current source of news reports and articles written by seasoned mariners, many of whom are submitting content via satellite from locations far from land.

Nearly all of us — even doctors and nurses — are sometimes patients. Perhaps you were recently injured playing your favorite sport, or years ago you somehow got hurt without even leaving your favorite recliner. Maybe you were diagnosed with a dreaded disease, mugged in a dark and lonely parking lot, or you stubbed your toe in the safety of your own bedroom. On the other hand, perhaps you needed medical attention 5,000 miles from home. Whatever your medical experience, we’d like to hear your story for our Medicine in the First Person feature. It can be frightening or funny, ordinary or extraordinary, just a few paragraphs long or quite a lengthy tale. We’ll publish your encounters with the medical profession as often as we receive them. + Send your submissions for Medicine in the First Person to the Augusta Medical Examiner via e-mail: info@AugustaRx.com or to PO Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903-0397. (The Medical Examiner reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit any submission at its sole discretion.)

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Why would anyone pay for a subscription to a free newspaper? That’s certainly a legitimate question. The answer: as a major regional medical center, patients come to Augusta hospitals and physicians from all over the Southeast. The MCGHealth Medical Center alone sees patients from every single county in Georgia, not to mention South Carolina, Florida, and beyond. Add to that the regional reach of Eisenhower Army Medical Center and both Veterans Administration hospitals, the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, Walton Rehab and University Hospital, and it’s clear that many people seeking treatment in Augusta are not local residents. Furthermore, some of our most loyal readers are in town only occasionally. Or their treatments and visits to Augusta are only temporary. Even local residents may find it more convenient to walk to their mailbox than visit one of our many newsstands. Subscriber copies are mailed the day prior to the issue date so they will be received by most readers no later than the publication date printed on the paper. Copies are sent by First Class mail in a sealed envelope so they’ll arrive promptly and in crisp condition. Rates are $16 for a 6-month subscription (12 issues), $32 for a full year (24 issues). Complete the form below and drop it in the mail with your payment. Thank you! +

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JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Hope IS Possible

Leaving it on: hazardous to your health?

Helen Blocker-Adams can remember in my lifetime — as can most of you — when there were no cell phones. As a matter of fact, when they first came out, they were called cellular phones. Doctors primarily used them, or maybe CEOs of major corporations. That really was not that long ago either. Our “microwave age” society has taken over and everyone seems to be in “hurry up and wait” mode. And

“Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.” - Aldous Huxley communicate, and ability to function in this society. Social media like Facebook (which by the way happens to my favorite) is so addicting, it’s ridiculous. I know people who won’t let go of their Android or Blackberry phones so they can stay connected to what’s happening on their Facebook page. Several years ago I wasn’t that extreme, but actually I find myself right in the middle of the “got to stay connected with social media” now. Unlike many people, I use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for business reasons more so than social or personal. But sometimes I feel like I cannot turn it off.

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because of that some people may feel that turning off their technology widgets may be hazardous to their health. They feel they might miss something important. Or perhaps they don’t want to be the last person to know about a particular situation. Blackberry phones used to be all the rave, and now it’s Android phones. And there are several versions of all the phones you can purchase today. The styles change so much and so often it can make your head swim. Fifteen years ago, many of us had beepers or pagers. Some of you right now may be asking. “A beeper? What is that?” Life has become busier over the years and we’ve created something of a monster. Technology, as great as it is, has become a beast that can siphon away a large portion of our time. When that happens it can impact our mental and emotional well-being, our attitude, our ability to

Because I’m a communicator and interacting with people social media helps me stay connected, professionally and personally. My status posts, a few times a day, help to promote my radio program and other events I’m involved with. I love sharing my Helen’s Life Nuggets early in the morning to give my Facebook friends inspiration for the day. They’re becoming so popular that I’m archiving them so that one day I will have enough to publish a book. Some people can’t function without answering their phone or responding to a text right away. The idea of leaving their phone on vibrate, like I do a lot, is not something they would consider. I will put my phone on vibrate while at home or at my office and think nothing of it. A new contract, a new client or an existing customer with an urgent question, a child calling in need, a mother who needs you to pick up some milk on your way home are among the many reasons that people stay

connected to their different forms of technology. But if you think about it, those are not life threatening situations. Which simply means that if you were unconnected (heaven forbid) to any of your technology widgets for an hour or two or three, life is still going to somehow manage to go on. When it comes to our emotional well-being, it’s so important to have balance in our lives. And that balance includes how we integrate technology and social media in our lives. So for those of you are a little off-balanced and you’re willing to admit it, maybe you can make some small adjustments in your lifestyle when it comes to technology. You might be glad that you did. Personally, I think you will. Here’s to your emotional well-being! + Helen Blocker Adams is President/ CEO of The HBA Group, Intl and Executive Director of the Southeast Enterprise Institute, Inc. Visit her website at www.helenblockeradams. com. If you like politics, visit her blog at www.projectlogicga.com. You can reach her via email at hba@hbagroup-intl.com Helen’s new book, Unlikely Allies: 8 Steps to Bridging Divides that Impact Leadership can be purchased by visiting www.hbagroup-intl.com or www.authorhouse.com

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JULY 20, 2012

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WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT WHEN TO QUESTION ANOTHER by Bad Billy Laveau Forgive me. If you want funny, go somewhere else this time. To quote Bob Dylan, “It ain’t me, babe, you’re looking for.” Not today, anyway. My day started out bubble dead on center. Took the dog out. Honey Baked Cheerios with blueberries in 2% milk for breakfast. Levothyroid for more energy. Aspirin to stave off strokes and heart attacks. Shaved. Plunged into my Honey-Do list. Spot watered some grass. Uprooted dead flowers and stored the pots for next year. Mowed grass. Weeded flower beds. All was well except for sweat on my brow and dirt under my fingernails, a small price to pay for a happy wife. Then, I bought stamps at the Post Office and self-sealing envelops at a discount store. (My wife does not like the taste of envelope glue.) That’s when normality morphed into serendipitous bizarre. Sarge was the discount store clerk. (I call him that because I know not his real name.) Sarge had expensive, high quality tattoos on his wrist. Flames and subtle hints of controlled destruction. His fit, slim frame sported an intricately sculpted, meticulous beard with multiple, well thought out angles. His skin betrayed a smattering of

foreign chromosomes. My question was simple, but surgically placed. “Do you like it here?” A floodgate of mixed feelings gushed forth. Herein, I’ll summarize them for you. Sarge was a Ranger with sniper credentials. Had earned all sorts of badges and emblems of accomplishment. His mistress was a .50 caliber sniper rifle with a scope so powerful you could see germs floating in the air. The bullet looked like a bronzed zucchini. He could shoot the eyebrows off a mosquito at a hundred yards. He could vaporize a hummingbird at 500 yards. If he could see it, it was his. He had lived off snake meat in the swamp. Scorpions in the desert. Dead fish on a deserted island. Penguins in the subarctic. To him, ditch water swarming with unknown organisms meant extra dietary protein. No doubt about it, Sarge was heavy duty. Someone you don’t want to mess with on a bad day. In the Middle East, he was given a high value target (read that, terrorist) that needed to meet Jesus immediately. The target’s every breath was a threat to civilized mankind. Sarge hid out for a day and a night in sweltering heat, living off sips of water and cheese crackers. (An act of nature could reveal his hiding place and get him killed.) Finally, his

