Healthy LifeTimes 2020 by Mountain Times Publications

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

SUBMITTED PHOTO North Carolinians are still continuing the ﬁghting against the opioid epidemic.

Local agencies persistently ﬁght opioid epidemic SOURCE: TRUTH INITIATIVE, BASED ON CNC DATA

Fighting tobacco addiction Vaping, aka e-cigarettes, came on the scene a few short years ago and were thought to be a useful tool when trying to quit the cigarette addiction. But, soon the product and industry took oﬀ and questionable ingredients were used and people began to die literally of vape use alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaping among young people has increased by the millions. One year ago, in February 2019, CDC Director Robert Redfield said that vaping, “threatens to erase progress” in the fight against youth tobacco use. In the High Country, AppHealthCare is a part of the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Health. The goal of the program is to, “Eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke; promote tobacco cessation; prevent youth initiation of tobacco use; and identify and eliminate tobacco-related disparities in specific populations.” AppHealthCare in Watauga, Allegheny and Wilkes Counties is a part of the CATCH My Breath program that teaches students how to avoid and quit cigarette use and vaping. It is a program that is free to schools. Schools can find vape prevention tools and coordination kits at www.catch.org.

For older vaping and tobacco users wanting to free themselves of nicotine addiction, AppHealthCare has more than 25 trained tobacco treatment specialists in Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Alleghany and Wilkes Counties. These specialists can assist with treatment in conjunction with QuitlineNC’s free and confidential tobacco treatment program. The QuitlineNC organization also has an online interactive treatment program and can provide a two-week starter kit of nicotine patches for Medicaid and Medicare patients, and eight weeks worth of nicotine patches for uninsured residents. You can contact the organization here www.quitlinenc.com/ or by calling the oﬃcial North Carolina Quitline at (800) 7848669. Locally, you can contact AppHealthCare at www.apphealthcare.com or (828) 264-4995 for the Watauga Health Center and 336-246-9449 for the Ashe County Health Center. Other resources include the NC HealthSmart Health Coaches Support Line at (800) 817-7044, the American Lung Association at 800-LUNG-USA, the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 line at (800) ACS2345, the Quitline For Pregnant Smokers at (866) 66START and the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4CANCER.

BY KAYLA LASURE

Five North Carolinians die each day from overdosing on opioids — which includes prescription pain medication, heroin and fentanyl, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. North Carolina communities are still experiencing the effects of the height of the opioid crisis. However, DHHS announced that the year after it launched opioid initiatives in 2017 that the state saw the number of unintentional opioid-related deaths among its residents fall by 5 percent, and emergency department visits for opioid-related overdose declined nearly 10 percent. But still the fight is not over. Multiple agencies in the state as well as Watauga County have been on a mission in recent years to combat the opioid crisis and assist those who are suffering from its warpath. What are opioids? According to More Powerful NC — a state educational awareness campaign — opioids can include prescription pain relievers such as hydrocodone (such as Vicodin), oxycodone (such as OxyContin or Percocet), oxymorphone (Opana) or morphine (such as Kadian and Avinza). It can also consist of the synthetic drug fentanyl and illicit drug heroin. Opioids operate by activating receptors on nerve cells located in the brain and body and can be effective in treatment for relieving pain, according to More Powerful NC. However, continued use can lead to dependence and misuse.

WHERE TO FIND HELP LOCALLY Below are some resources people can use to assist with opioid misuse. Other organizations that may be able to offer information on resources include Watauga Substance Abuse Prevention, OASIS, AppHealthCare, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Behavioral Health Crisis Triage Team and High Country Community Health. Stepping Stone of Boone (828) 265-7078 643-L Greenway Road, Boone www.steppingstoneofboone.com Daymark Recovery Services (828) 264-8759 132 Poplar Grove Connector, Unit B, Boone www.daymarkrecovery.org North Wilkesboro Comprehensive Treatment Center (336) 790-4270 200 Northview Plaza, North Wilkesboro www.acadiahealthcare.com/locations/ mountain-health-solutions-wilkesboro Synergy Recovery of North Wilkesboro (336) 667-7191 118 Peace St., North Wilkesboro www.synergyrecovery.org “Over time, someone who has engaged in opioid use will develop a tolerance for opioids,” More Powerful NC stated. “They will need to keep taking opioids just to feel functional.” As prescription opioids can often be expensive, people have been known to turn to the use of heroin to achieve SEE EPIDEMIC ON PAGE 4

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Holistic healing: Lasting results BY ABBY WHITT

FILE PHOTO SUBMITTED Acupuncture involves thin needles inserted into the body and is a holistic healing method used by West Wellness in Boone.

EPIDEMIC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

euphoric eﬀects. First responders have started to notice that more overdose deaths are now caused by heroin laced with fentanyl, which is known to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to More Powerful NC. What is being done about opioid misuse? In 2017, Gov. Roy Cooper launched the NC Opioid Action Plan, which was updated and re-released as the NC Opioid Action Plan 2.0 in June 2019. In April 2019, a coalition of North Carolina businesses, health care organizations and state agencies helped to create, fund and provide resources for the More Powerful NC educational campaign. While some initiatives and funding had previously been dispersed throughout Watauga, the metaphorical marathon toward combating the crisis didn’t gain a lot

Along with the advancement of Western medicine, society has also explored new ways of healing that lack many of the harsh side eﬀects that taking prescriptions may inflict and takes into consideration the mind, spirit and body. Sophia Ojha of the High Country Meditators says meditation is a “science of understanding how our mind works and can be enormously helpful in healing our body and our emotions.” “When you consider both your body and your mind working in unison to care and heal the body, that is holistic healing, in my view,” Ojha said, noting that meditation can “strengthen the body’s internal wisdom to heal itself.” “Your body is influenced by your mind and your mind by your body. There are many causes that lead to a healthy life and one important one is how healthy the mind is,” said Ojha. Jennifer West, owner of West Wellness: Acupuncture and Apothecary, is a board-certified acupuncturist, who specializes in mental and emotional imbalance, endocrine disorders, autoimmune disease and general wellness. She oﬀers acupuncture services, herbal medicine, food/diet therapy and essential oil therapy in Boone, but her clients include individuals from surrounding areas such as Ashe and Avery counties. “Holistic healing is important because finding the root cause of your symptoms, rather than treating just the symptoms, is the only way to really

of traction until 2018. AppHealthCare and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System hosted an opioid summit in Boone in May 2018 when various local agencies discussed the issue and what role they play in order to find a solution. Soon after, AppHealthCare started to partner with a number of agencies in Watauga, Ashe and Allaghany counties — such as the Watauga County Sheriﬀ’s Oﬃce — to find harm reduction strategies. These strategies include plans for a syringe exchange program, the addition of a corrections treatment specialist at the Watauga County Detention Center, work on easier access to naloxone and the creation of a peer support specialist position that operates as Post Overdose Response Team. The in-jail recovery program began with work of an intern in 2018 that began by wanting to address arrest recidivism. Noticing that substance use was a common thread among those rotating through the justice system, the then-intern — Mollie

TYPES OF HOLISTIC HEALING According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, there are various types of complementary and alternative medicines. A list and more information about the types of holistic healing below, visit www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/types-of-complementary-and-alternative-medicine. Traditional holistic healing has come to include the “more mainstream and accepted forms of therapy,” such as acupuncture, ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy or Chinese medicine, according to Johns Hopkins. Body-centric holistic healing includes massage therapy, body movement therapy, tai chi and yoga. Diets and herbs bring a holistic approach to the inner workings of one’s body and includes supplements, herbal medicine and general nutrition and diet. Holistic healing for the mind can also positively affect the body, according to the Johns Hopkins report. These techniques include meditation, biofeedback and hypnosis. Individual senses — touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste — can impact the overall health of an individual. Therapies that incorporate these aspects include art, dance, and music therapy and visual and guided imagery. Lastly, from the Johns Hopkins report, “Some people believe external energies from objects or other sources directly affect a person’s health.” These individuals will often turn to electromagnetic therapy, reiki and qigong. heal in a lasting way,” said West. “We look at all of the aspects that can aﬀect one’s health — from diet, to stress, to childhood illness/trauma — and that is often where the root imbalance began. Understanding your patient’s past illnesses, whether physical or emotional, will help in their healing journey.” At West Wellness, West’s service prices range in cost from $125 for Japanese Acupuncture to $40 for an essential oils consultation. “I practice Japanese Acupuncture which is very gentle, balancing and eﬀective. I use very thin needles and direct moxa (mugwort), which is calming to the nervous system, immune boosting, great for alleviating pain and extends the life of the treatment” said West. “People love my treatments

