October • November 2018 ourhealthlynchburg.com
These are the
Decades of their
Lives
Volunteers DELIVER
OF
MESSAGES
HOPE
FIVE TIPS TO
EAT SMART
DURING THE HOLIDAYS
CLOSE ARE WE TO CURE FOR CANCER?
HOW A
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FEATURES
OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2018
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LIKE SANDS THROUGH THE HOURGLASS, THESE ARE THE DECADES OF THEIR LIVES A survival guide to women’s health in each decade of life.
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HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO A CURE FOR CANCER?
JOIN THE
If there’s one word that possesses a life of its own, it’s ‘cancer.’ Most of us know someone who has been impacted in some way by this dreaded diagnosis and it’s a word no one wants to say aloud because of its terrifying implications.
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5 TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Write us, tweet us, or tag us today! #OurHealthLynchburg
To help you stay on track with your nutritional goals during the holidays, consider these tips from the American Heart Association.
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DEPARTMENTS OCTOBER • NOVEMBER 2018
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The Pulse | People. Places. News to Know.
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Calendar | Things to Do in Lynchburg & Southside during October and
36 October 1-5, 2018 is National Primary Care Week Access HealthCare
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Health Scene | Happenings. Who’s Who. Trending.
40 November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month: Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg
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November for your Mind, Body and Soul
Healthy Observations | Educate. Eradicate. Victory.
7th Annual Face the Forest 5K Obstacle Course Run
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Volunteer Spotlight | Heroes. Champions. Community Minded.
58 Food and Fitness | Nutrition. Exercise. Prevention. 61
Rhudy Camper’s Weekly Devotions Bring Joy to Seniors in Local Retirement Communities
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Q&A on Health | Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
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Health A-Z | Insight. Awareness. Mindfulness for the Whole Family. 53 Five Ways to Maximize Family Time During Cancer Treatment: Five family coping tips inspired by Charlottesville-based journalist, Tim Wendel's book “Cancer Crossings: A Brother, His Doctors and the Quest to Cure Childhood Leukemia.”
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Smart, Healthy Holiday Recipes: To help you stay on track with your nutritional goals during the holidays, consider these tips from the AHA.
Funny Bone | Spot the Seven Differences
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october • november 2018
PUBLISHER PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING MANAGER CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
McClintic Media, Inc. Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com Jennifer Hungate Laura Bower Karrie Pridemore Tori Meador Watts Creative Studio
CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS
Kathleen Forst Putnam, WHNP-BC, PhD Christopher Williams, MD Sharon Sprague Leah Hinkle, MD Cheryl Rakes, PT Tyler Manee, CPO, MSPO
CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL EXPERTS & WRITERS
Brandy Centolanza Tina Joyce Jennifer Lamont Stephen McClintic Jr. Michelle McLees Katherine Paljua Tim Wendel
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Cindy Trujillo | Senior Media Consultant P: 434.907.5255 | cindy@ourhealthvirginia.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are $19.95 per year. To receive OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside via U.S. Mail, please contact Jenny Hungate at jenny@ourhealthvirginia.com
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COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS We welcome your feedback. Please send all comments and/or questions to the following: U.S. Mail: McClintic Media, Inc., ATTN: Steve McClintic, Jr., President/ Publisher/Editor: 303 S. Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Ext. 1 Information in all print editions of OurHealth and on all OurHealth websites (websites listed below) and social media updates and emails is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical or health advice of an individual’s physician or healthcare provider as it relates to individual situations. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF YOUR DOCTOR. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner knowledgeable in treating that particular condition. The publisher does not directly or indirectly dispense medical advice and does not assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves. The publisher has taken reasonable precaution in preparing this publication, however, the publisher does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright © 2018 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. OurHealth Lynchburg/Southside is published bi-monthly • Special editions are also published • McClintic Media, Inc. • 303 S. Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483. MAIN: ourhealthvirginia.com | ourhealthroanokenrv.com | ourhealthlynchburg.com | ourhealthrichmond.com | ourhealthcharlottesville.com | Advertising rates upon request.
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The Pulse
INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS
News and Notes Free Clinic of Central Virginia Celebrates 15-Year Partnership with VCU School of Dentistry The Free Clinic of Central Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry celebrated their 15 years of partnership at a Dental Program Reception on Thursday, August 23rd at the Free Clinic location at 1016 Main Street. The event included remarks by David Sarrett, DMD, Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry, and recognition of VCU adjunct faculty appointments for the Dentist Mentors that volunteer at the Free Clinic. Fifteen years ago, the Free Clinic of Central Virginia became the first of now 16 Service-Learning sites. The VCU School of Dentistry clinical service-learning program works with interested friends of the school to develop collaborative clinical service-learning sites that allow their senior dental and dental hygiene students to participate in community-based and private-practice clinical experiences. The clinical service-learning experiences provide opportunities to continue the development and integration of skills and professional judgment required of the entry-level practitioner in a real-world dental practice environment.
Since 1987, the Free Clinic Dental Services Program has provided essential dental services to lowincome uninsured or underinsured adults. Using a Dental Mentor model, they provide dental services to patients who do not have dental insurance, or whose dental insurance does not cover the medically necessary service they are requesting. In the Dental Mentor Model, services are primarily provided by fourth-year dental students and dental hygiene students from Virginia Commonwealth University and Howard University, under
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Seated: Dr. David Sarrett, Dean of the VCU School of Dentistry; Kim Isringhausen, Asst Dean; Christina Delzingaro, Free Clinic CEO; Gus Petticolas, DDS; Wynn Burtner, Dental Clinic Coordinator | Second row: Carol Birce; Malissa Thomasson; Ryan Anderson, DDS; Daniel Grabeel, DDS; Ashley Milstead; Richard Zuchini, DDS; Joshua Binder, DDS | Third Row: Steve Hatch, DDS; John Salmon, DDS; Raj Guraya, DMD; John Dean, DDS; Keith Austin, DDS; Lewis Arthur, DDS; Dustin Reynolds, DDS; James Peery, DDS; Ronald Hendricksen, DDS; Lee Saunders, DDS; Daniel Savage, DDS
the supervision and direction of 24 volunteer dentists who act as Dental Mentor/Professors. Last year, 166 dental students and dental hygiene students donated a total of 7,077 hours of service. Evening clinics are staffed by volunteer dentists. The total value of volunteer dentist and dental student time last year was over $298,000. In 2017, the Free Clinic of Central Virginia provided 4,714 dental visits to 1,877 unduplicated patients at a value of $1,414,200. The dedication of hundreds of volunteer healthcare providers who give of their time enables every $1 raised to be the equivalent of $6 in necessary goods and services. For more information, visit www.freeclinicva.org.
The Pulse • NEWS TO KNOW
News and Notes New NICU Pods Will Combat Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Centra's Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital (CVBH) recently opened four new pods to help babies who are born exposed to opioids or other substances. Each pod is a quiet, partitioned area within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where a mother and baby can bond, and the baby can be kept calm to avoid overstimulation. This addition to the NICU was funded by Children's Miracle Network.
Centra NICU manager Larry Lilley says that up to 35 percent of babies in the NICU at CVBH are born exposed to opioids and will go through neonatal abstinence syndrome. As a result of the national opioid crisis, the addiction rate of newborns has quadrupled over the past five years. "You need to keep in mind that this problem is not going away,” Lilley says. “That's why most hospitals are looking down the road to see what we can do to continue to do this better."
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Centra Women and Children's Services’ perinatal outreach manager Shannon Miles explains, "Part of the initiative is to have these neonatal pods that are available so moms can be at the bedside with their infants, they can hold their infants, do skin to skin, breastfeed if they want to, pump if they need to, and have privacy. They will have the lights down for dimness, have quiet time — all these things that a baby who might experience neonatal abstinence will need." For more information, visit www.centrahealth.com.
Openings, Expansions, Relocations and Mergers Lifestyle Fitness & Training Opens Use of its HydroWorx® Training and Rehabilitation Pool to Non-Members Lifestyle Fitness & Training is a membership-based fitness and training facility located in Forest. While access to its services is limited to its members, the facility has recently announced its HydroWorx® training and therapy pool is now available to the general public, including to physical therapists and athletic trainers who wish to use the pool for their patients to provide them with a more advanced recovery. The HydroWorx® pool is an underwater treadmill used to assist in the rehabilitation from orthopedic injuries, relief from back pain and pressure and hydro-fitness training. Lifestyle Fitness & Training is the only facility in the local area that offers access to a HydroWorx® pool to the general public. HydroWorx® sessions are booked in ½ hour increments and can be scheduled with or without a physical therapist or personal trainer. To inquire about availability of the pool, call 434.385.4900 or go to www. lifestylefitnessandtraining.com/contact. For more information, visit www.lifestylefitnessandtraining.com. www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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The Pulse
• NEWS TO KNOW
News and Notes Centra Introduces New Electronic Medical Record System and Patient Portal Centra is now partnering with Cerner, an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) company, to provide its EMR system. The new EMR system went live on September 1st. In addition to the new EMR, Centra has introduced a newly enhanced, user-friendly patient portal with improved functionality. The patient portal retains its same name of HealthyU. The optimized portal allows patients to stay connected with their healthcare team and access their personal medical information online anytime. The patient portal can be used to: • View visit summaries and lab and radiology and pathology results from past and current visits • Request medication refills • Request and change appointments • Send messages to your care team* • Access educational information about upcoming procedures • Connect to a site where you can pay your bill
to create a new account with the new system. Users may do so by requesting an invitation from their provider when they check in for an office or hospital visit or by self-enrolling on the Centra website. An email address will be required to create an account. It is important that patients verify their personal information, including their e-mail address, when they visit their provider or the hospital. Inaccurate information can delay access to records.
Patients that already have a HealthyU portal account will still need
For more information, visit www.centrahealth.com.
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*If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.
The Pulse • NEWS TO KNOW
Openings and Mergers Medical Associates of Central Virginia Announces Merger with CVFP Medical Associates of Central Virginia has announced it will merge with Central Virginia Family Physicians (CVFP) Medical Group effective January 1, 2019 to become Lynchburg’s largest family practice and internal medicine group. The two practices will provide services under one name – CVFP Medical Group – and Medical Associates will remain at its current location of 2215 Landover Place in Lynchburg. “The blending of these two independent groups combines and strengthens our resources in the field of primary care for the Greater Lynchburg area,” says Thomas Eppes, MD, President of CVFP Medical Group. “We are committed to healthcare excellence with a clear strategy of providing high quality healthcare services to patients in a cost effective way.”
