Dec16 16 by Daniel Pearson

F RE

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Who is this man? THIS IS YOUR BRAIN A monthly series by an Augusta drug treatment professional

ENABLING FEEDBACK by Ken Wilson Executive Director, Steppingstones to Recovery Last month I promised to follow up with feedback from readers on #10 from my list of Top Ten Enabling Behaviors. I received one reply that was so articulate I wanted to share the points with you here. It was written by a recovering alcoholic with 4 years sobriety. In battle it always helps to know what the other side is planning, so what a great opportunity to hear it from the other side! He writes of his “5 Ways I Manipulated My Enabler to Enable.” 1. We make excuses for our bad behavior. In my relationship we are both in charge of specific responsibilities that are necessary to a functioning household. When I was actively drinking, things didn’t get done but our home still needed to run. My enabler was often left to pick up my slack out of necessity. Always prepared with an excuse to cover up or explain why things weren’t done, I always found a way to become “the victim.” 2. We make promises we can’t keep. I would say anything my enabler wanted to hear in order for things to remain the same. I remember when I started to spiral out of control, I would make “rules” (promises to change) for drinking: No drinking liquor on weeknights; no liquor, only wine and beer; only one drink per hour... They were endless. The sun wouldn’t set on the next day and the rules were broken. Which ties in perfectly to #3. 3. We want you to drink with us. The best offense I had going

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

DECEMBER 16, 2016

Part G of a 26-part series

Oh my aching toe! Undoubtedly every one of us has heard the word gout. But if you or a family member doesn’t have it, chances are you have no idea what it actually is. In brief, gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis. Its cause is an overabundance of uric acid in the bloodstream, and can visit people who are overweight, drink too much alcohol, take diuretics, and eat various foods that sometimes trigger attacks. Men have it about three times more often than women. As misfortune would have it, gout

often strikes as a nighttime attack of intense pain in the big toe. It might last for a few days or a month or more, then mysteriously vanish for months, even years, before striking again. Aspirin might seem like a logical choice to deal with the pain, but aspirin can elevate levels of uric acid. Ibuprofen is a better choice. Prescription medications can help reduce uric acid levels, and your doctor can help you avoid foods known to trigger gout attacks. +

IS FOR GOUT

FEEDBACK… from page 1 when actively drinking was a good time. Any good news, a small sign of improvement (like getting done with daily responsibilities), your favorite football team is playing tonight, any reason at all to celebrate brought alcohol, and I was buying. Celebration is an easy “exception” to the promises made in number 2, and we will use them against you. 4. We believe our lies. It wasn’t until I got sober and took a much needed look into my behavior that I realized how much I lied to my partner. I found the old saying, “If his or her (the alcoholic, addict, etc.) mouth is moving, they are lying.” Painfully true. It’s pretty easy to manipulate someone if you believe you are going to change. The lie is onlytemporary. However, the good feeling of the moment passes the next morning when you’re nursing a hangover, and then the cycle starts all over again. 5. We know you love us. We couldn’t manipulate you into doing what we wanted if you didn’t. This is the most painful aspect of manipulation. I never knew just how much my family cared until I got sober. It wasn’t until then that I could see what I had put them through.

Thank you to this anonymous writer for sharing his soul with us! Undoubtedly this could not have been written in the height of his active disease behavior and is a perfect example of how much clarity comes to the brain much later on after denial (the primary earmark of addiction) dissipates. God only knows the anguish, loss of sleep, frustration, anger, and a whole spectrum of emotions the enabler in this relationship must have felt! I have learned that the ones affected by this biopsychosocial disease have a recovery period that is as difficult — or more so — than the addict. Trust of the user returns very slowly – it can take years, in fact – while the user himself often just cannot understand why he can’t be trusted yet. This is just the way the human brain is wired. If you are an enabler or think you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, help is out there. There are programs of support for all parties involved, and they can be very beneficial. There is no cure for alcoholism/addiction, but there are steps you can take to make sobriety work for you. Best of luck on your journey! +

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

The

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Advice Doctor

presented by Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.

Some gave all

ongtime residents of Augusta know this name and face. In fact, if you know who George Weiss was, it’s a safe bet you can hear his voice this very minute. Of course, if you remember George Weiss, you might be wondering what he’s doing here. “I thought this was a place to profile noteworthy doctors.” Good point. But as it says below, this is a place where we shine a spotlight on “exceptional physicians and others of note in Augusta’s long and rich medical history.” By that definition, George Weiss has every right to be here. It all started when Weiss launched WBBQ radio, and later acquired WZNY. According to the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame, Weiss, who was born in 1929, dreamed of starting a radio station after the war, and was granted an FCC license for WBBQ-AM in 1946. He was all of 17 years old at the time. Ten years later, he added WBBQ-FM, a station that was to become a true giant in the

George Weiss radio industry. The format was news and Top 40 music, in that order. Weiss had a fleet of cars on the streets at all times that appeared on the scene of whatever was newsworthy, day or night, to broadcast a live report. If you heard sirens, you could tune in to WBBQ and immediately find out what was going on. Weiss wasn’t a desk-bound executive; he was at the wheel of WBBQ Car 1. Courtesy of that simple but ingenious formula, WBBQ’s market share — the percentage of radios that

are tuned to any given radio station — was often the highest in the nation. Ratings like that command a premium price for advertisers. WBBQ was a financial success. As the station’s sole owner, Weiss could have lived the life of a fat cat (a term he used to describe himself). Instead, he funneled radio profits to the Medical College of Georgia and its Foundation to advance medical research. The fi rst gift was an at-thetime anonymous check for $750,000 to establish a chair in telemedicine at MCG in 1992, a donation that really amounted to $1.5 million, since it was matched by the Georgia Research Alliance, says MCG Foundation CEO Ian Mercier. But that gift was to pale into insignificance when 20 years ago Weiss became the greatest benefactor in the history of the university up to that point, giving the medical college his entire estate. Its initial worth totalled $18.4 million, but has since grown through Please see PROFILES page 16

Editor’s note: this is the eighth installment in a monthly series presented by Queensborough National Bank & Trust and the Medical Examiner profiling exceptional physicians and others of note in Augusta’s long and rich medical history.

W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T

+ Dear Advice Doctor, I recently retired after almost 30 years at the same company. My colleagues gave me a wonderful reception and many gifts. We were like family, so there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I miss them all terribly and I’m considering whether I should go back part-time, or move on and try to enjoy my retirement. Any advice would be appreciated. — Newly Retired Dear Newly Retired, Thank you for asking about something so important to your life and future. In fact, surveys have established that of the five senses, vision is the one the vast majority of adults consider to be the most precious, the one we would dread losing the most. As you alluded to, healthy eyes need to be constantly bathed in lubrication. Few things are as uncomfortable as dry eyes, so you and your former colleagues were fortunate, indeed. For those plagued with dry eyes, however, symptoms can include light sensitivity, a gritty, scratchy feeling, as though sand was in their eyes, blurred vision, redness and itching. It isn’t fun. Fortunately, help is available. Barring other significant symptoms other than dryness, over-the-counter eye drops would be a logical starting point. That may be all you need to solve the problem. On the other hand, persistent dry eyes should not be ignored. One low-cost option is to discuss your current medications with your pharmacist. Some drugs cause dry eyes as a side effect. It’s good to know the reason behind anything that isn’t functioning properly. If medication isn’t the cause, make an appointment with an eye care specialist to determine the root cause and hopefully solve the problem. Incidentally, one of the world’s most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of chronic dry eye — Restasis — was developed and patented by Dr. Renee Kaswan and the University of Georgia Research Foundation right up the road in Athens. + Do you have a question for The Advice Doctor about life, love, personal relationships, career, raising children, or any other important topic? Send it to News@AugustaRx.com. Replies will be provided only in Examiner issues.