Mellishrencken — later became a staﬀ member who now helps assist inmates help obtain resources such as substance abuse treatment. The peer support specialist in Watauga came into contact with 63 individuals in the first five months of the PORT being established. At least half of those individuals were considered to be high risk for overdose due to IV drug use, according to Peer Support Specialist Ashley Bare. Bare would help link people to treatment, serve as a liaison for syringe exchange, provide naloxone and could also introduce peers to local resources for food and jobs. According to AppHealthCare’s 2018-19 annual report, its peer support specialists had served approximately 170 individuals across Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga Counties. As an added layer of aid, about 20 community agencies came together to establish a pre-booking diversionary program. AppHealthCare and the Mediation and Restorative Justice Center received

because they are gentle, don’t hurt and they feel relaxed and rejuvenated afterwards.” West even oﬀers acupuncture for the elderly, children and individuals with a phobia of needles, noting some of the benefits of acupuncture as “boosting immunity, calming the nervous system to combat stress, balancing the endocrine system, helping with sleep and digestive problems and releasing pain.” To learn more about West Wellness services and West’s approach to holistic healing, visit www.westwellnessnc. com. To find additional, holistic healing specialists in Boone, visit www. booneprofessionalcenter.com/businesses or www.boonechamber.com/ members and add the “Wellness” filter under “Area of Expertise.”

a three-year federal allocation in excess of $550,000 in October 2019 to continue Mellishrencken’s work as well as create a LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program. The program is designed to allow law enforcement oﬃcers to redirect low-level oﬀenders engaged in drug or prostitution activity to local resources instead of them being arrested and incarcerated. DHHS announced in January that AppHealthCare was one of 23 North Carolina health departments to be selected as a recipient of a three-year grant award of up to $275,000 that it planned to use to continue its work in all three of its serviced counties. “We will continue to connect with the community to build greater capacity and partnerships so resources can continue to be available to those who need them,” Greene said. “It is going to take a whole community approach, with each person and agency doing their part, to tackle the issue of drug use and misuse in our community.”

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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MIND your health BY BAILEY LITTLE

Mental health is too often not talked about and proves to be a silent struggle for many due to the stigma surrounding it. However, when conditions such as anxiety and depression are left untreated, those affected have difficulty completing daily activities. AppHealthCare acknowledges mental health as a top priority in Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga counties based on the results of their annual State of the County health reports conducted. In an effort to combat mental illnesses, AppHealthCare offers brief, solution-focused screening and consultation for depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and other behavioral health concerns. These screening services are offered at their Alleghany and Ashe Office locations Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. According to AppHealthCare, common mental health issues they treat in their offices are anxiety and depression. AppHealthCare’s schoolbased health center, Top Dog Clinic, is accessible to all middle school students in Ashe County and has an on-site Behavioral Health Clinician to work with youth. The Assessment, Support, and Counseling Center is a valuable program that supports Alleghany and Ashe County School students by addressing mental and behavioral health. As the schools’ mental health program, the ASC Center works closely with schools and local partners, according to AppHealthCare. “There are things we can all do to care for our mental health like eating healthy, exercising, managing

stress, getting routine medical exams, having healthy relationships and getting suﬃcient sleep,” said Marisa Schorr, Behavioral Health Specialist at AppHealthCare. We can all do our part to prevent suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Prevention Suicide Lifeline at (1-800) 273-8255 or visit the website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. The National Prevention Suicide Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans aﬀected by mental illness, according to NAMI. A brief video is available on their website depicting the 10 warning signs of mental illness. These include feeling sad and withdrawn for an extended period of time, severe mood swings, intense worrying and sudden unexplained fear. According to NAMI, Mental health conditions often begin to develop in young children. Because they’re still learning how to identify and talk about thoughts and emotions, their most obvious symptoms are behavioral. Symptoms of developing mental health conditions in children may include changes in school performance, excessive worry or anxiety such as fighting to avoid going to bed or school, hyperactive behavior, frequent nightmares, disobedience or temper tantrums. NAMI provides additional information along with the video for viewers to reference along with locations

FILE PHOTO Mental health is an important part of everyone’s overall health. AppHealthCare offers solution-focused screenings and consultations to address anything negatively impacting people’s daily lives.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 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 and raise public awareness to help identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness. To look up nearby courses or become an instructor yourself, visit www.mentalhealthﬁrstaid.org. for diagnosis and treatment options. A free, nationwide peer-support service called the NAMI HelpLine is available. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org.

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Dream of a future without glasses or contacts? Graystone iLASIK — Poor eyesight can have a negative impact on many areas of your life, hindering daily tasks such as driving, cooking and shopping — and limiting your ability to do the things that you enjoy most. Vision correction surgery (refractive eye surgery) is an increasingly popular way to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. These procedures allow people the freedom from glasses or contacts — drastically improving life in many ways. With numerous advancements in vision correction technology, how do you know which vision correction option is best for you? iLASIK, or laser in-situ keratomileusis, is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the country today and works for people who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. Using the Intralase femtosecond laser, a flap is created in the outer layer of the cornea exposing the tissue underneath. The ultra-precise VISX CustomVue laser then gently reshapes the cornea to the desired curvature, allowing the cornea to focus light properly, and the flap is returned to its original location. The entire iLASIK procedure is painless and takes less than 10 minutes per eye, with dramatic improvement in vision

within the first 24 hours. The technology used in the iLASIK procedure is so safe and eﬀective, that all branches of the U.S. military and NASA allow the iLASIK treatment for their servicemen and women. The KAMRA™ Inlay helps restore near vision and reduces the constant frustrations of reading glasses for those with presbyopia or blurry near vision. Smaller and thinner than a contact lens, the inlay is a very small diameter (less than 4mm), ultrathin ring-shaped device with a central opening that is designed to be implanted in the cornea of the non-dominant eye. It works by blocking unfocused light rays, allowing only focused light rays to enter the eye, increasing the depth of focus and providing a natural range of vision you can see — from near to far — without blurry zones, even as presbyopia progresses. Unlike monovision, distance vision is maintained in both eyes. KAMRA is designed to last a lifetime and can be combined with iLASIK should distance corrected be needed as well. Have you been told in the past that you are not a candidate for LASIK? With advancements in vision correction SEE ILASEK ON PAGE 7

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Avoiding sun can lead to avoiding skin cancer BY STEVE BEHR

The recent wet and cold weather may not have people thinking about skin cancer, but the bright sunshine that the summer brings can cause havoc on skin if not properly treated. With the summer weather comes trips to the beach, taking hikes in the mountains and of course, the return of the boys and girls of summer playing baseball and softball. While a little sunburn may be a little painful, a few days inside usually allows enough time for it to heal. Working on a dark tan may look good at the beach, but it can also cause skin cancer. Dermatologists note that skin cancer can be tough to detect since it doesn’t always have obvious symptoms. Also, doctors say that a change in the skin or if a wound or something that is abnormal appears, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist. Wrinkles and loss of elasticity of the skin are signs that skin cancer may be developing. Moles and wounds that don’t heal right away are also signs of a skin problem. The biggest cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun, so it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. The best way to prevent it is simply stay out of the sun. But that is not always possible. People work in the sun,

PHOTO BY STEVE BEHR Watauga 12-under all-star Chase Greer waits for a throw at ﬁrst base in the Will Dicus tournament. Youth baseball players can be exposed to sunlight while playing during the day.

play in the sun and carry on day-to-day chores in the sun. There are ways to minimize any damage while being in the sun. Dermatologists recommend heavy sunscreen, at least with a 50 rating and if possible, use sunscreen that has a 70 rating.

ILASEK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

technology, you may now have other options: Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), or Lens Replacement Surgery, involves replacing the natural human lens with an artificial lens to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Very similar to modern cataract surgery, the human lens is replaced not due to cloudiness, but to reduce dependency on glasses and contact lenses. RLE is often a better choice for individuals in their 50s or older, as many of these people can have the beginning of a cataract. Once the human lens has been

Wearing long sleeves, long pants and a hat can also protect the skin. North Carolina has a southern latitude, which means the sun tends to last longer during the day, especially in the summer. Also recommended is that summer baseball, softball and athletic leagues schedule

removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant, a cataract can never form — eﬀectively addressing two problems with one, as the implant will last a lifetime. Our modern multifocal lens implants are able to correct both distance and near vision, eliminating the need for reading glasses or bifocals. The Visian Implantable Contact Lens (ICL) is an implantable contact lens that works with the eye to correct vision. Unlike traditional contact lenses that go on the surface of the eye, Visian ICL is surgically inserted into the eye, where it provides excellent quality of vision for a wide range of correction needs. The FDA’s recent approval for a toric version of ICL expands the use to also correct astigmatism. The device does not replace the

events and games early in the morning or into the night. The hours of 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. are the times when the sun is at its peak. Doctors also advise against going outside just to get a tan. Melanoma is more serious than people realize. About 10,000 people die of a

melanoma every year. Women tend to get melanomas on their legs, while men tend to get them on their backs. Melanomas can be caused by exposure to the sun or by heredity. Having a full skin exam is a good idea for every person, doctors say, especially once

natural lens. Although similar to cataract surgery, the natural lens is not removed during the Visian ICL procedure. The ICL is implanted into the posterior chamber of the eye behind the iris and in front of the natural lens. Because the lens is implanted into the eye, it is suitable for many patients who might not be candidates for iLASIK and is designed to remain in the eye indefinitely — without maintenance — for a lifetime of clear vision. An added bonus to the Visian ICL is the superb night vision, as patients rarely experience halos or glares at night, which is possible for other refractive procedures. So how do you know which vision correction procedure is best for YOU? R.E. “Trey” Oursler III, MD, Graystone Eye’s board-certified and fellowship-trained

you reach puberty. Fairskinned people should get a skin exam at least once per year. The sun’s rays are still going to shine during all seasons of the year. Just taking a few precautions can help insure that being outdoors can be done safely.

refractive surgeon, will personally perform an extensive exam to determine which vision correction option is best for you. In practice for more than 20 years, he has performed thousands of vision correct procedures and is consistently listed in the Top 50 Visx® LASIK surgeons in the country. Are you ready to take that first step to visual freedom? Contact us today at (866) 559-8481 or visit www.graystonelasik. com to schedule a free consultation to see which vision correction procedure will help you reach your full visual potential. Our iLASIK suite is located in Hickory, NC; however, you are welcome to book your free consultation at any of our locations in Hickory, Lincolnton, Lenoir or Boone.