GOT A STORY?

t s e B target presented himself. He was in the backyard with kids about. Sarge waited for a clear shot. He was a well-trained, by the book man. The scope was sighted in. The windage figured to the last millimeter. A skilled, confident finger rested on a well-oiled, hair trigger. Years of training stood at the ready. Missing at that range was not an option or possibility. Jesus would soon have a troubled soul to judge. But then, his mind slipped from training and duty and responsibility into personal thoughts. Sarge was the product of a multi-national marriage. American and Middle Eastern. The yard kids in his scope reminded him of his dark haired siblings back home. For half an hour the target dwelt in his scope, many times several yards from the kids. By any estimation, several safe shots presented. No collateral damage possible. Sarge’s rifle stayed at rest. His bullet remained unmolested in the chamber. He failed. The unknowing high value target spent a sun-filled afternoon sipping cold drinks and watching kids play, resting up so he could later concentrate

e n i c i d ME

on killing American infidels. Back at the base, Sarge’s commander scalded him with language herein unprintable. Ultimately, he was given a choice: Demotion, bad paper in his file, and a transfer to something “less responsible.” Or an honorable discharge, with the possibility of re-enlisting 6 months later. He took the latter. Back in the States, he was taken captive by a woman’s charm. She put some heavy duty loving on him and forbade him to re-enlist because “it might be dangerous.” She wanted him home every night. Never mind that they had no benefit of clergy or that she might be gone tomorrow. He has clerked in a discount store for a year now. Pride, accomplishment, and self-worth dwell not in his face. I got all that without the expense of a second question. He needed to tell someone. So now, the former highly skilled, well-trained, defender of Freedom and Nation is a discount store clerk. The man who once was one with a .50 caliber sniper rifle mans a cash register and stocks shelves with goods imported from China. A big step down from a man who once kept us safe at night.

All that brings us to some pointed questions: Had he not been a product of a multi-national marriage, would the terrorist be dead? Had he not put his personal thoughts above his training and duty, would the terrorist be dead? Had he not fallen for the charms of a beautiful young woman, would he still be in the service of his country with the chance to overcome his previous failing? According to a recent study, 82% of our discharged Middle East veterans suffer from neuropathic pain. Sarge certainly is in situational pain due to the disruption in his career path. It haunts the darkness of my soul that Sarge might end up a VA statistic. I couldn’t keep my mouth shut any longer. I did a bad thing. I asked a second question lased with my personal feelings: “On your death bed, had you rather tell your family, ‘I spent my life defending my country?’ Or, ‘I was a clerk in a discount store.’ You need to decide that. Today!” Now, you know why my funny gear is in Park today. + Bad Billy Laveau is a retired MD with a pointed sense of humor. Bad Billy speaks and entertains at public and private events for audiences not subject to cardiac seizure secondary to overwhelming laughter and glee BadBilly@knology.net or 706306-9397

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JULY 20, 2012

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Health 101 by Sandy Turner, RN, EdD, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Assistant Dean for Administration in the GHSU College of Nursing THE ARTHRITIS THAT’S NOT REALLY ARTHRITIS – RHEUMATOID heumatoid arthritis is actually a disease that affects the entire body. In other words, it’s systemic. It is an inflammatory disease affecting collagen. Collagen is part of our connective tissue and is in every part of our body. There are many types of collagen diseases and all of them target a certain area. Symptoms include joint swelling and tenderness and, when it occurs in children, growth can be stunted. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an autoimmune disorder, which means that, for some reason, the body starts to develop antibodies against itself. Adults with RA tend to get their first symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40. People don’t really recognize the early symptoms of fatigue, fever, weight loss and stiff joints. Triggers that seem to set off the initial allergic response can be an infection or even physical or emotional stress. Most of the time RA

develops slowly. As attacks of joint pain and swelling become more frequent, joints can become damaged and deformed. Repeated episodes or attacks can lead to thickening in the cartilage and destruction of the joint capsule. People can even get nodules outside the joint from these changes. Diagnosis is made with a blood test, x-rays and reviewing the patient’s history and symptoms. It has been difficult to target a specific effective treatment for RA because it is so widespread in the body and also because there are different causes or triggers for everyone. The focus of care is to decrease stress and pain and to provide rest and comfort and to try to minimize acute episodes of inflammation. But it is often difficult to get someone to rest during those busiest years of our lives. Supportive therapies such as keeping the immune system or natural defenses built up are essential. Exercise

that offers good mobility but doesn’t over-stress the joint is also important. Heat and cold applications often help to increase circulation and movement. Braces may be helpful to support affected joints to protect them from injury. There are new medications out for RA all the time but unfortunately they merely manage symptoms; none offer a cure, and many have a number of side effects. Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, Indocin, Motrin are staples in pain management, but they can cause stomach bleeding. Treatments have been used both successfully and unsuccessfully from Gold Leaf applications to potent steroids. Newer drugs on the market are advertised to provide increased relief and mobility, but some cause flulike symptoms and other side effects. Surgeries have been done to replace damaged joints and offer increased mobility. The Arthritis Foundation in Atlanta (404-872-0457) has incredible resources and information to help patients and families with RA. If you’re experiencing symptoms of RA, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to begin managing and controlling this disease. + HEALTH 101 – Information to help you make positive changes in your life to improve your health by Sandy Turner, RN, EdD, Family Nurse Practitioner, Director of the Good Samaritan House, A Free Community Health Center Open Mondays 15 pm. 213 N Main St., Dearing, GA 706-556-9080.

Editor’s note: Exceptional Living appears exclusively in the Medical Examiner each month, addressing issues that all of us can benefit from involving people with special — let’s call them exceptional — needs.