Kaitlyn Altizer, PA-C
OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com
Joel Eggleston, PT, DPT Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Forest | 434.525.4581 www.racva.com
Jashoman Banerjee, MD Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Center of Virginia, PLC Winchester | 866.540.5190 www.rmscva.com
April Giles, FNP
Centra Medical Group PrimeCare East Danville | 434.791.2612 www.centrahealth.com
Karen Burnham, MD
OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com
Beth Doyle
Executive Vice President Centra Foundation Lynchburg | 434.200.4790 www.centrahealth.com/ foundation
Kimberly Jordan, PA-C
Riley Latham, DO
Katie Morris, PT, DPT
Drew Pociluyko, PT, DPT
Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com
CVFP New London Forest | 434.534.6868 www.cvfp.net
For more information, visit www.collaborativehp.com.
Pramote Malasitt, MD
OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com
Giovanni Montague-Sneed
Commonwealth Senior Living Charlottesville 434.465.6180 www.commonwealthsl.com
Geriatric Clinic Specialist Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Brookneal | 434.376.2008 www.racva.com
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Forest Brook | 434.338.1186 www.racva.com
For More of The Pulse Visit: ourhealthlynchburg.com Victor Ratajczak, MD
OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com
Michael Rowland, MD Centra Medical Group – Altavista Altavista | 434.309.1165 www.centrahealth.com
Do you have health-related news to share for The Pulse? Send to Stephen McClintic Jr. via email at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com.
www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
CALENDAR
INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS
10.3 PUTTING KIDS FIRST: OUR
FINEST OPPORTUNITY TO TRANSFORM FUTURE GENERATIONS
This annual Community Resource Conference specifically designed for community educators, social workers, human services and health and wellness professionals provides an invaluable, full day of training geared toward identifying opportunities to transform the way we care for and educate our children. Sponsored by HumanKind, a non-profit human services organization that has been serving children and families for more than a century, the conference introduces new insights from developmental neuroscience, pediatric psychiatry and educational psychology to help best prepare tomorrow’s generation so they may realize optimal physical, mental and emotional health.
$50 (includes lunch) | 8 am – 4 pm The Kirkley Hotel & Conference Center 2900 Candlers Mountain Road, Lynchburg More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ community-resource-conference-2018
10.11: LADIES NIGHT OUT: CAMPFIRE COOKING
Ladies, this night is for you! Learn different methods of fire building and put your new knowledge to the test by cooking a delicious trail meal over a campfire. Cooking equipment, ingredients, recipes, and instructions will be provided. Just bring your appetite and reusable plate, utensils and cup. Dress for the weather. Register by 10/9. Ages 18+.
$5 | 6:30 pm – 8 pm | Riverside Park Gazebo 2238 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ campfire-cooking
10.9:
MEDICARE
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Whether you are new to Medicare or just interested in recent changes, Betty Brickhouse from the Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living will share current information to help you make the informed decisions that are right for you. Register by 10/8. Ages 50+.
Free | 10:30 am – 11:30 am Templeton Senior Center 225 Wiggington Road, Lynchburg More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ medicare-q-and-a
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DINING FOR THE DAWSON INN WITH CHEFS WHO CARE Enjoy an evening of tasty cuisine prepared by local professional chefs who will each feature their own specialty, all in the name of a great cause to benefit Centra’s Rosemary & George Dawson Inn. The Dawson Inn is a non-profit hospitality house that provides affordable lodging for patients and/ or their family members who are receiving medical care at one of Centra’s facilities. Attendees will be able to sample the prepared dishes and cast their vote for their favorite chef! $55 | 6 pm – 8:30 pm Academy Center of the Arts 600 Main Street, Lynchburg More information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ dining-for-dawson
Calendar • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER
10.20:
28TH ANNUAL
DR. JOHN A. STEPHENSON MEMORIAL YOUTH RUN
Join hundreds of youth runners for the 28th Annual Dr. John A. Stephenson Memorial Youth Run, presented by Lynchburg Road Runners. Open to children ages one to 13, this fun-filled trek ranging from 1/8 mile to one mile consists of gently rolling courses winding through Riverside Park on Rivermont Avenue. Proceeds benefit Reach Out and Read, a non-profit organization that trains and supports medical providers who give books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud at well-child exams.
$10 | 9 am – 11 am | Riverside Park 2238 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/28th-annual-run
10.27 11th Annual
I AM WOMAN 5K RUN & WALK
Come out to participate in Lynchburg’s only event exclusively for women and enjoy a fun Halloween themed walk/run event for all the local ladies! Register by October 16th to snag a moisture-wicking t-shirt. Each runner will be entered to win door prize drawings. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network. Local sponsors include Centra Women & Children’s Services, Genworth, and Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia. $25 - $35 | 8 am – 10 am Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center 1701 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg More information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ i-am-woman-2018 www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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Calendar
• OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
11.14:
11.1:
Q&A with the Doc-umentary
Enjoy a special viewing of the feature documentary film, Forks Over Knives, which examines the profound claim that most, if not all degenerative diseases can be controlled by the food we eat. Following the film, Teddy Brose, MD, a family practice specialist with Central Virginia Family Physicians who specializes in evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle medicine to prevent, treat and reverse chronic diseases, will be available to answer any questions the audience may have about nutrition.
SPINAL SCREENINGS Do you feel like you’ve been in a health slump lately? Enjoy lunch with Joey Arthur, DC, a local chiropractor with Lynchburg Chiropractic Center, as he discusses common health problems and how participants can take charge of their own health. Lunch is included. Register by 11/12.
Free | Noon – 1 pm Miller Center – Community Room 102 301 Grove Street, Lynchburg 24501 More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ spinal-screenings
Free | 6 pm - 8 pm | Miller Center – Theater Room 205 301 Grove Street, Lynchburg 24501 More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ forks-over-knives
11.3 4TH ANNUAL CASA SUPERHERO RUN 5K RUN/ WALK AND CHILDREN’S FUN RUN
Show your superior support for children by participating in this year’s CASA Superhero 5K and 1 Mile Children’s Fun and Children’s Fun Run to benefit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The 5K and one-mile Children’s Fun Run follow a flat, fast course along Percival’s Island Trail, which will be professionally chip timed by Riverside Runners. All 5K participants will receive a t-shirt, swag bag, and surprise at the finish line while the one-mile kid runners will receive a cape, swag bag, medal, and snack bag.
$10 - $40 | 9 am – 12 noon Percival’s Island Trail 1600 Concord Turnpike, Lynchburg More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/4th-annual-casa superhero-run/ 16
11.15: ENHANCING
QUALITY OF LIFE IN DEMENTIA CARE CONFERENCE
Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this full-day conference brings together health professionals and families to learn a person-directed approach to caring for those living with this dreaded disease. For information about scholarships for family caregivers or persons with a diagnosis, contact Ellen Phipps at 434.270.0539. CEUs can be purchased on the day of the event. PLUS: A professional pre-conference seminar on Practice Recommendations for Long Term Care will be held on Wednesday, 11/14 from 1 pm – 4 pm at the Holiday Inn Roanoke – Valley View.
$85 - $95 ($35 for those actively providing care for a family member with dementia) | 8:30 am – 4 pm Holiday Inn Roanoke – Valley View 3315 Ordway Drive, Roanoke More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/alz-annual-conference
11.17:
DANCING WITH THE LYNCHBURG STARS
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia (BBBSCVA) invite you to attend the 8th Annual Dancing with the Lynchburg Stars, a can’t miss event where local celebrities and their professional dance partners and choreographers will take center stage to celebrate the theme Dancing Through the Decades…a STEP back in Time. All proceeds benefit BBBSCVA’s mentoring programs that serve Lynchburg and the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell.
$75 individual ticket & $150 per couple 7 pm – 11 pm Academy Center of the Arts 600 Main Street, Lynchburg More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/dancing-lynchburg-stars
SAVE THE DATE!
12.1:
SUNDAY’S CHILD DINNER AND THEATRE EVENT
Whether you are a history buff, an avid tennis supporter or a medical professional, we know you will enjoy the original play Sunday’s Child by Jennifer Petticolas. In honor of the Johnson Health Center’s 20th year, the play commemorates the life of Dr. Robert ‘Whirlwind’ Johnson, highlighting his work in the medical field, his tennis endeavors and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his personal life. The event includes dinner, a drink ticket, and special viewing of the original play. Proceeds for the event will benefit both the Johnson Health Center and The Whirlwind Johnson Foundation.
$100 | 6 pm – 9 pm Academy Center of the Arts 600 Main Street, Lynchburg More Information: w www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ sundays-child www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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Health Scene HAPPENINGS • WHO’S WHO • TRENDING
7TH ANNUAL
words | STEPHEN McCLINTIC, JR. photos | WATTS CREATIVE STUDIOS
FACE THE FOREST 5K OBSTACLE COURSE RUN On Saturday, August 18th, more than 600 participants ranging in ages from 5 to 67 gathered on the grounds at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest to put their abilities to the test – from running through hills, dales and woodlands to climbing walls, balancing teeter totters, flipping tires and trenching through the mud – all in the name of two great causes. Supporting the YMCA of Central Virginia’s Annual Campaign and Children’s Programming at Poplar Forest – both of which provides outreach, financial assistance, youth and family programming and many other resources for the community – this year’s Face the Forest 5K Obstacle Course Run raised more than $17,000, with proceeds split evenly between the organizations. Through its three locations in Lynchburg – Downtown, Jamerson and Express – the YMCA of Central Virginia is dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, it has been committed to creating a stronger, healthier and more connected community for everyone. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest offers an historic approach to learning through educational efforts including on-site field trips for younger students and accredited courses for advanced learners to promote the continued discovery of Jefferson’s vision, accurately telling the too-often ignored stories of enslaved people and to bring focus to the history and culture of the Revolutionary War.