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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 P.O. Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903-0397

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Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and/or 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 general 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. © 2016 PEARSON GRAPHIC 365 INC.

#35 IN A SERIES

Who is this?

DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

OLD NEWS +

POINTS OF INTEREST TO FORMER KIDS by Trisha Whisenhunt, Senior Citizens Council

CHRISTMAS TIME CAUTION

t is a sad fact of history that innovators are often ignored at best and vilified — sometimes even executed — at worst. Sir James Lancaster VI, the gentleman you see here, was merely ignored. Even so, death was the result. Not for him, but for untold thousands of others. Lancaster was an English trader and privateer of the Elizabethan era, as you might have guessed from his portrait. To save you the trouble of reaching for a dictionary, a privateer was someone with a government commission to command an armed ship to be used in trade and/or war. Usually the two were combined: privateers would declare war on any merchant ship they happened to find and pillage or confiscate their cargo. Hence, in the view of many, privateers were nothing more than government-sanctioned pirates. Born around 1554, Lancaster was by his mid-30s a sea-faring captain at a time when the entire world was opening up for trade and particularly for the British, colonization. In the 1590s Lancaster captained several voyages to the newly opened East Indies, as South and Southeast Asia were called by the British. When Queen Elizabeth I issued a Royal Charter to establish the East India Company on Dec. 31, 1600, Lancaster was one of the wealthy merchants and aristocrats who entirely owned the company. A few months later, he captained the East India Company’s fi rst official fleet of four ships sailing on April 21 from southwest England, around southern Africa and on to the East Indies. By the time they rounded the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa on September 9, however, the crews of three of the four ships were so devastated by scurvy that men from Lancaster’s ship, Red Dragon, had to board the other three to navigate them into the harbor. Aboard those three ships, 110 out of 278 sailors died from scurvy. The Red Dragon’s crew was unaffected because Lancaster, at a time when scurvy and its causes were not understood, gave to each crew member each morning “three spoonfuls of the juice of limons.” At the time, scurvy was a worse killer of sailors than warfare, storms, accidents and all other causes of death. As one example, of Vasco de Gama’s crew of 160 men who sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in 1497, 100 died of scurvy. To his credit, Lancaster reported the results of what was an unintentional experiment to the East India Company, which records show adopted having lemons on board as standard practice from the time of Lancaster’s first voyage onward. Other institutions were not as quick to jump on board. In fact, one medical/maritime history notes that “little was done [by the Royal Navy] for the welfare of the crews until the mutinies at Spithead and the Nore in 1797.” Indeed, notes the same account, “failure to supply lemon juice was one of the main complaints made by the mutineers in 1797.” This despite recommendations in 1757 by Dr. James Lind of the Royal Hospital at Haslar “earnestly recommending the general use of these fruits in the Navy for the prevention and cure of scurvy.” It then took decades more before the British Board of Trade, which oversaw the merchant marine, finally adopted the citrus standard for non-military sailors in 1865, fully 264 years after Lancaster’s discovery of the simple cure for scurvy. +

e all hear the annual public service announcements regarding our safety. At this time of the year it is particularly important. We get especially busy around the holidays and need to be sure our radar stays up. While out shopping, make sure you keep close track of your cash, credit and debit cards. Avoid using a debit card if at all possible. Why? If your identity gets stolen using a debit card, they can clean out your account on the spot and there is little to be done to recover those funds, depending on where you bank. With a credit card you can challenge the charges and get reimbursed. Cash is always convenient; it doesn’t leave a paper trail other than the receipt so identity theft is not an issue. Just keep an eye on it. Once you have made purchases but still have shopping to do, be sure to place them in the trunk of your car instead of the back seat. Thieves don’t need to see what’s in the bags and boxes to know if they want it or not. They are going to go after it in

the hopes that it is something valuable. Even if it doesn’t have a high dollar value, it’s still worth something to them to trade for drugs or use as a gift for someone they know. My neighbor had her car window shot out for the change lying on her console, so it doesn’t take much to tempt some people. Another consideration is to keep a close eye on your medications. Don’t get so caught up in holiday social events, cooking and cleaning that you forget where you are with your medication schedule. When planning your shopping trips, make sure you take any meds you need for the day with

you and be sure they are in their original bottles. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and have a bottle of water handy. Traffic may be heavy, so beware of inattentive, inconsiderate, distracted and poorly skilled drivers. They are on the road at any given time but during the holidays tempers are short and people are in a hurry. Keep your cool, be patient and allow plenty of time to get your appointments met and your errands done. Don’t get pulled into a road rage situation. If someone is trying to cut you off or take a parking spot, hang back and let them go; it’s not worth it. It will be less wear and tear on your vehicle and your nerves. Christmas shopping and the other festivities of the season are designed to be fun; don’t let anyone ruin it for you. Please remember not to leave children and pets in an unattended locked car for any length of time or for any reason. Be safe and be happy. This really is a wonderful time of the year for whichever holiday you celebrate and I hope all of you create lovely, lasting memories with your friends and families. Merry Christmas! +

MYTH OF THE MONTH Sneezing actually stops your heartbeat for a second It sounds like an old wives’ tale, doesn’t it? But it can be true. In fact, sometimes an SVT (supraventricular tachycardia, simply put, a rapid heartbeat) is treated by a doctor with a technique called the valsalva maneuver. The maneuver involves holding your breath and bearing down for a few seconds as if having a bowel movement. This can increase pressure on the heart enough to stop the tachycardia. Well, a sneeze is basically a very rapid version of the valsalva maneuver. It briefly increases pressure in the chest, momentarily decreasing blood flow back to the heart, which compensates with a quick adjustment of the

heartbeat. Cardiologists who have studied this phenomenon note that the electrical activity of the heart does not stop during this brief process. None of this means that a sneeze is cause for alarm, even if you’re a heart patient. As noted, the electrical activity of the heart is unaffected, and will keep the pump ticking on schedule even if a brief sneezeinduced interruption takes place. If you’re still concerned, discuss it with your doctor. + — by F. E. Gilliard, MD, Family Medicine 4244 Washington Road, Evans, GA 30809 706-760-7607

DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW res? ABOUT MEN OF TRUE GRIT

k good eno r skin can ugh cer? son.”

