Mar20 15 by Daniel Pearson

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MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT CAN

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here was a time in my life — ok, I’ll admit it: it was last week — when I thought medical identity theft was a real yawner. For starters, what are the odds my info would be hacked? A billion to one? And even if it was, who cares if somebody knows I had a sinus infection two years ago? That was then. This is now. Between then and now I had a conversation with Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the San Diego-based Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free assistance to identity theft victims. In seconds flat she convinced me of the error of my ways, painting a worst-case scenario that, unfortunately, is not hypothetical. “Let’s say your identity is compromised, and someone has your Social Security number (SSN). Using that information they can virtually impersonate you — and your children. Since children have ‘clean’ SSNs, they are perfect for setting up all kinds of accounts — food stamps, tax refunds, credit cards, welfare. Knowing your address, they can avoid Georgia and open accounts in California or West Virginia. “Or, they can do it locally. If your medical records show you go to hospital A and pharmacy A, they’ll go to hospital B and pharmacy B to minimize their risk of being discovered.” The thief could be getting all kinds of prescriptions in your name and then selling them on the street. Think about it for a moment: what is the spending limit on your credit cards? Five thousand dollars? Ten thousand? But your health insurance limits could easily be ten times or a hundred times higher than that. No wonder medical identity theft is so attractive to thieves. All of this is illegal and fraudulent, of course. And it is often being done with those universal identifiers better known as social security numbers. Eventually someone will recognize that a crime is being committed. And that someone might not be you. You could be on a TSA watch list, or a warrant could be issued for your arrest without your knowledge. “You get stopped for speeding or

MARCH 20, 2015

some minor traffic violation,” says Velasquez, they run your name and the next thing you know, you’re in handcuffs. But being handcuffed is a long way from dying, right? Being handcuffed is not a worstcase scenario. How can medical identity theft turn deadly? It’s an amazingly short path between fraudulent and fatal. The person who is impersonating your medical identity, just like you, has a medical history. It can include medical procedures they’ve had, medications they’re currently taking, and drugs they’re allergic to. Let’s say you end up in the emergency room after a traffic mishap. You’ve been there before, so there are electronic records about you. Neither you nor the hospital knows it right now, but someone else’s medical Dos and Don’ts are intermingled with yours. You desperately need a drug that, according to the file, you’re allergic to. And maybe the drug you really are allergic to is no longer listed and you’re about to get it. Or the records say you’re taking a drug that will have dangerous interactions with another drug they want to administer, so they can’t give it. They give you a blood transfusion, but because of the compromised file, it isn’t your blood type. Assuming you survive the ordeal and aren’t taken to either the morgue or jail, correcting your incorrect medical records can be an extremely difficult task, and the reason is just five letters long: HIPAA. Very few people seem to correctly know what those letters actually stand for (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), but everyone knows the gist of it: patient privacy protection. As countless medical ID theft victims have discovered, neither your doctor nor your dentist or hospital or insurance company knows for sure whose information in your mixed medical records is whose. In the process of sorting it all out, they don’t want to inadvertently give you the thief’s medical info. That would be a HIPAA violation. And for all they know, you’re the thief. But how do you know if you’ve been hacked in the first place? An ER visit (or any doctor visit) Please see ID THEFT page 2

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MARCH 20, 2015

ID THEFT… from page 1 might be your first clue to the theft of your identity. Or it could be a visit from the police or social services. One mother’s newborn baby tested positive for crack, and the innocent mother whose identity she had stolen (who had not been pregnant in the past five years) had to fight to keep her kids from being taken away by the state. Another common red flag is getting a bill for services rendered that never were. Maybe a bill arrives in the mail for treatment of your broken arm, and it’s from a hospital in a state you’ve never set foot in, plus you’ve never broken a single bone in your entire life. Or you get a call from a collection agency about the unpaid bill for the recent birth of your child — and you’ll turn 74 next week. Once the awful realization sets in that you’re a victim, you can take some comfort from the fact that you aren’t alone. Velasquez notes that some 2 million consumers are affected every year, and the annual economic impact is heading toward the far side of $50 billion. “As a consumer, reading the ‘Explanation of Benefits’ form you get in the mail is key,” advises Velasquez. “All too often we see the words THIS IS NOT A BILL and toss it, assuming it’s unimportant. Or we don’t pay any attention to it.” Some people even note that an Explanation of Benefits is for services they’ve never received in places they’ve never been, and use that as their justification to send it to the circular file. Big mistake.

“The longer a theft is allowed to go unchecked, the worse it can become,” she notes. In the specific case of medical identity theft, think back to the earlier question about your credit cards. Realistically, how much damage could someone do with your J. C. Penney card? But one complicated medical procedure done in your name could leave you with bills that could easily exceed $100,000. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The ripple effect could destroy your credit rating. The house you were going to buy? Not any more. Those car repairs you need? You’ll have to scrape together the cash somehow. And the nice job you had, or were applying for? Poof!

Is technology to blame?

Solutions “Of course,” you answer. “Without Data is the gold that hackers are mining for, so that’s where solutions begin. It isn’t all it thieves across the globe wouldn’t about protecting data, either. It’s partly about be able to hack into electronic files.” While that may be true, the minimizing data in the first place. information in old-fashioned hard copy “Healthcare providers should only collect files are susceptible to theft too. It just what they absolutely need,” says Velasquez. “Do they really need all the information they takes longer and requires the physical presence of the thief. Identity theft have? Once the essentials are collected, now has been the #1 complaint to the FTC it has to be protected. Who has access? How was around is data secured? Are there hard copy medical for the past 15 years, and + long before the Internet. files? Are they kept in a secured, limitedaccess area? Do maintenance, service and even janitorial workers have access at night or on weekends? Are background checks conducted on all employees and ancillary personnel (like those just mentioned)? When an employee is terminated, is his physical and digital access terminated immediately?” These are all basic yet crucial steps to protect data and prevent ID theft. Consumers have responsibilities too. “Your The Identity Theft Resource Center is a non‘consumer hygiene’ can be flawless, and you profit organization whose mission is to provide can still be a victim,” says Velasquez. “One “best-in-class” victim assistance at no charge thing you should guard very jealously is to consumers throughout the United States. your social security number. We can close a Their website, idtheftcenter.org, has lots of credit card account and that number instantly useful information about getting your own becomes obsolete, but a social security identity back in one piece — and applying number is a permanent universal identifier.” to only one person: you. Among the site’s That’s why some healthcare consumers features are an interactive state map. Click refuse to provide it. “In some cases that’s a on any state and you’ll have instant access deal-breaker,” meaning they will not take you to its laws and resources available to assist as a patient, “but some providers are okay ID theft victims. There is also information for with that. It doesn’t hurt to ask.” law enforcement, theft prevention advice and What does hurt and what is, in fact, lots of data about this time of crime. extremely painful, is being the victim of The ITRC welcomes calls from any and all identity theft. It can go on to steal literal interested parties. If you’rea victim or want to health, and then impede access to the very help ensure you won’t become one, they will healthcare needs it has spawned. be happy to assist you free of charge. Call It’s a vicious circle every one of us needs to them 24/7, toll-free at guard against to the best of our ability. +