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Health Scene www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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VOLUNTEER
Spotlight HEROES • CHAMPIONS • COMMUNITY-MINDED
HIS
WEEKLY DEVOTIONS
BRING JOY
TO SENIORS IN LOCAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES words | KATHARINE PALJUG
Rhudy Camper never intended to become the head of Beulah Baptist Church’s Senior Care Facility Ministry. “I kind of inherited it,” says the chatty southern gentleman. “I had a friend that was involved and asked me if I would like to help out, and I thought, well, I guess I can.” Now, Camper coordinates a program that sends regular volunteers to four senior care facilities around the Lynchburg area: Lynchburg Health and Rehab, The Williams Home, Curis at Lynchburg and Guggenheimer. Through devotions, music and their simple presence, Camper and his team are reaching out to people that are too often overlooked.
Creating a Volunteer Culture The ministry began as extra hands in nursing facilities, with volunteers showing up to sit with residents or help push wheelchairs between rooms. But when Camper talked about his work at Beulah Baptist, more than one resident asked him to do a devotion for the facility.
“Many older people in retirement communities who don’t have family and friends nearby don’t get visitors as often,” says Camper. “They especially enjoy our company. It helps them feel more connected.” That’s where organizations like Beulah’s Senior Care Facility Ministry come in.
“If one person gets something out of what I’m saying, that makes it worth it.”
“I kind of like public speaking,” Camper admits with a laugh. “I never saw a microphone I didn't like.” So he led a devotional one week — and the residents asked for more. “The people enjoy coming for a devotional service,” says Camper. “They appreciate that we’re always there. When I miss a Sunday, they want to know where I was.”
The senior care facility ministry out of Beulah now consists of Camper and three other devotional leaders, as well as music volunteers ranging in age from 17 to over 65. Camper hopes the number of volunteers will grow as they reach out to more nursing facilities. Their work is especially important given the rising number of seniors in long-term care.
The State of Senior Care By 2050 nearly 20 million people in the U.S. will be over 85. And while surveys conducted by AARP and the Department of Health 20
show that the majority of people want to live at home as they age, for many that becomes impossible. Health problems, lack of nearby family and friends and the cost of home care mean that many seniors require care in long term care facilities. In 2012, 13 percent of people over age 85 were living in nursing homes, and that number is climbing.
OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Doing What You Can Volunteers in retirement communities can create a sense of community that is a vital part of healthy aging. Regardless of the activity, a connection to the world outside their facility improves residents’ mental and emotional well-being.
“You're not always going to have a meeting room full of attentive people,” he explains. “But my position is, if one person gets something out of what I'm saying, that makes it worth it.” Camper encourages his other volunteers to adopt a “do what you can” attitude. “For the music, for example, if you can just play one finger on the keyboard, that's all you need. They're not listening for Liberace... they just want music.” Connecting with the residents is so rewarding, Camper says, that he can’t see himself stopping anytime soon. “It's so very fulfilling,” he says. “There are a lot of things I can't do. But I can do this.”
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Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
Should I be concerned about my vaginal odor? Most women experience vaginal odor during their lifetime. It is commonly caused by a condition called bacterial vaginosis, which is a type of vaginal infection. Sometimes, poor hygiene can be the culprit. Rarely, a forgotten, or “retained” tampon or foreign object can cause vaginal odor. Women may also notice an odor during or after their menstrual period or after intercourse.
Infertility is the inability to conceive after attempting for more than
12
MONTHS.
If you are younger than 35, it is a shorter duration attempting to conceive for at least six months.
There are over-the-counter (OTC) powders, sprays or douches marketed as feminine hygiene products that are used by women suffering from vaginal odor, but these products often only mask or can even worsen the underlying cause rather than correctly addressing and curing it. If you are concerned with vaginal odor, it’s best to speak with your physician or provider. Kathleen Forst Putnam, WHNP-BC, PhD
Lynchburg Gynecology Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 www.lynchburggynecology.com
How do I know when it’s time to see a fertility specialist? In general, if you are younger than age 35, the definition of infertility is the inability to conceive after attempting for more than 12 months, while if you are over 35, it is a shorter duration – attempting to conceive for at least six months. Most of our patients have tried to conceive for a reasonable period of time before seeking help. Contrary to popular belief, you can schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist whenever you would like. You do not need a referral from your primary doctor to schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist, which is also known as a reproductive endocrinologist, and you do not have to attempted to conceive for a certain period of time. We are happy to meet with couples for preconceptional counseling, particularly when there are any concerns or medical issues for either partner that may be important to alleviate first before trying to conceive. A good example is when a female has an obvious medical issue that is expected to cause problems conceiving, such as irregular menstrual periods or polycystic ovary syndrome. Christopher Williams, MD
Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Center of Virginia, PLC Charlottesville | 434.654.8520 www.rmscva.com
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
What are some of areas in the home that can develop a build-up of mold or bacteria and often go untreated? Oftentimes, the exhaust vent in the bathroom is overlooked, because it is usually located in the ceiling. Moisture and dust can combine to block the vents. Each time the bathroom is cleaned (weekly), the vent should be dusted. Several times a year, the vent should be opened, and the fan should be wiped clean with a multipurpose cleaning solution. Cleaning underneath the kitchen sink and bathroom sink is also often neglected. Moisture can accumulate without being seen causing a build up of dust. Heat/air conditioning return vents are often overlooked, as well. Once a month, the vent covers should be opened and cleaned with a vacuum cleaner and/or wiped down with a cloth or soft brush. If the vent cover is heavily soiled, it can be taken outside and cleaned with a hose. Lastly, air filters should be changed once a month or more depending on the type of filter. Sharon Sprague, owner
Merry Maids of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.363.3344 www.merrymaids.com/locations/va/ lynchburg/
Q A ON HEALTH • Knowledge
www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
After surgery like knee replacement,
patients are typically less mobile, putting them at risk for developing
BLOOD CLOTS in the legs. This condition is also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What is Estimated Average Glucose, or eAG? In patients with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, we use two different ways to determine blood glucose control. Many patients monitor their blood glucose levels daily at home using a glucose meter (glucometer). Periodically, they see their physician or provider to have a test called an HgbA1c (also known as hemoglobin A1c or A1c) performed. This test provides an average of a patient's blood glucose level over the past three months. The Estimated Average Glucose, or eAG, is a newer term for describing the correlation between an HgbA1c number and actual blood glucose numbers. It helps patients to better understand their level of diabetes control. For example: an HgbA1c result of 6.5 percent, which represents good diabetes control, means that the patient's eAG is about 140 mg/dL, as measured on a glucometer. An HgbA1c of 8 percent represents an eAG of 183 mg/dL, which is moderate control while an HgbA1c of 11 percent represents an eAG of around 269 mg/dL, meaning that for the last three months, the patient's blood glucose averaged 269 mg/dL, signaling poor diabetes control. Leah Hinkle, MD
CVFP Medical Group Forest | 434.525.6964 www.cvfp.net
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I just had knee replacement surgery and my doctor ordered me to wear compression stockings to improve my circulation. How long do I need to wear them? After surgery like knee replacement, patients are typically less mobile. This puts them at risk for developing blood clots in the legs – a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – because the muscles are not pumping blood and fluid through the legs as efficiently. Compression stockings are like long socks worn on legs with the primary role being to reduce the risk of developing blood clots. Physical therapists follow the protocols of individual surgeons, but generally compression stockings are worn for approximately two weeks following knee replacement. By this time, the surgical swelling in the leg is decreasing and the patient is significantly more mobile as a result of physical therapy through leg exercises and increased walking. Increased use of the muscles decreases the risk of blood clots developing and thus the need for compression stockings, however, always check with your physician or provider before discontinuing use of compression stockings. Cheryl Rakes, PT
Interim Healthcare Danville | 434.836.4686 www.interimhealthcare.com
How has 3D printing affected the prosthetics profession and what is the potential for the future? 3D printing has been in the prosthetic field since the 1970s, but has only become part of the average prosthetist’s toolbox in the last three-five years. Companies like E-nable, Additive O&P, Standard Cyborg, and Create 3D are making 3D-printed prostheses available to patients and clinicians. While established for upper limb prostheses for children, use of 3D printing in lower limb prostheses for socket production is still new. Clinics employing this technology, however, are finding it to be less expensive, more repeatable, and more time efficient than traditional methods, speeding up and increasing the quality of care they can provide to their patients. As material and printer technology advances further, the future may allow for same-day fabrication of definitive sockets, a significant decrease from the current standard five-to-ten day turnaround. The compact nature of 3D printers also lends itself to mobile prosthesis production, which will benefit patients in remote areas and developing countries. Tyler Manee, CPO, MSPO
Virginia Prosthetics & Orthotics 888.366.8287 www.virginiaprosthetics.com
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words | JENNIFER LAMONT
Each new stage of a woman’s life brings new
a survival guide to women’s health in each decade
adventures, unique challenges and health concerns— made even more interesting by hormonal shifts, mood swings and the magical quest to find permanent youth and beauty. You don’t need your grandmother to tell you that your health changes as you grow older. But change it does. This guide to women’s health gives insight into some of the top health issues women are concerned with during each decade of life.
Forever 21! Ah, sorry. No. your
20s
You’re in your 20s. Life is good. Your collagen hasn’t started to betray you yet and your skin glows no matter how many hours you spend partying. You can eat and eat, and then eat some more, with few consequences. It may not feel like it at times, but you have more energy than you will ever have. If only you could bottle it for later...
The choices you make in your 20s shape your health and body during your later years. The younger you are, the less you tend to care about this fact. But if 55-Year-Old Future You could travel back to chat with 21-Year-Old You now, you don’t want her whining about her aching joints, age spots and expanding waistline the whole time, do you? Ugh, so not your problem.
Health A-Z
• WOMEN'S HEALTH
Taking care of your health seems like an idea best left for the ‘olds’ to worry about. You usually don’t have chronic health issues to face in your 20s, but there are two health issues that are especially concerning for women in your age group.