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ob Weldon was a patient of mine and heavy-duty from day one. He is dead now, so I can write without qualm. Bob did not play football in school for two reasons: 1. As a kid, Bob worked evenings and weekends to put food on the family table. 2. When the football coach said “Put that ball carrier down,” Bob put him down — for the week. Nothing less than a concussion would do. Bob had grease under his nails from fi xing cars at his unpainted, dirt floor garage. No one from the Public Health Department or OSHA took it upon themselves to lecture Bob on the merits of painted walls or concrete floors. Bob fi xed cars on time and expected payment in full. He did not give credit to the three P’s: Preachers, Politicians, or Policemen. Bob said those people think they are better than everyone else, and don’t have to live by the same rules as you and I. Bob might have been right. Nowadays, Congressmen and Senators do not pay Social Security like you and I do; they have a “private retirement fund.” Congressmen don’t have to pay Medicare; they have their own “private insurance.” Congress excuses itself from the antidiscrimination laws in the workplace. Congress hires staff based on talent or political debt. No Section 8 set-aside

for them. Politicians get all sorts of freebies courtesy of public taxation, stuff like travel allowances for whatever they consider official business. And when have you heard of a cop getting a speeding ticket? Bob had scars on his soul. He refused to freeze to death in the Korean War. He washed his long johns and laid them out to dry overnight. They froze solid in the 20 below weather. A picture went around the world showing Bob holding frozen long johns over his head like a prehistoric dinosaur wishbone. That week in 1953, my cousin Buford was in Korea with Bob. North Korean Communists surged over the 38th parallel, killing everybody in sight. We never heard from Buford again. Finally, in 1998, the Army fi red guns and said solemn words over Buford’s grave marker in the Meeks cemetery. Local politicians named a bridge after Buford in Nicholls, Georgia. Bob did not die that night with Buford. Instead, he killed enough North Koreans to haunt him for years to come. He refused a Purple Heart for a flesh wound, saying he had gotten worse in a Sunday afternoon pick-up football game. Back then no one in Nicholls had ever heard of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome or psychological disability. Bob did not talk about the war and stopped by the County Line

t s e B Juke Joint after work each evening. Bob had discipline. He never had more than two beers. No sane adult messed with Bob. They respected Bob’s wide knuckles, massive shoulders, and rumors of legendary fisticuffs he won right after the war, before he came to peace with himself. But just like in the Old West, there was always someone out to prove themself. One evening Bob was at the County Line having his requisite two beers. In walked the Williams brothers, in their early twenties and laced with liquid courage and youthful testosterone. They had words with Bob, called him a greasy old man, a has-been. Bob let them rattle on a bit. They grabbed Bob by his arms and shoved him out the door. “Stay out! The County Line is for real men.” Without a word, Bob picked himself up and went home. No real damage done. But Bob had true grit. The next evening the bartender set two beers at Bob’s table as

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always. The Williams brothers swaggered back in. The bartender warned, “All right, boys. Leave Bob alone. You don’t want any part of him. He let you thrown him out yesterday. He won’t do that again.” Still aglow from their perceived victory the day before, the Williams bothers lit into Bob, first with words, then a slap, then yanking Bob up to toss him out the door again. The bartender did not pull his 12-gauge from under the bar. Bob needed no help. Bob’s hand came out of his overall pocket with a woven battery cable wrapped in friction tape. Within seconds, the Williams brothers were whining on the floor, begging for mercy. Bob told the bartender, “Call the Sheriff and an ambulance. I need a new beer. My second one got spilled.” The Sheriff listened to the bartender’s story and told the

Williams brothers, “Quit crying and take your beating like men. You got what you deserved.” In a couple days, the Williams bothers were out of the hospital and home with their mother where they should have been all the time. Newly found wisdom and respect told them two things: 1. Do not file a complaint against Bob. 2. The County Line Juke Joint was for real men. Now what should the rest of us learn from all this? What should we do when dealing with a man of true grit? Three things come to mind: • Let sleeping dogs lie. • Experience and treachery wins out over youth and skill any day. • Respect your elders. Your medical bills will be lower and you will have fewer scars to explain. + Bad Billy Laveau is a formerlyretired MD who wields a pointed sense of humor - and now, tongue depressors too. He speaks and entertains at events for audiences not subject to cardiac arrest secondary to overwhelming laughter and glee. BadBilly@knology.net or 706-306-9397. F REE T AKE-HO ME CO PY!

DICALEXAMINER

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

M E D I C I N E

I N

T H E

F I R S T

P E R S O N

To lose or not to lose My weight loss journey began more than 20 years ago. Baby #1: gain 75 lbs. Two years later, baby #2. I gained even more. My size 10 pre-baby size suddenly became a 16. Whoa! Thus began my struggle. I spent the next 24 years on a roller coaster ride — and not the fun kind. Steadily gaining weight each year, I lost track of the increase. I poured myself into being a wife and mom. The kids grew up. I woke up one day and realized I had forgotten about me. I had other health issues that needed attention. In 2013 I had a hysterectomy. I thought that would help. I was wrong. By 2016 I had put on another 35 lbs. Ugh! Now what? Then in 2016 I had to have a cardiac ablation for debilitating SVT (supraventricular tachycardia). Got that fi xed – presto – but I was still overweight, now by about 135 lbs. Time to get serious. After many years of off-and-on dieting (can you say yo-yo?) my doctor

When I hear that, I want to scream! referred me to Live Healthy MD. I was a candidate for weight loss surgery and my insurance would cover it, but I had to prove I was serious. I decided to do it. I started dieting on my own in June 2016. By September I had to do protein shakes 3 times a day for two weeks prior to surgery. I lost 35 lbs before surgery on September 26. I have a gastric sleeve. They take out about 75% of your stomach, leaving you with this tiny pouch. I’ve had to learn a whole new way of eating, what to eat, what not to eat, how much can I handle before that one bite takes me over the edge to a different place and then I feel sick. I laugh when I realize my year-and-a-half old niece can eat more than me.) Date nights with my

husband are a challenge. I will say it is cheaper. He orders and we share. Only a few bites and I’m done. (It’s all about the company anyway.) When people make comments like “Surgery is the easy way to lose,” or “You lost 35 pounds. Why didn’t you just keep doing what you were doing?” I want to scream. First, what I was doing obviously wasn’t successful in the long term. If it had been I wouldn’t have considered surgery. Secondly, surgery is NOT easy. You are sore for weeks. The taste of food changes. You have to adjust to that change. Sometimes you have to force yourself eat because you don’t want food at all. Some things don’t agree with you and you feel sick and you have to take vitamins and calcium everyday... forever. Then why do it? In short, the cards were stacked against me. I have an evil partner called Genetics. You know, that wonderful gene pool that dictates everything about you: eye and

hair color, height, weight tendencies... I have watched family members gain to the extreme and struggle with everyday activities because of weight issues. They have had health troubles like diabetes, and lifetime issues with clothes that don’t fit comfortably, chairs that are too small, difficulty walking across the room or just standing in the kitchen. I could see myself heading in that direction, letting genetics take total control. Sometimes you have to fight fi re with fi re. So that’s what I did. I educated myself, enlisted the help of my family and decided to march to the beat of my drum this time. So here I am, 67 lbs lighter (so far). I feel so much better physically and mentally. Now at age 50 I’m going into a new decade of my life as a different person, someone I’m getting to know and like. Would I do the surgery if I had to do it over again? Yes! Bariatric surgery is a personal decision. It may not be for everyone. It is not a cure for obesity. It is a tool that helps you achieve weight loss quickly. Ultimately, you still have to be mindful of your diet and what your body can process for the good. Along with that, exercise and daily vitamins are still needed to reach and maintain your goal. + — submitted by Melly Grovetown, Georgia

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.

DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Southern Girls Eat Clean Buffalo Cauliflower — “A healthier appetizer” Here is s super quick and delicious appetizer that will satisfy your craving for spicy buffalo sauce and at the same time keep you on track with a healthy and nutritious diet. Buffalo cauliflower is one of the latest creations on many clean-eating blogs and on Pinterest as well. I have wanted to try this for a while and finally gave it go a couple of weeks back. My husband, who loves buffalo sauce and generally prefers it on chicken wings, taste-tested this fabulous appetizer for me. He went crazy for these little cauliflower bites and I had a hard time convincing him to save a few for me. Cauliflower is a great source of choline, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, phosphorus, and biotin. It is also a good source of vitamin B1, B2 and B3, potassium, magnesium and protein. In addition to these benefits, one serving of cauliflower contains 77% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C. I like to serve Buffalo Cauliflower with celery sticks and a side of Greek yogurt ranch dressing or lighter, cleaner bleu cheese dressing. Frank’s is my preferred brand of hot sauce for this appetizer. Even though it is a store-bought hot sauce, it has Buffalo Cauliflower no artificial ingredients or preservatives and the flavor is not overcook. Cauliflower • 1 Tbsp. of fresh flat leaf prefect. should be slightly firm.) parsley, chopped. These savory little bites will Remove from the oven, be the hit of any Christmas Instructions: drizzle a little of the party or holiday gathering Heat oven to 425 degrees. remaining sauce over the with family and friends. I Wash and cut the cauliflower cooked caulifl ower and place hope you’ll give them a try. into bite size pieces and set onto a serving platter. Enjoy.... and Merry aside. Garnish with parsley and Christmas! In a small sauce pan, place serve with celery sticks and hot sauce, ghee or butter, dressing of your choice. + Ingredients: garlic powder and paprika. • 3-4 cups of Cauliflower, Alisa Rhinehart is half of the Heat until ghee or butter is broken into bite size blog southerngirlseatclean. melted and all ingredients pieces (about 1/2 head of com. She is a working have combined well. cauliflower) wife and mother living in Toss the cauliflower in the • 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce (I Evans, Georgia. sauce and place it on a baking used Frank’s hot sauce) Visit her blog for sheet, reserving remaining • 1-2 Tbsp. of ghee, or more recipes and sauce. unsalted butter information on Bake in the oven for • 1/2 tsp. of garlic powder clean eating. approximately 12-15 minutes • 1/4 tsp. of paprika or until slightly softened. (Do

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OUR NEXT ISSUE See you next year!

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Pharma cy 4 11 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.

QUALIFYING FOR A FREE MEDICATION REVIEW

n the last issue we touched on Medicare’s Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program. Let’s get a little more in depth about who qualifies and what you can do if you are not covered by Medicare but still want to reap the benefits of this process. First, let’s go over the requirements for Medicare’s program. To be automatically eligible for a comprehensive

medication review under the MTM program you must meet three criteria. This guarantees you are covered no matter which plan you have. These criteria are: (1) Have at least three of nine chronic diseases; (2) Be taking at least eight medicines that are covered by the MTM program; and (3) Be likely to incur at least a minimum amount of drug costs. The cost limit for 2016 is $3,507, and that

figure increases annually by approximately 11.75 percent. Insurance plan sponsors are encouraged to expand the eligibility criteria and offer MTM services to more than just the automatically qualified individuals. Theoretically, an insurance company could make a person eligible if they have one covered condition and if that person is taking at least two covered medications while having a lower dollar amount of drug costs expected for the year. To be able to provide services the same year as the costs are going to incurred, Medicare and its insurance sponsors use the drug spending for the first quarter of the year to predict eligibility for the MTM program for that year. Insurance plan sponsors are required to use multiple methods to promote this program to patients. That means if you get a letter inviting your participation and don’t respond, plan on getting a phone call or other type of communication. What are those nine conditions mentioned earlier? Here is a list: Alzheimer’s disease, chronic heart failure, diabetes, dyslipidemia (cholesterol abnormalities), end-stage renal (kidney) disease, hypertension, respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma, or other chronic lung conditions), bone disease (osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), mental illnesses (depression, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, and other chronic disabling

$200-$300 BILLION In 2012, $213 Billion was spent in avoidable costs due to medication-related problems

disorders) A pilot program for an enhanced MTM program available in certain areas of the country will launch in 2017. Pharmacists will be asked to help identify atrisk patients so that more medicine-related costs can be avoided. These costs include hospitalizations due to drug interactions and other similar preventable expenses. Payments for interventions will be increased if the intervention is more extensive than normal. Plans will also be paid a premium if they can demonstrate a reduction in healthcare costs throughout the year. If this pilot is successful, look for it to be expanded. What if you are not eligible for Medicare but still want to participate in a comprehensive medication review process such as was described in out last issue? Some employers are trying to reduce healthcare costs by covering some type of medication review services as part of a preventive care program. Check with your insurance company or your company’s human resources department for more information, and to find out if this is an option available to you. There are several referral paths used for private medication management programs

MILLER DRUG

$104.5 Billion is attributed to adherence issues

depending on your insurance company’s specific program. These include referral by a physician, pharmacist or selfreferral by you. If you have a complicated medical history or prescription profile, check on medication management services you may have available. Benefits of these services include an action plan, personal medication record and a coordinated team approach to your healthcare. But if you don’t qualify for these services, check with your local pharmacy and see if they offer medication management reviews for MTM programs. If they do, great! And if they don’t check with some of the hometown local independent pharmacies and see if one will agree to provide you the service on a fee-forservice basis. The knowledge gained and complications prevented may be well worth the cost to you. In the next issues we will be going thru some of the pharmacy standards of care for given disease states. This includes what is the preferred first-line medicine to be given and how to manage your condition. See you next year! + Written for the Medical Examiner by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson (cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net)

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Ask a Dietitian

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12 percent a day decreased markers of inflammation that lead to aging and chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Participants who ate less over a two-year period had lower levels of inflammatory markers when compared to control subjects who followed an unrestricted diet. Positive effects were seen not just in overweight individuals

who lost weight, but also among subjects within normal weight range. This study indicates that calorie restriction of about 12 percent may provide health benefits, regardless of weight. The question then, is how do you give up 12 percent of your usual calorie intake, in other words, about 200 to 300 calories a day? • Drink water instead of a 20 oz. bottle of soda or juice • Skip the dessert and have a piece of fruit instead • Have a small baked potato with a tablespoon of lite margarine instead of an order of French fries • Skip those second helpings • Choose a baked meat or chicken instead of fried • Skip the added bread at a meal • Eat more vegetables and choose low calorie salad ingredients and dressing • Drink unsweet tea instead of sweet tea Making a few lasting changes to lower calorie intake can have positive effects on your health. Even giving up overeating may save your life. +

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his time of year, the idea of restricting calories is usually put off until the New Year. After all, this is the season of eating. You may have limited calories only briefly during this time of year just to fit into a dress or suit for a special occasion. Or maybe you fasted just to be able to eat a really large meal later. Perhaps we would consider restricting calories if we remembered there is a greater health benefit than just fitting into clothes or preparing for a feast. This is more than just eating season; it’s also the peak time of year for cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack. Overeating at just one meal can lead to elevated blood pressure, blood sugar and triglycerides. High-fat meals can cause changes in the inner layer of the arteries. The process of eating and digestion increases levels of hormones that raise blood pressure and heart rate. One study showed the risk of a heart attack is four times higher within two hours after eating a very large meal.

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It’s almost swimsuit season!

Who cares?

Swimsuit season... Is that the annual drive to lose weight and Àrm up so we can look good enough in swimwear to go bake in the sun on a beach or poolside and thereby raise our risk for skin cancer? Uh, can we rethink that? Here are some much better reasons to celebrate “swimsuit season.” • Live longer We might as well start off on a high note: the same kind of stuff that would offer the trivial beneÀt of looking better in a bikini or — perish the thought, a Speedo — is the same kind of activity that lengthens life. And the good news is that a mere 15 minutes a day can make a big difference. • Lower your diabetes risk. Not that diabetes rates are skyrocketing or anything, but one study found that people who walk just 3,500 steps a day (there are roughly 2,000 steps in a mile) had a lower risk of developing diabetes than the people who walked the least in the study. • Have fewer migraine headaches. Anyone familiar with migraines knows that relief can be hard to come by. But a small 2011 study found that regular exercise worked just as well as medication or relaxation therapy at stopping debilitating migraine headaches before they start.

