Central Virginia edition • October/November 2012
The 2012
Retirement Living
Awards
WHAT’S A BREAST CANCER PREVIVOR? WHEN
MOTHER
NATURE STRIKES C entral Virginia Family Physicians’ team talk
about the importance of having an emergency preparedness plan in place
Heritage Green resident Phyllis Glazier
McClintic Media, Inc. PUBLISHER
Stephen C. McClintic, Jr.
PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Angela Holmes ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jenny Hungate
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Heidi McClintic
ACCOUNTING MANAGER EDITORIAL
WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Bruce Bentley, DDS C. Ruth Cassell Sarah Cox Tricia Foley, RD, MS
Aaron Gavin, DDS Tina Joyce Cameron May Jennifer Martin, RRT
Genvieve Neale, DVM Laura Neff-Henderson Rick Piester Teresa Whiley, RN
ART
EDITING Idea Garden, Inc. GRAPHIC DESIGN Idea Garden, Inc. WEB Adapt Partners (adaptpartners.com) ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
Cindy Trujillo 434.907.5255 cindy@ourhealthvirginia.com
@ourhealthmag COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS McClintic Media, Inc., publisher of Our Health magazines, welcomes your feedback. Please send your comments and/or questions regarding this edition to via U.S. Mail to: “Letters,” Our Health Lynchburg and Southside edition, 305 S. Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153; via phone at 540.387.6482 or via email to steve@ourhealthvirginia.com. Information in this magazine 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 © 2012 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. McClintic Media’s Lynchburg and Southside edition of Our Health is published eight times annually. Contact us at: McClintic Media, Inc., 305 Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483 for more information. www.ourhealthvirginia.com. Advertising rates upon request.
| BASIC
table of contents | october/november 2012
KIDS’ CARE..............................49
19
COVER STORY Find out if your favorite senior service is a winner in the 2012 Retirement Living Awards! 2012 RETIREMENT LIVING
AWARDS
A regional autism school opens a Lynchburg location
53
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
MEDI•CABU•LARY..................10
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS | our health
Local experts define healthcare terms
JUST ASK!...............................10 Common health questions answered by local healthcare professionals
THE LATEST............................12 New physicians, providers, locations and upcoming events and important news
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.....................15 Mother Nature can strike anytime
HEALTH QUIZ..........................23 How much do you know about pharmacies?
*ADVERTORIAL SECTION* RETIREMENT COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS............................30 PUBLIC HEALTH | our health
Public Health:RABIES words | RICk PIEsTER photography | ??????? ????????
Kevin Hooper was awakened by a rustling sound. He didn’t think too much about it in the very early hours of a late June Sunday morning, but about an hour later he was awakened again; this time it was more of a flapping sound. Like wings flapping. This time, his wife Christie woke up as well. It was 2 AM, and they saw a bat flying in the room. “We weren’t really that alarmed,” Christie remembers. “We closed the bedroom door. Kevin got dressed and protected from head to foot. He caught the bat, and we thought we were doing the right thing by taking it outside and letting it go. Later that Sunday, we took our daughter to camp in West Virginia and never even thought about it.” End of story? No. Beginning of story. The following Tuesday morning, Kevin went for a run with a friend. In general conversation, Kevin told his friend about the bat incident. The friend passed along some sobering news: he knew of a family who had a similar incident, and the family feared they had been exposed to rabies, the horrible, always-deadly viral disease most often spread by saliva in the bite of an infected animal. Christie Hooper talked with the family and learned that they had gone through a series of shots to protect them against the disease, shots that are no longer as tortuous as many people think, but are still far from fun. The family suggested that Christie call the Lynchburg Health Department for more guidance. At the Health Department, she was routed to Environmental Health Manager Steve Simpson. “He told us that we needed to consider being vaccinated,” she says, “and that the whole family should be treated, because we couldn’t be sure whether we had been bitten or not.” The whole family includes Kevin and Christie and their youngsters — 10-year-old Annie, who by then was miles away at summer camp for 3 weeks, and 5-year-old Billy. “Everyone in the family was asleep while the bat was in the Hooper’s home,” Simpson explains during an interview in the Health Department district headquarters near Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. “Bats have very tiny, and very sharp, teeth. You probably would not know that you had been bitten by a bat, particularly if you were asleep at the time. A bite can be difficult — even impossible — to find. And we know that rabies is very commonly found in bats and other animals in Central Virginia.” The bat could have been tested for the presence of rabies, but it was long gone. This meant that the Hoopers were facing a decision: commit to a complex, uncomfortable, and expensive series of shots to treat the rabies —although they were not sure whether they had been exposed — or take the risky course of no treatment in the hope that they had not been exposed. The decision became a no-brainer. Christie Hooper says that she www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 45
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45
PUBLIC HEALTH UNDERSTANDING RABIES
PREVIVING THE ODDS words | TINA JOYCE photography | ??????? ????????
A Lynchburg woman found that her proactive health choices empowered her to make an informed decision, rather than wait for a diagnosis. Although October marks a time of pink ribbons, testimonials, and races to find a cure, Sonia McFarland has made her own strides against cancer. Recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October brings together breast cancer charities to raise funds to increase awareness and for research into the disease’s cause, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. According to the American Cancer Association, the awareness campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. McFarland, age 55 and a Volunteer Coordinator for Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital, is generating a different type of awareness and support. She is a previvor. A previvor is a person who has either precancerous cells or a genetic mutation known to cause cancer, but does not have cancer. Sonia McFarland did not have breast or ovarian cancer, but she did discover she carries the BRCA1 gene—increasing her risk of contracting breast cancer to 65% and 39% for ovarian cancer before her 70th birthday.1 The odds were stacked against her. A year and a half ago her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and the family began genetic research to determine who might also be a carrier of the mutated gene. “These are my God given genes,” Sonia acknowledges. “Knowing whether I carry or don’t carry the mutation can affect my family now as well as in future generations.” www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 53
NUTRITION HEALTH...............57 Insight about foods that are more agreeable to people going through cancer treatments
FINANCIAL HEALTH................61 Making sense of health insurance can save you money in the long term
CUTTING EDGE........................63 A new technology marketed by two Lynchburg residents is set to make a difference in the way infectious diseases are controlled
Proudly serving the Lynchburg communities Asthma & Allergy Center of Lynchburg 1715 Thomson Drive Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.2244
our health | MEDI•CABU•LARY & JUST ASK
me d i • ca bu • l ar y
T H E L A N G U A G E O F H E A LT H C A R E E X P L A I N E D
What is a Frenectomy?
What is a Pusle Oximeter?
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure where the frenum is removed. Frenums are strands of tissue which extend from the cheek or lip to the gums. (You can probably detect a frenum in your mouth by placing your tongue in the space between your upper lip and your central incisors.)
A pulse oximeter is a noninvasive device that indirectly monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient’s blood. The device shines a light at two wavelengths (red and infrared) through a part of the body that is relatively translucent and has good arterial pulsed blood flow, usually a fingertip or earlobe in an adult and across the foot in an infant. This method is one of the ways used to determine if a patient requires supplemental oxygen.
While frenums have no definitive purpose, they contain muscle fibers which can cause tension. In some cases the tension can result in gum recession. For those receiving orthodontic treatment to close a gap between the central teeth, the frenum can act like coil spring and cause the teeth to separate after treatment is complete. The frenectomy procedure is very simple and safe, and the results last a lifetime!
Aaron Gavin, DDS Aaron Periodontics & Dental Implants Lynchburg | 434.316.0080
Jennifer Martin, RRT Roberts Home Medical Lynchburg | 434.846.5381
“infusion therapy” means that a drug is administered intravenously, but the term also may refer to situations where drugs are provided through other non-oral routes, such as intramuscular injections and epidural routes (into the membranes surrounding the spinal cord). The most common therapies given are antibiotics, pain management and Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). Home health agencies provide nurses to administer and instruct the patient and /or caregiver to give the medications. A nurse obtains labs and provides weekly sterile dressing change to the IV device per MD orders. A physician gives a prescription to state licensed pharmacy that specializes in home infusion therapy to provide the medications and supplies.
What is Infusion Therapy? Infusion therapy in the home setting involves the administration of medication through a IV angiocath , PICC or CVC. It is prescribed when a patient’s condition is so severe that it cannot be treated effectively by oral medications. Typically,
Teresa Wiley, RN First Dominion Home Health Lynchburg | 434.384.2800
ju st a sk!
T H E L A N G U A G E O F H E A LT H C A R E E X P L A I N E D
What is the best orthodontic treatment plan for adults?
Does my pet need the Bordetella Vaccination?
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a common bacterium commonly associated with the dog version of the common cold. This is a very contagious condition called canine infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough. The name kennel cough unfortunately leads people to believe their dog will only become infected in a kennel or group housing condition, this is a common misconception. It only takes a bit a nose to nose, a sneeze, or even walking past an infected to dog spend the bacterium to your precious pooch. To avoid this upper respiratory syndrome it is recommended to have your dog vaccinated with a bordetella vaccine annually.
New techniques and appliances greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time, and may allow you to choose from several corrective options. To determine the most effective procedures and the best timing for adults seeking orthodontic treatment, an initial consultation should be scheduled.
Bruce Bentley, DDS Central Virginia Orthodontics Lynchburg | 434.385.GRIN (4746)
10 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Pawprints Mobile Medicine for Pets Genvieve Neale, DVM Lynchburg | 434.238.0232
our health | THE LATEST
the l atest N E W P H Y S I C I A N S , P R O V I D E R S , L O C AT I O N S A N D U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
Physicians receive awards for excellence
Centra Comprehensive Breast Program Receives National Accreditation
Wesley Robertson, MD is the 2012 recipient of the Golden Beeper Award, a Centra award honoring the provider who best embodies a culture of service, professionalism, teamwork and safety. Robert Brennan, MD, is this year’s winner of the John Bell Memorial Clinical Excellence Award. Dr. Robertson, family medicine practitioner and hospitalist with Medical Associates of Central Virginia, was selected to receive the Golden Beeper Award for skills that create high reliability in patient care, including peer coaching and communication.
