Nov18 16

RE A D

+

OUR : IS SU 250 U.CO th IS

MEDICAL EXAMINER I T ON

recipe feature PAGE 7

L INE

M/M

E D IC

SUE! AM

ALE X

INE R

TM

HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS

AIKEN-AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED IN 2006

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

SLOW DOWN! H

ere we are once again starting another year’s official weight gain season. But as our headline suggests, there may be a simple antidote.

If space was unlimited we might be able to fill most of this issue with all the reasons why stuffing the old pie hole as though you’re competing in a hot dog eating contest is a bad idea.

We could talk about how it’s just plain rude to wolf down a meal. That’s what dogs do, not people, right? We could talk about how disrespectful it might be to someone who spent a considerable amount of time preparing a delicious meal, only to have it gobbled down without hardly tasting it.

But those reasons (and others) don’t quite fall within our 3-word editorial scope seen running across the page above: “health, medicine, wellness.”

Even within that narrowed range, however, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes to putting the brakes on eating.

What’s wrong with fast food?

Everyone has to eat in a rush once in a while.

But when eating fast becomes a habit, a number of

THE TURKEY TIMES

problems can arise that are not healthy.

One of the negative side effects of speed eating is poor digestion and nutrition. The entire process of metabolizing food begins with chewing, but speed eating short-circuits that. Chemicals in saliva that help digest food are already going to work while we chew, but for speed eaters they don’t get to do much before one bite disappears down the hatch and a fresh load is shoveled in.

Sometimes the body rebels. One slightly nonmedical term for vomiting — blowing chunks — proves that we aren’t always taking the time to chew properly. Chunks, according to nutrition experts, have no place in the stomach, and are not readily digestible.

Speaking of nutrition, speed eating and healthy foods aren’t always on friendly terms. To illustrate: how quickly could you eat an apple versus eating, say, a Twinkie? One could take minutes, the other mere seconds. People hooked on speed eating are

likely to avoid foods that will slow them down, like apples or crunchy salads, in favor of faster foods like fries and burgers.

Speed eating is also clinically linked to weight gain, if not downright obesity. The faster a person eats, in fact, the greater their average weight (and weight gain) compared to slow (or even just slower) eaters.

The link comes from the fact that the stomach’s message delivery system — specifically, the one that says, “Yo! We’re full down here!” — takes 15 to 20 minutes to travel up to the brain. It’s not that the signals travel at snail speed; it’s simply that getting full while eating is a gradual process.

All other things being equal, if two diners get their fi rst “Full” signals at the same time and one is a slow eater and one is a speed eater, the speed eater might take dozens more bites than the slow eater before throwing in the towel. Or in this case, napkin.

Please see SLOW DOWN page 6

JOIN US: Nov. 21, 22 & 23 International Uniform will donate

15% OF ALL PURCHASES toward feeding, housing and clothing the less fortunate this holiday season

Please join us in giving thanks for our blessings by helping others in our community International Uniform gives thanks

MEDICAL • CULINARY • INDUSTRIAL APPAREL • SCREENPRINTING • EMBROIDERY 20-60% OFF 706.722.4653 • www.iuiscrubs.com FB: internationaluniformscrubs RACKS - WHILE THEY LAST! 1216 Broad St. in beautiful downtown Augusta

WHY PAY RETAIL EVERYWHERE ELSE?

+2

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN A monthly series by an Augusta drug treatment professional

THE TOP 1O WAYS ENABLERS ENABLE

by Ken Wilson Executive Director Steppingstones to Recovery The dictionary defines enabling as “helping someone.” When applied to an alcoholic/addict relationship, it means helping them drink/drug — not a compliment in those circles!

Maybe we can try to define an enabler.

It can mean several things.

One is “addiction to an addicted person.” Do you think about the addicted loved one in your life all the time? In the middle of the night? At work? Driving? Are you obsessed with where they are, what they’re doing, what they’re thinking?

Another possible description is: “obsession with changing an addicted person.” Do you plan, plot, engineer ways to busy the addict in your life? To divert their attention to something you think is constructive vs. what they want to do on the weekend maybe?

Exactly how does an enabler enable?

1. Paying their bills. When you help them financially it allows them to use what money they do have on their drug of choice. If they had to pay their rent, they wouldn’t have money left for drugs.

2. Covering and making excuses for them. Ever called in to their job saying they were “sick” and couldn’t come to work? Or told family at the reunion they just couldn’t make it this year? This allows them to use or drink without fear of consequences.

3. Ignoring the problem, thinking “it’s just a phase they’re going through... they’ll grow out of it.” Not. Addiction is a progressive illness and is not apt to

NOVEMBER 18, 2016 stop unless some type of intervention happens...and interventions come in all kinds of ways, not just the “gang up and clobber ‘em” approach. It could be an arrest, or write-ups at work.

4. Hassling them. No addict ever said, “Mother, thank you so much for your concern. I think I’ll stop snorting dope due to your concern for me.” Ain’t gonna happen. Instead, they interpret your criticism as your intense love for them and will continue doing whatever gets them that kind of attention. Weird, huh?

The mind is a complex thing.

5. Playing the Victim or Martyr. “You’re ruining my life. If it wasn’t for you, your poor old dad would have some money, and could sleep at night. Look at all I’ve done for you and what do I get in return?

Shame on you!” If you want to drive your loved one further away, keep this up.

6. Doing their work for them. Poor old Joe comes in hung over...he’s a great guy... let’s get his work covered for him and maybe he’ll watch out for us one day when we need to.” We humans repeat whatever actions get benefits for us...For a user, what better one than this?

7. Believe their excuses. “Honey, I had to work late.” “A guy at work needed a loan so I helped him out so he wouldn’t lose his apartment.” Addicts get very creative.

Once you’re on to them, well, as they say, “If their lips are moving...”

8. Accept half baked work. “He has a hangover...poor guy...if I give him a break he’ll make it up to me.” All you are doing is rewarding them for poor behavior and they’ll do it again and again and it’ll get worse and worse. Addiction never gets better on its own. Almost never.

9. Help your loved one make excuses for their using/drinking behavior. “I think you might be bi-polar.” I think if I hear this one more time I might lose it!

Much of what people think is bi-polar is nothing more than mood swings from drug/drinkingbehavior. “Maybe you need some anti-depressants to help you deal with your depression.” Again, ugh. There’s situational depression and clinical depression, not to depreciate the latter kind.

10. ____________________________ Yes, I’m leaving the 10th space blank for you to fi ll in for your favorite enabling behavior! I’d love to hear it.

Write the editor (see box on p. 3) and let’s use the comments next time!

See you next month. +

• MOHS SURGERY • SKIN EXAMS • MOLE REMOVAL SKIN CANCER CENTER Quality Patient Care Since 1969 2283 WRIGHTSBORO RD AT JOHNS RD

• ACNE • PSORIASIS

LAUREN PLOCH, MD JOHNATHAN CHAPPELL, MD

• RASHES

Introducing board certified dermatologist

7067333373 • GaDerm.com

• WARTS

Lauren Ploch, M.D.

CAROLINE WELLS, PAC • CHRIS THOMPSON, PAC

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

3+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

The

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

A

Advice Doctor

presented by Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co.

He was good at heart

ugusta’s Healthy Hall of Fame would be woefully incomplete without the inclusion of Harry T. Harper, Jr., M.D. He was a cardiologist of noteworthy accomplishments, yet it’s hard to write a story about him that isn’t hijacked at every turn by his most famous patient, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It’s almost unavoidable.

Harry T. Harper, Jr., M.D. But let’s try anyway.

Eisenhower, in fact, is Exhibit #1 in any discussion the President was in Augusta of Dr. Harper’s skill: they — which was quite often, don’t let just anyone treat both during and after his the leader of the free world, presidency. especially for something as Had the 34th president not serious as a heart attack. had the misfortune of having By the time Eisenhower a heart attack here, Harry suffered a heart attack (his Harper’s career would have second) while at the Augusta been just as sterling, if a lot National Golf Club in late less well known.

1965, Dr. Harper had already Born in Copperhill, been a consultant to the U.S. Tennessee in 1910, the Army Surgeon General for a future doctor was already decade, and would go on to a freshman at Emory in serve in that capacity for a 1925. Yes, that’s age 15. He total of 30 years. It was that finished medical school at position and the skill which the tender age of 22 (in 1933), earned it that resulted in Dr. and by 1934 had a part-time Harper being Eisenhower’s faculty position at MCG at primary physician whenever the invitation of Dr. Virgil

Sydenstricker.