Exceptional Living

Time is precious by Naomi D. Williams, MPH, CHES, CIC® I’m elated and grinning ear to ear: I sit watching my son play with Roaring Rex, his new dinosaur. You see Rex, the dinosaur, is a switch-operated toy and my son is finally able to play with a toy on his own. I know this isn’t interesting or important to most; however, it’s very important to me. This is one of a few ways that we are able to spend quality time, and it’s infrequent that we have an evening to just play. Some who shared their thoughts about my last article felt that I had a rather negative tone and it didn’t reflect my normal upbeat and positive feel. I am extremely grateful for the feedback and I can honestly say they are right. As I wrote that article I knew it had a rant-like feel, but in all honesty it’s a topic about which many people are disgruntled, yet are reluctant to talk about. I’d been disgruntled long enough. I’ve spent my share of time as a health care professional and have amassed still more time as a patient’s caregiver. It was time to share my concerns. Pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, pediatric surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist (ENT), dietitian, physical, occupational and speech therapists are the specialists that continue to treat my child. We have added and dropped some specialists over the last year; however we have been with many of these specialists since the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) or shortly after discharge. We frequent a majority of these specialists on a quarterly basis (and at times we get into weekly to monthly visits depending on what is going on with Noah at the time), so I’ve learned how the clinics run and how to manage my time. Some clinics we are in and out in thirty minutes and others I know I have to allot a minimum of two hours. Scheduling and keeping these appointments doesn’t even take into consideration the time and countless phone conversations that are made to ensure that everything is correct and in order to provide the necessary and appropriate tools/equipment to care for my child. I relate all of the above information to provide a little more understanding and perspective to my July 6 column. Health care providers were my example of choice due to the amount of time we spend with them, and more so because a very fresh encounter was on my mind. I am so thankful to have a slew of highly specialized doctors in my community and just a few miles from my home. I cherish and respect my time, and am constantly learning to spend it more wisely. Steve Jobs said “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice.” “Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.” –Anonymous. Lastly, as Jim Rohn said, “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” + Naomi Williams is a health educator by training, an entrepreneur by nature, mom, and advocate of the best kid ever, Noah Samuel.

THE MEDICAL EXAMINER’S BLOG CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM/NEWS WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT DENY YOURSELF THE SINGULAR PLEASURE OF VISITING REGULARLY.

THE PROBLEM WITH GETTING EVEN IS THAT YOU WILL NEVER GET AHEAD, WHICH MOST OF US WANT TO DO. — ZIG ZIGLAR

JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Sink your teeth into this little discipline in practicing it every day will help make it feel like second nature. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the easiest things you can do to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

Our July 6 Medical Examiner cover story was quite a mouthful on the subject of teeth. However, perhaps we spent more time on motivational nagging â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hey, we just invented a new oxymoron! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; than actual instructional information. Do you know, for example, whether dentists recommend flossing, then brushing, or brushing first, then flossing? Here is some information from Oral B and the American Dental Association on the nuts and bolts of everyday oral care. Brushing Your Teeth Properly Learning how to brush your teeth properly is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Before You Begin While there are several methods of brushing teeth with a manual toothbrush, always ask your dental professional for their recommendation and be sure to follow their instructions. To start, use fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to replace it every three months. Two Minutes, Twice A Day To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Since most

manual toothbrushes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have built-in twominute timers, you may want to have a clock handy so you can be sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re brushing long enough. Positioning the Toothbrush How you hold the toothbrush depends on which part of the tooth youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re brushing. â&#x20AC;˘ Step 1: Start with outer and inner surfaces, and brush at a 45-degree angle in short, halftooth-wide strokes against the gum line. Make sure you reach your back teeth. â&#x20AC;˘ Step 2: Move on to chewing surfaces. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along these surfaces. â&#x20AC;˘ Step 3: Once you get to the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of brush. â&#x20AC;˘ Step 4: Be sure to brush gently along the gum line. â&#x20AC;˘ Step 5: Brush your tongue in a back-to-front sweeping motion to remove food particles and help remove odor-causing bacteria to freshen your breath. Now that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned proper brushing technique, a

The Chicken or the Egg? For what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth, there are two schools of thought on flossing first versus brushing first. Many dentist advocate flossing before brushing, but whichever you prefer, the key is to do both, and do both every day. + See the Medical Examiner blog (www.AugustaRx.com/news) for a short but informative video on proper brushing technique.

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P harmacy 411

OUR NEWSSTANDS Medical locations: • Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Ctr, 15th St., Main Entrance • Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Uptown Div., Wrightsboro Rd., main lobby • Doctors Hospital, 3651 Wheeler Rd, ER Lobby Entrance • Doctors Hospital, 3651 Wheeler Rd, Employee Entrance (near the Joseph M. Still Burn Center entrance) • Eisenhower Hospital, Main Entrance, Fort Gordon • George C. Wilson Drive (by medical center Waffle House and mail boxes) • GHSU Hospital, 1120 15th Street, South & West Entrances • GHSU Medical Office Building, Harper Street, Main Entrance • GHSU Medical Office Building, Harper Street, Parking Deck entrance • GHSU Hospital, Emergency Room, Harper Street, Main Entrance • GHSU Children’s Medical Center, Harper Street, Main Lobby • GHSU, Laney-Walker Boulevard transit stop, Augusta • Select Specialty Hospital, Walton Way, Main entrance lobby • Trinity Hospital, Wrightsboro Road, main lobby by elevators • Trinity Hospital Home Health, Daniel Village, main lobby • University Health Federal Credit Union/ University Hospital Human Resources, 1402 Walton Way, Main Lobby • University Hospital, 1350 Walton Way, Emergency Room lobby area • University Hospital, 1350 Walton Way, Outside Brown & Radiology/Day Surgery • University Hospital - Columbia County, 465 N. Belair Road, Main Lobby • University Hospital Prompt Care, 3121 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta

Around town: • Barney’s Pharmacy, 2604 Peach Orchard Rd. • Birth Control Source, 1944 Walton Way • ASU Student Bookstore • Blue Sky Kitchen, 990 Broad Street • Columbia County Library, main branch lobby, Ronald Reagan Drive, Evans • Enterprise Mill (North Tower), 1450 Greene Street, Augusta • Daniel Village Barber Shop, Wrightsboro Road at Ohio Ave. • Hartley’s Uniforms, 1010 Druid Park Ave, Augusta • International Uniforms, 1216 Broad Street, Augusta • Marshall Family Y, Belair Rd, Evans • Mellow Mushroom, 12th and Broad Streets, Augusta • Southside Family Y, Tobacco Road, Augusta • Surrey Center, Surrey Center Pharmacy, Highland Avenue, Augusta • Top-Notch Car Wash, 512 N. Belair Road, Evans • Wild Wing Cafe, 3035 Washington Road, Augusta

Plus... 500+ doctors offices throughout the area for staff and waiting rooms, as well as nurses stations and waiting rooms of area hospitals.

JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

EDITOR’S NOTE: Very little if anything about healthcare is inexpensive, and that includes medicine. Tiny pills can command large prices. Over-the-counter medications may be less expensive, but are they also less effective? Find the answers to lots of your drug store questions in this column written by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson exclusively for the Medical Examiner.