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

• Strengthen your bones Regular, weight-bearing activity has been shown to build up bone strength, which prevents some of the natural decline in bone health often seen as we age. Weight-bearing activity — like walking — does the trick. • Get sick less Thank your walking shoes next time you’re the only one at the ofÀce who hasn’t caught that bug going around. Regular exercise seems to boost the immune system. Translation: fewer colds and bouts of the Áu. • Decrease your cancer risk Let’s see... look good in a bathing suit or have a lower cancer risk... That is a certiÀable no-brainer. The risk for certain types of cancer — colon cancer for one — seems to be signiÀcantly affected by regular physical activity. Other studies suggest that teenage and early adulthood exercise may protect against breast cancer down road. • Reduce your risk of stroke According to the National Stroke Association, up to 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. Lowering blood pressure and losing excess pounds help, but just moving more makes a big difference too. In a 2013 study, inactivity was linked with a 20 percent increase in risk of stroke. Experts say a moderate-intensity workout at least Àve days a week has the most beneÀt, but any and all exercise is a step in the right direction. • Sleep better A 2013 poll by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who self-identify as regular, vigorous exercisers got better sleep than their sedentary peers. Of the vigorous exercisers, just 17 percent said they got fairly or very bad sleep, while nearly half of the non+ exercisers reported the same. +

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he holiday season brings excitement and anticipation as we plan and participate in the holiday events and festivities. This is also a natural time of year to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next. As you are doing this, I would encourage you to revisit the poem by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken,” which ends with these lines: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. The poem and those famous final words hold many lessons and insights that can be applied to your personal financial situation. Let’s start with things to consider as you reflect on the past year. You can probably identify some major life decisions that you have made. These decisions resulted in roads not taken. The poem is very accurate as it describes what happens to those roads not taken, “Oh, I kept the first for another day!/Yet knowing how way leads on to way/I doubted if I should ever come back.” True, we do not normally go back and revisit that road not taken. However, revisiting decisions is often a valuable exercise. When reflecting on your decisions, one of two different feelings or conclusions are normally reached. The fi rst is a feeling of satisfaction or job well done. People have said to us they are so thankful they decided to downsize the house before retirement, or that taking that extra vacation with the kids before they all went to college meant so much. The other feeling you may experience could be a bit negative, which is not always a bad thing. One couple we spoke with this year just purchased a home. The next month they had six large trees fall down near their house from Hurricane Matthew. During our conversation, they noted that they had an exclusion on their home insurance that would not have covered the damage if the trees had fallen on their

house. The exclusion reduced the cost of the policy, but they realized that the risk of the road they took was not worth the short-term savings. They decided to go back and update the policy. So, how do you measure the value of guidance that helps you navigate the forks in the road? That is probably one of the hardest concepts to explain to people when they are considering working with a financial planner. The natural way to perceive value is by looking at things that are easy to measure and see, such as investment returns and account balances. As part of financial planning and risk management discussion you should be having across your entire fi nancial plan, a good planner may recommend that you purchase additional insurance or spend money for customized estate planning documents that include trusts. Tax planning is another good example, for although it seems counterintuitive, people or couples in their early 60s taking money out of an IRA to accelerate income can help you pay less taxes over your lifetime . Our natural tendency is to avoid doing things that feel counterintuitive, which often puts us on the road that is most traveled. We end up following the herd or missing opportunities unique to our situation. It is hard because you may not know the right questions to ask or consider when you are at a fork in the road. We have found that reflecting on the roads taken (or not taken) and seeking guidance from qualified experts will help you find the road less traveled or even fi nd a road you did not see, and to paraphrase Robert Frost, that can make all the difference. + by Clayton Quamme, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Preston & Cleveland Wealth Management, LLC (www.preston-cleveland.com). Preston & Cleveland is a fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm with offices in Augusta, GA and Columbia, SC.

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

The blog spot From the Bookshelf — posted by Roy Benaroch, MD on October 11, 2014

MORE STUFF WILL NOT MAKE KIDS HAPPY. TAKE THEM OUTSIDE INSTEAD. The Journal of Psychological Science just published a complicated, long, and fascinating study about happiness. The full text is tucked behind a paywall, but it’s great reading if you can get your hands on it. The authors arranged four separate experiments, looking at the effects of getting things versus experiencing things, and how the anticipation of waiting might affect happiness. Some of the studies involved just imagining a future purchase or vacation; another one had study subjects answer brief texts throughout the day about how they felt. Some of the authors’ findings were really quite consistent across study modes, and though the study subjects were all adults, I think a lot of this would apply just as well to kids. Some of their conclusions: You get more happiness out of doing things than out of having things. A vacation where you go somewhere, or a trip to the park or having ice cream — these are experiences, things you do, and you don’t get to keep anything afterwards but your memories. These experiences are contrasted in the study with material things you might get, like a new toy or a new car. (It occurs to me that many “things” are actually both materials and experiences, like a book—but let’s leave that grey zone out for now.) Several aspects of this study, and a lot of additional research, has shown that people get more happiness and more long-lasting happiness from experiences than things. Why? The strongest reason seems to be that we quickly habituate to the things we have. New sneakers? Great. In a day or so you don’t even notice you’re wearing them. The “happiness effect” of things seems fleeting, whatever the things are. In other words: Stuff will not make you happy. The authors also looked at anticipation — what it means to have to wait for something. What they found might be surprising at fi rst: Overall, people enjoyed waiting for things and experiences, and in fact got greater happiness from their things and experiences the longer they waited. Anticipation and waiting increased enjoyment. This increased happiness applied both to things and experiences, but was much stronger for experiences. People who planned vacations well in advance enjoyed their vacations way more than people who didn’t have to wait. People who waited to purchase a new jacket ended up enjoying their jackets a little more than people who bought them right away. So: having stuff doesn’t make you as happy as doing stuff; and having to wait to do something makes you even happier than getting to do it right away. Does this sound like it would be true for children as well as adults? You bet. Young and old, we concentrate too much on what we want to have. Once we have what we wanted — meh — now we just want something else. The quicker we get it, the more meh we become. My advice: Go take your kids outside. Plant some flowers or brussels sprouts, eat some ice cream, and catch firefl ies. Then let them go. +

“Got your holiday shopping done yet?”

Roy Benaroch is a pediatrician who blogs at The Pediatric Insider.

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This book might be called a love story, but it’s got to be one of the saddest and most painful and most beautiful love stories ever written. There is no spoiler alert necessary when I tell you that its author shares the stage in this love story with his wife — and terminal cancer: after all, he breaks the news to us in the fi rst paragraph of the book’s Prologue. If you’ve read this far and you end up reading this book, you know up front it’s going to be no picnic. This will not be ending well. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a noteworthy and memorable book. If anyone on earth was better qualified to write this book, it would be hard to imagine. Paul Kalanithi was an aspiring author with a master’s degree in English literature and plans to follow it up with a Ph.D. when he decided to instead pursue medical school. As his friend and fellow author Abraham Verghese writes in the book’s Foreword of an essay by Kalanithi which appeared in the magazine Stanford Medicine, “the prose was

unforgettable. Out of his pen he was spinning gold.” Yes, this doctor could write. Reading the words of this book review, it’s unfortunate that so many of us can relate to his story. We have had cancer (or have cared for someone who had it). We know the initial denial, the sickening dread, the certainty that comes even before the official diagnosis, that something is seriously amiss. In Kalanithi’s case, it seems all the more tragic when such a bright future evaporated into thin air. He had won prestigious national awards and was

fielding job offers from major universities. His residency program director told him he would be the top candidate in any position for which he applied. “My journey from medical student to professor of neurosurgery was almost complete [after] ten years of relentless training.” “At age thirty-six, I had reached the moutaintop. I could see the Promised Land... I could see myself fi nally becoming the husband I’d promised to be.” Alas, it was not to be. The Prologue ends with one of the saddest collection of sentences you’re ever likely to read. Paul Kalanithi told a friend that everyone would be able to identify with his story because sooner or later we’ll all follow him into death. Reading such an eloquent reminder that we are not guaranteed tomorrow reminds us not to squander our todays. + When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, M.D; 256 pages, published in January 2016 by Random House.