Wesley Robertson, MD
The Golden Beeper Award was created in 2011 in recognition of the role Centra’s culture—particularly its emphasis on teamwork, service, patient safety and professionalism—has played in the success of its medical community. Because of the award’s emphasis on teamwork, nominations for the award were made by Centra nursing, clinical and ancillary support staff, with the final selection by Centra’s Nursing Executive Committee. Dr. Brennan, internist and infectious disease specialist with Medical Robert Brennan, MD Associates of Central Virginia, is the fifth recipient of the John Bell Memorial Clinical Excellence Award. The award, established in memory of the late John Bell, M.D., a Lynchburg cardiothoracic surgeon, recognizes the continued use of best clinical practices throughout central Virginia. Dr. Brennan was recognized for making an outstanding contribution to the use of best clinical practices through his evidence-based care of patients with infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis C as well as advances he has made with antibiotic stewardship at Centra. Dr. Brennan also was cited for the many clinical trials he has brought to Lynchburg in the caring of patients with HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. Jay E. Hopkins, MD has been named the fifteenth recipient of the Lynchburg Academy of Medicine’s prestigious William Barney Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented Wednesday at a reception for new area physicians co-sponsored by the Academy of Medicine and Centra. After receiving his orthopaedic training at Duke University, Dr. Hopkins served two years in the Air Force. He began his practice in Lynchburg in 1976. Over the years he has served as president and board member of the Academy of Medicine. He Jay E, Hopkins, MD served on multiple Academy of Medicine committees. He has supported the medical training of physicians at the Lynchburg Family Medicine Residency. Since his retirement four years ago he has staffed an orthopaedics clinic at the Free Clinic as a regular volunteer.
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Centra’s Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program has been awarded a Three-Year Full Accreditation, demonstrating our compliance with and commitment to all the standards established by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Cancers (NAPBC), an association of national, professional organizations dedicated to the improvement of the quality of care and the monitoring of outcomes for patients with diseases of the breast. NAPBC accredited breast centers have met the criteria set forth and have undergone a rigorous application process and on-site survey to assure the NAPBC standards are being met. Centra received accreditation by excelling in center leadership, clinical management, research, community outreach, professional education, and quality improvement. The NAPBC surveyor remarked, “The Centra comprehensive breast program is a true gem… The hallmark of the team is strong communication and state of the art clinical practice.” As one of the first centers to be nationally accredited three years ago, this accomplishment of re-accreditation shows continued quality improvement and dedication to a breast program that exceeds patient expectations and assures patients access to a full range of high level care and services.
our health | THE LATEST
the l atest N E W P H Y S I C I A N S , P R O V I D E R S , L O C AT I O N S A N D U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
Centra Board Approves Major Medical Center in Gretna
On Monday, September 24, 2012, The Centra Board of Directors agreed to move forward with the healthcare system’s proposed plans to build a 50,000 squarefoot major medical center in Gretna with an emergency department, helipad, on-site ambulance, 64-slice CT scanner and other imaging technology and services. The new center, which would relocate and replace the current Gretna Medical Center, would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on nearly 12 acres on U.S. 29. It would be accessible from Route 40 by way of McBride Lane. The center is expected to increase the number of employees from 16 to 80. Patients would gain greater access to more specialists and a broader continuum of care right in the Gretna community. Critical to the success of the medical center project is approval from the state for a 64-slice CT scanner. In Virginia, a Certificate of Public Need (COPN) is required from the Virginia Department of Health for the CT scanner. The state Health Commissioner must determine that the public need for the project exists and can be demonstrated. A 64-slice CT scanner is the newest generation of CT technology. It creates more detailed images in a shorter amount of time. The 64-slice scanner is more versatile and allows X-ray images to be taken from a variety of angles. In addition, it provides better imaging especially of the heart, which is constantly moving with each heartbeat. With approval from the Centra Board of Directors, Centra will go forward with its application for a Certificate of Public Need. Letters from people, businesses and corporations have been shown to have a significant impact on the outcome. Centra is currently seeking letters of 14 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
support for the CT-scanner and the Gretna Medical Center project. Letters of support may be brief or of any length and should be sent to Karen Remley, MD, Virginia Health Commissioner, 109 Governor Street, 13th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 or by e-mail to karen.remley@vdh.virginia.gov. With approval of the COPN, construction could begin next spring and the facility could open in late fall 2014. Gretna is a very important part of Centra’s service area and Centra has long been an integral part of the Gretna community. This project would further strengthen that collaboration. In addition, a major medical facility in Gretna is going to be paramount as the healthcare industry continues to move into managing whole populations of people through accountable care. The proposed Gretna Medical Center would be a major regional center, built from the ground up to meet the specific needs of the community. Physicians, nurses, imaging experts and other specialists have been involved in decisions about facility layout, equipment, furnishings and fixtures. The facility has been carefully designed with patients of all ages and their families in mind. The center also will allow Centra to add a wellness component to it services and community meeting areas. Emergency care facilities in Gretna would not only improve care there, but also would make a difference in the volume of patients having to travel from the Gretna region to the Lynchburg General Hospital Emergency Department. That’s because about 50 percent of patients from the Gretna region are traveling to Centra Lynchburg General Hospital for emergency care. Chris Thomson, MD, medical director of Centra Emergency Services Group, said
his partners have been very involved in designing and developing the facility. They plan to staff the freestanding emergency department with a board certified emergency physician 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Centra has been providing emergency department services in Lynchburg for generations,” he said, “and we will be bringing that same commitment to the Gretna area.” For more information about the proposed Gretna Medical Center facility, or information about writing a letter of support, please call 1.877.MDLINK1.
What can the public do to support the project? In Virginia, a Certificate of Public Need is required from the Virginia Department of Health for the CT scanner. The state Health Commissioner must determine that public need for the project exists and can be demonstrated. Letters from people and businesses in the community have been shown to have a significant impact on the outcome. Centra is currently seeking letters of support for the CT scanner and the Gretna Medical Center project. Letters can be very brief or of any length. Letters of support must be sent to: Karen Remley, MD Virginia Health Commissioner 109 Governor Street 13th Floor Richmond, VA 23219 or by email to karen.remley@vdh.virginia.gov
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS | our health
In Case of Emergency:
PREPARE!
The first step is to envision what can happen in the case of a weather-related emergency, a fire, a flood, or loss of power. words | SARAH COX
On Friday, June 29, 2012, a derecho* whipped through the Commonwealth causing loss of power to 462,000 Virginia customers and numerous deaths. It was just a precursor to what happened next. On Saturday, July 14, 2012, a fire destroyed the Staunton River Family Physicians clinic. Both events greatly impacted Central Virginia Family Physicians (CVFP). (Staunton River Family Physicians is one of CVFP’s locations.) The good news is that the practice, which encompasses eight family practice clinics, three immediate care clinics, and a central laboratory and diagnostic center, has an exceptional management team and staff that was able to address the issues effectively and minimize interruption in-patient care. “The derecho left several clinics without power,” explains CVFP Chief Operating Officer Brian Witt. During the heat spell that accompanied the windstorm, Witt says the need to acquire portable generators to supplement the hard-wired back-up generators became evident. Two weeks later, the fire brought to light the need for a solid emergency plan. On the morning of the fire, only a physicians’ assistant and a patient were in the Staunton River Family Physicians clinic. The first thing the management team assessed was the safety of patients and personnel. Once that was done, the real work began and continued through the weekend. www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 15
our health | EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Key players were assembled; the insurance company was notified; the following week’s patient appointments were pulled and patients were called. “One of the advantages of our company is that we have many other locations, with additional space, so we were easily able to relocate the staff within our company and close to this area,” notes Witt. Next, with electronic records readily available, patients with appointments on the following days were called. Witt
said that one of the key players of the planning team was their IT person who was able to provide patient contact information as well as the appointment logs for the week. But that just took care of the immediate concerns. Disaster marketing had to be done, and it had to be done quickly. CVFP used its website (www.cvfp.net) and social media tools to provide real-time updates. They also immediately placed advertisements in local papers, and established an answering service that provided a revised appointment schedule so that patients could find out where their alternate site visit would be. Witt explains that within the past year, CVFP has begun to use social media sites, which helped tremendously in this situation. The marketing company put up a banner at the site of the fire which directed patients to a website and phone number. Beyond that, according to Witt, the community came together to help out. The CEO of Centra Health loaned an empty examining room and office to a physician. “Many of our patients are elderly, and driving can be difficult for them,” says Witt, explaining
Preparation is key. Once a disaster strikes, have a planning team already named and assemble them immediately. Map out a plan specific to the situation. Make the plan day-to-day specific. Since all of the physicians, staff and administrators could be contacted via email or cell, July 14’s message was relayed immediately. Four doctors were scheduled to see 100 patients that Monday, July 16, and all of those patients were contacted individually with alternate plans.
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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS | our health
why trying to keep alternative office sites local was so important. The Virginia Technical Institute, located at 201 Ogden Road in Alta Vista, offered space where CVFP was able to set up a temporary facility. This temporary facility, which is close in proximity to the Staunton River Family Physicians’ site, will remain open for the next several months to accommodate local patient care.
storms, similar to an outflow boundary (gust front), except that the wind is sustained and increases in strength behind the front, generally exceeding hurricane-force. A warm-weather phenomenon, derechos occur mostly in summer, especially during June and July in the Northern Hemisphere, within areas of moderately strong instability and moderately strong vertical wind shear. They may occur at any time of the year and occur as frequently at night as during the daylight hours.
“Our mission is to provide medical care to our patients as quickly as possible. In this case, we were able to do that,” states Witt. “We have a very loyal patient base, and they were very pleased to hear about the temporary clinic in the same area.” Joyce Kidd, operations manager, points out that the Staunton River Family Physicians’ staff was welcomed into other clinics, where relocated patients saw familiar faces. “The staff is feeling like a bigger part of a large organization. We have grown from this, and we had some good things come from it,” she says. You never know when a disaster will occur, says Witt. One can’t be prepared for everything. But their loyal team, community, and patients allowed the transition to be smooth. The Health Care Stimulus Bill, passed in 2009, has a “goal of utilization of an electronic health record for each person in the United States by 2014.” While this is a point of contention for some, Central Virginia Family Physicians were pleased to have had this transfer in place. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has posted suggested plans for different medical venues (http://www.cdc.gov/ phpr/healthcare/planning.htm), including hospitals, physician offices, and urgent care clinics. In its list of items to include in a disaster plan (which was formulated by California in 2009), are hazard mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Witt notes that they were “absolutely pleased” with the way the practice came together, with the community and patients, and “we haven’t missed a beat.”
