Feb5 16 by Daniel Pearson

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90%

inety percent? Of what? You’re going to be surprised at the answer. And now that you know the answer, here’s the full question: “What percentage of the U.S. population is expected to develop high blood pressure in their lifetimes?” Do not adjust your Medical Examiner. You read correctly. That is a rather shocking statistic, but it’s a perfect introduction to February, aka American Heart Month. Even though heart attack prevention is as simple as ABC (see box), in this article let’s focus on just one heart health void strategy. It falls within the “C” category, tobacco and has the added benefit of helping in both heart attack prevention and lowering ecome blood pressure. more The genius trick in pulling this off is active amazingly simple: reduce the amount of salt in your diet. That’s it! hoose good However, like anything else that seems nutrition too good to be true, there’s always a catch or two. For starters, just about the only product that doesn’t have added salt is salt itself. So it’s good to be a bit of a private eye in looking for sodium in all the usual places and plenty of unexpected ones. But the payoff is big.

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Who is this?

he physician you see in the picture above is one of the truly forgotten keynote figures in the long and illustrious history of medicine. It would be extremely unlikely for you to be unfamiliar with his work, even though its most famous phase took place in 1856 and 1857 and is used and respected to this day, yet his magnum opus went largely to the fame and glory of another physician, shown to the right. Our friend in the oval frame was named Henry Vandyke Carter. Sound familiar? Not likely. The gentleman in the rectangular frame was named

Henry Gray. Sound familar? Perhaps not. Ah, but what if we said Gray’s Anatomy? Would that make a difference? If you have an old copy, you may have to do a bit of

searching to find the name H. V. Carter, MD, but it’s in there at least once, in small print on the title page below the larger name Henry Gray. Some newer editions of the book do not contain Carter’s name. Most people probably assume that Henry Gray created the illustrations in the book that bears his name, but that distinction belongs solely to the other Henry, Henry Carter. Although the first edition was published in 1858, Gray’s Anatomy is on bookshelves in doctors offices and bookstores to this very day, although it must be said that, as is often the case with book adaptations, the printed version and the screen version bear little to no resemblance to each other. Anyone familiar with this still-respected bible of anatomical reference knows that its co-creators contributed equally to the book’s value: Carter’s illustrations would be greatly diminished without Gray’s clear and informative text; the text would have much less reference value without the accompanying detailed illustrations. In fact, the publishers of the first edition wanted to ascribe joint authorship to the book, but Gray objected. It became Gray’s Anatomy, was an immediate success, and has been ever since. If there is any such thing as karma, it was in play here. Please see WHO IS THIS? page 4

Please see 90 PERCENT page 2

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90 PERCENT… from page 1 Body chemistry is such that salt — which is, for the record, a mineral essential for life – draws water from body cells into the bloodstream. The more salt, the more fluid. The increased volume of fluid means weight gain, higher pressure on blood vessels (hypertension), and more work for the heart. Naturally, both the heart and the blood vessels experience more wear and tear in this scenario. In fact, high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for the world’s #1 killer, heart disease. The American Heart Association says hypertension is the leading risk factor for women’s death’s in the U.S., and the second highest risk factor for death among men. They also say that children aren’t immune: some 80 to 90 percent of kids 18 and under get too much sodium. Unless they make a change, they will have an increased risk of heart disease when they get older; some kids already suffer from hypertension. To give you some idea of the problem, studies show the average American consumes more than 3,400mg of sodium each day. For optimal health, FDA guidelines recommend no more than 1,500mg of sodium per day in the diets of people with higher susceptibility to hypertension: middle-aged and older adults and African Americans. Some at-risk people have been instructed by the doctors to consume even less than 1,500mg per day. Even for the general population with no risk factors, the daily recommended limit is only 2,300mg of sodium per day. That’s about a teaspoon. Aside from hypertension, cutting dietary sodium is proven to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, kidney disease, heart attack and heart failure, stomach cancer, headaches and weight gain, says the FDA. As stated above, payoffs for cutting out salt are big. The question is, how do you do it? Shaking the salt For starters, don’t take that subheading literally. We’re talking shake as in to remove or get rid of, like “shaking off the memories of when you used to use a lot of salt.” Beyond that, the #1 strategy for cutting out salt — and along with it, cutting your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease — is simply to become a label reader. The Nutrition Facts on every product will clearly convey the sodium content per serving. Using that information can be a huge help in monitoring and controlling your entire day’s intake. As an example, if your goal is to stay below the 1,500mg limit, that soup with 950mg of sodium per serving certainly won’t help. Look for a lower sodium option and you won’t have to fast the rest of the day. Your target for any food should be 5 percent of the day’s total. For example, if your goal is 2,300mg of sodium per day, a serving of any individual food should contain no more than 115mg of sodium. Dining out doesn’t offer that convenience, but most restaurants, fast food to fine dining, have nutrition information listed on their websites. You can choose well and wisely before you even leave the house. Don’t be fooled by clever descriptions, either. Look at the Wendy’s ad above for natural-cut fries with real sea salt. Oddly enough, however, a medium serving of these fries has 420mg of sodium versus only 190mg for medium fries from McDonalds. For the record, sea salt and regular table salt are essentially equal in their sodium content. There are plenty of herbs and spices that have zero sodium content, but loads of flavor, so going salt free doesn’t condemn you to a bland, flavorless diet. Another option to cut sodium: eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Cutting salt means increasing your odds of being in a very elite group: the mere 10 percent who don’t have and won’t have hypertension. That’s a nice reward. +

BR UI

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Dear Advice Doctor, I work with a guy who lies all the time. I honestly think he prefers lying to telling the truth, even if the subject is pure trivia. Normally I take all of his crazy stories with a grain of salt, but lately he has started to tell me that he’s ripping off the company to the tune of thousands of dollars. He could be lying again, but I think for once he’s actually telling the truth. I’m afraid if I don’t blow the whistle, I could be charged with complicity if it ever comes out. Do you think I should I call the police, or keep it in-house and just tell my supervisor? — Honest Gabe Dear Honest Gabe, I know a grain of salt doesn’t sound like a lot, but the problem is that it’s never just “a grain.” Usually there’s a whole shaker full of salt involved, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You could banish the salt shaker from your kitchen and your table and still have a diet high in salt. That’s because many foods come straight from the grocery store already loaded with high levels of sodium. The problem with high levels of dietary sodium is that it is implicated as one of the primary causes of hypertension, or high blood pressure, a significant component of heart disease. Hypertension and coronary artery disease are responsible for hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths every year. Gabe, I want to recommend that you read the February 5 issue of the Medical Examiner. It contains a cover story about dietary sodium and why it’s important to control, along with practical steps for doing just that. I think you’ll find that you can cut out a lot of salt and enjoy the accompanying health benefits without sacrificing flavor in the foods you love. +

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Obviously the online edition of the Medical Examiner has just posted. Full color on every page. Clickable links. Read it 24/7. Go to issuu.com/medicalexaminer

www.AugustaRx.com 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

(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. © 2016 PEARSON GRAPHIC 365 INC.