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MEDICINE??? You may have noticed over the last several years that some over-the-counter allergy and cough and cold medications are now behind the pharmacy counter, while some others are still available out on the shelf. Most people wonder what the difference is and why they now have to sign for medications that have been available without a prescription for many, many years. In short, the relocated medicines can be used by less-thanupstanding citizens to manufacture methamphetamine. Since 2005, all products that contain pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, their salts, and all isomers have been covered under the law signed by George W. Bush as an addendum to the USA Patriot Act. The addendum was the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA) of 2005. This includes not just plain pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), but combination products as well (Aleve-D, Mucinex-D, Claritin-D, etc.) Phenylpropanolamine was taken off the market soon after the legislation due to safety concerns for other reasons, but the law continues to apply to the other products. Products that contain phenylephrine are not subject to legislation as it is not a precursor of methamphetamine. Along with at least 40 other states, Georgia allows pseudoephedrine to be purchased at the pharmacy counter pursuant to certain restrictions. To start with it must be signed for, valid identification must be presented, and there are daily and monthly limits on how much any one person may purchase. There are other rules and regulations, but those are the basics. At least 2 states have put the products back on prescription-only status. Some cities and municipalities actually have stricter laws than the states they are in. This is not just an American problem. Other countries have had to take a stand against this situation as well. Colombia and Mexico completely prohibit the sale of these products, while the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand have legislation to restrict sales. The State of Georgia has recently made pseudoephedrine a controlled substance, a Schedule V narcotic. While the products can still be signed for, someone who is caught breaking the laws will not only be subject to the CMEA, but will also be subject to any

is now

controlled substance laws that apply. This now makes the penalties much tougher. Methamphetamine use and production has become a huge problem for the United States. We would love to think it is a problem just for the junkies, but it isn’t. It is easy to make, easy to purchase, and even easier to get hooked on. The drug dealers have made a living on getting kids to try their product “just once” – and often that’s all it takes. We have all seen those “Faces of Meth” commercials. They are not just a scare tactic. Sadly, in the pharmacy we see people daily who are in various stages of this tragic downslide. It is not just the stereotypical “meth-heads” that come in to purchase the ingredients anymore. It is the soccer mom next door, the high school kid looking for a rush, the grandparent trying to cover the bills. (I personally walked out of my store with my teenage daughter and told her to watch a certain car because a meth deal was going down. She was surprised as we watched two elderly, otherwise sweet grandparent-looking people in a sedan become part of the deal.) It’s hard to say if all of these people truly understand just what they have become part of and the seriousnss of what they are doing. When you come in to purchase an allergy or cough and cold medication, do not be surprised if the pharmacist asks many questions regarding what you need and why. It’s not that we, as pharmacists, want to keep anyone from getting medication they legitimately need. It is simply that we are charged with the task of being a gatekeeper, if you will, in keeping something very dangerous off the street. + Questions about this article or suggestions for future columns can be sent to us at cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net Written for the Medical Examiner by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson (cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net )

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JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

HORTICULTUREâ&#x20AC;Ś from page 1 other toxic or thorny plants to the mix is heading for trouble. Of course, in the capable hands of Michaela Berley, poisonous plants were not a factor. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing how many positive effects can come from the simple act of arranging a few flowers. Residents practice fine motor skills, putting their initials on the bottom of their flower pot to get started, cutting flower stems to length â&#x20AC;&#x201D; yes, using their own scissors â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and then placing them artfully in a spongy waterretaining base inside the flower pot. There is decision-making and creativity afoot, something that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen every day in every assisted living setting. And speaking of making creative choices, there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really any wrong choices. Some bouquets were a riot of color; other residents preferred a simple, one-color motif despite all urgings to the contrary; some arrangements were short and dense; others were tall and sparsely planted. Beauty is in the eye of the arranger. Participants enjoy mental and physical stimulation. They experience all kinds of visual and aural sensory stimulation, and dormant memories are awakened. One resident whose cognitive skills didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem particularly sharp â&#x20AC;&#x201D; she held up her flower pot every minute

or two and asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is this ok?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; began perking up as we went along, like a flower soaking up a steady rain after a long drought. She said to others at her table that the experience reminded her of her job in a shop many years ago. Another resident chose all yellow flowers because it was her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite color. As arrangements were created, socializing was going

on simultaneously, something those in the care of older adults will tell you is very important, indeed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in the momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience,â&#x20AC;? says Berley, as opposed to exercises like planting a garden and having to wait for months for results. A purely creative experience for assisted living residents is something they can always use more of. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In many assisted

living facilities,â&#x20AC;? says Berley, â&#x20AC;&#x153;residents donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of autonomy. What they do [through horticultural therapy] is strictly their own. Pride, enhanced self-esteem, a sense of accomplishment, creative expression, improved memory, age-appropriate physical activity, mental stimulation, entertainment and diversion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all that from sticking a few flower stems into a pot. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all. Particpants got to test their memories: did they know what they were arranging? There were mums, carnations, ferns, babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breath, pittosporum, yarrow, rosemary and more in the living palette available to them. With everything that horticultural therapy offers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s far from flower

arranging alone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s little wonder that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s used at Augustaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Uptown VA Hospital in a program run by registered horticultural therapist Bruce Gulko to help veterans. Other HT programs elsewhere assist prisoners in correctional facilities, patients undergoing rehabilitation of all kinds, recovering drug addicts, patients in mental health clinics, and many other settings. As the AHTA says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the therapeutic benefits of peceful garden environments have been understood since ancient times.â&#x20AC;? + For additional information, consult the AHTA website (www.ahta. org) or contact Michaela Berley at berleyfive@bellsouth.net or (803) 507-6033

Cumberland Hills resident Josephine Pineo enjoys plants and the benefits of horticultural therapy. [Photo by Michaela Berley]

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JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