Editor’s note: the Examiner review above from our Feb. 5 issue is reprinted here in honor of When Breath Becomes Air being named as one of the best books of 2016.

Research News This is nuts! The Imperial College of London has completed a large analysis of current research data and discovered a surprising and simple way to reduce cardiac disease and cancer risk: eating nuts. And it doesn’t take a lot. Just 20 grams, which translates to about three tablespoons. A daily handful cut coronary heart disease risk by almost 30 percent, cancer by 15 percent, and the risk of premature death by 22 percent. The data also showed a 50 percent reduction in dying from a respiratory disease and diabetes by nearly 40 percent, but the researchers say there is less data about these diseases than for cancer and heart disease. The study included all kinds of tree nuts, such as hazel nuts, pecans and walnuts, as well as peanuts (even though they are

actually legumes), and found the kind of nuts consumed did not appreciably alter the beneficial effects. The secret to nuts’ benefits: they are high in fiber, magnesium and polyunsaturated fats, all nutrients known to reduce cholesterol levels and cut cardiovascular disease risk. Some nuts are also high in antioxidants, which helps lower cancer risk. The data analysis found little evidence for greater health outcomes from eating more than 20 grams daily. The study was published Dec. 5 in the journal BMC Medicine. On the other hand... The UK charity Worldwide Cancer Research says that the spread of cancer is enhanced by a high fat diet. The study identified for the fi rst time a protein called CD36 found in tumor cells which is responsible for metastasis (cancer growth) and which

feeds on fatty acids. To confi rm their discovery, researchers added CD36 to non-metastatic cancer cells, which caused those cells to become metastatic. Conversely, in mice with cancer that had already metastasized, CD36-blocking antibodies completely stopped metastasis in 20 percent of the mice, while in others the reduction of metastasis was as high as 8090 percent. Researchers hope to use the finding to develop more effective antibodies against CD36. A double-barrelled problem While the risk of lung cancer for smokers is old news, researchers at the University of Colorado Denver have discovered that heavy smokers who have diabetes are at double the risk for death from “all-cause mortality” and “non-lung cancer mortality.” +

+ 12

THE EXAMiNERS +

How’s your dad these days?

DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

by Dan Pearson

I’m so sorry. I had no idea.

He finally bought the farm.

Actually, at 182 acres I hope he didn’t I figure his suffering suffer too much. is just beginning.

It was a long time coming.

THE MYSTERY WORD The Mystery Word for this issue: COMING BLEATT

ACletters, K IN Jthen Simply unscramble the exploring ANUbegin A R Y ! our ads. When you find the correctly spelled word hidden in one of our ads — enter at AugustaRx.com

EXAMINER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Blocker kickoff? 5. IBS centerpiece 10. Glasgow ______ Scale 14. Name brand bug spray 15. Swelling 16. Novelist Murdoch 17. Mild oath 18. Baja bye-bye 19. Short nail 20. Stop 22. Germ-free 24. Intended 25. Some fonts are sans this 26. Singer Martin 29. Center start 33. _____ Tour 36. African musical instrument 39. Saves 40. Apiece 42. Lungs should be this 44. It can follow oh. 45. Downtown street 47. Anesthetic 49. Kissing in public, etc. (abbrev.) 50. Find something funny 51. Self-satisfied 53. Silent Marx brother 57. Noted burn patient Shirley 61. Former seafood restaurant 63. Women-only part of a Hindu or Muslim house 64. Slammin Sammy 65. How a brewery starts? 67. Lees 68. Fracture type 69. Full speed (at sea) 70. Part of the foot and hand 71. Glass ornament 72. Norway to Norwegians

VISIT WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM 1

Click on “READER CONTESTS”

QUOTATION PUZZLE

’ 49

H L E T P R N A C A U D R E

DOWN 1. Sid of note in Atlanta history 2. Tidal bore 3. Georgia’s Betty Cantrell wore one for a year 4. A number added to another 5. Rhythm 6. Eccentric 7. He’s profiled on page 3 8. Show emotion theatrically 9. Intense medical beam 10. Adjusted to an urban environment 11. By mouth 12. Medical guinea pigs? 13. Inquire 21. Brain ____ 23. Former news anchor Sykes 27. Primary survey letters 28. River with two major tributaries, one White, one Blue 30. HBO political comedy

H T D O U S S T O E O Y C I N P A H F R R G E I A

— Lily Tomlin

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.

73. Run in neutral

L L C W

31. Apple product 32. Area abbrev. 33. Rind 34. Festive occasion 35. Rights org. 37. Ltrs. after many mil. names 38. Exclamations of contentment 41. Avenue on The Hill 43. Deep sleep abbreviation 46. Fraud 48. Hick 52. Indian independence leader 54. Staff again 55. First quality 56. Famous grouch 58. Had the courage 59. Prepare to pray 60. Two under on 13 61. ____ Avenue off 15th Street 62. Toward the ocean 63. Type of defense 64. _____ story 66. 18-wheeler

X A M I N E R

3 9

8 1

3 8

6 4

1 1

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.

Solution p. 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.

1 2 3 Y 1 2 3

M 1 2 3 4 ’ 1 2 3 4

1 2

A 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 O 1 2 3 1 2

1.HYTTTFIRIWDT 2.TOOOSEHHIAIO 3.LEVMMUNER 4.TEEENA 5.X

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

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

DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

13 +

THE BEST MEDICINE ha... ha...

woman was shopping for a 20-pound turkey, but the biggest one she could find in the case at the grocery store was only 16 lbs. Finally a teenage meat department clerk noticed her and asked if she needed any help. Gesturing toward the selection of 16-pound turkeys she asked, “Don’t these get any bigger?” “No ma’am,” he answered. “They’re dead.” Moe: My dog has no nose. Joe: Then how does he smell? Moe: Awful. Just awful.

“Well, that kid standing next to him picking his nose is my son.” A dad is sitting at the kitchen table facing a pile of bills and a skinny bank account. He’s writing out the checks he can and sticking them in envelopes when his little boy runs into the room. “Dad! Look!” he said, holding up his hand. “I lost a tooth! I’m gonna put it under my pillow tonight!” “If I were you I’d wait ‘til next week,” his dad said. A dad wins a Pokemon battle and excitedly yells, “This is the greatest accomplishment of my life!” In disbelief at his comment, his wife says, “You have two beautiful children.” “Oh right!” says her husband. “Thanks! I need to tell them too!” Teenager: Dad, am I adopted? Dad: Not yet, but we haven’t given up hope.

Moe: Do trees poop? Joe: Of course they do. Moe: Really? Joe: Why do you think they call them “No. 2” pencils?

Wife: Don’t forget to pick the kids up from school. Husband: It’s Saturday and they’re both upstairs. Wife: It is Wednesday and we have 3 kids.

Two soccer moms got to talking along the sidelines of a game. “Which one is yours?” asked one mother to the other. “See that kid over there who’s been scoring all the goals?” she replied. “Yes. He’s the star of the team.”

