OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside Apr/May 2017 Edition

Breaking the Silence: Multiple Sclerosis | Lynchburg & Southside's Oral Health Resource Guide

6

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

18 16

20

12

22

25

26

TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL • MAY 2017

12 Q&A ON HEALTH

23

Healthcare questions answered by local professionals

16 THE PULSE Keeping the pulse on local healthcare news, new physicians, providers, locations and upcoming events in the Lynchburg & Southside communities.

18 BETTER BOTANY | Growing Organic 20 AUTO HEALTH | Don't Let a Vehicle Breakdown Ruin Your Spring Plans

22 PET HEALTH | Spring Into Action

THE OURHEALTH BOOKSHELF Showcasing some of the most authoritative books on how to get and stay healthy.

25

THE ANATOMY CHALLENGE Test your knowledge when it comes to SEASONAL ALLERGIES.

26

ALLERGIES MAKE US SNEEZE AND A LOT MORE If you’re one of the 50 million people in America who suffer from allergies, you most likely greet spring with equal parts delight and dread, pleasure and pain, sunbathing and sneezing. OurHealth explores the cause of seasonal allergies.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

7

46 57

34

58

36

48

63

TABLE OF CONTENTS APRIL • MAY 2017

34

TOP TEN FAT BURNING FOODS

57

OurHealth explores nutritionally dense foods that increase our metabolism and burn unwanted fat.

36

BREAKING THE SILENCE | MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

46

HELLO, HEALTH

48

HEALTHCARE IN A FEW WORDS

8

OurHealth explores how the right music can push us to go that extra mile.

58

Some days, the pain was just annoying, and she could cope. Other days, she was incapacitated and ended up in the ER. After years of suffering and uncertainty, Felicia Correa finally had an answer and a diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

HEALTHY RECIPE SWAP Tricia Foley RD, MS, OurHealth's resident nutritionist, shares spring inspired recipes with healthy ingredient swap tips.

61

EAT LOCAL | Crisp

63

LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE’S ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

Capturing the spirit of those working in healthcare and of people leading healthy lives through photos.

In honor of national healthcare recognition month, OurHealth challenges local healthcare providers to describe what their profession means to them and how important it is to their community.

FITBITS | Moving to the Beat

OurHealth reviews one of Lynchburg's tasty new restaurants.

Your resource guide for oral health in the Lynchburg & Southside area, sponsored by Delta Dental.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

9

read this edition of

on your tablet or smartphone

april • may 2016 PUBLISHER PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION PROJECT COORDINATOR ACCOUNTING MANAGER CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER PROJECT MANAGER | HR METRICS COPY EDITOR DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGY WEBSITE

McClintic Media, Inc. Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com Jennifer Hungate Deidre Wilkes Laura Bower Karrie Pridemore Tori Meador Heidi McClintic Bobbi Hoffman Dalton Holody Next Generation Designs

CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS William A. Carvajal, DDS, MD, FACS Kim Combs,MD Anna Faroug, OD Robert O’Brien, MD Andrew Pieleck, DO Delisa Rogers, M.Ed, CCC-SLP CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL Geri Aston EXPERTS & WRITERS Cynthia BeMent Rich Ellis Tricia Foley, RD Deidre Wilkes

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Cynthia Trujillo | Senior Media Consultant P: 434.907.5255 | cindy@ourhealthvirginia.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS To receive OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside via U.S. Mail, please contact Deidre Wilkes at deidre@ourhealthvirginia.com or at 540.387.6482

scan the code below to visit

ourhealthLBSS.com then click on the magazine cover to view the digital edition!

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 © 2016 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 | ourhealthswva.com | ourhealthlbss.com | ourhealthrichmond.com | ourhealthcville.com | Advertising rates upon request.

HEALTH H E A LT H C A R E QUESTIONS ANSWERED

BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

“

Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

”

– Keith Pyle, DDS

How do I know when pain after a workout is more serious than just sore muscles?

Muscle soreness can occur from anywhere between a few hours to three days after a training session.

Generally, normal muscle soreness tends to remain localized within the muscles that were exercised.

However, there are several instances where pain may be indicative of a more serious issue. Pain that is sharp and stabbing in nature, gets worse with activity, and has associated swelling may be related to injury or irritation of the muscles or ligaments. Pain that radiates, burns, or is associated with numbness may be related to irritation of the nerves.

Finally, pain after a workout that is throbbing or pulsating in nature may be a sign of a more serious event. If you notice any of these symptoms after exercising, contact your physical therapist at Rehab Associates of Central Virginia for evaluation and to come up with a comprehensive plan to keep you moving without pain or injury.

Call 855.722.8478 to schedule an appointment at a clinic close to your home or work.

Drew Pociluyko, PT, DPT Rehabilitation Associates of Central Virginia Moneta | 855.RACV4PT www.racva.com

What is a Neti pot, and can it help with my allergies?

Many sinus sufferers have turned to the Neti pot as a method of nasal saline irrigation. This is a therapy that uses a salt and water solution to flush out the nasal passages.

The Neti pot is a device that looks similar to a teapot. Many people with sinus symptoms from allergies and environmental irritants have begun to use the Neti pot, claiming that the device alleviates congestion, facial pain and pressure. Research backs up these claims, finding that nasal irrigation can be an effective way to relieve sinus symptoms.

For many people, using a Neti pot may bring relief without the use of medications.

Chapman Brown, RPh Gretna Drug Gretna | 434.656.1251 www.gretnadrug.com

My 7-year-old’s teeth are crowded and getting worse with the few adult teeth he has. Should I be concerned?

Now would be a great time for your son to get an orthodontic evaluation. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine, and/or it may recommend monitoring his growth and development. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and make any treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to: •

Guide jaw growth

•

Lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth

•

Correct harmful oral habits

•

Improve appearance

•

Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

•

Improve the way that lips meet

Keith Pyle, DDS

Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.0125 www.smilelynchburg.com

12

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

www.OurHealthlbss.com

13

HEALTH H E A LT H C A R E QUESTIONS ANSWERED

BY LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

“

With all decisions regarding senior living and care, the most important thing to remember is to plan. If you start planning before there is a need, you can get on a waiting list and have a plan in place when the need appears.

”

– Emily Young, Admissions Director

14

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA), and how do I know if it’s right for me?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is an account used to pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free. An HSA must be paired with a qualified high deductible health plan. You can use funds from your HSA to pay for expenses covered under your insurance plan. You can also use your HSA to pay for qualified medical expenses that are not covered by your insurance, such as dental or vision expenses. Unlike a flexible spending account, HSA funds roll over each year, allowing you to save for unforeseen medical expenses tax-free. There are annual limits as to how much you may contribute to your HSA. For 2017, the Self-only limit is $3,400, while the Family limit is $6750. When you reach the age of 55, the IRS allows you to add an extra $1000 to these caps. When considering an HSA, you need to look at your overall health status and your healthcare spending patterns. Talk with a qualified health insurance agent; they will help you to determine if this is the right fit for you.

Tracy Cornatzer

Sales Manager, Health Insurance Consultants Virginia Farm Bureau 800.229.7779 www.vafb.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

My mother was just diagnosed with cancer.

What should we know about clinical trials, and where do we begin?

The news of a cancer diagnoses is difficult. Be assured that you are not in this alone. Clinical trials help us find better treatments for cancer.

There are many types of clinical trials. Your mother’s doctor may recommend one for her.

Here are some basic things to know: 1.

Patients are never asked to substitute a treatment that we know works for one that is not yet proven to work.

2. Patients are fully informed about a clinical trial in writing and can withdraw consent at any time.

3. There are people whose job it is to make sure that all patients are treated safely and ethically.

4. Clinical trials are open at a limited number of practices, but your doctors’ staff can help locate trials elsewhere if needed.

Your question is excellent, so be sure to include it in your list of what to ask your doctor(s). To learn more, I suggest visiting this website: https://www.cancer.gov/aboutcancer/treatment/clinical-trials.

Donna Washburn MSN, RN, CNS, ACNS-BC, AOCNS Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist/Research Coordinator Centra Health Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.1495 www.centrahealth.com

I’m feeling a little discouraged after a friend told me about a waiting list at a retirement community I was considering. Should I just look somewhere else?

I would encourage you to still visit the community that you’re interested in. If you like it as much as you think you will, put your name on the waiting list. There are unknowns with waiting lists — but the one thing you know for sure is that you like the community. A place you’re comfortable calling home is worth the wait.

If you are on a waiting list, keep an open line of communication with the community. Keep them posted on when you would like to move in, how your health and care is progressing, and if you are worried you may have no choice but to go elsewhere. Communication is key.

Flexibility is also important. You may have to be willing to wait for several months or more to move in, or you might need to be ready to go if a space opens up earlier than you anticipate. Most communities will give you the first right of refusal, but keep in mind that if you refuse, you may have to wait several months longer.

Emily Young, Admissions Director

Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care Lynchburg | 434.333.0503 www.heritagegreenlynchburg.com

KEEPING THE PULSE ON HEALTH CENTRA LAUNCHES VIRTUAL VISITS >> Centra now offers medical care at a patient’s fingertips through its new service Centra 24/7.

Centra 24/7 provides immediate access to a board-certified physician through a live video chat.

Patients can connect using a free app from their phone, tablet, or computer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Ghada Alsayed, MD Centra Medical Group – Amherst Amherst | 434.946.9565 www.centrahealth.com

Shirley Hudson, NP

Centra Medical Group Urology Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5297 www.centrahealth.com

Mona Fazzina, PT, DPT Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 855.722.8478 www.racva.com

Physicians available on Centra 24/7 can diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency medical conditions and send prescriptions to local pharmacies. Virtual visits are not meant to replace every trip to the doctor’s office, but may be a good option for some issues. Centra 24/7 can be used for symptoms and conditions such as: cold, cough, flu, sinus infections, sore throat, rash, pink eye, allergies, vomiting, diarrhea, fevers and headaches.