*What is a derecho? A derecho is a widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms. Generally, derechos are convectioninduced and take on a bow echo form of squall line, forming in an area of wind divergence in the upper levels of the troposphere, within a region of low-level warm air advection and rich low-level moisture. They travel quickly in the direction of movement of their associated www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 17
our health | EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Lynchburg Dental C E N T E R
“Lynchburg Dental Center has been our family dentist for three generations. Over the years, the staff has been willing to go the extra mile to take care of our family and always makes us feel comfortable. This is especially important for our children.” John & Alison - Family of Five
Our Patients Say it Best. Carrington Crawford, D.D.S. | Charles Glenn, D.D.S. (434) 384-7611 | 2904 Old Forest Road www.lynchburgdentist.com
18 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
FOR ASSISTED LIVING and ALSO
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MEMORY CARE FACILITY DayBreak... our special neighborhood for the memory-impaired LIFE ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
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our health | RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS
2012 RETIREMENT LIVING
AWARDS
20 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS | our health
Independent Living Gold The Summit 1400 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.582.1500 www.summitlynchburg.com Silver Bentley Commons 1604 Graves Mill Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.509.0036 www.kapdev.com
Comprehensive Rehab (Outpatient) Gold Rehab Associates of Central Virginia 44 Clifton Street Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.528.1848 www.racv.hostcentric.com
Silver Orthopedic Center of Central Virginia 595 Martha Jefferson Drive Charlottesville, VA 22911 434.654.8333 www.marthajefferson.org
Bronze Danville Orthopedic & Athletic Rehab 174 Executive Drive Danville, VA 24541 434.797.1504 www.doarpt.com
Bronze Westminster Canterbury 501 VES Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 800.962.3520 www.wclynchburg.org
Real Estate Services Gold Keller Williams Realty Witt Folgeman Cell: 434.941.8847 Lynchburg, VA www.wittfolgeman.com Silver Jane Blickenstaff Realtors 4923 Boonsboro Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 Cell: 434.660.3773 www.ajaneblickenstaff.net Bronze Dawson Ford Garbee & Co. Realtors 3715 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.385.0015 www.dawsonfordgarbee.com
Skilled Nursing Facilities Gold Avanté at Lynchburg 2081 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.8437 www.avantecenters.com Silver The Summit 1400 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.582.1500 www.summitlynchburg.com Bronze Lynchburg Health & Rehab 5615 Seminole Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.239.2657 www.lifeworksrehab.com
WE ARE HONORED. at Avante‘ at Lynchburg, delivering unparalleled
skilled nursing and rehabilitative care to our residents is our mission. And we are proud that it shows. From the entire staff of Avante‘ at Lynchburg, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our community for selecting us as the Gold Award recipient in the skilled nursing category of Our Health magazine’s 2012 Retirement Living Awards.
Avante‘ at Lynchburg 2081 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.8437 www.avantecenters.com
skilled nursing and rehabilitation www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 21
our health | RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS
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22 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Insurance Agents Gold State Farm Francisco Mayo 3813 Wards Road, suite F Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.847.1249 www.franciscomayo.com Silver Scott Insurance - Walker Sydnor 1301 Old Graves Mill Road Lynchburg, VA 24506 800.365.0101 www.scottins.com Bronze Hedges Insurance Agency 20715 Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.2021 www.hedgesinsurance.net
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Silver Depot Grille 9th Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.846.4464 www.depotgrille.com Bronze The Blue Dahila 2200 Graves Mill Road Forest, VA 24551 434.455.2895 www.thebluedahlia.net
After Life Services Gold Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory 811 State Route 620 Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.385.8900 www.diuguidfuneralservice. com Silver Tharp Funeral Home 220 Breezewood Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.9424 www.tharpfuneralhome.com Bronze Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory 427 Graves Mill Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.239.2405 www. heritagefuneralandcremation. com
Lawn Care Gold Southern Landscape Group 192 Miles Lane Evington, VA 24550 434.821.6004 www.soscapes.com
QUIZ YOURSELF! | our health
HEALTH QUIZ:
PHARMACIES
1. What level degree do pharmacists receive? A. Doctorate B. Masters C. Bachelors D. Associates 2. Pharmacists can supervise up to how many pharmacy technicians? A. 1 B. 2 C. 4 D. Unlimited 3.
Pharmacies are regulated by whom? A. State Boards of Pharmacy B. FDA C. DEA D. All of the above
4. True or False: Pharmacies are obligated to offer counsel on every prescription that is dispensed. True False 5. Which two classes of medications are common sources of drug interactions in patients that can adversely affect your kidneys? A. Alcohol and Tylenol B. NSAIDs and ACE inhibitors/ARBs C. Statins and fish oil D. All of the above 6. Which of the following are the responsibilities of pharmacists? A. Securing the drug supply chain B. Filling orders from prescribers accurately C. Educating patients about the use of prescription and over the counter medications D. All of the above
7. When is the next open enrollment period for Medicare Part D Plan selection? A. October 15-December 7 B. Jan 1-Jan 31 C. April 1-May15 D. July 15-August 31 8. Patients who know their pharmacists name… A. are more willing to tell their pharmacist the other medicines they are currently taking B. are more likely to read product labels all the time (47%) C. know the main ingredients of the prescription medicines they are taking (61%) D. use their pharmacist as a source of information on medicines (93%) E. all of the above 9.
Which of the following are niches often found at independent pharmacies? A. Compounding B. Medical equipment C. Diabetes supplies D. All of the above
10. Medications are helpful for which of the following? A. Extending one’s life B. Improving one’s quality of life C. Both a. and b. D. None of the above
12. Opiates interact with which kind of pain receptors? A. Mu B. Kappa C. Delta D. All of the above 13. What percentage of Americans are non complaint with their prescribed treatments? A. 75% of all Americans B. 50% of chronically ill patients C. Both a. and b. D. None of the above 14. Medication non-adherence is estimated to cost society… A. $100 million B. $500 million C. $100 billion D. None of the above 15. True or False According to research by consumer reports and JD Power and Associates, Independent Community Pharmacies rank highest in customer/patient satisfaction. True or False Patients like you patronizing the more than 23,000 independently owned community pharmacies across the country rank them highest in customer satisfaction.
• Readers of Consumer Reports magazine score independent community pharmacies the highest based on overall satisfaction and service among all types of pharmacy providers. Ninety-four percent of survey respondents said they were highly satisfied with their experiences at independent pharmacies, based on categories including personal service, knowledge and speed in filling prescriptions. • The J.D. Power and Associates 2010 National Pharmacy Study found that independently owned community pharmacies* consistently garnered among the highest customer satisfaction scores, surpassing national, publicly traded pharmacy chains and the most common, volumedriven mail order pharmacies. • The 2010 Gallup annual Honesty and Ethics survey ranked pharmacists as the 3rd most-trusted profession. For more information on this quiz or anything pharmacy related please contact Drs. Vince and Jodi Ettare, owners of Rustburg Family Pharmacy at 434-237-3331. Free delivery available. Some restriction apply.
11. Which of the following transdermal treatment options would be best for pain originating from inflammation? A. Ketoprofen B. Gabapentin C. Lidocaine D. All of the above
This health quiz is sponsored by: Visit www.ourhealthvirginia.com to learn the answers to thesewww.ourhealthvirginia.com questions! | 23
our health | RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS
Silver 4 Seasons Landscape & Tree Care 1080 Cedar Lane Court Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.384.8361 Bronze Lawn Doctor of Central Virginia P O Box 11153 Lynchburg, VA 24506 800.845.0580 www.lawndoctor.com
Financial Advisor Gold Scott & Stringfellow – Trey Crowder 810 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24505 434.846.2711 www.scottstringfellow.com Silver The PettyJohn Company John Doyle, Jr. 1925 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24505 434.845.1266 www.thepettyjohncompany.com
20 20
Runk & Pratt is celebrating
Smith Mountain Lake
Forest
Liberty Ridge Coming Soon!
Lynchburg
YEARS & THRIVING!
But who’s counting anyway? It’s been a busy year for Runk & Pratt! From celebrating our 20th anniversary to beginning new adventures at Liberty Ridge, we continue looking forward to providing many more years of unparalleled services to Lynchburg and the surrounding communities!
Call (434) 610-0329 for more information today!
