Healthy LifeTimes 2018

Healthy LifeTimes 2018

GETTING PHYSICAL for good health Heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, stroke, diabetes ... ARE YOU AT RISK? HEALTHY EATING for a lifetime The impacts of the OPIOID CRISIS

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

2 - Mountain Times Publications

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Hearing loss: An invisible condition

BY SAVANNA TANNER savanna.tanner@averyjournal.com

Is hearing loss related to Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

T

he ability to hear is something that many of us take for granted everyday. A majority of our daily communication activities require the ability to hear.

As the third-most common health problem in the United States, hearing loss affects one in every 10 Americans. Hearing loss is an invisible condition that can only be experienced and observed through changes in behavior.

Hearing loss rarely occurs overnight. Many people who suffer from hearing loss do not realize they have the condition, as they adapt to their hearing as it gradually declines.

Oftentimes it is family and friends that bring the problem to light, not the patient.

Some telltale signs of hearing loss include having a hard time participating in regular conversation, listening to things more loudly and missing everyday sounds. These are things that a patient might not notice in themselves right away.

However, as time continues, these basic symptoms can influence a more radical change in behavior; experiencing confusion and frustration in social activities, avoiding certain places that are too loud, such as restaurants and parties, and having difficulties at school or work.

The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss. This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear. Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by a multitude of things, including exposure to loud noise, head trauma, certain viruses or

PHOTO SUBMITTED In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids can serve to improve hearing for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. Additional options for patients with varying levels of hearing difficulty include In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids, Behind-the-Ear (BTE) aids, Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) hearing aids and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) devices.

diseases, autoimmune inner ear disease, genetic hearing loss and presbycusis, which is hearing loss as a result of aging.

Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent. Fortunately, however, there are many ways to prevent hearing loss and assist people who suffer from hearing loss.

One of the best ways to prevent hearing loss is to avoid events and places where there is a large amount of noise pollution. This includes attending concerts and fireworks shows, and spending time around vehicles that produce loud noises, such as airplanes. Even when put

Quick Tips for vision health • Maintain a healthy diet and exercise.

• Schedule regular eye exams.

• Pay particular attention to development in children.

• Wear sunglasses in bright environments.

• Practice good hand hygiene when dealing with eyes.

• Avoid sleeping in contact lenses.

• Avoid tobacco use.

• Wear safety glasses/goggles for any activity with projectiles.

• Keep harmful chemicals out of reach of children.

• Wear cosmetics that do not use known irritants.

• Keep lids and lashes clean by carefully removing makeup.

• Keep brushes clean and throw away old/contaminated products.

• Avoid using cosmetics when there is concern for eye infection.

• Avoid wearing contacts when there are symptoms of eye infection • Schedule regular primary care exams to check for hypertension. diabetes and high cholesterol, all of which may lead to blindness if left unchecked.

in these situations, there are ways to protect your ears, by wearing earplugs or earmuffs, using your hands to cover your ears or turning down the volume.

For people who suffer from hearing loss there are many ways to receive assistance in everyday life.

Cochlear implants are devices that provide an electrical stimulation to the auditory (hearing) nerve in the inner ear. While the implants do not restore hearing, they allow for the perception and sensation of sound.

There are also multiple types and styles of hearing aids. Patients can choose a hearing aid based on

A study took place at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, examining the prevalence of hearing loss in late middle-aged adults with a family history of Alzheimer’s and the association between hearing loss and cognitive status and decline.

Taylor Fields, a doctoral student in the Neuroscience Training Program at the University of Wisconsin, said, “This study suggests that hearing loss could be an early indicator of worsening cognitive performance in older adults. Identifying and treating hearing loss could have value for interventions aimed at reducing the burden of Alzheimer’s disease.” comfortability and how they feel the hearing aids help.

Another resource for people who suffer from hearing loss is an audiologic hearing rehabilitation program. These programs help patients to find and begin treatment for hearing loss. They focus on adjusting to hearing loss, using hearing aids effectively and taking charge of conversation.

These resources are offered at most hearing aid centers and practices. Dr. Mary Markovich, an audiologist at Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat said Blue Ridge ENT offers both hearing aids and hearing tests for adults. Alps Mountain Hearing Aid Center offers rehabilitation services for hearing loss, in addition to hearing aids, evaluations and routine hearing aid maintenance.

Where to find assistance The following is a listing of locations where patients can find professional assistance and products in dealing with hearing loss difficulties. It is recommended to call the business prior to a visit for business days and hours.

Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat Three High Country locations: 870 State Farm Road, Suite 101, Boone, NC 28607 200 Hospital Avenue, Jefferson, NC 28640 436 Hospital Drive, Suite 240, Linville, NC 28646 Phone: (828) 264-4545 Fax: (828) 263-5698 Website: blueridge-ent.com Best Value Hearing Care Center 180 Chattyrob Lane (Ashe Services for Aging) West Jefferson, NC 28694 Phone: (336) 649-3023 Website: www.bestvaluehearing. com Beltone Hearing Care Centers Three High Country locations: 643 Greenway Road, Suite J-6, Boone, NC 28607 434 Hospital Drive, Linville, NC 28646 412 The backstreet, West Jefferson, NC 28694 Phone: (800) 581-5082 Website: www.ncbeltone.com Alps Mountain Affordable Hearing Aid Center Four High Country Locations: 245 New Market Centre, Boone, NC 28607 37 13th Ave. NE, Hickory, NC 28601 111 Winston Rd., Jonesville, NC 28642 417 E Main St. b, Lincolnton, NC 28092 Phone: (888) 928-5242 Website: alpsmtnaffordablehearing. com

Better vision, better health

BY MATT DEBNAM matt.debnam@averyjournal.com

When it comes to navigating the world around us, vision is paramount to how most humans process their surroundings. From taking in the beauty of the world to alerting us to potential hazards, the importance of sight cannot be overstated.

“They say eyes are the window to the soul, but they can also be a window to health,” Western

Carolina Eye Associates Ophthalmologist Dr. Sara Creekmore said. “When we examine eyes, we can see blood vessels in detail and we can actually see if there is hardening of the arteries within the eye. We can also see changes in the eye that are characteristic of certain diseases like diabetes, autoimmune problems, cancer and thyroid disease.”

Other issues that might be detected during an eye exam include cataracts,

atherosclerosis, melanomas in the back of the eye and metastatic disease.

While poor vision is often a catalyst for visiting an eye doctor, injuries are also common problems.

Creekmore recommends the use of eye protection in any situation where projectiles might strike the eye.

This includes woodworking, metal grinding, home repairs, gardening, lawn mowing, weed whacking and shooting with firearms,

dart guns and pellet guns.

Infections, likewise, can cause tremendous discomfort and even blindness if left untreated. To avoid infections, one should practice good hand hygiene when dealing with the eye area, avoid sleeping in contact lenses and avoid cosmetics when there is concern regarding a possible infection.

“There are several SEE VISION ON PAGE 3

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

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Your vision is our focus CONTENT PROVIDED

BY GRAYSTONE EYE

Age doesn’t have to stop you from seeing clearly, especially with the many improvements in technology during the past several years.