Love the Skin You’re In…Now After all, you live in it. Taking care of your skin at this age means more than washing your makeup off at night. (Which is a must, by the way.) While getting natural sunlight is important for your health, protecting yourself against sun damage helps prevent both aging and skin cancer. According to a 2015 report in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, melanoma is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in their 20s. The good news is that skin cancer is treatable when caught early. You should get a yearly skin screening by a physician, and perform self-checks, especially if you like to tan. Taking care of your skin keeps you safer—and younger-looking for longer. Girls in ancient Britain believed that carrying an acorn in their pocket kept them young because of the oak tree’s long lifespan. You don’t have to do that, unless you want to. There are other ways to effectively preserve your stores of collagen and elastin.
To get dermatologist-recommended skincare tips that will keep your skin beautiful, healthy and youngerlooking, visit ourhealthvirginia.com/va/women/ skincare-tips.
It Only Takes One Time
While getting
Your early 20’s is the time when your libido is raging and your brain’s risk-taking amygdala is still trying to run the show after your angsty teen years. That’s why taking care of your sexual health now lays the foundation for your long-term health.
natural sunlight is important for your health, PROTECTING
YOURSELF AGAINST SUN DAMAGE helps prevent both
AGING AND SKIN CANCER.
Of the 19 million new STD infections occurring each year, nearly half of them are in those ages 24 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Doctors are saying that herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus) and chlamydia are rampant. HPV and chlamydia also have the added bonus of being asymptomatic, which means you or your partner can have it and not know it.
of the 19 MILLION
NEW STD INFECTIONS occurring each year,
NEARLY HALF ARE AGES
24
AND YOUNGER
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Left untreated, sexually transmitted diseases can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, cervical cancer, HIV and unwanted pregnancies—all of which affect your long-term health.
Visit ourhealthvirginia.com/va/women/sex-smart to get SEX-SMART TIPS and to find out which must-have tests you need in every decade, BUT ESPECIALLY IN YOUR 20S. As you roll in your 30s, your libido and other things may slow down a bit. The one you’ll care about the most is your metabolism. You could eat anything in your 20s. Now, not so much.
Health A-Z •
Nothing Tastes as Good as Being Thin Feels… in Your 30s
30s
It becomes slightly harder to maintain a healthy weight in this decade as you juggle life and work responsibilities. It can feel impossible to shed the extra pounds that begin to creep up on you. That’s probably why women in the 19th century resorted to completely absurd measures to lose weight. Some of them swallowed arsenic to speed up their metabolism. Even in tiny amounts, it wasn’t a safe practice. Others swallowed tapeworms in a capsule. Yes, tapeworms. The ‘theory’ was that the tapeworm cysts would reach maturity inside the intestines and absorb extra food. Blech. There are healthier and more effective ways to go about losing weight in your 30s which don’t involve ingesting poisons or parasites.
Visit ourhealthvirginia.com/ va/women/weight-loss-tips get research-backed tips for losing weight and THE SURPRISING LINK BETWEEN YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR WEIGHT. After your roaring 20s and during the slowdown of your 30s when things are hopefully a bit more stable, Women—Continued on page 31
Women: These are the Decades of Our Lives
your
Health A-Z
30
• WOMEN'S HEALTH
OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Health A-Z
Women—continued from page 29
• Women: These are the Decades of Our Lives
your 40s are when things get a bit, well, crazy. That’s really the only way to describe the hormonal roller coaster that is perimenopause and menopause.
your
40s
You’re on Fire! And Not in a Good Way! The Fiery 40s.
You’re burning up, sweating and then freezing. And then the cycle repeats. This can happen a few times a week or multiple times a day. As cycles become irregular, women in their 40s suffer from hot flashes that can be mild or severe, lasting up to 10 infuriating minutes at a time. They can wake you up from a deep sleep and be triggered by stress, eating, caffeine, heat, spicy foods and… anything really. Extreme fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone create such an imbalance that estrogen levels in a perimenopausal woman can be higher than a younger woman’s levels. For many women, this is a rough time for trying to stay in balance. As estrogen also gradually declines, you lose bladder tone, natural lubrication and have increased urinary tract infections, night sweats and emotional symptoms. It’s a delicate balancing act to try and stabilize symptoms. Getting your hormones tested can help, but, because they fluctuate on an hourly basis, it can be hard to stabilize your hormones even with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). On the other hand, natural remedies may help, but the closer you get to actual menopause, the more severe your symptoms may become.
Visit ourhealthvirginia.com/ va/women/menopause to get expert lifestyle tips that will HELP YOU TRANSITION THROUGH THIS EXCEPTIONALLY HAIRY TIME. www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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Health A-Z
• WOMEN'S HEALTH
DIABETES and other symptoms of
METABOLIC SYNDROME INCLUDE:
LARGE WAIST, ELEVATED BLOOD PRESSURE AND TRIGLYCERIDES, HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS AND GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE these are the most important risk factors for heart attacks in women at an earlier age.
Getting your hormones tested can provide a snapshot of whether you may be approaching menopause. Your provider should test your thyroid hormones as well. Because hypothyroidism increases in frequency as women age into their 40s, researchers believe it may be connected to high levels of estrogen during this time. Research shows that too much estrogen can prevent the thyroid hormone from getting to where it needs to go and from converting to its active form. The American Thyroid Association estimates that one in eight women will develop a thyroid condition in her lifetime. Getting a comprehensive look at both thyroid and sex hormones will help you discover what is actually happening. Unfortunately, it could be both a thyroid problem and menopausal symptoms. If you reach the other side of menopause with your sanity intact, your 50s can be downright freeing. They’re certainly calmer. No more menstrual cycle or fear of pregnancy. No more mood swings. And remember when 55-Year-Old You visited 21-Year-Old You? She’ll thank you for all the times you put down the donuts, went for a walk and ate avocado. Because her heart and blood sugar will be better for it.
Your 50s is Not for the Faint of Heart As you age, you lose some of your natural defenses against both heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. But you can prevent these conditions, even in your 50s. Both heart disease and diabetes are easily the most dangerous conditions facing women in your this decade, but also the most preventable.
50s DO YOU KNOW
YOUR
NUMBERS?
They’re also intricately related. According to Harvard Medical School, diabetes and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome—large waist, elevated blood pressure and triglycerides, high blood glucose levels and glucose intolerance—are the most important risk factor for heart attacks in women at an earlier age. And your 50s is early. Heart disease may not abruptly present itself until later but it’s already starting now.
Visit ourhealthvirginia.com/va/women/heart-healthy-numbers to FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HEART-HEALTHY NUMBERS SHOULD LOOK LIKE. 32
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Health A-Z •
During this decade, it’s extremely important to know your numbers. In a study conducted by the American Heart Association, half of the women knew that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, but only 13 percent of them were worried about it. For younger women in their 50s, it’s dangerous to think it can’t happen to you.
Women: These are the Decades of Our Lives
Because women in this age group tend to dismiss symptoms that aren’t easily recognized as heart attack symptoms, they die more than men of the same age who have typical pain and shortness of breath. Research shows women also die of diabetes more than men because it hits them harder during menopause. Taking healthy steps—literally—will help prevent heart disease and diabetes. Walking and exercise, along with a healthy diet, are modest changes that have the most significant impact on reducing new cardiac and diabetes cases. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable and eating a hearthealthy diet gives your body more of a fighting chance as you get older. Moving into your 60s and golden years doesn’t mean you have to lose your health. Seniors today are staying more active than ever, and it’s helping them stay sharp.
It’s Not the Years in Your Life, It’s the Life in Your Years While some of your ‘circuitry’ starts to burn out a little during this time, your your brain continues to grow new cells well into your 60s. Even though it may not seem possible because you’re always forgetting why you walked into the kitchen, it’s a fabulous fact that you’re not done yet. Continued neurogenesis in our brain helps us with the capacity to learn new things. In our recent “Guide to Successful Aging Well Into Your 90s,” we talked about the importance of learning new, challenging skills and having fun socially while doing it. As an integral part of “successful aging,” keeping our minds active with more than crosswords is key to maintaining our cognitive abilities.
60s
While women have greater resilience to age-related cognitive impairment than men, according to research, a woman’s hormones can affect her cognition. But there are differences between age-related, normal memory loss and cognitive decline. If you can’t find your keys because you left them in the freezer by accident, that’s actually normal. If you continue to leave them in the freezer, that may be MCI (mild cognitive impairment), or the beginning of Alzheimer’s.
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Health A-Z
• WOMEN'S HEALTH
Although many people in their 60s fear they’re getting Alzheimer’s Disease because they’re forgetful, many things are indicative of normal aging, and not dementia. Do you know the difference between normal forgetfulness and signs of dementia?
Is it normal forgetfulness or is there something more serious going on? Visit ourhealthvirginia.com/va/ women/forgetfulness to find out.
It’s Never Too Early… or Too Late Whether your 25, 45 or 65, you have unique health concerns depending on which decade you’re in. If you’re older, you’ve probably often reflected with a sigh, “If only I knew then what I know now…” And if you’re younger, you’re probably thinking you have all the time in the world. But each decade builds on the previous. You can mitigate the health concerns you do face by being proactive at every age. Know your numbers and the screenings you need in each decade of your life. Live a healthy lifestyle so you can transition smoothly from one decade to the next without wanting to go back and slap that 20-Year-Old.
For a comprehensive list of the screenings you should get during each decade, visit ourhealthvirginia.com/va/ women/screenings.
Sources hh hh hh hh hh hh hh
www.skincheck.org/Page1.php www.cdc.gov/std/stats/default.htm www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3153870/ www.menopause.org/ www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/gender-matters-heart-diseaserisk-in-women www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/bone-health-andheart-health/diabetes-hits-women-hard-at-menopause-beat-it-back www.nia.nih.gov/news/age-related-cognitive-decline-women-are-moreresilient-men
ON THE WEB
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ASK THE EXPERT
SARA KALTREIDER, MD
OCULOPLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON EYELID & FACIAL AESTHETICS 630 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 140 | Charlottesville c 434.244.8610 | w www.eyelidandfacialaesthetics.com
How Do I Reverse My Facial Aging? The natural aging changes of the face appear with varying signs, severity and speed. Some of us are bothered by evidence of aging more than others. Thanks to technology, advances in surgery and cosmeceuticals, we have many options to reverse some of these changes and maintain our rejuvenated appearance. Often a combination of treatments work far better than any one treatment alone. Consultation with an expert will provide the best options for you and guide you in choosing treatments with the “best bang for the beauty buck”.