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MARCH 20, 2015

A LESSON IN APPEASEMENT arlier this month, this administration’s landmark healthcare reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), entered into what is, hopefully, the last of its major legal challenges. The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments on March 4, 2015 from both sides in King v. Burwell. This latest challenge asserts that, based upon the wording of the bill itself, individuals who enter the individual health exchange market for health insurance should only be eligible to receive subsidies if they purchase insurance through a state-run exchange, as opposed to a federal exchange. However, this newest chapter in the legislative history of PPACA is not what I want to write about this month. Rather, I want to offer an update on the current standing of things as well as offer a potential path forward. I will assume for now, that PPACA survives this newest legal battle and that the millions of Americans will not lose their subsidies, and most likely their coverage, as a result. Currently, 28 states and D.C. have opted to expand Medicaid eligibility under the guidelines of PPACA. Fifteen

states, including Georgia, have flat-out declined. The other seven are still discussing the matter. Now, nearly a year ago, I presented many facts and figures regarding why Georgia—and the other declining states—should expand. After all, economists agree it is absolutely in their best interest. The decision to decline is simply a political one. Republicans have decided that this administration and this piece of legislation is one they must vehemently side against. In the south, for example, only Arkansas and Kentucky have opted to expand. In my opinion, the conversation started to change a little towards the end of this last year, however, when Tennessee opened the table for discussion on expansion. Realizing the benefits it would bring to the state, Governor Bill Haslam attempted to persuade state legislators to approve a plan for expansion. However, he was unsuccessful. The “Obamacare” tag appears to be just too toxic. Conservatives do not appear willing to potentially lose their reputation with some of their loudest constituents, no matter the human cost. I suggest that this administration, or the one

after, attempt to appease these states. Years ago, Congressman—and former Vice Presidential nominee— Paul Ryan proposed switching Medicare from a Defined Benefits plan to a Defined Contribution plan. Well I propose switching Medicaid expansion to a Defined Contribution plan, of sorts. Let’s abandon Medicaid expansion through PPACA in these states. Rather, the federal government should offer the same amount of money, their defined contribution, through a new, separate bill that they initially offered through PPACA. Then, as long as these states are extending coverage to an adequate number of newly eligibles, give that funding to them. Millions can gain access to coverage, including numerous children and young adults that will be critical to our workforce in the coming years as baby boomers continue to retire. Concurrently, these governors can save face by standing firm in their stance against “Obamacare.” Everybody wins. Unfortunately, even this sort of policy may not stay afloat in the current political climate. In fact, any legislation proposed by this administration will likely continue to carry this toxic association with it. Still, perhaps such a policy would provide the next administration some ground to build upon. + Ross Everett is a medical student at the Medical College of Georgia. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011. Currently, he is taking a year of leave from medical school to pursue a Master of Public Health degree in Health Systems and Policy from Johns Hopkins University. Please contact him at wideeyedwhitecoat@gmail.com

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What’s your story?

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

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MEDICAL EXAMINER

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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 photography: H + D Photography www.handdphoto.com AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER P.O. Box 397, Augusta, GA 30903-0397

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hile watching the local news on the morning of February 9, 2015, I saw an interesting segment. A 12-year-old boy from Grovetown, Georgia, has drafted a bill to the state legislature (sponsored by Rep. Dexter Sharper of Valdosta) regarding student bathroom privileges. It is his contention that to use a bathroom when needed is a right, not a privilege. Teachers shouldn’t have the power to say no when a student requires the use of the school facilities. How would you react if while at your attorney or realtor’s office, you let the receptionist know you were going to use the restroom and she said you would have to wait until after the appointment? I don’t know the particulars of this proposed bill, but I have had kids who graduated from a local high school and can attest to the Gestapo tactics used by some teachers when it came to a request by my girls to be excused to use the restroom. I spent more than a few hundred dollars on doctor visits

due to UTIs (urinary tract infections) for both of my daughters and was not happy with the response I got while attempting to address this delicate subject with the school. There are always going to be some students who will use any excuse to avoid class and will linger once they are in the halls. That is a separate issue entirely. For the most part, teens will take care of their needs and return to their classwork in a timely manner. Why should the majority be punished for the few who don’t take their academic careers seriously? Granting or denying permission on an

arbitrary basis isn’t the way to deal with it. This is especially true when it comes to young ladies who need the restroom more often than their male counterparts. True, there are a few minutes between classes and it may be enough time depending on where your next class is located. But even the most organized of students who make the best use of their between-class time can need a restroom in the middle of a nearly onehour class. I am very glad to see this subject is finally being addressed. What right does any school or teacher have to determine when and how often a student should use the restroom? It’s barbaric. There has to be a way to monitor who has left class, at what time and for what purpose in order to keep the mischiefmakers in their seats. I agree that class time is very valuable and shouldn’t be needlessly missed, but there are circumstances under which it can’t be helped. This is not an all or nothing, cut and dried, black or white issue. Kids shouldn’t be told “No” across the board or have to explain why they need to visit the facilities. They deserve some consideration of their dignity. The current policy — go between class or hold it — is not right, it’s not reasonable and it’s not healthy. +

MYTH OF THE MONTH Can I sweat toxins out of my body?

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No, that is a myth. In fact, by profuse sweating you might do the exact opposite. Plain and simple, sweat is nothing but water — 99 percent water — and the remaining one percent is composed of small amounts of salt, proteins, carbohydrates and urea. Sweat glands have the function of cooling the body by automatically releasing water on the skin when we’re hot or strenuously exerting ourselves. Other body parts are in charge of removing toxins: the liver, intestines, and kidneys. As mentioned at the outset, the irony is that a person trying to purify the

body of toxins through perspiration could unintentionally do the opposite. When the body senses approaching dehydration, it is programmed to respond by conserving water. The kidneys will actually hang on to water and thereby keep and conserve toxins they would otherwise expel from the body. Exercise should always be accompanied by adequate hydration. The body takes care of toxins naturally, but the best idea is to avoid ingesting them in the first place. + — by F. E. Gilliard, MD, Family Medicine 639 13th St Augusta, GA 30901 706-823-5052

MARCH 20, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW res?