Routine eye and vision examinations are an important part of preventative health care. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms; as a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Many systemic diseases can manifest in the eye, and frequently the eye may be the first place in the body that shows these signs; therefore early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are essential for maintaining good vision and eye health. Detection of cataracts is also essential in their early stages, to follow progression and determine when surgery will be needed.

Many people have heard of cataracts, and may have even been diagnosed with them, or had surgery to remove them; but most aren’t sure what they really are. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which helps with focusing, and is found right behind your iris — the colored part of your eye. Cataracts are a normal part of aging, but left untreated, they can cause gradual loss of vision or even blindness. The surgeons at Graystone Eye can help restore vision with laser assisted cataract surgery, which is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide.

The LENSAR laser’s imaging system provides your surgeon with a detailed, reconstructed 3-D view of your eye. This advanced imaging, combined with the LENSAR laser, reduces the potential for human error and provides more precise measurements and

incisions. Undergoing laser assisted cataract surgery can result in a better visual outcome, as the procedure is tailored specifically for you.

Cataract surgery with a basic lens implant is typically covered by insurance when declared medically necessary by your ophthalmologist. Choosing to have cataract surgery is the first step in improving your vision; but equally important is selecting the best intraocular lens (IOL) that fits your lifestyle and vision needs.

In addition to standard lens implants historically used for cataracts, Graystone Eye also offers Advanced Technology Lenses. Our staff is dedicated to assisting patients in understanding their lens options, while also taking everyday activities into consideration.

Both traditional cataract surgery and laser assisted cataract surgery, use ultrasonic energy to divide the natural lens into segments,

PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, PHOTOGRAPHER CHRISTIAN WEIBULL Regular eye exams can help correct visual impairments and possibly detect signs of other medical conditions.

VISION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

preventable conditions that may not be caught if someone does not have a regular eye appointment,” Creekmore said. “For example, I have seen patients come in who are 60 who are going blind from glaucoma they never knew they had. That’s a totally treatable condition if it’s caught early.”

Another common condition Creekmore encounters in her practice is amblyopia, a condition which causes one or both eyes from focusing clearly. Often beginning in childhood, this and other conditions can often be caught at a young age and corrected. Leaving them untreated, however, can cause serious issues in a child’s visual

development. Creekmore recommends having children’s eyes checked as they approach school age or in cases when parents or physicians notice irregularities.

“Early intervention for amblyopia can save vision, whereas failure to diagnose and treat can cause vision to never develop properly in the affected eye,” Creekmore said. “This is so critical for children. They should be evaluated by their pediatrician and referred for any suspected problems.”

Above all, a regular eye exam can help prevent problems from developing in the first place or becoming exacerbated over time.

“Ignoring a problem tends to make it very bad,” Creekmore said. “Scheduling an eye exam tends to make the problem improve.”

for removal. Laser assisted cataract surgery allows this division to be made quicker, with less ultrasonic energy and causing less strain on the eyes delicate tissues.

So what is expected? Your doctor, optometrist or you will schedule a consultation with the Graystone Eye specialist who will perform your surgery. A comprehensive eye and vision examination will include: patient medical history, visual acuity, preliminary tests, keratometry, refraction, eye focusing, eye teaming and eye movement, and an overall eye health evaluation. If surgery is needed, our schedulers will make arrangements for your procedure at the Graystone Eye Surgery Center or hospital and will provide you detailed instructions along the way. The surgeons of Graystone Eye always consult with your medical doctor if there are questions regarding your general health, prior to surgery.

On the day of surgery, you will report to the surgery center or the hospital at your scheduled time, and will receive all the necessary medications and anesthetics needed for your procedure. Cataract surgery is performed by a special ultrasound procedure called “phacoemulsification,” which allows the surgeon to remove the cataract through a very small incision.

Usually there are no sutures involved. The cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens (the IOL you have chosen) allowing the vision to become clear once again.

Nearsightedness and farsightedness can also be corrected during this surgery if advanced technology lenses were selected. Since cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia there is no discomfort, and you will be awake through the entire procedure. This is an outpatient procedure; therefore the eye is usually

patched for a few hours after the surgery, and patients are discharged home with postoperative instructions.

Following surgery you will have post-operative visits with your Graystone Eye surgeon or local optometrist.

This care includes monitoring the healing eye, answering questions, changing medication as needed, and providing additional vision care as appropriate. Normal daily activities are generally resumed quickly after surgery, but every patient heals differently. If new glasses are needed, those will be ordered by your eye care provider 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery date.

At Graystone Eye, your vision is our focus, and our mission is to preserve the gift of sight. With laser assisted cataract surgery, you can have peace of mind knowing you have the latest technology available to treat one of your most valuable senses — your sight!

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Family Medicine Our family medicine providers are dedicated to treating the whole person. Family medicine serves patients of all ages, delivering a range of acute, chronic, and preventive medical care services while providing a patient-centered medical home.

Internal Medicine Our Internal Medicine providers (Internists) specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases.

Managing both complex and common diseases, they provide long-term, comprehensive care.

Pulmonology >gj l`gk] o`g Ăšf\ al \a^Ăš[mdl lg Zj]Yl`]$ gmj hmdegfgdg_q hjgna\]jk \aY_fgk] Yf\ lj]Yl hf]megfaY$ Ykl`eY$ g[[mhYlagfYd diseases, emphysema, COPD and other lung disorders.

Rheumatology You may need to see a rheumatologist if you have prolonged painful muscle or joint pain or an autoimmune condition.

Some common diseases treated by our rheumatologist include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis and lupus.

148 Hwy 105 Extension Suite 104 | Boone

apprhs.org/arims | 828-386-2746

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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Opioid crisis impacts

Helping You Stay Healthy All Year Long!

HIGH COUNTRY

BY BRIAN MILLER brian.miller@mountaintimes.com

T

Immunization Clinic

he rapid increase in the abuse of prescription and nonprescription opioid drugs since the late 1990s has reached epidemic proportions, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that every day, more than 115 Americans die from opioid overdose, including from prescription pain relievers, heroin and synthetics.

In North Carolina, from 1999 to 2016, more than 12,000 people died from opioid-related overdose, according to N.C. Health SEE CRISIS ON PAGE 6

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CRISIS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

PHOTO SUBMITTED Reiki healing is an energetic modality for relaxation, healing and pain and stress management.

Keep it real Natural healing provides alternatives to medicine

BY BRIAN MILLER brian.miller@mountaintimes.com

A typical response to a

common cold is to reach for the medicine cabinet, as is the case with most minor, or even moderate,

illnesses.

While the human body benefits through temporary relief with every dose of pharmaceuticals, it is the recurring, underlying issues that keep people at a constant health risk.

This is where alternative, or complementary, healing comes into play.

Variously termed as holistic, functional or natural, alternative healing is praised for its long-term, cost-efficient benefits, and it simply starts with being aware and being educated.

Medical professionals in the field of holistic medicine seek to truly understand the underlying issues involved in a patient’s problem, and to teach individuals how to manage themselves, in hopes to keep doctor visits to a minimum.