What are Causes of Drooping Eyelids? Several factors may lead to drooping of the upper eyelids – such as: hereditary hooding, natural aging process, thinning and decreased elasticity of the skin, drooping of heavy brow tissue, loosening of the levator muscle, hard contact lens wear, past trauma or eye surgery, chronic eyelid rubbing, allergies with swelling and muscle deterioration. Treatment consists of repairing the anatomy by correcting the levator muscle position, removal of excessive hooding, and/or lifting the eyebrow position. Reduction or contouring of the fat pads provides additional aesthetic enhancement. Lower eyelid rejuvenation involves reducing or repositioning the fat pads and tightening the skin by removal or preferably the use of laser technology. Several approaches are used depending on the surgeon preference and patient anatomy. A transconjunctival approach avoids a visible incision and minimizes risk of retraction.
How Do I Rejuvenate My Aging Skin and Extend the Results oof Rejuvenating Procedures? There are many wonderful ways—both surgical and noninvasive—to rejuvenate facial and eyelid skin thanks to advances in technology. Once you have experienced your youthful facial and eyelid skin, you most likely want to preserve and extend your bright and lovely appearance. Your skin would appreciate the following care: gentle cleansing, hydration, nutrition and protection. Find products that you like and will use faithfully. Components of skin care products vary but you don’t always have to seek out the most expensive brands to find what you need. Look for certain key ingredients on the labels: antioxidants (Vitamin A-C-E, green tea polyphenols, Co-Q10, hyaluronic acid); humectants (hyaluronate, glycerin, sodium PCA, essential mineral complexes); and sunscreen (zinc oxide, antioxidants). The way to keep a youthful glow is to take care of your skin with gentle products, use sunscreen, don’t smoke and avoid traumatizing your skin by rubbing, particularly the eyelids. See your dermatologist for specific skin conditions and suggestions.
How Do I Find the Best Surgeon for My Aesthetic Goals? This is not always easy! You must have a certain level of trust and sometimes it comes down to a “gut feeling”. Start with these questions: What is the surgeon’s level of experience and training? What is the surgeon’s specific area of expertise for your goals? Do you have friends or family who have had similar procedures who you can ask about their experience? Can you access preliminary information on the internet or a physician website? Have you had complications from previous procedures and need someone who is experienced with revisions? Are you interested in possible surgical procedures as well as lasers? Much of this type of information may be found online. One great resource to check is www.RealSelf.com. It’s a forum for cosmetic patients and surgeons to exchange information on procedures, results, reviews and overall experience. Next you need to connect with your potential surgeon for a consultation. Learn about your options, risks and benefits, recovery, down time, expectations for results, accessibility of the surgeon if there are unexpected problems and any other questions that arise. Don’t leave without the satisfaction of having all your questions answered. Look out for red flags like feeling hurried, pressured or uneasy. It is less costly to go find another opinion than it is to have surgery and then be disappointed with your surgeon or the results.
HEALTHY OBSERVATIONS
Primary Role
Providing Personalized Patient Care words |TINA JOYCE
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) spearheads National Primary Care Week every October. The goal of the AMSA is to foster relationships among future physicians through education and advocacy to highlight the growing need for primary care physicians and to emphasize the important role of this specialty in the community.
Primary Care Makes Navigating the Complicated Health System Easier
209,000 physicians in the U.S. practice An estimated
primary care, caring
for a population of more than 325 million people. Yet, of roughly 18,000
U.S.
medical graduates every year, only 25 percent go into primary care.
Primary care is generally considered to include medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathy (DOs), nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) practicing in the specialties of internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics. These medical professionals are known by many descriptions, including primary care physician, primary care provider, personal physician and PCP, but the most important and often preferred one is simple and straightforward: your doctor. Primary care physicians and providers serve on the front lines of healthcare. For many, they are a patient’s first point of contact with the healthcare system. They are regularly the first to see depression, early signs of cancer or chronic disease and other conditions. Primary care physicians and providers help make navigating the complicated healthcare system easier, making sure patients receive the right care, in the right setting and by the most appropriate medical expert. They help patients put their best foot forward toward better health, staying right behind them every step of the way.
Accessing Primary Care Providers for Non-Emergency Health Needs Helps Overcome Other Challenges One of the continued concerns in healthcare is the high number of people accessing emergency rooms (ERs) for non-emergency care instead of a primary care physician or provider. This creates several challenges including, but certainly not limited to, over extending the resources in ERs as well as contributing to the rising costs of healthcare. In fact, a recent study found that nearly 60 percent of a patient’s problems that can be addressed by a primary care physician or provider instead of in the ER could result in a savings of 320-720 percent. Educating the public to use the ER and urgent care facilities appropriately helps the healthcare system as a whole, including reinforcing the purpose and value that primary care alternatively offers for the better. “Patients need to understand the importance of continuity of care and having a primary care physician to serve as a single point of contact to take care of long-term needs,” explains Andrew Pieleck, DO with Access HealthCare in Forest. “The most important role of a primary care physician or provider is to listen and empower patients with options.”
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NATIONAL PRIMARY CARE WEEK OCTOBER 1st-5th 2018
ACCESS HEALTHCARE
AT-A-GLANCE
Dr. Pieleck and David Smith, MD, also of Access HealthCare, often accommodate same day appointments if needed as well as offer office hours to 6 pm each weekday, which helps combat the perception that access is easier at the ER.
Primary Care Allows for Improved Management of Chronic Illnesses and Conditions Primary care physicians and providers play a vital role in patients’ long-term care because they know or have access to their medical history. This is particularly important when managing chronic illnesses or conditions. Additional important benefits of primary care include:
p
2103 Graves Mill Road Forest, VA
c d w
434.316.7199 434.316.6185 access-healthcare.net MEDICAL PROVIDERS: Andrew Pieleck, DO David Smith, MD
It provides a place to which patients can bring a wide range of health problems for appropriate attention – a place in which patients can expect, in most instances, that their problems will be resolved.
SERVICES:
It guides patients through the health system, including appropriate referrals for services from other health professionals.
MAJOR INSURANCES ACCEPTED: Aetna, Aetna/
It facilitates an ongoing relationship between patients and clinicians and fosters participation by patients in decision-making about their health and their own care.
It provides opportunities for disease prevention and health promotion as well as early detection of problems.
It helps build bridges between personal healthcare services and patients' families and communities that can assist in meeting the health needs of the patient.
Primary Care Can Help Prevent Premature Deaths
Family Medicine and Sports Medicine
Coventry, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Piedmont Community Health Plan, Tricare, United Health Care, VA Medicaid* and Virginia Premier* *Not accepting new patients
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday- Friday: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Through routine check-ups alone, primary care can potentially prevent serious problems from developing. Adults in the U.S. who have a primary care provider have 19 percent lower odds of premature death than those who only see specialists for their care, according to The Commonwealth Fund.
Championing Primary Care Involves Everyone Championing what primary care stands for and provides for so many is what initiatives like National Primary Care Week aim to do each October. But it shouldn’t stop there. Patients and the healthcare industry as a whole all can play a role in supporting primary care professionals www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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HEALTHY OBSERVATIONS
Diagnosing and treating problems early, which often occurs during annual check-ups, is less costly to a patient than treating severe or advanced illnesses that
•
National Primary Care Week
to give them the voice they have earned and deserve. Because increasing awareness about the tremendous value this specialty provides patients and the fulfilling rewards it offers medical professionals who choose to practice it is more important now than ever.
Access HealthCare Physician Team Andrew Pieleck, DO with Access HealthCare is board certified in both Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a Lynchburg native who graduated from Heritage High School. Dr. Pieleck has been in practice since 2013 and acquired Access Healthcare in 2018.
require a referral to a consulting specialist.
David Smith, MD with Access HealthCare is board certified in Family Medicine and has practiced in Forest since 1981. He founded Access HealthCare in 2000.
If primary care physicians
or providers were the first health professionals accessed for care, it would
save the U.S. an estimated $67 billion annually, according to the Annals of Family Medicine.
Sources hh hh hh hh hh hh
www.access-healthcare.net www.amsa.org/events/npcw/ www.annfammed.org www.commonwealthfund.org www.nap.edu www.primarycareprogress.org
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lth
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1 8 S I LV E R
Local health. Anywhere you go. OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside magazine our community’s only resource entirely dedicated to delivering information about local healthcare services and healthy living topics. Pick up our print edition at more than 400 locations throughout the area or get the digital edition by visiting ourhealthlynchburg.com.
HEALTHY OBSERVATIONS
Gentle Reminders
words | TINA JOYCE
Listening to the same story…again.
Searching for an important, misplaced item…again. Looking into the eyes of a loved one, only to find a blank stare in return…again. Caregivers of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease find these to be common, daily occurrences.
The Start of a Silent Disease
It is estimated that
18.4 billion hours of care
were given to Alzheimer’s patients last year.
Symptoms of the unforgiving and silent disease are mild and often unnoticeable at first. Gradually, forgetfulness increases then crucial memory of procedures and processes slips until it’s no longer safe to be left alone.
Support for Every Person Affected by Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease is recognized in the month of November to raise awareness of the 5.7 million Americans suffering from the heart wrenching disease. Those who promote National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month hope to increase understanding of the symptoms and misconceptions and offer support to those affected. Alzheimer’s disease impacts most American families in some way. National fundraising efforts not only go toward researching cures and improving care for those battling the disease, but also to increasing funding for financial and emotional support of caregivers. Those suffering in the late stages of Alzheimer’s require 24-7 attention, making care extremely difficult for families trying to provide assistance themselves.
Dementia Described Dementia is a degenerative brain disorder, which may affect both short-term and longterm memory, depending on the type. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of progressive dementia, damaging and killing brain cells. 40
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NATIONAL ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH NOVEMBER 2018
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, but most healthcare professionals agree it is caused by a combination of factors, different for each person, including heredity, age, environment, and lifestyle.