ABOUT FAST CARS AND LABOR PAINS

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y first medical practice was in a rural South Carolina town. We had two sit-down restaurants, a nursing home, four traffic lights, a shirt factory, a textile plant, and a great football team. The local Dodge dealer was a patient of mine and told me if I planned to deliver babies, I needed a fast car. The nearest hospital was 28 miles away. He sold me a Dodge Charger with a Hemi just like Richard Petty raced on Sundays. Another patient was a local state patrol officer. He said, “Even though you’re a doctor and frequently have emergencies, you have to abide by the speed limit.” I was taken aback. I expected some leniency. I said, “In certain situations, I might have to drive faster than 55 mph.” “Oh, not that speed limit,” he said. “I was talking about the Doctor’s Speed Limit. That’s 100 anywhere.” After that, I always liked him. He had a pretty wife and nice kids. Then late one night Violet Haskins showed up at my house in heavy labor. I put her in my car and told her husband to follow me as best he could. k

We hit the road in high gear. I drove with my left hand. My right hand, on her tummy, timed her contractions. My right foot held the accelerator on the floor. My Hemi moaned and Violet groaned. Violet’s labor pains were 4+ and about 4 minutes apart. I ask her why she waited so long to come. She said she was cleaning the house so it would look nice when she brought the baby home from the hospital. Back then, women were women, and such things were important. Four contractions later, we slid into the ER and went straight to the Delivery Room. The husband got to the Labor Suite just in time to hear his son’s first cry. He did not have a Hemi. APGAR 9. Blood loss: 250 cc. No vaginal tears. All was well. A circumcision was in order. The next day the state patrolman came by. “Last night I clocked you at 135 on that 2 mile straightaway west of town. A couple minutes later Buck Haskins came by, peddle to the metal. I figured Violet was having her baby. So I gave you a pass on the speeding ticket. This morning I heard they had a big, fine

t s e B boy. Probably will make us a good fullback like Buck was.” The only thing I could think to say was, “8 pounds, 13 ounces. Perfect health. Let me buy you some lunch for that ticket I didn’t get.” “Hey. There is no doctor’s exemption on bribing a police sfficer. I’ll flip you for it.” I said, “No, that would be gambling. Pick a number between 1 and 10.” He said, “8.13” I said, “How’d you guess? I’m buying.” Back then I was fascinated by fast cars and speed and gear ratios and tire sizes and how to handle a four-wheel drift in a high speed corner. Now, just thinking about all that scares me to death. Makes me think anyone who drives over the speed limit or weaves in traffic or had a “couple beers” before driving or has “one for the road” is either

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stupid or suicidal. I see merit in the bumper sticker I saw the other day: PRAY FOR ME. I DRIVE ON WASHINGTON ROAD. All this brings me back to my Three Tenets of Safe Living: • Never exceed the speed limit

• Don’t go where they sell or consume alcohol or drugs • And be in bed somewhere for the night by 11 PM. Boring life, did I hear someone say? Well, maybe. But it sure beats the hell out of the excitement of ERs and funeral homes. + Bad Billy Laveau is a retired MD with a pointed sense of humor. Bad Billy speaks and entertains at public and private events for audiences not subject to cardiac seizure secondary to overwhelming laughter and glee.

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JANUARY 9, 2015

Be it resolved...

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

MEDICINE

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Who is this? See page 3.

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

Specific

Measurable

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P E R SON

I’m a gate-crasher I

f you’ve never broken a bone, take it from me, it’s no fun. I know: I broke my foot early last year. This is my story. I spent last Easter in Mexico with a lot of family. The day before we traveled to the town where my grandfather lives. I spent the day filling trash cans with water balloons and water guns with their corresponding ammunition. We then proceeded to place these all over our property and preparing for the inevitable water war that would soon occur. The following day we spent an hour or so looking for the eggs that my parents hid, and then the war began. It was fun for about ten minutes until the water balloons ran out or people got soaked. Afterwards, running around the property seemed

Breaking a bone is no fun. the only logical way to get dry. My cousins and I ran to a gate originally designed to keep cows and other farm animals from wandering off. These hundred-pound gates seemed quite sturdy, so four or five of my cousins got on and I pushed and pulled them so they swung freely. Eventually, the weight of five teenaged girls bouncing around overcame the strength of the pivot point of the fence and it fell. On my foot. The rusty pole scraped along the outside of my foot and left a very wide abrasion. The pain was excruciating but the surprise of it happening is what

really made me scream. That, and the fact that I could see a good bit of the inside of my foot as I was wearing flip flops. My parents didn’t take too long to get to the scene of the accident and they carried me away to the small hut we called a house on the property. My grandfather took a look at the wound (he is a doctor) and wrapped it up with some bandages he had lying around. The rest of the day I spent on my cousin’s tablet watching Netflix. The next day, my grandfather, mother and I went into town visiting pharmacies looking for something sturdier to wrap my foot in in case it was broken. My grandpa gave me one of his many canes and I avoided putting pressure on my bad foot as we went from store to store. When we found what

we needed, we returned to the property and my grandpa wrapped up my foot while he talked to a friend that had come to visit. A couple days later we returned to the town that was home a couple hours away. There, we went to another doctor to get a second opinion and an X-ray. The X-ray revealed that the foot was fractured and I was about to spend a month on crutches. I still went to school but I couldn’t do sports, quite obviously. Surprisingly, using crutches was very hard! I got a pretty good workout just walking around from class to class. Showers soon became my favorite part of the day since I was allowed to take off my cast. Eventually, my time with crutches ended. Believe me, I don’t miss them. When I had to resume my normal life I discovered going back to normal was almost as difficult as adjusting to crutches. From beginning to end, breaking a bone is not fun. + — by Carlo Casas Martinez, 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.