Lynchburg • Forest• Smith Mountain Lake P.O. Box 15067, Lynchburg, VA 24502 www.RunkandPratt.com Like us on Facebook! www.Facebook.com/RunkandPratt 24 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS | our health
Bronze Genworth Financial 3100 Albert Lankford Drive Lynchburg, VA 24501 804.4847410 www.genworth.com
Beauty Salon Gold Anthony & Company Spa and Salon 701 Church Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.846.2232 Silver Regis Salon 3405 Candlers Mountain Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.5466 www.regissalons.com Bronze Boonsboro Barber Shop 4925 Boonsboro Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.384.4910
Jewelry Gold Fink’s Jewelers Thomas Jefferson Crossing 16960 Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24551 434.237.6301 www.finks.com Silver Bowen Jewelry Company 829 Main Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.845.3495 www.bowenjewelry.com Bronze Arthur’s Jewelry 111 North Bridge Street Bedford, VA 24523 540.586.8034 www.arthursjewelry.com
Bronze Food Lion Visit www.foodlion.com or call 800.210.9569 for locations
Country Club Gold Boonsboro County Club 1709 BCC Drive Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.384.2111 www.boonsborocountryclub.com Silver Winton Country Club 599 Patrick Henry Highway Amherst, VA 24521 434.946.5134 www.wintoncountryclub.com Bronze Oakwood Country Club 3409 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.384.8181 www.oakwoodcc.net
Spa Gold Isis Spa and Salon 1513 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.239.4900 www.isisspaandsalon.com Silver Body Works Day Spa & Salon 4925 Boonsboro Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.384.9053 www.bodyworkslynchburg.com Bronze Spa 4109 Day Spa & Salon 4109 Boonsboro Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.384.9338 www.spa4109.com
Elder Law
Gold Kroger Visit www.kroger.com for addresses and phone numbers
Gold Ron Feinman, Esq. 801 Main Street, Suite 702 Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.528.0696 www.ronfeinman.com
Silver The Well 1764 Patriot Lane Bedford, VA 24523 540.587.9000 www.wellofcourse.net
Silver Wanda Phillips Yoder 1011 Court Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.846.5470 www.wpyoderlaw.com
Grocery Store
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our health | RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS
COUNT on us for ALL of your respiratory & home medical equipment needs
Bronze Terrance J Dunn 1045 Cottontown Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.485.5126 www.freemandunn.com
Speech Therapy Gold Lynchburg Speech Therapy 1049 Claymont Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.845.6355 www.lynchburgspeechtherapy.com Silver Blue Ridge Therapy Associates 1912 Memorial Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.845.8765 www.blueridgetherapy.com
CPAP | BIPAP MACHINES
HOME OXYGEN UNITS
Home Oxygen CPAP | BIPAP Machines Nebulizers Hospital Beds Rollators Wheelchairs Walkers
Bronze in both categories for MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & MEDICAL SUPPLIES NATIONALLY ACCREDITED by the Joint Commission Two time award winner for BEST RESPIRATORY PROVIDER
2010 Tate Springs Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.5381
www.robertshomemedical.com 26 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Bronze Scott Rankins, MS Blue Ridge Therapy 1912 Memorial Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.845.8765 www.blueridgetherapy.com
Comprehensive Rehab (Inpatient) Gold The Summit Health & Rehabilitation Center 1300 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.845.6045 www.centrahealth.com Silver Guggenheimer Health & Rehab 1902 Grace Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.947.5100 www.centrahealth.com Bronze Westminster Canterbury 501 VES Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 800.962.3520 www.wclynchburg.org
Geriatric Care Gold John Olmsted III, MD Centra – Rehabilitation and Geriatric Specialists 3300 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.200.2528 Silver Anu R. Mehra, MD Lynchburg Family Medicine 2323 Memorial Avenue, suite 10 434.200.5200
Bronze Brian R. Johnson, DO 1600 Lakeside Drive Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.316.5000
Nursing Home Gold Guggenheimer Health & Rehab 1902 Grace Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.947.5100 www.centrahealth.com Silver The Summit Health & Rehabilitation Center 1300 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.845.6045 www.centrahealth.com Bronze Avante at Lynchburg 2081 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.8437 www.avantecenters.com
Hospice Gold Hospice of the Hills 3300 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.200.3204 www.centrahealth.com Silver Gentle Shepherd Hospice 22667 Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.7669 www.gentleshepherdhospice.com Bronze Bedford Hospice House 1025 Turning Point Road Bedford, VA 24523 540.587.7590
Memory Care Gold Heritage Green 200 Lillian Lane Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.385.5102 www.heritagegreenal.com Silver Runk and Pratt 208 State Route 1426 Forest, VA 24551 434.385.8506 www.runkandpratt.com
RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS | our health
Bronze The Summit Health & Rehabilitation Center 1300 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.845.6045 www.centrahealth.com
Medical Supplies Gold GS Medical Supply Store 2201 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.485.7038 www.generationsolutions.net
Place of Worship Gold Thomas Road Baptist Church 1 Mountain View Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.239.9281 www.trbc.org
Silver Heritage Baptist Church 219 Breezewood Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.6505 www.hbclynchburg.com Bronze Family Life Christian Church International 294 County Road 1549 Forest, VA 24551 434.832.5658 • www.flcci.org
Cleaning Service Gold Godsend Cleaning Lynchburg, Va 24502 434.485.0065 www.godsendcleaning.com Silver Seven Hills Cleaning Service 7917 Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.6050
Silver Lincare 1200 Fenwick Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.3712 www.lincare.com Bronze Roberts Home Medical 2010 Tate Springs Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.5381 www.robertshomemedical.com
Senior Centers Gold Templeton Senior Center 225 Wiggington Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.455.4000 www.lynchburgva.gov Silver Adult Care Center of Central Virginia 621 Court Street Lynchburg, VA 24504 434.847.8111 www.adultcarecenter.org
Home Health Gold – Generation Solution Home Care 1032 Claymont Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.455.6500 www.generationsolution.net Silver Centra Home Health 1920 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.200.4111 www.centrahealth.com
at Wyndhurst
Bronze First Dominion Home Health 2808 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.384.2800 www.firstcare.biz www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 27
RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS | our health
Bronze All About Kleening 7917 Timberlake Rd # 4 Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.6050
Coffee House Gold The Muse Coffee Company 1509 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.237.8878 www.themusecoffeeco.com Silver Black Water Coffee Company 828 Main Street, suite 302 Lynchburg, VA 434.455.1659
Bronze Ivy Hills Golf Club 1148 Ivy Hill Drive Forest, VA 24551 434.525.2680 www.ivyhillgc.com
Silver Home Instead Senior Care 2085 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.385.0321 www.homeinstead.com
Companion Care Gold Generation Solutions 1032 Claymont Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.455.6500 www.generationsolutions.net
Bronze Personal HomeCare 2808 Old Forest Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.384.2412 www.firstcare.biz
Where Your NEEDS Come First
Bronze Starbucks Coffee Company 21054 Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 434.239.6474 www.starbucks.com
Florist Gold Kathyrn’s Flowers & Gift Shop 3261 Fort Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.6494 kathrynsflowerandgiftshop.com Silver Doyle’s Florist 2134 Langhorne Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.846.6581 www.doylesflorist.com Bronze Longwood Florist 1333 Longwood Avenue Bedford, VA 24523 800.585.5176 longwoodfloristbedfordva.com
Golf Course Gold Boonsboro County Club 1709 BCC Drive Lynchburg, VA 24503 434.384.2111 boonsborocountryclub.com Silver Goodyear Golf Club 245 Jenny Lane Danville, VA 24541 434.797.1909 www.goodyeargolf.com
Celebrating 31 Years It’s our passion to provide quality healthcare and equipment from people who care to Bedford, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Roanoke Counties. 10% off on Tuesdays for Health Care Workers and Seniors (55+) Klog Shoes
Respiratory Equipment Including Oxygen
24 Hour Emergency Service
Diabetic Shoe Fitting
CPAP, Bipap, & Nebulizers
Direct Billing to Insurance
Uniforms
Ostomy Supplies
Free Delivery & Set Up
Orthopedic Supplies
Mastectomy Supplies
Many More Products
Bath Supplies
Certified Fitters on Staff For Mastectomy & Compression
1135 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, VA 540.483.3333
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Our Main Location
45 Westlake Rd, Westlake Corners, Hardy,VA 540.721.5555
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday by appointment only 800.833.0483 W W W. F C R R I N C . C O M www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 29
advertorial | Retirement Community Highlight
ABOUT BENTLEY COMMONS: »» Located in the heart of Lynchburg Virginia, Bentley Commons is a state of the art community that offers a full compliment of amenities and supportive services designed to maximize independence and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. »» Bentley Commons offers seniors the assistance they may need through our Independent and Assisted Living programs.
Caregivers Overlooked In Senior Care A Closer Look Into The Lives Of Caregivers In today’s economy there doesn’t seem to be any financial breathing room for many Seniors. The cost of living is always on the rise and so is the cost of personal health care. Because of this many adult children are stepping up and taking on responsibilities they never expected. Many of us would agree that there is nothing more honorable than giving back to those who have given us so much. The problem with the sudden increase in caregivers, is that they receive little or no training on how to handle another persons needs on top of their own. Most caregivers are ill prepared for the job and feel those responsibilities weighing heavily upon them. An estimated 44 million Americans provide unpaid assistance and care to loved ones. Substantial research is beginning to show us that those who provide care are themselves at much greater risk to develop their own health problems. The extra emotional and physical strain can not only hurt the caregiver, but those that they care for. Depression is the most common ailment that caregivers deal with, some say as much as 70%. Why is this? Caregivers often lack a strong support structure and fail to relate to others who are not caregivers. Caregivers quickly reach their stress limit but do 30 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
not know where to turn. It is a vicious cycle to go through. So what can be done about it? Fortunately there are many options for those in need of care, including Retirement communities. They are becoming more affordable and most retirement communities allow families or hospice to provide care to their loved ones, which reduces cost. Caregiver’s can rest easier and go home with peace of mind, knowing that their family or friend is well looked after while they are gone. Most modern retirement communities offer all inclusive prices which cut down on overall cost and make it easier to manage. There are many financial solutions out there that fit all needs. The most commonly forgotten financial benefit retirees can receive is for their military service. Veterans can receive substantial monetary benefits based on their time in service by contacting their local Veterans Affairs office. Also, some retirement communities host caregiver support groups to help those who have given so much. These are a great way to rebalance your life so you can be ready to help when the time comes.
»» Please feel free to call us at (434) 316-0207 if you have any questions. »» Find us on Facebook!
Bentley Commons 1604 Graves Mill Road Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434) 316-0207 www.bentleycommons.com
Retirement Community Highlight | advertorial
Independence is key at Elm Park Estates One of the main concerns for seniors who are transitioning into a retirement community is the fear that they are losing their independence. They worry that decisions will be out of their control and that they will be institutionalized, losing their freedom to be themselves. Elm Park Estates prides itself on being the solution to that fear. Richard Brucki, a community manager at Elm Park Estates, explains, “Independence is the real key here. We don’t try and fit people into a schedule that doesn’t work for their lives.” Elm Park Estates isn’t a nursing home or an assisted living program, it’s an independent living community. Brucki notes, “We do have a number of residents who get assistance from outside nursing companies, but that’s all arranged between the resident and the other party depending on the resident’s needs.” Just because Elm Park doesn’t offer nursing services doesn’t mean that they don’t offer several helpful amenities including close and compassionate care. All residents are equipped with a pull bell in their rooms if they need assistance, and they can also call the on duty manager 24 hours a day.