In 1935, Harper went to Harvard for postgraduate training in cardiology at Massachusetts General Hospital under Dr. Paul Dudley White, considered by many to be founder of preventive cardiology. He returned to Augusta and entered private practice in 1938 as the fi rst cardiologist in the state of Georgia. He remained on MCG faculty as a clinical professor of medicine, and chaired MCG’s Department of Medicine from 1942 to 1944, then served as chief of University Hospital’s medical staff in 1945 and years later (1971) in the same position at St. Joseph Hospital (now Trinity).

In collaboration with Dr. William Hamilton, Dr. Harper made the fi rst direct arterial recording of human blood pressure and cardiac output.

Patients around the world still benefit from that work.

In fact, the legacy of Harry Harper Jr., extensive though it might be, extends far beyond his life and career.

Please see PROFILES page 10

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

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

+ Dear Advice Doctor, I hate to ask a non-medical question, but I have a dire situation at work. My boss asked me if I knew how to create websites. I had no idea, but I said yes. “How hard could it be?” I thought. Well, it turns out it’s very hard. Now I don’t know if I should take a crash course in web design or admit to my rash response and ignorance to my boss. Any advice?

— Caught in a web Dear Caught, I am shocked and astounded the issue you have raised doesn’t come up more often. Whenever I’m out on the highways and biways I regularly see people on a crash course. It’s a wonder there aren’t deadly crashes every day of the week.

The other day I turned off Peach Orchard Road onto Tubman Home Road. As I came around the curve and Gordon Highway came into view near Southgate — do you know the spot? — our light was green. At that same moment a fully loaded log truck heading north on Gordon Highway came barrelling through the intersection at top speed. I had to assume the light had just gone green at the very second I came around the curve because no one ahead of me had yet pulled into the intersection. If they had done so without looking, they would probably have been killed instantly.

As any driver knows, this kind of reckless driving is at epidemic levels in Augusta and probably all over the country.

The standard comment here would normally be, “People will keep doing this until someone gets killed,” but that isn’t true: this past June three boys, two age 8, one age 9, were killed in cars coming from opposite directions on Riverwatch Parkway. One car turned left onto Stevens Creek Road, the other car plowed into it. Both cars ran a red light.

The police can’t be at every intersection day and night. Drivers are going to have to develop a respect for law and order, not to mention life itself, if this plague has a chance of stopping anytime soon. + Do you have a question for The Advice Doctor about life, love, personal relationships, career, raising children, or any other important topic? Send it to News@AugustaRx.com. Replies will be provided only in Examiner issues.

AUGUSTA

Our experienced, financial team focuses on you, our client, to ensure that all aspects of your financial affairs are being monitored and managed appropriately in accordance with your life goals. We welcome the opportunity to serve. Call today for an appointment.

©

+

MEDICAL EXAMINER

TM

AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER

www.AugustaRx.com E. CLIFFORD ECKLES, JR.

DAVID D. BULLINGTON, JR.

W W W.Q N BTR U S T.CO M/PR IVATE- BAN K I N G

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 G E O R G I A’ S C O M M U N I T Y B A N K since 1 9 0 2 www.QNBTRUST.com

Opinions expressed by the writers herein are their own and/or their respective institutions. Neither the Augusta Medical Examiner, Pearson Graphic 365 Inc., or its agents or employees take any responsibility for the accuracy of submitted information, which is presented for general informational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor.

The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. © 2016 PEARSON GRAPHIC 365 INC.

+4

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

#33 IN A SERIES

OLD NEWS

Who is this?

+

POINTS OF INTEREST TO FORMER KIDS

by Trisha Whisenhunt, Senior Citizens Council

MAXX, THE MIGHTY WONDER DOG

T

J

ohn Maynard Woodworth, the gentleman shown here, holds an honored spot in United States medical history, yet few recognize his name or face. Or mustache, for that matter.

Born in Big Flats, New York, in 1837, the Woodworth family soon moved to Illinois, where Woodworth eventually studied pharmacy at the University of Chicago. After several brief forays into other fields, Woodworth graduated from Chicago Medical College in 1862, just in time for the outbreak of the Civil War, and in fact was appointed immediately after graduation as an Assistant Surgeon in the Union Army.

A promotion to Surgeon followed that, then Woodworth was named Medical Director of the Army of the Tennessee (named after the Tennessee River, not to be confused with the Army of Tennessee) under the command of Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant.

The Army of the Tennessee was part of most of the decisive battles that proved to be turning points in the war, including Sherman’s March to the Sea, in which Woodworth was in charge of transporting the sick and wounded to Savannah, doing so without the loss of a single man.

Soon after the war ended, a scandal erupted surrounding the Marine Hospital Service, established in 1798 by President John Adams to provide healthcare for injured and disabled seamen.

The Service was funded by a monthly levy of 20 cents withheld from the pay of every merchant seaman for the support of a loosely connected network of hospitals located in various ports around the country. An investigation prompted by the scandal discovered fiscal abuse and lax accounting of funds, and Woodworth was appointed in 1871 to turn the Service around.

Based on his military experience, he reorganized the service as a tightly-run and disciplined organization.

In 1873 Dr. Woodworth’s title was changed to Supervising Surgeon General, and in fact, he is considered the first person to hold the office of Surgeon General of the United States, a title he held from 1871 until his death in 1879.

Woodworth’s imprint is still seen on the Marine Hospital Service, which we know today as the United States Public Health Service: he designed its logo, and Surgeons General still wear military-style uniforms instituted by Woodworth. The Surgeon General serves as the principal medical advisor to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on matters of public health.

Previous Surgeons General include such familiar names as Luther Terry, who released the 1962 bombshell report linking cancer and cigarette smoking; C. Everett Koop; Joycelyn Elders; David Satcher; and Jesse Steinfeld, who served as US Surgeon General from 1969 to 1973, and later as president of the Medical College of Georgia from 1983 to 1987.

The Woodworth family, incidentally, was immensely influential, producing dozens of politically powerful figures, ranging from members of Congress to state senators, high ranking military officers, at least one each of state and U.S. supreme court justices. Most served in the mid to late 1800s, but at least two blood relatives — George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush — were in office during more recent years.

Woodworth’s position was considered Cabinet level. +

here is a good reason why YouTube has so many Pembroke Welsh Corgi dog videos. Not only are they adorable, they are very people oriented, high energy, intelligent, and full of personality. I adopted mine, Maxx, from a foster home in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in August of 2002.

He was just over a year old and I was in the middle of a horrific divorce. At a time when decisions didn’t come easy, he was the best one I made. He gave me 14 years, 2 weeks and 3 days of joy, loyalty, companionship and love that I feel blessed to have experienced.

He was perfectly healthy right up until he wasn’t. He had last been to the vet for his annual check-up in June and I was told he was doing great! But, life has a way of happening to us when we least expect it. Suddenly he wasn’t eating - a very bad sign in dogs. He refused even his favorite people food treats. I checked his gums.

They were pale. I knew this was also a serious symptom.

He didn’t want to move off

the bed and although he didn’t appear to be in pain, I knew in my heart what was coming. I carried him into the vet’s office and they took us to a room right away. After listening to the list of symptoms Maxx was exhibiting, the vet examined him and was straightforward with me. A tumor had ruptured and there wasn’t anything that could be done.

Yes, I could take him home and let him go on as he was until he passed on his own, but his quality of life was gone. What if he died alone while I was at work? I couldn’t

bear the thought of it.

I had watched people I knew hold on to their pets longer than they should have because they couldn’t let go. I don’t judge them - we love our animals and going through this was as difficult as I had been told. But I had promised myself I wouldn’t be selfish when the time came; I would do what was best for Maxx. I owed him that for all he had given me and my children. And so, I let him go, holding him while I whispered and sang to him until he closed his eyes.

I stayed functional until I got to my car. Once inside, my hands went into my hair and I wailed loudly. I hadn’t seen anyone in the parking lot but as I composed myself I caught sight of a man exiting the truck parked next to me from the passenger side in order to give us both space.

Weeks later, I am still grieving. The unhappiness of being without him is a pain that is seeping into every aspect of my life. I am so miserable, my body aches.

The pain of losing Maxx is deep but I know I will eventually want another dog.

They are such a wonderful gift of unconditional love that, as with many things in life, the pain fades and we do it again. +

MYTH OF THE MONTH Dandruff is simply dry skin Are you sure about that?