MARCH 20, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Southern Girl Eats Clean

Nicoise Salad, my version of a classic French salad

Here is my “Southern Girl Version” of a classic French Nicoise salad. This salad is typically composed of Bibb lettuce, tomatoes, French green beans, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, Nicoise olives and anchovies. The dressing is a simple red wine vinaigrette. We had this delicious salad for lunch a few Sundays ago simply because I had some leftover green beans that I needed to use up before they went bad. I looked around in the pantry to see what else I could find and found one can of my favorite tuna, Wild Planet albacore tuna. I had spinach on hand and pastured eggs. I did not have any of the purplish black Nicoise olives, but I did have Kalamata olives which is a great substitute for most recipes. I added red onion to my version of this salad because....hey, what doesn’t taste great with red onion? I dressed the Nicoise salad with my favorite red wine vinaigrette. It is my go-to salad dressing and very simple to put together. What an awesome Sunday lunch! This was super quick to plate up and I love it when I can throw together a meal with things I have on hand. It was healthy, clean and very filling. I of baby spinach onto 2 dinner • 3 Tbsp. of red wine vinegar told the hubby, “I could eat this plates. • 1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed every day.” I seriously think I Place 1/2 can of tuna in the • 1 tsp. of Dijon mustard could too. middle of each plate on top of • 1/2 Tbsp. of agave nectar The French have it going on, • 1 pinch of salt (I used Real Salt the spinach. right? Add the tomato slices, brand) quartered boiled-egg pieces, • 1 pinch of cracked black Ingredients: green beans, purple onion and pepper • 4 cups of fresh organic baby Kalamata olives to the plate spinach surrounding the tuna as shown Directions: • 1 can of wild-caught albacore in the photos. After tying on your favorite tuna Scatter chopped parsley apron, boil the pastured eggs • 2 hard-boiled organic evenly on top of both salads. and allow them to cool at least pastured eggs, peeled and Drizzle each salad with red 30-45 minutes. quartered wine vinaigrette and serve Steam the green beans in • French green beans, (Haricot immediately. the microwave for 2 minutes verts) trimmed and steamed NOTE: Double the ingredients for and allow to cool, or you may • 1 organic tomato, quartered 4 salad servings. + blanch them in boiling water • Sliced purple onion, as much for 1 minute and then submerge as desired them in ice water to stop the Alisa Rhinehart writes the blog • 1/2 cup of sliced or whole www.southerngirleatsclean.com cooking process. pitted Kalamata olives She is a working wife and mother In a small bowl or container, • 1 Tbsp. of chopped fresh flat living in Evans, whisk together the olive oil, leaf parsley Georgia. Visit her red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon blog for more recipes mustard, agave nectar and salt For the dressing: and information on and pepper. Set aside. • 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive clean eating. Arrange approximately 2 cups oil

Nicoise Salad

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

Around town: • 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... 600+ doctors offices throughout the area for staff and waiting rooms, as well as many nurses stations and waiting rooms of area hospitals.

MARCH 20, 2015

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.

HOW TO TREAT CONGESTION

s I write this article I am currently getting over flu-like symptoms and a sinus infection so congestion abounds. The trick is knowing how to treat the offending congestion. One medicine does not work for all types of congestion just like one antibiotic may not work for all infections. So let’s look at how to treat the various problems congestion may cause. The first thing to do is to decide if you need a doctor or if self-treatment can be suffidient. Any congestion that lasts a week or more is a reason for a doctor visit. Also if your symptoms get worse even with over-the-counter treatment or if your congestion turns from clear or white to a lovely color, see your doctor. Also if you have a predisposing condition such as asthma or COPD, err on the side of caution and see your doctor early in the progression of the disease. The next step, if home treatment is okay, is to decide what type of congestion medicine may be safely used in your situation. If it appears that allergies are to blame, we can try antihistamines alone or in combination with steroid nasal sprays, and maybe a cromolyn nasal spray. Cromolyn is what is called a mast cell stabilizer and is an over-the-counter allergy medicine that goes by the trade name Nasalcrom. These medicines are indicated if the congestion is a thin and watery consistency and has no color. The condition you are suffering from is allergic rhinitis and can often be treated at home. This can lead to problems if it persists despite treatment or is left untreated. Congestion that lasts can be a breeding ground for infection, sometimes going from the head and throat into the chest and lungs rather quickly. If any congestion starts to appear in the lungs, stop the antihistamines immediately and consult a doctor. Antihistamines dry up congestion where it is, and in the case of lungs that’s bad. It can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia. Chest congestion can be treated with the expectorant guaifenesin, available either as tablets or a liquid. The liquid form is called Robitussin (the plain, not with letters after it) or Diabetic Tussin. In tablet form it will be either Mucinex or a generic store brand labeled as chest congestion relief. The expectorant thins congestion, making your natural defense (coughing) more effective. As you cough you will propel

congestion up and out of your chest so it can be eliminated from your body. This will relieve your symptoms and put you on the path to health. Increased intake of water helps the expectorant work better in addition to just being healthy for you. Head congestion can be thick or thin depending on what is causing it. We discussed the allergic rhinitis earlier so let’s look briefly at the thick head congestion. It is from your sinuses and is not directly caused by allergies. This congestion probably needs a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. These are not to be used by people with high blood pressure or heart problems without a doctor’s advice. There are many products that combine a decongestant with various other ingredients. These are fine as long as you match your symptoms to what each ingredient is designed to treat. For example a healthy patient with thick head congestion resulting in sinus pressure and headache and a bit of congestion in the chest would benefit from a decongestant and expectorant combination. In this example avoid antihistamine and decongestant combinations for the reasons listed earlier. If you have any questions about which product to choose, just ask your pharmacist or your doctor. + Written by for the Medical Examiner by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson. Questions, comments and article ideas can be sent by email to cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net

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MARCH 20, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

DON’T LICK THE BEATERS

HURRY

! 3 / 20 D EADLI

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Useful food facts from dietetic interns with University Hospital’s Augusta Area Dietetic Internship Program

of cardiovascular disease by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thereby improving blood vessel function and in decreasing the occurrence of blood clotting; and they act as an anti-inflammatory agent, further protecting the heart. Now that you know the health benefits of strawberries, how do you know which strawberries to select? Choose the strawberries that have a deep red color and are firm, plump and free of mold. Avoid strawberries that have green or yellow patches or are dull in color. Store them in the refrigerator and make sure

to wash them before eating. Strawberries don’t stay fresh forever, so make sure to use them within a few days. The most common way to eat strawberries is just to pop them down the hatch, or for a special treat, topped with with some dark chocolate. Here are some other great recipe ideas for strawberries: You can make a parfait with low fat yogurt and homemade or low fat granola. You can make a strawberry smoothie using ice, low fat yogurt or low fat milk and maybe some spinach to add some greens in there. If you want more protein, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to make it a PB&J smoothie. Add strawberries to your pancakes, cereal, or waffles to get your day off to a healthy start. A nice dinner salad can easily be put together with fresh strawberries, toasted walnuts or almonds, spinach, mixed greens, a pinch of shredded skim mozzarella cheese and a light vinaigrette dressing. There are many other options, but these are just a few you can try to utilize your strawberries and take advantage of the nutrients they contain. Strawberries are definitely something to enjoy this season. You will be gaining many important nutrients from this delicious flower/fruit. + — by Melanie Wells, University Hospital Dietetic Internship Program

Do you love strawberries? The Senior Citizens Council is taking orders for fresh, big, juicy strawberries, almost as big as the one above!