July Is National UV Safety Month

MEDICAL EXAMINER IS NOW ONLINE

• www.AugustaRx.com/news •

July is National UV Safety Month, when Americans of all ages are reminded to protect their skin and eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is not just a summertime occurrence, but a year-round constant even on cloudy and hazy days. UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer and can cause eye damage including cataracts and macular degeneration, the primary causes of vision loss in seniors. In addition, harmful UV exposure can weaken the immune system, increase sun spots and wrinkles, and lead to premature aging. In the U.S., skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with more than 4 million new cases diagnosed each year. Proper UV protection lowers the risk of developing all types of skin cancer. UV Safety Month aims to educate individuals on how to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun. Anyone can get skin cancer, but people with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes are at greatest risk. Those in the medical field who regularly work with oder adults see the effect of cumulative UV radiation exposure in the patients they serve. Because of their many years in the sun, seniors are particularly vulnerable to skin cancer and vision problems. Today’s older Americans face increased sun-related health problems because when they were growing up, little

was known or communicated about protection from UV rays. Fortunately, widespread support for UV safety from the country’s medical community is currently helping reduce painful and life-threatening conditions from too much sun exposure. The following are recommended ways to protect both adult and children’s skin and eyes from damaging UV radiation: • Before going outdoors, generously apply a broadspectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating and about every two hours in the sun. • Wear protective clothing including long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck. • Wear polarized sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays and wrap around to protect eyes from every

angle. The ability to protect the eyes does not depend on the sunglass lens’ darkness or cost. • Limit time spent in direct sun, especially when the sun’s rays are most intense, usually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Be cautious around the intensified UV light of sunlight that reflects off water, snow, sand and cement. • Avoid tanning beds, sunlamps and welding lamps, which also give off UV radiation. • Regularly check your skin for any changes and consult a dermatologist about any areas of the skin that bleed or have changed color or size. During periodic health exams, ask your doctor for a skin cancer check. + Column provided by Right at Home providers of in home care and assistance and is locally owned and operated. For more information, contact Right at Home of the CSRA at www. csra.rightathome.net, by phone at 706-814-739 or email at admin@rightathome-csra.com.

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JULY 20, 2012

The blog spot — Posted at http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/07/11/ Check out some of the best ways you can keep your marriage going strong. Make time for each other Spending time together—alone, without children underfoot, is one of the best ways to keep your marriage healthy. Schedule regular date nights and carve out time every morning or evening to connect, even if it’s just for 5 or 10 minutes.

11 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

“ How to Divorce-Proof Your Marriage.

”

Learn how to communicate—and fight fair Studies show that couples in long terms marriages don’t agree any more than people who get divorced, but it’s how they resolve conflict that’s important. Timing and strategy are key when talking to your spouse about a tough subject. Think about what you’re going to say beforehand instead of blurting out angry words. Listen intelligently. Don’t assume you know what your spouse is saying; ask questions to clarify and then re-state his position to make sure you understand. Have sex Many couples have a sex-desire discrepancy, meaning one partner wants it more often than the other. “Typically what happens in the relationship, is the person with the lower sex drive tends to control the tempo and the frequency of sex,” says one expert. Intimacy on all levels tends to drop out as well, making infidelity and divorce common. Yet having sex really is one of the easiest and most fun ways to keep your marriage strong. So plan a date night, pull out the sexy lingerie or take it out of bedroom and get the fires burning again.

From THE Bookshelf As an alert reader pointed out to us this past week, these book reviews rarely come out and actually endorse or recommend a book. Instead it’s usually the case that a book’s subject matter and premise is fairly thoroughly explored — although we have never used the phrase “spoiler alert” in this space — and then the reader can make his own choice about buying the book or looking for it at the library. So here we are yet again, this time with a book suggested by the same alert reader. As you can see from the title, this book is built around (or at least named for) the age-old truism that wisdom is wasted on the young. Right about the time we’re actually getting the hang of this thing called life, something tragic happens: we fall and break a hip, our teeth fall out, or the kids might even move back in. Well, Gordon Livingston, M.D. tries to give us the skills and wisdom to cope, perhaps to change, or maybe at least to understand why we can’t change things. Just glancing at the chapter titles, you can imagine the nuggets of wisdom this book

Change your expectations Approximately 10 percent of first marriages end in divorce after just 5 years, according to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report, and in many cases the primary reason is nothing more than faulty expectations about what marriage will be like. Marriages, just like children, go through predictable developmental stages. It’s also important to recognize that your partner can’t satisfy all of your needs. “You have to be happy in your own life to make a marriage work,” says marriage expert Michele Weiner-Davis. Log out of Facebook Friend your old high school fl+ame? Texting the office flirt? It might start out innocently enough, but you could be setting the stage for an affair down the line. If you’re not happy with your marriage, make a commitment to work on it together instead of looking for an outside fix. Get help Most couples who are having problems don’t ever get help. They struggle for months or years and at some point head for divorce attorneys instead of marriage counselors. The experts say it’s important to find a marriage counselor who believes in the sanctity of marriage (not all do) and can give you the skills to get your marriage back on track. + Editor’s note: is there a favorite web log you enjoy reading that is in any way related to health and wellness? Send us the link and we may feature it here in a future issue. Send your suggestion to to info@AugustaRx.com.

Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston, M.D., with a foreword by Elizabeth Edwards. 192 pages, published in 2008 by Da Capo Press.

the

Show gratitude for each other It’s important to acknowledge and show appreciation for the things your spouse does for you and your family, particularly those you take for granted. The more you say thank you, chances are he or she will reciprocate and your marriage will be happier. Appreciate gender differences “Women are not defective men and men are not faulty women,” says author Lynn Toler, who said not to waste your time thinking about “why can’t he...?” or “why doesn’t she...?” Men and women think and communicate differently. Expect it. Welcome it.

will reward you with. There’s the opening premise: “If the map doesn’t agree with the ground, the map is wrong.” It doesn’t get much truer than that, ladies and gentlemen. Around here, we know a few people who are still reliving or blaming tragedies that happened to them during the Truman era as the reason for their current dysfunction. For them, there’s the chapter, “The statute of limitations has expired on most of our childhood traumas.” “Any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least.” That sounds a lot like the sex-desire discrepancy quote that lies about two inches to the left.

“We flee from the truth in vain.” As M.K. Gandhi himself said (this is not a chapter title), “An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does truth become error because nobody sees it. Truth stands, even if there be no public support. It is self sustained.” That is true. As another chapter puts it, “Only bad things happen quickly,” and it will take you some time to peruse the wide words on this book’s nearly 200 pages. In fact, in a chapter about death (“Love is never lost, not even in death”), he makes a point we have long held: “closure” is a myth, an unreality. Similarly, many readers of this book have found that its simple truths stay with them long after they closed the book on the final page. That’s the mark of a good book. Ideally, reading it will make us smart sooner and old later. +