Centra 24/7 answers the community’s call to access healthcare while matching convenience. This service will have an immediate effect by allowing geographically distant patients access to care when they can’t make it to a practice location; giving them the ability to see a doctor from the comfort of their home, office, or wherever they may be. In the future, this service will also provide the opportunity for additional specialties to provide routine and follow-up care.

The cost of a visit is $49.

Payment is made via credit card and insurance is not billed.

Rachel McGee, DO

Download the free iOS or Android mobile app or visit www.Centra247.com to enroll in Centra 24/7. Enrollment usually takes between 2-3 minutes.

Centra Medical Group – Danville Danville | 434.857.3600 www.centrahealth.com

For more information, visit: https://www.centrahealth. com/services/centra-24/7.

Andrew Mitchell, PT, DPT

Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 855.722.8478 www.racva.com

Manuel Peralta, MD

CVFP Piedmont Lynchburg | 434.846.7374 www.cvfp.net

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL CALENDAR OF

Ceryna Riner, NP

Centra Medical Group – Amherst Amherst | 434.946.9565 www.centrahealth.com

16

Local Health Events!

www.ourhealthlbss.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

HEALTHY HAPPENINGS RECOGNIZING OUR EVERYDAY HEALTHCARE HEROES AND MORE!

JOIN THE OURHEALTH COMMUNITY >> We would love to hear from you. Write us, tweet us, or tag us today! facebook.com/ OurHealthLBSS

@OurHealthLBSS on twitter

@OurHealth on pinterest

APRIL •

Counseling Awareness Month

•

National Autism Awareness Month

•

National Foot Health Awareness Month

•

National Minority Health Month

•

Occupational Therapy Month

•

April 7th: World Health Day

•

April 23-29: National Healthcare Volunteer Week

MAY •

Better Hearing and Speech Month

•

Better Sleep Month

•

Global Employee Health and Fitness Month

•

Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

•

Mental Health Month

•

National Critical Care Awareness Month

•

National Foster Care Month

•

May 6-12: National Nurses Week

•

May 7-13: National Hospital Week

•

May 10: National School Nurse Day

•

May 21-27: National EMS Week

Don’t forget to check out upcoming happenings on the OurHealth calendar of events. Visit www.ourhealthlbss.com for local health related events including health fairs, workshops, screenings, support groups and much more! www.OurHealthlbss.com

17

H E A LT H Y GARDEN TIPS

Growing Organic words | TINA JOYCE

Thinking of growing organic to avoid chemicals on your table this summer?

Soil preparation and spring planning can make the biggest difference.

THE COMPOST ADVANTAGE Aged animal manure (e.g., horse manure works very well) in addition to leaves, soil, grass clippings and organic fruits and vegetables that have composted all winter are prime ingredients to help your soil stay loose and fertile.

18

BEGIN EARLY Sketch out a blueprint of your garden, then start growing plants early to gain a few weeks’ advantage and reap the best weather for your prime growing season.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION This is true for success in real estate, and it’s also true for your organic garden.

Sunny, fertile soil with proper drainage will give your crop the best chance to flourish.

DIG DEEP Whether it’s in raised beds or in the ground, your garden should have 12” of composted, welltilled soil. Good root development is crucial in organic gardening.

MANAGE WATER

ENJOY THE PROCESS

Rain barrels are a popular way to gather water and irrigate your garden. Slow drip diversions allow you to regulate the water in rows, even when you leave town for a few days.

Growing organic may take a tad more prep time, but the health benefits and satisfaction of growing your own produce this season will be abundant.

or · gan · ic adj: grown or made without the use of artificial chemicals

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

www.OurHealthlbss.com

19

AUTOMOBILE H E A LT H TIPS

MYTH: MORE CAR BATTERIES FAIL DURING THE COOLER MONTHS More batteries fail in spring and summer than in winter. words | RICH ELLIS

For many, spring means travel over spring break and making exciting getaway plans for the summer driving season. Road trips and dream vacations can quickly turn into travel nightmares, however, when a vehicle breakdown leaves you stranded on the side of the road.

Preventive maintenance is the key to ensuring your vehicle can handle the spring and summer heat, the additional miles you’ll be racking up, and to keeping your passengers safe and comfortable. So before warmer weather is here to stay, spend a weekend afternoon this spring reviewing the condition of the following vehicle systems. You’ll travel with greater peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe and reliable.

– Normal operating temperatures under the hood can approach 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Your vehicle’s cooling system is responsible for keeping those temperatures from climbing even higher, and for preventing the engine from overheating. Follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to check the coolant (antifreeze) level and the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for changing the coolant. Old coolant or not enough coolant can lead to overheating and expensive engine damage.

COOLING SYSTEM

BELTS AND HOSES – A vehicle’s cooling system depends on hoses to move coolant between

the radiator and engine block, and in most vehicles, it also depends on belts that turn the fan(s) that dissipate heat from the radiator. Because they’re made of rubber and other compounds, belts and hoses eventually deteriorate due to high under-hood temperatures and environmental exposure. With the engine cold and the vehicle turned off, examine the belts for signs of wear, indicated by cracking or fraying. Visually inspect the hoses for bulges and then feel along the length of each of them for noticeable soft spots. Then replace the hoses if you find problems.

Even if they appear to be okay, belts and hoses should still be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

20

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

– Contrary to popular belief, more batteries fail in spring and summer than in winter, mainly because heat kills batteries. Depending on the brand and operating environment, batteries last between two and five years. Check the install date on the top of the battery, and examine the posts protruding from the battery’s top or side for corrosion, which looks like a white or blue-green powdery buildup. Corrosion can lead to problems with starting the vehicle, and it needs to be cleaned off using a battery terminal cleaning brush, anti-corrosion spray and protective equipment. Have the battery tested for free at most auto parts stores.

BATTERY

AIR CONDITIONING – It’s just as important to keep your passengers cool as it is to keep

the engine cool. Test the AC system to ensure that all of the vents are working, that the blower motor is moving enough air, and that the air is cold. If the air doesn’t feel cool enough, it could be because the system needs a recharge. Before taking the vehicle to a mechanic, try a do-ityourself A/C recharge and stop-leak product such as AC Pro to find out if that will solve the problem quickly and inexpensively.

WINDSHIELD

–

The summer months guarantee that bugs, as well as downpours during thunderstorms, will be pelting your vehicle’s windshield, reducing visibility. Consider filling the wiper fluid tank with a product such as RainX Bug Remover. It helps remove bugs and road grime while coating the windshield with a water-beading product that clears rain quickly.

DON'T MISS

Allergies Make Us Sneeze and a lot More!

ON PAGE

26

www.OurHealthlbss.com

21

H E A LT H Y PET TIPS

words | TINA JOYCE

Warmer weather and longer days can make you jump into projects and activities. Also, getting your pet out and about is much easier in the sunshine. There are a few things that pet owners must keep in mind this spring, however.

CONSIDER ADOPTING Pet owners tend to be more active, making the health benefits of owning a pet twofold. You can make a difference by providing a forever home for a pet in need; plus, you’re likely to gain emotional and physical payback from the experience.

22

BE CAREFUL OF THE RUN-AWAY Sunny days make walks in the park or open windows seem appealing to our furry friends. However, if your pets discover a newfound freedom, they might try to venture off on their own. Identification tags and microchips are important for your pets’ safety and your peace of mind.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

BEWARE OF STANDING WATER BUILD IN EXERCISE The warm temperatures may take jogging with your pooch or riding your horse to the top of your weekend to-do list. Be careful to add exercise into your routine slowly, however, especially if your pet (or you) has been sedentary over the winter months.

Flowerpots and puddles can be filled with harmful bacteria. It’s extremely important to make sure that all pets have fresh water daily, but also avoid water from unknown sources. Even “fresh” rainwater may have traces of antifreeze, oil, or animal feces in it by the time it accumulates where your pet looks to quench his thirst.

CLEAN THE CLEAN UP Spring is a natural time to embark on cleaning and restoration projects.

However, cleaning solutions, engine gas and oil, insecticides and even mulch can be dangerous to pets that venture outside.

Be aware of the products you use.

BO OKSHELF words | RICK PIESTER

>> Showcasing some of the most authoritative books on how to get and stay healthy In this issue, we take a look at two books dealing with two mainstays of our metabolism, sugar and fat, and both contain some surprises. The third book is an absorbing discussion of end-of-life issues and how modern healthcare can improve them.

The Case Against Sugar

By Gary Taubes Penguin Random House | 384 pages

Is sugar the root cause of most of our ills — stroke, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, and more? Gary Taubes is out to change our relationship with sugar, and he presents compelling if not absolutely convincing evidence. He also chronicles how hard it is to avoid sugar; it’s in almost everything we eat.

The Secret Life of Fat:

The Science Behind the Body’s Least Understood Organ and What It Means for You

By Sylvia Tara, PhD W.W. Norton & Company Inc. | 288 pages

We all have it, and most of us hate it, but here’s a book that sheds some light on how the body uses fat and how, in moderation, it can be a useful thing. Body fat is actually an endocrine gland, Sylvia Tara tells us; actually, it’s the largest in our body, and it does some work on our behalf. A fascinating read.

Being Mortal:

Medicine and What Matters in the End

By Atul Gawande, MD Metropolitan Books/Henry Holt & Company | 282 pages

This is an absolutely absorbing account of how we die — and how we should die — by a practicing surgeon. Through riveting storytelling and lots of tips on how to improve our healthcare, Dr. Gawande makes a persuasive argument on how and why we should make the end of life as enriching as life itself can be.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

23

How much do you know about

Seasonal Allergies?