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OLD NEWS +

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

WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE

WHO IS THIS?… from page 1 Gray may have gotten his name on the book and on the pages of history, but he barely had the chance to enjoy his fame. He died of smallpox in 1861 at age 34, less than three years after the first edition of Gray’s Anatomy was published. Carter, meanwhile, seemingly unfazed by his invisibility, went on to lead a noteworthy life. Shortly after completing his illustrations for Anatomy, Carter accepted the post of Deputy Surgeon-General with the Indian Medical Service and moved to Bombay in 1858. There he became known for his work with leprosy and a pioneering study on the disease published in 1874. He retired in 1888 and moved back to England to live near his sister, Lily. Born in May 1831 as the first-born son of artist Henry Barlow Carter, the great anatomist died of tuberculosis in May 1897 in the town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England, just a few days before his 66th birthday. +

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pen enrollment for Medicare ended on December 7, 2015. There is another open enrollment period which runs from January 1st through February 14, 2016. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, this is the time to make the change back to original Medicare if you wish to do so. If you do this you will have until the 14th of February to choose a new prescription drug plan as well, or you may keep the one you have as long as it is compatible with original Medicare. Your coverage will begin on the first of the month after your enrollment form is received. What you can’t do is switch from original Medicare to an Advantage plan or switch from one Advantage plan to another or switch a stand-alone prescription plan. You also can not join, switch, or drop a Medical Savings Account (MSA) at this time. Medicare can be confusing, but if you take the time to do some reading, you will find it isn’t difficult

to understand. There are resources available to help you in this endeavour. There is the official Medicare website at: www. medicare.gov. There is also the “Medicare and You” handbook that is mailed out to every Medicare recipient each year. While this isn’t easy to read cover to cover, it can be invaluable if you use it as you need it. You should pay attention to the rules and limitations of your coverage because things do change year to year. If you do not receive a handbook, you can get one mailed to you by calling the Area Agency on Aging at 706210-2018. If you feel you are more comfortable speaking to a person, make certain they are a Certified Medicare Counselor. A few things to keep in

mind: original Medicare does not cover hearing, dental or vision except in the case of cataracts. Also beware of what you are being charged for during a hospital stay. Any medication not required while admitted will not be covered, as well as the cost of the TV, phone service and any personal items provided by the hospital such as toothpaste, razor, toothbrush or the little booties for your cold feet. These things will show up on your bill as an out-of-pocket expense. Another little known fact is, should you be admitted to the hospital under the coding for “observation,” Medicare rarely pays for this. Make certain your doctor admits you as an in-patient. There are a lot of surprising facts in your handbook and it is well worth the effort to read it. Don’t assume you know what is covered and please, please, do not take another well-meaning Medicare recipient’s word for anything! Prescription drug plans and advantage plans are geographically specific, and what your best friend has may not be available to you. Make sure you get the answers to the questions you have by reading, not through word of mouth. It will save you time, aggravation and most of all, your hard-earned money. +

MYTH OF THE MONTH I can’t exercise: I’ve had a heart attack

•

We publish every 1st and 3rd Friday

This is not the time or the place for a blanket statement that will apply to every person and every situation — so consult your doctor — but as a general rule having heart disease or suffering a heart attack is a great reason to exercise. No one would recommend a marathon, but moderate exercise often slows the progression of heart disease, and even lowers the risk of a first or repeat heart attack. A common suggestion for heart patients is to begin with 10 minutes of daily exercise and keep that up for a week, adding an additional 10 minutes a day for week two, and another 10

minutes for week three, reaching a target of at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days. Walking is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal, and often doctors encourage heart attack patients to begin a regimen like this within two weeks of their attack. Check with your doctor for suggestions tailored to your individual circumstances, but remember that as a general rule, exercise is good for almost everyone. + — by F. E. Gilliard, MD, Family Medicine 4244 Washington Road, Evans, GA 30809 706-760-7607

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WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW res? k good eno r skin can ugh cer? son.” o

Editor’s note: Can you believe Ricardo Azziz became president of MCG on July 1, 2010? This vintage Bad Billy story originally appeared in our May 20, 2011 issue. k

Uncle Tom Finley, as students referred to him when he was not around, was a great doctor and medical educator at the Medical College of Georgia. He was a devastatingly friendly man. Before he went to meet Jesus, he was highly praised. Afterwards, he was sorely missed. He spent his career teaching in Eugene Talmadge Memorial Hospital. ETMH had a reputation: When you got to Mr. Talmadge‘s hospital, you either got well or you got dead. That was because the most difficult cases came to ETMH, where anyone was admitted regardless of their ability to pay. When you were discharged, you were interviewed to see how much you could pay. One of my childhood neighbors had heart surgery there and stayed a month. The bill? $350. To be paid at $10 a month. It is a little different now. The ETMH name was quietly dropped when it was no longer politically correct to be a governor for the South.

ABOUT HOW CHANGE IS GOOD. EXCEPT WHEN IT ISN’T. Now MCG is no longer good enough for the new president whose name has an array of letters not commonly found in the South. And the names aren’t the only change. A couple years back I was hit by a drunk driver. I am told I was in the ER at MCG for 4 hours and had some scans, none of which I remember. I was told my bruised body was viewed by an array of machines and technicians, also none of which I remember. When all was said and done, I was treated with three steristrips and a prescription for pain pills. My bill? $14,000. That did not include the ambulance trip. Uncle Tom Finley would have rolled over in his grave if he knew all of this had happened. He thought medicine was an art, a calling, a service to mankind, not a business venture. He thought medicine was personal. He could cut to the bone with a simple question. He once asked some medical students for the best treatment for stomach ulcers. The students quickly replied: Maalox. Sippy diet. No alcohol. No tobacco. No spicy foods. Get lots of rest. Get rid of stress. This was back before the

t s e B days of acid blockers and the knowledge that certain bacterial infections caused stomach ulcers. Uncle Tom Finley assumed his usual fatherly tone and quietly said, “Sippy diet, huh? Milk, cream, antacids, and bland foods every two hours while awake. Everybody uses it. But do you know it does no more good than burning feathers in the moonlight?” Deep silence swallowed up his students. The same thought shot through their minds. Burning feathers in the moonlight? Does Uncle Tom believe in witchcraft? Or is he joking? No one dared be the first to speak and show himself to be a fool by not understanding Uncle Tom’s Socratic logic. Quietly he led them out of the quandary by picking a student to report back the next day on the scientific foundation of the Sippy Diet.

e n i c i d ME

The foundation turned out to be a testimonial by a Dr. Sippy. It had no scientific data, no double-blind studies, no controls, no follow up. Just I tell you this works, so you accept it as gospel. The standard ulcer treatment of the day was based upon a testimonial. The fail-safe treatment of that era was vagotomy and pyloroplasty. Cut the nerves to the stomach and reshape the connection between the stomach and the small bowel, which actually did help some of the recipients. Dr. Finley wanted young doctors to understand that when they read something, it had to be backed up by fact, research, and truth. He wanted service delivered to the public in a reasonable time for a reasonable fee. He wanted physicians to be real doctors, not technicians who specialize in the left

toenail and were active members of a group who routinely referred everyone to each other so that a simple illness needed three or more consultations. Uncle Tom Finley would have considered managed care, insurance adjusters, HIPAA compliance officers, security officers in the hallways, and administrators making half a million a year as obscenities in the Sacred Halls of Medicine. We may never see another Uncle Tom Finley. And we are much the worse for it. I loved that man. But I’m reasonably certain he did not even remember my name within three months after I graduated. He had more important things to do. + 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. FREE T AKE-H OME C OPY!