Clipping File Want to lose weight? This is where the majority of us who want to lose weight hope to read something magically simple. You have come to the right place. Earlier this month a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released some surprisingly simple findings: the cornerstone of the findings, Recommendation No. 1, is to faithfully and religiously keep a food journal. That alone leads journalists to lose about 6 more pounds than non-journalists. Two more basic findings: do not skip meals, and avoid eating out for lunch. Meal skippers lost 8 fewer pounds than those who did not; eating out for lunch at least once a week meant losing 5 less pounds than those who averaged eating out less than once a week. A food journal can be kept in any format convenient to the user (it must be with you at all times), but the key is to honestly and meticulously record every single thing you eat. Throw is as many details as possible: portion size, fried versus broiled, dressing on

the side versus on the food, etc. As a foundation principle of weight loss, a journal makes obvious sense: how can we make changes in our eating habits when we’re not really aware of our eating habits? In addition, a faithful and honest journal keeper will regularly avoid some foods just to avoid having to record them in their journal. Sounds like a win-win. Stand up for life Literally. A Louisiana study released this week reports that sitting may lower life expectancy. Specifically, sitting less than three hours per day could add years (two or more) to a person’s lifespan. The more sedentary one’s lifestyle, the shorter one’s lifespan. Similarly, watching television less than two hours per day is associated with a life expectancy increase of about 1.38 years, on average, says the same study. Of course, standing for prolonged periods has its own

set of associated problems, from hip, foot and knee problems to varicose veins. The news about sitting may sound like a bum rap for cubicle dwellers, doomed to a life of sitting the majority of every 8hour day. When you think about it, though, who says a person needs to remain seated to make or take a phone call? That habit alone, when possible, could help counteract the negative effects of sedentary living. One point to keep in mind: someone might think, “I’m forty years old, and I’m supposed to stand up so I’ll die at age 78 instead of 76? I’ll take my chances, thank you.” That is missing the point, which is: trying to avoid whatever causes death two years early. Whatever that might be — heart disease, obesity, vascular issues — will not make its first appearance at age 76. It will be a problem for years beforehand — and a problem that we might be able to avoid. +

+ 12

JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE EXAMiNERS

THE MYSTERY WORD

Oh my heavens!

What?

by Dan Pearson

This headline: That is not possible. “Masters cited for There must be some uncut grass.” mistake.

What’s next, pigs flying?

Bobby Jones must be spinning in his grave.

The Mystery Word for this issue: MATCHOS

tion a c a v n o s i Word y r e t s y M e Th

Simply unscramble the letters, then begin exploring our ads. When you find the correctly spelled word hidden in one of our ads — enter at AugustaRx.com

EXAMINER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

All Mystery Word finders will be eligible to win by random drawing. We’ll announce the winner in our next issue!

VISIT WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM TO ENTER! 1

Click on “Reader Contests”

QUOTATION PUZZLE

20 21 22 23 ACROSS 1. River keeper? 24 25 26 27 6. Capital of Western Samoa 28 29 30 31 32 33 10. Modify 14. Enhance 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 15. Ventilates 41 42 43 16. Off-Broadway theater award 44 45 46 17. Pertaining to birth 47 48 49 50 18. Emmett, 1955 Mississippi murder victim 51 52 53 54 55 19. Conclusion 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 20. Vomit 22. No in Scotland 64 65 66 67 23. State 68 69 70 24. State in Western India 26. Sizzlin’ intro of yore 71 72 73 28. Andromeda Strain author 33. Lamar penthouse architect by Daniel R. Pearson © 2012 All rights reserved. Built in part with software from www.crauswords.com Solution p. 14 34. Capital City of Morocco 29. Hindu music 71. New Age singer 35. Type of gun 30. Large wading bird 72. “Internal” prefix 37. Containing iodine 31. Most populous US state 73. Groups of animals 41. Anything but clumsy 32. Mother-in-law of Ruth 42. Additionally 36. Copenhaver’s full-term DOWN 43. Type of drum predecessor 1. Quiet side road 44. Amazon _____ 38. Fresh-water fish 2. Cheese coated with red wax 45. Atomic Mass Unit (abbrev) 39. Type of lung 3. Show of hands 46. Bibb County seat 40. 1% of a dollar 4. Periods of history 47. US Federal Reserve, in 48. Enlarge 5. Educated; broad-minded short (with “the”) 50. Doleful 6. Toward the stern 49. Rude and arrogant 51. Room 7. Suffering 51. Of the conjunction of 52. Republic in S Arabia 8. Relative by marriage celestial bodies 53. Destitute 9. Dead to the world 55. A judge’s order 54. Punctuation before a list 10. Type of rehab 56. _____ group 58. Musical group 11. Overhead 57. Hit or throw in a high arc 60. Small island 12. Addition, as to a policy or 59. GHSU’s Dental Dean 61. Celebrity document 64. _____ Corner 62. “You is ____” (The Help) 13. Long 65. Having wings 63. Minerals 21. Drunkard 67. Up and about 66. _____ Speedwagon 25. Main artery 68. Basic monetary unit of 27. Instrument for measuring Ghana earthquakes 69. Deaf lead-in 28. Crustacean 70. Flat surface

A N E L T F N Y A F — Mark Twain

DIRECTIONS: Recreate a timeless nugget of wisdom by using the letters in each vertical column to fill the boxes above. Once any letter is used, cross it out in the lower half of the puzzle. Letters may be used only once. Black squares indicate spaces between words, and words may extend onto a second line. Solution on page 14.

X A M I N E R

7 2 9 4

4 9

3 8 8 9 5 1

5 7 2 9 3 3 8 6 9 8 2 4 9 6

U D O K U

DIRECTIONS: Every line, vertical and horizontal, and all nine 9-square boxes must each contain the numbers 1 though 9. Solution on page 14.

Use the letters provided at bottom to create words to solve the puzzle. All the listed letters following 1 are the 1st letters of each word; the letters following 2 are 2nd letters of each word, and so on. Try solving words with letter clues and entering unique and minimal choice numbers (such as 5 thru 8 in this puzzle). A sample is shown. Solution on page 14.

F 1 2

1 2 3

1 2

O 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4

1 2

T 1

F 1 2 3

V 1 2 3 4 5

— Mel Brooks

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1.FIGGHHUUWTTW 2.AAFLOOOIEISS 3.CUVYNDV 4.KLEET 5.ENED 6.TD 7.S

SAMPLE:

1. ILB 2. SLO 3. VI 4. NE 5. D =

L 1

O 2

V 3

E 4

I 1

S 2

B 1

L 2

I 3

N 4

D 5

WORDS NUMBER

O O N D H T H C H M L O R T H E O C A E E G R T O E E L V M A T O I P

JULY 20, 2012

Food fight!