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Healthy eating creates more than good habits BY ABBY WHITT

Eating healthy is a habit that could one day prove to be lifesaving as it helps to reduce the risk of serious illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure — but what about the common misconceptions that surround having a healthy diet, such as it being more expensive than less nutritious options or less tasty? “The first step to eating healthy is understanding sensible portion control. There is not one food that makes a meal/ snack healthy, it’s really all about portion control; understanding quantity then working on quality is key to success,” said Laura Shroyer, a registered dietician with the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone. Shroyer says that it’s important to start with “small, obtainable goals,” and she usually encourages clients to focus on which healthy foods they can incorporate rather than which less healthy foods to stay away from. “For example, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water, try a new vegetable every day this week, try a vegetarian meal this week,” Shroyer said. “Specific diets are helpful when the client is interested, and these are tailored based on individual needs.” Generally, Shroyer encourages her clients to keep a log of what they’re eating by using applications such as My Fitness Pal and Lose It or by keeping an old-fashioned food journal for everything they eat. “I always tell my patients it’s never too late to start (losing weight),”

HELPFUL SMART DEVICE APPS My Fitness Pal allows users to search for foods that have already been added to the app with a calorie count and add it to their daily log. The amount of daily calories allotted is based on individuals users’ weight, height, exercise level and weight loss goal. The app also features a daily breakdown of macronutrients such as carbs, fats and proteins. Learn more about My Fitness Pal at www.myﬁtnesspal.com. Lose It! is an app that allows users to log their calories, track their exercise and lose weight. There is also a community aspect to Lose it!, and it’s used to encourage other individuals on their weight loss journey and share one’s progress. To learn more about Lose It, visit www.loseit.com. said Shroyer. “Even the smallest changes can make a big diﬀerence. Research shows that weight loss of just 5 percent of body weight can help improve blood sugar numbers, blood pressure, risk of stroke and heart disease. In terms of exercise: even if you’re going slow, you’re still lapping everyone on the couch.” Additionally, eating healthy can be incorporated into a busy schedule by simply switching side dishes out for something more nutritious. Shroyer works full-time and has a family, and she said, “I’m lucky that my entire family is on-board with making this a priority. “Meal planning is key — trying to get organized for the week and make a meal plan that is easy to prepare is important. I always strive to have at

FILE PHOTO Americans should have ﬁve servings of fruits and vegetables per day, said Laura Shroyer, R.D., L.D.N.

least two nutritious items that I know my family will eat. For example: If I am in a rush it is easy to bake up sweet potatoes, cut up a salad or heat up some frozen veggies to improve the quality of our plate.” Catherine Barry, a licensed occupational therapist and a weight loss specialist of Next Step Health in Boone, says another important step in eating healthy is becoming aware of “what you’re eating, when you’re eating and where they’re eating.” “There are so many ways to change these foods out so you are not eating so much sugar on a regular basis but still enjoy what you are eating. An example might be trading out pasta for zucchini noodles or regular rice for cauliflower rice,” said Barry. “These are available in most grocery stores in the fresh and frozen section.

Try mixing some of each together (i.e. pasta and zucchini noodles). You may soon realize that you actually like these new options and completely switch over. Your body will thank you and you will find more energy and less blood sugar dips after your meals.” Barry often assists her clients in becoming aware of their bad habits surrounding food and encourages them to be more active. “Current research is showing that two predictors of poor health are 1.) too much sugar in the diet and 2.) sedentary lifestyle. There is considerable science behind both of these (i.e. the way in which insulin is produced and used in the body, and the way that exercise improves metabolic performance), but doing something about them must address

underlying causes — in particular, personal habits and new approaches,” said Barry. In Boone, there are helpful restaurant options that highlight the importance of eating right, and one of them is Clean Eatz Boone, a convenient meal planning assistance restaurant owned by Ben Harmon, an Appalachian State University alumnus. “If I’m eating healthy then I can maximize my workouts which, in turn, (will) boost my self confidence in the way that I look and feel,” Harmon said. Clean Eatz’s menu options range in price from $5-$8 per meal, according to Harmon, which is as affordable as fast food, and the store’s clientele “range from older folks who live by themselves to the top performing athletes at Appalachian.”

Clean Eatz also supports the greater Boone population by donating extra meals to local nonprofits that aid the High Country residents who face food insecurity. “I think healthy eating overall has a drastic eﬀect on one’s mental and physical wellness. It has to be a holistic approach,” said Harmon. “You can’t focus on one or the other. Eating poorly and exercising is like putting low grade gas into a Ferrari — you can’t operate at your full potential.” Clean Eatz also oﬀers lifestyle planning to its clients to help them get on the right track, according to Harmon. Clean Eatz can be found at 273 Boone Heights Drive in Boone, and its services and menu can be found online at www. cleaneatz.com/locations/ boone-nc.

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BEST HOSPITAL

Ashe Memorial

BEST MEDICAL PRACTICE

Mount Jefferson Family Medicine BEST PHYSICIAN & BEST MEDICAL DOCTOR

Melinda Wonsick, M.D.

BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER

Cathy Clark, FNP BEST NURSE

Carol Roten

Nationally recognized care, close to home F 77 years, AAshe For h MMemorial i l HHospital it l hhas provided id d th the hihighest h t quality lit medical di l care available il bl tto th the peoplel off AAshe h CCounty, t NNorth th Carolina, C li and surrounding areas. Our board-certiﬁed physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses and staff are members of the High Country community and work diligently to keep our community as healthy as possible with the help of our community partners.

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PHOTO BY BAILEY LITTLE Ashe Orthopedics, located in Jefferson, provides services including joint replacements, fracture care, steroid injections and consultation to optimize bone health in the area.

Support your bones today, they will support you tomorrow BY BAILEY LITTLE

Our bones play an important role in not only serving as the foundation of our bodies and providing protection for our organs, but also in giving us the ability to move. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, some of the common problems patients face include osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and knee pain. Printable PDFs are available that address the most common musculoskeletal conditions and treatments at www.orthoinfo. org under “OrthoInfo Basic Handouts.” Ashe Orthopedics, located at 200 Hospital Avenue in Jeﬀerson, specializes in orthopedic surgery. Dr. Ronald Benfield is an orthopedic surgeon at Ashe Orthopedics and oﬀered some insight into the common problems

TIPS TO MAINTAIN BONE HEALTH Follow these recommendations from the National Institute of Health to make sure your skeleton stays strong: • Get enough calcium • Get enough vitamin D • Exercise frequently, especially weight-bearing activity • avoid alcohol and tobacco that lead patients to his oﬃce. Frequently, his patients come to him for knee pain, which Benfield said comes from overuse syndromes and engaging in unusual activities. Some examples of unusual activities would be adjusting the incline of a treadmill while working out or going for walks for longer distances either uphill or downhill.

dem·o·crat noun

an advocate or supporter of democracy.

According to Benfield, typically knee pain doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications and usually requires a cortisone injection. These shots are commonly injected into joints such as ankles, elbows, hips, knees, shoulders, spines or wrists to relieve pain and inflammation. The rules for maintaining a healthy knee, according to Benfield, would be weight management through a healthy diet and exercise and avoiding unusual activities which may cause bones to perform ranges of movement they are not accustomed to. Another common ailment which lands patients in Benfield’s oﬃce is carpal tunnel syndrome. As defined by the AAOS, the floor and sides of the tunnel are formed by small wrist bones called carpal bones. The carpal tunnel protects the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers and thumb.