Moe: Why are there always two EMTs in an ambulance? Joe: Because they’re a pair of medics. Moe: Why did the Twinkie go to the dentist? Joe: Because it lost its filling. +

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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SUBSCRIBE TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER By popular demand we’re making at-cost subscriptions available for the convenience of our readers. If you live beyond the Aiken-Augusta area or miss issues between doctor’s appointments — don’t you hate it when that happens? — we’ll command your mail carrier to bring every issue to your house! NAME ADDRESS CITY

ON THE ROAD TO BETTER HEALTH A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE Editor’s note: Augusta writer Marcia Ribble wrote a long-time column in this paper entitled The Patient’s Perspective reincarnated in this new format. Feel free to contact her at marciaribble@hotmail.com One aspect of all elections, regardless of whether they are at the federal, state, or local level, has to do with where the candidates stand on medical and health issues. The big issue for many voters over the past few years has been Obamacare, but that is far from being the only health-related problem in America today. Nor is health a new issue for American citizens. In the early years of America as a colony, Cotton Mather was searching for answers to explain his grown daughter’s death from childbed fever. As a minister, he was loathe to blame God for her death. He loved his daughter, so it was excruciatingly painful for him to lose her. This made him want to solve what to people of his time was a mystery. One answer that occurred to him was that witches had used bad magic from the devil to cause her death. In his diary, he talks at length about his determination to find and eradicate whatever, or whomever, had killed his child. The zeal of his search for answers led, in part, to the Salem witch trials and deaths. We now know that his answers, no matter how sincrely he believed them, were wrong and hurt and even killed innocent women. Fortunately, Governor Winthrop used scientific rather than religious thinking to guide his responses, and he ordered that the witch trials and deaths be ended, arguing that something other than witchcraft had caused the illnesses and deaths of that era. We can hear echoes from that time in some of today’s ongoing healthcare debates. Some who are using religious reasoning may tend to take one side of health issues, while those who are thinking from a scientific perspective may take an opposing perspective. Perhaps in a couple hundred years we’ll know for sure which side was “right,” just as we do looking back on Salem. In the meantime, it helps to remember that our “facts” are always, at best, temporary and based on what may be erroneous assumptions. Giving everyone the benefit of the doubt and being willing to believe that we are still looking for better evidence to prove whatever side of the current debates we happen to be on is wise in the light of history. One big recent question in medicine is the focus on the Zika virus. We are still in the position Mather was in of wanting answers, but having to face a lot of uncertainty instead of knowing all the answers. Thank goodness we no longer put to death people who disagree with us on medical and health issues. And it would probably help if we could all recognize that even in our much more informed world we are unable to command absolute certainty that we are right and they are wrong, or its inverse, that they are right and we are wrong. +

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE MYSTERY SOLVED

122

ARY !

ANUissue was: Jlast The Mystery WordCin our N I K A B COMING TABLET

...very cleverly hidden (in the bricks) in the p. 16 ad for AUBEN REALTY APARTMENTS However, we had no winner! 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!

That’s how many back issues of the Medical Examiner are available at issuu.com/medicalexaminer You can subscribe to the online edition free!

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

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EXAMINER CLASSIFIEDS HOMES, APARTMENTS, ROOMMATES, LAND, ETC. FOR RENT 1827 McDowell St., 1 mi to MCG. 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, LR, DR, den, kitchen. Tile/hardwood floors. New roof. (706) 738-2331 ROOM FOR RENT with private bathroom and full house privileges. Martinez $600/mo (706) 840-6860 FOR SALE 3 bedroom/2 bath, single garage Townhouse in Martinez. Master/ bath down, 2 upstairs bedrooms share bath, large loft for office, playroom, den; wood-burning fireplace, covered back porch. Freshly painted with new flooring, lighting and ceiling fans. Easy access to Riverwatch Parkway, Washington Rd, I-20, Augusta. 1987 sq.ft. $147,900. 706-836-7001. ROOM FOR RENT 1 room, private bathroom, 2bdrm MH on private lot. Clean quiet neighborhood. Non-smoker. $600 monthly. Must be stable, verifiable references and income. Cable and Internet included. Warrenville, 5 min from Aiken, 20 min to Augusta. (803) 270-2658 POND VIEW! Evans all-brick 2-story with solar panels. Avg. electric bill $170 in Northwood, 3,400 sqft. Call 1-800401-0257, ext. 0043 24/7 for price and details.

SERVICES PETS Dogs walked, cats sat, in the comfort of your home by retired pharmacist. No kennel noise, fleas, disease, transport cost/time. Avail 7 days/wk in Martinez/ Evans. $15 per visit. References. Call for free interview at your home. Call Buddy for your buddy: (706) 829-1729

CELIA DUNN, DMD 584 Blue Ridge Drive, Evans GA 30809 (706) 650-9700 HOUSE CLEANING Your house, apartment, rental move-outs. Thorough, dependable. Weekly, or whatever schedule you prefer. References. 706-877-0421 F. E. GILLIARD, MD FAMILY MEDICINE Acute & Chronic Illnesses Occupational Medicine PROMPT APPOINTMENTS (706) 760-7607

MISCELLANEOUS STARTING OUT? KICKED OUT? Refrigerator, stove and dryer, $490. Call 706-231-1653 SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS Opening and closing at Sunset Mem. Gardens in Graniteville. Sale: $760 (Value: $1520+) Call 706-736-0596 ANTIQUE maple dinette set with buffet corner cabinet table with pull-out leaves. Four chairs with two captain’s chairs. Excellent condition. $300. Double bed early 1930s with mattress spring coverlet shams $150. Call (706) 860-2170

THE PUZZLE SOLVED B

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QUOTATION QUOTATION PUZZLE SOLUTION: Page 12: “Reality is a crutch for people who can’t handle drugs.” — Lily Tomlin

The Sudoku Solution 2

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) 2953033

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

WORDS BY NUMBER

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” — Sydney J. Harris

DECEMBER 16, 2016

The Short White Coat Time passes and, as a medical student, I have always looked ahead to the future in anticipation of the life-changing years to come. The time where I’ll see the letters “M.D.” after my name as a constant reminder of how hard I’ve worked for something I believe in. I knew from a very young age that I would be working in the service of others. The idea of taking care of someone despite where they are coming from, or going to, resonated with me. As I grew older, I had a genuine interest in science, specifically anatomy and physiology. I came to know, without a doubt, that I wanted to become a medical doctor and contribute to society as a physician. In my mind, the

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

goal of the physician is to use their medical knowledge and clinical skills to assist the patient in any way they can, without prejudice or other motives. As healthcare remains on the forefront of political debate, medicine is impacted by the media and public opinion. Nevertheless, it is important to keep from becoming jaded and stay clear on what our motives are and what the practice of medicine truly is. ILooking back, I remember where my third year of medicine began, one year ago. I recall driving to Augusta with my parents. I had never heard of Augusta and was unsure of what to expect. Within a short period of time I learned my way around,