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The Augusta Medical Examiner’s publisher, Daniel Pearson, has published a semi-monthly newspaper continuously in Augusta since 1990, longer than any other publisher in Augusta except the gentleman to the right, publisher of The Augusta Chronicle, “The South’s Oldest Newspaper,” founded in 1785. We’re still wet behind the ears, but proud to have served readers for more than a quarter of a century.

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Part Seven of an 8-part series

Looking for Likes in all the right places.

16 for ’16

With the end of one year and the beginning of another, it’s a fitting time to consider ways to start the new year in a better state of mind and body. Each installment of this series, now through the end February, will offer simple ways to do just that by cutting bad things and adding good things. To read previous installments of 16 for ’16, visit issuu.com/medicalexaminer. percent, a nearly 7 percent drop compared with their 2011 rates. While the news is good locally, it also means that nearly 10 percent of Palmetto State and 8 percent of Peach State drivers aren’t buckled up. That’s not only illegal; it’s risky behavior. Seat belts have been proven to play a vital role in occupant safety. They were first installed as standard equipment by Saab in 1958, and most other carmakers followed soon after, although the 2-point design back then was just a belt, like passengers wear in jets today. The 3-point belt we’re used to today was patented in 1955 and introduced by Volvo in their cars as standard equipment in 1959.

+ #13 KEEP UP THE GOOD

WORK!!! Congratulations! Georgia and South Carolina are in the Sweet 16 states atop the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations most recent survey (2012) of seat belt use. While 86 percent of all drivers nationally are wearing their seat belts during observational surveys, Georgia’s rate is 92.0 percent (it was 93.0 percent in 2011), while South Carolina’s 2012 compliance rate was 90.5 percent (it had been just 86 percent in 2011, so it jumped 4.5 percent). Washington state’s rate of seat belt use is the highest measured, at 96.9 percent, while South Dakota is the lowest at 66.5

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Volvo’s design was perfected by inventor Nihls Bohlin, who studied more than 28,000 traffic accidents in Sweden. He discovered that no one wearing a seat belt died in any accident that occurred under 60 mph. There were fatalities among unbelted occupants, meanwhile, at crashes all over the speed spectrum, from fast to slow. If you’re in the habit of skipping the seat belt, maybe for short quick errands, get in the 100 percent habit. You never know when you’ll need a seat belt’s services. #14 EAT GOOD Hey, if major companies can use slogans like “Nobody doesn’t like Sara Lee” and “got milk?” we can say eat good. Can you believe we have gone through more than a dozen potential New Year’s resolutions and this is the first time diet has come up? And while we’re at it, let us address why we’re still talking New Year’s resolutions in February. One of the main reasons is that there is never a bad time to adopt a healthful behavior. Limiting the launch of good habits to New Year’s Day

and its environs is a recipe for disaster, healthwise. Secondly, the wreckage of many carefully considered and well-planned resolutions begun with much hope and optimism on New Year’s Day lie strewn across the fruited plain by this time of year. It happens, but when it does there’s no reason why we can’t resuscitate the plan and get it rolling again. Take food, for instance. We need it to live. But we don’t necessarily need corn dogs to live. Or cheese puffs. Or pork rinds. If you resolved to banish those foods from your diet as of January 1, 2016, congratulations. You resolved well. But if you have fallen off the corn dog wagon since then, if you are a pork rind backslider or a cheese puff relapser, it’s not to late to repent of your sins and begin anew. Health eating offers massive benefits that include keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol lower, your weight and blood glucose levels lower, and your risk for heart disease and heart attack lower, too. Please see 16 for ’16 page 7

WE’RE BEGGING YOU!

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re you a New Year’s resolution fan? Or a resolution hater? Both sides in this annual discussion have their valid points. On the negative side, by the time you read this many carefully made resolutions may have already slipped a little. Statistically, by this date (January 9) 25 percent of all resolutions have already gone down in flames; that many usually fail within the first week. By the six-month mark the failure rate is about half. And by this time next year, the wreckage of 88 percent of all those shiny new intentions of last week’s New Year’s Day 2015 will lie strewn across the landscape. On the plus side, that means a fairly decent 12 percent of all resolutions are achieved after a full year. Building on that positive note, making New Year’s resolutions is evidence of one of the finest aspects of human nature — that we continuously evaluate ourselves and constantly strive to improve, to be better husbands or wives, better moms and dads, better employees, better bosses, and just better human beings. The typical resolutions reflect those basic desires: the #1 resolution every year is always some form of better health. Lose weight. Get more exercise. Eat less junk food or fast food. Eat less, period. Quit smoking. Drink less, or quit altogether.

-HOM E CO P Y! TM

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JANUARY 9, 2015

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Who is this? See page 3.

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You really can’t fault anyone for such noble goals. After all, health is the ultimate wealth. It’s the currency that makes every other endeavor in life possible. Speaking of currency, improving finances is, broadly speaking, the second most popular resolution category. Common examples include establishing and/or sticking to a budget; saving more; cutting impulse buys; getting a better job, a raise, or a promotion. The third-most common resolutions might be categorized as self-improvement: read more; temper control/ anger management; reduce or manage stress; watch less TV; get more education: learn a new language, skill, or hobby; improve your marriage and other personal relationships, and so forth. All of these are worthy goals. They are well worth pursuing, even if that means getting past occasional setbacks. Since failure is always an option, it’s good to expect it and be ready to keep making progress. There is nothing magical about January 1. If you haven’t made some kind of self-improvement goal, it’s never too late. If you’ve started and failed already, restarts are always allowed. Whatever you set your sights on, keep the letters shown below in mind, as well as what they stand for. Please see RESOLVED page 2

Relevant

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Southern Girls Eat Clean Cottage Pie