1. On average, what percentage of Americans are affected by allergies?

A:

15

percent

75

B:

C:

percent

30

percent

D:

20

percent

2. Which of the following is NOT one of the most common triggers of seasonal allergies?

3. On average, ___________ Americans are affected by allergies.

A:

B: 50 million

C:

30 million

4. Which of the following are symptoms of seasonal allergies?

D: 70 million

A: Pollen

20 million

5. Which of the following is NOT a strategy to avoid seasonal allergy triggers?

B: Grass

A: Showering and changing clothes after working or playing outdoors

A: Itchy or irritated eyes

B: Keeping windows and doors shut

C: Pet Dander

C: Eating more vitamin rich fruits and vegetables

D: Monitoring pollen and mold B: Sneezing or coughing

6. On average, what percentage of Americans are affected by allergies?

C: Runny or congested nose

+

+

D: All of the above

Sources: www.aafa.org & www.acaai.org

A:

Between 10 am and 4 pm

B:

Before 10 am and after 4 pm

C: Pollen counts are not affected by the time of day

D: Mold

7. True or False: Immunotherapy or allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms of allergies by injecting a small amount of the allergen into the patient’s skin.

1. C 2. C 3. A 4. D 5. C 6. A 7. True

counts via newspapers, radio, or television

www.OurHealthlbss.com

25

26

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Allergies Make Us Sneeze and a lot More! words | RICK PIESTER

If you’re one of the 50 million people in America who suffer from allergies, you probably greet spring with equal parts delight and dread, getting ready for an equal amount of sunbathing and sneezing.

Although allergy season seems to have started a bit early this year (with mediumhigh levels of tree pollen being reported as early as mid-February), as an allergy sufferer, you know that the worst is yet to come.

Allergist Saju S. Eapen, MD, of the Asthma and Allergy Center of Lynchburg notes that our area of Virginia has more than its share of allergy-causing substances in the air around us. The verdant hills and lush grasses of the mid-Atlantic states have few rivals in terms of producing the pollens that make people wheeze and sneeze. And Virginia has the dubious distinction of being among the national champions when it comes to pumping out tree and grass pollens. Richmond ranks high on every yearly list of allergy-heavy cities in the U.S., and experts say that there’s not a lot of difference between the capital area and other regions of the state.

Immune System Gone Awry Allergies (which are medically known as allergic rhinitis) are always bothersome, and there’s lots of data that shows that allergies are the #1 cause of absenteeism from jobs and school. They can even be life-threatening.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

27

Allergies are the result of your body’s immune system gone awry. The immune system normally attacks the body’s genuine enemies such as bacteria or viruses, but allergy-sufferers’ immune systems launch an all-out attack on otherwise innocent substances called allergens.

The body mistakenly identifies the allergens as harmful and begins spewing histamine and other substances to fight them off. You feel this battle in the form of itching, sneezes, red eyes and a runny nose within minutes of exposure, followed by the typical congested nose and cough and maybe even a hammering headache.

New Thinking on

PEANUT ALLERGIES One of the most frightening of foodborne allergies, especially for children, is a youngster’s allergic reaction to peanuts and peanut products.

Though rare, peanut allergies are responsible for more anaphylaxis (constricted airway) deaths

The cause of this misery — allergens — are found both indoors and outdoors. They can come from plants, foods, pets and even some household products.

The Power of Pollens Pollens are produced by trees, weeds and grasses and are light and dry, picked up by the wind and deposited on everything in sight during the spring, summer and fall. (Flowers also make pollen, but flower pollen is usually spread by insects, without much escaping into the air.)

Locally, tree pollens dominate early in the year. According to Dr. Eapen, tree pollens usually begin to appear in early March, but this year’s mild winter has resulted in an early season for tree pollen that began in February. Tree pollens typically extend into April or early May, when our region transitions into grass season. And then, in mid to late summer, the weed pollens (especially ragweed) come into play.

than any other food allergies, resulting in an almost universal ban of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from school lunchrooms.

But conventional wisdom has been turned on its head over the past year, with new guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases advising parents to give their kids foods containing peanuts starting when they are infants, to help prevent life-threatening allergies.

The Institute recommends giving babies puréed food or finger food containing peanut powder or extract before they are six months old, and even earlier if a child is prone to allergies and doctors say it is safe to do so. One should never give a baby whole peanuts or peanut bits, experts say, because they can be a choking hazard.

As always, following this advice should be prefaced by the approval of your child’s physician.

When Mold Makes its Move Dr. Eapen notes that autumn is the season that brings the environmental mold allergens, such as leaf mold that is stirred up while raking wet leaves.

Mold also lives indoors all year, on window sills, in refrigerators, and in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms.

When Dust Mites and Dander Attack Dust mites are microscopic eight-legged creatures that eat dead flakes of human skin. If you are allergic to dust mites, you are reacting to the mites’ droppings. The mites don’t bite or spread disease. Dust mites thrive in damp warmth with humidity of over 50 percent. They live mostly in carpeting, bedding, furniture and furry objects such as stuffed animals.

Animal dander is dandruff-like loose skin cells shed by animals.

Dander from pets such as dogs and cats may contain saliva or other

28

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

substances from these animals. The cells can become airborne, where they will be inhaled.

Is it a Cold or an Allergy?

The symptoms of colds and allergies can sometimes be similar, Dr. Eapen says, but there are some essential differences. For one, allergy symptoms are persistent, and they are bothersome for longer than the week or 10 days that it takes for a cold to run its course. The symptoms are also quite specific: There’s the telltale red, itchy eyes, the runny nose, and in some people, skin symptoms such as red and swollen hives, all of which point to an allergy.

How to Address Allergies Medicine has developed quick and reliable ways to pinpoint the causes of allergies in individuals. The most common test is a skin prick test, in which small amounts of allergy triggers are placed on the surface of the skin and then lightly scratched in. Swelling or redness indicates an allergy to the substance placed on that part of the test area, and the results are available in 10-15 minutes.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

29

n e l Pol To get a sense of how severe an allergy season might be, keep an eye on the weather. Weather conditions can either increase or decrease the levels of pollen in the air around us.

Dr. Eapen also notes that blood tests are available for people who have a skin disorder or if certain medications prevent the performance of skin-scratch tests.

Once you know what’s causing your allergy, you can begin to fight back. You’ll know how to reduce your exposure to airborne allergens by keeping your windows closed and cranking up the air conditioning at home and in the car, by staying inside as much as possible when the pollen count is high (see sidebar), by taking a shower and washing your hair to rinse the allergens off before you go to bed, by keeping your pet out of the bedroom, and by running a high-efficiency air cleaner in your home.

A Wide Array of Remedies Mild winters generally produce an early pollen season, as trees will start pollinating earlier in the year.

Dry, windy weather spreads pollen quickly.

Rain can reduce the pollen count by washing pollen into the soil before it becomes airborne.

However, rain in the late fall or winter can spur tree pollination, and a rainy spring induces grass growth, increasing the amount of pollen from grasses and weeds.

A freeze late in the winter can delay tree pollination, which decreases, at least temporarily, the daily pollen count.

If those measures don’t help that much, there’s also an abundance of over-the-counter remedies you can try.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, four out of five people with allergies don’t even have to go to the doctor’s office.

Instead, they rely on any of a somewhat dizzying array of medications in their local pharmacies that may offer effective relief. Physicians say that a perfectly reasonable first approach is to let your symptoms be your guide for taking over-the-counter medications.

A congested or runny nose can be treated with an over-the-counter corticosteroid nasal spray such as Flonase or Nasacort, a safe and effective control. Pairing this with an antihistamine to prevent the body’s release of histamines would be a good first step. It’s always a good idea to start taking an antihistamine before the start of a pollen-heavy season to control your symptoms. Look for long-acting antihistamines (Allegra, Claritin and Zyrtec are examples) that don’t have a sedative effect that will leave you drowsy. Dr. Eapen says that it’s important to use over-the-counter medicines consistently for peak effectiveness.

If over-the-counter medications fail, immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be formulated for particular combinations of allergies. Dr. Eapen notes that the expense and time investment of immunotherapy is often paid off in a few years in most patients by altering the immune system so that treatment is no longer needed. In effect, you’re cured of your allergy for anywhere between 5-20 years. Immunotherapy is also an important factor for youngsters who can be spared later allergic asthma.

Immunotherapy has been refined over the last century to the point that prescription medications are now coming onto the market that dissolve under the tongue — good news for the needle-shy. These (Continued on page 32...)

30

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

a s ’ hat

WPOLLEN COUNT?

Every day, in locations all over America, a rod covered with a sticky substance is attached to the roof of a building. Over the next 24 hours, the rod will be tested for the amount of pollen that sticks to it. Samples are analyzed microscopically to determine how much pollen is in the air.

A daily pollen count is the number of grains of pollen in a cubic centimeter of air. As the number increases, people who have allergies will sense an increase in their allergic reaction. A medium pollen count of 4.9 – 7.2 is the point at which most allergy sufferers begin to notice symptoms. A medium-high count is 7.3 – 9.6, and a high count is 9.7 – 12.

Most daily newspapers carry that day’s projected pollen count, which is also available in the weather forecast portion of most television newscasts, as well as online at such sites as www.weather.com and www.pollen.com. Some online sites also offer daily pollen count email alerts and other helpful information.

SCAN HERE

to view the current pollen count for your area.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

31

(...continued from page 30)

“The symptoms of colds and allergies can sometimes be similar, but there are some essential differences: allergy symptoms are persistent, and they are bothersome for longer than the five to seven days it takes for a cold to run its course.”

SAJU S. EAPEN, MD is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Eapen sees patients at Asthma and Allergy Center of Lynchburg.

sublingual remedies are not always approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but they are widely used in Europe.

Additionally, certain sublingual remedies have been approved in the U.S. for treatment of ragweed and grass allergies, and, in early March, the FDA approved a sublingual tablet (Odactra) for treatment of allergies induced by dust mites.

Dr. Eapen sums up by saying, “The question is: When should a person seek an allergy specialist’s help for their allergies? The answer: If a person’s symptoms aren’t controlled by over-the-counter medications and if chronic symptoms affect the quality of one’s life, it’s time for a specialist. Lots of people go through life thinking that nasal congestion and all that goes with an allergy is part of the norm.

It’s not. There’s help for you.”

Expert Contributer Saju S. Eapen, MD is certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Eapen sees patients at Asthma and Allergy Center of Lynchburg.