Actually, flakes of dry skin that appear in hair and on someone’s head & shoulders are merely the symptom of something else.

Dandruff, as a matter of fact, is more likely to happen to people with oily skin than dry skin.

Dandruff sufferers might feel better thinking their condition is caused by dry skin, but many dermatologists point to a cause that at least sounds a little nastier: fungus. And yeast.

Don’t be alarmed. We all have the offending fungus — called Malassezia. It occurs naturally on our skin and needs what the sebaceous glands on the scalp secrete to grow. When the fungus grows too rapidly — perhaps because it’s being fed well by the active glands on an oily

scalp — flakes fall off and land on our shoulders.

That is one theory, at any rate.

Dandruff does appear on people with dry scalp, psoriasis, eczema and other conditions.

Along with the uncertainty about exactly what causes dandruff from one individual to another, there is also no known cure.

In any case, dandruff often peaks during winter months. Various over-the-counter shampoos like Slesun Blue generally are effective in treating dandruff, but if they offer you no relief, prescription treatments may help. + — by F. E. Gilliard, MD, Family Medicine 4244 Washington Road, Evans, GA 30809 706-760-7607

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

5+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

WHAT EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW res?

ABOUT PAPER-PUSHING NIGHTMARES

k good eno r skin can ugh cer? son.”

M

o k

edicine as become a paper chase nightmare.

Obamacare has been totally misleading from day one.

President Obama promised premiums would go down, coverage would go up, and the relationship between the patient and the doctor would remain the same. I will be cordial and not say President Obama’s televised statement was a cluster of lies. However, premiums have gone up drastically, deductibles have increased, and access to your physician may or may not be intact due to business arrangements.

The amount of physician and physician staff time required to manage patients has gone up dramatically while reimbursement has decreased. (That means more work, less pay.)

Let me walk you through a recent behind-the-scenes patient management episode.

Rod has ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

He has been thoroughly and properly diagnosed. He has been treated with Adderall and his dosage has been optimized.

His function as a family man and at work have both improved. He was promoted at work. They feel he is capable of more responsibility. With his promotion his income will go up.

Additionally, he will have a new insurance plan. This

will cover his medication costs with a small co-pay.

It falls upon the physician to interface with his insurance company to obtain prior approval so his medications will be paid for. When he was admitted to the insurance plan, I clearly listed ADHD as a long-standing pre-existing diagnosis. He was accepted into the program.

Rod went to his pharmacy and presented his monthly prescription and his new insurance card. The prescription payment was automatically turned down because he did not have a PA (prior approval) from the insurance company. The pharmacy contacted me as the prescribing physician with an 800 number for me to call to

E

TH

t s e B accented and certainly not from anywhere near Augusta.

After verifying my name, my medical school education, my Georgia license number, my DEA number, NPI number as well as my call-back number, my fax number and email address, I was put on hold for a while and routed to a second person. The accent does not improve.

According to a 2016 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, for every one hour of patient contact, a physician spends two hours doing administrative work. get prior approval. Meanwhile, Rod had to pay for his covered medication out of his own pocket.

While eating lunch at my desk, I called the 800 number and received a long recorded set of instructions regarding which buttons to press when.

After losing the connection a couple times, I finally succeeded in hearing a human voice on the other end of the line, a voice that was heavily

You would think the first person entered all the information I provided so the second person would have ready access to it all.

Instead, the second person apparently had never heard of the first person or any of the information that I just provided. We did that same rodeo all over again.

Finally they asked for the patient’s name, address and

LOOKING FOR A DOCTOR? See our Professional Directory on page 15.

e n i c i d ME

date of birth. They asked for the diagnosis. I told him, ADHD. They said, “Yes, I see that on his policy.” (Or at least that’s what I thought they said.)

Then the screener said, “I must ask you some important medical questions.”

Great, I thought. After being on the phone almost half an hour, my roast beef sandwich was long gone, we’re getting somewhere. I have patients waiting. My nurse was not pleased for my delay. She wanted to get through and go home because she had a family waiting and the evening meal to prepare.

So here is the “medical” question I was asked. “Is the patient over 12 years old?”

The interviewer had already indicated he had a copy of the policy in front of him plainly showing the patient was 39 years old and fully employed.

I am astounded, not to mention perturbed. They have wasted most of an hour of my

time to ask if the patient is older than 12?

A few seconds after my icy reply, the heavily accented voice said, “I will approve medication.

You will receive a fax in a few days. Is there anything else I can do to help you?”

This is the kind of useless, time-consuming drudgery that physicians and their staff must endure every day. Patients have no idea how much time it takes to comply with governmental and insurance regulations.

Some stranger must approve my prescription, having never seen me, the patient or the pharmacist, yet they have control of medical treatment because they control the purse strings.

Thank you, Mr. Obama, for Obamacare.

At this point, I usually write some humorous, but the only socially acceptable emotion I can muster here is sarcasm. + Bad Billy Laveau is a formerly-retired 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 706-3069397.

F REE T AKE-HO ME CO PY!

+

MEDICALEXAMINER

TM

HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS • HEALTH • MEDICINE • WELLNESS

AIKEN-AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER • FOUNDED IN 2006

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

This newspaper is delivered to more than

863 private practice doctor’s offices and to 14 area hospitals.

+

We are Aiken-Augusta’s Most Salubrious Newspaper

Clinically proven. Doctor recommended.

+6

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

SLOW DOWN… from page 1 Multiply that outcome by many meals every week and it’s easy to see why speed eating leads to weight gain and obesity. And oh by the way, obesity is linked to things like heart disease and other cardiovascular ills, joint and mobility issues, high blood pressure, increased risk for diabetes and a host of other threats to living long and prospering.

French cuisine is famous for being on the rich side, yet the obesity rate in France is only one-third what it is in the United States. What accounts for the difference? One factor: coincidentally (or not), a study revealed that the average French person spends 135 minutes per day eating; the average American, by contrast, spends 74 minutes eating per day. Slower equals slimmer. Faster means fatter.

But how?

It’s one thing to decide to eat more slowly and another thing entirely to pull it off. One of the buzzwords when this topic comes up is always “mindful eating,” which is the opposite of mindless eating. In other words, think about eating. Don’t work at your desk or watch TV while eating. Don’t check Facebook. Just concentrate on eating — call it uni-tasking — at least until you feel like you’ve made serious progress in slowing down.

Mindful eating will allow you to really savor

and enjoy each delicious bite, whether it’s steak & lobster or peanut butter & jelly. Notice the flavor, the texture and the aroma of each item on your plate. One of the best things to start savoring is salad. Think about a typical restaurant experience: what’s the fi rst thing starving guests are usually served? Salad? No. Bread. Sometimes diners are almost full even before the entree shows up, but make no mistake: it will be eaten. Lighter, healthier, lower calorie, lower carb salads would be a better beginning.

One side note: don’t allow yourself to get superhungry. That ravenous state sometimes leads to bolting down food.

At home, single people sometimes eat over the sink. That is not a recipe for a leisurely, relaxed meal; it’s the international signal for “scarf this down.” Don’t. Have a seat. Take your time.

Don’t listen to any suggestion to do something crazy like chewing every bite a set number of times. You can’t enjoy conversation with your family or friends while concentrating on counting chews. Instead, try putting down your spoon or fork (or spork) after every bite. Some people use smaller utensils, or even chopsticks, as a means of slowing down their pace of eating. Take smaller bites, and frequently take a sip of water between bites too.

Remember that, in all likelihood, no one is holding a gun to your head forcing you to eat every last bite on your plate, whether at home or dining out. Mindless eating means cleaning your plate, even if you’re stuffed. Mindful eating is slow enough to notice you’re starting to feel full, so you stop. Save the leftovers for tomorrow - or for the dog.

The next six weeks or so spell weight gain for many of us. But simply slowing down and eating at a more leisurely pace will result in less food being consumed, less (or no) weight gain, and an overall healthier start to 2017.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and slow down! +

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.

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

Southern Girls Eat Clean Italian Vegetable Soup — “A Money Saving Meal”

MED

ISSUES 2006-2016

+

+ I

M.E.

THE AUGUSTA MEDICAL EXAMINER AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER

Daniel Village Barber Shop 2522 Wrightsboro Road

736-7230

TIME TO STAGE AN INTERVENTION? We’ll help in any way we can.