16 FOR ’16… from page 6 Of course, “eat good” is a lot like “exercise.” It’s pretty vague. It doesn’t hold your feet to the fire with anything measurable. On the other hand, if a person started a food diary that tracked their calories, sodium intake, and fat and cholesterol amounts from food labels, that would be a great component of a strategy to reduce sodium, cholesterol, or whatever you happen to be targeting. Knowing what you’ve been doing is a good first step for change. Some people change their diets by going cold turkey on things like sodas or between-meal or after-supper snacks — but they get a free pass is the snack is an apple or something equally salubrious. You notice we haven’t said anything about weight loss. Eating more healthful foods and losing weight can be two completely separate goals. On the other hand, sometimes when people focus exclusively on eating more healthfully — by cutting out junk and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, for example — they discover to their pleasant surprise that weight loss came along for the ride. When that happens, sometimes the dominos really start to fall: the good eating leads to unexpected and unintended weight loss; the weight loss leads to more energy; the energy leads to getting more physical activity; the increased activity leads to a better outlook on life as a whole, and then of course, the new job comes along, the raise, the huge promotion, the rich uncle who gives you a house on the beach and another one in the mountains... And just think, it all started from cutting out pork rinds, cheese puffs and corn dogs. That’s impressive. +

Oh my goodness, what memories come to mind when I think of cottage pie. I lived in England for a few years, from 2006-2009. It was a great experience for me. Having never travelled outside the United States, it introduced me to so many new and different things. I am very grateful for the time spent there, the friends we made and all of the experiences that the British culture offered. On one particular Sunday while living there, we decided to walk down into the village and have a Sunday meal for lunch. We went to a little café on the boardwalk (Main Street). The special that day was Cottage Pie. For some reason I thought that this dish was made from lamb, but the server mentioned that Shepard’s Pie is made from lamb and Cottage Pie is made from beef. We loved it. But, who doesn’t love beef, gravy, veggies and mashed potatoes? After that day, I decided that I had to try and make Previous “16 for ‘16” suggestions are available in back issues of the this dish myself. It was super Medical Examiner beginning November 6, 2015. They are available for easy to put together and so browsing any time at www.issuu.com/medicalexaminer savory and delicious, but not so healthy or clean. Once Approximately 5-7 minutes. • 1⁄2 tsp. of pepper n we changed our diet a few 7. Add the chopped parsley • For the Turnip Mashed years ago it was a must that I Potatoes: See recipe in the last and salt and pepper. Stir well, recreate a healthier and more taste and adjust seasoning if issue of The Medical Examiner nutritious version of cottage necessary. (Jan. 22 issue; issuu.com/ pie. In my opinion this new 8. Place the meat and medicalexaminer) or if you version is even better. prefer use your own recipe for vegetable mixture into a Instead of white flour, I shallow baking dish. (I used mashed potatoes. use garbanzo bean flour to a 10-inch round pie dish.) thicken the gravy, which Spread the turnip mashed Instructions: makes this dish gluten free. potatoes over top. 1. In a large skillet, heat olive I always purchase grass fed 9. Place dish into a 400° oven oil over medium to high heat. beef and use organic beef Add the grass fed ground beef for approximately 20 minutes broth now. I added more until bubbly and potatoes are to the skillet and cook until veggies: peas, carrots, onion slightly brown. almost browned. and mushrooms. In place 10. Remove from oven and 2. Place the garlic and onions of regular mashed potatoes garnish with paprika and in the skillet with the ground loaded down with butter and chopped parsley. beef and continue to cook milk, I now top the cottage 11. Serve immediately. + until onions and garlic are pie with my Turnip Mashed softened and the ground Potatoes. Alisa Rhinehart is half of the blog Cosmetic Dentistry • Endodontics • Implants beef is completely done and Enjoy! southerngirlseatclean.com She is browned. Invisalign Orthodontics • In-Office Bleaching a working wife and mother living 3. Add the carrots and And more Ingredients: in Evans, Georgia. mushrooms to the pan along Most Major Insurances Accepted • 1 Tbsp. of extra virgin olive Visit her blog for with 1⁄2 cup of beef broth. oil more recipes and Call for an appointment Reduce heat to medium/ • 1 lb. of grass fed ground information on clean low, cover and cook until 706-73-SMILE (737-6453) beef eating. mushrooms and carrots are Drmakerson.com • 1 cup of Vidalia onion (Or tender. Check and stir often. sweet yellow onion) chopped Approximately 5-8 minutes. • 1 cup of carrots, diced 4. Add in the green peas, 1 • 1 cup of green peas cup of beef broth, tomato • 1 cup of sliced button paste and Worcestershire mushrooms sauce. Stir well to incorporate • 3 cloves of fresh garlic, with meat and veggies. Allow crushed The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce has announced to simmer uncovered for 5 OF THE • 2 cups of organic beef broth Barney’s Pharmacy owner and president Barry Bryant as the minutes. • 1-1⁄2 Tbsp. of garbanzo bean 5. In a small bowl, whisk recipient of its 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year award “in recognition flour of the service that he provides to the community.” together the remaining 1⁄2 • 2 Tbsp. of tomato paste cup of beef broth with the • 1 Tbsp. of Worcestershire garbanzo bean flour. Pour into sauce the skillet with the meat and • 1⁄4 cup of parsley, finely veggies. chopped 6. Simmer on medium/low • 1⁄2 tsp. of salt until the sauce thickens.

Cottage Pie

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OUR NEWSSTANDS Medical locations: • Children’s Hospital of Georgia, Harper Street, Main Lobby • 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) • Augusta U. Hospital, 1120 15th Street, South & West Entrances • Augusta U. Medical Office Building, Harper Street, Main Entrance • Augusta U. Medical Office Building, Harper Street, Parking Deck entrance • Augusta U. Hospital, Emergency Room, Harper Street, Main Entrance • Augusta U., Laney-Walker Boulevard transit stop, Augusta • Select Specialty Hospital, Walton Way, Main entrance lobby • Trinity Hospital, Wrightsboro Road, main lobby by elevators • Trinity Hospital Home Health, Daniel Village, main lobby • University Health Federal Credit Union/ University Hospital Human Resources, 1402 Walton Way, Main Lobby • University Hospital, 1350 Walton Way, Emergency Room lobby area • University Hospital, 1350 Walton Way, Outside Brown & Radiology/Day Surgery • University Hospital - Columbia County, 465 N. Belair Road, Main Lobby • University Hospital Prompt Care, 3121 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta

Around town: • Barney’s Pharmacy, 2604 Peach Orchard Rd. • Birth Control Source, 1944 Walton Way • 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

Plus... 800+ doctors offices throughout the area for staff and waiting rooms, as well as many nurses stations and waiting rooms of area hospitals.

FEBRUARY 5, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

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.