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

32

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

words | TINA JOYCE

You’ve heard the phrase 'you are what you eat?' Well, not literally, of course. But there is some truth to that cliché. We should seek nutritionally dense foods (the ratio of nutrients to calories) to gain the most benefits from our diet — protein to help promote building muscle, fiber to help regulate the digestive system and carbohydrates to provide energy. There are also some foods said to increase our metabolism and burn unwanted fat.

Our food choices alone won’t magically burn off that stubborn fat, but the right selections, combined with consistent physical activity and strength training, will help us on our way to sculpt the lean body we’ve always wanted.

Green Tea

Whole Grains

The catechins (a natural flavonoid and antioxidant) in tea are believed to improve fat oxidation.

Oats and brown rice are at the top of our list. The body burns twice as many calories breaking down whole foods as it does with processed foods. Also, whole grains help us feel fuller for a longer time.

Salmon It’s full of omega-3’s and packed with protein. Not a fan of salmon? Try tuna or mackerel as a substitute.

Beans As with most lentils, black and kidney beans pack in approximately 15 grams of protein per serving and none of the saturated fats that other protein sources add to our diet.

Almonds In moderation because of their caloric density, these nuts provide a healthy alternative to carb-loaded snacks like crackers and chips, which offer little nutrients. Tired of almonds? Pine nuts can also fill this category.

34

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Quinoa This trendy whole grain can add a tasty protein-packed flair to any diet. It is a perfect replacement for rice and pasta.

Berries A colorful mix of blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries help prevent cravings (especially sweets) and improve taste.

Lean Meats Our body burns 30 percent of the food’s calories just in the digestion process.

Low-fat options include poultry, wild game, and some red meats. Each serving provides an excellent source of protein as well as B vitamins.

Leafy Greens Spinach, Swiss chard, and kale are super foods. It’s practically impossible to overeat these weight-friendly staples. Low in calories and high in fiber, these greens also provide much-needed vitamin C.

Coffee Notice we didn’t say flavored latte. Black coffee can curb the appetite and acts as a stimulant in digestion.

Also, coffee contains the antioxidant chlorogenic acid (CGA), which is hypothesized to slow the release of glucose and lowers insulin resistance. However, we have to leave out the cream and syrup or we’re simply drinking our daily calories.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

35

Breaking the Silence: words | SUSAN DUBUQUE

“Breaking the Silence,” an OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside magazine series, explores medical and social issues that can be devastating to the individuals and families they affect. In each article, we address topics that are poorly understood or that no one wants to talk about. We bring these conditions into the light and dedicate our stories to the courageous patients and families living with them and the healthcare providers and researchers who commit their lives to treating and seeking solutions to these enigmatic problems.

Twelve years ago, when Felicia Correa was pregnant with her son Antonio, she started having headaches on an almost daily basis. Some days, the pain was just annoying, and she could cope. Other days, she was incapacitated and ended up in the ER. Her family doctor diagnosed chronic pregnancy-induced tension headaches. But when the headaches continued after her baby was born, the doctor came up with a new diagnosis — chronic tension headaches.

36

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

www.OurHealthlbss.com

37

Photo above as well as the top and bottom photos on next page: Felecia and her team, the Patriots.

Photo middle of next page: Charles and Felicia with George, Antonio, and Carmine.

“A number of my patients report feeling an overwhelming sense of fatigue, as if they are wearing a leaden vest or carrying cinder blocks. Others find that their silent symptoms of MS — depression and brain fog — are among the most distressing.”

In late 2012, Correa developed a new and disturbing symptom: numbness on the left side of her body. Medication for high blood pressure seemed to solve the problem. But the tingling soon returned and grew more frequent and intense.

During one particularly virulent episode, Correa experienced facial numbness, blurred vision, lack of coordination and difficulty communicating. After visiting an urgent care center, she was sent to a neurologist who ordered a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This was followed by a second study, an MRI with contrast. In April 2013, after years of suffering and uncertainty, Correa finally had an answer and a diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.

The signs had all been there. And somewhere at the back of her mind, Correa had had a nagging feeling about what was really going on. “I’ve always been a little clumsy,” she says. “My friends would tease me about bumping into them when we walked. And there were other times when my leg just wouldn’t move, so I would just stand there leaning on the door frame chatting with my coworkers until the feeling returned.”

Early in her career as a nurse, she cared for a patient with MS. “She taught me a lot about the disease,” Correa recalls. “Around that time, Montel Williams was on a lot of TV programs talking about living with MS. I just put the pieces together.”

DAVID E. JONES, MD is a neurologist at the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in UVA Health System.

For most people, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis would be devastating. For Correa, it proved to be mobilizing. “Not once did I ask, ‘God, why me?’ That is not my right,” she says. “And I always knew things could be worse. I could have had stage four brain cancer.”

38

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

The same positive attitude permeates the rest of Correa’s life. She graduated from nursing school in 2010 to become a licensed professional nurse. This was no small feat — for two years, she commuted daily from Ruckersville to Richmond to care for her five children, all under the age of 12. But she’s now working toward her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Two years after finishing nursing school, Correa accepted a new job and moved to Lynchburg — now in the role of a single parent. As if that weren’t enough, she added football coaching to her daily schedule.

“As a child, I was always a tomboy,” she admits. “I would much rather play football with the boys than jump rope with the girls. I started as the team mom, but after one day I just jumped in and helped coach the five- and six-year-olds.”

When she moved her family to Charlottesville in 2014, Correa continued to work as a nurse, to coach youth sports — and to struggle with her MS. “Not long after we moved, I had a serious relapse,” she recalls. “This time my right eye was involved, and I had four new lesions on my brain.” For three days, she visited the cancer center for infusion therapy — high doses of steroids. Then she dried her tears and headed to the football field for practice, where dozens of little boys fondly call her Coach Fe. “Fortunately, I have a great team caring for me. Dr. Kaitlyn Beisecker-Levin [Family Medicine of Albemarle] is my personal physician,” says Correa. “And UVA has a Multiple Sclerosis Clinic. My MS physician, Dr. [David] Jones, and the nurse practitioner, Denise Bruen, have seen me through some difficult times.” In October 2016, another relapse sent Correa back to the hospital and into intensive treatment as an outpatient.

Correa did experience a reprieve from her illness when she was pregnant with her sixth child, Christopher, now one year old. “During my pregnancy, I went into remission, and I actually felt normal the whole time,” says Correa. Unfortunately, after her baby was born, she relapsed.

But nothing could keep Correa down for long, and she renewed her efforts to turn her medical condition into a force for good. In addition to having started a support group for people with MS and their families, she is a district activist leader for the Virginia-West Virginia chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she gives motivational speeches and supports fundraising activities.

“When this season ends, I’ve decided to ‘retire’ from coaching and devote my time to supporting the MS Society,” she says. “In fact, my boyfriend, Charles Wells, is now training to become a volunteer activist as well.”

Correa even turned her passion for football into an opportunity to champion the cause of MS, when she was selected by the NFL and the Today Show as a finalist in the “Together We Make Football” contest.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

39

“I realized that I could use being on national TV as a way to increase awareness of MS,” says Correa. “As a coach, I teach all my players a simple motto: ‘One team, one sound.’ When we score, we all cheer together, in one voice. Now I have an opportunity to be that one voice that speaks for others who are battling MS.” Let’s speak out now. Let’s explore what MS is and the causes, symptoms, treatment options and strategies for dealing with this unpredictable disease.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Felicia accepting the Make Your Mark Award from the Multiple Sclerosis Society with Paul Kingston and Jacquline Gibson.

40

According to David E. Jones, MD, a neurologist at the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in the UVA Health System, MS is a progressive, “immunemediated” disorder. That means the immune system, which is designed to keep the body healthy, attacks the protective sheath of myelin that covers the nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The nerves of the brain and spine and the optic nerves are damaged and can eventually be destroyed. Depending on where the nerve damage occurs, MS can affect vision, sensation, coordination, movement, and bladder and bowel control.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Approximately 400,000 people are living with MS in the United States today, and 200 more are diagnosed every week. Although MS was discovered in 1868, its cause remains largely a mystery. Researchers know that the nerve damage is caused by inflammation, but the cause of the inflammation is still unknown.

Symptoms of MS The signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the degree of damage and which nerves are affected. Some people experience only mild fatigue and weakness, while others suffer from paralysis, vision loss, and diminished brain function. Some people have long periods of remission without any new symptoms.

“A number of my patients report feeling an overwhelming sense of fatigue, as if they are wearing a leaden vest or carrying cinder blocks,” says Dr. Jones. “Others find that their silent symptoms of MS — depression and brain fog — are among the most distressing.”

A variety of factors can increase your chances of developing multiple sclerosis, including the following:

Felecia, with former NFL star Brian Dawkins, after he presented her with the finalist trophy from the NFL and The Today Show’s “Together We Make Football” contest.

Age. MS can occur at any age, but it most often affects people between 15 and 60.

Sex.Women are about twice as likely as men to develop MS. Family history. If one of your parents or siblings has had MS, you are at a slightly higher risk of developing the disease.

“A number of my patients report feeling

Certain infections. A variety of viruses have been linked to MS, including Epstein-Barr, the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.

Race. Caucasians, particularly those of Northern European descent, are at the highest risk of developing MS. People of Asian, African and Native American descent have lower risks.

Climate. MS is far more common in temperate regions, including Canada, the northern United States, New Zealand, southeastern Australia, and Europe.

Certain autoimmune diseases. You have a slightly higher risk of developing MS if you have thyroid disease, type I diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease.

an overwhelming sense of fatigue, as if they are wearing a leaden vest or carrying cinder blocks.

Others find that their silent symptoms of MS — depression and brain fog — are among the most distressing.”

DAVID E. JONES, MD is a neurologist at the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in UVA Health System.