Seek Care When Symptoms First Show While there is no cure, early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving. Therefore, it is vital to seek professional advice when early symptoms first appear.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s may include: • Repeating stories or requests • Forgetting important appointments or events • Repeatedly misplacing items or placing them in unconventional places • Losing sense of direction or getting lost in familiar places • Having difficulty expressing thoughts • Forgetting the names of familiar people
As symptoms worsen over time, sufferers may withdraw from social settings, wander aimlessly in their neighborhoods, begin to distrust others, or become apathetic or aggressive.
WESTMINSTER CANTERBURY LYNCHBURG
AT-A-GLANCE p c d w
501 V.E.S. Road | Lynchburg, VA 800.962.3520 | 434.386.3500 434.386.3535 www.wclynchburg.org RESIDENCES AND HEALTH SERVICES INDEPENDENT LIVING RESIDENCES: apartments and cottages available in 25 different floor plans to fit residents’ lifestyles along with access to all of Westminster Canterbury’s amenities and services as residents need them. REHABILITATION AND THERAPY SERVICES: short-term rehabilitation and therapy services including physical, occupational and speech therapy available to residents of greater Lynchburg and Central Virginia in addition to Westminster Canterbury’s residents. ASSISTED LIVING: the independence residents desire to continue fulfilling life combined with the support of medical care services. MEMORY SUPPORT: competent, quality professional care combined with a uniquely designed Memory Support neighborhood provides a wonderful, warm environment with open living spaces and secured outdoor areas complete with music and many activities tailored to meeting residents’ interests.
HOMECARE AND HOSPICE
As Alzheimer’s Progresses Patients may often revert back to memories or skills learned early in their youth since these abilities are the last to go as the disease progresses. Someone suffering in the late stages of Alzheimer’s may not remember a spouse’s name, but remember dance steps learned as a child.
Discussing Long-Term Care Those who suffer from Alzheimer’s may find it increasingly difficult, even dangerous, to live alone. Confusion and memory loss may lead to getting lost or forgetting to turn off the water or stove. Therefore, families of those who are genetically predisposed to the disease need to have critical conversations about longterm care.
SENIOR INDEPENDENCE: personal care assistance, companionship, light housekeeping and caregiver respite in the comfort of an individual’s own home. SENIOR INDEPENDENCE HOME HEALTH SERVICES: skilled nursing services (RN, LPN, etc.), home health aide services, medication monitoring and administration, physical, occupational and speech therapy services and social work services. HOSPICE: a Hospice team of caring, competent professionals providing comfortable end of life care for loved ones while helping family cope and understand what is happening.
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HEALTHY OBSERVATIONS Additionally, there are several challenges compounded by memory loss—forgetting to take medications, lack of hygiene, or inability to report pain may disguise other health problems, leading to the need for hospitalization. Many assisted living communities also include secure, long-term care amenities. Residents of Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg can seamlessly move from one area to another as their needs change.
Choosing the Right Environment “Environment is very important when a resident transitions to our Memory Support Center,” explains Karyn Rutoskey, RN, BSN, CDP, Director of Quality Improvement and Education. “We recommend and encourage family members to bring the furniture and personal affects—pictures, clothing, bed linens, etc.—that their loved one currently uses in order to promote comfort in a new place. “It’s also important for our caregiver partners to know the resident’s preferences: favorite foods, music they like, pastimes and hobbies they enjoy. Providing a safe environment that supports memories, helps people be at home in their environment.”
Preventing Alzheimer’s There are actions believed to assist in warding off the onset of Alzheimer’s, or at least keep its progressive nature at bay. Choosing a diet rich in fresh produce and low in saturated fats or preservatives keeps hearts healthier but is also believed to lower risks for Alzheimer’s. Staying active, both physically and mentally, provides the strongest evidence against fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Attentiveness to aging loved ones and seeking professional advice early will aid in a timely diagnosis. Consistent mental stimulation and gentle reminders allow a dignified progression for those who continue to suffer. To learn more about Alzheimer’s awareness events in your community: www.alz.org/cwva.
Expert Contributor: Karyn Rutoskey, RN, BSN, CDP, Director of Quality Improvement and Education, Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg
Sources: hh hh hh
www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures www.caregiver.org/alzheimers-disease-caregiving www.mayoclinic.org
ON THE WEB
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17th Annual Education Conference
ENHANCING
Quality of Life
IN DEMENTIA CARE
Register Online Today
GOTO alz.org/crf 1) Search Alzheimer’s Association Programs and Events 2) Click Education Program and add Roanoke, VA 3) Register yourself or your group for the Roanoke Conference and/ or Professionals PreConference. Or call 1-800-272-3900 to register and pay by phone.
A conference that brings together health professionals and families to understand a person-directed approach to caring for those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Thursday, November 15, 2018 | Holiday Inn Valley View 3315 Ordway Dr. NW | Roanoke, VA 24017
FEATURING:
KEITH FARGO, PhD Director of Scientific Programs & Outreach, Alzheimer’s Association
LORETTA VENEY Author & Speaker
MONICA MORENO Senior Director, Care and Support, Alzheimer’s Association
$95 person $85 person group of 5+ $35 family caregiver
Sponsored By:
$20 CEU KAREN GARNER Virginia Advocacy Manager, Alzheimer’s Association
ANDERSON, DESIMONE & GREEN, PC Attorneys at Law
CHRIS DESIMONE Attorney, Anderson Desimone & Green PC
KATE TAMARKIN, PhD Program Coordinator, Hospice of the Piedmont
ANN ASHBY MCKISSICK, RPh, CGP, FASP Consultant Pharmacist
(purchase day of the conference.)
Pre-Conference Workshop for Healthcare Professionals
DEMENTIA PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
A Deep Dive!
Wednesday, November 14 - $45 per person | 1:00pm - 4:00pm
HOW CLOSE ARE WE TO A
CURE FOR
CANCER? words | JENNIFER LAMONT
If there’s one word that possesses a life of its own, it’s ‘cancer.’ Most of us know someone who has been impacted in some way by this dreaded diagnosis and it’s a word no one wants to say aloud because of its terrifying implications. But cancer is no longer the death sentence it used to be. A hundred years ago – even 50 years ago – cancer was often not detected until it was too late. And treatments were generic chemotherapy drugs and harsh radiation. Today, advancements in testing, early diagnosis, treatments and research are diminishing the power of this disease so people are living longer lives with better chances for recovery.
According to the American Association for Cancer Research, the five-year survival rates for all adult cancers combined has increased from 50 to 68 percent since 1976. Some cancers – like breast, prostate and testicular – have five-year survival rates of 100 percent if caught early enough.
People are living longer and having amazing responses from diseases that they wouldn’t have before.” Michael O'Neill, MD Radiation Oncologist with Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center
The numbers for children are even more promising. The five-year survival rates for all cancers combined has increased to nearly 80 percent since 1976, up from 50 percent. In fact, researchers now believe they know what causes most types of childhood leukemia. And they say it’s preventable. In a landmark study published in May 2018 by London’s Institute of Cancer Research, researchers concluded that the most common form of childhood cancer – acute lymphoblastic www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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Health A-Z
• CANCER
Advanced Radiation Techniques: innovations like the Linear Accelerator and 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) couch allow for a high dose of treatment to be delivered to a tumor while limiting exposure to surrounding tissue.
leukemia (ALL) – is caused by a genetic mutation coupled with another surprising cause: a too-clean environment in a child’s first year of life. In other words, children who have this genetic mutation and are not exposed to microbes or other children in infancy have a much greater chance of developing ALL. Researchers say stimulating an infant’s immune system can prevent it.
Researchers are Conquering Cancer Through DNA
It’s one thing to live longer, but it’s another to live well and we’re able to do both in many cases. I’ve seen many people over the last two years that are living much better than we would expect them to, and in a very good capacity. So that makes me very happy.” Stephen Terry, PhD, DABR Director of Physics at Centra
Working with a patient’s individual immune system and their genetic makeup is key in treating cancer successfully, as opposed to focusing on blasting away or cutting out tumors. There is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. Cancer treatments have become highly personalized through genetic testing and immunotherapies. Doctors can now find mutations in the genes of cancer patients that will help them know how the cancer will act and how to best fight it. That combined with immunotherapies and advanced technology are increasing survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients locally. Michael O’Neill, MD, a radiation oncologist at Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center in Lynchburg, says integrating immunotherapy with advanced radiation technology is helping combat cancer even in advanced stages in some patients. “People are living longer and having amazing responses from diseases that they wouldn’t have before,” he says. “It’s one thing to live longer, but it’s another to live well and we’re able to do both in many cases,” he adds. “I’ve seen many people over the last two years that are living much better than we would expect them to, and in a very good capacity. So that makes me very happy.” Immunotherapy works by using a patient’s own immune cells to search out and destroy intruder cells. The treatment can be a vaccine, general immune-boosting support or highly targeted therapies to fight different types of cancers. Researchers and doctors now understand that cancer is not just one disease. It’s many. And it’s good at avoiding detection by the immune system. That’s where immunotherapy excels in combatting the disease. One type uses drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors. They make it impossible for cancer cells to ‘hide’ from the Cancer—continued on page 48
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Health A-Z • How Close are We to a Cure for Cancer?
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Health A-Z
• CANCER
CANCER TREAMENT HAS COME A LONG WAY In the 1940s and 1950s, the only cancer treatment options were a few types of chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors and researchers are beginning to outsmart cancer through:
Genetic testing
Higher quality screenings and earlier detection
Knowledge of how different cancers respond to different types of therapies
Chemoprotective agents to protect against side effects
Targeted immunotherapy and radiation techniques
Nanoparticle technology
Breakthroughs and patient participation in clinical trials
Educating patients on lifestyle factors
Improved doctor-patient communication
Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Cancer—continued from page 46
immune system’s disease-fighting T-cells. Another type, adoptive cell transfer immunotherapy (CAR T-cell therapy) engineers the body’s own T-cells to specifically target cancer cells by collecting and using the patient’s own immune cells. This specialized treatment was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat childhood leukemia and advanced lymphomas in adults.