These community managers are what Brucki says make Elm Park so special. “The biggest difference is that our management team lives here. We don’t clock in and out and go home. One of the live-in managers is always on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If there’s an emergency or a resident needs assistance in any way, we’re always right there with them because we’re residents ourselves”. This creates a positive environment in which the residents are put in charge of their own lives and feel less like patients. However, with some of the other services Elm Park offers, the residents are more likely to feel like hotel guests. It may be an independent living community, but Elm Park Estates offers many services that seniors often find taxing or inconvenient. “We offer a complete cleaning service daily which includes changing our residents’ sheets and towels, exactly like you would get at a hotel. We also offer three full meals a day for no additional charge, and all of the food is prepared on site by our certified chef and kitchen staff,” says Brucki. In addition, they offer a 24 hour coffee bar, an onsite beauty salon, and an onsite chapel.
While residents are taking advantage of these amenities, or any of the other physical and mental activities that are planned daily at Elm Park, there’s even more they can look forward to. Elm Park Estates is owned by Holiday Retirement, a large, nationwide corporation of retirement communities throughout the United States and Canada. “If a resident has family somewhere they would like to visit or if they’re just hoping to get a change of scenery and visit someplace they’ve never been, they can stay at the nearest Holiday Retirement community and receive their meals free for up to a week,” notes Brucki. Retirement communities may be known for their activities and day trips, but hardly for their Canadian vacation weeks. This unique blend of individual autonomy and premium resort amenities makes Elm Park Estates an exciting place to spend one’s senior years. But Brucki says what he likes most is the closeness. “If you’d told me three years ago I would consider everyone here family I wouldn’t have believed it. But I do.” If a close family filled with independent individuals is what you need, then Elm Park Estates could be your home as well.
Elm Park Estates 4230 Elm View Road Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 904-1897 www.holidaytouch.com/Our-Communities/ elm-park-estates.aspx
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 31
advertorial | Retirement Community Highlight
»» Augmentative communication therapy »» Low-vision therapy »» Driving evaluations »» VitalSlim® »» Home safety assessments »» Balance therapy »» Aquatic therapy »» Home Care
Friendship Retirement Community Surrounded by the scenic Appalachian Mountains in the Roanoke Valley, Friendship Retirement Community is more than just a health care community, it’s a home. At Friendship, an expansive community of residents and health care professionals all lead to an environment where the ultimate goal is the enjoyment of life.
Independent Living Retirement is a time to fully immerse yourself with the joys of life, family and friends. With Friendship’s retirement living apartments, there are 26 different floor plans to choose from ranging in prices to meet your financial needs. The Residents’ Center houses a chapel, an indoor pool, virtual golf, billiards, dining options and much more. Transportation services offer activities that extend into Roanoke and surrounding areas. Just minutes from downtown, residents are able to experience local dining, shopping, and entertainment. Trips to the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, museum exhibits, and the Grandin Theater are just a few of the experiences within reach at Friendship Retirement Community.
Assisted Living The perks of Friendship are also available to those who need a little more help. Friendship Assisted Living combines many of the same opportunities with customized around the clock care from medication management to full nursing care. Without the worry of day-to-day difficulties, assisted living residents are able to relish in their favorite pastimes with numerous activities daily or spend time with family and friends. 32 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Skilled and Long-term Care Friendship’s 373-bed Health and Rehab Center is the largest in the region and offers award-winning skilled nursing care. Skilled and immediate nursing care, sub acute care, inpatient physical, speech and occupational rehabilitation, memory care, and palliative care are all part of what Friendship offers at their Health and Rehab Center. What helps Friendship offer superb care is the staff, who take a team approach when caring for every resident. Regularly scheduled care plan meetings with residents and families, staff play a vital role in providing support and reassurance.
Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Services Available to campus residents and the community, Friendship Outpatient Therapy offers citizens of all ages the means to live with the utmost comfort and safety. Rehabilitation and orthopedic services at Friendship are locally renowned not only among residents and patients but throughout Southwest Virginia. Services offered include: »» Physical therapy »» Occupational therapy »» Speech therapy
The care doesn’t stop where the campus ends. A variety of home care services bring Friendship’s quality care to your home. Friendship Home Care helps individuals remain independent in their own homes through a range of services from simple companionship to running errands. Caregivers are all trained and educated as nursing assistants if the need for more assistance should arise. Friendship Home Care offers a free, no obligation nursing assessment to see what program is right for you or your loved one. With customized Home care services include: »» Companion care- Everyday chores such as laundry, housecleaning, and meal preparation are all taken care of. Outside of the home, this level of care also covers shopping, doctor visits and more. »» Personal Care- Paired with the services covered under companion care, personal care covers the more hands-on tasks of day-to-day living. This includes bathing, dressing, and grooming. For more information about Friendship Retirement Community and the various services they offer, please visit www.friendship.us or call (540) 777-2399 to set up a tour.
Retirement Community Highlight | advertorial
Heritage Green Assisted Living Communities Heritage Green Assisted Living Communities is an organization that thrives on offering extensive, high quality care for those seniors who can no longer live on their own. Heritage Green offers traditional assisted living with all of the services one would expect from a top senior living provider, as well as a Memory Care community that is tailored specifically to the needs of seniors who struggle with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory loss diseases. Heritage Green strives to meet all the needs of their different residents by keeping a key mission at heart: individual care. “We really try to individualize our residents’ care, to meet them where they are in their lives. That can mean offering the exact activities they like and what they like to eat, but it also extends to the care itself, like letting them decide when they like to bathe and how they like us to handle that with them. We try to make that care specific to those individuals, not
fit them into our program,” explains Heather Pippin, Marketing Director. This means that one key component of Heritage Green is variety. Activity planners seek to discover what the residents’ individual interests are and cater their services around that. “We have food shows and dancing and musical shows that come here to entertain the residents. We also have fashion shows. No one should feel like they don’t have opportunities to have fun and socialize here,” says Pippen. The Memory Care community isn’t left out of the fun. According to Pippin, “Our memory care program has activities all day long and they’re all very therapeutic. We still socialize with them and offer creative and spiritual programs. We offer lots of nature based programs and sight-seeing, as well as a lot of games and recreational fun. What these residents are interested in is what we’re interested in providing, no matter what their condition.” The activities aren’t the only way in which
Heritage Green strives to personalize and individualize their services. Meal time is an exciting and special experience there as well. The meals offered to residents aren’t the same thing day in and day out. “We have a chef-of-the-month program that offers great variety, and we have a lot of nutritional food and food we cater to individuals, whether it’s for their medical diet or just what they love. Almost all of our food is made from scratch. Twice a month we pick different residents to eat with us to get to know them better and to ask what they like about Heritage Green and what kind of changes they would like to see,” says Pippin. The medical services are no exception to this. Besides offering 24 hour care from a highly-trained staff and nursing team, Heritage Green employs specialists from all over the medical field. “We have an on-sight medical director, a geriatric psychiatrist, and a podiatrist. We cover every base to give them real care,” explains Pippin. According to her it’s all about enabling the resident to stay at Heritage Green because that’s where they feel most at home. “We’re not just offering medical needs; we’re offering a happy life. When our residents leave the facility they are really anxious to get back. That’s because this place offers real joy in their life. We’re always looking for those little opportunities to make them feel special and give them a great day. That’s always priority number one.” Heritage Green has won Our Health’s retirement community gold medal for two years in a row now. That really speaks for itself. Heritage Green Assisted Living Communities 200-201 Lilian Lane Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434) 385-5102 www.heritagegreenal.com www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 33
advertorial | Retirement Community Highlight
Our Lady of the Valley Our Lady of the Valley is a not-forprofit, non-denominational retirement community sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. Their philosophy and core values are founded on a commitment of caring and community. These core values include preserving dignity, showing respect, offering a spiritual and enriching life, and providing excellent service and care to each resident and their family members, as well as fostering teamwork among employees. Our Lady of the Valley has been an active and respected member of the Roanoke community since 1989. It is known as a being a welcoming place for people with different faiths, backgrounds, and life experiences to receive the care and support they need in a place they love to call home. Barbara Jackson-Ingram, the community’s administrator, takes pride in the diverse resident population that lives at Our Lady of the Valley. “We have some residents that need complete care in our health care center and we have some residents that, even though we provide assisted living, are entirely independent except for one aspect of daily living, like medication
management or meals. It’s all about what works for the individual.” Our Lady of the Valley strives to provide a great place for active aging. The excellent reputation of the skilled nursing and rehabilitation services offered at Our Lady of the Valley is familiar to many people, especially Our Health readers. Last year they were the recipient of the Our Health Gold award for skilled nursing care. These first-class services are located in the Sullivan Center at Our Lady of the Valley and are currently in the process of growing. “We already offer speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Our new therapy center addition is going to give us more space for state-of-the-art equipment and will allow us to provide these services more effectively and to a larger number of people. The new expanded therapy center is scheduled to open later this fall,” says JacksonIngram. Our Lady of the Valley also provides an excellent environment for very independent seniors. “Active”, says Jackson-Ingram, “is the best word to describe the seniors who live here.” The growing list of activities
for residents is very diverse and exciting. “Our programs and activities include enjoying lunch or dinner at a local restaurant, going on a shopping excursion, visiting area museums or attending a concert. But we also have a lot going on internally. We have live entertainment, games, arts and crafts, educational programs and numerous social events and parties. Many volunteers from the community and different churches also bring a variety of entertainment events right here. We offer a book club and Wii Bowling and really as much variety as we possibly can,” says Jackson-Ingram. But the list of places to enjoy all the fun is also growing at the community. “Our most recent change is a large front porch that allows our seniors to get more time and access to the outdoors and to enjoy the beautiful weather. That’s been very nice for the residents and they love it.” But even with all this variety and growth it all comes down to the daily realization of their core values that makes this community such a special place. A feeling of home is what all retirement communities strive for but only a few are successful. Our Lady of the Valley is one of those communities. The residents who live there enjoy every moment of every day and consider the other residents and staff to be like members of their extended family. According to Jackson-Ingram this strong sense of community and family is the result of Our Lady of the Valley’s core values. “We are dedicated to live those principles every day and bring them into the lives of every resident.” Twenty-three years of excellent service is proof that living positive principals each and every day is just one of the reasons Our Lady of the Valley is a leader in retirement living in the Roanoke Valley.