DOES YOUR LOVED ONE NEED AN ADVOCATE? As we age, all of us may need to have someone who can be an advocate to get us what we need in terms of healthcare. In our family that person was my uncle. His sons checked in on him and took care of making sure he had the major things. He was a very independent and intelligent man who was sure he could live by himself. Other family members checked in on him almost daily. He was on dialysis but a type that he could do at home to facilitate his independent lifestyle. The supplies were shipped to the house and all was well — or so we thought. But nobody ever thought to watch him to be sure he was actually doing the dialysis. In his case, his mental state had deteriorated to where we believe he did not remember how to use the equipment properly and would not ask for help. After his second hospitalization, it was determined that he would need to be in a nursing home. This was not ideal for a person who loved to be on his own, but it was the only option left available. In the end, even with so much family support, there was a whole string of events that likely could have been avoided had there been one person designated to be “in charge.” Everyone needs someone as they get older who has access to all important information, both financial and medical. I have seen people in the pharmacy allegedly in total control of their faculties who could not figure out how many twenty dollar bills it took to pay a certain bill. It was heartbreaking. A dishonest business or employee could take advantage of such a person. Medical information is another important area of concern since there are privacy laws and medical information cannot be discussed without signed authorization from the patient or without a power of attorney. Have your elderly relative prepare by signing a healthcare release

Love Potion #9

form, commonly known as a HIPAA release form, so that the family member acting as a caregiver has access to the needed information. It may not be practical or necessary yet for the caregiver to be in the home day in and day out, but they should at least be the central point of contact for all information about treatment. A caregiver should be sure to include help with daily tasks such as taking medicines correctly. We have another person in the pharmacy who cannot remember to take their medicines daily. A one-month supply may last two to three months for one medicine and only a month for another medicine. We have tried what is commonly called bubble-packing the medicines with no success. We have tried writing what the medicine is used to treat on the label and have offered to help by filling up the weekly pill reminder the person purchased. None of these options are helping because there is no in-home help to assist the patient and we know of no family to contact. The patient states there is no family to help out. It is one of many tragic situations we see in the pharmacy on a daily basis. As a person ages, any person that is having chronic health problems or is having any symptoms of mental decline needs to have a family member (or even a responsible friend) step up and take charge of being there to support them. It may need to be first as an assistant to keep from infringing on the patient’s sense of independence, but there needs to be a system of support in place. Take them to their appointments and keep a check on their finances and prescriptions. Make sure things are getting done every day as they are supposed to be. This will help ensure that your loved one is around for a long time to come. + Written for the Medical Examiner by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson Questions, comments and article suggestions can be sent by email to cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net

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706/860.5455 Thanks for reading the Medical Examiner!

FEBRUARY 5, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

NEW FEDERAL DIETARY GUIDELINES RELEASED by Cheryl Gullickson, MS, RDN, LN Clinical Dietitian

They are finally here! The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released on January 7. These carefully researched and reviewed guidelines provide sound nutritional recommendations for Americans. They provide nutrition guidance to promote a healthier lifestyle for prevention of chronic diseases. A century ago, many Americans suffered from nutrient deficiencies that today are no longer major health concerns. However, today about half of all Americans have a nutritionrelated preventable chronic disease, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and overweight/obesity. Eating healthy and staying physically active can help individuals improve their overall health and reduce nutrition-related chronic diseases. Here is a summary of the Guidelines: Follow a healthy eating pattern at every stage of life. All food and beverage choices matter. Choose a healthy eating pattern at an appropriate calorie level to help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, support nutrient adequacy, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount. To meet nutrient needs within calorie limits, choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within all

food groups in recommended amounts. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake. Consume an eating pattern low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Cut back on foods and beverages higher in these components to amounts that fit within healthy eating patterns. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices. Choose nutrient-dense foods and beverages across and within all food groups in place of less healthy choices. Consider cultural and personal preferences to make these shifts easier to accomplish and maintain. Support healthy eating patterns for all. Everyone has a role in helping to create and support healthy eating patterns in multiple settings nationwide, from home to school to work to communities. In addition to the Guidelines above, there are Key Recommendations for choosing a healthy eating pattern. The Guidelines recommend following all of the Key Recommendations, not just one. They stress that the diet recommendations are interrelated and therefore, cannot be followed separately.

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Key Recommendations: Follow a healthy eating pattern that accounts for all foods and beverages within an appropriate calorie level. A healthy eating pattern includes: • A variety of vegetables from all of the subgroups—dark green, red and orange, legumes (beans and peas) • Fruits, especially whole fruits • Grains, at least half of which are whole grains • Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages • A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products • Oils A healthy eating pattern limits saturated fats and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium: • Consume less than 10 percent of calories per day from added sugars • Consume less than 10 percent of calories per day from saturated fats • Consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day of sodium • If alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men (only by adults of legal drinking age) Finally, the Dietary Guidelines recognize the importance of physical activity: get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic exercise weekly or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous exercise. Following the Guidelines will help maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic diseases. The key components include limiting excess sugar, saturated fat, and sodium/salt. Healthy eating is something to consider for a lifetime, not just for short term results. For more information go to Health.Gov for the full report.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Boardwalk to Bark Place Kennnel & Daycare welcoming dogs 30 lbs and under 5873 Huntington Drive Grovetown, Georgia (706) 840-3141 www.boardwalktobarkplace.com

LOOKING FOR A DOCTOR?

PET VET COME ON, BUDDY! LET’S GO FOR A RIDE! If reincarnation was true and some of us were dogs in previous lives, it’s too bad we can’t remember the experience of hanging out of a moving car (or chariot if it was a long time ago), because it sure looks like fun. But responsible dog owners know this pleasant moment can go south in two seconds flat. In fact, your personal medical examiner himself can recall a particularly relevant family road trip from his childhood. (A word of explanation for you kids: in ancient times, entire families — mom, dad, three or four kids, five coolers and a dog or two — would cram into a “station wagon” and drive from wherever they lived to see the Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, Yosemite, Niagara Falls, or maybe the cousins or grandparents. These trips would routinely cover hundreds, if not thousands of miles, and take up to two weeks.) Let’s see... where was I? Oh yes, on one particular family road trip, our dog was hanging out the window of our non-air-conditioned car one minute enjoying the passing smorgasbord of scents, and the next minute she was half running/half being dragged along the side of the desolate two-lane blacktop we were traveling down. She was on a leash, fortunately, that I was holding the other end of. My dad quickly stopped the car, and by some miracle there were no broken bones or bloody paws. But it certainly left an indelible impression on me. Dogs can get over-excited by all the exciting aromas they’re

encountering, and sometimes it seems like they’re thinking, “If I can just move one more inch out into the breeze I’ll be able to sniff even more.” Next thing you know, they’re no longer in the car, and sometimes the results are a lot worse than what we experienced. One lesson learned: make sure your pet is restrained while traveling in your car. There are many cases of people who opened their car door at their destination and their dog ran out into traffic, or saw a squirrel or another dog and jumped out the window. Imagine the sadness - to say nothing of the legal liability - if your dog caused a serious traffic accident. Some states have laws requiring pets in cars to be tethered, but this is one of those cases where the smart person does it whether it’s the

law or not. Another practical suggestion: don’t roll the window down so far that it’s even possible for your dog to fall out or jump out. Pets have also caused accidents by jumping into their owner’s lap while he or she is driving. But they’re just dogs, right? What about when the human — supposedly smart enough to know better — holds Fifi in his or her lap while driving down the road? Seeing that behavior is an everyday occurrence, and it is probably safe enough under ideal driving conditions. But if something happened that required immediate evasive action to prevent a wreck, it’s very easy to see how a dog in the driver’s lap would be a great hindrance to safe operation of a vehicle. Speaking of sudden maneuvers, another place where unrestrained dogs are transported is in the bed of pickups. Granted, you see this more in the rurals than in the city, but all it would take to throw a dog out is a sudden turn to avoid a collision. If that happened at a decent rate of speed it could cause serious injury. Ditto for a sudden stop that could cause a dog to crash into the vehicle’s cab. Let’s go for a ride! Safely! +