A med student’s notebook visiting different coffee shops and eateries. Once my clinical rotations began, I frequented the library at Augusta University (then GRU). I learned the route and traffic was never an issue (big plus). From the medical office to the hospitals, the experiences were always fi lled with new knowledge and improved clinical skills. I try to avoid having favorites, but I cannot deny my favorite

clinical rotation was Surgery alongside Dr. Roosevelt J. Stallings. I say “alongside” because that is his style with students. He brings the students along and treats them with respect, as equals. In the time spent with Dr. Stallings, I was reminded of the importance of integrity, respect and resilience. As medical students, we are exposed to many different experiences during the clinical years that will challenge our fundamental values. It was refreshing to work with a doctor who has maintained his core values and can serve as a prime example to students who are still finding their way. This holiday season, let’s look back and remember the people who served as an example, those who taught us something, and the ones who cared enough to share a

piece of the wisdom they have gained. Life is about learning. That is one fact that I have always believed. Having Google at our fingertips is wonderful, but we can be each other’s source of knowledge and expertise. I am grateful for my family, friends, peers, and the physicians, nurses and medical staff who have influenced my learning. I am also especially grateful for the city of Augusta, where the tea is sweet and the roads are clear. + by Jasmine Rivas, a third year medical student at University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Feel free to contact her with questions or feedback: jrivas@umhssk.net

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ALLERGY

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

CHIROPRACTIC Evans Chiropractic Health Center Dr. William M. Rice 108 SRP Drive, Suite A 706-860-4001 www.evanschiro.net

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

DENTISTRY

DERMATOLOGY

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

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

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

FAMILY MEDICINE

F. E. Gilliard MD, Family Medicine 4244 Washington Road Evans, GA 30809 706-760-7607 Industrial Medicine • Prompt appts. Urgent MD Augusta: 706-922-6300 Grovetown: 706-434-3500 Thomson: 706-595-7825 Primary Care Rates

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

PHARMACY

YOUR LISTING HERE

SENIOR LIVING

Augusta Gardens Senior Living Community 3725 Wheeler Road Augusta 30909 SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY 706-868-6500 www.augustagardenscommunity.com

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

TRANSPORTATION Caring Man in a Van Wheelchair-Stretcher Transports • Serving Augusta Metro 855-342-1566 www.CaringManinaVan.com

VEIN CARE

Medical Center West Pharmacy 465 North Belair Road Evans 30809 Vein Specialists of Augusta Dr. Judson S. Hickey Your Practice 706-854-2424 Periodontist And up to four additional lines of your www.medicalcenterwestpharmacy.com G. Lionel Zumbro, Jr., MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI 501 Blackburn Dr, Martinez 30907 2315-B Central Ave choosing and, if desired, your logo. Floss ‘em 706-854-8340 Augusta 30904 or lose ‘em! Keep your contact information in Parks Pharmacy www.VeinsAugusta.com 706-739-0071 this convenient place seen by tens of 437 Georgia Ave. thousands of patients every month. N. Augusta 29841 Jason H. Lee, DMD Literally! Call (706) 860-5455 for all 803-279-7450 116 Davis Road the details www.parkspharmacy.com Augusta 30907 Medical Weight & Wellness 706-860-4048 Specialists of Augusta THE AUGUSTA Maycie Elchoufi, MD MEDICAL EXAMINER Steven L. Wilson, DMD 108 SRP Drive, Suite B Psych Consultants Family Dentistry Evans 30809 • 706-829-9906 AUGUSTA’S 2820 Hillcreek Dr 4059 Columbia Road MOST SALUBRIOUS YourWeightLossDoctor.com Augusta 30909 Martinez 30907 NEWSPAPER (706) 410-1202 706-863-9445 www.psych-consultants.com

WEIGHT LOSS

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DECEMBER 16, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

PROFILES… from page 3 the careful stewardship of the Foundation. It isn’t an exaggeration to say the Weiss Endowment holds potential benefit for every Augustan. Medically, the Endowment has funded the telemedicine chair continuously since its establishment, helping the medical college fulfi ll its mission as Georgia’s health sciences university to the entire state. The Weiss Endowment also funds the Weiss Professorship, a chair currently held by Wen-Cheng Xiong, Ph.D., conducting advanced research in molecular biology. Over the years, the Weiss Endowment has also been used to support the MCG Cancer Center, “immune-genetic” research, and to aid in recruitment of top-fl ight physicians and researchers. As significant as the Weiss donation has been — and is designed to continue to be in perpetuity — it started with a simple doctor’s appointment. Weiss came to MCG as a cancer patient. During his treatment he became good friends with Dr. Lowell Greenbaum, who introduced Weiss to James Osborne,

WHAT IS A CHAIR? It’s a term heard at every institution of higher learning: Dr. Smith holds the Adams Chair in Neurology, or Dr. Smith is the Emerson Professor of Cardiology, and so on. Those hypothetical examples are typical of these academic positions. What does it all mean? A chair can be established at the request or in honor of (and thus is often named for) a distinguished donor or scholar. The chair is endowed (or funded) with a substantial initial allocation of money. It can be added to by subsequent future donations. The base fund itself is never touched; only the profits from its prudent investment are used. An endowment of $1 million could generate $40,000 to $50,000 in annual dividends and profits that the chair can use as directed by the specifics of its particular charter, anything from hiring research assistants and purchasing lab equipment to supplementing the salary of the chair holder as a recruiting tool. It’s a measure of success and academic achievement both to have a chair named in one’s honor and to be appointed to hold an endowed chair. +

Ph.D., then head of the MCG Foundation. Weiss wanted to help the medical college in its work, and he had a number of things the school needed, including funds and what can sometimes be a very scarce and precious commodity: land. The Weiss estate included a number of properties, the crown jewel of which was Central Square, the shopping center adjacent to MCG on 15th Street anchored by Kroger. By becoming the center’s landlord, the Foundation is the beneficiary of rent to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, all of which (after maintenance expenses) can be used at the discretion of the Foundation’s board to support the Medical College of Georgia. MCG’s desire to be a good neighbor meant that it didn’t gobble up the land for parking, dormitories or office space, instead keeping the grocery store in place as an important neighborhood amenity. That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t big development plans for that property. As a gateway to the entire medical district, Central Square is slated for a radical transformation in the near future. Tentative plans include a handsome mixed-use development that may include hotel and meeting facilities, residential and retail space, as well as much needed campus green space. It is envisioned as an amenity the entire community will use, not just people affi liated with Augusta University. The Weiss Endowment is not the only Weiss gift that continued to benefit the university after the philanthropist’s death. He even donated his body to the school’s anatomy department, joining other such donations to make possible the all-important hands-on instruction in human anatomy for future doctors. That gift, said then-MCG president Francis J. Tedesco, was the one Weiss viewed as his greatest. He truly did give everything he had in the most literal sense. Weiss initially became acquainted with MCG as a patient, and years later spent the last month of his life as a patient at MCG Hospital after undergoing surgery for lung cancer. By that point he had been living with only one lung for nearly three years due to

earlier surgery. Apparently he never updated a note he had sent to the anatomy lab on an unspecified earlier date, advising them that the donation of his body was as-is, noting “you’ll have to install a spleen, since I don’t have one (or gall bladder either).” His death on Dec. 17, 1997 paved the way for that final greatest gift, missing parts notwithstanding. +

WANT TO BE LIKE GEORGE? You don’t have to be a millionaire to support the MCG Foundation, an organization with a most worthy agenda: “The Mission of the Medical College of Georgia Foundation is to improve the quality of life of the people of Georgia, the nation, and the world by supporting the advancement of education, research, and patient care at the Medical College of Georgia.” Every donation, even the largest, is composed of individual dollars, and we all have some of those. For more information, visit www. mcgfoundation.org or call (706) 823-5500 (tollfree: 877-823-5501). +

Happy Holidays from the Auben team

Auben Realty 1918 Central Ave. Augusta, GA 30904 (706) 305-1551 aubenrealty.com

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AIKEN: 803-226-0034 AUGUSTA: 706-922-1611 EVANS: 706-855-1616