EO N

also contain other important nutrients like manganese, iodine, potassium and folate. Most people have heard about LDL cholesterol and how we need to limit it in our diet. Strawberries have tons of phytonutrients, including flavonoids that lower the risk

he traditional saying as we transition into spring is April showers bring May flowers. Turns out, one of those flowers is the strawberry. That’s right sweet, red, juicy strawberries are now in season! What is it about strawberries makes them a flower? Strawberries are actually part of the rose family. Today there are over 600 varieties of strawberries that all differ in flavor, size and texture. They are available in supermarkets all year at reasonable cost. Where are the majority of strawberries grown in the United States? California, one of the largest strawberry producing regions in the world, which produces almost 2 billion pounds of strawberries each year. With all the hype about eating locally, reducing the food mile, and helping out the environment you may be asking yourself if strawberries are being grown locally. Yes! Gurosik’s Berry Plantation in North Augusta and Wagon Barn Market in Keysville are two area farms that allow you to buy and pick strawberries from April through July 4 depending on availability. Visit gurosiksberryplantation.com for more information. Always call ahead to make sure the fields are ready for picking. Strawberries not only taste amazing, they are low in fat and calories, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants. One cup of strawberries contains 50 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and contains more vitamin C than other berries, providing 100% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C for adults. Strawberries

Strawberries: The Flower of the Season

The berries will be sold as flats of 6 quarts each at $20 per flat. Please place your order by email: katernce@gmail.com; by phone 706-868-0120; or by sending a check for $20 times the number of flats you wish to: The Senior Citizens Council, 4210 Columbia Road, Suite #13A, Martinez, GA 30907. Order deadline is March 20, 2015. We thank you for your support! Berries must be picked up at our office on delivery day; Friday, March 27, 2015, between 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Our office is located at 4210 Columbia Road, Suite #13A, in Martinez. All orders must be prepaid.

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MARCH 20, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

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PEOPLE WITH COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEMS — AND PETS

he title topic encompasses more people than you might think. It includes alcoholics and people with cirrhosis of the liver; those who have had an organ transplant or had their spleen removed; cancer patients, including leukemia and lymphoma (for the most part, only during treatment, however); people who take high doses of steroids; and those with HIV/ AIDS. By the strictest interpretations, these people may be best advised to give up their pets to avoid getting diseases from them. At a bare minimum, at least consult both your doctor and your veterinarian so they are aware of your situation and can advise you. Among the tips offered by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health for the groups listed above are the following: • Ask your veterinarian for information on infections that you might get from your pets. • Have your veterinarian check all your pets. • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your pet, cleaning the litter box, or disposing of pet feces. Always wash before you eat, prepare food, take medicines, or smoke.

• Keep your pet clean and healthy. Make sure that vaccinations are up to date. • If you plan to adopt a pet, get one that is a year old or older. Kittens and puppies are more likely to scratch and bite and to contract infections. • Have all pets surgically spayed or neutered. Neutered animals are less likely to roam, and therefore less likely to come down with diseases. • Bring your pet to a veterinarian if the animal has diarrhea, is coughing and sneezing, has decreased appetite, or has lost weight. If you have a cat or dog: • Have your cat tested for the feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses. Although these viruses do not spread to humans, they affect the cat’s immune system. This puts your cat at risk of other infections that may be spread to humans. • Feed your pet only commercially prepared food and treats. Animals can get sick from undercooked or raw meat or eggs. Cats can get infections, such as toxoplasmosis, by eating wild animals. • Do not let your pet drink from the toilet. Several infections can be spread this way.

• Keep your pet’s nails short. You should avoid rough play with your cat, as well as any situation where you could get scratched. Cats can spread Bartonella henselae, the organism responsible for cat scratch disease. • Take measures to prevent flea or tick infestations. Several bacterial and viral infections are spread by fleas and ticks. Dogs and cats can use flea collars. Permethrin-treated bedding can decrease risk of flea and tick infestations. • In rare cases dogs can spread a condition called kennel cough to persons with weakened immune systems. If possible, do not place your dog in a boarding kennel or other high-risk environment. If you have a cat litter box: • Keep your cat’s litter box away from eating areas. Use disposable pan liners so that the entire pan can be cleaned with each litter change. • If possible, have someone else change the litter pan. If you must change the litter, wear rubber gloves and a disposable face mask. • The litter should be scooped daily to prevent the risk of toxoplasmosis infection. Similar precautions should be taken when cleaning a bird’s cage. Other important tips: • Do not adopt wild or exotic animals. These animals are more likely to bite. They often carry rare but serious diseases. • Reptiles carry a type of bacteria called salmonella. If you own a reptile, wear gloves when handling the animal or its feces because salmonella is easily passed from animal to human. • Wear rubber gloves when handling or cleaning fish tanks. +

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MARCH 20, 2015

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

From the Bookshelf The blog spot — Posted by Jennifer Chevinsky at heelskicksscalpel.com on Mar.14, 2015