Smoking. Smokers who experience an initial event of symptoms that may signal MS are more likely than nonsmokers to experience a second event that confirms relapsing-remitting MS.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

41

Diagnosing MS According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, no single test can determine whether a person has MS, and accurate diagnosis is made even more difficult by the fact that its symptoms can be caused by a variety of other conditions. Diagnosis thus begins with a complete medical history, a neurologic exam and various tests, which can include MRIs, electrical tests called evoked potentials (EP), spinal fluid analysis and blood tests. To properly diagnose MS, a doctor must

Make Sure to Watch Felicia’s

Together WeMake Football

story by NFL Films.

A heartwarming story on how football brings people together.

1•

Find evidence of damage in at least two separate areas of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves

2•

Find evidence that damage occurred on occasions at least one month apart

3•

Rule out all other possible diagnoses.

Lesions — hardened areas (scars) where myelin has been damaged — appear on MRI scans and are evidence of MS. In fact, “multiple sclerosis” literally means “many scars.”

Dr. Jones offers a point of caution: “Scars that are seen on an MRI of the brain show issues with structure, but not function. Think of it this way — a car may be shiny on the outside but not run well. Or it may look like a clunker but operate perfectly. Therefore, there may be a disconnect between how a person functions and how their MRI looks. To complicate matters further, not every spot on an MRI is a scar of MS. So when it comes to achieving an accurate diagnosis of MS, time is our friend. MS is a chronic disease, and time may allow diagnostic clarity as more symptoms develop and change.”

Course of the Disease The progression of multiple sclerosis is unpredictable. Most sufferers experience a “relapsing-remitting” disease course. That is, they have periods of relapse — also called exacerbations or flare-ups — when new damage in the brain or spinal cord disrupts nerve signals and new symptoms appear or old symptoms return. A true relapse must last more than 24 hours and occur at least 30 days after the last relapse. Relapses can vary in length and severity, and many people recover from them without treatment. Relapses are followed by periods of remission that can last for months or even years.

ScanHere to watch or find the link on our website www.ourhealthlbss.com.

Some people with MS experience a gradual onset and steady progression of signs and symptoms without any relapses. This is known as primary-progressive MS. Sixty to seventy percent of people with relapsing-remitting MS eventually develop a steady progression of symptoms, with or without periods of remission.

This is known as secondary-progressive MS.

Treatment Options for MS At this time, multiple sclerosis has no cure. But some treatments can slow its progression and speed recovery from attacks. People with very mild symptoms sometimes do not require any treatment.

42

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Three general types of medication are used to treat MS: those designed to modify the progression of the disease, to treat relapses when they occur, and to help MS patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Disease-modifying treatments The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of drugs to slow the progress of MS and reduce the number of relapses. These include • Injectable medications:such as Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone.

• Oralmedications: such as Aubagio, Gilenya and Tecfidera.

• Infused(IV)medications: such as Lemtrada and Tysabri.

Treating relapses MS relapses are caused by inflammation in the central nervous system that damages the myelin coating of nerve fibers. This damage slows or disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses and causes the symptoms of MS. Most relapses gradually resolve themselves without treatment.

“There may be a disconnect between how a person functions and how their MRI looks. To complicate matters further, not every spot on an MRI is a scar of MS. So when it comes to achieving an accurate diagnosis of MS, time is our friend. MS is a chronic disease, and time may allow diagnostic clarity as more symptoms develop and change.”

DAVID E. JONES, MD is a neurologist at the James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis Clinic in UVA Health System.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

43

Local

multiple sclerosis

Resources

NationalMultiple SclerosisSociety Paul B. Kingston, MSSMC, MSCIR Manager, Program Implementation and Engagement

434.971.6844

www.nationalmssociety.org

WalkMS: LYNCHBURG2017 April 22nd | Check-in opens at 9AM Walk begins at 10AM Lynchburg College 1501 Lakeside Drive | Lynchburg

To donate or join Felicia’s Walk MS Team, go to http://main.nationalmssociety. org/goto/OneTeamOneSound

Felicia V. Correa, LPN Walk MS Team Captain of Team Fe

LynchburgMultiple SclerosisSupportGroup Third Tuesday of each month | From 6-8 PM 305 Salisbury Circle | Lynchburg Contact: 434.525.1194

Managing symptoms Physicians prescribe a wide variety of medications to address the equally varied symptoms of MS, which include depression, pain, infections, stiffness, spasms, bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, dizziness and vertigo.

“The average cost for MS medications can range from $65,000 to $85,000 per year — depending on if the medication is a brand name or generic,” says Dr. Jones. “Fortunately, many of the pharmaceutical companies provide medication assistance to individuals who don’t have medical coverage.”

Living with MS A number of strategies can help individuals coping with MS maintain their health and improve their quality of life.

• Getplentyofrest.

• Stay cool. MS symptoms often worsen when your body temperature rises. Avoiding heat and using devices such as cooling scarves can be helpful.

• Exercise.People with mild to moderate MS are likely to find that regular exercise improves their strength, muscle tone, balance and coordination.

Swimming and other water exercises are good options for individuals bothered by heat. Mild to moderate exercises recommended for people with MS also include walking, stretching, low-impact aerobics, stationary bicycling, yoga and tai chi.

• Eat a balanced diet. While research is still being conducted on the best diet for people with MS, the National MS Society offers some basic guidelines.

SouthHillEmpowerment Group Third Thursday of each month From 5:30 – 7:30 PM Community Memorial Health Center 125 Buena Vista Circle | South Hill Contact: Starr | 434.378.2031

MSFriends® Connects you with volunteers living with MS. Connect by calling 866.673.7436 Volunteers are available 9 AM to midnight, seven days a week.

All conversations are confidential.

MSConnection Connect with people who share your same interests, challenges and hopes. Provide and receive support, information and advice related to the topics that shape your world. www.msconnection.org/groups

44

»

Limit your sugars and processed foods.

»

Eat more fruits and vegetables.

»

Consume adequate fiber and fluids.

»

Choose lean sources of protein (such as chicken, fish and turkey).

»

Choose healthy fats (polyunsaturated fats from seeds, nuts and vegetable oils).

»

Some studies also suggest that vitamin D is beneficial for people with MS.

• Relieve stress. Stress can trigger or worsen signs and symptoms of MS. Yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation or deep breathing may help.

• Balanceyourgutflora. About 100 trillion bacteria live in your intestinal tract —your gut. These essential bacteria contribute to digestion and support your immune system. A relatively new line of thinking suggests that balancing the bacteria in the gut through diet and supplemental probiotics might benefit people with MS. Additional research may shed further light on this approach.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

• Seeksupport. Living with any chronic illness can be difficult. Some ways to cope with the challenges of MS are staying connected to friends and family, joining support groups, and sharing feeling and concerns with a doctor or counselor.

“In supporting my patients with MS, I always remind them that

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis

include:

every little symptom that appears does not mean they are having a relapse. It may or may not be related to their MS. And I encourage them to remember they are individuals who have multiple sclerosis;

»

Numbness or weakness, typically on one side of the body

»

Partial or complete loss of vision

»

Tingling or electric-shock sensations

»

Weakness or fatigue

»

Vision problems

»

Pains and spasms

»

Slurred speech

they are not their disease,” advises Dr. Jones.

Correa is a great example of this philosophy — she refuses to allow her MS to define her. In fact, she has turned her medical condition into an opportunity to do good for others. Go Coach Fe! Expert Contributor David Jones, MD, neurologist, James Q. Miller Multiple Sclerosis Clinic, UVA Health System.

» Tremor

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

read this edition of

»

Lack of coordination or unsteady gait

»

Balance problems or dizziness

»

Bladder and bowel issues

»

Sexual dysfunction

» Depression

on your tablet or smartphone

»

Cognitive problems

www.OurHealthlbss.com

45

Original photography by KG Thienemann.

On an early spring Saturday morning this March, Lynchburg locals kicked off their day at Peaks View Park by participating in the Lighten-Up Lynchburg 5K Run/Walk to encourage activity and increase awareness about the obesity epidemic.

People from in and around the Lynchburg area showed up to support this great cause that is annually hosted by the Lynchburg Mayor’s Youth Council. A portion of the proceeds raised through registration fees and sponsorships goes toward further raising obesity awareness.

The mission of the Mayor’s Youth Council is to explore and communicate the needs, problems and issues affecting youth in the City of Lynchburg regardless of race, gender or socio-economic level. The Lighten-Up Lynchburg 5K Run/Walk is one of many efforts that the Mayor’s Youth Council leads as a part of its advocacy for our local children’s health and well-being.

To learn more about the Mayor's Youth Council, visit http://www.lynchburgva.gov/mayors-youthcouncil or call 434.847.1785.

46

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

www.OurHealthlbss.com

47

48

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

t s u j n i

. . . s ord

w w e f a

e icat d e to d May is m e th ause ionals c s e e r B . ss ui req re does re profe rtant t a o th hca ealthca imp t n l w o a i o h ss he dh and rofe eld of allenge p m e a th ch e fi ave s on k in like th h a r h e o w ,w s ion her ple onth profess t o o M e p g n r lpin ognitio thei any e t c h m c a o p Re Not lives t e im are h c t h s t r i al rd the l He few wo . a n o i a ty Nat p in mmuni u m o to su r their c fo it i s

www.OurHealthlbss.com

49

What I love most about my job in healthcare is the

joy and excitement it brings

__________________________________________________ The joy and excitement when I tell a patient that she is pregnant. As a doctor who specializes in reproductive endocrinology & infertility, I see many patients who have been trying for a long time to have a family. Infertility is a very lonely and isolating diagnosis, and it can make people feel sad and guilty that they are not able to become pregnant when they thought that it would be easy. I strive to help patients have hope and optimism as they face the struggle of infertility.

It is important for me to help patients gain answers about why they are not conceiving, because this knowledge can help them use specific treatments to increase their chances of pregnancy.

My partners and I have many years of experience using medications, insemination, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), to lead to success. In the past 30 years, Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Center of Virginia has helped over 1,000 patients in the region have babies through IVF, and there are thousands and thousands more patients who have become pregnant with other treatments that we offer. I have the most amazing job in the world and am so honored to help people fulfill their dreams of having a baby.