The Patient’s Perspective

Salvation Army for its many programs and Soup On July 21 the Evans Lions Club will be challenging The Salvation Army to a county line Kitchen. All food collected in Columbia County will go to Columbia County Cares Food Pantry “food fight” for hunger in the CSRA. It will be and New Hope/First Baptist Church Bridge Richmond County vs. Columbia County – Lions Ministries. Club vs. The Salvation Army. Local police and Sponsors of the event include Kroger firefighters from both counties will be on hand Company, Evans Crossing, The Alison Group, as well as other church and scouting groups as Allegra Printing and Imaging, Dominoes, Chick we pull together as a community to show We Fil A, Krispy Kreme, Subway and The Pepsi Care. The food fight is sponsored by Kroger in Bottling Company. In the event of rain, we will Evans Crossing and National Hills. be by the doors of both Kroger’s and will Donations will be accepted from go by weight to declare the “winner” and 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at which time JULY give out bragging rights. + we will announce the “winner” of SATURDAY the food fight. There will be two Susanne Beeland winning categories: 1) Total weight of Vice President food collected and 2) height of food Evans Lions Club pyramid built. All food collected in evanslionsclub@yahoo.com Richmond County will go to The

Who: What:

CSRA Parkinson Support Group Exceptional program! Dr. Cole Giller, Director of Functional and Stereotactic Surgery at GHSU (formally MCG) will be the special speaker. His focus will be on deep brain stimulation as a surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain information and ask questions.

JULY

When:

Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at 6:00 pm

Where:

St. John Towers Dining Room, 724 Greene Street Augusta, GA

TUESDAY

Contact: Eva Erwin (706) 364-1662

Back to school immunization dates

Columbia County Health Department Back to School Immunization Walk-In Clinic Dates Location:

Dates: Time:

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Columbia County Health Department 1930 William Few Parkway Grovetown, GA 30813 706 868-3330 July 30, 2012 and August 1-7, 2012 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Requirements for School 4-6 Years: DTAP • Hepatitis B Polio • MMR Varicella • PCV13-booster Hepatitis A Requirements for School K4 & K5: Hearing, Vision and Dental Screening

JULY SATURDAY

Students transferring to Georgia from another state must meet vaccine requirements for attending facilities and schools in Georgia. Parent(s) must bring the child’s immunization record to the health department or doctor’s office to be evaluated for vaccine

requirements. If you are new to our clinics, it is helpful to drop a copy of your child’s immunization records by prior to your visit so we may enter them in the state computer system. This allows us to better serve you in a timely manner. +

by Marcia Ribble

nother V-Nus closure has been completed, and did I learn anything new

from it? Well, yes, about that monstrosity they call a hospital “gown,” which is only gown-like if one stretches the imagination, a lot! So they put me in this little room and they hand me a hospital gown with instructions to take everything off and put on the gown with it open in back. Note that the only furniture in the room has black plastic seats and there is no covering between my soon to be naked behind and the plastic. Hey, it brings to mind all the crazy images of hotel room furniture covers and freaky things that may have happened thereon. Fairly yucky to imagine! I know medical personnel are accustomed to bare butts and etc., but c’mon, how about a towel for the seat. For my seat? I took off the aforementioned clothes. I am now sitting bare butted on black plastic, faced with a quandary. With arthritis in my shoulders, reaching behind me to tie the ties on the gown is not going to happen. So I kind of hang it from my shoulders, from which it instantly begins to slip, usually both sides at once. Or at least that is what has always happened in the past. They come in to take me to the operating room, and my gown is falling off my shoulders and my butt is hanging out the back, so any pretense of modesty is just that. I might for all the world, be meandering around in the altogether like a two year old who likes taking her clothes off. But inspiration struck. If I merely turned the gown around and pre-tied the tie before putting the gown on, there was a possibility that once on, the gown would stay on. So I tied the gown and slipped it on over my head and it worked. No more falling off gown, and the anesthetist

Talk is cheap. Not talking can be deadly.

untied it once I was on the table so I wouldn’t strangle myself with it. I am 68 and being nude isn’t all that big an issue for me, mostly because I can’t imagine anyone being in the slightest interested in my body, clothed or unclothed. But I do mind discomfort, and having a hospital gown half on and half off is uncomfortable. At a time when we need to relax as much as possible just before a surgical procedure, it is entirely justifiable to at least attempt to ensure that small courtesies like a towel to protect our backsides from black plastic seats, or instructions to pre-tie the gown before trying to put it on are available to reduce the patient’s level of stress enough to make a difference for him or her. Reduced stress not only helps the patient feel more comfortable, but it can also lower our blood pressure and make our bodies more responsive to anesthesia so not as much is required as it would be if we were in a state of high anxiety. Not an earth-shattering discovery by any means, but one I am glad to have discovered. + Marcia Ribble received her PhD in English at Michigan State and recently retired from the University of Cincinnati where she taught composition. She taught writing at the college level and loves giving voice to people who have been silenced. She can be reached with comments, suggestions, etc., at marciaribble@hotmail.com.

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JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE MYSTERY SOLVED The Mystery Word in our last issue was: STOMACH

...carefully hidden (on the skeeter) in the page 7 ad for JURY PEST CONTROL Congratulations to Jeffrey Burns, who scores a $20 Wild Wing Cafe gift certificate, two free movie passes courtesy of Health Center Credit Union, a free Top Notch Car Wash gift card, and anything else we may be able to scrape together on short notice. Win this stuff! The new Mystery Word is on p. 12. Start looking!

The Celebrated MYSTERY WORD CONTEST ...wherein we hide (with fiendish cleverness) a simple word. All you have to do is unscramble the word (found on page 12), then be the first to find it concealed within one of our ads. Click in to the contest link at www.AugustaRx.com and enter. If we pick you in our random drawing of correct entries you’ll score our goodie package: gift certificates from Wild Wing Cafe, Top Notch Car Wash, Cheddar’s, and movie passes from Health Center Credit Union! SEVEN SIMPLE RULES: 1. Unscramble and find the designated word hidden within one of the ads in this issue. 2. Visit the Reader Contests page at www.AugustaRx.com. 3. Tell us what you found and where you found it. 4. If you’re right and you’re the one we pick at random, you win. (WInners within the past six months are ineligible.) 5. Prizes awarded to winners may vary from issue to issue. 6. A photo ID may be required to claim some prizes. 7. Other entrants may win a lesser prize at the sole discretion of the publisher.

The new scrambled Mystery Word is found on page 12

EXAMINER CLASSIFIEDS and Internet service. Please contact 706589-0238 ask for May.