According to Benfield, carpal tunnel syndrome comes from a compression of the median nerve in the wrist and is a result of overuse syndrome and hormones such as Estrogen. “The chief symptom is waking at night with numbness and tingling in your fingers,” Benfield said. Other signs include dropping things or experiencing numbness in the fingers while driving or brushing your hair. The treatment would consist of splinting and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and occasional surgery if necessary. “Usually people come see me after its progressed long enough to be a chronic problem,” Benfield said. The best preventative measure would be early detection. It is important to contact an Orthopedic oﬃce when symptoms first arise as opposed to when they have already progressed, according to Benfield.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Taking care of the windows to the soul BY IAN TAYLOR

The windows to the soul, your eyes, are one of the most important parts of the body. Whether you are looking through them or into someone else’s, taking care of your eyes can be an oft-forgotten but important part of life. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a simple eye exam can reveal diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and cancers, among other diseases. An unobstructed view of blood vessels, nerves and connecting tissue, doctors can SEE EYES ON PAGE 12

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH AN EYE EXAM An eye exam is a relatively simple and comfortable procedure, and shouldn’t take more than 45 to 90 minutes. Your eye doctor will check: • Your medical history • Your visual acuity • Your pupils • Your side vision • Your eye movement • Your prescription for corrective lenses • Your eye pressure • The front part of your eye • Your retina and optic nerve

PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR Western Carolina Eye Associates have locations in Boone, Jefferson and Banner Elk. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a simple eye exam can reveal diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, sexually transmitted diseases and cancers, among other diseases.

Make the right move.

Dr. Jones and his family has been taking care of our community for over 115 years.

We welcome the addition of Sebrina Phillips NP-C to our practice.

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Alan Cockerham with Miller Insurance and over 28 years experience offers a full line of Life, Health and Medicare Supplements. Different companies to meet different needs. Medicare Supplements can be applied for at any time of year. There are changes that may be important to you. Please call 336-846-3200 for a one-on-one appointment or email alan@millerinsurance.org downtown West Jefferson.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Hearing loss: A common condition BY ANNA OAKES

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, age-related hearing loss is among the most common conditions affecting older adults: Approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Difficulty hearing can not only be inconvenient or burdensome — it can be dangerous. It can make it hard to understand and follow a doctor’s advice, respond to warnings or hear phones, doorbells or smoke alarms. Most commonly, age-related hearing loss arises from changes in the inner ear as people age, but it can also result from changes in the middle ear, or from complex changes along the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain, according to the NIDCD. Certain medical conditions and medications could also be a factor. Many people who experience hearing loss have a combination of both age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss. The NIDCD advises that noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by long-term exposure to sounds that are either too loud or last too long, damaging the sensory hair cells that allow you to hear. “Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not grow back and your ability to hear is diminished,” the NIDCD states. Conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes can contribute to hearing loss, as well as medications that are toxic to the sensory cells in your ears. Scientists don’t yet know how to prevent age-related hearing loss, the NIDCD says, but you can protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss by protecting your ears from sounds that are too loud and last too long. Potential sources of damaging noises include loud music, firearms, snowmobiles, lawn mowers and leaf blowers. You can

EYES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

use information gathered from a look into the eye as signs of other health problems in the body without surgery. The AAO recommends all adults get a baseline eye exam from an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis of eye diseases and conditions, by age 40. That is when early signs of disease and vision changes may start to occur. If you have an eye disease or a risk factor for developing one, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease, you should see an ophthalmologist even if you are younger than 40. Adults aged 65 and older should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years,

HIGH COUNTRY HEARING PROFESSIONALS Blue Ridge Ear, Nose and Throat • 870 State Farm Road, Suite 101, Boone • 200 Hospital Avenue, Jefferson, third ﬂoor • 436 Hospital Drive, Suite 240, Linville (828) 264-4545 blueridge-ent.com Alps Mountain Affordable Hearing Aid Center 245 New Market Centre, Boone (888) 622-0098 alpsmtnaffordablehearing.com/jeffcline@ alpsmtnhearing.com Beltone Hearing Care Centers • 643 Greenway Road, Suite J-6, Boone • 434 Hospital Drive, Linville • 412 Backstreet, West Jefferson (800) 581-5082 ncbeltone.com Best Value Hearing Care Center • 838 State Farm Road, Boone (828) 330-9834 • 180 Chattyrob Lane, West Jefferson (336) 649-3006 bestvaluehearing.com

HEARING TREATMENTS AND DEVICES Hearing aids are electronic instruments you wear in or behind your ear. They make sounds louder. To ﬁnd the hearing aid that works best for you, you may have to try more than one. Be sure to ask for a trial period with your hearing aid and understand the terms and conditions of the trial period. Work with your hearing aid provider until you are comfortable with putting on and removing the hearing aid, adjusting the volume level and changing the batteries. Cochlear implants are small electronic devices surgically implanted in the inner ear that help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or hard-of-hearing. If your hearing loss is severe, your doctor may recommend a cochlear implant in one or both ears. Bone-anchored hearing systems bypass the ear canal and middle ear, and are designed to use your body’s natural ability to transfer sound through bone conduction. The sound processor picks up sound, converts it into vibrations, and then relays the vibrations through your skull bone to your inner ear. Assistive listening devices include telephone and cell phone amplifying devices, smart phone or tablet “apps” and closed-circuit systems (hearing loop systems) in places of worship, theaters and auditoriums. Lip reading or speech reading is another option that helps people with hearing problems follow conversational speech. People who use this method pay close attention to others when they talk by watching the speaker’s mouth and body movements. Special trainers can help you learn how to lip read or speech read. Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

IMAGE: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS Types of hearing aids are displayed.

protect your ears by avoiding loud noises, reducing the amount of time you’re exposed to loud noise and using ear plugs or ear muﬀs. If you think you have a hearing problem, seek advice from a health care provider. An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat and neck. An otolaryngologist, sometimes called an ENT, will try to find out why you’re having trouble hearing and oﬀer treatment options. He or she may also refer you to another hearing professional, an audiologist. An audiologist has specialized training in identifying and measuring the type and degree of hearing loss. Some audiologists may be licensed to fit hearing aids.

A hearing aid specialist is someone who is licensed by your state to conduct and evalu-

ate basic hearing tests, oﬀer counseling and fit and test hearing aids.

or as recommended by your ophthalmologist. Most importantly, everyone should take steps to take care of their eyes in their day-to-day life, the AAO states. Make these seven habits part of your daily life to set yourself up for a lifetime of seeing well: • Wear sunglasses: (even when it’s cloudy). Long-term exposure to the sun without proper protection can increase the risk of eye disease, including cataract, macular degeneration, growths on the eye and a rare form of eye cancer. Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. • Exercise: Regular physical activity can protect you from serious eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. • Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk for eye diseases such as cataracts

and age-related macular degeneration. Smoking also raises the risk for cardiovascular diseases which can indirectly influence your eye health. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, also makes dry eye worse. • Protect your eyes at work and at play: Every year, thousands of people in the United States get a serious work-related eye injury or sports-related eye injury. Wearing protective eyewear (safety glasses or goggles) can prevent most of these injuries. To make sure you have the right kind of protective eyewear and you’re using it correctly, talk with your eyecare professional. • Be aware of eye fatigue: If you spend a lot of time at the computer or staring at your phone, you may forget to blink — and that can tire out your eyes. Try using the 20–20–20 rule throughout the

day: every 20 minutes, look away from the screens and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. Eye fatigue won’t damage your vision, but if it persists, it can be a sign something else is wrong. • Take proper care of contact lenses: Sleeping, showering and swimming in contact lenses increases your risk for a potentially blinding eye infection. Learn how to properly care for contact lenses. • Know your family history: Certain eye diseases can be inherited. If you have a close relative with macular degeneration, you have a 50 percent chance of developing this condition. A family history of glaucoma increases your glaucoma risk by four to nine times. Talk to family members about their eye conditions. Knowing what vision challenges your family has had can help you and your ophthalmologist evaluate your risk.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Sleep apnea: A condition anyone can get BY THOMAS SHERRILL

While genetic and environmental factors can lead someone to developing sleep apnea, it’s not a condition that is limited to who it can effect, according to West Jefferson dentist Joel Yates. “Anybody can get it,” Yates said. “There are marathon runners in perfect shape that have sleep apnea.” Yates said there’s a stigma that people who suffer from sleep apnea are older, overweight and male. However, the truth is that women and children can develop sleep apnea and sometimes, fitness levels can’t prevent someone from having it. Sleep apnea, according to Yates, is when the body stops breathing during sleep, due to an upper airway blockage. “People with sleep ap-

MORE INFORMATION Common signs of sleep apnea Reduced or absent breathing, known as apnea events Frequent loud snoring Gasping for air during sleep Common symptoms of sleep apnea Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue Decreases in attention, vigilance, concentration, motor skills, and verbal and visuospatial memory Dry mouth or headaches when waking Sexual dysfunction or decreased libido Waking up often during the night to urinate Source: The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

nea can be snoring really loud, then go quiet for 10 seconds,” Yates said. “You might wake up, then gasping for air and act like they’re choking. Having a really dry mouth or sore throat are other symptoms, Yates explained, as well as having tensions in muscles in their neck.” According to the awareness nonprofit The Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea.