Laura P. Smith MD, FACOG, SREI Reproductive Medicine & Surgery Center of Virginia, PLC

One of the most important lessons I have learned working in healthcare has been

the importance of listening

__________________________________________________ One of the most important lessons I have learned working in healthcare has been the importance of taking the time to listen to what is important to the patient in any given visit – what is their reason for coming, what is their previous experience (personal or otherwise) with their health concern, and what is important to them in plan development. Little else matters if you are not centered on the patient’s whole experience.

Katie Page, Certified Nurse-Midwife Centra Medical Group Women’s Center

50

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

I choose to work in healthcare because

of the people

__________________________________________________ I choose to work in healthcare because of people. At some point in every person’s life they require healthcare services of one type or another. I choose to work in home health because of the personal relationships that you can develop with the patients you see. They require care of every spectrum, physical, mental and psychosocial. You could be helping them to heal wounds at one visit and helping them figure out where their groceries will be coming from in the next visit. You visit them in their home, see their circumstances, good or bad, and as their advocate do all that you can for them in the time you have to spend with them. You brighten their day, heal their wounds, teach them, understand them and love them as though they were your own.

Chasity Blair, Director of Nursing Interim Healthcare

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL CALENDAR OF

Local Health Events! www.ourhealthlbss.com

www.OurHealthlbss.com

51

JOIN THE OURHEALTH COMMUNITY >> We would love to hear from you. Write us, tweet us, or tag us today! facebook.com/ OurHealthLBSS

@OurHealthLBSS on twitter

@OurHealth on pinterest

Working in healthcare makes me feel

fulfilled

___________________ Working in healthcare makes me feel a sense of fulfillment.

Caring for our residents in their later years, many of whom have given as much of themselves over their lifetime, has made my life better.

Cecelia Peters Assisted Living Administrator Valley View Retirement

I choose to work in healthcare because I

enjoy my patients ___________________ I choose to work in healthcare because I enjoy working with patients, and hopefully making them feel better and reassured.

Kenneth Musana, MD Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia

52

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

DON'T MISS THE LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE ORAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE

After a challenging day, I am reminded not to neglect my own

ON PAGE

63

body, mind & spirit ___________________

After a challenging day, I am reminded that as healers, we must first care for our own mind, body and spirit so we are prepared each day to provide the best possible care for our patients.

Rick Lee, MD Integrative Pain Physician and Anesthesiologist Anesthesia Services of Lynchburg, Inc.

Working in healthcare makes me feel

fortunate

___________________ Working in healthcare makes me feel very fortunate because it allows me to assist in providing and protecting the precious gift of sight.

Gary St. Clair, OD St. Clair Eye Care

www.OurHealthlbss.com

53

I help people feel better by helping patients

achieve a greater level of function, health ,and independence __________________________________________________ I help people feel better by helping patients achieve a greater level of function, health, and independence. As a physical therapist, I have been given the unique opportunity to work together collaboratively with each patient to help them achieve the goals that matter most to them. I help people feel better by providing specialized care that is specific to their functional limitations and goals they hope to achieve.

Courtney Bumgarner, PT, DPT Centra Rehabilitation

After a challenging day, I am reminded that

what I do matters

__________________________________________________ After a challenging day, I am reminded that what I do matters. It matters not just to me as a job or career, but matters to others as well. After a challenging day I am reminded that my efforts were to make people’s lives better. My time and energy weren’t spent to sell a product, or produce a physical item, but to improve the lives of those in our facility. When you look back on a challenging day it’s a rewarding thought.

Kyle Swim, OTR/L, OTD Director of Rehabilitation Lynchburg Health & Rehabilitation Center

Everyday, I start my job thankful for

the__________________________________________________ opportunity to make a difference Every day, I start my day thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the life and health of my patients. In family medicine, I have the privilege of becoming part of my patient's lives, their families and our community. Together, we celebrate new babies, growth from childhood to adults and success in every step towards wellness. We grieve over the loss of loved ones, work through the difficulties of life and celebrate every success. I am grateful for a profession that gives to me such satisfaction in helping others.

Trudy Shahady, MD CVFP Rustburg

54

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

By providing

prosthetic and ____________________ orthotic ____________________ healthcare ____________________, I am able to make a difference in people’s lives everyday.

By providing prosthetic and orthotic healthcare, I am given the opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients who are dealing with either a loss of function or loss of limb. Helping them return to a functional lifestyle is the best reward of the job. The ability to see a patient be able to walk again on a daily basis is the greatest privilege.

Richard Ruble, CPO Excel Prosthetics & Orthotics

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com

www.OurHealthlbss.com

55

56

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Music energizes us. Music puts some extra pep in our step. And the right music can push us to go that extra mile, take us around that final lap and get us to the top of that steep hill. But finding the perfect playlist to inspire and motivate us can be a challenge. Who has time to create one? Have no fear — there’s an app for that. In fact, we found three that we really like. Plus, some can even sync to your ideal workout beat!

RockMyRun

by Rock My World, Inc. Available on iTunes and Google Play Cost: FREE with upgrades starting at $2.99 per month Aimed specifically at runners, this app allows you to pick a music genre and a beats per minute (BPM) tempo to match your individual pace. The app adjusts the BPM of mixes and playlists to match your steps or goal cadence. Also works seamlessly with your other running apps, such as Nike+ and MapMyFitness.

“Rated the number one workout music app worldwide!“

Fit Radio App

by Social Study Media, LLC Available on iTunes and Google Play Cost: Subscriptions starting at $2.99 per month With FIT Radio, manually putting together upbeat playlists for the gym is now a thing of the past. Thousands of mixes are all in one easy place, so listeners can simply choose their favorite genre, push play and go! The music never stops, not even for ads. Also features over 45 stations sorted by genre, workout type and BPM.

“The motivation of trainer synced with the perfect playlist!“

Aaptiv

by Skyfit Sports, Inc. Available on iTunes and Google Play Cost: $9.99 per month The amazing playlists filled with some of our favorite music are really an added perk to this robust app. Its main feature is the unlimited access to hundreds of fitness classes in running, cycling, elliptical, treadmill, strength training, yoga, meditation and walking with the motivational guidance of a trainer.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

57

Tricia Foley’s

QUINOA SALAD (4 servings)

Salad Ingredients 1 1 2 ¼ ¾ ½ ½ ½ ¼

tablespoon olive oil cup Quinoa cups low sodium chicken stock cup chopped flat-leaf parsley teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves teaspoon chopped thyme leaves medium green apple, diced cup fresh blueberries cup slivered almonds, toasted

Salad Directions

In a medium pan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the quinoa and stir occasionally until light brown (3-5 minutes). Add chicken stock and allow to boil. Simmer for about ten minutes or until liquid is gone. Pour the quinoa into a large bowl and set aside. Add the parsley, herbs, apple, blueberries and almonds to the quinoa.

Dressing Ingredients ¼ 3 ½ ½ 2

cup apple cider vinegar tablespoons honey teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper tablespoons olive oil

Dressing Directions

In a small bowl, combine vinegar, honey, salt and pepper, then stir in oil until smooth. Pour over the couscous to coat evenly.

Source: www.foodnetwork.com

58

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

»

Quinoa offers a healthy dose of fiber and fewer refined carbohydrates than other typically used ingredients, like couscous.

»

If a recipe calls for dry fruit, try using fresh fruit instead. Dried fruits usually lack the free water and fiber of whole fruit and are concentrated in sugar.

»

Try replacing sugar with honey in your next dressing recipe!

When replacing, use equal amounts of honey for sugar up to one cup.

Nutrition

(Nutrition per serving) 200 calories, 6 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 260 milligrams sodium, 12.4 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber and 21.1 grams protein.

Tricia Foley’s

ORANGE ROUGHY WITH CITRUS SAUCE Ingredients 1 ½ ¼ 1/3 1½ 1 3

(4 servings)

pound orange roughy fillets cup reduced fat milk teaspoon salt cup whole wheat flour tablespoon olive oil tablespoon minced garlic tablespoons lime juice

Directions

2 1 1 2 1/2 1

tablespoons lemon juice tablespoon orange juice tablespoon chopped parsley tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced tablespoon butter tablespoon reduced fat milk

Soak fish in milk for ten minutes. Remove, sprinkle with salt and dredge in whole-wheat flour. Heat two tablespoons oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook fish until golden brown, then flip and allow other side to cook until golden brown. Remove fish and set aside. Wipe pan clean. Reduce heat to low and add remaining oil and garlic. Allow garlic to cook for thirty seconds, and then add the lime, lemon and orange juice as well as parsley and onion.

Finally add butter and one tablespoon milk and mix until creamy. Pour over fish to serve.

»

Eat more fish! Besides being a healthy source of protein, fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 acids, widely considered to be beneficial in promoting cardiovascular health.

»

Whole wheat flour is higher in fiber than white flour and may help reduce your risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, and help control blood sugar if you already have diabetes.

»

If a recipe calls for vegetable oil, try swapping it out for olive oil.

Using olive oil increases heart healthy fats while limiting the amount of saturated fat in a dish.

Source: www.allrecipes.com www.OurHealthlbss.com

59

Tricia Foley’s

YOGURT PARFAIT Ingredients 4 1 1 2

(4 servings)

cups plain Greek yogurt cup blueberries cup strawberries ounces pecans

Directions

2 2

tablespoons honey teaspoons vanilla extract Cinnamon to taste

Divide the yogurt into four separate bowls so that there is a cup of yogurt in each bowl. Then, in each bowl, mix in one half teaspoon vanilla extract. Add one-fourth cup blueberries, one-fourth cup strawberries and one-half ounce pecans (approximately eight nuts) into each bowl. Finally drizzle one-half tablespoon of honey and sprinkle cinnamon over each serving of parfait. Enjoy!

»

Greek yogurt is filled with great probiotics.