Two Ways New Technology is Saving Lives The objective in all types of cancer treatments is to preserve healthy, surrounding cells while destroying the cancer cells and minimizing side effects. Doctors are much better at this than they were 40 years ago. For example, Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center is now using advanced radiation techniques to augment other therapies and increase their control over the patient’s cancer. “In radiation therapy, the goal is to get as high a dose to the tumor as you can while limiting the dose to the surrounding tissue,” says Stephen Terry, PhD, DABR, Director of Physics at Centra. One of the biggest innovations in accomplishing this has been to use x-rays to image the patient’s internal anatomy in real time to deliver a highly targeted dose of radiation that minimizes side
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Health A-Z •
effects and damage to healthy cells. These treatments, called image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), position the patient exactly the way their treatment plan calls for, says Dr. Terry. Higher, more accurate doses mean fewer treatments.
How Close are We to a Cure for Cancer?
The use of nanotechnology in clinical trials uses microscopic nanoparticles to hunt down cancer cells and deliver very focused hyperthermic treatment to heat up and destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors without hurting surrounding cells. Alternatively, they can deliver chemotherapy drugs right to the invading cells. Nanotechnology is also being investigated as a delivery system for immunotherapy. Reducing the severity of side effects and damage to surrounding tissues advances a patient’s healing time. Patients today also have more of a say in their treatment, which can improve their outcome. Cancer treatment is in a new era where patients are more engaged in their care and driving progress forward.
No Longer for Guinea Pigs, Clinical Trials Save More Lives According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), more patients are participating in clinical trials than ever before. Donating tissue samples and clinical information, they’re helping design research studies and providing valuable perspectives. This contributes to better care and survival rates for all patients. In fact, as of 2005, 64 percent of U.S. patients diagnosed with cancer lived 10 years beyond diagnosis, compared to 35 percent of those diagnosed in 1975. This number is even higher for many types of cancers. In a clinical trial, doctors test new treatments before they’re available to the public. Whereas it was a ‘guinea pig’ mentality in the past, patients today are actively participating in clinical trials to make a difference in their own care, and for others down the road. Kevin Patel, MD, is the OCM Medical Director and Director of Clinical Trials at Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center. He says clinical trials look at an important clinical question that can later turn out to be practice changing.
The Lynchburg area enrolled the highest number of patients in a VCU clinical trial last year. “We were Kevin Patel, MD OCM Medical Director and Director of Clinical Trials at Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center
very impressed by, and proud of that achievement,” says Dr. Patel. Through several ongoing trials, Centra’s Cancer Center is producing novel approaches for immunotherapies and other cancer drugs, technology and patient care.
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Health A-Z
• CANCER
“We have a dedicated group of clinical trial research nurses and they are very much committed to the cause,” he says. And the more trials, the better. Oncologists can treat patients effectively today because of the trials in the past. For many patients, a clinical trial will be covered by insurance if it involves an already approved standard of care. Other costs get picked up by the drug companies running the trial.
Patients travel to the Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center from all over Virginia for treatment and participation in clinical trials – and because there is a focus on patient needs and education. Following the oncology care model (OCM) designed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Center is vastly improving their patient experience without increasing costs.
“This has really changed the way we have been taking care of our patients,” Dr. Patel says. “I really do believe our patients are feeling the benefits of these different strategies being put together for them.” Measures such as this are integral to helping patients combat their diagnosis.
Is Cancer Preventable? Taking an active role in their own treatment may give patients an immune boost that strengthens their cancer-fighting abilities. But while doctors and researchers have been hot on the heels of groundbreaking cures, new treatments and technologies during the last few decades, the one factor that makes the battle an uphill one is lifestyle.
While the overall cancer rate has dropped by more than 25 percent since 1990, according to the National Cancer Institute, lifestyle habits have gotten worse. Obesity is on the rise with more than 35 percent of the population affected. Associated with several types of cancers including liver, pancreatic, breast, endometrium and bladder cancer, excess weight is linked to higher death rates from all diseases including cancer. 50
OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
DID YOU
• How Close are We to a Cure for Cancer?
Meanwhile, doctors and researchers continue to make life-saving advances in cancer detection and treatments. But lifestyle factors cannot be ignored even in the face of advancements. Researchers now say that up to 40 percent of cancer cases can be prevented with lifestyle improvements.
Health A-Z
There are no guarantees, of course, but the single best thing adults can do to reduce cancer risk is keep a healthy weight and maintain a strong immune system.
KNOW
Managing cancer, or even stopping it before it starts, is much harder if a person
Expert Contributors hh hh hh
is overweight or obese,
Michael O’Neill, MD, radiation oncologist at Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center
smokes, drinks excessive
Kevin Patel, MD, OCM Medical Director and Director of Clinical Trials at Centra’s Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center
amounts of alcohol, eats
Stephen Terry, PhD, DABR, Director of Physics at Centra
an unhealthy diet and doesn’t exercise.
Sources hh hh hh hh hh hh hh
www.aacr.org/AdvocacyPolicy/GovernmentAffairs/Documents/Facts_About_Cancer___9DB83D.pdf www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2553205/ www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics blog.aacr.org/experts-forecast-cancer-research-and-treatment-advances-in-2018/ www.cancer.gov/sites/nano/cancer-nanotechnology/treatment www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/news/20180612/us-obesity-rates-rising-again#1
ON THE WEB
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www.aicr.org/reduce-your-cancer-risk/smoking-and-other-lifestyle-factors/cancer-prevention.html
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Ways to Maximize Family Time During Cancer Treatment words | TIM WENDEL
A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating to any family. Still, when my brother contracted acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the mid-1960s, my parents did a remarkable job of making sure we lived life to fullest. Such an approach can benefit families today. HONEST TALK: It wasn’t that long ago that some people wouldn’t even say the word “cancer” aloud. Instead it was the “C-word” or not even mentioned at all. Adults and even older siblings need to be more open and ready to answer younger ones’ questions, too. STAY ACTIVE AND INVOLVED: Despite Eric’s eight-year battle against ALL, he played ice hockey, touch football and sandlot softball. He sometimes was away from our family, being treated at Roswell Park, one of the top cancer research centers in the country. But when Eric rejoined us, my parents urged him to pick up where he had left off. DON’T BE AFRAID TO LAUGH: My brother briefly wore a wig after losing his hair due to chemotherapy treatments. That lasted until the first family swimming outing when it kept coming off in the swimming pool. When he opted to go without the wig, we applauded his decision. STAY IN THE MOMENT: Concerns about the past and certainly the future can overshadow everything else when a loved one has cancer. That said, try to stay in the moment. Squeeze as much as you can into every single day that you’re together. FIND A COMMON ACTIVITY: In my family’s case, we all learned to sail. I didn’t realize until years later that this was my father’s response to having a son diagnosed with ALL. Under his guidance, we became expert enough to travel across miles of open water on Lake Ontario, repeatedly to the Canadian side. We haven’t sailed as a family in some time, but those crossings and those adventures rank among our favorite times together.
Tim Wendel is a Charlottesville-based journalist and the author of “Cancer Crossings: A Brother, His Doctors and the Quest to Cure Childhood Leukemia.”
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Gracious Retirement Living For Ladies Since 1950!
The Williams Home, Inc.
1201 Langhorne Road | Lynchburg | 434.384.8282 Ext. 5 | www.thewilliamshome.org SERVICES PROVIDED: Independent Living and Assisted Living For Ladies.
Amenities and On-Site Services
The Williams Home offers private rooms only with private bathrooms, Weekly housekeeping/laundry services and cable TV(included in rent), Voice-tovoice emergency call system in bedrooms and baths, Individually controlled heat pumps, Three daily meals served in two elegant dining rooms with snacks offered between meals, A private dining room available for special occasions, Activity Director on staff, R.N. or L.P.N. and Licensed staff on duty 24/7(excludes Independent Living), Medication Administration, Scheduled transportation to/ from local medical appointments(excludes Independent Living), Elevators and handrails, Sitting rooms with televisions, Guest room, Personal in-door mailboxes, Sunroom, Kitchenette and Telephone booth on each floor, Banking and postal services, “Will-Mart” in-house shopping, Library stocked with old favorites and best sellers, Assigned parking, Podiatry care, Quarterly Dietitian, Internet Café with free WI-FI, History room, Relaxation Station, J.L.W. Theatre, Maintenance Director on staff, Conveniently located near two hospitals and other medical facilities and the freedom to come and go as you please.
Our History
The Williams Home, Inc. was founded by James Luther Williams. The once Secretary of the Lynchburg Coca-Cola Bottling Works and then the President of the Depositors Industrial Loan Bank, Mr. Williams provided for the construction and maintenance of a non-profit home for women aged 55 years and older. The residence was completed after World War II and opened its doors in March of 1950.
Monthly Rates ( Effective July 1, 2018 )
Tier 1 - Independent - $1,548 Tier 2 - Minimal Assistance - $1,857 Tier 3 - Moderate Assistance - $3,157 Tier 4 - Additional Services Including Tier 3 - $3,457
THE WILLIAMS HOME, INC. IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PROVIDING A HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT FOR WOMEN WITH CARE, SERVICES AND AMENITIES THAT PROVIDE COMFORT, SECURITY AND FRIENDSHIPS.
What Sets Us Apart
We are Lynchburg’s only retirement home for ladies. Our residents play an essential role in creating a sense of belonging at The Home. You will benefit from our intimate family atmosphere and personalized care and services.
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ASK THE EXPERT
RON FEINMAN, ESQ
ELDER LAW ATTORNEY LAW OFFICES OF RON FEINMAN, ESQ 801 Main Street, Suite 702 | Lynchburg, VA |
c 434.528.0696 | m Ron-work@oneworld.ws
RON FEINMAN, ESQ
What Questions Should I Ask An Estate Planning Attorney?
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan, Especially if I am Not Wealthy?
Deciding early on who will inherit your property or assets is only one aspect of your estate. Healthcare and end-of-life plans can be a difficult conversation to have, especially if you’re trying to figure out your estate and finances on your own. But certain questions are vitally important to discuss. Do your relatives know what kind of end-of-life care you would like to receive? Can you afford long-term care?
Many people feel comfortable with tax planning and don’t think twice about making charitable contributions and IRA contributions to decrease their taxes. Some are less likely, however, to plan their estate or implement asset protection planning for an extended nursing home stay. As such, they are missing an opportunity to pass on as much of their estate as possible.