Head to toe service: Jerry will shine your shoes while we cut your hair.

We’re on Wrightsboro Rd. at Ohio Avenue.

DANIEL VILLAGE BARBER SHOP

Medical Complex

76 Circle K former Smile Gas

Highland Ave.

NER

ICAL EXAMI

Voted “BEST BARBER SHOP” in Augusta Magazine many times!

Ohio Ave.

One of the biggest complaints that I hear about eating healthy and clean is ”It is too expensive.” I can certainly understand that. It is a bit more expensive to buy fresh, organic foods. However, I feel the benefits outweigh the cost. I am willing to save and conserve in other areas of our budget to make sure that we have healthy, clean food in our home.

This soup is delicious and full of flavor. On top of that it’s inexpensive. We are all about saving money this time of year, right?

Here is the break down of the ingredients and cost: • 1 lb. of ground turkey: $6.49 • Chicken Broth: $4.50 • 1 medium yellow onion: .70 • Fresh garlic: $1.40 • Carrots: .70 • Celery: .87 • Kidney Beans: $2.49 • Yukon Gold potatoes: $1.99 • Canned chopped tomatoes: $1.50 • Spices: .30 Total: $20.94. The recipe makes 6 large servings or 8 small servings. That comes to $3.49 per large serving or $2.62 per small serving.

It’s not often that you can find a meal for less than $3.49 per person, huh? Definitely not if you eat out. You can’t Italian Vegetable Soup even find a fast food meal these days for that amount!

Ingredients: Add chopped onion to the Keep in mind that I • 1 lb. organic/all natural turkey and cook only until purchased all organic ground turkey softened. products. Yes, it would be • 6 Cups of organic chicken Reduce the heat to medium/ less expensive to purchase broth low and pour in 4 cups of non-organic, but our goal is • 1 Tbsp. of grapeseed oil or chicken broth and stir well. to put foods into our bodies extra virgin olive oil Place garlic, carrots, celery, that help us and not harm • 1 medium organic yellow potatoes, kidney beans and us. Buying organic whenever onion chopped tomatoes into the possible gives me peace of • 8 to 12 cloves of fresh garlic, pot.

Give all ingredients a mind. I’ll leave that decision crushed (number used depends good stir and mix well. up to you though, because the on size and your taste) Add 2 more cups of chicken important thing is that you • 3 organic carrots, chopped broth and the oregano, basil simply eat a cleaner diet with • 2 stalks of celery, chopped and parsley to the vegetables more veggies and less meats.

• 2 medium size Yukon gold and mix well again.

If it comes down to eating potatoes, diced Simmer on low for 30-40 + veggies or not eating them • 1 can of organic kidney minutes making sure the because of the cost of organic, beans, rinsed and drained (I potatoes, carrots and celery please, buy non-organic and used Eden Organic brand) are done but not mushy. get those healthier foods and • 1 can of chopped tomatoes (I Add salt and pepper to taste veggies into your diet. used Muir Glen brand) Serve immediately.

I absolutely LOVE it when • 1 Tbsp. each of dried I can prepare a meal and be Alisa Rhinehart is half of the oregano, dried basil and dried able to serve it at least twice. blog southerngirlseatclean. parsley In this case, the recipe made com. She is a working • Salt and pepper to taste enough to freeze and serve a wife and mother living in third time!

Evans, Georgia.

Instructions: Give this hearty, healthy Visit her blog for In a large stock pot, heat oil soup a try. I know you will more recipes and over medium to high heat. love it too. information on Add the ground turkey and clean eating. cook until lightly browned.

+

7+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Wrightsboro Road

Daniel Field

Augusta Mall

Tue - Fri: 8:00 - 6:00; Saturday: 8:00 - 2:00

GREAT COFFEE DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME OR WORK

ORDER AT WWW.7SOUTHCOFFEE.COM

OUR NEXT ISSUE DATE: DEC. 2 READ EVERY ISSUE AT www.issuu.com/medicalexaminer

+8

Pharma cy 4 11

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 Med. 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) • Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home, main lobby, 15th Street • 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 • 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. • Family Y (Old Health Central), Broad Street, downtown Augusta • Hartley’s Uniforms, 1010 Druid Park Ave, Augusta • International Uniforms, 1216 Broad Street, Augusta • Marshall Family Y, Belair Rd, Evans • 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 more than 850 doctors offices throughout the area for staff and waiting rooms, as well as many nurses stations and waiting rooms of area hospitals.

NOVEMBER 18, 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.

WE’RE NOT AS STUPID AS YOU THINK WE ARE

M

edicare and other groups are all looking for ways to save money these days by optimizing medication usage and eliminating side effects and unnecessary costs. Private insurance companies and employers are starting to get on board with cost savings, in part by promoting the preventive benefits of better health.

Over the next few issues we will be looking at this trend of optimizing healthcare, but in this issue we want to look at the opposite side of the coin.

There are medicines that, while important, do not provide a cure for anything. Narcotic pain medicine is one example. This class of drugs does not cure the underlying condition, such as neuropathy or inflammation, yet brings the risk of several potential side effects into the picture. One of these side effcts is addiction, the overwhelming desire to take more and more of these medicines. This stems from the ability of these drugs to produce a euphoric effect or “high,” especially when taken recreationally. The end result is that it appears to do a better job than more benign products because you feel better — much better — temporarily, but in four to six hours you are right back to the starting point.

The ultimate goal of treatment, of course, is to reduce the need for these (or any) medicines, or limit them to people with a true need as part of a combination of therapies designed to treat the original condition as well as the pain. This approach eliminates a lot of the addictive potential. There are other examples of drugs with a high potential for abuse that accomplish little beyond masking symptoms. Benzodiazepines, or anti-anxiety, medicines are another great example. These are very useful drugs for certain people, but as a class they are overused.

Pharmacies have been charged by state and federal drug enforcement agencies to limit the abuse of many drugs.

P

Pharmacies can be shut down for simply dispensing too many controlled substances when there is reason to believe many inappropriate prescriptions are being filled. This gets into a murky area for pharmacies because you are trying to guess who needs the prescribed medicine and who might be abusing, and which prescribers are responsible and which are not. Pharmacies now use a statewide database to check a patient’s history when filling controlled prescriptions. We take into account the patient’s actions and mannerisms while in the pharmacy. A history of early refill requests is another factor. We note how often controlled substance prescriptions are refilled as compared to maintenance medicines for other conditions. For example, a person may try to refill their narcotic prescriptions as early as possible every month while claiming to still have plenty of blood pressure medicines, even though it has been six to eight months since they refilled those. The excuse that you only have to take your blood pressure medicine every so often does not fly either, since thone would think that also applies to pain medications. Medicines for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes should be taken every day since negative consequences for these diseases occur as the levels get out of control. Prevention of this occurrence should be the goal, not attempting to restore normal after lack of control.

Help your doctor, pharmacist, insurance company and yourself by working to make yourself healthier. Doing so will decrease out of pocket costs and increase the number of years you are around to enjoy life. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor, pharmacy and insurance company for help. + Questions about this article or suggestions for future columns can be sent to us at cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net Written for the Medical Examiner by Augusta pharmacists Chris and Lee Davidson (cjdlpdrph@bellsouth.net )

V

HARM ILLE

Stop by and play today!

P

ARKS

HARMACY

Hometown. Not big box.

437 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC

803-279-7450 parkspharmacy.com

The Genuine. The Original.

Oh, we almost forgot: The Beautiful.

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF AUGUSTA/AIKEN (706) 736-8478 / (803) 642-7269 WWW.OHDAUGUSTA.COM

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

9+

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

Ask a Dietitian

Historically stylish

A HEALTHIER PLATE = A HEALTHIER YOU

by Katelyn Metz, RD, LD, AU Health Outpatient Dietitian

downtown

D

id you know that 1 in 11 Americans has diabetes today – equivalent to about 29 million people? 86 million more Americans are at risk for diabetes. Still think diabetes is not that big of a deal? Well, it’s also the 7th leading cause of death. It causes more death than AIDS and breast cancer combined!

This growing public health crisis is nothing to take lightly – so how do you know if you’re at risk? And if you are, what can you do to lower your risk? Or what can you do to prevent further complications?

The most common risk factors associated with the development of diabetes include: overweight, high blood glucose, history of diabetes during pregnancy, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, age, race, gender, and family history. We have no control overome of these risk factors, but on the flip side, there are definitely some that we do.

Let’s take a closer look into eating practices and physical activity to help minimize risk or prevent further complications associated with diabetes.

Let’s begin with a simple plate planner.

We’ll begin with a smaller plate. A 9-inch plate is all you need.

• Now split it in half; one half is dedicated to non-starchy vegetables. These include greens of any kind (spinach, kale, lettuce, collards, etc.),

) Augusta living )

9%

of Americans have diabetes

broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, peppers, onions, mushrooms, eggplant – and more! Load up on these low-calorie, high-fiber goods to leave you feeling full and satisfied.

• Split the remaining part of your plate in half again.

One quarter of your plate is for your protein of choice.

Choose leaner meats such as chicken or turkey, and leaner cuts of pork or beef. This is also where a boiled egg, peanuts, or meat alternatives such as tofu would belong.

The portion size should be about the size of the palm of your hand or a deck of cards.

• The final one quarter of your plate is dedicated to starches. These include: bread, pasta, rice (all kinds), potatoes (all kinds), beans/ legumes (black eyed peas, butter beans, lima beans, baked beans, etc.), green peas, and corn. This quarter of the plate is to be consumed with caution and not to be overdone: starches turn to sugars in the body, and eating too many at one time can put us at increased risk for high

blood sugars, a risk factor for diabetes. Try to limit this part of your plate to no more than 1⁄2 to 1 cup total per meal.

• When choosing a beverage with dinner, stay away from sugar-sweetened beverages.

Soda, sweet tea, Kool-Aid, and juices are concentrated sugar which once again, can contribute to high blood sugars. Milk is an excellent addition to any meal, with low-fat or reduced-fat milk being preferred. But if dairy doesn’t agree with you, give almond milk or soy milk a try. And remember, you can never go wrong with plain old water.

• Now finally, dessert. Let’s be honest, some days you are just going to crave a cookie or two, and that is okay. Instead, consider fruit as a dessert option the majority of the time. This will save you a lot of calories and added sugars.

Yes, fruits have sugars, but fruits are also full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (things cookies do not have). Instead of peach cobbler, go for a fresh peach.

Or even canned peaches, but look for the type canned in Please see PLATE page 15

EVERYONE ON OUR STAFF IS A

FOOT SOLDIER

Studio, 1, and 2 Bedroom Condos for SALE from $93,500

936 BROAD STREET, AUGUSTA, GA THEJBWHITESBUILDING.COM Office | 706.723.9572 Adelle Dennis | 706.829.1381 Bonnie Hartley | 706.284.9870 All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. See agent for details.

Butch Palmer

Salon

IN THE WAR ON PAIN AND DISCOMFORT.

SOUTHERN COMFORT SHOES 1001 WALTON WAY (in the former Integrity Medical location)

(706) 434-0129 • MON-THUR: 9-4 • FRI: 9-2 www.southerncomfortshoes.com

Comfort & therapeutic shoes and boots • Diabetic fittings • Custom orthotics • 20 major shoe brands • Board-certified Pedorthist • MD, PT, Podiatrist and Chiropractor referrals welcome

WALK-INS WELCOME!

By appointment, please. Call today!

Butch Palmer: (706) 399-4580 Robert Jones: (706) 449-3627 606 CRAWFORD AVENUE Between Summerville and the medical district since 1982

+ 10

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

PROFILES… from page 3 The most obvious legacy of Harry Harper, Jr., M.D. is Harry Harper III, M.D. Recently retired, the younger Dr. Harper practiced cardiology for 45 years, including 18 years with his father.

Adding the elder Harper’s 57 years in practice, the two have logged more than 100 years of service to the hearts of the Augusta region.

The Harper influence on presidential health didn’t stop with Dwight Eisenhower, either. Dr. J. Willis Hurst was President Lyndon Johnson’s cardiologist, and Hurst, a 1944 MCG School of Medicine graduate, gives Harry Harper Jr. the credit for his interest in cardiology and academic medicine. Hurst authored or was principal editor for some two dozen books on the heart, including the epic text The Heart, the primary reference for cardiologists in its day. Fittingly, Hurst, a Candler Professor at Emory University, was the guest speaker at an April 1982 Grand Rounds event at MCG honoring Dr. Harper.

Closer to home, The Harry T. Harper, Jr. M.D. School of Heart and Vascular Technology, part of University Hospital’s Heart & Vascular Institute, has been graduating cardiovascular technicians since its founding in 1992. Located on Harper Street, fittingly enough (a street which, ironically, is not named after either Dr. Harper), the school graduated the first class of its 2-year BS in Cardiovascular Technology program in 1994 and continues to accept 25 to 30 new students annually. It was originally funded by an endowment established with support from Augusta thoracic surgeons William Kitchens and G. Lionel Zumbro.

Dr. Harper died in 1996 at age 85. +

WHAT IS A CARDIOLOGIST? Cardiologists are primarily diagnosticians who treat heart problems with medicine and recommendations for lifestyle improvements that can attack the Big Six culprits of heart trouble: smoking, lack of exercise, high cholesterol, carrying excess weight, hypertension and family history.

If surgery is indicated, cardiologists hand their patients off to the care of thoracic surgeons. +

In a letter Eisenhower wrote from Walter Reed Army Hospital to Dr. Harper five years after leaving office (above), Ike notes in closing that he had not yet received a bill — a bill Dr. Harper had no intention of sending. In the end, Eisenhower insisted, and you don’t disobey an order from the President, past or current. More than a few parishioners of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, attended by both Harper and Eisenhower, may not realize that the 34th President occupies a spot in the stained glass windows of the sanctuary (right).

BRING IN THIS AD FOR A

FREE

GLAZED DONUT! Like us on Facebook!

1454 Walton Way • (706) 364-0466

+ I

M.E.

THE AUGUSTA MEDICAL EXAMINER AUGUSTA’S MOST SALUBRIOUS NEWSPAPER

Collect OVER 98% in less than 30 days.

What would that do for your practice?

Looking for a doctor?

OR YOUR DOCTOR’S CONTACT INFO? Check our Directory on page 15

CASH CASH TURN CRUNCH INTO FLOW

PhysiciansBillingRX.com • (706) 901-7279 The Next Generation In Revenue Recovery For Medical Providers

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

11 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

The blog spot From the Bookshelf — posted by Niran S. Al-Agba, MD, on May 8, 2016

A PEDIATRICIAN LEARNS THE VALUE OF A MOTHER’S INTUITION Medicine can wear down our hearts and souls. My journey in pediatrics has been filled with many rewarding experiences but haunting ones as well, like this one from my third year of residency. By that final year of training, I was no longer certain medicine was really the right choice for me. I was struggling with the notion that after almost 11 years of education, the destination was not quite what I expected. It was during this trying time I learned one of the most important lessons of my career: the value of trusting a mother’s intuition.

My patient was a 6 year old girl whose mother was sitting next to her bedside. “Something is not right about my daughter; I would like you to do a blood count.” I was not compassionate.

Frankly, I was so tired; I did not really care about her reasons for wanting the test. “Ok,” was all I said. I left the room to check the computer for prior visits and discovered a blood count had been done yesterday. Yesterday the result was normal. I was incredulous. I relayed the story and mother’s request to my attending at the time. His answer: “Do another one and release her once the result comes back the same as yesterday.”

We were very busy that night. I sighed, went back to the room, completed a cursory history and physical and let her know I would draw the blood. I was probably short with her, condescending, and dismissive of her concerns. I felt justified in thinking she was overprotective and could not possibly “know” what I knew as a physician. Many years have passed since this experience. I cannot recall the exact details of the history and physical, but I do remember nothing seemed unusual. In all fairness, that could have been my closed minded perspective getting in the way.

An hour later, the lab called up to the ER with results.

“Leukemia,” the lab technician said. My jaw and my heart hit the floor. “What did you say?” I asked. “Leukemia,” she repeated. “How is that possible? The result of the smear was normal yesterday.” She said, “We missed it. We went back and reviewed the previous smear and that was abnormal too.”

I walked slowly back to that exam room and sat down with tears in my eyes and told this beautiful little girl and her mother that she had leukemia. The oncology team was going to admit her that night to begin the full evaluation and treatment process.

I felt terrible, not only for the diagnosis but also for how poorly I had treated this mother and her child. She sighed and said she was relieved to finally know what was wrong with her daughter.

“I am so sorry.” I was sorry for so many more things than I could say.

I have always wished to have the opportunity for a do-over.