Part of the mission of Blue Ridge Acupuncture and Integrative Health in Boone says, “Each person’s needs SEE HEALING ON PAGE 7

and Human Services.

Data collected from Castlight Health, a San Fransisco-based healthcare price transparency company, suggests that North Carolina is home to four of the 25 worst cities for opioid abuse in the U.S., with Wilmington ranking first, followed

by Hickory in fifth, Jacksonville in 12th and Fayetteville in 18th.

Christa Capua, clinical director at Stepping Stone of Boone, a drug addiction treatment center, said the High Country is no exception to the state trend.

“Opioid abuse has been a big issue in our community since the ‘90s,” she said. “I’ve been working in addiction in Appalachia for almost 10 years now, and I would say that 0pioids has always been, in my time here, an epidemic.”

Capua said she believes that the reason the crisis is only now hitting a national news cycle, is because doctors and statisticians have finally gathered enough data to truly realize the negative impacts of the drugs.

“Whenever you have a big social issue like this come up, it takes time to really see what the effects are, so it was really easy for people to ignore the issue for a long time,” said Capua. “It’s only in the past couple of years that we’ve been able to see that the American life expectancy is going down, and that it directly ties to the 0pioid epidemic.”

Since April 2017, Stepping Stone of Boone has seen an uptick of about 12 percent in its patient population from opioid abuse, increasing the need of staff from three to 10 since 2009.

Among the epidemic’s most significant local impacts, Capua said in the past five years, hepatitis C rates have tripled in Appalachia from use, with approximately 30 percent of Stepping Stone patients testing positive.

“When prescriptions run out, folks start to turn to, which is obviously very dangerous,” she said.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription 0pioids, and roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribe 0pioids for chronic pain misuse them.

“It’s important to look at how the issue of addiction ties into social, political and medical issues,” said Capua. “When a person has an addiction, they feel shame, so they tend to try to keep it as secret as possible. But being fearful leads to conditions getting worse and possibly deadly.

As a result, we see more crimes in our community, more drug dealing and destabilized families — which of course has an impact on children. Ignoring the problem has clearly had a ripple effect throughout the community.”

Brett Loftis, CEO of Crossnore School and Children’s Home, said the need for

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Understanding Opioids The following information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prescription Opioids Opioid analgesics (commonly referred to as prescription opioids) have been used to treat moderate to severe pain in some patients.

Natural opioids, semi-synthetic opioids, methadone (a synthetic opioid) and some other synthetic opioids are commonly available by prescription.

Fentanyl Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is legally made as a pharmaceutical drug to treat pain, or illegally made as a non-prescription drug and is increasingly used to intensify the effects (or “high”) of other drugs, such as heroin.

Four categories of Opioids 1. Natural opioid analgesics — including morphine and codeine, and semi-synthetic opioid analgesics, including drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone and oxymorphone.

2. Methadone — a synthetic opioid.

3. Synthetic opioid analgesics — other than methadone, including drugs such as tramadol and fentanyl.

4. Heroin — an illicit (illegally-made) opioid synthesized from morphine that can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance. foster care has seen a significant upward trend in recent years as a result of the 0pioid epidemic.

“The entire system is in a bit of a crisis, especially the number of children coming into care,” he said. “Those of us who have been in the system for a long time thought there would be nothing worse than the cocaine and crack addictions in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but this is worse because of the effects.”

Loftis said opioids make parents unconcerned and unaware of their children, resulting in extreme neglect, and because of this neglect, there has been a 30 percent increase in foster children in the past five years, which is particularly concerning, considering that the system is already overburdened.

“We have tripled our efforts in recruiting for foster homes,” Loftis said. “These are great kids who didn’t do anything to deserve this, and they have to have a safe place to live.”

Loftis encourages the community to always report suspected abuse, help walk families through recovery and consider becoming a foster or adoptive parent.

To combat the opioid crisis in general, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working to improve access to treatment and recovery services, promote use of overdose-reversing drugs, strengthen understanding of the epidemic through better public health surveillance, provide support for cutting-edge research on pain and addiction and advance better practices for pain management.

“I think the tide is hopefully starting to turn, but a lot of work still needs to be done,” said Capua.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

HEALING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

are addressed individually, and his or her health care is specifically customized. And most importantly, we believe in empowering patients with knowledge, so they can make the best healthcare and lifestyle choices with confidence.”

Dr. Torrey Gorla of BRAIH, who has seen more than 30,000 patients in his nearly 20 years of experience, said the most important factor in achieving optimal health is comprehensive care and getting to the root causes of health problems, rather than simply chasing symptoms.

One of the more common methods of treatment employed by clinicians of holistic medicine is acupuncture.

The procedure, which is a mainstay and export of Chinese traditional medicine, involves the placement of needles at “acupuncture points” around the body.

BRAIH states on its website that energy circulates throughout the body along defined pathways called meridians, and points on the skin along these meridians are energetically connected to specific organs and functional systems. If this energy circulation is disrupted, optimal function is affected, resulting in pain or illness. Acupuncture points are stimulated to balance circulation of energy, which in turn influences the health of the whole person.

Acupuncture regulates many systems, including the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory and endocrine systems, and the World Health Organization states acupuncture is effective in the treatment of more than 50 conditions, including common colds, asthma and insomnia. The National Institute of Health has also cited acupuncture to be useful in the treatment of chronic, painful conditions.

Along the same lines of acupuncture is the lesser known Reiki, or “universal life force,” an energetic modality for relaxation, healing and pain and stress management.

According to Hands of Light and Fire Reiki in West Jefferson, tracing back through Japanese lineage, it is believed that disease occurs when the flow of life force energy becomes disrupted, resulting in some areas of the body becoming depleted of needed energy, causing sickness or stress.

During a Reiki session, the practitioner seeks to transfer life energy from their own body to the recipient, by placing their hands lightly on, or a slight distance away from their body. The idea is that areas of the recipient’s body that are depleted of life force energy will draw additional energy through the practitioner’s hands, often resulting in sensations of heat, tingling or relaxation.

Charla Rae Armitage, owner of Hands of Light and Fire, said Reiki is not an alternative to conventional medicine, but rather a compliment.

“When everything is working together, it’s more powerful and more effective,” she said. “And Reiki can effect more than the body — many of my clients report feeling more positive, happier, more cheerful and exuberant.”

Natural healing expands much further than energetic forms of healing, however, with the most common example being chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors attempt to diagnose and treat ailments of the skeletal system, particularly the spine, by manually adjusting it, as well as other joints and soft tissue around the body.

Some other forms of natural healing include acupressure, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and naturopathy, just to name a few.

While there is a wide number of natural methods that one can seek for pain treatment and various illnesses, it’s important to note that for more serious sicknesses or medical emergencies, the hospital is still the top priority for proper treatment and medicines, and it is always worthwhile to consult a doctor before beginning any new medical treatment.

Natural home remedies for common cold Following are several ways to treat a common cold naturally, at home, according to information from www. healthline.com.

Chicken Soup Research suggests that enjoying a bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can slow the movement of neutrophils in your body. Neutrophils are a common type of white blood cell that help protect your body from infection. When they’re moving slowly, they stay more concentrated in the areas of your body that require the most healing.