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FEBRUARY 5, 2016

11 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

From the Bookshelf The blog spot — Posted by Laura Patel, MD on Jan. 28, 2016 at kevinmd.com

THE PRECARIOUS LINE BETWEEN DOCTOR & PATIENT As I sat in my hospice interdisciplinary group meeting, reviewing the many patients who have died in the past two weeks as well as our new patients, there was a slight break in the discussion. Being ever the multitasker, I clicked on a New York Times article I had been meaning to read and scanned the first two sentences: “When my husband died from cancer last March at age 37, I was so grief-stricken I could barely sleep. One afternoon, I visited his grave — in a field high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, overlooking the Pacific Ocean — and lay on top of it. I slept more soundly than I had in weeks.“ Suddenly, I felt sharp tears forming and a sob threatening to release itself. I quickly closed the article and came back to the present moment, discussing the complexities of our patients and families. After the meeting was over, I retreated to my office and closed the door. I reopened this beautiful essay written by Dr. Lucy Kalanithi, whose young physician husband died from lung cancer. His book When Breath Becomes Air (see “From the Bookshelf,” right) has recently been released posthumously. She tells of their life together, his life-changing diagnosis, and the unbearable grief she felt after he died. I found myself with tears streaming down my face, deeply moved. Working in the field of hospice, I am continually reminded of the fragility of life. We walk down the road of grief, loss, pain, fear, and acceptance with all of our patients every day. We have to maintain an ability to be present while maintaining boundaries in order to continue to provide the compassionate and difficult care that hospice requires. But sometimes, there are certain patients or families that just get to us. Perhaps they remind us of our own loved ones, or of ourselves. Despite understanding that death is a natural part of life, we still fear our own mortality and the mortality of those we hold dearest. As physicians, we serve in the role of healer, held at an arm’s distance from the other side of the hospital bed. We can easily lull ourselves into the illusion of safety and impermeability. All it takes is to lose one of our own to remind us that the imaginary line between doctor and patient is truly precarious. No matter how comfortable I am with the idea of death and dying, it still feels like it is very far away for me personally. And I think that is what I felt while reading this article: It hit too close to home. Two students who fell in love the first year of medical school; a husband with a background in English literature who chose to pursue a career in medicine, but still yearned to write; two physicians spending the majority of their waking hours in the pursuit of knowledge and service; a widow who is now left to raise her young daughter alone... With the exception of the last statement, this could be my life described. For a moment, I allowed my thoughts to go to that heartbreaking place of loss, fear, and loneliness: it was nearly unbearable. It is no wonder we distract ourselves with stuff, with technology and gadgets, with food and alcohol, with selfmade drama. Anything would be better than to think about the terrifying possibility that we could lose it all in an instant. And yet, that potential for loss, that recognition that nothing is permanent, is what helps bring meaning to our daily existence. No matter how tightly we squeeze, we cannot hold onto anything forever. It will slip through our fingers, changing shape as it slides away. We can scramble to try to chase after it, or we can relax and appreciate the feeling as it slips and slides across our hands. Either way, it will be gone. As we start the New Year, I will try to find the moments every day that create meaning. I will not wait to express gratitude, love, or kindness. I will dig in to the moments that feel uncomfortable as they often coincide with opportunities for growth and transformation. This is my promise to myself. +

I allowed my thoughts to go to that heartbreaking place

Laura Patel is a hospice and palliative medicine physician.

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 first 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 finally 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.

Research News Breastfeeding: lives matter An analysis published within the past week by the respected medical journal The Lancet says breastfeeding is one of the most under-utilized weapons in the quest for better health worldwide. According to the latest estimates, increasing breastfeeding to nearuniversal levels would save more than 800,000 children’s lives every year, cutting infant mortality by 13 percent and preventing another 20,000 annual deaths from breast cancer. Study authors challenge the common misconception that breastfeeding is best suited for poorer, less industrialized countries. “Nothing could be farther from the truth,” said the Lancet report. Its benefits are neither geographically or economically restricted. Aside from the significant health benefits, a strong economic case can be built in favor of breastfeeding. Global monetary losses from not breastfeeding where possible

represent about one half of one percent of the world’s gross national income, a figure on the far side of $300 billion. The lowest breastfeeding rate in the world is in the UK at less than 1 percent, compared with 13 percent in Bangladesh. Ironically, breastfeeding is “one of the few positive health behaviors” more common in poor countries than wealthy ones. Without that, the disparity in infant health and mortality between rich and poor countries would be even greater than it already is, but the study also stressed long-term health benefits for breastfed infants lasting into adulthood and beyond. The study also took pains to dispel another myth, that store-bought formula is equal to or better than breast milk. Policies that reward and/or encourage breastfeeding by states, nations, employers, and public health officials were recommended by the Lancet study.

Magic pill endorsed — again A statewide public health campaign in Minnesota is being touted as an effective means of reducing cardiovascular diseases, which account for nearly one-third of all deaths. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on Jan. 29, finds that the University of Minnesota’s “AAA” or Ask About Aspirin initiative, is an effective, beneficial and cost-effective way to reduce the incidence of first heart attacks and stroke. Researchers estimate that as the AAA campaign gets the message out across the state, as many as 10,000 heart attacks and 1,200 strokes would be prevented, just from improving public knowledge about and use of aspirin. “There is no single cardiovascular medication and effective and inexpensive as aspirin,” the study author said, while noting that apparently Minnesota’s is the first state or national program to actively promote its use. +

+ 12

FEBRUARY 5, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE EXAMiNERS +

You look a little down today. What’s wrong?

by Dan Pearson

I have to take my medicine every day. And it’s not cheap.

If this rainy weather What does the keeps up I’ll go broke, weather have to do that’s what. with your finances?

So right on the label it says “Discard if cloudy.”

So?