THE INSUFFERABLE PATIENT: YOU KNOW THE ONE He is that new patient to the clinic. You know the one. He is the “multiple chronic conditions” patient. Diabetes, hypertension, COPD, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, arthritis — it would probably be quicker to name the conditions he doesn’t have. You let out a deep sigh before entering the room. You know the one. He is the “non-native English speaker.” English isn’t his first language, perhaps not even his second. You try to push through, but you can tell he doesn’t really understand. You’ll need to get a translator. It would take too long to wait for one of the hospital translators, so you use an iPad or a telephone, maybe even his family member. This is going to be a long morning. You know the one. He is the “noncompliant” patient, as recorded multiple times across his charts. His hemoglobin A1c is at least nine. His blood pressure is 180/90 on a good day. He doesn’t have logs of all of his daily blood pressures or glucose readings. He has missed multiple appointments. He isn’t sure which medications he is currently taking. There is no use in trying. You know the one. He is the “poor historian.” He isn’t sure what date he saw the cardiologist or the pulmonologist or the nephrologist or the gastroenterologist. He doesn’t know when they raised his lisinopril, or was it his metoprolol? Something having to do with blood pressure. He got a vaccine a couple months ago, but he isn’t sure which one it was. He thinks his symptoms started a couple weeks ago, but maybe it was over a month. There is no consistent story. You know the one. He is the person trying to keep track of all of this information, not knowing what is important and what is trivial; it’s if he’s had to take on an additional full-time job. He has waited for weeks just to see you, with the hope that you might be able to shed light on why he feels so ill. He doesn’t really understand how to navigate the healthcare system. You know the one. He is the person the system has failed. He was prescribed medications but never received proper explanations. People have continued to tell him important information in English, knowing it isn’t his first or preferred language. He is the person whom others have brushed off for years, unable to shake that label of “noncompliant” first documented ten years ago and forever, unbeknownst to him, tarnishing his chart. You know the one Don’t you remember being a medical student, eager to help all those who came in? Don’t you remember those days before you were jaded by all of the negativity? Don’t you remember that you came into medicine to help all people, yes, all people? Now is the time when you can reclaim your life’s mission. Now is the time when you can honestly make a big difference in someone’s life. Now is the time when you can stop the cycle of assumptions, of prejudice, of bigotry, of apathy. I haven’t given up on him. It’s not for me to judge. I don’t have that right. I will not let him slip through the cracks. I will not brush him off. I will not be part of that system. In fact send him my way, I’d be honored to see him. It would be nothing less — nothing less — than an absolute privilege. You know the one. +

You know the one.

Jennifer Chevinsky is a medical student and can be reached on Twitter @jchevinsky.

From Goodreads A tree that sheds poison daggers; a glistening red seed that stops the heart; a shrub that causes paralysis; a vine that strangles; and a leaf that triggered a war. In Wicked Plants, Stewart takes on over two hundred of Mother Nature’s most appalling creations. It’s an A to Z of plants that kill, maim, intoxicate, and otherwise offend. You’ll learn which plants to avoid (like exploding shrubs), which plants make themselves exceedingly unwelcome (like the vine that ate the South), and which ones have been killing for centuries (like the weed that killed Abe Lincoln’s mother). Menacing botanical illustrations and splendidly ghastly drawings create a fascinating portrait of the evildoers that may be lurking in your own backyard. Drawing on history, medicine, science, and legend, this compendium of bloodcurdling botany will entertain, alarm, and enlighten even the most intrepid gardeners and nature lovers. From Booklist They may look sweet and innocent, but anyone who has ever broken out in a rash after

languid southern fields overrun by kudzu, some plants are just more trouble than they’re worth. Culling legend and citing science, Stewart’s fact-filled, A–Z compendium of nature’s worst offenders offers practical and tantalizing composite views of toxic, irritating, prickly, and all-around ill-mannered plants. --Carol Haggas

picking a hyacinth blossom or burst into violent sneezing after sniffing a chrysanthemum knows that often the most beautiful flowers can pack the nastiest punch. This comes as no secret to mystery writers, who have long taken advantage of the nefarious properties of common garden plants to create the devices by which a deadly dose of poison is administered to an unsuspecting victim. But, as Stewart so entertainingly points out, such fiction is based on pure fact. There are plants that can kill with a drop of nectar, paralyze with the brush of a petal. From bucolic woodland streams choked by invasive purple loosestrife to

From Powell’s Books Amy Stewart documents the bad behavior of naughty botanicals in her “Wicked Plants”. This bad behavior ranges in classification from Painful, Illegal, Dangerous and Intoxicating to Deadly. Some will not surprise you, but did you know that raw cashews can cause the same symptoms as poison ivy? Or that Water Hemlock, one of the most dangerous plants in the US, looks just like a carrot and has a pleasant, sweet taste? This little book is packed full of useful information, fun facts, and interesting historical details. + Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities by Amy Stewart, 256 pages, published in May 2009 by Algonquin Books

Research News Hello, Mrs. Dash How’s your blood pressure? There are some fortunate souls whose diet can include all the salty snacks and ultrahigh-sodium convenience foods that they care to eat, yet their blood pressure remains low. Well, it turns out they aren’t so fortunate after all. University of Delaware researchers published new findings March 17 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study shows sodium adversely affects several vital target organs and body systems, including the brain, blood vessels, kidneys and heart — even if blood pressure is unaffected. Taking the salt shaker off the table is a good but fairly insignificant step toward reducing dietary salt, say Delaware researchers, noting that about 70 percent of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods. They also note that restaurant food typically contains more

salt than dishes prepared at home, so eating out less often can help cut the salt. The American Heart Association’s advice is that we consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. Energy drinks and kids A Mayo Clinic study has found that energy drinks raise blood pressure in healthy young adults (age 19 to 40), particularly in those who are not used to drinking caffeine. Blood pressure showed a “marked” increase in energy drinkers compared with placebo drinkers, but the most striking comparison, researchers said, was in “caffeine naive” adults, whose resting blood pressure increase 30 minutes after consumption was more than double that of participants who normally drink caffeinated beverages. Study authors cautioned that even among young people, energy drinks can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Previous studies have

suggested that young people (age 10 to 14) who consume energy drinks get too much caffeine when other sources, such as cola and chocolate, are added to the total. Adverse effects noted in clinical studies include insomnia, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, nervousness and heart palpitations. You must be 21 Around the world (and here in the United States), 18 is the usual age at which it becomes legal to purchase and use tobacco. (There are exceptions: in Austria it’s 16; in Costa Rica it is legal to smoke beginning at age 10.) A report issued this week by the Institute of Medicine recommends raising the minimum age to 21, predicting that by the year 2100 such an initiative would reduce smoking prevalence by 12 percent. Only Kuwait, Sri Lanka and the Cook Islands currently require a person to be 21 to both purchase and use tobacco. +

+ 12

MARCH 20, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE EXAMiNERS

THE MYSTERY WORD

How’s your Great. I do a lot veterinary practice of work with coming along? horses in Aiken.

by Dan Pearson

With the Aiken Trials going on, I bet you’re Yes. In fact, I’m on my busy right now. way to treat a skittish horse with asthma.