HOMES, APARTMENTS, ROOMMATES, LAND, ETC. FOR SALE Brand new contemporary townhome/end unit in The Vista on Hwy 1, minutes from MCG. 1450 sqft. Two bdrm, two baths, office. Walk-in closets, lots of upgrades. Hardwood throughout, custom tiled kitchen/bathrooms. Floor to ceiling windows, pristine condition. Ready today. $125K - OBO. 803-5078991. WEST AUGUSTA Two bedroom townhome, quiet & clean units close to ASU, GHSU and hospitals. $645/mo. Call 706951-3598. 11112

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HOUSE FOR SALE 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, 2-car garage. Off Dyess Pkwy near Ft. Gordon. $99,900. Call 706-3395548 or 706-210-4334 TOWNHOME large furnished room (dresser, bed, night stand, linens) for rent with private bathroom in convenient and very nice neighborhood near Doctors Hosp. $445 a month includes utilities

TOWNHOME Great location, everything new, 2 master suites, sunroom, all appliances. $98,000 (706) 504-4023 HOMESBYOWNER.COM Sell • Buy • Rentals • 706.564.5885 WEST AUGUSTA Luxury 3 BR / 2 BA Townhouse, 1-car attached garage located off Pleasant Home Road $725 /mo 706-228-4655 TOWNHOME 3 bedroom, 3 full bath townhome. 2 master suites, like new, end unit with extra parking, single garage, covered patio, $125,000. 706-799-0394

SERVICES HOME HEALTH CHECK-UP Biological and chemical contamination will make you sick. Help your doctor! We Cure Sick Homes. 706-772-9898 www.commandonow.com LYNN’S CLEANING SERVICE over 20 years experience in the CSRA with an eye for detail. Call 706.833.2658 or email lynn_dubose@hotmail.com 1612

BIBLE BY PHONE - Free daily Bible readings; for Spiritual Encouragement and Growth. Call 706-855-WORD (9673)

PERSONAL TRAINER Certified by United States Sports Academy in Science of Bodybuilding and Strength Training for Athletes. Significant improvements for all sports at all ages. Natural techniques for relief of all common sports-related injuries employing positioning and myofascial release. Rapid recovery and strength gains. One free session to 1st 10 applicants. E-mail Hme3065805@aol.com or call 803-257-5421

THE PUZZLE SOLVED

USE THE FORM BELOW AND MAIL IT IN, OR GO TO WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM AND PLACE & PAY CONVENIENTLY AND SAFELY ONLINE. THANKS!

(OURS IS COFFEE)

E M

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NOTICE! ATTENTION! If any current or past employer has failed to pay you min. wage or time and a half overtime pay, you may be entitled to an order from US Federal Court awarding you twice the amount of your unpaid wages plus atty. fees. For info, call Arthur H. Shealy, Attorney at Law, 803-278-5149, 1010 Plantation Rd, North Augusta SC 29841. You may be entitled to a similar award for unpaid wages if your employer required you to perform duties during your lunch hour, before clocking in, or after clocking out. LAWN SERVICE Commercial, residential. Call Vince: (704) 490-1005

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JULY 20, 2012

15 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE BEST MEDICINE ha... ha...

A DEA officer stopped at a ranch in Texas and talked with an old rancher. He told the rancher, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.” The rancher said, “Okay, but don’t go in that field over there” as he pointed out the location. The DEA officer verbally exploded saying, “ Mister, I will go wherever I

choose to go. I have the authority of the Federal Government with me !” Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher. “See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish on any land!! Anywhere!! No questions asked or answers given!! Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?” The rancher nodded politely, apologized, and went about his chores. A short time later, the old

rancher heard loud screams, looked up, and saw the DEA officer running for his life, being chased by the rancher’s huge Santa Gertrudis bull. With every step the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it seemed likely that he’d surely be gored before he reached safety. The officer was clearly terrified. The rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs: “Your badge! Show him your BADGE!!! +

THERE IS NO “U” IN MEDICAL EXAMINER.

Enjoy a relaxing and refreshing break every Wednesday at the Medical Examiner’s blog site. Just visit www.AugustaRx.com/news and look for the Hump Day Hiatus.

AND IF YOUR AD ISN’T ON THESE PAGES, THERE IS NO “YOU” EITHER. LET’S FIX THAT. GIVE US A CALL TODAY! 706.860.5455

Thank you for your all-important support of our advertisers! M E D I C A L S E RV I C E S D I R E C T O RY Knob

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Evans, South, Crossroads, Central and North Augusta offices open 8:30 am-8:00 pm Monday thru Thursday and 8:30 am-5:00 pm Friday Aiken office hours: 8:30 am-8:00 pm Mon & Tue and 8:30 am-5:00 pm Wed thru Fri CPC-Crossroads open weekends for CPC patients with acute care needs. Please call ahead.

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+ 16

JULY 20, 2012

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Exercise aids recovery for cancer patients If you’re battling cancer, you may be physically and emotionally drained. However, if you can include exercise in your weekly schedule, you are more likely to experience improvements in everyday function and overall quality of life. This is contrary to the long-held belief that cancer patients should rest and avoid strenuous activity. Medical experts with the American College of Sports Medicine released new information last month demonstrating that belief to be outdated. Exercise has a multitude of benefits for everyone. But just how much exercise is necessary to achieve positive results? The current standard is at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. You can do that by exercising for one-half hour for at least five days, or longer periods over a few days. If your weekends are the only time you can fit in exercise, then try to put in at least two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity on Saturday or Sunday, or that much combined

over the two days. “Moderate” intensity activity is best defined as participating in events that put your heart at 60 to 80 percent of its maximum rate for the duration of the activity. A good way to test the intensity is the talking/no singing method. You should be able to talk during the exercise but too winded to sing. That’s the healthy place to be. Most of the activities suggested for cancer patients are the same as those for healthy adults. Here are some of them: 1. Walking Your pace should be brisk, which is approximately three miles per hour, to get the most benefit from walking. 2. Cycling Leisure bike riding can be enjoyable and physically rewarding. Or, if you prefer, take a spin on your roller skates or rollerblades. 3. Calisthenics Whether you are working out with your game system’s fitness routines or following along with your favorite trainer via DVD, aerobic activities that include sit-ups, jumping jacks, arm raises and leg lifts are appropriate wellness activities. 4. Swimming Slow swimming is recommended. Swimming has additional benefits to the joints and bones because of the added support and buoyancy your body receives while exercising in the water. 5. Gardening or yard work Weather permitting, activities such as raking, mowing the lawn with a push mower, pulling weeds or planting flowers are productive ways to

have a healthy landscape and a more healthy body. 6. Golf You can get some of your 150 minutes of exercise while golfing, provided you ditch the cart and walk the course through the entire round. All oncology patients are advised to be active, even those who are undergoing difficult treatments. Activities

can be done on the “good days” of the battle. Exercise recommendations should be tailored to each patient. For example, a patient with weak bones should be advised against heavy weight-lifting to avoid fractures. Many cancer patients, especially breast cancer survivors, say they have experienced improved body

image when they followed a regular activity routine. Exercise is proving to be an integral factor in the recovery process for cancer patients because it improves aerobic fitness, decreases fatigue and increases strength. Talk to your doctor about what kind of regimen is best for you. + — source: GHSU Sports Medicine

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THIS MONTH THE MEDICAL EXAMINER IS CELEBRATING OUR 6TH ANNIVERSARY THANK YOU TO ALL OUR READERS & ADVERTISERS FOR MAKING THIS NEWSPAPER POSSIBLE.