There are significant benefits of early planning and working closely with an attorney who specializes in estate planning, elder law and asset protection. OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside Magazine spoke with Ron Feinman, an attorney with the Law Offices of Ron Feinman, Esq. in Lynchburg, to learn answers to important questions that every person should know when it comes to estate planning.
While healthcare documents are vitally important for an incapacitating illness and end-of-life issues, asset protection planning helps preserve assets and ensures you have enough money for your own care and (ideally) to pass on to relatives upon your death. With proper planning you can avoid having to ask your children for support during an extended long-term care stay. Regardless of your net worth, you need to have a plan in place for your longterm care and to pass on as much of your estate as possible.
What Items Should Be Included As a Part of My Estate Planning Checklist?
When Should I Plan My Estate?
When you are planning for retirement and then for death, there are multiple documents you should have prepared, including: • Testamentary documents, such as a will and/or a revocable trust • Irrevocable Trusts for Asset Protection or a Special Needs Person • Financial Power of Attorney • Healthcare Power of Attorney • Medical Information release • Living Will An attorney can help advise and properly prepare these documents for you to ensure you and your family is best protected.
Can I Use Online Boilerplate Forms for My Estate Planning? An effective estate plan should not include boilerplate documents as one size does not fit all. With so many legal forms available online, you might be tempted to fill them out and think you’re done. But an online document often does more harm than good. Hidden in the law is a seamless web of overarching principles and doctrines that may impact that document, yielding unexpected results. The average person is unaware of these without the benefit of years of studying and practicing trust and estate law, especially elder law. In addition, a vast array of legal strategies might apply to each person’s situation, and a skilled attorney can help determine which to use depending on the client’s age and life situation.
For healthcare documents, Feinman takes a client through much more specific choices. These highly individualized documents achieve two goals: to give you peace of mind that what you want to happen will happen, and to give your relatives peace of mind that they are doing what you wanted.
Feinman recommends consulting with an attorney specializing in estate planning during the following pivotal times in life: • When you graduate from college and are living on your own • When you get married • When you have children • When you near retirement • When your healthcare needs change Once you reach retirement age, it is important to work with an attorney who specializes in elder law and has experience planning for end-of-life issues. Although you may be tempted to postpone healthcare and estate planning, having a plan in place will enable family members to save time and energy sorting through your estate when you pass away.
About Ron Feinman, Esq Feinman’s published articles have appeared in publications such as Trusts & Estates and Brokers World. His Main Platform presentations include :International Meeting of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP), the National Association of Philanthropic Planners, the Virginia Planned Giving Study Group, national meetings of Merrill Lynch and Smith Barney and the Annual Conference of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Feinman is a member of WealthCounsel, a national collaborative developing and sharing state of the art planning techniques, documentation and processes, and, its sister organization, Eldercounsel with a similar focus on Elder Law. He is a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and serves on the board of the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA). He is a former Board Member and Past President of the National Association of Philanthropic Planners (NAPP/AIP) and is a member of numerous sections of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He is a past board member and Chair of the Board for the Central and Western Virginia Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association (covering the western half of Virginia) and currently serves on its Development Committee.
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TIPS TO EAT SMART
DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Seasonal sweet treats and multi-course meals tempt even the most dedicated healthy eaters during the holidays. That’s why the American Heart Association (AHA) has designated November as Eat Smart Month. To receive nutrition tips and healthy recipes to help you eat smart during the holidays and year-round, visit www.heart.org/HealthyForGood or check out the New AHA Cookbook on www.ShopHeart.org.
Weight Gain is Often Highest During the Holiday Season We often rationalize poor eating habits over the holidays with the promise of correcting them with New Year’s resolutions. However, holiday weight gain is the main contributor to annual weight gain, especially among those already struggling to achieve a healthy weight.
To help you stay on track with your nutritional goals during the holidays, consider these 5 tips from the AHA:
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MINI MIZE Practice moderation, not deprivation. Opt for a small plate, help yourself to a reduced portion or ask for a to-go box in advance and place half your order out of sight in the container before you begin eating your meal.
It’s easy to over-indulge on snacks while in social settings such as holiday parties. To help resist temptation, eat a healthy snack or meal before heading out. High-fiber foods like avocados are smart options because they keep you full longer. Our Oat Avocado Berry Breakfast Bars found on page 65 make a great anytime snack at home or for on the go.
A recent study found that people who enjoy spicy foods appear to eat less salt and have lower blood pressure. Kick up the heat with our recipe for Spicy Oven-Roasted Chickpeas found on page 61.
It takes time for your stomach to signal your brain that you’re full. Slow your pace by setting down your fork between bites, taking frequent sips of water and pausing to talk with friends and family. Not only are bright colors donning shop windows during the holiday season, they are also at the supermarket and on the holiday buffet. From red apples and orange pumpkins to green pears, adding just one cup of fruits and vegetables a day is a significant step toward a more vibrant life. Consider adding a burst of color to your holiday spread with our Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes recipe found on page 63. www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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HOT CHICKS SPICY OVENROASTED CHICKPEAS
This Middle Eastern appetizer ecipe is best served right out of the oven when the chickpeas are at the height of their crispiness. They also make a great, fiber-friendly afternoon snack!
INGREDIENTS 2
(15.5-ounce) cans of no-saltadded chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
2
Tbsp. canola oil
2
tsp. sodium-free chili powder
1/2
tsp. sweet paprika
1/4
tsp. garlic powder
1/4
tsp. salt
1/4
tsp. ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
NUTRITION FACTS
Calories: 192; Total Fat: 6 g; Saturated Fat: 0.4 g; Trans Fat: 0.0 g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.9 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5 g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 146 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 27 g; Dietary Fiber: 6 g; Sugars: 1 g; Protein: 8 g
DIRECTIONS
A Preheat oven to 425°F. B Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil. C Drain and rinse chickpeas; add to the baking sheet. Using a few paper towels, blot the chickpeas to remove excess liquid.
D In a small bowl, combine the oil and spices. Mix to combine. Pour oil over chickpeas; using a spatula or hands, mix together so all chickpeas are coated with the oil and spices.
E Roast chickpeas in the preheated oven until crispy, about 35 minutes, rotating and
shaking the pan halfway through the cooking process. Remove from oven and serve.
QUICK TIPS
COOKING TIP: Increase the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper depending on your desired spice level. Note: the spiciness of chili powders vary, so make sure to taste before using.
KEEP IT HEALTHY: If no-salt-added chickpeas are unavailable, opt for those with reduced-sodium, making sure to drain and rinse well to remove any excess sodium.
TIP: Cannellini beans can also be used in this recipe in place of the chickpeas.
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
MAPLE SYRUPGLAZED
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
Slash the calories of a classic dish and welcome a new holiday favorite. Whipping up egg whites and folding into the mashed sweet potatoes is an easy, healthy way to create lightness.
INGREDIENTS 1
40 oz. canned, chopped sweet potatoes in light syrup, drained
1 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (divided) 1/4
tsp. salt
1
tsp. vanilla extract
2
large egg whites
1/4
cup unsalted pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas)
1
Tbsp. olive oil
2
Tbsp. maple syrup
2
Tbsp. all-purpose flour
NUTRITION FACTS
Calories: 249; Total Fat: 5.5 g; Saturated Fat:0.9 g; Trans Fat: 0.0 g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2.0 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 176 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 46 g; Dietary Fiber: 5 g; Sugars: 13 g; Protein: 5 g
DIRECTIONS
A Preheat oven to 400°. B Drain the sweet potatoes and add them into a large bowl. Using a potato masher
or fork, mash well. (Alternatively, let kids help prepare the dish! Add drained sweet potatoes into a large zip-top bag, seal it, and let them use their hands to mash the sweet potatoes before transferring to a bowl.) Stir in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice with the ¼ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
C Add egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using a whisk attachment (or a
hand mixer, alternatively), whip the egg whites on high speed until firm peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Use a spatula to gently fold egg whites into the sweet potato mixture.
D Coat a 1 ½-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the baking dish. In a small bowl, stir together pumpkin seeds, oil, maple syrup, flour, and remaining ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle over the sweet potatoes.
E Bake in preheated oven until sweet potatoes are fluffy and topping is golden-brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.
QUICK TIPS
TIP: Pumpkin pie spice is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. A little shake adds a desserty sweetness and flavor into recipes like sweet potato casserole or pumpkin pie in place of sugar.
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OAT AVOCADO BERRY BREAKFAST BARS
This is the perfect breakfast bar for any busy morning. Make ahead and refrigerate to enjoy the next day or individually wrap and freeze them for a grab-and-go treat later in the week.
INGREDIENTS CRUST/TOPPING INGREDIENTS
Cooking spray
DIRECTIONS
A B.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
C.
Using a pastry blender or large fork, blend the mixture until it resembles pea-size crumbs.
D
Set aside one-half of the granola mixture. Press the other half into the baking pan to form a crust.
E
Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until slightly browned. Transfer to a cooling rack. Let cool to room temperature.
F
Meanwhile, in a food processor, process the dates until smooth. Add the avocado, processing until smooth. Add the blueberries, orange zest, and cornstarch, processing until smooth.
G
Spoon the filling onto the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it. Sprinkle the reserved granola mixture over the filling. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is slightly browned and the filling is set.
H
Transfer the baking pan to a cooling rack. Let cool. Cut into 15 bars.
1 3/4 cups low-fat, low sugar granola 1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour 2
Tbsp firmly packed brown sugar
1
tsp ground cinnamon
1/4
tsp salt
1/2
cup fat-free sour cream
2
Tbsp canola oil
FILLING INGREDIENTS 1/2
cup pitted, coarsely chopped dates
1/2
cup avocado
1
cup frozen, unsweetened blueberries
1
Tbsp grated orange zest
1
tsp cornstarch
Put the granola in a food processor. Pulse three times to break apart the large pieces (it should look like rolled oats). Transfer the granola to a large bowl. Stir in the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Add the sour cream and oil.
NUTRITION FACTS Calories: 152; Total Fat: 4.0 g; Saturated Fat:0.5 g; Trans Fat: 0.0 g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.0 g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2.3 g; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Sodium: 76 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 28 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 10 g; Protein: 4 g
QUICK TIPS
TIP: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days or wrap them individually and freeze them for up to three months.
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