These healthy bacteria help promote a healthy gut!

»

Pecans are high in healthy monounsaturated fat and just a handful a day can lower “bad” cholesterol and keep you feeling satisfied longer.

»

Cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices on earth! It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors and is a high source of antioxidants.

Nutrition

(Nutrition per serving) 286 calories, 10 grams fat, .5 grams saturated fat, 0 milligrams sodium, 20.5 grams carbohydrate, 21 grams sugar, 3 grams fiber and 23 grams protein.

1124 Church Street, Lynchburg (at corner of 12th Street)

434.386.8998

Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM Mon-Sat

CRISP

>> Lynchburg’s first (and only) salad and juice bar is a winner. words | RICK PIESTER

There’s no other restaurant like it in Lynchburg. In fact, it’s highly likely that there’s no other restaurant like it for many miles around, certainly not in any similar-sized city.

The aptly named Crisp specializes in fresh ingredients for a selection of salads, wraps, smoothies, juices, coffee and soups in a bright, airy, newly renovated space in the “market” area of downtown Lynchburg. It’s the place to go for delicious, healthy food, especially if you need dairy-free, gluten-free, or nut-free options — or if you’re simply hungry for something really good.

Co-owners and fiancées Sean Bailey and Anne Dorman learned their restaurant chops as food truck operators in major cities like Washington, D.C. before moving “home” to Lynchburg (Anne’s a native and Sean moved here with his family at 19) to open the popular food truck Canopy.

The success of the food truck inspired the couple to open the original location of Crisp in 2015, a relatively small space in a downtown office building that quickly had customers lining up outside the door. Bailey says that the couple’s intention with Crisp was to demonstrate that “healthy food can be delicious, affordable, done fast and good for you.”

In the new space that features edible plants on the walls and herbs growing along the expansive windows, a selection of classic salads and make-your-own options are assembled before your eyes from among 50-plus fresh ingredients and

15-20 site-made dressings. Calorie-wise, the offerings range from a Thai salad (230 calories) to the Cobb salad (600 calories.) There’s a daily selection of freshly made soups as well, and salads are available as a bowl or as a wrap.

Meats such as steak, chicken or seafood are prepared on the premises. Everything is as locally sourced as possible, though it’s pretty hard to find fresh oranges or avocados in central Virginia.

Up a few steps from the main room, a juice and smoothie bar turns out a rotating menu of smoothies (Triple Berry Detox, Pina Colada, Immunity Berry and Peach Cobbler were available on the day we visited) and smoothie bowls (a huge breakfast trend that are pretty much what they sound like — sliced fruits and toppings such and granola, coconut, etc. with milk and honey, juices or yogurt). There are also locally sourced coffees and teas. The juices include squeezed-by-the-glass orange juice (which is astoundingly tasty, although the oranges could use chilling).

Whether you work downtown, are visiting the area for the day, or simply want a great destination for lunch or dinner, Crisp is absolutely a welcome, healthy addition to the Lynchburg food scene.

ON THE WEB

More at ourhealthlbss.com www.OurHealthlbss.com

61

62

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

2017 LY N C H B U R G & SOUTHSIDE

B R O U G H T TO Y O U B Y

www.OurHealthlbss.com

63

64

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

ORAL HEALTH

B R O U G H T TO Y O U B Y

RESOURCE GUIDE

COSMETIC DENTISTRY Dale C. Evans, DDS Lynchburg | 434.385.6505 Danville Dental Associates Chatam | 434.432.8793 Danville (Piney Forest Rd.) 434.799.8825 Danville (Riverside – Upper) 434.822.0500 Danville (Riverside – Lower) 434.822.1332 Danville (South Boston Rd.) 434.799.5097 Forest Dental Center Lynchburg | 434.385.7307

Todd C. Clarkson, DDS South Boston | 434.575.1505 W. Lee Phillips, DDS, PC Lynchburg | 434.239.7411

ENDODONTISTS 2904 Old Forest Road Lynchburg | 434.439.4942 www.foresthillendo.com Services: • • • •

Endodontic therapy (root canal) Traumatic dental injuries Apical Microsurgery Endodontic retreatment

J. Peyton Moore, DDS Martinsville | 276.632.3963

See ad on page 66

James L. Stanley, DDS, PC 3712 Old Forest Road Lynchburg | 434.385.0273 lynchburgendodontics.com

James A. Pollard, DDA Lynchburg | 434.239.4482

Kevin S. Midkiff, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.8133

See ad on page 69

Chalfant Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.846.2202 Charles M. West, DDS Altavista | 434.639.7784

See ad on page 69

GENERAL DENTISTRY Allen T. Read, DDS Lynchburg | 434.384.3100 Altavista Dental Altavista | 434.369.4702

Lynchburg | 434.473.7449

Gregory J. Toone, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.8222

3700 Old Forest Road Lynchburg | 434.333.0382 f gentleendodontics

Forest Hill Endodontics

Forest Smiles

Gentle Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.237.6328

Gentle Endodontics of Lynchburg

Amherst Family Dental Care Amherst | 434.946.7507 Art of Dentistry – Danville Danville | 434.792.0700

Christopher L. King, DDS Lynchburg | 434.688.0995 Dale C. Evans, DDS Lynchburg | 434.385.6505

Danville Dental Associates Chatam | 434.432.8793 Danville (Piney Forest Rd.) 434.799.8825 Danville (Riverside - Upper) 434.822.0500 Danville (Riverside - Lower) 434.822.1332 Danville (South Boston Rd.) 434.799.5097

Augustus A. Petticolas, Jr, DDS Lynchburg | 434.528.3375

David D. Childress, DDS Danville | 434.792.9036

Brady & Crist Dentists Lynchburg | 434.239.2651

Donna F. Helton, DDS, PC Danville | 434.792.5416

Central Virginia Family Dentistry Amherst | 434.916.2480 Lynchburg | 434.237.0004

Dr. Daniel Grabeel Lynchburg | 434.846.5951

www.OurHealthlbss.com

65

ORAL HEALTH

RESOURCE GUIDE

GENERAL DENTISTRY CONTINUED...

Forest Dental Center Lynchburg | 434.385.7307 Forest Family Dentistry Forest | 434.316.6050 Forest Smiles Lynchburg | 434.473.7449

Free Clinic of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.847.5866

Johnson Health Center Gregory J. Toone, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.8222

Holcomb, Savage & Warwick Lynchburg | 434.847.4581 James A. Pollard, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.4482 James P. Julian, DDS Martinsville | 276.634.0071

Janie J. Anderson-Kimble, DDS Lynchburg | 434.847.5847

Gentle Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.237.6328 Glenn A. Kimble, DDS Lynchburg | 434.847.5847

66

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

John A. Barrick, DDA Lynchburg | 434.846.1614

James River Dental Clinic Madison Heights 434.847.4691 Bedford Community Dental Center Bedford | 540.425.7914 Lynchburg Women’s and Pediatric Health Services Lynchburg | 434.929.1400 www.jhcvirginia.org Services: • Dental examinations • Routine cleanings • X-rays • Fluoride treatments • Extractions • Sealants • Fillings • Toothaches • Oral cancer screenings • Orthodontic referrals

B R O U G H T TO Y O U B Y Lynchburg Dental Center Karen F. Kenny, DDS Lynchburg | 434.385.7681 Keith Pyle, DDS South Boston | 434.572.6577 Kelly R. Golden, DDS Lynchburg | 434.846.1981 Kevin S. Midkiff, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.8133 Kwang W. Kim, DDS Halifax | 434.572.4928 Kyle W. Wheeler, DDS Lynchburg | 434.385.6398 Larry R. Jewell, DDS Altavista | 434.369.6244

3719 Old Forest Road Lynchburg | 434.384.7611 LynchburgDentist.com f LynchburgDentalCenter Services: • Family/Pediatric Dentistry • Dental Hygiene • Preventative Care – exams, cleanings, and sealants • Digital x-rays • Oral sedation and nitrous oxide administration • Root canals and extractions • Dental implants – placement and restoration • Cosmetic Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Breath Management

Libbey Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.316.9090 See ad below

Lynchburg Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.832.7008 Massie Bland, DDS Lynchburg | 434.384.9090 Michael C. Peer, DDS South Boston | 434.575.5677 Michael L. Bond, DDS Gretna | 434.656.3573 Michael Parker, DDS Lynchburg | 434.385.7718

Oldham Aesthetic & General Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.385.6100 Patrick M. Todd, DDS and Associates Rustburg | 434.332.5919

www.OurHealthlbss.com

67

ORAL HEALTH

B R O U G H T TO Y O U B Y

RESOURCE GUIDE

W. Lee Phillips, DDS, PC Lynchburg | 434.239.7411

GENERAL DENTISTRY CONTINUED...