The Mystery Word for this issue: SUBIRE

Click on “READER CONTESTS” 15

QUOTATION PUZZLE

O E S S R R A T O F E U K O P S B O E H E H H E S

T T T S

A P R T Y P P E W H

A N E S S I Y I

— Martin Luther King Jr.

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

3 7

8 1

2 7

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.

V 1 2 3 4 R 1 2 3

1 2 5

1 2 3 4

9 10 11 12

1 2

1 2 3 4 5 E 1 2 3 4 5

C 1

1 2

4 1

1 2

1 2 3 4 5 6

1.AAFFTTTOOCILE 2.FRROONNNASH 3.PRIAVEEL 4.CAMEENY 5.SYNEB 6.LDF 7.EO 8.R 9.M 10.I 11.N 12.G

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

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

ACROSS 1. Roman statesman 5. Type of trap 9. Blue 12. Contractions 13. Den 14. Maroon 5 frontman 16. He has a statue in downtown Augusta 18. Molten rock 19. _____ off 20. Blood prefix 21. Imitate 22. Carly or Neil 23. Arranged in zones or areas 24. Concerned with a specific subject (Literally “for this”) by Daniel R. Pearson © 2016 All rights reserved. Built in part with software from www.crauswords.com 27. Expand 28. Statement of beliefs DOWN 29. The Beehive State 29. The family _______ 1. Bird house? 30. Doze 31. In brief, formalwear 2. Pay or tax suffix 32. Pacers’ sch. 34. Principles promoting 3. One of ten digits 33. Hugh Jackman sci-fi flick human welfare 4. Television camera tube 35. Pre-Columbian Indian 38. Self-esteem 5. Replay option 36. Cupid in art 39. The back of one’s neck 6. Hammerin’ Hank 37. Mr. Faldo 40. Chop into small pieces 7. Pinch 42. Star of Buffalo Bill’s Wild 41. Hunt illegally 8. Hip-hop Dr. West Show for 17 years 44. Indian _________ 9. Beginning of a solution 43. We/Family separator 45. Desert as large as the 10. Utterly unyielding; 45. Identical entire United States unbreakable 46. Clock starter? 47. Emulate Miley? 11. Life-boat lowering device 47. Number of rings in a circus? 50. Similar 12. Man who escaped from 48. Sign on many doors 51. Type of punch Sodom 49. Biblical high priest 52. Eggs 15. Chemical irritant 52. Elongated circle 55. Augusta ______ 17. Sewn fabric edge 53. Rise and fall 56. Jewish initiation ceremony 21. British style in 1960s 54. Massage result 59. Great lake 22. Club follower 56. Artificially respire somone 60. On sheltered side 23. Tubular pasta in short pieces 57. Entirely 61. Sad people can be in this 24. Continuous dull pain 58. Japanese school of Buddhism 62. Might 25. Medicine 63. Small secluded valley 26. Bleeding disorder 64. No more than 27. Road going NE from Aiken Solution p. 14

WORDS NUMBER

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

VISIT WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM

EXAMINER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

THE MYSTERY WORD

FEBRUARY 5, 2016

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE BEST MEDICINE ha... ha...

Moe: Why is leather the best thing to wear to play hide & seek? Joe: Duh. Because it’s made of hide. How does Donald Trump start his favorite joke? Two Corinthians walk into a bar...

y wife told me she’s sick of me pretending to be a detective. “I’m sick of you pretending you’re a detective,” she said. “I think we should split up.” “Good idea!” I said. “We can cover more ground that way.” My wife is sick of me pretending that I’m a Transformer. “I’m sick of you pretending that you’re a Transformer,” she said. “I’m leaving you.” “No, baby. Please don’t,” I said. “I can change.” Moe: What do you get when you put jelly into Flint, Michigan’s water supply? Joe: I give up. What? Moe: Pb & J. Joe: I got uninvited to my friend’s wedding. Moe: What happened? Joe: I guess RSVPing “Maybe next time” wasn’t the appropriate response. In Iran, everyone’s scared of spiders. But in Iraq, no phobia.

Serving the Medical, Dental and Education Communities since 1976

In 2018 an earthquake that registers 8.1 on the Richter scale hits the Middle East. Two million Muslims die and over a million are injured. Iraq, Iran and Syria are totally ruined and the governments don’t know where to start with providing help to rebuild. The rest of the world rallies to help. Britain sends troops to help keep the peace. Saudi Arabia sends monetary assistance. Latin American countries send clothing. New Zealand and Australia send sheep, cattle and food crops. Asian countries send labor to assist in rebuilding the infrastructure. Canada sends medical teams and supplies. President Trump, not to be outdone, sends two million replacement Muslims. What does an amoeba call its friend? Cell mate. Isn’t it great to live in 21st century, when deleting history has become more important than making it? My friends say I tell bad jokes, but they’re wrong. I’m offended. I don’t tell bad jokes. I tell jokes badly. +

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Call today!

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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

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Choose ____ six months for $20; or ____ one year for $36. Mail this completed form with payment to Augusta Medical Examiner, PO Box 397, Augusta GA 30903-0397

TO OUR READERS AND OUR ADVERTISERS, EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE MYSTERY SOLVED The Mystery Word in our last issue was: PARAMEDIC ...cleverly hidden in the p. 9 ad for WILD WING CAFE Unfortunately, no one found it. Several people did find “MEMBRANE,” which was mistakenly left in from the previous issue in the Overhead Door ad. Alas, membrane wasn’t the scrambled Mystery Word shown on page 12 of the Jan. 22 issue. To complicate matters, the print quality made PARAMEDIC very difficult to see. It was just to the left of the “S” in SUNDAY if you’d care to check the Wild WIng ad in our last issue. Let’s do better this time!

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.

EXAMINER CLASSIFIEDS HOMES, APARTMENTS, ROOMMATES, LAND, ETC. HILTON HEAD For sale: Hilton Head oceanfront timeshare, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, first week of March. $790 OBO. More info: (706) 738-2292

(706) 564-5885 HOUSEBOAT FOR SALE Tradewinds Marina, 30 minutes from Augusta. Live at the lake - or have a second home there with NO grass to mow! Recently upgraded. $65,000 Text me at (803) 640-9732 for pics

WANTED Room / roommate in the “Hill,” downtown, Martinez, West Augusta, or North Augusta. I can pay $100 - 150 per week or $400 - 600 per month. I’m a clean, trustworthy, business oriented, 52 yr old, social drinking, single male. You can CALL me between 11:00 am - 11:00 pm @ (706) 251-5554 I will pay a $20 - 50 referral if you know of someone looking for a good roommate or already has a place and I move in. Thanks.

SERVICES

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.