While sleep apnea in itself is usually not deadly, it can be a co-factor in other medical issues. It can lead to increase risk of having a heart attack and stroke, due to the heart working multiple times as hard to pump oxygen, Yates explained. Sleep apnea can exacerbate other illnesses, blood sugar levels and the mental health o the individual, Yates said. While there is no true

cure for sleep apnea, it’s possible to manage, Yates said, who recommends seeing a medical provider or dentist. Sleep tests to diagnose sleep apnea can be performed at home, Yates said. “The best thing people can do is have a (continuous positive airway pressure),’ Yates said. “It’s a machine with an air mass that puts pressure is nasal and oral passages so you don’t stop breathing.” Some people can’t tolerate it. In dentistry, we have an oral mouth piece to repositions the mandible while someone is sleeping. There’s also surgical treatments to remove tissue from the back of the throat.” Risk factors to make someone more likely to have sleep apnea include excess weight, smoking or even having a family history of the condition. Daytime tiredness can be a symptom of sleep apnea.

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What you need to know about the ﬂu BY THOMAS SHERRILL

The influenza virus might be different every year, but the dangers it can pose remain the same. “Unfortunately, every year individuals in North Carolina and across the U.S. die due to this serious illness,” said Danielle Mahaffey, chief physician executive for Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Sciences, as of Feb. 8, a total of 75 North Carolinians have died from the flu since Sept. 29, 2019. The infection rate, which has reached more than 6 percent of patients as of Feb. 8, has resulted in school closures in certain districts across North Carolina and Tennessee in recent years, as well as visitor restrictions at local hospitals. “The Influenza (flu) virus is serious because it attacks your respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs) — the system we all need to live,” Mahaffey said. “As your body’s immune system activates to fight the flu, excessive amounts of mucus accumulate in the lungs. The flu virus also slowly breaks down the lining of your respiratory tract, which increases your risk for developing pneumonia.” The flu shot, while not fully preventative, can make a big difference. “While influenza vaccine varies in how well it works, every season influenza vaccines prevent millions of influenza illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths,” the Centers for Disease Control states. The flu shot can be found in most local pharmacies, as well as the regional health department. While influenza is the common term for the flu, the common strains can change every year, meaning one year’s flu shot might be as effective the next, or even later in the season. “The flu virus jumps from person to person, picking up genetic material as it interacts with the human immune system,” Mahaffey said. “As the virus replicates, it changes slightly and new flu strains emerge — sometimes within the same flu season. “ The new strains are not recognized by the human immune system, which is why it is so important that we each get vaccinated each year,” Mahaffey stated. The peak flu season typically runs between December and February in the United States, Mahaffey said, but it doesn’t mean the flu is limited to the winter months. “It is thought that there are many factors that enhance the spread of the virus, including the drier air which allows the virus to live longer indoors and the fact that everyone tends to spend more time inside in closer contact with others,” Mahaffey said. For more information about the flu in North Carolina, visit flu.nc.gov.

FILE PHOTO It’s not too late to get your ﬂu shot.

FLU SYMPTOMS

PHOTO SUBMITTED Yearly 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.

A fever of 100.4F/38C degrees or higher or feeling feverish (not everyone with the ﬂu has a fever) • A cough and/or sore throat • A runny or stuffy nose • Headaches and/or body aches • Chills • Fatigue • Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children) Source: CDC.gov/ﬂu

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Symptoms and signs of strokes BY IAN TAYLOR

A group of states in the Southeast which have shown to have an unusually high incidence of strokes, the “Stroke Belt,” is the epicenter for strokes in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The North Carolina Stroke Association adds to that, grouping North Carolina with South Carolina and Georgia to create the “Stroke Buckle,” where the death rates from strokes are significantly higher. 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 the App Regional, “A stroke, or ‘brain attack,’ occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel

BE FAST To help recognize the signs of strokes, remember “BE FAST.” B — Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination. E — Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes. F — Face: One side of the face droops or is numb. A — Arm: Sudden weakness or numbness of any arm or leg. S — Speech: Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech. T — Time: Call 911 immediately, and note the time the symptoms started. For more information, visit apprhs.org/services/ stroke. breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. Brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. Abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost, i.e. speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is aﬀected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain

WHO TO CALL 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 WMC, call (828) 262-4100. Cannon Memorial Hospital is located at 434 Hospital Drive in Newland. For more information or questions about CMH, call (828) 737-7000. Ashe Memorial Hospital is located at 200 Hospital Avenue in Jefferson. For more information or questions about AMH, call (336) 846-7101. and how much the brain is damaged.” Thankfully, strokes are both preventable and treatable, although people need to know the signs or symptoms of a stroke to help themselves or people around them. Signs of a stroke include sudden loss of balance or coor-

dination, 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 you or a loved one show any of these signs, APPRHS instructs you to call 911 immediately. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has partnered with multiple regional hospitals including the Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital and Ashe Memorial Hospital to provide Telestroke services. 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 and stroke suﬀerers the best possible treatment. To learn more about stroke prevention and healing, visit apprhs.org/ services/stroke.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Fast medical attention, such as that offered by Watauga Medical Center, is key to helping someone who may be having a stroke.

FILE PHOTO Getting to medical facility quickly, such as Ashe Memorial Hospital, is vital when someone is having a stroke.

Fax: 828-264-4436 E-mail: charlie@brinsser.com 136 Furman Rd. Suite 8 Boone NC 28607

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Boone cancer center provides quality care for High Country patients BY KAYLA LASURE

Approximately 569 people were diagnosed with cancer at the Watauga Medical Center from Watauga and five of its surrounding counties from January 2018 to May 2019, according to medical center data. The most common types of cancer that patients enter the Watauga Medical Center’s Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center with is typically breast, colon, lung or prostate, according to the center’s data. “Once people hear the diagnoses with cancer, there’s a fear that comes along with that,” said Debbie Shook, the director of nursing for oncology at the cancer center. “We encourage and allow patients to be part of their care plan, and we work with them to make it happen.” The Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center opened in 1993 and consists of medical oncology and radiation oncology. Shook has worked with Watauga Medical Center for 40 years and has been at the cancer center for the last three. Shook said Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center staff value the personable experience they can offer patients, such as offering 30 minute or hour appointments whereas many other cancer centers only allow for 15-minute appointments. “There can be a feeling of being rushed not only for the patient but for the providers too,” Shook said. “We really get to know the patients. They become our family. As the nurses and patients work together … we know their stories; they know our stories.” Once a patient is diagnosed and enters the cancer center, a “tumor board” will meet in most cases to review a treatment plan, said Anna Sobol — a medical oncologist and hematologist at the cancer center. Sobol — who has been at the center for 10 years — said the team analyzes the pathology and imaging slides, talks about if radiation or chemotherapy is needed, ensures the timeliness of any additional testing and aligns visits in the correct order. “We present, come up with a plan and then execute,” Sobol said. While receiving care at the center, staff are also checking in with patients on their overall well-being. The women explained that through community support with a cancer patient emergency fund, the center can sometimes offer financial support for items like food or gas. Shook and Sobol explained that transportation can sometimes be an issue for patients. Shook said some patients may travel 50 miles one way to get to treatment. Amy Freeman, the cancer registrar and clinical research coordinator, provided the example of if a patient needed radiation every day for 30 days and had to travel a long distance each way, that transportation could get expensive.

PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE Amy Freeman, Debbie Shook and Anna Sobol work at the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center in Boone.

PROJECTED 2020 DATA Data provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services projected the number of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths for 2020. According to the data, projections were estimated using 2013-2017 invasive cancer incidence data, 2014-2018 mortality rates and 2020 N.C. population estimates. Projected for North Carolina: Total new cases: 64,274 Lung/bronchus: 9,375 Female breast: 11,315 Prostate: 7,739 Colon/rectum: 4,838 Total deaths: 21,653 Lung/bronchus: 6,062 Female breast: 1,501 Prostate: 1,065 Colon/rectum: 1,745 Projected for Watauga County: Total new cases: 320 Lung/bronchus: 48 Female breast: 51 Prostate: 40 Colon/rectum: 24 Total deaths: 114 Lung/bronchus: 32 Female breast: 7 Prostate: 6 Colon/rectum: 9 The way cancer impacts each person varies based on the type of cancer itself and personal circumstances. Sobol said some people

may be better equipped to battle the cancer because of family support or assistance through their church. A support system can be key to a patient’s recovery process, Sobol said. Freeman added that the center also oﬀers counseling services with a licensed professional counselor and chaplain. Shook said in order for a patient to be resilient, she encouraged them to talk to a support system through their diagnoses and not to be afraid to ask for help. She also advised patients to remain as physically active as possible while also remaining careful; this would help them feel better through their treatment process. Shook encouraged community members to be proactive in scheduling screening for mammograms, skin checks and colonoscopies. “The earlier you can catch things, the better the outcomes will be and hopefully cancer free longer,” Freeman said. Despite a cancer diagnosis often being scary and sad, the women said the cancer center is often seen as an uplifting place for both patients and providers. “We work with people who are positive and who help patients,” Freeman said. “We work as a team to help them get through this really diﬃcult part in their life. It’s rewarding to see them when they’re cancer or pain free.” All three women explained that a common misconception is that people have to travel

down the mountain or to larger facilities in the state to receive the best care. Sobol said because facilities follow national standards of care, patients don’t have to travel to Duke Cancer Center or UNC Medical Center to receive treatment. Last year, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center obtained technology called the Paxman Scalp Cooling System that aims to prevent hair loss caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. As of August 2019, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center was the only Paxman Scalp Cooling provider within a 250-mile radius, according to the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. The Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center recently renewed its three-year accreditation with the Commission on Cancer — a program of the American College of Surgeons organization. To earn the accreditation, centers must meet 34 standards of quality care, according to the cancer center. Watauga Medical Center also announced that through the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, it formalized a partnership aﬃliation with UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. “The partnership will focus on sharing best practices to ensure patient access and timely care,” according to Watauga Medical Center. “Both entities share a commitment to providing patients with the highest quality specialized cancer care and will work collaboratively for the benefit of patients in the High Country.”