In my ideal replay, I would walk in and take an extensive history and physical, discuss a list of possible diagnoses with mom, and draw the child’s blood. I would express compassion for her and tell her it was going to be alright.

Despite having ups and downs during those three years of internship and residency, I learned many invaluable lessons during those three years. I wish I could thank this mother now.

She taught me the importance of listening to the person who knows their child best, their parent.

It is a lesson I have never forgotten. +

“I was sorry for so many more things than I could say.”

Niran S. Al-Agba is a pediatrician who blogs at peds-mommydoc.blogspot.com.

The Sociopath Next Door.

Seriously?

This might at first glance seem like an odd choice.

It isn’t.

This isn’t a book about psychopaths, someone without conscience who often displays violent antisocial tendencies.

Speaking as someone without a degree in abnormal psychology, a sociopath is everything the psychopath is — someone who ignores the rules of civilized behavior at will and without any qualms of conscience — but without the propensity for violence.

Hence the title: these are not exactly the rare birds we might wish they were. There might be one next door. In fact, statistics suggest that about one in every 25 Americans is a sociopath.

“They’re as ordinary as a virus.”

Stop and think for half a minute and chances are quite a few of us can tick off at least a short list entitled “Sociopaths I Have Known.”

How about that lying, cheating ex-husband/wife/boyfriend or girlfriend?

Then there’s the boss you’re in a 40-hour-per-week abusive relationship with, the one who humiliates you in front

of customers and co-workers because of her mistakes, not yours.

How about the colleague who stole your idea and then basked in the awards, accolades, promotions and financial rewards, all built on your work?

Remember the fellow student or teacher who seemed to delight is tormenting you or some other student?

There are harrassing neighbors who seem to invent reasons out of thin air to abuse others on the block, and customers who bully store employees who have nothing to do with the issue at hand.

It gets worse: a Barnwell woman was sexually assaulted, murdered, and then her house

was set on fire a few years ago, allegedly by her next door neighbor.

There are, indeed, sociopaths everywhere.

What makes this book worth reading is that it offers eyeopening insights about how to identify these people. That’s worth the price of admission all by itself, offering the prescription for avoiding or distancing yourself from the sociopaths in your life.

Why is that important? A sociopath is not going to change.

You’ll never be able to guilt them into changing their ways.

You might as well ask a dog to become a cat.

Another element of note between the covers of this book is “Thirteen Rules for Dealing with Sociopaths in Everyday Life.” Maybe your sociopath is your boss and you can’t quit your job, at least not right now.

Here are antidotes.

“Who is the devil you know?” asks the cover. The pages that follow are “the decent person’s guide to indecency.”

And they deliver. +

The Sociopath Next Door, by Martha Stout; 256 pages, published in March 2006 by Harmony

Research News More E-cigarette bad news In study results published earlier this week, scientists at the Desert research Institute analyzed the vapors of flavored E-cigarettes and discovered as many as a dozen different toxic aldehydes including formaldehyde are formed during the heating process that occurs inside the devices.

Further testing revealed that the e-liquid solvents, often propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin, are not the culprits. The source of the aldehydes were flavoring compounds; liquids with higher flavoring content produced larger amounts of aldehydes.

In all tests, the level of aldehydes exceeded established safe limits for exposure to the chemicals.

Weed weakness Stress cardiomyopathy, a sudden and usually temporary weakening of the heart’s ability to pump, leading to chest pain,

shortness of breath, dizziness and sometimes fainting, was found to be twice as likely to occur in younger marijuana users compared to non-users.

Marijuana users who experience cardiac symptoms are urged to seek medical attention to rule out this “infrequent but serious condition.”

The War on Sugar Around the country various municipalities have launched initiatives to tax sugary beverages as a means of discouraging their consumption, implicated as they are in negative health conditions like obesity, increased risk of heart disease, and tooth decay.

Such campaigns have often been defeated on election day.

Health activists in Howard County, Maryland, took a different approach. Ignoring taxation, they launched a campaign to get sugary drinks out of school vending

machines; to convince local community organizations to offer healthier food and drink choices at their meetings; to encourage better compliance with a local law mandating healthier food choices at government facilities; and ensuring local compliance with a state law prohibiting licensed childcare centers from serving sugary drinks to children in their care.

They also employed social media and inexpensive online ad buys and made themselves visible to engage consumers at sporting events, health fairs, community events, etc.

Researchers following the campaign measured weekly sugary beverage sales in Howard County grocery stores compared with a matched set of stores in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Sugary beverage sales in the Maryland county were 20 percent lower than in the comparable Pennsylvania county. +

+ 12

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE EXAMiNERS +

It’s none of my business, but I thought you were on a diet.

I still am.

by Dan Pearson

Well you normally have just one cookie.

Oh, I can explain.

These are I just watched you Slim Oreos. eat six cookies.

Right. So?

THE MYSTERY WORD The Mystery Word for this issue: S TILL BLEATT

O

© 2016 Daniel Pearson All rights reserved.

ACROSS 1. Straw or wicker beehive 5. Suffix for tax or pay 9. Swedish pop band 13. Hot name in Augusta 14. Change direction suddenly 15. Business _____ 16. Skin inflammation 18. Group of three 19. Contents of 21-D 20. Outer garment 21. Hemingway’s boat 22. Type of arcade 23. Harsh 24. Rouse from sleep 27. Walker start 28. Leaning 29. Keep away from 31. CHOG previously 34. He has a statue in downtown Augusta 38. CHOG charity 39. Ivy League school 40. The body’s main artery 41. First letter of the Hebrew alphabet 44. Tom in Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper 45. _______ skiing 47. Wool source 50. Two-legged support 51. Phone intro 52. HUD Dept.

55. Has _____ 56. Outburst, poetically 59. Folklore giant 60. Enterprise _______ 61. Responder start 62. Exam 63. Fly alone 64. Casual shirts

BY

1

2

3

4

5

13

6

7

9

14

16

Click on “READER CONTESTS”

QUOTATION PUZZLE

23

26

27

28

29

30

31

34

35

36

38

39

40

45

12

21

22

41

11

18

20

25

10

15

17

19

24

8

42

43

32

33

37

T O O E S C G E M E R G T E H V B E R O O R A

44

46

47

50

48

49

51

52

55

56

57

59

60

61

62

63

64

53

54

58

O T I L

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2016 All rights reserved

N Y T I H E R I E G E T T R H N — French playwright Moliere

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.

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2016 All rights reserved. Built in part with software from www.crauswords.com

DOWN 1. British submachine gun 2. Douglas of Hollywood 3. Common street name 4. Afterbirth 5. ____ Flu 6. TV’s White 7. Polynesian garland 8. Trauma pt. destinations 9. ______ Duty 10. John ________ Must Die Traffic album of 1970 11. Prickly shrub 12. Worship 13. “Star Wars” defense letters 17. Unit of weight 21. Writing device 22. Money, especially gained dishonestly 23. Monte ______ 24. Amateur golf org.

25. Smallest component 26. Abductors 27. Decoy

A M C L

29. Sovereign 30. Finland airport code 32. Mongrel dog 33. Type of pigeon 35. Class 36. Cosmetic procedure 37. Daytime show 42. Young lion 43. Conclusion 45. Superior of a monastery 46. Feudal vassal 47. Regatta vessel 48. Greeting 49. 90° angle 52. Type of drill 53. Bonanza character 54. Acid prefix 56. Life-saving inits.

57. The beginning of life?

58. Breaker intro

E

X A M I N E R

S

9 3

7

6 4

9

9 7

1

3 7

2 8

9

6

5

5

6 5

8

1

3

2

3

6

9

8

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2016 All rights reserved. Built with software from www.crauswords.com

U D O K U

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

Solution p. 14

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

1 2 3 4 5 6 1

M 1 2 3 4 5

R 1 2 3 4 5 1

2

L 3

4

1 2 3 4 5 5

6

7

M 1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 — Jim Carrey

1 2 3 4

1.GRAHEEBWIM 2.SOYAVEERO 3.HELEENRM 4.SAILAR 5.TYNIN 6.DN 7.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

by Daniel R. Pearson © 2016 All rights reserved

WORDS NUMBER

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

EXAMINER CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

N Vletters, ACATthen Simply unscramble the exploring ION begin : ( our ads. When you find the correctly spelled word hidden in one of our ads — enter at AugustaRx.com

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

13 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE BEST MEDICINE ha... ha...