Ginger A few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water may help soothe a cough or sore throat. Research suggests that it can also ward off the feelings of nausea that so often accompany influenza.

Honey Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Research suggests that honey is an effective cough suppressant, too.

Vitamin C Limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, lemons and many other fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamin C. Getting enough vitamin C can relieve upper respiratory tract infections and other illnesses.

Salt Water Gargling with salt water may help prevent upper respiratory infections. It may also decrease the severity of cold symptoms. For example, it may ease sore throat pain and nasal congestion.

Gargling with salt water reduces and loosens mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens.

Vapor Rub Topical ointments such as vapor rub appear to reduce cold symptoms in children older than 2. Just one or two applications before bed can help open air passages to combat congestion, reduce coughing and improve sleep.

Warm Bath Sometimes you can reduce a child’s fever by giving them a warm sponge bath. Warm baths can also reduce cold and flu symptoms in adults. Adding Epsom salt and baking soda to the water can reduce body aches. Adding a few drops of essential oils may also have a soothing effect.

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NC eWIC is Coming

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Safe Your NC eWIC card will work like a debit card at the checkout.

Convenient Buy only the foods you need when you shop. See your benefits balance and approved products list on your smartphone.

Learn more Ask about NC eWIC at your local WIC office.

Ashe WIC Office: (336) 246-9449 Watauga WIC Office: (828) 264-4995

NC e (828) 264-4995 www.AppHealthCare.com Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health • Nutri on Services Branch www.ncdhhs.gov • www.nutri onnc.com This ins tu on is an equal opportunity provider.

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Live Life Smiling!

We strive to provide optimal dental care for the entire family. Our team offers a wide array of cosmetic, restorative and implant procedures to improve your overall dental health so you can live life smiling!

FILE PHOTO Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells begin to divide abnormally, without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues, in many instances creating growths or tumors.

Cancer: The common killer

BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@mountaintimes.com

brgd.com Dr. Michael K. Taylor, DDS Dr. Christopher A. Gordon, DMD Dr. Danielle D. Gordon, DMD

(828) 264-3333

W

hen it comes to cancer, most Americans are touched by the disease, in one form or

another.

Polls show that a majority of Americans themselves have, or have an immediate family member affected by cancer.

According to AppHealthCare, cancer was the second-leading cause

of death in Watauga County in 2016.

A 2016 report by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services found that in Watauga County, breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer were the most common types of cancer, in that order.

According to the National Institute of Health in 2016, an estimated 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and 595,690 people died from the disease.

Worldwide, more than 14 million people suffer from the disease. That

number of projected to grow to 30 million by 2030, according to the World Health Organization.

Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells begin to divide abnormally, without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues, in many instances creating growths or tumors. With trillions of cells in the human body, cancer can form anywhere and can spread.

SEE CANCER ON PAGE 9

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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Precautions important in prevention of skin cancer

BY STEVE BEHR sports@wataugademocrat.com

P

ation that can penetrate and change skin cells.

Skin cancer primarily develops on exposed parts of the body that are exposed to the sun the most. The places most vulnerable are the face, lips, ears, neck, arms, hands and chest.

There are steps that can be taken to prevent such a situation.

“Using sun screen, clothing like hats and cutting down on sun exposure is huge when it comes to staying young and staying healthy,” Stanley said.

“Maybe it has a history of enlarging over the years. It just looks bad when you look at it.”

Stanley said those who are fair-skinned, who may get two or three bad sunburns, no matter what their age, are most vulnerable to developing a melanoma.

The other two skin cancers are basil carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

People who suffer from those diseases are people who are constantly in the sun, such as farmers or construction workers, “somebody who is in the sun for years and years,” Stanley said.

They are also related to sun exposure, but are more easily curable, according to Stanley.

“They’re not as deadly, but they can be locally invasive, local disfiguring — they can destroy a nose or an ear if you let them go.”

The Skin Cancer Foundation says that at least one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. The Foundation also said that more people have had skin cancer than all of the other types of cancer combined.

More than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer were treated in 3.3 million people in the united states in 2012, which were the most recent statistics available, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation website.

eople all over the world will take to the outdoors to try to get that perfect tan for the summer.

Just a word of caution before hitting the beach — make sure that nice tan doesn’t turn into something worse.

Getting a little bit of sunburn is never a pleasant experience, but usually a few days away from the sun can heal any damage done by sunburn.

But taking that sunburn into an extreme can be dangerous, particularly to your skin.

“There are three things than can cause aging and wrinkling of the skin,” said Dr. Ron Stanley of the Boone Dermatology Clinic. “No. 1 is genetics. You can’t do anything about that one.

No. 2 is sun exposure. That is one we can do something about. It causes wrinkling. It causes skin cancer. It causes age spots.”

Stanley said that smoking is also a contributor to unhealthy skin.

“We all know that it causes lung cancer and emphysema and a lot of other internal cancers,” Stanley said. “It also bad for your skin.”

Stanley said smoking causes “smoker’s wrinkle,” especially around the face.

It’s a real thing,” Stanley said. “I can walk into an exam room after doing this for 40 years and look at a new patient and say if they are a smoker or not. There is a certain type of wrinkle that smoking causes after you do it for a number of years. It’s a real thing and not many people seem to know that.”

Wrinkles can be a secondary problem to getting skin cancer. Stanley said heavy exposure to the sun is a major contributor to skin cancer.

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes. Ultraviolet rays are an invisible radi- SEE PRECAUTIONS ON PAGE 10

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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Seven cancer prevention tips Don’t use tobacco Smoking has been linked to various types of cancer — including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, larynx, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the oral cavity and pancreas. Even if you don’t use tobacco, exposure to secondhand smoke might increase your risk of lung cancer.

Eat a healthy diet Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Base your diet on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources — such as whole grains and beans. Eat lighter and leaner by choosing fewer high-calorie foods, including refined sugars and fat from animal sources. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.

The risk of various types of cancer — including cancer of the breast, colon, lung, kidney and liver — increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you’ve been drinking regularly. Limit processed meats. A report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer agency of the World Health Organization, concluded that eating large amounts of processed meat can slightly increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active Maintaining a healthy weight might lower the risk of various types of cancer,

including cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney. In addition to helping you control your weight, physical activity on its own might lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. Strive to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic physical activity. You can also do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine — and if you can do more, even better.

Protect yourself from the sun Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer — and one of the most preventable. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. When you’re outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunglasses and a broadbrimmed hat help, too. Wear tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible. Opt for bright or dark colors, which reflect more ultraviolet radiation than pastels or bleached cotton. Use generous amounts of sunscreen when you’re outdoors, and reapply often and avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, which are just as damaging as natural sunlight.

Get immunized Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about immunization against

Hepatitis B and Human papillomavirus.

Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer and HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck.

Avoid risky behaviors Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, might increase the risk of cancer. Remember to practice safe sex. People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, liver and lung. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it might also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina. And don’t share needles and sharing needles with an infected drug user can lead to HIV, as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C — which can increase the risk of liver cancer.