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Explore long-term care insurance Individuals plan for many diﬀerent scenarios: buying a home, putting kids through college and saving for retirement, among them. Quite often the concept of making arrangements for one’s golden years is placed on the back burner. However, that can be an expensive mistake. According to AARP, by the time a person reaches age 65, he or she has a 50-50 chance of needing long-term care at some point in the future. Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older in the United States, does not cover custodial care, which is the primary form of care in nursing homes. Therefore, many people must find alternative ways to finance nursing home and other long-term care options. Those who must pay out-of-pocket spend an average of $85,000 per year on a nursing home in the U.S., and this is often an expense that has not been included in retirement budgets. Long-term care insurance can be the best option to oﬀset the high costs of nursing home and other care in most instances. It helps cover the costs of services that aren’t covered by regular health insurance, namely assistance with routine daily activities like bathing, dressing or getting in and out of bed, advises the financial resource NerdWallet. Such care may be administered at home by a private health aide or in a skilled nursing facility. Most policies also will reimburse for services rendered in an assisted living facility or an adult day care center. According to a study revised in 2016 by the Urban Institute and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, about 14 percent of people age 65 and older will require care for more than five years. Get-

Long-term care insurance can help protect retirement dollars by paying for skilled nursing homes or home health aides.

ting the facts about long-term care insurance can help individuals make important decisions for their futures. • The earlier a person buys a long-term care insurance policy the lower the rates tend to be. The American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance says a 65-year-old couple can typically buy a

policy for $4,800 per year to oﬀer base benefits of $180,000 plus 3 percent inflation growth. That plan price more than doubles if purchased at age 75. • Cost also is based on the maximum amount the policy will pay per day and the number of years the policy will pay. Many policies limit how long or how much they

will pay, some between two and five years, states the Administration on Aging. • Policies require some medical underwriting, so not everyone will qualify. AARP suggests seeking out an independent agent who sells policies from multiple companies rather than a single insurer.

Amazing beneﬁts to seniors having pets Pets bring much joy to the lives they touch. So it should come as no surprise that the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey, which was conducted by the American Pet Products Association, found that about 85 million families in the United States own a pet. In Canada, 7.5 million households are home to companion animals, states the PetBacker blog. Pets oﬀer companionship and unconditional love. While they are fitting for any family, seniors may find that having a pet is especially beneficial. The organization A Place for Mom, which helps match families with senior living residences, says pets provide a comfort system that produces measurable health results. Caring for pets and being around them can produce a chemical chain reaction in the brain that

may help to lower stress hormones while also increasing production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. This is not the only health benefit pets may provide. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, which looked at 1,800 people between the ages of 25 and 64 who had healthy hearts, found that almost half owned a dog. Having a dog was likely to spur heart-healthy behaviors, like exercising with the pet, eating well and having ideal blood sugar levels. Pets also provide emotional support and companionship that can help seniors — including those who may be divorced or widowed — feel more secure and happy. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that, among respondents who had pets, 88 percent said their pets helped them enjoy

life, and 86 percent said their pets made them feel loved. Seniors considering getting a pet can explore the many benefits to doing so. • Reduce pain: A 2012 study published in Pain Magazine found therapy dogs provided “significant reduction in pain and emotional distress for chronic pain patients.” • Feeling of purpose: Caring for an animal not only stimulates physical activity, but it also can give seniors a reason to get up and go, which equates to a feeling of purpose. • Altered focus: Having a pet can help seniors focus on something other than physical or mental health issues and preoccupations about loss or aging, according to New York-based psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld.

• Increased physical activity: Pets require care, and that interaction can get seniors moving more than if they didn’t have a pet. • Improved health: Ongoing research from Harvard Medical School has found dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and lower risk of heart disease than those who don’t own a dog. • Stick to routine: Caring for pets helps seniors maintain a routine. Having structure after retirement can be important to ward oﬀ risk of depression. Staying on top of feeding, grooming and other pet needs also can help prevent cognitive decline. Pets bring many benefits to their owners’ lives, and they may be the perfect remedy for seniors looking for a friend and purpose.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

How biking to work can benefit your overall health Commuting is a fact of life for millions of professionals. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average person in the United States spends 26.1 minutes getting to work, while Statistics Canada notes the average Canadian spends 26.2 minutes getting to the office. Few people enjoy commuting. In fact, a 2004 study published in the journal Science found that female commuters cited commuting as their least satisfying daily activity, ranking it below housework. Perhaps that’s because commuting, whether commuters recognize it or not, tends to have adverse effects on their overall health. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Urban Health found that longer commutes are associated with behavioral patterns that may contribute to obesity and other negative health conditions. Commuters who live close to work can counter some of the negative effects of commuting by cycling to work. Cycling is a healthy activity that the Harvard Medical School notes can help people build muscle and increase

Biking to work may not help people reduce their commute times, but it might make those commutes less taxing on their overall health.

bone density, which naturally decreases with age. And there are additional benefits to cycling to work that might compel some commuters to pedal their way to the oﬃce. • Biking can help you meet

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minimum exercise guidelines. The latest Physical Activity Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic

activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Biking to work can help people meet and exceed those weekly guidelines, providing a strong foundation for a long, healthy life.

• Biking to work can lower your risk of chronic disease. Regular physical activity like cycling can lower your risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Adults who can’t find the time to exercise outside of work may find that exercising during their commutes by biking to work is their best and most effective means to lowering their risk for chronic disease. • Biking to work can improve cognition. The American Heart Association notes that regular physical activity like cycling has been linked to improved cognition, which can positively affect memory, attention and processing speed. • Biking to work may help reduce stress. A 2017 study from researchers at Montreal’s Concordia University attempted to investigate the impact of various commuting modes on workers’ stress levels upon arrival to their workplace. The study found that such levels were lower among cyclists than they were among people who drove or took public transportation to the office.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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Risk of MRSA contraction is high among seniors Bacteria are present all around us, and people and these microorganisms often live together without incident. In fact, there are many bacteria that are helpful to the body. However, there are times when bacteria can be problematic and pose serious health risks. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, widely referred to as “MRSA,” is a Gram-positive coccal bacterium. Seniors are among the most susceptible to MRSA infection because their immune systems are not strong enough to fight oﬀ the illness. MRSA is very common. According to the National Health Service, a United Kingdom-based healthcare system, as many as one in 30 people in the general population are carriers of the bacteria. MRSA is much more common in hospitals and nursing homes. The health resource Geriatric Nursing says an average of one in four nursing home residents harbors the bacteria. A study published in the Journal of Infection showed that more than 40 percent of all cases of MRSA were in patients

Higher rates of MRSA have been found in hospitals and nursing facilities.

aged over 75. It is essential for any senior or family member caring for an older relative to familiarize himself with MRSA. How is MRSA contracted? MRSA often lives harmlessly on the skin, colonized in areas

such as the nose, groin, buttocks, or armpits. MRSA can be passed to another person simply by touching someone who has it, sharing linens or towels or touching surfaces with MRSA on them.