S

o you’re telling me that I’m losing my job?

Because Donald Trump won the election? Why, because I’m black?!?”

“Mister President, we’ve been over this...”

Historians say this is the fi rst time in history that a billionaire is moving into public housing previously occupied by a black family.

Moe: How many protesters does it take to change a lightbulb?

Joe: That’s a trick question. Protesters can’t change anything.

Moe: I know how to stop all these protests and demonstrations.

Joe: Oh yeah?

Moe: Play the national anthem. They’ll all sit down.

“I remember the days when you could walk into a grocery store with a ten dollar bill and come out with a whole bagful of stuff,” said a grandmother.

“Not anymore, Grandma,” said her grandson.

“They’ve got cameras everywhere now.”

Moe: What do you become when you run out of coffee?

Joe: Depresso.

Moe: I went to the library today.

Joe: What for?

Moe: I wanted to get some books on the Americans with Disabilities Act, but I couldn’t find any so I had to ask the librarian.

Joe: And? Moe: She said they’re all upstairs on the top shelf of the third row on the left.

Joe: That’s nothing. I was at the bookstore today and I asked a clerk where the Self Help section was.

Moe: And? Joe: She said if she told me it would defeat the whole purpose.

Moe: I’ve always wanted my dad to be proud of me, and it finally happened today.

Joe: Great! What happened?

Moe: Well you know I’ve got that new wait job at the steakhouse. My parents came in to see me at work. When I asked my dad how he wanted his steak, he looked straight at me and said, “Well done, son.”

A police officer pulls over a car for speeding late one night. He walks up to the the car and asks the driver, “Can you identify yourself, sir?”

The driver readjusts the rearview mirror and looks into it. “Yeah,” he says. “It’s me.”

Moe: What do you call a rich Chinese person?

Joe: Cha Ching? +

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.

+ +

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

ON THE ROAD TO BETTER HEALTH A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE Editor’s note: Augusta writer Marcia Ribble wrote a long-time column in this paper entitled The Patient’s Perspective reincarnated in this new format. Feel free to contact her at marciaribble@hotmail.com I have talked before about trying new things, or things we used to be able to do and might be able to do again, even if with less finesse. I have loved to dance since I was a young child, but after two knee replacements and a spine full of arthritis, I use a walker and didn’t really see myself as able to dance anymore.

I have been exercising, though, and I’m able to stand up longer and walk greater distances. But could I dance at my daughter’s wedding?

Part of the process of being able to dance again included giving myself permission to make a fool of myself. I accepted the possibility that my family, my daughter’s new husband’s family, and family friends I didn’t know might think I’m weird, might laugh at me, might be grossed out, might think I’m crazy for even trying to dance, given the walker, my clumsiness, my physical challenges, and all that jazz.

But with the wedding vows exchanged, and the shrimp and mudbug boil eaten, the music was cranked up and folks began to dance. I watched for a little while, and then my arms began to move with the music, my butt started to twitch, and my toes started to tap with the strong pulses of the music. I may have been sitting down, but I was still dancing. My whole body was feeling the music and demanding to be free of the constraints of an aging body.

Before long, I was standing up and holding onto my walker while I boogied down with the young folks doing the newest and most popular dances. With the wall right behind me in case of a misstep, I let go of the walker so I could do the arm motions they were using. I didn’t fall down. I probably looked a little goofy, but no one seemed to mind, and some folks smiled and encouraged me.

I hadn’t expected that to happen. I had worried about falling asleep. I had brought my word search puzzle book in case nobody talked with me or I got bored. But I didn’t fall asleep and I was never bored. I just partied hardy and had a great time.

I told one of my daughters that I’d like a little bit of Zinfandel to celebrate with everyone. She brought me a glass with about half an inch of wine in it. Later on I had another half inch of wine.

Still later I had a whole two inches of champagne for the toast.

All under the watchful eyes of my grownup children, who paid special attention when I had a second piece of the very delicious wedding cake. What a treat the day was!

My daughter married a man I like, a man with no children of his own who became a dad and a grandpa. My children all conspired to ensure that all five of them were together for the fi rst time in 32 years, which was my present as well as a present for all of them. When I finally did fall asleep, I slept until 2 o’clock the following afternoon.

I also found that inside this 72 year old body, there’s still a young woman who enjoys having fun. +

THE MEDICAL EXAMINER IS PUBLISHED EVERY 1ST AND 3RD FRIDAY

+ 14

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

THE MYSTERY SOLVED Take a deep breath Part E of a 26-part series

:(

IONissue was: Tlast The Mystery Word VinAour A C N S TILL OTABLET

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

Want to find your name here next issue? The new Mystery Word is on page 12. Start looking!

The Celebrated MYSTERY WORD CONTEST ...wherein we hide (with fiendish cleverness) a simple word. All you have to do is unscramble the word (found on page 12), then find it concealed within one of our ads. Click in to the contest link at www.AugustaRx.com and enter. If we pick you in our random drawing of correct entries, you’ll score our goodie package!

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

With the annual Great American Smokeout looming on the horizon, this is a perfect time to talk about one of the complimentary (that is to say FREE!) byproducts of cigarette smoking: emphysema.

Exactly what is emphysema? Basically it is a type of COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One dictionary describes it as “a chronic, irreversible disease of the lungs characterized by abnormal enlargement of air spaces in the lungs accompanied by destruction of the tissue lining the walls of the air spaces; a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are grossly enlarged, causing breathlessness and wheezing.”

Well that certainly sounds fun.

As suggested by this article’s lead sentence, the

IS FOR EMPHYSEMA #1 cause of emphysema is smoking. Chances are if you’re reading this newspaper, you’re the healthloving kind of person who does not smoke. On the other hand, maybe you’re reading this because you’re trying to get healthier, and one of your top goals is to be a nonsmoker.

If so, you are to be commended. Quitting is the best way to avoid emphysema, or if you already have it, to limit its progression.

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

CELIA DUNN, DMD 584 Blue Ridge Drive, Evans GA 30809 (706) 650-9700

Quitting isn’t easy, however, so if you need help, by all means talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Also, many hospitals, employers and community groups offer support and assistance.

Anyone with emphysema or COPD should take extra good care of their lungs, avoiding respiratory irritants like second-hand smoke, paint fumes, automobile exhaust, and even incense. Change furnace and air conditioner fi lters regularly to limit airborne pollutants. This time of year, protect yourself from cold air by breathing through a scarf or mask. And although it might be difficult try to exercise regularly at your own pace. This will help increase your lung capacity.

Of course, the best defense is prevention. Don’t smoke — not even one cigarette — and if you do smoke, resolve to give quitting your best effort. +

THE PUZZLE SOLVED S

K

E

P

A

B

L

E

A

B

B

S

T

I

L

L

V

E

E

R

C

A

R

D

D

E

R

T

I

S

T

R

I

O

I

N

K

W A

Augusta Medical Examiner Classifieds

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

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

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

(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: $ Multiply by number of times ad to run: x 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.

FOR RENT 1827 McDowell St., 1 mi to MCG. 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, LR, DR, den, kitchen. Tile/hardwood floors. New roof.

(706) 738-2331

HOUSE CLEANING Your house, apartment, rental move-outs. Thorough, dependable. Weekly, or whatever schedule you prefer. References. 706-877-0421

FOR SALE 3 bedroom/2 bath, single garage Townhouse in Martinez. Master/ bath down, 2 upstairs bedrooms share bath, large loft for office, playroom, den; wood-burning fireplace, covered back porch. Freshly painted with new flooring, lighting and ceiling fans. Easy access to Riverwatch Parkway, Washington Rd, I-20, Augusta. 1987 sq.ft. $147,900.

706-836-7001.

ROOM FOR RENT 1 room, private bathroom, 2bdrm MH on private lot. Clean quiet neighborhood. Non-smoker. $600 monthly. Must be stable, verifiable references and income. Cable and Internet included. Warrenville, 5 min from Aiken, 20 min to Augusta. (803) 270-2658 POND VIEW! Evans all-brick 2-story with solar panels. Avg. electric bill $170 in Northwood, 3,400 sqft. Call 1-800401-0257, ext. 0043 24/7 for price and details.

SERVICES PETS Dogs walked, cats sat, in the comfort of your home by retired pharmacist.

No kennel noise, fleas, disease, transport cost/time. Avail 7 days/wk in Martinez/ Evans. $15 per visit. References. Call Buddy for your buddy: (706) 829-1729

F. E. GILLIARD, MD FAMILY MEDICINE Acute & Chronic Illnesses Occupational Medicine PROMPT APPOINTMENTS (706) 760-7607

MISCELLANEOUS SUNSET MEMORIAL GARDENS Opening and closing at Sunset Mem. Gardens in Graniteville. Sale: $760 (Value: $1520+) Call 706-736-0596 ANTIQUE maple dinette set with buffet corner cabinet table with pull-out leaves.

Four chairs with two captain’s chairs.

Excellent condition. $300. Double bed early 1930s with mattress spring coverlet shams $150. Call (706) 860-2170 CEMETERY SPACES (2) Sunset Memorial Gardens, Graniteville SC adjacent to lighted military flagstaff, includes granite bench with urn space, installation and inscription. All $4700 ($8600 value).

Spaces only: $2700. Call (803) 2953033 FISHING CLUB wants more grey-haired members. Meet 2nd Thurs of month at Harbor Inn Restaurant, 12 noon.

“Adventure Before Dementia” Info: (706) 736-8753

T

I

C

O

A

T

P

E

N

N

Y

E

N

A

T

I

L

T

G

O

D

F

A

C

M N

P

I

L

A

R

S

E

V

E

R

E

L

A

N

E

Y C

M

C

F

S

O

U

L

A

O

R

T

A

N

T

Y

S

H

U

N

T

H

E

R

O

Y

A

L

E

H

C

A

S

H

E

E

P

A

L

E

P

L

P

I

N

E

B

I

P

O

D

C

E

L

L

F

H

A

B

E

E

N

E

B

U

L

L

I

T

I

O

N

O

G

R

E

M

I

L

L

F

I

R

S

T

T

E

S

T

S

O

L

O

T

E

E

S

A

ROOM FOR RENT with private bathroom and full house privileges. Martinez $600/mo (706) 840-6860

K

M A

A

SEE PAGE 12

QUOTATION QUOTATION PUZZLE SOLUTION: Page 12: “The greater the obstacle the more glory in overcoming it.”

— Moliere, 1622 — 1673

The Sudoku Solution 1

9

6

4

2

8

7

5

3

3

7

5

6

1

9

2

4

8

8

2

4

3

7

5

9

1

6

9

6

3

5

4

1

8

7

2

2

1

7

8

9

6

5

3

4

5

4

8

7

3

2

6

9

1

6

5

9

1

8

4

3

2

7

7

8

1

2

5

3

4

6

9

4

3

2

9

6

7

1

8

5

WORDS

BY NUMBER “Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.”

— Jim Carrey

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

15 +

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER

PLATE … from page 9 water or juice, and dispose of the extra liquid. Avoid those canned in any kind of syrup.

And don’t forget about physical activity! This goes hand-in-hand with a healthy diet if weight loss and/or diabetes management are some of your goals.

• Aim for at least 30 minutes per day, at a minimum of 5 days per week.

• If you haven’t been very active lately, start small, with 5-10 minutes per day.

Here are a few more quick and easy suggestions that you may be able to work into your routine in an effort

minimize some of the risk factors or complications associated with diabetes: • Use a list when you go

grocery shopping, look for fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains • Buy leaner meats such as chicken, turkey, leaner cuts of pork or beef • Try starting meals with a salad or raw vegetables • Buy less soda, sweets, chips, and other snack foods (and save some money too!)

• Use fruit as dessert • Don’t forget to move - add exercise everywhere you can: park further away from the grocery store entrance, walk to your mailbox, and take the stairs instead of the elevator. +

ACCEPTING ORDERS FOR MEMORABLE HOLIDAY GIFTS SHOW YOUR CLIENTS YOUR GOOD TASTE!

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

+

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY ALLERGY

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

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

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

DENTISTRY

DERMATOLOGY

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

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

DRUG REHAB Steppingstones to Recovery 2610 Commons Blvd.

Augusta 30909 706-733-1935

FAMILY MEDICINE

F. E. Gilliard MD, Family Medicine 4244 Washington Road Evans, GA 30809 706-760-7607 Industrial Medicine • Prompt appts.

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

OPHTHALMOLOGY Roger M. Smith, M.D. 820 St. Sebastian Way Suite 5-A Augusta 30901 Practice closing 706-724-3339 in December 2016

PHARMACY

YOUR LISTING HERE

SENIOR LIVING

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

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

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

VEIN CARE

Medical Center West Pharmacy 465 North Belair Road Evans 30809 Vein Specialists of Augusta Dr. Judson S. Hickey Your Practice 706-854-2424 Periodontist And up to four additional lines of your www.medicalcenterwestpharmacy.com G. Lionel Zumbro, Jr., MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI 501 Blackburn Dr, Martinez 30907 2315-B Central Ave choosing and, if desired, your logo.

Floss ‘em 706-854-8340 Augusta 30904 or lose ‘em! Keep your contact information in Parks Pharmacy www.VeinsAugusta.com 706-739-0071 this convenient place seen by tens of 437 Georgia Ave. thousands of patients every month. N. Augusta 29841 Jason H. Lee, DMD Literally! Call (706) 860-5455 for all 803-279-7450 116 Davis Road the details www.parkspharmacy.com Augusta 30907 Medical Weight & Wellness 706-860-4048 Specialists of Augusta THE AUGUSTA Maycie Elchoufi, MD MEDICAL EXAMINER Steven L. Wilson, DMD 108 SRP Drive, Suite B Psych Consultants Family Dentistry Evans 30809 • 706-829-9906 AUGUSTA’S 2820 Hillcreek Dr 4059 Columbia Road MOST SALUBRIOUS YourWeightLossDoctor.com Augusta 30909 Martinez 30907 NEWSPAPER (706) 410-1202 706-863-9445 www.psych-consultants.com

WEIGHT LOSS

I+

M.E.

PSYCHIATRY

+ 16

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

AUGUSTA MEDiCAL EXAMINER EDITORIAL

It is now 2016

In fact, it will soon be 2017. This is not the 1950s. It isn’t even 1964. It is 2016.

In other words, it has been more than 50 years since the blockbuster Surgeon General’s report of January 1964 conclusively linking cigarette smoking and lung cancer.

Of course, the connection had been suspected long before 1964, so the numerous lethal consequences of cigarette smoking are definitely old news.

That makes it all the more puzzling that any hospital anywhere in the year 2016 would permit smoking on its campus. As we have noted many times in a Medical Examiner PSA on these pages, a hospital with a designated smoking area is like a Betty Ford Clinic with a designated drinking area.

And yet that is exactly what Augusta’s University Hospital has: designated smoking areas. This is difficult to comprehend on numerous levels.

University Hospital aggressively markets itself as the area leader in patient care and patient safety, and as a premier workplace for people in the healthcare professions. How is any of that consistent with a corporate policy that tacitly encourages smoking?

It isn’t like University Hospital’s designated smoking areas at its main campus are hidden in some remote corner of the back 40. No, one of them is right around the corner from the main entrance of its relatively new Outpatient Center. In case anyone might miss that fact, the Outpatient Center and the area immediately around it is liberally supplied with signs and arrows pointing to the designated smoking area. It is not an uncommon experience to enter the Outpatient Center through a cloud of cigarette smoke or at minimum the strong smell of cigarettes, whether through the front or back entrance of the Center, or when going into the employee pharmacy just behind it.

Some area hospitals have designated smoking areas, but none are quite so front-and-center as University’s. Other area hospitals have adopted 100% tobacco-free policies. While not always easy to enforce, the intent is there, and the hospitals’ stand on smoking is on the record.

Ironically enough, this very newspaper ran a front page story in our September 19, 2008 issue congratulating University Health Care System for announcing a complete campus-wide tobacco ban for everyone — staff, physicians, volunteers, visitors and patients — effective Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, in conjuction with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.

Whatever happened to that?

A little more than a year ago by letter, the Medical Examiner invited University’s President and CEO James R. Davis to use Augusta’s Most Salubrious Newspaper to live up to its “setting the standard” marketing by announcing a complete tobaccco ban on all University campuses via a guest column.

Although we did not get the courtesy of a reply to that letter, it is still our hope that University and all other area hospitals will enact and actively (but gently) enforce complete tobacco bans on all their campuses.

After all, we’re not in the 1950s anymore, or even the 1960s. It’s 2016. +

The

Advice Doctor ©

Will he ever get one right?

Probably not.

Questions. And answers.

On page 3.