Get regular medical care Regular self-exams and screenings for various types of cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can increase your chances of discovering cancer early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. Ask your doctor about the best cancer screening schedule for you.

Source: The Mayo Clinic

CANCER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

The mutated cells, if left untreated, interfere with the body’s functions and can eventually lead to death.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, some of the more common types including breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, leukemia, endometrial cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Despite the scary nature of cancer, studies show that early detection and treatment is working. The death rate has fallen since the 1990s, meaning more people are surviving the disease.

“Although rates of smoking, a major cause of cancer, have declined, the U.S. population is aging, and cancer rates increase with age, the National Institute of Health says. “Obesity, another risk factor for cancer, is also increasing.”

The main factor when it comes to who is affected by cancer is DNA, but several risk factors can influence who is affected. Factors such as age, use of tobacco, excessive alcohol drinking, obesity, prolonged exposure to sunlight, diets low in vegetables, calcium and fiber, and many more.

The NIH recommends no more than one alcoholic beverage a day for women and two for men, noting that wine isn’t proven to prevent cancer.

Broad spectrum sunscreen of SPR 15 or more is recommended when spending an extended period of time in sunlight, as well as keeping a body mass index below 25.

Preventable cancers make up for 42 percent of cancer cases and 45 percent of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.

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The Skin Care Foundation also noted that the diagnosis and treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers in the United States increased by 77 percent, and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation to the sun.

So what can people do to enjoy the outdoors safely? Here are a few suggestions.

• The first line of defense is generally clothing. If there is a risk of possible skin cancer, people should wear clothing, such as long sleeved shirts and long pants, for protection.

• Wearing hats, especially broad-rimmed hats, will prevent the sun from reaching the scalp and face.

• The next line of defense is to simply avoid the sun. Bring shade umbrellas to outdoor events to block the sun if shade is not available. Seek shade trees if they are available. Also avoid being out in the sun from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. when the sun does its most damage.

• It’s also recommended to use sunscreen while outside in the sun. It should be applied to all areas that are exposed to sunlight and should be SPF 30 strength. It’s recommended that it be used every two hours for best protection or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Stanley recommends that people visit a dermatologist once every two years for a skin exam. If people feel they may be vulnerable to skin cancer, then a yearly visit is recommended. The melanoma is the most dangerous, according to Stanley.

Early detection, for all types of skin cancer, is key in curing it.

“Skin is different,” he said. “You can see the problems. If develop an internal cancer, it can grow for years and you don’t know it until it’s too late. With skin cancer is so preventable, it’s right there in site.”

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The flu and you

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FILE PHOTO Annual immunization with the flu vaccine is recommended by medical professionals to all individuals six months of age and older. Those with chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, congestive heart failure and emphysema are especially urged to receive the vaccine.

Prevention key in avoiding influenza virus

BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com

F

or millions of Americans, influenza is a physical nuisance that saps energy and health, while racking the body will aches and pain.

Each year, flu season takes its toll on a great many people across the High Country as well, spreading to the point of an outbreak that poses a risk to many groups of people within our region.

Someone who has dedicated decades to helping High Country residents life healthier lives, and has seen more than his fair share of flu cases is Dr. Charles Baker, namesake of The Baker Center for Primary Care at Sloop Medical Plaza, adjacent to Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville.

Baker offered sound advice and spoke to many areas associated with influenza, including vaccination, misnomers about the illness and how to prevent yourself and others from contracting the flu.

Ways to protect you and your family from contracting the flu Want to avoid catching the flu virus? Taking the following precautions will go a long way in keeping yourself and loved ones healthier in the height of influenza influence.

• Get your flu vaccine.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick with flu–like illness, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

If you think you might have the flu: Walk-in appointments are available at the health department and the vaccine is available at local healthcare providers and pharmacy locations. For more information about the flu, go to www.flu.nc.gov or www.cdc.gov/flu or contact Appalachian District Health Department at (828) 264-4995.

According to Baker, what is typically designated as flu season changes from year to year.

“Flu season changes every year. Typically flu season is anywhere from December through March.

However, in most of the last few years, we’ve had early outbreaks. We’ve had November outbreaks, and

as recently as two or three years ago there was an October outbreak. We see sporadic cases throughout the year. I’ve even seen documented flu in July, but that’s rare,” Baker explained. “Typically it occurs during the winter months, and there have SEE FLU ON PAGE 12

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Wednesday, February 28, 2018

FLU CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

been times of multiple flu outbreaks in a single winter. Because there is more than one flu virus, there can be more than one flu outbreak.”

Oftentimes, people who have contracted a cold or a stomach bug confuse what they are experiencing with suffering from the flu.

“Influenza is a total body disease that hits you all at once, unlike a cold, where you might have a sore throat one day, congestion the next and cough the next,” Baker added. “With the flu, it’s a hammer that gets every part of you all at once. There’s usually a sudden onset in a matter of hours, with fever, body aches, muscle soreness, skin soreness, congestion, headache, eyes irritated, cough, sometimes nausea. Usually it’s accompanied by significant fever. During the time when we know there is a lot of flu around, it’s not too hard to diagnose, even over the phone.”

For many residents, a flu vaccine helps to stave off the full effect of contracting the flu. Baker recommends that anyone older than six months of age, and especially individuals with chronic medical problems such as diabetes, heart failure and emphysema get vaccinated annually.

Children less than three years of age will receive their initial vaccination in two

FILE PHOTO This graphic illustrates the spike in influenza cases across North Carolina, indicating times of outbreak across the Old North State.

parts, with half of the dose administered a month apart.

For children less than six months old, treatment includes the use of antiviral

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“Each year based on how its changed in the previous few years, researchers, Centers for Disease Control and others seek to determine what the next strain of influenza is going to look like, and with varying success. They missed it during the winter 2017 season and consequently we had a flu vaccine that was about 50 percent effective, so it’s kind of a medical crapshoot,” Baker said. “Even that is worth getting the vaccine, however, and it’s still effective at preventing transmission. Even late in the season, it isn’t too late to get a a vaccine, as second outbreaks in a flu season can occur.”

A couple of misnomers regarding the flu is that cold weather causes the virus, while others contend that a flu vaccine gives the receiver the flu. Baker explained why both statements are false.

“Cold weather doesn’t have much to directly do with the flu. Tropical countries also get flu outbreaks. What happens in the winter months is that people are congregated indoors, so you have closed buildings with many people in them, making viruses easier to spread in those environments,” Baker explained. “We’ve probably given 600 to 800 vaccines in our clinic this year, and we’ve never seen anyone respond adversely to the vaccine.

It’s absolutely impossible to get the flu from a vaccine. It never happens because it’s not a live virus, it’s just dead parts of the flu viruses. Where that rumor gets started is that it takes about two weeks for a flu vaccine to become highly effective after you get it, and so if someone gets a flu vaccine today and they’re sick tomorrow, some people blame the vac-

cine for giving them the flu, which isn’t the case. The vaccine just hasn’t had time to get into the person’s system to prevent them from getting the flu that they were going to get anyway.”