How does infection take root? Oftentimes MRSA will not make a person ill because it is only on the skin and can be washed oﬀ with proper hygiene, or the immune system is strong enough to fight infection. It is when MRSA enters the body that it can pose a problem. People staying in a hospital or a nursing home are at greater risk of MRSA infection because they often have a way for the bacteria to go deeper into the body. Sources include wounds, feeding tubes, urinary catheters or intravenous drips. Likewise, being in close proximity with other people with a high risk for MRSA also increases contraction exponentially. What are the symptoms of MRSA? Symptoms of MRSA infections can include: • chronic wound • rash • headache • general malaise • chest pain • cough • shortness of breath

• fatigue • chills or fever In some instances, MRSA can produce a secondary illness of pneumonia. How is MRSA treated? Aﬀected individuals will be placed in isolation and treated by a course of antibiotics. Sometimes it can take several rounds of antibiotics before treatment is eﬀective. According to experts at Queen Anne Healthcare, a Seattle-based longterm care facility, in serious cases it can take six weeks of antibiotics to produce negative MRSA cultures. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, in many health care facilities, a rise of drug-resistant infections is occurring, and more potent, less common antibiotics are needed. According to the CDC, today about 63 percent of bacteria don’t respond to traditional antibiotics and MRSA in the elderly is becoming a growing problem. A combination of frequent use of antibiotics, a weakened immune system and living in a healthcare setting make seniors susceptible.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Some surprising effects of insufficient sleep Many people wish they could get more sleep. Whether they’re professionals facing the challenges of demanding careers or parents juggling the responsibilities of work and family, many men and women find it difficult to get a full night’s sleep. A restless night here or there likely is not much to worry about. However, a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than one-third of adults in the United States were not getting enough sleep on a regular basis. Routinely failing to get a good night’s rest can have a profound effect on a person’s overall well-being, including some surprising side effects. According to the National Sleep Foundation, insufficient sleep will not make a person sick any more than getting enough sleep will prevent illness. However, the NSF notes that failing to get enough sleep can adversely affect a person’s immune system. That makes people more susceptible to cold or flu. That vulnerability is linked cytokines, a type of protein made by the body that targets infection and inflammation. Cytokines are produced and released during sleep, so without enough sleep, a person won’t produce or release enough cytokines. That can throw off the immune system response, rendering it less effective when confronting colds and the flu. The NSF also notes that vaccines might not be as effective if people are not getting enough sleep. That’s because chronic sleep loss, which refers to prolonged periods of inadequate sleep as opposed to random nights in which shut-eye proved elusive, reduces the body’s ability to respond to viruses like the flu. Even people who have been vaccinated against the flu need their immune systems to

Routinely failing to get a good night’s rest can have a profound effect on a person’s overall well-being.

be operating at full strength to fight the flu. Without adequate sleep, the immune system cannot perform at peak capacity. A heightened risk for diabetes is another surprising side eﬀect

of prolonged periods of insuﬃcient sleep. The online medical resource Healthline.com notes that lack of sleep aﬀects the body’s release of insulin, a hormone responsible for lowering

blood sugar levels. People who do not get enough sleep have high blood sugar levels, which increases their risk for type 2 diabetes. Busy adults often sacrifice

sleep to meet the demands of everyday life. But such sacrifices can produce some surprising side eﬀects that may make men and women reconsider their daily sleep routines.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Mountain Times Publications -

Sleep like a child Many adults lament that even if they were solid sleepers in their younger years, by the age of 50, their quality of sleep has unraveled. Some cling to the wisdom that people simply do not need as much sleep as they get older. Even though that is partly true, suﬃcient sleep is still a vital component of a healthy life. The National Sleep Foundation recently updated its sleep recommendations per age group to include categories “may be appropriate” and “not recommended.” This includes a range of hours that may be adequate for certain adults. Adults between the ages of 26 and 65 are advised to get seven to nine hours of sleep per evening. However, six hours or 10 hours

Adults can learn strategies to get more restorative and lengthy sleep.

also may be acceptable. People older than the age of 65 need roughly seven to eight hours of sleep each night, though between five

and six hours also may be fine. Generally speaking, anything under five hours is not recommended based on data reviewed by sleep

experts. Many older adults do not get enough sleep due to insomnia, states Jack Gardner, MD, a neurolo-

gist certified in sleep medicine. They’re concerned about health issues, may have sleep apnea, can experience pain or frequent urination, or may be taking medication that impedes sleep. Dr. Leila Kheirandish-Gozal, director of clinical sleep research at the University of Chicago, says that, over time, insuﬃcient sleep can impact metabolism, mood, memory and heart function. Various strategies can help people get more sleep and enjoy better sleep quality. • Create a luxury bed environment. Splurge on the largest mattress you can aﬀord and one that is comfortable for both parties (if married/coupled). A roomy bed routinely invites sleep. If you have a restless partner, try two

separate beds pushed against each other. • Consider white noise. The sounds of the house or outdoors may be keeping you up. Many people find that the gentle hum of a fan or a white-noise machine with a calming sound eﬀect makes it easier for them to dose oﬀ than complete quiet. It can also block out extraneous noises. • Keep electronics out of the bedroom. It can be challenging to disconnect from electronics, but it is essential to falling asleep. Even a back-lit text coming through in the wee hours can be enough illumination to disrupt sleep. • See your doctor. If medications or illnesses are keeping you up, a change in regimen may provide the relief you need.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Learning the subtleties of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease The terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s disease” are often used interchangeably. However, the Alzheimer’s Association notes it is important to understand the subtle distinctions that make dementias unique. What is dementia? Dementia is a general term that refers to a decline in mental ability that’s severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily life. There are many types of dementia, which describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning or other thinking skills. Types of dementias can include vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy Body dementia and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, among others. What is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease caused by complex changes in the brain after its cells have been damaged. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. What are the symptoms of dementia? Most types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, aﬀect memory and thinking skills. However, depending on the dementia classification, they manifest themselves in diﬀerent ways. Before doctors can diagnose a type of dementia, they SEE ALZHEIMER’S ON PAGE 25

People with dementia may struggle with short-term memory and everyday tasks like paying bills, cooking for themselves and remembering appointments.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer Cancer claims the lives of millions of people across the globe every year. According to the World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for 8.8 million deaths worldwide in 2015, making it the second leading cause of death across the globe. Though cancer is often fatal, it doesn’t have to be. The WHO notes that cancer mortality can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. When

identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to eﬀective treatment. In addition, the WHO notes that screening is a valuable asset in the fight against cancer, potentially identifying abnormalities suggestive of specific cancers in individuals who have not developed any symptoms. By including cancer screenings in their healthcare regimens, men and women who feel healthy may be able to catch cancer before

it reaches its later stages and/or spreads to other parts of their bodies. One of the characteristics of cancer that make it so formidable is it does not necessarily produce symptoms. For example, in the case of ovarian cancer, in which cancerous cells are found inside, near or on the outer layer of the ovaries, non-specific symptoms, coupled with a lack of early detection tests, make it diﬃcult to detect this

disease that will aﬀect one in 75 women during their lifetimes. In fact, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition notes that only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are caught in the early stages of the disease (stage I or II). The five-year survival rate in those instances is more than 90 percent. However, when ovarian cancer is first detected in SEE OVARIAN ON PAGE 25

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition notes that only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are caught in the early stages of the disease.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Mountain Times Publications -

Make the dentist a fun experience for kids Visits to the dentist for periodic cleanings and checkups are an important component of oral hygiene. Dentists also may be the first people to identify potential issues that can aﬀect health elsewhere in the body. Many people are unaware that children should visit the dentist early in their lives. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist by age 1 or within six months of the eruption of his or her first tooth. However, many parents wait until much later — age 2 or 3 — to take kids to the dentist, according to Delta Dental Plans. Hesitance to visit the dentist may stem from personal fears or perceived reactions by children. Primary teeth may eventually fall out, but they shouldn’t be ignored. They save space for permanent teeth and serve other functions. Therefore, parents should begin to acclimate children to the dentist at a young age to make the experience fun and even enjoyable. Lead by example

Children who witness their parents putting off going to the dentist or being apprehensive about visiting the dentist may develop their own fears. Always paint the dentist in a positive light and keep appointments. Focus on the good aspects Talk up all the benefits of going to the dentist, such as having a squeaky clean and fresh mouth. Many hygienists will hand out small toys after a successful visit, or at the least a great new toothbrush and other fun products to try. Get a tour of the office Ask the staff if your child can get a special tour of the office with explanations of all the tools and equipment. Understanding what to expect the next time around in a no-pressure situation can make the process much easier for everyone involved. The dentist may be able to also give a test ride on the exam chair, moving it up and down, as well as showing off the water fountain and oral irrigator. Avoid giving false

ALZHEIMER’S CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

must see that at least two of the following core mental functions are significantly impaired: • Memory • Communication and language • Ability to focus and pay attention • Reasoning and judgment • Visual perception

OVARIAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

stages III or higher, survival rates can be as low as 28 percent. Because there is no accurate screening test for ovarian cancer, the NOCC advises all women to undergo annual rectal and vaginal pelvic examinations. In addition, the NOCC recom-

Over time, dental visits can become an easy routine with children, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy mouths and teeth.

hope Do not tell a child that “everything will be OK” at the dentist’s oﬃce. If a child needs treatment that

may be uncomfortable, he or she may not trust you the next time a dental visit is scheduled, according to Joel H. Berg, D.D.S., M.S.,

director of the Department of Dentistry at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Avoid words like “shots,” “pain,” “hurt,” or even “cavities.”

Dentists, particularly pediatric dentists, may have their own vocabulary that can assuage fears and seem less alarming to kids.