Retirement Community Highlight | advertorial
The Village on Pheasant Ridge When Patty Ellingham, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Village on Pheasant Ridge, sums up what is most special about this community, she does so in a simple statement. “It’s all about achieving that balance between independence for our residents and being dependable for them.” This is a balance that Ellingham believes the Village has achieved. The facility of luxury apartments, offered to seniors 55 or older, seems appealing to all ages. These apartments are spacious, welldesigned and gorgeously landscaped. It’s a serene community, one that would be quiet if it weren’t for the active lifestyles of all of its residents. It’s hard to believe The Village is so peaceful and naturalistic when it’s only
minutes away from the interstate and the cultural hub of the Roanoke Valley. This surprising dichotomy is one that The Village residents are encouraged to take full advantage of. The calendar of events at the community is filled with luaus, concerts, shopping, day trips and many other varied activities. “We have two vans that operate Monday through Friday that can take our residents to activities and events going on, all throughout the region. Our activities planner has been doing this for 20 years, so he has a huge number of contacts throughout the community, which gives our residents a lot of opportunities to stay active. They go to the dinner theaters and have mystery lunches. Last week they spent the day
at a winery, which included a brunch and wine tasting. Before that, they went to a creamery. So there’s a very wide variety of interesting activities we offer,” says Ellingham. With such an exciting schedule, I begin to wonder if they would make an exception for someone who doesn’t meet the age requirement. But the social aspect is only one of the important functions The Village serves. It offers both independent and assisted living, and residents have the option of determining their own level of supervision. “Assisted and independent living are housed in the same facilities, but we are able to provide a series of services – everything from assisting with medicines and bathing to dressing, transportation, and escorting to meals. We offer the full spectrum of assisted living services,” says Ellingham. The meals are versatile and look delectable. No bland cafeteria food here. Three meals a day are included in your monthly rent. “We cater to our residents’ dietary restrictions, offer a variety of entrees, and always offer cakes, pastries and ice cream for dessert. These are prepared by our on-site kitchen staff and a dietary physician,” says Ellingham. She also notes that the residents can always enjoy happy hour every night at the pub and ice cream socials every week. All these services come down to the basic philosophy of The Village at Pheasant Ridge. Ellingham explains, “The true independence that our residents have is the greatest benefit we can offer. We have a lot of residents that are fully independent. Our goal is to get people to come to meals and to get involved and form friendships. To live their lives. We’ve been successful due to word-of-mouth. Our residents love being here and they’re very proud to live here.” Live your life and be proud of it, a philosophy that’s hard to beat and one that’s made The Village at Pheasant Ridge a huge success.
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 35
advertorial | Retirement Community Highlight
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Retirement Community Highlight | advertorial
Runk and Pratt In 2008, Runk and Pratt opened their third and most recent retirement community at scenic Smith Mountain Lake. Over the past several years, the lake is a hotspot destination for families looking for a fun and peaceful weekend away from home as well as retirees looking for the perfect retirement location. Smith Mountain Lake Retirement Village was designed to create such an environment for seniors and Runk and Pratt has found a very unique way of doing so. According to Galyn Damiani, Marketing Director for Runk and Pratt, “It’s all about creating a lifestyle that provides ease and comfort”. These are words commonly used to describe a hotel or resort, but not traditionally associated with retirement homes. Runk and Pratt, however, hopes to offer a different type of retirement living. The community at Smith Mountain Lake looks nothing like a traditional assisted living facility. “What’s so unique about the Smith Mountain Lake Retirement Village,” says Damiani, “is that we offer cottages for independent
living. This is an element we don’t have at any of our other communities. The cottages are one level, have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a garage and an array of amenities. They’re extremely spacious and encourage seniors to live active, healthy lifestyles while also providing the assistance they need to experience peace of mind.” In the assisted living portion, experienced, 24-hour staff attend to the needs of all the residents, helping with medication management, meals and more advanced personal assistance such as bathing and dressing. Runk and Pratt also offers more additional levels of care at the facility, culminating in “a secured memory care unit for those residents experiencing the late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. Rather than having to move residents to a completely different facility as the disease progresses, they can stay in our community and age in a place that is both familiar and comfortable,” says Damiani. Comfort and extensive care influence every aspect of their services.
Three full meals are provided daily for all residents, both independent and assisted alike. “We have specialized meal options to meet any dietary needs residents may be experiencing. Our kitchen staff is absolutely wonderful. They create incredible southern, home-style dishes and everyone loves it. Not only does the staff pride themselves in excellent service, they also thrive on the interaction with the community members.” says Damiani. But the cooking isn’t the only thing that’s homegrown. Runk and Pratt Senior Living Communities will celebrate their 20th year this October and they continue to be known for their personal touch. According to Damiani, “it is the only locally, family owned assisted living company in the area. The owners live in the community and are very involved in it. It’s a name that is known and trusted in the Lynchburg area. That alone is truly unique.” The community ties don’t stop there. The diverse and full schedule of activities includes the best the area has to offer. “We recently started bringing in a local artist to teach watercolor classes to encourage creativity and expression. We also bring pets in for pet therapy and have daily stretching and exercise,” says Damiani. These ties to the community are what Runk and Pratt are all about. Giving seniors a place to grow and experience life, to maintain their independence yet find a place full of dependable and caring professionals is what she hopes they have achieved. “It’s very rewarding,” Damiani says. She may have been talking of the staff and herself, but the reward for the residents at Runk and Pratt is pretty bountiful too.
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 37
advertorial | Retirement Community Highlight
Salem Terrace So you have decided to retire. So what does retirement mean to you? Does it mean more time for family and friends? Does it mean more time to volunteer at your church or with your favorite charity? Does it mean you can now take an art class, learn to dance or travel to places you have always dreamed of visiting? Whatever retirement means to you, you shouldn’t have to compromise. You have earned it. The residents at Salem Terrace at Harrogate have embraced their retirement and enjoy all that life has to offer every day. “The residents at Salem Terrace will tell you all the reasons they personally chose not to compromise on their retirement,” says April Jones, director of marketing at Salem Terrace. “Many tell me they were looking for a friendly community that offered an active lifestyle with exceptional personalized care. And that is what we have here at Salem Terrace. Our community provides residents with numerous luxuries and amenities that enhance life, as well as being conveniently located to shopping, restaurants, medical facilities and more.” The list of programs offered at Salem Terrace not only enrich the lives of those who live there, but many are open to the public. Fitness and cooking classes, educational seminars and workshops, concerts and other entertainment events top the list. If you have the chance to visit Salem Terrace you will know how this community got its name. From 38 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
the wrap-around front porch to courtyards and terraces, just step outside - the views are amazing. “We take full advantage of the outdoor spaces and views when we plan our events and programs,” says Julie Abernethy, community relations director at Salem Terrace. But you don’t have to be outside to enjoy the natural beauty. Mountain views can also be enjoyed from the internet café, multi-purpose room, Spring House pub, and dining room, as well as various living and lounge spaces throughout the community. Large windows in the apartments also showcase the mountains from each residents home. Life at Salem Terrace at Harrogate is not only friendly and fun, but supported by a team of caring professionals who work with each resident to enhance their personal independence. “Some of our residents require some assistance with daily tasks and they are a perfect example of how a little help goes a long way. They aren’t compromising on their retirement, but fully embracing life to their full potential,” says Jones. “Seniors who choose Salem Terrace move here knowing that they will have the added security of a licensed nurse on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Assisted living services at Salem Terrace are provided in every apartment as needed by each resident. Residents know that they will not have to relocate to receive these services.” Salem Terrace offers independent living, assisted living
and specialized memory care options. Salem Terrace doesn’t compromise on its resident services either. Transportation and weekly housekeeping services are just the beginning. Three delicious homecooked meals are featured every day in the main dining room. And these meals are included for each resident. But if your view of retirement includes cooking for yourself or others, each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen. And if entertaining is your thing, but doing the dishes are not, residents can choose to host parties for family and friends in the private dining room or one of the other spaces at the community. So what is holding you back from fully enjoying your retirement? Don’t let the chores of everyday life keep you from the things you love. Choosing to move to a senior living community is one of the best ways to eliminate household chores and the high cost of home maintenance while allowing you the uncompromising pursuit of your dreams. The residents at Salem Terrace at Harrogate are glad they made that choice. The community’s motto “A new look for senior living” invites seniors to experience retirement from their own point of view.