With an illness as debilitating as the flu, Baker says the most effective treatment for influenza is simply taking preventative measures to serve as a barrier to its introduction into one’s system.

“The flu vaccine is important. If you’re in a doctor’s office, wearing a mask helps prevent transmitting or getting it yourself. Strict hand washing protocols, and if you’re already dealing with chronic medical problems like diabetes, heart failure and emphysema, if you’re already dealing with that stuff, then stay away from crowds, including church and grocery stores and areas where you can certainly be at risk,” Baker said.

“If you get the flu, rest and take in fluids. Staying at home is important. The antiviral medications are often talked about, but they are not impressively effective. The antiviral medication that people take with the flu can help a little, but in best cases, even if you take it the day the influenza begins, it may only shorten the effects of the illness for only a day. It can help in a preventive way, however. If a family member comes in with the flu, we may prescribe the antiviral twice a day for five days, and for the other family members, including babies, we’ll prescribe the medication once a day in 10 days as a preventative measure.”

For up-to-date information on the influenza virus, visit the CDC website by clicking to www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/current.htm.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Healthy bones for a healthy life

BY LEE SANDERLIN lee.sanderlin@mountaintimes.com

The ads aren’t kidding when they say milk is good for your bones. Milk is rich in calcium, the key ingredient in keeping bones strong.

Bones, the frame for your body, protect organs and work with your muscles to let you perform everyday tasks. It’s important to keep them healthy so you can perform common tasks well into the later years of life.

A diet rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D, including foods such as milk, yogurt and spinach, can help to strengthen bones.

Calcium supports bone structure while vitamin D improves calcium absorp-

Tips for healthy bones Follow these tips to make sure you’re caring for your bones: • Get enough calcium • Get enough vitamin D • Get enough protein • Exercise frequently • Avoid alcohol and tobacco tion and bone growth.

Additionally, exercise and abstaining from the use of tobacco and alcohol products helps as well.

Weak or less dense bones can lead to the development of Osteoporosis. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the disease occurs when bones lose

density and become weak, meaning they can break from a minor fall or even from simple actions, such as sneezing or bumping into furniture.

The disease is especially common among aging women, due to a loss of estrogen during menopause that helps maintain bone density.

According to area physicians, bone breaks are especially common during the winter months in the High Country due to steep, slick conditions and seasonal sports such as snowboarding and skiing.

Wrist fractures, officially known as the distal radius fracture, is the among the most common type of bone fractures because people

instinctively hold their hands out in an attempt to break their fall, according to doctors at OrthoCarolina.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation also urges people to take steps to prevent falls, which may include using a cane or walker and using “common sense” in slick conditions.

The Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center in Boone encourages the public to utilize its facilities and experts on hand to maintain long term health. Memberships are available at the facility.

In addition to the wellness center, residents can join a gym or visit orthopedic specialists at OrthoCarolina or various hospitals in the region.

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Mental health: A growing epidemic

BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@mountaintimes.com

When someone suffers from a traditional health issue such as a broken bone, cuts, rashes or illnesses such as the flu, you would normally get it treated. However, one of the major health issues, mental health issues, commonly doesn’t get treatment.

More Americans than ever experience mental health issues.

And in North Carolina, the figures are rising quicker than the national average. Yet, factors such as underfunded programs and social stigma are allowing mental health issues to continue to grow.

The percentage of North Carolina adolescents who experienced a major depressive episode went up from 7.4 percent in 2010-11 to 11.4 percent in 2013-14, outpacing the national average of 11 percent.

“About one in five American adults have a mental health condition, yet about 56 percent of adults with mental illness do not receive treatment,” a 2017 report to the the North Carolina General Assembly on the status

FILE PHOTO The percentage of North Carolina adolescents who experienced a major depressive episode went up from 7.4 percent in 2010-11 to 11.4 percent in 2013-14, outpacing the national average of 11 percent.

of behavioral health in North Carolina said.

Despite cuts from state and national governments, options remains for those who want to seek out professional help.

Vaya Health unveiled “Mindkare” mental screening kiosks in

Ashe, Watauga and Avery counties in 2017 at the public libraries.

The kiosks allow individuals to take private surveys and receive information for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating or substance abuse disorders. The

kiosks also have a phone to a 24hour Vaya Customer Service Center, where people can schedule appointments through Daymark Recovery Services or be guided to the right services based on their health care status. Individuals can also find the resources they need and send it to their email.

Daymark Recovery Services, located at 132 Poplar Grove Connected #B in Booone, offers substance abuse and mental health outpatient treatment and intensive in-home treatment from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are also offices in Ashe and Avery counties. Daymark’s 24-hour crisis hotline number is (866) 275-9552.

Another option for residents is High Country Community Health at 108 Doctors Drive in Boone and 448 Cranberry Street in Newland. A federally-qualified health center that accepts Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance and payments on a sliding scale, HCCH offers behavioral health assessments, consultations and recommendations for patients. The Watauga office can be reached at

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Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The course is designed to build mental health literacy, helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness.

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(828) 262-3886 and the Avery office at (828) 737-0221. For more information, including hours, visit highcountrycommunityhealth. com The National Alliance on Mental Health has a chapter in the High Country which meets once a monh and offers educational events. For more information, visit namihighcountry.org.

The national suicide prevention hotline at (800) 273-8255 is available 24 hours.

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Caring for Alzheimer’s can be a challenge

BY LEE SANDERLIN lee.sanderlin@mountaintimes.com

M

ore than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s is a devastating progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. It is the most common cause of premature senility.

Unfortunately there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and as the diagnosed person’s mental faculties decrease the burden of care falls largely on family members.

Being a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s can be very challenging, time consuming and draining. The Alzheimer’s Association offers general rules of thumb for caring for people during different stages of the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers these guidelines for people caring for loved ones in the early stages of the disease: • Safety First: Is there an immediate safety risk for the person with dementia to perform this task alone? If there is no immediate risk of injury or harm, provide encouragement and continue to provide supervision as necessary.

• Avoid Stress: Prioritize tasks or actions that do not cause unnecessary stress for the person with dementia.

• Make a positive assumption: Assume that the person with dementia is capable of completing the task. If you sense frustration, try to identify the cause of the frustration before intervening.

• Create a Help Signal: Identify a cue or phrase that you can use to confirm if the person with dementia is comfortable receiving support.

• Talk it Over: The best

Slowing down Alzheimer’s disease There are a few things that people can do to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s: • Regular physical exercise.

• A heart healthy diet.

• Remaining socially active.

• Staying mentally active by gaining new hobbies or learning a new skill.

way to determine how and when to provide support is to ask directly. Ask the person with dementia what they need or the frustrations they may be experiencing.

• Work Better Together: Find activities to do together and keep the conversation going about expectations for how you will provide support.

Things to look out for as a caregiver during the middle stage of the disease, as provided by the Alzheimer’s Association: • Changes in behavior: Changes in behavior can be some of the most distressing for caregivers and family members. During the middle stages, people may experience depression, anxiety, irritability and repetitive behaviors. As the disease progresses, other changes may occur, including sleep changes, physical and verbal outbursts, and wandering.

• Communication: As people with Alzheimer’s gradually lose their ability to find words, express thoughts and follow conversations, they also have more difficulty understanding others.

Communication changes during the middle stages include trouble finding the right word, repeating questions, losing the train of thought, reverting to a native language and relying on non-verbal communication.

• Daily care needs: Eating, dressing and grooming

will become more challenging as dementia progresses. This loss of independence and privacy can be a very difficult transition for the person with dementia; your patience and sensitivity will go a long way in helping him or her through it.

• Activities that provide meaning: In addition to enhancing quality of life, activities can reduce behaviors like wandering and agitation.

• Driving: During the middle stages of the disease, a person with Alzheimer’s will need to stop driving.

• Other safety concerns: Early in the middle stages, it will become too difficult or dangerous for a person with Alzheimer’s to be left alone. Preventing wandering becomes a crucial part of care, and safety precautions will need to be taken throughout the person’s living environment.

For late stage care, the Alzheimer’s Association recommends that the person with the disease be placed in a care facility as needs may exceed what you can provide at home.

For more information on the disease and caregiving visit www.alz.org.

In addition to caring for patients at home, there are various resources in the High Country to help provide assistance to those with the disease and caregivers.

The High Country Caregiver Foundation provides a variety or programs to assist caregivers and people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Programs include support groups for caregivers and a Day Break program for care recipients. The Day Break program gives care recipients a social setting while also offering a respite for caregivers. For more information on these programs, as well as what else the High Country Caregiver Foundation has to offer, visit www.highcountrycaregiverfoundation.org.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be time consuming. The Alzheimer’s Association provides information to help alleviate the pressures of being a constant caregiver.

16 - Mountain Times Publications

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Signs of stroke

BY COLIN TATE colin.tate@mountaintimes.com

Strokes are a problem nationwide, but North Carolina’s rates are significantly higher than other portions of the United States. According to the North Carolina Stroke Association, North Carolina is part of the nation’s “Stroke Belt,” which is a 12-state region where death rates are significantly higher.

Moreover, North Carolina is considered to be in the “Stroke Buckle,” with South Carolina and Georgia. In the buckle, the death rate from strakes are twice as high as the national average, according to NCSA. Strokes are preventable and treatable, though many don’t know the signs or symptoms. According to a poll taken in 2007, less than 20 percent of North Carolina adults knew the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

The Stroke Center of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, certified by The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center via their website, is working to educate the public on stroke prevention and recognition.

According to APPRHS, A stroke, also know as a “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area

of the brain. During this brain cells begin to die, leading to brain damage.

Signs of a stroke include: sudden loss of balance or coordination, sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes, one side of the face droops or is numb, sudden weakness or numbness of any arm or leg and sudden confusion and trouble speaking or understanding speech.

If these symptoms occur, APPRHS instructs to call 911 immediately when symptoms start.

According to APPRHS, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has partnered with APPRHS to provide Telestroke services at Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial Hospital. By collaborating, 24/7 access is now available to talk to stroke experts in a real time video consultation, allowing emergency room physicians to receive on-demand consultation.

To learn more about stroke prevention and healing, visit apprhs.org/services/ stroke. Watauga Medical Center is located at 336 Deerfield Road in Boone. For questions or more information on Watauga Medical Center, call (828) 262-4100.

Cannon Memorial Hospital is located at 434 Hospital Drive in Newland. For more information or questions about Cannon Memorial Hospital, call (828) 737-7000.

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Mountain Times Publications -

17

Ashe Memorial Hospital ranked in U.S. Top 100 Critical Access

BY COLIN TATE colin.tate@mountaintimes.com

For the second time in three years, Ashe Memorial Hospital has been recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

“It’s wonderful for our community to know that they have such a strong hospital in Ashe County,” AMH CEO Laura Lambeth said. “It means to me that the quality of our care is exceptional.”

According to a release from AMH, there are 1,343 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States, with 20 in North Carolina. Of those, 20, only two others were named to the list, those being Angel Medical Center and Transylvania Regional Hospital.

“This achievement is very gratifying and validates our daily commitment to providing the best healthcare possible to our community, while maintaining an effi-

PHOTO BY COLIN TATE Ashe Memorial Hospital is ranked in the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States.

cient and effective facility,” Lambeth said in a statement. “I could not be more proud of the Ashe Memorial Team and the support that we receive from our community. It is the support from the community that has enabled us to achieve this national recognition.”

According to AMH Chief

Financial Officer Charles Wright, said Critical Access Hospitals are reimbursed based on cost.

“That term ‘critical access’ (means) it’s critical to the community that they have access to healthcare,” Wright said. “The government knows we need a hospital here.”

According to Lambeth, AMH offers many services different from the typical Critical Access Hospital.

Those include medical oncology, orthopaedic services, vascular surgery, general surgery and more.

“You typically don’t see that at Critical Access (Hospitals), but that’s what

the community told us they needed,” Lambeth said.

Patient care is one of the top priorities of all involved in the hospital, according to Lambeth. She said that the hospital sends thank you cards out post-discharge and post-surgery to check up on former and current patients. Also, a service is offered where chemotherapy nurses travel to the homes of patients to draw blood prior to chemotherapy treatments. This prevents the patients from having to come into the hospital for this service.

“Our goal here is to treat patients and their families the way we would like the be treated,” Lambeth said.

“That is a culture at Ashe Memorial Hospital. You’ll see that day-in and dayout.”

AMH was named to the Top 100 list after scoring high enough on iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX, according to a release from AMH. The release stated that the IN-

DEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural provider performance, and its results are the basis for many of rural healthcare’s most prominent awards, advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives.

The INDEX measures hospitals based on eight pillars of hospital strength.

Those pillars include inpatient share ranking, outpatient share ranking, cost, charge, quality, outcomes, patient perspective and financial stability.

Lambeth attributes the ranking to the patients and staff of the hospital.

“I want to thank the community, and I want to thank the employees of Ashe Memorial Hospital, because it is those two groups of people that have provided the award,” Lambeth said. “(For the employees), it’s their work and dedication, and it’s shared with the community, because they’re utilizing the hospital and providing feedback.”

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

18 - Mountain Times Publications

Healthy eating

BY KAYLA LASURE kayla.lasure@mountaintimes.com

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Advice on food consumption from a registered dietitian

Virtual Dietitian assistance

With multiple diet plans and various information on what is and isn’t healthy to consume, it can be difficult to navigate healthy eating.

Maggi Birdsell, a registered dietician at AppHealthCare — formally known as the Appalachian Regional Health Department — said eating has become overcomplicated with the amount of information out there on what people should and shouldn’t eat.

As a registered dietician, Birdsell meets with clients to discuss a healthy nutrition plan. Birdsell said the first visit with clients usually revolves around education of nutrition terms to help them learn about the foods that they’re currently eating and matching it up with what they’re bodies actually need.

Maggi Birdsell, a Registered Dietician at AppHealthCare, is providing virtual nutrition services via an app for those seeking help from a dietician. Birdsell said services are for those who are serious about making changes in their diet and who just aren’t sure where to start or who have failed in the past with diet attempts.

The app also provides clients with a chance to keep track of their eating habits with photo journaling. The platform Birdsell is using is called Healthy. However, in order to use the service, people need to be connected to a dietician. In order to register for the service, visit the nutrition services webpage at www. apphealthcare.com.

During the first visit, she said she usually conducts a full nutrition assessment where she takes into consideration their past medical history, current health status and general eating habits.

Most recommendations to clients typically involve the need for more non-starchy vegetables, Birdsell said. These include foods such as green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy

greens, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and Brussel sprouts. Starchy vegetables tend to be items such as potatoes, peas and corn.

Birdsell said serving size and portion control is crucial to eating healthy. However, she said she never puts serving size limitations on non-starchy vegetables.

“I’ve never seen an individual who eats healthy and maintains a healthy diet and overeats non-starchy

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Healthy eating involves the need for more non-starchy vegetables, Birdsell said.

These include foods such as green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and Brussel sprouts. Starchy vegetables tend to be items such as potatoes, peas and corn.

vegetables,” Birdsell said.

Processed foods were among the items Birdsell recommended people stay away from. Processed foods are usually foods that have a lot of added sugars, salts and some added fats. Birdsell said the more ingredients that’s in processed foods, it’s normally a less healthy option.

“If you can’t pronounce an ingredient in the food, more than likely it’s a preservative and it’s not what our body needs,” Birdsell said.

Birdsell a good portion of her younger clients who work and have families tend to eat out more than others out of time and convenience.

“It’s a lot harder to find the balance of the right nutrition eating out,” Birdsell said. “If you have to be pretty savvy and know your menu items pretty well to maintain that healthy nutrition.”

For those who eating at home doesn’t seem to be the best first option in terms of the time, Birdsell said she tries to work with them to make smart decisions when eating out.

This includes maybe trying to choose a baked potato

over fries or getting grilled chicken instead of fried chicken. She said even making small changes when eating out can go a long way.

Two diet plans Birdsell supports include the DASH — Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension — diet and the mediterranean diet.

These plans promote a high intake of fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts olive oils, whole grains and insists on very little processed foods and red meat.

Both of these plans are supported by most dietitians, the American Heart Association as well as evidence based programs, Birdsell said.

Birdesll doesn’t support diet plans that cut out entire food groups — such as dairy or carbohydrates. The body uses carbohydrates as its main source of energy by turning the nutrient into glucose, which is used as fuel for the brain, Birdsell said.

Carbohydrate intake will be different for everyone and Birdsell said she tries to help her clients find the “sweet spot” of how much their body needs. It’s recommended that 45 to 60 percent of the daily intake comes from carbohydrates.

“Many people are either way over consuming carbohydrates and that’s what’s causing their bodies to carry excess fat, or people are way under consuming them and have cut them out completely,” Birdsell said.

A struggle Birdsell typically sees most clients have is figuring out the right frequency to eat. Sometimes people are skipping meals — such as breakfast — and tending to snack more at night. She said while it will be different for everyone, Birdsell suggests eating every three to five hours.

While there’s no one right answer on how often someone should eat, the number of times a person eats a day is dependent upon then length of someone’s day.

Those with longer days may need to eat more and those with shorter days may need to eat less, Birdsell said.

Birdsell said as long as someone is consuming what their body what needs, they’ll end up reaching their goal, whether it be weight loss, building muscle or gaining weight.

“When feeding the body what it needs, the body will give the results that most people are looking for,” Birdsell said.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Mountain Times Publications -

19

Dr. Rodney J. Watson, M.D. and staff are committed to your good health!

We are proud to offer these services to help you reach your weight loss goals: SOURCE: TRUTH INITIATIVE, BASED ON CDC DATA

Resources available to quit tobacco, e-cig use

S

ubstance abuse — including use of tobacco and smoking products — was identified as one of the top three public health priorities for Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga counties for 2015-2018 by AppHealthCare (formerly the Appalachian District Health Department).

In Watauga County in 2016, leading causes of death were diseases of the heart, cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases, with tobacco use among leading risk factors, according to AppHealthCare’s 2016 State of Health Report for Watauga County.

Nationally and statewide, health experts are concerned about the increase in e-cigarette use, especially among youth.

In 2015, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control, 13.1 percent of high school students smoked, higher than the national average of 10.8 percent. But the percentage of high school students who used electronic vapor products on at least one day in the past 30 days was 29.6 percent, the CDC said, higher than the national average of 24.1 percent.

“E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used form of tobacco by youth

in the U.S.,” the CDC stated. “And dual use, or using both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes, is common among youth and young adults 18-25 years of age. Reasons reported by young people for using e-cigarettes include curiosity, taste and the belief that e-cigarettes are less harmful than other tobacco products.”

In 2016, a U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on e-cigarette use among youth and young adults became the first report issued by a federal agency that carefully reviewed the public health issue of e-cigarettes and their impact on young people.

E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco, and nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain, the U.S. Surgeon General’s office stated.

In addition to nicotine, the office stated, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds;

READY TO QUIT? NC HealthSmart Health Coaches Support Line: 1-800-817-7044 NC Tobacco Use QuitLine (Offered in Spanish and English.

Materials can be sent to your home): (800) QUIT-NOW or <a href=”http://www.quitnownc.org/”>www.quitnownc.org</a> American Lung Association: (800) LUNG-USA American Cancer Society 24-hour/day line: 1-800-ACS-2345 Quitline for Pregnant Smokers: (866) 66START National Cancer Institute: (800) 4CANCER There are two approaches to quitting smoking: “Cold Turkey,” which is setting a day to quit all cigarettes (or other tobacco products) for good; or “Warm Pheasant,” setting weekly goals of fewer cigarettes each week and rewarding yourself for meeting your goals.

The 4 Ds: Coping with cravings If you are trying to quit and are having problems with urges, here are some hints on how to deal with them: Deep breathing: Take a deep breath through your nose, hold the breath for a count of 4. Then breathe out slowly, through your mouth. Repeat these steps 4 or 5 times or until you feel calm. You should feel your stomach rise as you breathe in.

Drink water: Try to drink eight glasses a day.

Do something else: Play a sport. Chew some sugar-free gum.

Listen to your favorite music. Work a crossword puzzle. Look at a magazine. Read. Keeping busy with other things will keep you mind off smoking.

Delay: Don’t reach for that cigarette right away. Count to 100 or 200. Think pleasant thoughts. Remember, the urge to smoke will pass in 3 to 5 minutes, whether you smoke or not.

Source: Appalachian State University Wellness & Prevention Services and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin and lead.

In the High Country, there are resources to help tobacco users quit.

QuitlineNC provides free cessation services to any North Carolina resident who needs help quitting tobacco use. Quit Coaching is available in different forms, which can be used separately or together, to help any tobacco user give up tobacco.

Quit now using www. quitnownc.org or by calling the North Carolina QuitLine at (800) 7848669.

The Northwest Tobacco Prevention Coalition is an educational effort to increase awareness of the health hazards of tobacco use and secondhand smoke and to promote policies that protect the public from the negative consequences of tobacco use.

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20 - Mountain Times Publications

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

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