I’ll probably use a bronco-dilator.

How?

The Mystery Word for this issue: RUNSEGO

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

EXAMINER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

4 14

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

VISIT WWW.AUGUSTARX.COM

Click on “READER CONTESTS”

QUOTATION PUZZLE

20 21 22 ACROSS 1. Taylor, famous Augusta 23 24 25 actor 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 4. Follower of The British 9. Stay at Mistletoe 34 35 36 13. Winter rarity here 37 38 39 15. Georgia, for one 16. A of CSRA 40 41 42 17. Fermented grape juice 43 44 45 18. Defective car 46 47 19. Quick! 20. Will 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 22. _____ of Man 56 57 58 59 23. Sunbathes 24. Electrically charged atom 60 61 62 26. A policeman’s badge 63 64 65 29. Capital of South Africa 34. Specially trained people at by Daniel R. Pearson © 2015 All rights reserved. Built in part with software from www.crauswords.com the center of a group 35. Create a picture DOWN 33. Loathe 36. Globe 35. Discharged a debt 37. Against, in the back woods 1. New Aug. shoestore 2. Burn ______ 38. Aftermath of a crash 38. _______-deep 3. Marrow location 39. ___________ Row 39. Indian nursemaid 4. Beech partner word 41. Ted Turner’s movie station 40. Natal start 5. Stalks 42. Money of Belgium, Austria, 41. One-third; made up of 6. Type of duck? Luxembourg, etc. three parts 7. English private school 44. Surgical removal suffix 42. Muse of lyric poetry 8. Conscious; able to perceive 45. Superior; of higher quality 43. Go before 9. J. Smith building 47. Analyze a sentence 45. Lumpkin Road school 10. _____ in the Heart 48. Quantity of medicine 46. CHOG, previously 11. Repast 49. Employs 47. “Around” prefix 12. ____ de foie gras 50. Applaud 48. Word with tear or tape 14. _________ Sizzlin Steakhouse 52. Black, to a poet 51. Horny skin growth 21. Story 53. Type of beer 56. Capital of Norway 25. Giants’ Mel 54. Source of eye color 57. Stop a NASA mission 26. Cayce, SC utility 55. Monte _____ Ave. 58. Streetcar (British) 27. Golf great Walter (1892-1969) 59. Word on many doors 60. Line of stitches 28. Moron 61. Blue _________ 29. Augusta College 62. Trigonometric function 30. Ascend 63. Sports award 31. Port _______ 64. Invitation on a door 32. Angry 65. Male child

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 1

9 1 5 2

6 9

8 3 7

U D O K U

7 2 5

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.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 E 1 2 3 4

1 2

D 1 2 3 4

1 2 1 2

B 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 3

1 2 7

’ H 1 2 3 4 5

9 10 11

1.S S S I B B A H P I N T 2.HHOOOYAABSET 3.IMITASSE 4.DUNNTHEL 5.ORIT 6.SND 7.GO 8.P 9.H 10.E 11.R

SAMPLE:

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

L 1

O 2

V E 31 24 3

I 1

S 2

B 1

L 2

I 3

N 4

D 5

6 5 9

Solution p. 14

WORDS NUMBER

— Pat Riley

MARCH 20, 2015

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE BEST MEDICINE Stress Relief ha... ha...

carpenter accidentally sat on his drill and was bored to tears.

A dog gave birth to puppies alongside a road and was ticketed for littering. A dog not only wears a fur coat but also pants. The writer produced an excellent article about disease, prompting his doctor to warmly commend him for being ill literate. “What’s the name of your band?” “We call ourselves The Balloons.” “Very clever. What kind of music do you play?” “Everything except pop music.” “You told me the museum closed down, but it’s still open.” “I never said that. I said it’s a thing of the past.” “Here’s my bill for painting your house, sir.” “I’m not going to pay. You told me you would do it free.” “No I didn’t. I said the paint would be on the house.”

“Nurse, check that patient’s blood type.” “The pessimistic guy?” “He’s the one.” “No need to test his. I already know.” “What is it?” “B-negative.”

Two friends were walking up the sidewalk to report to a drug rehab center when one said, “Boy, they don’t waste any time do they?” “What do you mean?” asked the other. “That,” said the first one, pointing to a sign on the front lawn reading “Keep off the grass.” A prisoner was sitting in his cell when a guard ushered a new prisoner in. “What are you in for?” he asked his new cellmate. “I stole a calendar,” said the second man. “What did you get?” “A year,” came the answer. “Hey, what happened to your pet giraffe?” “I got rid of it. It was too high maintenance.” “I have produced immortal frogs!” said the medical researcher in his lab. “How did you do it?” asked an assistant. “I remove their vocal cords. That way they can’t croak!” “When should we use these condoms, doctor?” asked the newlywed couple. “On every conceivable occasion,” he said. Why was Cinderella kicked off the basketball team? Because she ran away from the ball. +

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

STATE

ZIP

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

An article from somewhere on the internet. Literally.