Retirement Community Highlight | advertorial
Life at The Glebe Life at The Glebe is reminiscent of living in small town America. You know your neighbors and the people who provide your services, and they are all close by. It’s just a short stroll to “Main Street” at The Glebe where you can have lunch in the Depot Café, make a deposit or use the ATM at the full services branch of the Bank of Fincastle, check out a book at the library, meet a buddy for a game of pool, or meet your friends for bridge in the game room. For wellness amenities, just turn the corner for the fitness room, stop in and pick up a prescription at the clinic, check in for a session of physical therapy, or visit friends in Health Care or Assisted Living. It’s all under one roof, so every day is a good day to take a stroll at The Glebe. Those who choose to make The Glebe their home live in a comfortable apartment or cottage and enjoy a wide range of programs and services catering to their individual wellness, social, intellectual, and spiritual interests. In addition, they (and their families) have the added benefit of the security of Life Care, which gives them peace of mind knowing where they will receive the on-site services available at The Glebe. It is often said that moving to The Glebe is the best gift you can give to your family. One reason is that the
fee options cover a continuum of onsite services to meet changing health needs. Think about the last time you or someone you know needed rehab therapy. Did you have to ask someone to drive you? Did you have difficulty getting in and out of the car? Did you have to go out in bad weather? Did you feel like a burden? If you had in-home therapy, could you have benefited more if you had had access to a fully equipped rehabilitative therapy suite? Welcome to the ease of The Glebe’s health services! If you are immobilized due to surgery or an injury and need to recuperate or have rehab therapy, you have access to short-term care in assisted living or nursing care and staff assistance to take you to therapy. If your need for therapy has not limited your mobility, you’ll remain in your apartment or cottage and just take a short stroll to therapy. How do you like to spend your time? If you like to spend time at home, you’ll enjoy your spacious apartment or cottage and its amenities including large closets, conveniently located laundry room, large windows to enjoy the views, and a kitchen with all the conveniences. If you enjoy spending time with others who share your interests in continuing education, volunteering, reading, needlework, woodworking, etc., this can be an everyday event at The
Glebe. Opportunities are available at the facility, and day trips are also very popular. Life at The Glebe is fun, it’s exciting, and it offers security that gives you confidence for your future. Everything from the motion sensor in your residence that sends a signal which automatically checks off that you are up and going each day to housekeeping and maintenance services, to transportation, to full service nursing care – it’s all at your fingertips. At The Glebe, you expand your life, and your “To Do” list is filled only with the things you enjoy. For a glimpse of life at The Glebe, visit www.theglebe.org or find us on Facebook at The Glebe Retirement Community. And, you are always welcome to stop by for a visit. The Glebe 200 The Glebe Boulevard Daleville, VA 24083 540-591-2200 www.theglebe.org
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advertorial | Retirement Community Highlight
Valley View Retirement Community Valley View Retirement Community has been actively serving the senior population of Lynchburg since 1988. The primary key to unlocking their long and steady success is a simple one, “our very strong reputation for making it feel like home”, according to Community Director, Pam Grigg. As Dorothy said, “there’s no place like home”, but what makes this home so special? For Valley View Retirement Community, a major part of their success lies with the staff. “We have staff members who have been here for ten to fifteen years or even longer. Our employees know our facility; they’re very close to the residents and have that hands-on experience that means so much”, says Grigg. There is a full staff dedicated to caring for the needs of both the independent and the assisted living residents. “We offer all the conveniences and services one would expect for assisted living—grooming, bathing, medication management and more. Having 24-hour supervision and care is a huge plus. It’s perfect for that someone who just needs a little extra help, who can no longer live independently but still wants to be active. Active is an excellent word to describe the residents of Valley View and the members of this community are determined to keep it that way. “We take pride in offering a variety of interesting and engaging activities. 40 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Valley View employs two full-time activity coordinators offering a planned program for the full month. We take the time to learn what our residents’ hobbies and interests are so that we can incorporate those into future events. Our activities currently include everything from multiple singing groups to a poker group, with tons of options in between”, says the Community Director. When residents are not engaged in an activity, you may find them enjoying a meal. With all the options offered through their food service department, residents are guaranteed to not go hungry. A full breakfast and dinner is provided for all independent residents and an optional lunch is available for a nominal fee. Assisted living residents have three meals provided daily. These meals are prepared by their own chef and full kitchen staff. “We have a full menu with optional items available and we also have a registered dietitian who works with us to make sure residents’ meals meet their needs”, says Grigg. Living quarters are no exception in the quest to make people feel at home at Valley View. Pam Grigg says, “Our community is not institutional in any way. Everyone here, including our assisted living residents, live in an apartment setting. Each unit features its own private balcony or patio with a scenic view of our beautiful grounds.” Valley View also offers a walking path
for those that enjoy taking in the sights and sounds of nature during a leisurely stroll. When asked about the secret to their success, Grigg replied, “It’s really no secret—we treat our residents like family and all of our staff show a great deal of attention to the people living here. Our inviting homelike atmosphere results in numerous word of mouth referrals from our residents and their families.” A supportive and loving family—isn’t that what makes home like no place else? If so, Valley View Retirement Community is right on the money. Valley View Retirement Community 1213 Long Meadows Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434) 237-3009 www.valleyviewretirement.com
Retirement Community Highlight | advertorial
Left to right: Lester Grubb, John Pool and “Buster” Clifton White on the front porch.
Virginia Veteran’s Center The Virginia Veterans Care Center (VVCC) in Roanoke is deeply committed to serving the veterans of our armed forces who so bravely spent a part of their lives serving us. On Veterans’ Day in 1992, thenGovernor Doug Wilder made a trip west from Richmond to participate in the opening ceremonies for a brand-new assisted living and nursing home facility. Much time and effort had gone into building this facility, including considerations for top-level healthcare, as well as on-campus services and activities such as nature trails, library, chapel, barber shop and billiard room. While many of the area’s retirement living centers offered similar services, there was still something unique about the Center Governor Wilder was visiting. What’s the difference? This Center was opening specifically for our honorably discharged armed forces veterans who lived or who had enlisted in Virginia. Today, the VVCC still remains a state-of-the-art model for longterm healthcare and one of only two state homes for veterans in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Housing 240 beds, which includes a 60-bed assisted living area and a 60-bed Alzheimer’s Care unit, VVCC continues to provide comprehensive, high quality care with on-site, x-rays, physical therapy, podiatry care, and many other ancillary healthcare services. As well, nearly all residents of VVCC receive some level of financial assistance that subsidizes their living expenses, making it a
much more affordable retirement option. These services and resources certainly play a role in the quality of life veterans’ living at VVCC have, but according to residents and staff alike, it’s the people that make the biggest difference. “I have been here for more than 14 years, and I can say it’s been the most rewarding job in my career,” explains Patti Smith, VVCC’s Director of Admissions and Public Relations. “The people who work here do so with the purpose to give thanks to our veterans, to show appreciation for their efforts and to make their lives as enjoyable and fulfilling as possible.” Smith says the camaraderie between residents at VVCC is what’s so special. “They have so much to share and so much in common, but believe it not, it’s not just about the bond they share from being in the armed forces,” maintains Smith. “They’re like brothers and sisters – it’s such an unconditional friendship among everyone.” Smith says that VVCC also houses the area’s only “Wander Garden” for Alzheimer’s patients. The “Wander Garden” is an enclosed, outside area where Alzheimer’s patients can visit unsupervised 24-hours a day without the threat of getting hurt or unknowingly leaving the campus. Plus, the entire area of the “Wander Garden” has been safety-checked to prevent accidental injuries. Even the plants in the area are safe and nontoxic.
“It’s a wonderful place for our residents because it allows them freedom in a safe environment something many Alzheimer’s and dementia patients rarely enjoy,” says Smith. The VVCC is heavily supported by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and community groups. Each of the organizations lend a hand whenever called upon to help out the veterans at VVCC. “I believe the VVCC stands for many great things, but above all else, the VVCC is a way to show our veterans we care and appreciate them and all they have done,” concludes Smith. “Everything we do here is our way of saying “thank you” to our veterans. It’s a great feeling.” They were there for us when we needed them, and now we will be there for them. Virginia Veterans Care Center 4550 Shenandoah Ave. Roanoke, VA 24107 540.982.2860 800.220.VETS
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advertorial | Retirement Community Highlight
Blacksburg: Not Just a College Town
Warm Hearth Village With 37 years of experience caring for seniors, Warm Hearth Village is the New River Valley’s (NRV) only comprehensive retirement community. Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia, the woodland campus in Blacksburg is located within view of Virginia Tech and is only minutes away from shopping, cultural events, recreational opportunities, restaurants, professional services, and LewisGale Hospital at Montgomery. Warm Hearth Village is a nonprofit community with a rich history and a mission to enrich the lives of seniors of all socioeconomic backgrounds through a wide range of choices in housing, services and care. The continuum of care includes a wide spectrum of living options designed to meet the changing needs of seniors while allowing them to stay in one community with friends and neighbors they have come to know and love. Founders Wybe & Marietje Kroontje envisioned and crafted a 100-year plan for the community’s development in hopes of fostering a retirement community focused on preserving dignity and respect for the seniors who would call it home. The continuum begins with Blacksburg’s first active adult community – WoodsEdge. Home ownership is a key feature for these
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beautiful craftsman style homes. Designed for those 55 and better, WoodsEdge features appealing floor plans and many custom options in a neighborhood of tree lined streets and beautiful rolling landscape. Founders Forest features singlelevel townhomes ideal for those 60 and older who want to live independently but enjoy a host of services and amenities. Homes range in size from 1,080 to 1,561 square feet and are offered through a life lease model. Trolinger and New River House Apartments provide affordable housing for independent seniors age 62 and older, or those needing barrier-free access, who live on low, fixed incomes. Rent is based on monthly income and recognized medical expenses and is subsidized by the federal government’s HUD program. Showalter Center allows for a unique transition to catered and assisted living with full-sized studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments. Nursing staff there provide assistance with activities of daily living and foster a close-knit family environment. A fullservice dining room and casual cafe complement the offerings here. Kroontje Health Care Center provides for those needing a higher level of care and offers Assisted Living Level 2,
Memory Care, and Long-term Nursing Care. The center provides a variety of room options designed to promote a comfortable, home-like environment while staff provide activities, such as programs, dining services, and specialized care planning. Rehabilitative therapies are also offered onsite and include physical, occupational, and speech services. The newest addition to the continuum of care reaches outside the retirement community’s campus to serve those in the greater NRV. Warm Hearth at Home, a senior care management program, provides coordination of companion and caregiver services in the home. The care manager works to help families develop a support network, solve everyday problems, and provide any number of specialized services in the home. Residents at the Village will soon enjoy the addition of the Village Center – a 15,000 square foot community center designed to promote a wellness centered lifestyle for seniors. The building features innovative sustainable technologies and will include a warm, saltwater swimming pool, a fitness center, a community room with performance stage, office and gathering spaces, as well as a grab and go café. The Village Center will serve to unite the campus with wellness and cultural programming for residents and the greater community. Whether at the Village Center or nearby, there will be a variety of amenities and activities to enjoy throughout the 220 acre campus. Walking trails, active resident councils, fitness classes, performances, festivals and educational presentations offer a variety of opportunities for residents to interact with each other and with the beautiful woodland environment that is home to this one of a kind community.