People with dementia may struggle with short-term memory and everyday tasks like paying bills, cooking for themselves and remembering appointments. Alzheimer’s disease in particular causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Alzheimer’s symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for normal signs of aging. However, the Alzheimer’s Association urges people who notice any of these 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease to

report them to their physicians immediately. • Memory loss that disrupts daily life • Challenges in planning or solving problems • Difficulty completing familiar tasks • Confusion with time or place • Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships • New problems with words in speaking or writing • Misplacing things and losing the abil-

ity to retrace steps • Decreased or poor judgment • Withdrawal from work or social activities • Changes in mood or personality Any changes in memory, communication and cognition should be addressed by a professional. There are subtle distinctions between dementias, and getting a diagnosis right early on can help doctors design an effective treatment plan. Learn more at www.alz.org.

mends that women familiarize themselves with certain signs and symptoms that are often identified by women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include: • Bloating • Pelvic or abdominal pain • Diﬃculty eating or feeling full quickly • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often • Fatigue

• Upset stomach or heartburn • Back pain • Pain during sex • Constipation or menstrual changes If these symptoms are new and persist for more than two weeks, the NOCC advises women to see their physicians as well as a gynecologic oncologist before surgery if cancer is suspected. It’s important to note that the presence of

any of the aforementioned symptoms does not necessarily mean a woman has ovarian cancer. Many of the symptoms may disappear if dietary changes are instituted or after exercise. Laxatives and rest also may cause symptoms to disappear. However, the persistence of any of these symptoms warrants an immediate consultation with a physician. More information about ovarian cancer is available at www.ovarian.org.

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HEALTHY LIFETIMES

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The facts about glaucoma When one’s vision is compromised, his or her whole life can change in the blink of an eye. Many conditions can aﬀect a person’s vision, and one of the more common is glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness across the globe. The global impact of glaucoma is significant. The World Health Organization estimates that 4.5 million people are blind due to glaucoma. In addition, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness notes that some estimates have suggested that there will be approximately 80 million people with glaucoma by 2020. If such estimates prove true, that would mean an additional 20 million cases of glaucoma were diagnosed between 2010 and 2020. Vision loss is often associated with glaucoma. However, the National Eye Institute notes that early detection and treatment can protect the eyes against serious vision loss. That makes it imperative that individuals from all walks of life learn about glaucoma, its risk factors and how to recognize it. What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a term used to describe a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve. When such damage occurs, vision loss and even blindness can result. What is the optic nerve and why does it matter?

More information about glaucoma is available from your eye care provider and at www.nei.nih.gov.

The NEI notes that the optic nerve is a bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that connects the retina to the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that contains cells which are sensitive to light. These cells trigger nerve impulses that pass via the optic nerve to the brain, where visual images are then formed.

Because its role is so significant, the optic nerve must be healthy for good vision. What are the most common types of glaucoma? According to the IAPB, primary open angle glaucoma, or POAG, and primary angle closure glaucoma, or PACG, are the most common types of the condition. POAG

is most common in white Caucasians and black individuals of African origin, while PACG, which is associated with a greater risk of blindness than POAG, is most common in people from southeast Asia. The Glaucoma Research Foundation says that POAG develops slowly and is the most common form of glaucoma and is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals that produces increased pressure on the eye. PACG, which the GRF notes is quick to develop, results when the drainage canals are blocked, resulting in a sudden rise in intraocular pressure. What are the symptoms of glaucoma? Because POAG develops slowly, its symptoms often go unnoticed. Symptoms of PACG, however, are often very noticeable and may include severe and sudden eye pain; blurred vision; bright halos appearing around objects; eye redness, tenderness, and hardness; and nausea and vomiting. Can glaucoma be treated? While there is no cure for glaucoma and vision lost to it cannot be restored, the NEI notes that treatment for early-stage POAG can eﬀectively delay progression of the disease. More information about glaucoma is available at www.nei.nih.gov.

Dentistry for the Entire Family!

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

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4 ways to treat joint pain ... without surgery BY COURTESY OF WAKE FOREST BAPTIST HEALTH ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Many of us who suﬀer from chronic joint pain prefer to either postpone surgery or avoid it altogether. Fortunately, there are nonsurgical ways to improve joint health and regain an active lifestyle:

GET MOVING If your joints ache, the last thing you may want to do is exercise. But movement is one of the best remedies for joint pain. Here are some joint-friendly activities that can boost strength and improve your mood: • Low-impact activities like walking, cycling and swimming • Exercises that strengthen the muscles around your hips and knees • Core-strengthening exercises • Light weight training, yoga and Pilates If you do require surgery ... ... You will likely use assistive devices such as a cane or walker for a short period of time afterwards while your lower body recovers. Strengthening and conditioning your upper body beforehand can make it easier for you to use these devices.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT Weight issues not only contribute to

chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, but it can also contribute to joint pain. Every additional pound on our bodies is the equivalent of roughly four pounds of pressure on our hips and knees. The good news is that this math also works in reverse. Losing just 10 pounds can reduce 40 pounds of pressure on your joints! Lose weight quickly and safely ... ... Has your doctor told you to lose weight before a joint replacement? If so, it’s important to have the right medical team supporting you every step of the way. Wake Forest Baptist Health’s Pre-Hab Weight Loss plan is designed to safely accelerate weight loss, allowing you to qualify for orthopaedic surgery. Learn more: Call (336( 716-6099.

Did you know ... ... 1lb. in weight = 4 lbs. in pressure on your hips and knees.

FOCUS ON NUTRITION Healthy eating can reduce joint pain by decreasing inflammation in the body. Consider: • A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables, with a balance of lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. • Taking supplements such as multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3s. (Check with your doctor first to find which ones are best for you.) Go for color: The pigments that provide color to fruits and vegetables are powerful

antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body. Fill your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as: • Greens: Dark leafy greens, broccoli, green peppers • Reds: Berries, tomatoes, eggplants • Yellows/Oranges: red/yellow/ orange peppers • White: Cauliflower Optimize Your Omega-3s ... ... • Incorporate 3-4 oz. servings of fish high in Omega-3 twice a week for the most benefit • Use walnut oil and vinegar as a salad dressing • Add chopped almonds to oatmeal • Cook with olive oil instead of butter.

AT-HOME CARE There are things you can do at home to tend to or limit joint pain: • Use braces (e.g. a knee brace) • Apply ice packs to joints after activities and in the evening • Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aleve, Advil, Motrin) For more help in managing your joint pain, call (336) 716-WAKE (9253) and schedule an appointment with one of our Orthopaedic experts, or visit WakeHealth. edu/Orthopaedics to find a location near you.

How mattresses aﬀect sleep quality People make many renovations around their homes to improve their quality of life. When attention turns to the bedroom, some changes can greatly aﬀect quality of sleep. The temperature of the bedroom, its configuration and lighting can impact a person’s ability to get a good night’s sleep. However, the item that may bear the most influence is the mattress. The Better Sleep Council says whether one wakes up feeling rested and healthy depends largely on the age of a mattress and its condition. A good mattress should alleviate pressure on joints while providing bodily support. It should not be a contributor to aches and pains. Mattresses that are seven years or older may need to be replaced. A century or two ago, mattresses were constructed of whatever people had on hand — from feathers to pine needles to straw. That’s all changed today. But even though there are many options, it’s key for people to discover which material is right for them.

to the mattress shopping resource The Sleep Judge, memory foam mattresses may eventually replace innerspring mattresses. Famous for its ability to contour to the shape of the user’s body, memory foam envelops a person and absorbs energy. This means there’s less motion transfer. That’s a big plus when sleeping with a partner who moves around in bed. Memory foam provides a high level of pressure point relief and promotes proper spine alignment.

GEL FOAM Gel foam mattresses bounce back to their original form when pressure is released. Hollow columns in the mattress allow for increased air flow that improves this pressure release and enables people to sleep coolly and comfortably. Sometimes gel is paired with memory foam for a hybrid mattress.

LATEX

INNERSPRING

Purchasing a new mattress can lead to better sleep. This is a bedroom renovation worth pursuing.

Innerspring (also called coil) mattresses have been around for some time. These metal springs provide internal support. The number of coils, types of coils and distribution pattern throughout the mattress impacts how well the bed will conform to

the body. These mattresses may be best for back or stomach sleepers due to their level of support. Keep in mind that innerspring mattresses may have limited durability and may

start to sag after just a few years.

MEMORY FOAM Memory foam mattresses are relatively recent additions to the market. According

Latex mattresses are coveted due to their durability and comfort. Latex also conforms to the body, but more generally than memory foam, so it bounces back quickly. One of the biggest draws to latex mattresses is how natural they are. Latex is made from natural rubber. Cost can be prohibitive, however, as latex mattresses tend to be expensive.

HEALTHY LIFETIMES

28 - Mountain Times Publications

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

they gave me my life back Garrett Costanzo

care for life For 15 years, Garrett Costanzo dealt with shoulder pain that eluded diagnosis and forced him to leave the Navy. The hand and shoulder specialists at Wake Forest Baptist Health found what others had missed — Garrett had shattered his shoulder socket years earlier. Our surgeons rebuilt his socket, and Garrett is back doing things he missed for years. Says Garrett, “They gave me my life back.” HAND / WRIST / ELBOW / SHOULDER Same- and next-day appointments often available at over 25 locations throughout the area.

ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE 888-716-WAKE | WakeHealth.edu/Orthopaedics ACCEPTING MOST MAJOR INSURANCE PROVIDERS.