Relaxation techniques are commonly used to reduce stress. Most are easy to learn. To get good at them, you have to practice. It is probably best not to try them for the first time when you are under enormous stress. Practice the “Relaxation Response” and Similar Techniques Recognizing that some people who practice meditation are capable of reducing their heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen consumption, Harvard’s Herbert Benson, M.D., set out several decades ago to understand how they do it. He developed a simple practice that focuses on the qualities in meditation that create relaxation and reduce stress. Here’s how: Every day, plan to spend some time at rest (not asleep). Sit somewhere comfortable, close your eyes and relax your muscles. Focus on breathing regularly. Continuously repeat one word. Repeat it aloud or in your mind. It should be a simple word, such as “relax” or “easy,” a religious word or phrase, or a meaningless word like the “om” used in transcendental meditation. Continue regular breathing with your muscles relaxed. Learn Progressive Muscle Relaxation This technique allows you to relax your entire body. Start at your head. Tense your facial muscles by clenching your teeth and furrowing your brow. Hold the tension for five to 10 seconds, and then release it. Next, tense your shoulder muscles by shrugging them and tucking in your chin. Hold the tension for five to 10 seconds, then release. Next, tense your arm muscles by making fists. Hold the tension for five to 10 seconds, then release. Continue to tighten and release each group of muscles in your body until you have worked all the way down to your toes. Picture the tension evaporating as you release each muscle. Focus on the warmth and heaviness of the body parts as they relax. Do Visualization Visualizing is a good way to remove yourself mentally from a stressful situation. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable. Close your eyes. Practice the progressive muscle relaxation exercise outlined above. Allow thoughts to pass through your mind without actually “thinking” about them. Imagine you are somewhere that makes you feel good, such as the beach or the woods, a spot where you have spent a restful vacation or a beautiful place you can picture even if you have never visited. Breathe slowly and deeply until you feel relaxed. Focus on all five senses. Imagine what you see, feel, hear, taste and smell. Continue to visualize yourself in this place for five to 10 minutes. Then gradually return your focus to the room you are in and end the visualization exercise. Practice Relaxed Breathing Exercises Take a deep breath in and out. Did you feel your chest expand and contract? Did your shoulders go up as you drew air into your lungs? This is how many adults breathe. But to breathe more efficiently — and to promote relaxation — we need to look to the way we breathe while asleep. When in a relaxed sleeping state, we usually breathe from our diaphragm, which is the muscle between the abdomen and the chest. When breathing through the abdomen, the chest and shoulders remain relatively still while the abdomen rises and lowers with each breath. The type of breathing we do while sleeping takes less effort and is typically more efficient than the breathing we do while awake. As a result, abdomen breathing is more relaxing. How can you practice relaxed breathing? Lie flat on your back. Place your feet slightly apart. Lightly rest one hand on your abdomen, just near your navel. Rest your other hand on your chest. Inhale through your nose and calmly exhale through your mouth until you’ve emptied most of the air from your lungs. Focus on your breathing and watch which hand is moving. As you slowly count to four, gently inhale, slightly distending your abdomen to make it rise. Imagine warmth flowing into your lungs and to all parts of your body. Pause for one second. Then as you slowly count to four, gently exhale, letting your abdomen slowly fall and your diaphragm relax. Pause for another second. Repeat this process five to 10 times. When you become familiar with the process, you can practice relaxed breathing while seated and, then, while standing. +

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MARCH 20, 2015

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

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

...cleverly hidden (on the lion’s chin) in the p. 15 ad for FIDELITY BANK MORTGAGE Congratulations to JOYA DAVIS, who scores a coveted Scrubs of Evans gift card, 2 movie passes courtesy of Health Center Credit Union, and a $20 Wild Wing Cafe gift certificate. Want to find your name here next issue? The new Mystery Word is on page 12. Start looking!

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

The new scrambled Mystery Word is found on page 12

SENDING US A CLASSIFIED?

EXAMINER CLASSIFIEDS HOMES, APARTMENTS, ROOMMATES, LAND, ETC.

Augustagahomesearch.com Foreclosures • Rentals • MLS Roman Realty 706-564-5885

CONDO FOR RENT 2 bdrm 1 bath unfurn upstairs condo; carport; pool; outside laundry. Country Club Hills condos, Milledge Rd near GRU/ASU. $750/$750 dep. We furnish water, you pay electric. (706) 736-7168; email:ronst79@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

ROOMMATE WANTED! 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath house with pool, 2 minutes from colleges. Perfect for medical or grad students. $425+share utils. 706.993.6082 WEST AUGUSTA House for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1500 sqft, 1-car garage, 3024 Sterling Road, located off Stevens Creek at Riverwatch Pkwy. $850/mo. Call 678467-7187. FOR SALE: GORGEOUS, immaculate, never occupied townhome located mins from Medical District. 2 bed, 2 bath, master en suite, walk-in closets, office. 1450 sq ft. hardwood floors throughout, fabulous upgrades, custom kitchen and baths. Floor to ceiling windows, fenced yard. Partially furnished! 120k OBO. 803-507-6621.

CEMETERY PLOTS Side-by-side cemetery plots for sale located at the Heart Section of Hillcrest Cemetery. $3600 for BOTH. (706) 798-8495

HELP WANTED CHIROPRACTIC ASSISTANT NEEDED to work mornings. Great job for Mom with school-age children. Some experience preferred but not necessary. Non-smoker. (706) 860-4001

SERVICES HOUSE CLEANING Your house, apartment, rental move-outs. Thorough, dependable. Weekly, or whatever schedule you prefer. References. 706.267.9947

THE PUZZLE SOLVED

Augusta Medical Examiner Classifieds

(OURS IS COFFEE)

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FORM

1.00

1.25

1.50

1.75

2.00

2.25

2.50

2.75

3.00

3.25

3.50

3.75

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4.50

4.75

5.00

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

S T E M S

L A M E

E T O N

S C A M E A R E N S T A T I S L I O N P R E T O R I P A I N T O R A I S T A Y A I N E E R A T D E B U T L E P E R I E R A T O S I S B O R T T R A O O S E S I N N T E R S O

P A T E A B H O R

M E N

QUOTATION 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:

I S L T A A N L D E W T R C E M C K A G E

QUOTATION PUZZLE SOLUTION: Page 12: “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” — Pat Riley

AD COPY (one word per line; phone numbers MUST include the area code): .75

D U B S N O W W I N E T E S T S H I E C A D R A G I N N E O A N T E C D U C T O S L O S E A M E S P Y

SEE PAGE 12

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

.50

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

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

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

DOES YOUR HOME NEED CLEANING? A little of that extra? Need organizing assistance or help to make clutter vanish? Seniors will get a discount. 706-755-3803

WHAT’S YOUR DRUG OF CHOICE?

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

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

VISIT DRUGOFCHOICECOFFEE.COM

7 1 4 8 6 9 5 3 2

8 6 2 5 3 1 4 9 7

3 5 9 4 2 7 1 8 6

9 8 6 2 7 5 3 4 1

2 4 3 1 8 6 9 7 5

1 7 5 9 4 3 2 6 8

5 3 1 6 9 8 7 2 4

6 2 7 3 1 4 8 5 9

4 9 8 7 5 2 6 1 3

WORDS BY NUMBER “Nothing is so absurd that it hasn’t been said by some philosopher.” — Cicero

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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

MARCH 20, 2015

15 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY DERMATOLOGY

ALLERGY

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

CHIROPRACTIC

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

DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICS

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

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

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

HOSPICE

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

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

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

M.D.S:

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

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

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

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

PHARMACY

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

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

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

MEDICAL MASSAGE

DRUG REHAB

FAMILY MEDICINE

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

SENIOR LIVING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

MARCH 20, 2015

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

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

RUSSELL T. HEAD, CBC, CSA-PARTNER • 706-733-3459 • E: RTHEAD@GANDBC.COM • WWW.GROUPANDBENEFITS.COM