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

HOUSE TO LEASE 2 bdrm, 2 full baths, fenced yard, hardwood throughout, screened porch, room for garden, sunny windows, close to Summerville and downtown campuses $750/mo 706-2317697

MISCELLANEOUS

AUGUSTAGAHOMESEARCH.COM Foreclosures • MLS • Builders • Rentals

KING-SIZED bed frame with rails, dark wood, some surface scratches but overall

HOUSE CLEANING Your house, apartment, rental move-outs. Thorough, dependable. Weekly, or whatever schedule you prefer. References. 706.267.9947 BIBLE BY PHONE - Free daily Bible readings; for Spiritual Encouragement and Growth. Call 706-855-WORD (9673)

SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS Opening and closing at Sunset Mem. Gardens in Graniteville. Sale: $760 (Value: $1520+) Call 706-736-0596

very good condition. $90 Call 706-3730193 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 WANT TO BE HEALTHY? (Energy, weight loss, mental clarity) Go to gethealthyat.le-vel.com See video and Facebook. Sign free as customer. BEING PAID WHAT YOU ARE WORTH? Then make more money! Watch movie all out interview: ExtraMoneyInterview.net 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

The new scrambled Mystery Word is found on page 12

SENDING US A CLASSIFIED? WHAT’S YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE? USE THE FORM BELOW AND MAIL IT IN, OR GO TO WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM AND PLACE & PAY CONVENIENTLY AND SAFELY ONLINE. THANKS!

(OURS IS COFFEE)

Augusta Medical Examiner Classifieds

M O

N T

M A

O P

M O

E Y

M A E

M A

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FORM Name Address Work number (if applicable) ( ) Home phone ( ) Category of ad (leave blank if unsure):

THE PUZZLE SOLVED D

SEE PAGE 12

QUOTATION

In case we need to contact you. These numbers will not appear in the ad.

QUOTATION PUZZLE SOLUTION: “The surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.”

AD COPY (one word per line; phone numbers MUST include the area code):

— Martin Luther King Jr. .25

.50

.75

1.00

1.25

1.50

1.75

2.00

2.25

2.50

2.75

3.00

3.25

3.50

3.75

4.00

4.25

4.50

4.75

5.00

5.25

5.50

5.75

6.00

6.25

6.50

6.75

7.00

7.25

7.50

7.75

8.00

8.25

8.50

8.75

9.00

The Sudoku Solution

COFFEE IS GOOD MEDICINE

(Copy this form or continue on additional sheet if more space needed.)

Send this form with payment to:

AUGUSTA MEDICAL EXAMINER, PO BOX 397, AUGUSTA, GA 30903-0397 Total ad cost by number of words as shown above: $

VISIT DRUGOFCHOICECOFFEE.COM

Multiply by number of times ad to run: x

WORDS BY NUMBER “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Total submitted: $

The Augusta Medical Examiner publishes on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month. Your ad should reach us no later than 7 days prior to our publication date.

Thanks for reading!

www.AugustaRx.com

FEBRUARY 5, 2016

15 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Security Federal Bank

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 that disappeared — temporarily — for reasons you’re about to read. We’re happy to have The Patient’s Perspective — and Marcia Ribble — reincarnated in this new format. Feel free to contact her at marciaribble@hotmail.com by Marcia Ribble Well, so I said I was getting better, and I was, but I just got home yesterday from a week in the hospital. My legs were infected again, and I needed to be on IV antibiotics, have one whirlpool treatment a day and be debrided every other day. It was not as uncomfortable as last winter, by a factor of 1000-to-one better. And to make it even better, I had a wonderful roommate who left for home just before I did. We rapidly became buddies who looked out for each other, shared laughter, stories, and the National College Football Championship Game. She watched her soaps. I watched my game and talk shows. We both watched the news. We were both grandmas. We both had family members who visited us. So my stay was as sweet as it could have been awful. I’m home now and back to the uphill struggle to return to full health and to recapture parts of my life that were lost last year, and in the years leading up to that year. Wellness, after losing one’s health, is often not an immediate outcome. After being unable to do so many things, being able to regain many skills I once had is challenging. Fear can be omnipresent, avoiding even trying to do things for fear of failure, falls, frustration, and public humiliation. Those fearful feelings often meant that my predictions of inability were followed by a life rapidly shut down and squashed into ever-narrowing spaces. At one point I was so isolated that I didn’t walk any further than the distance between my chair and the potty three feet from that chair. I was afraid to fall. I was afraid of being incontinent

Guess how many issues of the Medical Examiner are available in the online archives at issuu.com/ medicalexaminer

in front of others. I was too weak to stand long enough to fix a cup of microwave coffee. That’s only about two minutes, including putting in creamer, and walking with the coffee on my walker seat, trying not to spill it all over and not being able to get to the floor to clean up the spill when one happened. The gradual improvement has come to the point where I was just able to put a large roasting chicken in a pan and into the oven. Putting it into a cold oven means that I only have to worry about burning myself once: when taking it out of the oven. Because I have degenerative arthritis in my spine, lifting and carrying anything heavy reminds me that I may be putting myself at risk of falling or dropping what I am carrying. I have fears of falling headfirst into the oven and not being able to get up and out of it, so something as simple as cooking requires courage. I use a walker for balance problems, and putting something heavy into or out of where they are located requires that I use two hands. But using my hands means I can’t simultaneously use my walker. Remember that many older people must spend a lot of our lives knowing and feeling fear and fighting fiercely to find that spark of life that allows us to overcome fear and regain our lives, remembering when we were well, when we could still think about doing something and then go ahead and do it. With the snow pictures from up north, I am thinking about making snow angels. I am also thinking about how good that chicken is going to taste, and how I can use the leftovers to make meals that will be delicious. +

Newly established Doctor or Resident looking to purchase a home?

Local Underwriting Local Decisions Local Branches in Evans, North Augusta and Aiken APPLY ONLINE TODAY! www.securityfederalbank.com

101

803.641.3000

You get three guesses and the first two don’t count. So what do you think? How many back issues can you catch up on at issuu.com/ medicalexaminer?

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FEBRUARY 5, 2016

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

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

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

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

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

FAMILY MEDICINE F. E. Gilliard MD, Family Medicine 639 13th Street Augusta 30901 706-823-5250 Industrial Medicine • Prompt appts. Urgent MD Augusta: 706-922-6300 Grovetown: 706-434-3500 Thomson: 706-595-7825 Primary Care Rates

CALLING ALL M.D.S! This could be yyou. The Medical Examiner can be delivered right to your door! Use the handy form on page 13

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

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

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

Group & Benefits Consultants Inc. 3515 Wheeler Rd, Bldg. C Augusta 30909 706-733-3459 Floss ‘em or lose ‘em! www.groupandbenefits.com

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

Ideal Image 339 Furys Ferry Rd Martinez 30907 1-800-BE-IDEAL • www.idealimage.com Schedule a FREE Consultation

OPHTHALMOLOGY

DRUG REHAB

COUNSELING

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

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

DENTISTRY

LASER SERVICES

...SENIOR LIVING

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

PHARMACY

VEIN CARE

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

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

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

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