Wentz & Manry Danville | 434.792.5134

Paul G. Grekos, DDS Danville | 434.793.6914

William M. Sutherland, DDS Lynchburg | 434.847.0171

PeaksView Dental Bedford | 540.874.2039

William Martin, DDS, MAGD Lynchburg | 434.384.0092

Peery Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.847.5331

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

R. Lee Saunders, Jr, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.8028 Raymond F. Mallinak, DDS Martinsville | 276.638.2305 Riley Dental Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.473.6059 Robert A. Bunn, DDS Lynchburg | 434.385.6000 Robert D. Covey, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.6948 Robert N. Sorenson, DDS Lynchburg | 434.846.8025 Robert S. Carlish, DDS Danville | 434.793.1400 Samuel V. Mesaros, DDS Danville | 434.791.4700 Terrance L. Schwartz, DDS Lynchburg | 434.947.5967 Thomas L. Walker, DDS Lynchburg | 434.385.1117 Timberlake Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.239.6485 Timothy P. Overby, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.8907 Todd C. Clarkson, DDS South Boston | 434.575.1505 VSP Dental Danville | 434.797.4200 68

ORTHODONTICS Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.515.0370

Services: • Dental implants • Wisdom teeth removal • Exposure and bonding of unerupted teeth • Oral pathology orthognathic reconstruction surgery • Nasal orbital and jaw fraction repair • Botox • Juvederm • Numerous sedation options from conscious to general anesthesia

www.cvofs.net See ad on page 66

See ad on page 73

Blanchette Orthodontics Lynchburg | 434.846.4014

Central Virginia Orthodontics 7802 Timberlake Road Lynchburg | 434.385.4746 www.bracesbycvo.com

See ad on page 71

Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics 105 Paulette Circle Lynchburg | 434.237.0125 www.smilelynchburg.com

Danville Pediatric Dentistry Danville | 434.791.2142 Pediatric Dental Care of Virginia, PC Martinsville | 276.403.5500

Aaron Periodontics & Dental Implants Lynchburg | 434.316.0080

Periodontal Health Associates 525 Leesville Road Lynchburg | 434.455.2444

See ad on page 73 Jones & Deshon Orthodontics Martinsville | 276.638.8888

Mountainview Oral Surgery & Implant Center Lynchburg | 434.316.7111

Orthodontic Arts Forest | 434.385.4499

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Lynchburg | 434.237.0125 See full listing to the left

periodontalhealthassociates.com

Kwang W. Kim, DDS Halifax | 434.572.4928

Richard Sherwood, DDS Danville | 434.792.4046

Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

PERIODONTICS

James H. Priest, DDS South Boston | 434.572.8975

Raj S. Guraya, DDS Lynchburg | 434.845.1121

Children's Dental Health of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.239.6948

See ad on page 69

Central Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery Lynchburg | 434.832.8040 Farmville | 434.394.2329

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Snyder Orthodontics Danville | 434.792.8900 Martinsville | 276.632.4144 Spurrier Orthodontics Danville | 434.792.0141

See ad on page 75

PROSTHODONTICS Sleep Wellness of Lynchburg 3700 Old Forest Road Lynchburg | 434.515.0370

See ad on page 69

www.OurHealthlbss.com

69

WHICH TYPE OF DENTIST SHOULD I VISIT? words | SARAH SULLIVAN

With orthodontists, endodontists and periodontists, the list of dental specialties can be overwhelming — but we’ve got a handy guide on who to see for what type of treatment. If you need a root canal, wisdom teeth removal, or laser teeth whitening, read below to find the type of dentist you need to visit.

GENERAL DENTIST The general dentist is the one you’ll want to see first to get an accurate diagnosis and referral, especially if you haven’t had a dental visit in a while. General dentists can provide routine cleanings (recommended every six months), fill cavities and refer you to another dental specialist if needed.

COSMETIC DENTIST PEDIATRIC DENTIST This one’s for the kiddos! A pediatric dentist is a general dentist who specializes in children from birth to adolescence. It’s important to start dental visits six months after the first tooth develops or by the child’s first birthday. If your child has reached one of these milestones, you’ll want to find a good pediatric dentist in order to help prevent cavities and tooth decay.

Want a bright, beautiful, perfect smile? Then you’ll want to visit the cosmetic dentist.

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work that improves the overall aesthetic of the teeth and gums. There are a number of procedures that a cosmetic dentist can perform, including laser teeth whitening, tooth reshaping and bonding veneers.

ORTHODONTIST If you’ve ever had braces on your teeth, then you’re familiar with the orthodontist! An orthodontist is a specialist who deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of teeth alignment and the jaws. This dental specialty requires three years of additional study after dental school, plus a one-year fellowship on craniofacial orthodontics. Orthodontists typically use devices such as braces or retainers to fix the alignment of the teeth and jaw. If your teeth are crooked or your bite is misaligned, you’ll want to visit the orthodontist for a consultation.

ORAL SURGEON This unique and internationally recognized specialty often requires a dual degree in medicine and dentistry. Proficient in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS), these surgeons treat injuries, diseases and defects in the jaws, face, head, neck and oral and maxillofacial tissues. You’ll need to visit the oral surgeon for procedures like the removal of wisdom teeth or the integration of dental implants.

70

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

PERIODONTIST A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in preventing gum disease and placing dental implants in the gums. They assess the condition of the gums and take X-rays to determine the condition of the bone below the gum line. If you’ve been told that you have gum disease, you’ll need to visit the periodontist for assessment and cleaning.

MAKE SURE YOU VISIT THE

WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN BETTER PROTECT YOUR FAMILY'S ORAL HEALTH!

SCAN HERE ENDODONTIST Endodontists are dentists who maintain oral health through the soft inner tissue of the teeth, which is referred to as the “pulp.” The term “endodontist” comes from the Latin “endo,” meaning “inner,” and “odont,” meaning “tooth.” After dental school, endodontists study for two additional years. They mostly specialize in root canals; if you have a bad cavity and you’ve been told that you need a root canal, you’ll need to visit the endodontist for this simple procedure.

OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE, www.deltadentalva.com

PROSTHODONTIST A prosthodontist is an expert in the replacement and restoration of teeth. After four years of dental school, prosthodontists receive three more years of training in an American Dental Association (ADA)-accredited graduate program. They specialize in creating a smooth and beautiful smile through the use of bridges, crowns and partial or full dentures. If you’ve lost a few teeth due to an accident or simply as part of the aging process, you’ll want to consult a prosthodontist to restore your smile. The prosthodontist will consult with your general dentist and oral surgeon to develop a plan for your dental needs.

www.OurHealthlbss.com

71

WHY IS A HEALTHY MOUTH GOOD FOR YOU? words | SARAH SULLIVAN

Why is it so important to practice good dental hygiene? The answer is that your dental health is critical for the overall health of your body. Poor dental conditions can lead to serious health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, preterm labor and poorly controlled diabetes. Here is a short primer on major medical issues that can arise from inadequate dental hygiene.

Your mouth’s major defense system is saliva, which is one of your biggest safeguards against viruses and bacteria. Saliva contains antibodies and proteins that attack viruses and inhibit fungal growth; it also contains enzymes that destroy bacterial membranes.

Saliva is a great marker of overall bodily health, so your dentist can collect and test your saliva for a host of major medical conditions, including cirrhosis, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. It’s thought that less-invasive saliva analysis will soon replace blood tests.

CARDIOVASCULAR INFECTION When bacteria get into the bloodstream, they can spread to your heart and cause endocarditis, which is a very serious infection of the heart lining and valves.

If you have a strong immune system, this condition is quite rare. However, if your immune system has been lowered by HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy or type 2 diabetes, endocarditis can be a major risk that accompanies gingivitis.

72

STROKE

TYPE 2 DIABETES

PRETERM LABOR

There’s a host of growing evidence that gingivitis can raise your risk for blood clots and stroke. Bacteria in the mouth can move to the heart, inflaming the arteries and resulting in plaque breaking off to cause a heart attack or stroke. There is a direct correlation between the severity of gingivitis and the amount of carotid artery plaque.

While poor oral hygiene can’t directly cause type 2 diabetes, it can certainly aggravate it. Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing gum disease due to high blood sugar, which provides ample nutrition for bacteria to grow. Chronic gum disease (or any type of infection) can cause insulin resistance, knocking your blood sugar levels off balance and making your diabetes more difficult to control.

Periodontal disease can raise your risk of preterm delivery or low infant birth rate. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 18 percent of preterm and low birth weight cases in the United States every year may be caused by oral infections. Oral bacteria can release toxins into the mother’s bloodstream and therefore the placenta, which can interfere with the fetus’s development and growth.

Furthermore, oral infections can cause preterm labor by stimulating labor-triggering substances.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

JOIN THE OURHEALTH COMMUNITY >> We would love to hear from you. Write us, tweet us, or tag us today! facebook.com/ OurHealthLBSS @OurHealthLBSS on twitter @OurHealth on pinterest

www.OurHealthlbss.com

73

HEALTH SECRETS THAT YOUR TONGUE MAY BE TELLING YOU

words | SARAH SULLIVAN

Don’t ignore your tongue — its color and texture may be telling you something very important about your health! Several different conditions and diseases can show up on your tongue, from funky colors to strange bumps. Here are the most common indicators that something’s going on.

BRIGHT RED TONGUE You could have a vitamin B12 or iron deficiency. The papillae on the tongue require iron and vitamin B12 to mature, so a lack of these vitamins causes the loss of the papillae — resulting in a glossy, smooth, strawberry-red tongue. If enough papillae are lost, which is known as “balding,” it may become painful to eat spicy or hot foods. Vitamin B12 is found in many meats, so vegetarians can be prone to this deficiency and may need to take supplements in order to prevent it.

A bright red tongue accompanied by a high fever can indicate scarlet fever or Kawasaki disease, especially in children. This requires immediate medical care. In rare cases, additionally, a harmless condition called “geographic tongue” can cause reddish spots to appear in a map-like pattern on the tongue.

WHITE COATING OR SPOTS This is most commonly caused by oral thrush, a yeast infection that causes white patches with the consistency of cottage cheese. It happens most often to diabetics, infants and denture wearers; it can also occur after taking antibiotics or using inhaled steroids for lung disease or asthma. If the white spots are smooth without the cottage-cheese consistency, it could be leukoplakia — irritated white patches on the tongue that are usually caused by tobacco products and can turn cancerous in 5-17 percent of patients. The bottom line is that smoking can damage your tongue pretty badly.

FUZZY, HAIRY BLACK TONGUE This indicates that your oral hygiene isn’t up to par. Your papillae are overgrowing and can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath. Known as “black and hairy tongue,” this condition can be due to drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes, or not brushing your teeth enough.

Thankfully, you can fix this pretty easily by eliminating the causes and practicing better oral hygiene. Try using a tongue scraper if you have persistent fuzzy tongue.

PAINFUL SORES Take a deep breath before assuming this is something serious. Taste buds, especially those towards the back of the tongue, can become temporarily inflamed. Canker sores are another cause; they’re painful, but easily treated by gargling with baking soda and water.

Herpes can cause sores and will be treated with a prescription anti-viral medication at your doctor’s office.

74

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside