Apr3 15 by Daniel Pearson

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AUGUSTA

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AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED IN 2006

I am a speeder B

reaking speed limit laws is supposedly the most common illegal activity there is: everybody does it. Like you, I am one of those lawbreakers. But I seem to be the slowest speeder on the roads. On I-20, for instance, I routinely set my cruise control for 60 mph, maybe 62 tops. At that speed it is a rare day, indeed, when I pass even a single motorist in my normal 5 miles of interstate driving through the heart of Augusta. Virtually every vehicle on the road passes me, many of them like I was parked. The fly-bys include many drivers talking on their cell phones, sports cars and old jalopies, semis, dump trucks, cement trucks, tow trucks (some towing cars), motorhomes and motorcycles. The same thing also happens to me on Riverwatch Parkway. I wondered how much time I’m wasting by being the slowest speeder on the road. And how much time the super-speeders are gaining by risking traffic citations and accidents. I took a common stretch of I-20 driven by many as a test case. As measured by Google Maps, it’s 11.8 miles from the Grovetown Gateway exit to the Riverwatch exit. The first 6.5 miles are posted at 65 mph; for the last 5.3 miles, beginning near Wheeler Road, the speed limit is 55 mph. Driving the entire stretch at 65 mph, as everyone (except me) seems to do, will take 10.89 minutes (using the formula Time = Distance/ Speed). Slowing down to 55 where directed will extend the total elapsed trip time to 11.78 minutes. Do not adjust your Medical Examiner. Ignoring the speed limit and driving 65 all the way will save you less than a minute. Another example: let’s say you have a 10-mile commute that is posted at 45 mph the entire route, but you usually push it to 55 the whole way. At the speed limit, that trip will take you 13.3 minutes. At 55 it will take 11 minutes. Congratulations. You may have risked your life to do it, but you just saved 2 minutes and 20 seconds. To put it another way, if you left five minutes earlier you could drive the speed limit the whole way and still arrrive with an extra 2 minutes and 40 seconds to spare.

APRIL 3, 2015

Reducing Strokes

Why it matters Ask a hundred motorists if driving 100 mph is dangerous and foolish. All one hundred will probably answer yes. Now ask the same hundred drivers if exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph is dangerous and foolish. Maybe this time all one hundred will answer no. But consider the facts in this scenario: Someone steps into a pedestrian crosswalk in front of you as you’re driving along at 30 mph. If you apply your brakes when Please see SPEED page 2

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

SPEED… from page 1 the crosswalk is 45 feet away, you’ll be able to stop in time. But if you’re going just 5 mph faster when you apply your brakes 45 feet from the crosswalk, you’ll need 61 feet to stop. You’ll still be going approximately 18 mph when you enter the crosswalk, and you won’t be able to stop until you’re 16 feet past it. You can only hope the pedestrian is spry and agile and alert. Otherwise you could be looking at a conscience scarred for life, not to mention a significant prison sentence. Most of us assume that braking distance increases in the same way speed does: double your speed, double your braking distance. It would seem logical. Instead, braking distances can as much as quadruple. The braking distance at 30 mph, for instance, is 45 feet. At 60 mph it’s 180 feet. Reaction time or “thinking” distance must also be added. On average, that equals speed: at 30 mph the reaction time is 30 feet; at 50 mph it’s about 50 feet. So the total stopping distance required at 30 mph is 75 feet. It’s no surprise that significant numbers of highway accidents and fatalities are speed related. The 2011 US Census reported that for 2008, the latest year for which data was then available, of 920 total traffic fatalities in South Carolina, 351 of them were speeding-related. That’s more than 38 percent of all fatalities. Although Georgia’s speed kills percentage is only a shade over 20 percent, the national average is 31 percent.

Double your speed, double your braking distance? Not even close.

Illogical behaviors When we’re late for an appointment or impatient in traffic, even the best of us can lapse into bad driving habits. Now that you’ve read this, your brain can tell you it knows that by speeding you might arrive a mere 60 seconds sooner, but you’re in charge of telling that to the foot pressing on the gas pedal. You know for an absolute fact that someone tailgating you has never caused you to speed up, yet when you’re late you think tailgating the slowpoke ahead of you will convince him to. Enough of that. You can’t let your brain be overruled. You have to take a deep breath and face the reality that neither speeding nor tailgating will make any appreciable difference in your arrival time. That goes for hitting red lights, too. The next time you’re driving like I do (speeding slowly) and you get caught by a red light at the last second, you’ll tell yourself you would have made the green if you’d been speeding. But you’ll forget to commend yourself for sailing through the next green that would still have been red had you been speeding. And it’s almost guaranteed that as you drive safely and sanely and legally, you will not mentally add up the cost of traffic tickets, traffic accidents, and higher insurance rates that you avoided by slowing down You will not tabulate the hours of wasted time you would have spent talking to police officers who pull you over, the hours spent with tow truck drivers and body shops and car rental agencies and traffic court judges. You won’t add up the lives you’ve saved from injury, disability, or even death. But oddly enough, you might calculate the incalculable: you quite likely will noticed the reduced stress and anxiety you enjoy since you gave up the lead foot, white-knuckle style of driving. You might savor the sweet feeling of seeing a radar-wielding officer at the side of the road ahead and not have to slam on your brakes or check your rear-view mirror repeatedly after you pass him. And it’s always gratifying to see the speed demon streak past you in a blinding blur, and then a minute later to serenely roll up beside him at the next traffic light. In summary, remember: speed kills. But not always. Sometimes it just hurts really, really bad for a long, long time. And that can be even worse. + — by Dan Pearson

APRIL 3, 2015

Every stroke counts A

t last year’s Masters Tournament, the monetary difference between first and second place was $828,000.00. That’s how much a single stroke can cost. Of course, that’s just golf. Having a stroke of the non-golf, non-tournament variety can be infinitely more costly. National Stroke Awareness Month doesn’t roll around until May, but in Augusta we observe stroke awareness during the first full week of April for obvious reasons.

The ABCs of FAST The Medical Examiner recently conducted a small informal Man On The Street survey and discovered that many of us can’t quite describe what a stroke actually is. In short, it’s a brain attack. In not-so-short, a stroke happens when part of the brain doesn’t get its normal and constant supply of fuel — oxygen — and as a result brain cells die. Why would brain cells suddenly be refused service? Two reasons. Most strokes happen when blood vessels to and in the brain become narrowed or clogged by plaque or clots, cutting off or severely restricting blood flow downstream. Strokes like that are called ischemic (ih-skee-mik) strokes, and they’re responsible for close to 90 percent of all strokes. The rest are hemorrhagic strokes, caused when a blood vessel in or near the brain ruptures. Not only does such an event interrupt blood flow to a portion of the brain, but brain swelling can occur that affects the brain as a whole. Strokes cause signs and symptoms that are often summarized as FAST: F - Face drooping on one side A - Arm weakness, usually on one side S - Speech difficulty: slurred or nonsensical T - Time to call 9-1-1 in a hurry There can also be dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, sudden severe headaches, confusion or difficulty understanding simple directions and trouble seeing from one or both eyes. Fast stats These are not rare events, unfortunately. About 800,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Stroke kills more than 130,000 people a year, about 1 in every 20 deaths, making it a leading cause of death and long term disability. On average, every 4 minutes someone dies of stroke in the US — and

Counties marked in the darkest purple have the highest stroke death rates. As you can see, the southeastern US doesn’t look good. sadder still, the southeastern United States has the nation’s highest death rate from stroke. About 40 percent of stroke deaths occur in males, and 60 percent in females. The 2006 stroke death rates per 100,000 population for specific groups were 41.7 for white males, 41.1 for white females, 67.7 for black males and 57.0 for black females. Once you’ve had a stroke the odds are much higher that you’ll have a subsequent stroke or strokes. According to the medical journal Lancet, only about half of people who suffer a stroke survive a full year afterward. Avoiding strokes This would be a great place to insert a lame joke about keeping your head down and your knees bent, but as you just read in the preceding paragraphs, strokes are serious business. What’s an extra stroke on the golf course? A couple hundred thousand dollars lost? The stroke we’re talking about can cause the loss of far more, and is much more important to avoid. The major risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and high blood cholesterol. Although those main risk factors are all preventable, almost half of all Americans have at least one of them, according to the CDC. Simply put, the best stroke prevention tip is to live a healthy lifestyle. Details? Sure: get regular exercise; control your weight; treat high blood pressure; know and control your cholesterol; quit smoking; eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and fiber and not plenty of sodium, cholesterol, fats and trans fats and limited alcohol. When a stroke happens, time is of the essence. Call 9-1-1 for help immediately. +

APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

SEE PAGE SIX

What’s your story?

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, bylined or anonymous. We’ll publish your encounters with the medical profession as often as we receive them. +

Everything you need.

AUGUSTA

One family of providers.

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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The Medical Examiner’s mission: to provide information on topics of health and wellness of interest to general readers, to offer information to assist readers in wisely choosing their healthcare providers, and to serve as a central source of news within every part of the Augusta medical community. Submit editorial content to graphicadv@knology.net Direct editorial and advertising inquiries to: Daniel R. Pearson, Publisher & Editor E-mail: Dan@AugustaRx.com Augusta Medical Examiner photography: H + D Photography www.handdphoto.com AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER P.O. Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903-0397

(706) 860-5455 www.AugustaRx.com • E-mail: graphicadv@knology.net Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and their respective institutions. Neither the Augusta Medical Examiner, Pearson Graphic 365 Inc., or its agents or employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information, which is presented for informational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. © 2015 PEARSON GRAPHIC 365 INC.

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

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WHAT IS RIGHT VERSUS WHAT IS ETHICAL

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he media hype over how many are signing up for the Affordable Care Act is just that. What isn’t being addressed is the working poor who can’t afford private coverage and don’t qualify for assistance under the ACA from the state (Georgia is one of the few states who refused to extend Medicaid to accommodate the ACA). They can’t afford the monthly premiums and if they could, they will not benefit from coverage unless they have a catastrophic illness. Their deductible starts at $6,300. Today, if you don’t have insurance, physicians are not obligated to treat you and often won’t. Harsh, but it’s the way of current health care. However, it depends on the physician. Here’s case in point: A man who works but can’t afford private insurance and doesn’t qualify for assistance under the ACA prepares for the possibility of a healthcare emergency by having two credit cards with zero balances. The unthinkable happens and he needs emergency surgery requiring two different surgeons. Surgeon One wants

all fees paid up front and in full. Surgeon Two is willing to work with him and even performs a procedure at no charge. Both of the man’s credit cards become maxed out. He owes Surgeon Two a small amount of money and with the doctor’s approval makes monthly payments. The man still needs some follow-up care from Surgeon One, but hits a wall when he must be seen in the middle of the month and his budget makes that impossible. Surgeon One is reluctant to see him without payment up front, but agrees if the patient will sign an agreement that he will pay $25 a month for the procedure he needs. He is punctual about making the payments and owes less

than $100 when a blood clot develops. Surgeon One now wants the cost of the office visit, testing he believes is needed, and the balance still owed from the written agreement all paid in full before he will see the patient. This comes after five months of the man’s making payments on his credit card balance, so he has just enough wiggle room to pay. He now has a zero balance with Surgeon One. Surgeon One doesn’t legally owe this man anything, has a right to be paid, and should be. He knows the man doesn’t have other outstanding debt, has paid in full and is working. Surgeon One, in fact, has violated their written agreement for the outstanding balance by demanding he pay it in full or not be treated for the blood clot. The man shows up for his follow-up appointment believing he carries no balance on his account but is told he owes $279 although he received no bill in the month that ensued. When he explains that he budgeted only for this important visit to check the status of the blood clot, Surgeon One tells his front office staff to send the man home. What is wrong with this picture? + NOTE: Paying out of pocket for his medical care, the man in this story paid less than if he had coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

MYTH OF THE MONTH

A base tan offers protection from sunburn and skin damage

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The premise goes like this: next week you’re heading to Daytona for spring break and your skin right now is roughly the same color as mayonnaise. Rather than burn on the beach, the idea is to pre-tan in a tanning bed. With a partial tan in place, you’ll be less likely to get a sunburn on the beach. Your first clue should be the title of this column: Myth of the Month. Yes, this is yet another fable. Why? Recommendations for skin protection from the sun generally suggest using a sunscreen with an SPF (for sun protection factor) of at least 15. That rating means the skin of someone using an SPF 15 suncreen will take 15 times longer to redden than

without the sunscreen. What does this have to do with tanning beds? A decent tan from a salon will provide an SPF of from 1 to 4, say dermatological studies. That’s not nearly enough protection against the sun’s powerful rays. Tanning, whether in the sun or in a salon, dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer. However, there is a safe alternative to mayonnaise skin: spray-on tans and sunless tanning lotions. + — by F. E. Gilliard, MD, Family Medicine 639 13th St Augusta, GA 30901 706-823-5052

APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW res?

ABOUT LIVING LONG

k good eno r skin can ugh cer? son.” o

preacher once inquired of his congregation, “Everybody who wants to go to Heaven, raise your right hand now!” Almost in unison, every right hand the church went up...except one. The preacher looked down at the semiwayward brother and said in a condescending voice dripping with exasperation, “Brother John, you don’t want to go to Heaven?” Brother John glanced around quickly sheepishly and said, “Sure, Preacher, but I thought you were getting up a load to go right now.” Most of us are like that. Regardless of our religious convictions, many of us have doubts about our future. After all, death is a normal part of life. We all have to do it sometime. But I don’t want to do it today. Most likely neither do you. So with that in mind, let us do some preplanning to put off that eventuality. Here are a few things that can increase your longevity. Never exceed the speed limit. That decreases your likelihood of being in a traffic fatality by more than 50 percent. If your vision is questionable or your reaction time is worn down by age, let a younger k

person drive. Riding shotgun is not a bad thing. It leaves both hands free to do text messaging or devote full time to back seat driving. Wear seat belts. It is the law, and it is smart. Maintain normal cholesterol and lipid levels by consuming a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. That decreases heart attack and stroke risks. Take a baby aspirin each day. That will decrease your chance of having a stroke or heart attack by approximately 25 percent. Take a multivitamin each day just in case you didn’t eat a balanced diet. We do not store vitamin B12 efficiently and need to replenish it daily. Overcooking vegetables destroys many of their inherent vitamins. Walking a mile each day is an exercise program. It improves your cardiovascular circulation and clears your mind. It does not cost very much. Exercise briskly 3 to 4 times a week for one hour. This decreases strokes and heart attacks while increasing your quality of life. Never become a pack-aday tobacco smoker. Being a non-smoker extends your life 5 years acompared to smokers. And you are less

t s e B likely to spend the last 2 years of your life lugging around an oxygen tank while you slowly smother to death from COPD. Do not be in a closed space with the smoker. That includes cars, homes and buildings. Secondhand smoke is very damaging to your health. Avoid (or greatly limit) your consumption of alcohol. That will decrease your chance of being in a motor vehicle accident and prevent you from getting a DUI. If you do consume alcohol, limit your intake to 6 ounces of red wine daily. Red wine contains antioxidants. Few things are dumber than drinking shots of whiskey the way cowboys do in Western movies. When driving at night on a divided-lane interstate, drive in the inside lane. Deer are more likely to be on the outside shoulders, and therefore on an inside lane you’re less likely to

NEW

This Month IN MEN’S HEALTH

F EA T UR

e n i c i d ME

hit a deer. Never take someone else’s prescription medicine. You should never self-medicate. Leave the practice of medicine to health professionals. Follow your doctor’s recommendations exactly. If you’re not going to do that, don’t waste his time, your time, or your money. Wear properly fitted shoes. The vascular circulation in the feet of older adults is frequently poor, particularly in diabetics. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters or ulcers of the feet and provide entrances for bacterial infections. (My father did not heed that advice. He developed cellulitis of the lower leg and eventually had his leg amputated surgically.) Be somewhere in bed each night at 11 o’clock to spend

the night. A high percentage of traffic fatalities occur after 11 PM. Grill or bake the meat in your diet. Fried foods tend to elevate your cholesterol and lipid levels. Chose fresh foods over processed foods. Fresh foods have lower sodium levels which is more desirable for sedentary lifestyles. Reduce the amount of sugar and high fructose corn syrup in your diet. They add extra calories you don’t need. Every time you consume 3500 calories more than you burn, you gain 1 pound of fat. 50 pounds overweight subtract 5 years from your life. Maybe these tips will help you live a little longer. And have a better quality of life, too. + 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 706-3069397

I’m glad you folks haven’t subscribed to the digital version of the Medical Examiner. We need the business!

Guys: let’s face it. We can sometimes be a little stubborn about going to the doctor. Or maybe “cautiously and judiciously reluctant.” Better? The solution — well, a partial solution — will be found right here in every 3rd Friday issue of the Medical Examiner. A real live doctor with real live answers. Right here. Tune in!

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APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

The Short White Coat A

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AugustaRx.com/news

llergy season is a big problem for me. The past 2 weeks have pretty much been the beginning of a severalmonth battle with pollen, and all I can say is that if I forget my Zyrtec in the morning, it’s a rough day for my co-workers who have to listen to my rapid-fire sneezes. I am not the only one who suffers from ill effects due to seasonal allergies, though, and for some people, such as those with asthma, allergy season can be really difficult. Asthma is a chronic disease that involves hyper-reactivity of the airways in response to irritants like pollen, dust, cold air, smoke, and other substances. Inhaling these irritants and allergens causes the airways of asthmatics to spasm, swell, and become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe and move air in and out of the lungs. Mucus builds up and the already constricted, inflamed airways are blocked even more. An asthma attack

is characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and overall discomfort. And in some cases, the sheer distress of an attack can exacerbate the symptoms, because as a person panics about not being able to breathe, the symptoms can seem worse, especially for young children. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be greatly controlled and attacks prevented with the employment of strategies to reduce exposure to triggers (such as pollen) and the regular use of medications designed to treat asthma. These medications are usually inhaled, and can be broadly organized into two groups – those for long-term control of symptoms, and those for rescue for acute asthma attacks. The medications can also be categorized into the two main groups: anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators. The anti-inflammatories help calm the airways by reducing the inflammation, swelling, and

A med student’s notebook mucus production. These include the medications Pulmicort, Symbicort, Flovent, and Advair. They are most important for long-term control and prevention of asthma attacks, and must be taken every day in order to be truly effective. Bronchodilators, such as Albuterol (Ventolin) and Xopenex, are medications that dilate or open up the airways to allow better air flow and movement. Albuterol, especially, is most important for use as a rescue inhaler when asthma attacks are already happening, and should not be used on a daily basis (in other words, in the absence

of attacks) because it is meant for only short-term relief. Symbicort and Advair are actually combination inhalers that contain both long-acting bronchodilators and antiinflammatories, and thus are especially useful medications. In conclusion, whatever medications someone with asthma has been prescribed, the best mode of action is to take them as prescribed. Many people use their inhalers only as often as they happen to remember or when they are feeling symptoms, and unfortunately this greatly limits their efficacy in asthma control and prevention of attacks. Every patient has a unique body and thus unique illness, so it is important to discuss asthma action plans with a physician so as to make sure treatments are tailored to each individual. + by Caroline Colden 4th-year medical student at MCG

WE’RE BEGGING YOU! We’re never too proud to beg. What we’re begging for is Medicine in the First Person stories. With your help, we’d like to make this a feature in every issue of the Medical Examiner. After all, everybody has a story of something health- or medicine-related, and lots of people have many stories. Send your interesting (or even semi-interesting) stories to the Medical Examiner, PO Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903 or e-mail to Dan@AugustaRx.com. Thanks!

“The cause was a mystery for a long time.” “And that’s when I fell.” nearest hospital “He doesn’t remember a thing.” “The was 30 miles away.” “I was a battlefield medic.” “He was just two when he died.”

“OUCH!”

“It was a terrible tragedy.” “She saved “I sure learned my lesson.” “I retired from medicine my life.” “It seemed like a miracle.” seven years ago.” “We had triplets.” “It was my first year “I thought, ‘Well, this is it’.” NOTHING SEEMED of medical school.” “They took me to the hospital by helicopter.” TO HELP, UNTIL. . “It took 48 stitches.”

ambulance crashed.” “Now THAT hurt!” “The “My leg was broken “I’m not supposed to be alive.”

“This was on my third day in Afghanistan.” in three places.” “I lost 23 pounds.” “Turned out it was just indigestion.” “At first I thought it was something I ate.” “The smoke detector woke me up.”

Everybody has a story. Tell us yours! Here’s our “No Rules Rules.” We’ll publish your name and city, or keep you anonymous. Your choice. Length? Up to you. Subject? It can be a monumental medical event or just a stubbed toe. It can make us laugh or make us cry. One thing we’re not interested in, however: please, no tirades against a certain doctor or hospital. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Southern Girl Eats Clean

Tex-Mex Chicken Pot Pies with Polenta

If you are into Tex-Mex food like I am, here is a delicious recipe for a clean and healthy chicken pot pie made with a polenta crust to top it off. Basically, the ingredients for this recipe are the same as for my Mexican Chicken Casserole minus the corn tortillas and the cheddar cheese. The sauce is a bit different too. For this recipe, I use my short-cut homemade enchilada sauce. Both of these recipes can be found on my blog. I just layer the chicken, beans, corn, black olives and enchilada sauce into four ramekins. I actually had enough ingredients to make an extra pot pie in a small oval baking dish also. The last layer before placing the polenta crust on top will be the enchilada sauce. I used an all-natural organic rotisserie chicken from the deli at Earth Fare to save time. The rotisserie chicken falls off the bone and shreds nicely, which is perfect for this recipe. Put this recipe in your meal plans this week! Ingredients: • 2-3 cups of cooked polenta (I used Bob’s Red Mill brand) • 2 cups of shredded all-natural/ organic chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken from Earth Fare) • 1 15 oz. can of pinto beans • 1 15 oz. can of sweet corn • 1 small can of black olives • 1 24 oz. jar of plain marinara sauce (I used Rao’s brand) • 1 15 oz. can of chopped tomatoes (I used Muir Glen brand) • 1 Tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil • 1/2 cup of yellow onion, finely chopped • 2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed • 1 4 oz. can of chopped green chilies • 1 tsp. of Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle Seasoning • 1/2 tsp. of smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper, less if you prefer • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped fine • 1 tsp. of garlic powder • Sea salt or Real Salt brand and cracked black pepper to taste Directions: • Shred the cooked chicken and set aside. • Rinse and drain the pinto beans, sweet corn and black olives

CITY CHIC AUGUSTA CONDOS

Tex-Mex Chicken Pot Pie with Polenta and set aside. • In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes. • Add the marinara sauce, chopped tomatoes, green chilies to the pan and stir well. • Stir in the chipotle seasoning, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper and reduce heat. • Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. • Using four small ramekins, spoon in a small amount of the tomato enchilada sauce into the bottom of each ramekin. • Layer chicken, pinto beans, corn and black olives until each ramekin is almost full. • Place another layer of enchilada sauce on top. This will be the last layer before you spoon on the polenta. • Once the ramekins are filled, cook the polenta on the stove top according to package directions. Bring 3 cups of water and 1/4 tsp. of salt to a boil. Whisk in 1 cup of polenta. Reduce heat and continue to stir with whisk.

• Add in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and garlic powder to the polenta. Cook approximately 4-5 minutes, watching closely so that it doesn’t stick. • Immediately spoon the polenta on top of each of the four ramekins. NOTE: It is possible that you will have enough ingredients left over so you can make a couple of extra pot pies. Use two to three more ramekins or a small baking dish. • Place the ramekins onto a sheet pan and place into the oven. Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until bubbly and the polenta is slightly browned. • Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly, 3-5 minutes • Serve with your choice of fresh avocado, pickled jalapenos or gluten free tortilla chips. +

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Alisa Rhinehart writes the blog www.southerngirleatsclean.com She is a working wife and mother living in Evans, Georgia. Visit her blog for more recipes and information on clean eating.

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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 • Eisenhower Hospital, Main Lobby, 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:

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.

VITAMIN K: MORE THAN A CLOTTING AGENT

itamin K has long been known to be present in leafy green vegetables. It provides a mechanism to correct blood that is too thin and won’t clot properly. Vitamin K is also present in vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Lower amounts may be found in some fish, liver and eggs, but leafy green vegetables are still our best source of Vitamin K. It is common knowledge that people on blood thinners should not eat a large quantity of these foods or vary their normal intake for fear of changing the thickness of their blood and how it clots. Obviously this could have disastrous consequences. Recent research has uncovered more information about Vitamin K, including subtypes. The original — phytonadione — is now listed as Vitamin K1. It is the most active form of vitamin K. Another subtype now available in the United States is Vitamin K2, or menaquinone. For some patients, Vitamin K2 can help treat osteoporosis and certain other bone loss conditions. This vitamin also may help lower cholesterol in dialysis patients. Getting back to the bone loss, the tried and true solution for bone loss is calcium. This is the basic building block of bones and your body uses vitamin D to help absorb calcium and rebuild your bones. Recent research has indicated that vitamin K2 is also part of this bone rebuilding process. Some studies of neck fractures indicated there was an extremely low level of vitamin K2. The typical Japanese diet is high in natto, a source of vitamin K2, and statistically, Japanese are at very low risk for bone fractures. This leads to the theory that more than calcium and vitamin D is involved. Dietary sources of K2 include

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fermented or aged cheeses, chicken and beef and liver, organ meats and fat. Deficiencies in vitamin K are rare but can occur, often diet-related, but especially in people with liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis. Another form of vitamin K deficiency is secondary deficiency caused by those on strict diets or those with an eating disorder. Some medicines can cause a deficiency as well, such as anticoagulants and salicylates. If the subject interests you, keep a check on the latest literature for more information on the various forms and uses of Vitamin K. The data on Vitamin K1 is pretty cut and dried at the present time. Vitamin K2 data is in an ever-changing state based on newer studies and information. There are currently a group of compounds that together make vitamin K2. Some are more potent than others and they differ from each other only by the length of a side chain off the main ring in the chemical structure. Talk to your favorite chemist for a detailed explanation of chemical structures. That could be an article unto itself. Be very careful and consult a pharmacist or doctor before starting or changing vitamin K of any type. The vitamins K1 and K2 that we discussed are safe in the correct amounts and under the right set of conditions, but that isn’t true of every variation on the Vitamin K theme. Vitamin K3 is not available over-the-counter in the U.S. due to toxic side effects depending on the dose. People who order drugs and supplements online could accidently end up with this form, so beware.

TR A

• Barney’s Pharmacy, 2604 Peach Orchard Rd. • Birth Control Source, 1944 Walton Way • GRU Summerville 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 • Parks Pharmacy, Georgia Avenue, North 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

APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Wrightsboro Road

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APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Ask a Dietitian NUTRITION FOR THE ATHLETE

by Pam Brisky, MS, RD, LD, CDE, CNSC Georgia Regents University Medical Center If you are an athlete or engage in regular strenuous exercise, it may surprise you to learn that your nutritional requirements are not much different from someone of the same gender and weight who is not athletic or regularly exercises. You both need the same variety of nutrients — protein, fat, carbohydrates and water — just differently. Here’s an overview. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates (“carbs”) are the most immediate and essential fuel for your muscles. Without enough carbs, your athletic performance will be seriously impacted. Athletes who “hit the wall” are glucose (circulating carbs) and glycogen (stored carbs) depleted. Your body can only store a certain amount of glycogen and then it must be replenished with food. Your carbohydrate needs will depend on the type of training you are doing. For light to moderate training, you need about 2 to 3 grams per pound of body weight; for high intensity training, you need 4.5 to 5.5 grams of carbs per pound of body weight daily. Protein Protein is needed to help build and repair muscle tissue, to aid in fluid balance, and to promote immune function. Protein needs of athletes are higher than the less active person. However, these needs can be easily met in the average diet and protein supplementation is not necessary. A common question

dietitans get is “How do I build muscle?” The most important thing for building muscle is the training stimulus from weights along with adequate calories. Enough overall calories, not just in the form of protein, are needed for your body to have the energy to increase your lean mass. A goal range for protein is 0.73 to 0.77 grams per pound of body weight per day. Fat Fat provides a necessary energy source (giving you more than twice the energy per gram of carbs), is essential for the absorption of some vitamins and insulates internal organs. Some athletes tend to restrict fat, especially when trying to lose weight. This can lead to nutritional imbalances, loss of skin tone and hair, nervous system disorders and increased mood swings. The recommendation for fat in the diet is 20% to 35% of total calories per day, with emphasis on healthier fats like fatty fish, nuts, nut oils, avocadoes, olives and canola oil. Fluids A major key to a successful workout is staying hydrated before, during and after. Fluid needs vary. You need to drink enough fluids so your urine is straw-colored or lighter. Drink 8 to 16 ounces before a workout. Drink throughout your workout. Replenish lost fluids after workouts – 16 to 24 ounces for every pound lost. A common question is whether you should drink water or a sports drink to rehydrate during exercise.

Sports drinks provide water along with electrolytes and carbohydrates, which are desirable to athletes who train at high intensity for greater than one hour. Exercising at high intensity or in the heat requires carbohydrates to sustain the activity and avoid fatigue. Getting carbohydrates through a sport drink is convenient. For these reasons, consuming a sports drink is fine for rehydration during training or competition. However, if you train at lower intensity or for shorter duration, water is sufficient for rehydration Supplements I get asked about supplements a lot. There are many products that promise everything. Many athletes and non-athletes believe that taking some type of supplement — from protein shakes touted to build muscle to the more controversial steroid-related products — will improve their workout. However, the best thing you can do to make sure you are meeting your energy demands is to eat enough carbs. If you do take a supplement, choose brands labeled with the NSF International, US Pharmacopeia, or Consumer Lab seal to ensure the product contains the ingredients stated on the label and no contaminants. In sports, there is always an emphasis on the importance of pre-workout warm-up, event endurance and post-workout cool-down. Your emphasis should not just be physical preparation, but fueling your body to meet those demands. Think of your physical workout as the stimulus to change and improve your body and your diet as the stimulus to allow that to happen. + Reference Clark, N. Sports Nutrition Guidebook. 5th ed. Champaign, IL; Human Kinetics; 2013.

Read the Examiner online at issuu.com/medicalexaminer or AugustaRx.com/news on issue dates

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HOPE Through Adversity by Helen Blocker-Adams

APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

PHYSICAL PAIN AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE

ust keep living baby... just keep on living.” My grandfather used to tell me that when I would ask him, “What does your pain feel like, granddad?” You see, he was struck by a car while walking along the side of the road near his house one evening. I remember it well because it was my first quarter in college at Georgia State University. I was taking final exams and my parents waited until after finals before they told me what happened. Every bone in his body was broken. He was in the hospital for months. Pain ravaged his body every minute of every day of his life from that awful day till the day he died, which was many years

later. Pain I simply couldn’t imagine. And not just in one part of his body but practically everywhere. Not only did he take pain medication daily, he learned to cope with the pain, didn’t complain much and maintained a decent lifestyle. I marveled at how he did it. Physical pain can be a monster. I realize there are many different levels of pain and probably too many to count. But I’m talking about any level of pain that significantly affects your physical and mental health. It’s pretty amazing how the two are so interrelated. Pain slows you down. It takes you off your A game. It forces you to make changes in your schedule, when you go to work, how long you stay, how you sleep, how you walk, how you stand and so much more. I’m learning for the first time in my life how to deal with physical pain. Yes, I recall stubbing and breaking my big toe on the

porch curb when we lived in Japan. I wore a cast for a couple of months. I did have major surgery about fifteen years ago and had to deal with pain over a period of eight weeks. I also vividly remember two years ago falling down brick steps in front of a local business and scraping my right leg to the bone. The pain was absolutely unbearable. Those instances of pain were expected because of something that occurred. But what about the horrible physical pain that just seems to pop up out of nowhere? One day you are feeling fine and you’ve done nothing different to justify waking up the next morning and almost falling out of bed because of the excruciating pain in your leg. That is the kind of pain I have recently experienced. Some of you may know what I am talking about. Perhaps it’s a sign of being 50+. Well, my granddad did warn me, didn’t he? These past few weeks have given me a whole

new appreciation for the term pain management. Healthline News writer Shawn Radcliffe says that areas of the brain that process physical pain shares real estate with emotional pain. You’ve probably heard the saying that pain is all in your head. I have to admit, it’s difficult to see someone’s physical pain if they don’t exhibit any visible signs of distress. But that doesn’t mean the pain isn’t there. Radcliffe goes on to say “pain can fuel negative emotions. Waking up each day with debilitating aches that won’t go away can lead to frustration, resentment, and stress. People with chronic pain — who number around 100 million in the U.S. — are also more likely to develop mood or anxiety disorders. At the same time, depressed patients have three times the risk of developing chronic pain. The result is a cycle that is difficult to break.” Pain does impact your

bottom line. I have a renewed respect and sense of empathy towards people who suffer from physical and/or chronic pain now that I have experienced it myself. Don’t get me wrong, I have always been sensitive, but it’s a little different now. Pain impacts your bottom line and I encourage you to seek medical help to figure out ways to cope with it through pain management, because after all it’s your body and you know where it hurts. + Helen Blocker-Adams is an educator, inspirational speaker, author and columnist, serial entrepreneur, events planner and mentor committed to Blocker-Adams giving people hope and transforming lives. You can reach her at hba@hbagroup-intl.com

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ogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. Vaccines are not available for all the tickborne diseases that dogs can get, and they don’t keep the dogs from bringing ticks into your home. For these reasons, it’s important to use a tick preventive product on your dog. Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick. To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to you or your pets: • Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors. • If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away. • Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam. • Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in this area. • Reduce tick habitat in your

yard. • Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet. Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals. Do not apply any insect acaricides or repellents to your cats without first consulting your veterinarian! You can make your yard less attractive to ticks depending on how you landscape. Here are some simple landscaping techniques that can help reduce tick populations: • Clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns. • Place a 3-ft wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment. This will restrict tick migration into recreational areas. • Mow the lawn frequently and keep leaves raked. • Stack wood neatly and in a dry area (discourages rodents that ticks feed on). • Remove any old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yard that may give ticks a place to hide. +

APRIL 3, 2015

11 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

From the Bookshelf The blog spot — Posted by Jamie Jones, MD at heelskicksscalpel.com on Mar. 23, 2015

8 REASONS TO MARRY A FEMALE PHYSICIAN A couple of years ago, I asked a friend of mine how she met her husband. It was at a bar, and when she asked his occupation he replied, “I work for the city.” She took that to mean he was a construction worker. They began dating and quickly fell in love. Much to her surprise about a month into their relationship, she learned he actually played for the NFL team in their city. Two nights ago, I had the pleasure of having dinner with two very pretty surgical residents. As they are both single, the conversation quickly turned towards the “single life.” One told me she uses dental hygienist as her go-to occupation when meeting men, while the other uses flight attendant. I have to admit, the flight attendant bit is pretty genius; it explains our crazy schedules pretty well. As I thought about this, I realized I hadn’t been surprised that they come up with alternate careers for themselves when they meet men. I too operate under the assumption that although NFL players might hide their occupation because of too much interest, female physicians hide ours because of lack of interest. So in an effort to enlighten the public, here are my top 8 reasons for why anyone and everyone should date or marry a female physician (and yes, this includes surgeons!). For all my Dr. McHotties out there, this is for you!

Stopping a bathroom flood? Cakewalk.

1. We know CPR. Someone once gave me the advice to marry the person you want to be in the trenches with. In other words, when it hits the fan, who do you want next to you, getting you through the hard times? So, why not be with someone who knows how to save your life, literally? 2. We understand hard work. Whether it is gaining admittance into medical school, suffering through histology, placing into a residency or working for 30 hours straight without sleep, we know what hard work looks like. 3. We handle stress well and multi-task like pros. Your in-laws have stayed too long, the baby is screaming, the cable is out, who knows what your firstborn is doing and, wait, why is there water coming from underneath the bathroom door? Stopping a bathroom flood in comparison to stopping a bleeding subclavian artery or delivering a baby with an umbilical cord around its neck? Cakewalk. 4. We are financially viable. You might make more money than us or we might make more. Guess what? We don’t care. Life is unpredictable. If you lose your job or become disabled or want to go back to school, we will always be able to help. 5. We are smart. If you can’t understand the benefits of being married to an intelligent woman, then I can’t help you. 6. We have good personalities. Being a doctor isn’t just being a good technician. We have to sell ourselves and our skills to our patients. We have to engender trust from strangers, which requires a good bedside manner (i.e., a good personality). 7. We tend to be low maintenance. When you have slept in bunk beds in your late twenties and lived off probably expired peanut butter and graham crackers found in the dark recesses of random cabinets, high maintenance isn’t in our vocabulary. We don’t expect limos and hot air balloons on dates. Just show up and have food served at something other than room temperature, and you are way ahead of the game! 8. We have a unique perspective on life. We have witnessed the moments when death has come to take our patients away, and we have comforted those left behind. When this is how you spend your days, we are much less likely to give you hell over forgetting to pick up your underwear off the floor. Although, seriously, pick up your damn underwear. + Jamie Jones is a trauma surgeon. She blogs at Hot Heels, Cool Kicks, & a Scalpel.

I heard this book being discussed on a radio program a few weeks ago and I was instantly intrigued and knew I wanted to read it. The subject of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) has been on the short list of topics for Medical Examiner cover stories for quite awhile. It’s a fascinating topic on its own merits, but we in Augusta live in what is, by some measures, a military town. Statistically, we have the likelihood of facing PTSD issues much more than people in many other cities. However, as this book reminds its readers, psychological trauma is not exclusive to the military. It is experienced by crime victims, members of families splintered by domestic violence, and victims of rape, molestation and abuse, to mention just a few. PTSD is a curious affliction: why does a person continue to relive a terrifying event years, even decades, after it happens? Why, long after the danger has passed and the person is safe and sound and has been for hours, days, weeks or years, do they continue in the grasp of the original terror? In short, how can distant memories — even some

we thought were forgotten long ago — become more important than the reality of today? One of the keys to unlocking that secret, van der Kolk says — and which is alluded to in his book’s title — is that the machinery of the entire body is involved. Experiences that cause emotional trauma are not just emotional or mental, even if there are no physical scars. In other words, “post-traumatic stress isn’t ‘all in one’s head,’ as some people suppose.” The entire body’s response to the original trauma comes into play, not just the mind’s. Having said that, the book’s glimpses into the power of the mind to create alternate realities,

even from something as generic as an inkblot, are dramatic, illustrating the mind’s ability to superimpose one scene on top of another. That can just as easily happen at the dinner table as in a psychiatrist’s office. This is an extremely important topic in today’s world, and for us, living in a center of both medicine and the military, one that many more of us should become conversant in. As van der Kolk says, for every soldier who serves in a war zone abroad there are ten children right here at home who are living through their own war of neglect or abuse. They could be our relatives or neighbors. van der Kolk does his part for us: he seems to take pains to avoid the complex medical terminology of his profession, and when he does use a word or phrase not familiar to mere mortals he explains it clearly and simply. This case-history-filled book knows the score in a game that affects countless lives. +

The Body Keeps the Score: Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma, by Bessel van der Kolk, MD, 464 pages, published in Sept. 2014 by Viking.

Research News Step away from the tablet An article this week in the Boston Globe referenced a study published in 2014 in the journal Pediatrics. In the study, Boston University School of Medicine researchers camped out at fast-food restaurants to observe young children and their caregivers while they ate. Of 55 such groups they observed, in 40 cases the adult — whether a parent or other caregiver — used a tablet, phone or other electronic screen device during the meal, some almost continuously. Attempts by the children to get the attention of the adults were often ignored, and some adults were so focused on their devices that they reacted harshly. One woman pushed a boy’s hand away when he tried to lift her face away from looking at her tablet; another woman kicked a child’s foot under the table. Researchers say such behaviors send clear messages to children, and they aren’t

good. Children think that whoever is on the other end — usually social media sites — is more important than they are. The parent’s divided attention can convey to children that they are boring or less important. More than 1,000 children interviewed about their parents’ preoccupation with various screens used the same words over and over to describe their feelings: “sad,” “mad,” “lonely,” and “frustrated.” Older kids described parental screen habits as “hypocritical,” since they often did things, like taking calls during meals or checking Facebook, that they don’t allow their children to do. Experts say the best policy is for families to establish definite limits on their screen time that are only violated in emergencies. Examples could include no screens in the room during family meals;

no parental screen time until after children are put to bed; and no tech time during rides to and from school. Water is life As we have reported in this newspaper before, studies show most people aren’t drinking enough water each day. Why is that a big deal? Water comprises about 70 percent of the human body. It helps every cell and organ in the body function properly. It helps lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, and makes possible the passage of food through the intestines. Some people prefer their water in the form of soda or coffee or even beer, but caffeine and alcohol have diuretic properties that translate to one cup in, one cup out. The best source of water, oddly enough, is water. How much? According to the Institute of Medicine, adequate intake is 13 cups a day for men and 9 cups for women. +

+ 12

APRIL 3, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE EXAMiNERS +

by Dan Pearson

Well, if it’s a productive I notice you’re still Yeah, this cough just cough, at least that’s Oh, it’s productive, a good thing. all right. battling that cold. won’t go away.

EXAMINER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

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

QUOTATION PUZZLE

W U A M N Y N U T S R I O G E O E O E E ’ I E B D A R U P C N S L T R O O N E O D N N T H V D T I D E

Click on “READER CONTESTS”

— Amelia Earhart

DIRECTIONS: Recreate a timeless nugget of wisdom by using the letters in each vertical column to fill the boxes above them. 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 8

6 8

9 4

4 7

5 3

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 above. All the listed letters following #1 are the first letters of the various words; the letters following #2 are the second letters of each word, and so on. Try solving words with letter clues or numbers with minimal choices listed. A sample is shown. Solution on page 14.

C 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3

L 1 2 3 4

1 1 2 D 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2

O 1 2

O 1 2 3 4 5

H 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1.A A AT T T T F L I W O 2.VAAAAMSHOOF 3.SUNAXXEO 4.DINAART 5.DDITT 6.ICIE 7.DOAO 8.NN

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

The Mystery Word for this issue: ACETHAR

VISIT WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM 1

ACROSS 1. It’s at the end of a wood 5. Distaff links org. 9. Field name 13. Tommy of golf 15. _______ Spring 16. Doorway pillar 17. Craft 18. Mr. Foxx (1922-1991) 19. Mine entrance 20. Even (poet.) 21. Davis of golf 23. 2009 Pixar film 25. Carded two Sunday eagles at Augusta in 2004 26. Congressional TV 27. First name of 2011 Masters champion by Daniel R. Pearson © 2015 All rights reserved. Built in part with software from www.crauswords.com 29. Houston’s summer team 32. Auricular 72. Seize (Archaic) 32. Muirfield’s state 33. Snowboarder White 73. Mr. Copenhaver, to friends 34. One of eighteen 34. LBJ’s Veep 35. Cable movie network 36. Depart DOWN 37. Frozen character 40. Snakelike fish 1. Course access point 38. Competed 41. Japanese sash 2. Uncommon; scarce 39. Ireland’s #1 singer 42. Diarist Anais 3. Persia today 44. SC DOD facility 43. City NW of Brussels 4. Pea holder 45. Bound 46. Toilet (British informal) 5. Insect stage 47. 2013 Philippines typhoon 47. _______ bee 6. Primp 48. Score of 28-D 49. Augusta painter Ed 7. Move aimlessly about 50. Umpire’s stance 51. Mike Weir’s homeland 8. Kidnap 51. Nashville awards show 52. Intense light beam 9. Bleat of a sheep 52. Term used in golf and 54. Ike’s better half basketball 56. Downtown & Uptown ___ 10. _____ par: golfer’s goal 11. Part of JMS Burn Center 53. Stage whisper 57. Hairstyle, for short 12. Headwear 54. Bibb County seat 58. Elsewhere 14. Lord Byron of golf 55. Anticipate 59. North American deer 22. Special (or Black) _____ 56. Weather_____ 62. 16th Hebrew letter 24. 2004 Masters winner 59. Sea eagle 64. Pacers’ school 26. French vineyard 60. Canal control 66. It’s before the green 28. Golf dream shot 61. Leg joint 68. Bare 29. Seaward 63. Born 69. K.J. of golf 30. Mets’ former home 65. Fem. pronoun 70. Effeminate male 31. High 67. Cushion 71. Fencing sword Solution p. 14

WORDS NUMBER

THE MYSTERY WORD

APRIL 3, 2015

13 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE BEST MEDICINE Staying Active With Age ha... ha...

nurse noticed a man in golf attire pacing up and down outside the ER operating room where another golfer who had a golf ball driven down his throat was being treated. “Is he a relative of yours?” the nurse asked the pacing golfer. “No,” replied the man, “That’s my ball!” Two young blonde women were playing golf at a foggy par three, Visibility was bad, but each hit their ball anyway. When they walked to the green they discovered one ball about three feet from the hole, and after searching everywhere they found the other ball in the cup. The blondes tried to figure out which ball was whose since they were both using Titleist number threes. Unable to decide, they took the balls and rode their cart back to the clubhouse to ask the golf pro for a ruling. After hearing their story and congratulating them both on their superb shots under such adverse conditions the pro asked, “Who was playing the yellow ball?” Four very old men came into the golf club’s pro shop after playing 18 holes. The pro asked, “Did you gentlemen have a good game today?”

The first old guy said, “Yes, I had three riders today.” The second man said, “I had the most riders ever for me. At least five.” The third geezer said, “I had 7 riders, the same as my last round.” The last ancient duffer said, “I beat my old record. I had 12 riders today. Aren’t you fellas proud of me?” After they left the pro shop, an elderly lady club member who had overheard it all asked the pro, “I have been playing golf here for 40 years and thought I knew all the terminology of the game, but what in the world is a rider?” “A rider is when you hit the ball far enough to get in the golf cart and ride to it,” he said. In the middle of another fight about the time her husband spent golfing, his wife yelled, “If you ever spent a Sunday with me instead of playing golf I swear I would drop dead.” “Now, now,” he said. “There’s no point in trying to bribe me.” The room was full of pregnant women and their partners, and the Lamaze class was in full swing. At one point the instructor said, “Ladies, exercise is good for you. Walking is especially beneficial. And gentlemen, it wouldn’t hurt you to take the time to go walking with your partner!” The room got quiet. Finally, a man in the middle of the group raised his hand. “Yes?” said the instructor. “Is it all right if she carries a golf bag while we walk?” +

Why subscribe to the Medical Examiner? Because no one should have to make a trip to the doctor or the hospital just to read Augusta’s Most Salubrious Newspaper.

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by Kathy Crist

Zumba class? You bet. Tennis? Most definitely. Golf? Absolutely. Getting older and reaching retirement doesn’t mean you retire your body. Staying active in the golden years looks like anything from a brisk walk in the neighborhood to a long hike in the mountains, and everything in between. Now that winter is over, sunnier days are ahead; older adults can participate in a plethora of outdoor activities. For each decade past age Kathy Crist 30, inactive people can lose an average of 3 to 5 percent of their muscle mass, translating to loss of strength and mobility. Regular exercise for the elderly is worth its weight in healthful benefits including: • Less pain • More flexible joints • Increased blood circulation • Improved heart health • Strengthened bone density • Weight maintenance or loss • Better sleep • Increased mental sharpness Even everyday activities like gardening and household chores keep senior adults moving and engaged in life. Plus, routine physical activity is mood-boosting and can make a person happier and more relaxed to be around. Seniors who experience issues with a heart condition, breathing problems, joint inflammation, blood pressure, or dizziness should receive medical approval before increasing physical activity. A balanced fitness approach for older adults includes the following: • Endurance – Cardio or endurance activities such as brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or dancing build physical resiliency. If needed, break exercise into 10-minute intervals. • Strength – Resistance bands and wall pushups are ways to build muscles. Seniors with increased strength experience greater mobility and vitality for activities like mowing the yard or walking the dog. • Balance – Tai chi, Pilates and yoga are excellent balance exercises as well as simply balancing on one foot behind a sturdy chair. • Flexibility – Stretching one’s muscles helps the entire body stay limber and move more freely. Whether a person is 18 or 88, staying consistent with exercise is a challenge of motivation and discipline. What if an aging loved one brushes off the idea of routine exercise? Here are fivee ideas to coax older adults on to greater fitness health: 1. Explain the healthful benefits. Highlight the exercise advantages of easing joint stiffness and pain and improving energy and outlook. 2.Start small. Seniors who have been inactive or have slowed down over the years need to gradually increase exercise challenges. 3. Be realistic. Instead of aiming for half marathons in six months, just begin with strolls, then vigorous walks. 4. Choose the enjoyable. Suggest a variety of options and let your aging loved ones choose their preferred activities. 5. Garner the support of others. Enlisting an exercise buddy helps with exercise consistency and lifts the spirits with conversation and friendship. For seniors who receive a doctor-approved exercise program, make sure the focus is on safety. If your loved one would benefit from a more active lifestyle, make sure you’re willing to pitch in by willingly transporting them to the gym or walking track or physical therapy appointments With nature greening up for an active summer ahead, now is the time for older adults to refresh a regular physical exercise routine. Zumba, golf or tennis, anyone? + Right at Home of the CSRA, a leading provider of in-home care and assistance, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our aging population. Contact Right at Home at 803-278-0250 or www.csra. rightathome.net

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

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

...cleverly hidden (in the strawberries) in the p. 9 ad for THE SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL Congratulations to KERI HEYD, who scores a coveted Scrubs of Evans gift card, 2 movie passes courtesy of Health Center Credit Union, and a $20 Wild Wing Cafe gift certificate. Want to find your name here next issue? The new Mystery Word is on page 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 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! 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 HOMES, APARTMENTS, ROOMMATES, LAND, ETC. CONDO FOR RENT 2 bdrm 1 bath unfurn upstairs condo; carport; pool; outside laundry. Country Club Hills condos, Milledge Rd near GRU/ASU. $750/$750 dep. We furnish water, you pay electric. (706) 736-7168; email:ronst79@gmail.com ROOMMATE WANTED! 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath house with pool, 2 minutes from colleges. Perfect for medical or grad students. $425+share utils. 706.993.6082 WEST AUGUSTA House for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1500 sqft, 1-car garage, 3024 Sterling Road, located off Stevens Creek at Riverwatch Pkwy. $850/mo. Call 678467-7187. FOR SALE: GORGEOUS, immaculate, never occupied townhome located mins from Medical District. 2 bed, 2 bath, master en suite, walk-in closets, office. 1450 sq ft. hardwood floors throughout, fabulous upgrades, custom kitchen and baths. Floor to ceiling windows, fenced yard. Partially furnished! 120k OBO. 803-507-6621.

HELP WANTED CHIROPRACTIC ASSISTANT NEEDED to work mornings. Great job for Mom with school-age children. Some experience

preferred but not necessary. Non-smoker. (706) 860-4001 PART TIME HELP NEEDED Flexible independent contractor tutoring opportunity with locally owned educational services company. Students served include K-12 and college seeking support in ALL subjects. Immediate openings for Spanish, anatomy, physics and statistics tutors. Contact info@maeseducationcenter.com

SERVICES HOUSE CLEANING Your house, apartment, rental move-outs. Thorough, dependable. Weekly, or whatever schedule you prefer. References. 706.267.9947 DOES YOUR HOME NEED CLEANING? A little of that extra? Need organizing assistance or help to make clutter vanish? Seniors will get a discount. 706-7553803 BIBLE BY PHONE - Free daily Bible readings; for Spiritual Encouragement and Growth. Call 706-855-WORD (9673)

CEMETERY SPACES (2) Sunset Memorial Gardens, Graniteville SC adjacent to lighted military flagstaff, includes granite bench with urn space, installation and inscription. All $4700 ($8600 value). Spaces only: $2700. Call (803) 295-3033 FISHING CLUB wants more grey-haired members. Meet 2nd Thurs of month at Harbor Inn Restaurant, 12 noon. “Adventure Before Dementia” Info: (706) 736-8753 or (706) 829-1729 PET CARE in Martinez-Evans area. Dogs to 40 lbs, $9.00. Cats (1-3), $9.00 For interview/information, phone 706-829-1729 CEMETERY PLOTS Side-by-side cemetery plots for sale located at the Heart Section of Hillcrest Cemetery. $3600 for BOTH. (706) 798-8495 GOT STUFF? Use Examiner classifieds to reach our audience and find new customers, new homes for things you no longer need, and maybe even to buy more new stuff. Use the form below left. Remember, neatness counts.

F. E. GILLIARD, MD FAMILY MEDICINE Acute & Chronic Illnesses Occupational Medicine PROMPT APPOINTMENTS 706-823-5250

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(OURS IS COFFEE)

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APRIL 3, 2015

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DERMATOLOGY

ALLERGY

Tesneem K. Chaudhary, MD Allergy & Asthma Center 3685 Wheeler Road, Suite 101 Augusta 30909 706-868-8555

CHIROPRACTIC

Georgia Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center 2283 Wrightsboro Rd. (at Johns Road) Augusta 30904 706-733-3373 www.GaDerm.com

DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICS

Evans Chiropractic Health Center Dr. William M. Rice 108 SRP Drive, Suite A 706-860-4001 www.evanschiro.net Poppell Chiropractic Clinic 1106-A Furys Lane Martinez 30907 706-210-2875 Most insurance plans accepted

COUNSELING Resolution Counseling Professionals 3633 Wheeler Rd, Suite 365 Augusta 30909 706-432-6866 www.visitrcp.com

DENTISTRY Dr. Judson S. Hickey Periodontist 2315-B Central Ave Augusta 30904 706-739-0071

HOSPICE

Karen L. Carter, MD 1303 D’Antignac St, Suite 2100 Augusta 30901 706-396-0600 www.augustadevelopmentalspecialists.com

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Group & Benefits Consultants Inc. 3515 Wheeler Rd, Bldg. C Augusta 30909 706-733-3459 www.groupandbenefits.com

Urgent MD Augusta: 706-922-6300 Grovetown: 706-434-3500 Thomson: 706-595-7825 Primary Care Rates

M.D.S:

LASER SERVICES Ideal Image 339 Fury’s Ferry Rd Martinez 30907 1-800-BE-IDEAL • www.idealimage.com Schedule a FREE Consultation

Medical Massage Stuart Farnell L.M.T. 803-646-1846 jsfarnell@att.net www.FarnellClinic.com

Steppingstones to Recovery 2610 Commons Blvd. Augusta 30909 706-733-1935

OPHTHALMOLOGY Roger M. Smith, M.D. 820 St. Sebastian Way Suite 5-A Augusta 30901 706-724-3339

PHARMACY

F. E. Gilliard, MD Family Medicine 639 13th Street Floss ‘em or lose ‘em! Augusta 30901 706-823-5250 Industrial Medicine • Prompt appts.

Steven L. Wilson, DMD Family Dentistry 4059 Columbia Road Martinez 30907 706-863-9445

Medical Services of America Hospice 4314-E Belair Frontage Rd. Augusta 30909 706-447-2626

MEDICAL MASSAGE

DRUG REHAB

FAMILY MEDICINE

Jason H. Lee, DMD 116 Davis Road Augusta 30907 706-860-4048

SENIOR LIVING

Medical Center West Pharmacy 465 North Belair Road Evans 30809 706-854-2424 www.medicalcenterwestpharmacy.com Parks Pharmacy 437 Georgia Ave. N. Augusta 29841 803-279-7450 www.parkspharmacy.com

Augusta Gardens Senior Living Community 3725 Wheeler Road Augusta 30909 SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 706-868-6500 www.augustagardenscommunity.com Cornerstone Compassion Center 420 Warren Road Augusta 30907 706-228-5359 or 706-394-6518 Assisted Living • Personal Care

SLEEP MEDICINE Sleep Institute of Augusta Bashir Chaudhary, MD 3685 Wheeler Rd, Suite 101 Augusta 30909 706-868-8555

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Centered in Georgia Diane Young L.M.T. 4488 Columbia Rd Martinez 30907 706-251-2244

VEIN CARE Vein Specialists of Augusta G. Lionel Zumbro, Jr., MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI 501 Blackburn Dr, Martinez 30907 706-854-8340 www.VeinsAugusta.com

WEIGHT LOSS Medical Weight & Wellness Specialists of Augusta Maycie Elchoufi, MD 108 SRP Drive, Suite B Evans 30809 • 706-829-9906 www.mwwsAugusta.com

SUPPORT YOUR PRACTICE - AND THE MEDICAL EXAMINER A simple listing in the Professional Directory is less than $100 for six months or less than $200 for an entire year, and puts your contact information in front of 30,000 readers a month. CALL 706.860.5455 TODAY AND BE IN THE NEXT ISSUE

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

APRIL 3, 2015

Lost in the maze? Why enter in the first place?

We know the way. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS • COMPLIANCE • WELLNESS • CONSULTING • EXCHANGES • PARTNERSHIPS • TECHNOLOGY

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