RETIREMENT LIVING AWARDS | our health
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 43
our health | PUBLIC HEALTH
PROSTHETICS – IT’S NOT ALL WE DO. Even though it’s our name, we’re much more than Virginia’s oldest and largest prosthetics provider. For 40-plus years, our board-certified orthotists have fit patients with custom-designed and locally-fabricated orthotics that deliver comfort, mobility and satisfaction. When you consider that we have the knowledge, experience, and convenient locations to help you believe in your possibilities, the choice for custom orthotic or prosthetic devices becomes clear.
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PUBLIC HEALTH | our health
Public Health:RABIES words | RICK PIESTER
Kevin Hooper was awakened by a rustling sound. He didn’t think too much about it in the very early hours of a late June Sunday morning, but about an hour later he was awakened again; this time it was more of a flapping sound. Like wings flapping. This time, his wife Christie woke up as well. It was 2 AM, and they saw a bat flying in the room. “We weren’t really that alarmed,” Christie remembers. “We closed the bedroom door. Kevin got dressed and protected from head to foot. He caught the bat, and we thought we were doing the right thing by taking it outside and letting it go. Later that Sunday, we took our daughter to camp in West Virginia and never even thought about it.” End of story? No. Beginning of story. The following Tuesday morning, Kevin went for a run with a friend. In general conversation, Kevin told his friend about the bat incident. The friend passed along some sobering news: he knew of a family who had a similar incident, and the family feared they had been exposed to rabies, the horrible, always-deadly viral disease most often spread by saliva in the bite of an infected animal. Christie Hooper talked with the family and learned that they had gone through a series of shots to protect them against the disease, shots that are no longer as tortuous as many people think, but are still far from fun. The family suggested that Christie call the Lynchburg Health Department for more guidance. At the Health Department, she was routed to Environmental Health Manager Steve Simpson. “He told us that we needed to consider being vaccinated,” she says, “and that the whole family should be treated, because we couldn’t be sure whether we had been bitten or not.” The whole family includes Kevin and Christie and their youngsters — 10-year-old Annie, who by then was miles away at summer camp for 3 weeks, and 5-year-old Billy. “Everyone in the family was asleep while the bat was in the Hooper’s home,” Simpson explains during an interview in the Health Department district headquarters near Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. “Bats have very tiny, and very sharp, teeth. You probably would not know that you had been bitten by a bat, particularly if you were asleep at the time. A bite can be difficult — even impossible — to find. And we know that rabies is very commonly found in bats and other animals in Central Virginia.” The bat could have been tested for the presence of rabies, but it was long gone. This meant that the Hoopers were facing a decision: commit to a complex, uncomfortable, and expensive series of shots to treat the rabies —although they were not sure whether they had been exposed — or take the risky course of no treatment in the hope that they had not been exposed. The decision became a no-brainer. Christie Hooper says that she www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 45
our health | PUBLIC HEALTH
quickly learned, “There’s only a one percent chance that you’re going to get rabies, but if you do get it, there’s a 100 percent chance you’re going to die.”
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Kerry W. Gateley, M.D., is the District Director of Health for the Virginia Department of Health region encompassing the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell and the City of Lynchburg. Coming to Lynchburg four years ago from assignments in West Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina, he was immediately struck by the sheer number of cases of rabies reported in animals here. “During the five years I was in Charleston, WV, for example,” he says, “there may have been two or three cases of rabies in animals in all that time. But here, we get one or two cases in a single week.” The statistics bear him out. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2009, Virginia was second only to Texas in the number of reported cases of rabies in animals. That year, Virginia reported 572 cases, and Texas reported a total of 830 cases. In Central Virginia, rabies has even been found in cattle. In the first six months of 2012, a cow in Amherst County and a goat in Bedford County contracted rabies and were put to a painless death as a result. In animals, as in humans, there is no treatment for rabies. It is certain death. Far more common, however, is the incidence of rabies in foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Last year, the health department reported a total of 44 confirmed cases of animal rabies, most of these among those four species of animals. Simpson, the Health Department Environmental
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PUBLIC HEALTH | our health
Health Manager, reports that the numbers are up slightly for the first half of 2012 compared to the same period last year.
What do I do if...? If you are bitten, report it to your doctor, the Health Department, or animal control officers in your area. In Central Virginia, all animal control officers can be reached by calling 911, and they will respond. Treat the bite as a bite. Clean it with soap and hot water, or better yet, get to an emergency room, especially if it’s a puncture wound. There, they have proper equipment and materials to do a highly professional job of cleaning the wound and providing advice.
Simpson and Health Director Dr. Gateley point out a basic misunderstanding that we seem to share when it comes to rabies – that dogs are no longer rabid. “So many people, even doctors, think that there’s no such thing as dogs with rabies,” Dr. Gateley marvels, “but that’s just not true. In this country, we have whipped the canine variant of rabies, the strain that is sourced in dogs. But we still find dogs with rabies all the time, most often the variant associated with skunks or foxes.” Another misconception, they say, is that domestic rabies (occurring most often in settled areas and with domestic animals that are pets) has been eradicated, although we still see sylvan rabies, found in the wild and among untamed animals. “Not true, again,” notes Dr. Gateley. In fact, cats are more likely than dogs to be reported rabid in the US. Cats are often in close contact with both humans and wild animals, including those that primarily transmit rabies. In 2010, the incidence of reported rabies in raccoons skyrocketed by about 400 percent in what we would think would be a very unlikely locale — the area around Central Park in New York City.
If you have pets, get them vaccinated by a veterinarian, and keep the vaccinations current. If you encounter unfamiliar dogs or wild creatures, stay away. human to human by saliva, tears, or other bodily fluids. Death occurs within days. While as many as 55,000 people may die each year across the world (particularly in Africa and Asia), in the US, the disease claims one or two people annually, usually because they were not aware of their infection and did not seek treatment.
And in the US each year, up to 40,000 people have what Rabies is an astoundingly horrible disease. The disease the industry calls PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which can lurk in the body for a couple of weeks to years after is nearly 100 percent effective in preventing rabies. infection, most often through the bite of an infected animal or by coming into contact with saliva, blood or brain matter while killing or handling a dead animal. are our business
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Rabies attacks the central nervous system. Dr. Gateley says early symptoms can be as mild as tingling or numbness at the site of a bite, followed by fever, headache, and weakness — the calling cards of many illnesses. Then it quickly gets very nasty, with any combination of hallucinations, partial paralysis, psychotic behavior, seizures, hypersalivation (the increased salivation that we fear as “foaming at the mouth”), difficulty swallowing, and fear of water (hydrophobia). At stages, it can be transmitted from
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our health | PUBLIC HEALTH
The Hooper family started getting their post-exposure treatment a scant four days after their bat encounter. Those days were filled with feverish calls and web research by Christie Hooper, to learn about rabies and then to arrange for the shots for the four members of the family. Steve Simpson at the Health Department and his wife were “heroic,” says Christie, in untangling arrangements for three of the four Hoopers to receive
their treatments in Lynchburg (the first shots in the Lynchburg General Emergency Department and later at the health department) and in arranging for the treatment to be covered by their health insurance company. The family caught a break when they learned that their physician and friend, internist Danielle Lewis, MD, of Medical Associates in Lynchburg, was at the same summer camp as daughter Annie. With help from Dr. Lewis, arrangements were made for Annie to get her shots at a hospital in Lewisburg, WV, not far from the camp, thus salvaging the camping experience, her very first. And Christie Hooper sings the praises of the Health Department staff, not only for guiding them through the confusing and frightening world of rabies treatment, but also for being there to open the Health Department building when the family needed to get the shots on two very difficult days — on June 30, the day following the destructive derecho that brought much of the city to a standstill, and then on the July 4 holiday. But this is not the end of the story. Not quite. Because on a more recent night, the Hoopers were again awakened by a bat in the bedroom. But this time, after a hard-earned education, they captured the bat and took it to Steve Simpson at the Health Department for testing at the lab in Richmond. Luckily, the results came back that it was not a rabid bat, but the Hooper family now knows a lot more about rabies than they ever thought they would need to.
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KIDS’ CARE | our health
Regional Autism School Opens Lynchburg Location words | C. RUTH CASSELL
BRAAC known for early intervention, exposure to regular education A four-year old boy started school this fall, along with peers across the nation. The difference is that this little boy doesn’t have a way to ask for what he wants or needs. He resists attention and physical contact from adults and acts withdrawn from his environment.
The other difference is that his parents chose to enroll him early in a specialized autism school, so he can receive one-on-one intensive therapy and a highly structured environment. As of mid-September, he had already begun making huge strides. He was independently using sign language to request food and interacting with the teachers and therapists at his new school, according to Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) of Lynchburg Administrative Director Damien Murtagh. “We are really excited about what lies in store for this student,” Murtagh says. “It’s not that anything was being done inadequately, but it’s about finding a more intensive, structured environment where he can receive as much direct attention as possible.” An affiliate school of Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center of Roanoke, which is also located in Buena Vista, the specialized autism school recently opened its doors in Lynchburg. www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 49
our health | KIDS’ CARE
Located in Timberlake Christian Church— off Highway 460 near the end of Timberlake Road—BRAAC of Lynchburg opened on Sept. 5, and there are currently five students enrolled. Three began attending at the start of the school year, and two are scheduled to begin in October. The center is licensed by the Department of Education to serve students ages 2-15 and is currently serving students ages 4-14. Executive Director Angie Leonard knew there had been a need in the
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KIDS’ CARE | our health
Central Virginia area since the establishment of BRAAC in 2002 and the opening of its new Roanoke facility in 2009. BRAAC received phone calls from parents who were interested in enrolling their children in either of the more distant locations. Administrative Director of the Lynchburg location Murtagh says the school is currently focused on the most high-need students.
location currently offers a regular education preschool program in addition to the autism and learning disabilities programs. Executive Director Leonard, whose son Joshua has autism and splits his school day between BRAAC and a public high school where he is a junior and a member of the football team, points out that having both typical and
“We don’t pretend to make miracles happen. We will work our very best and we will work hard with the student, but it will be different for each child,” Murtagh explains. Based on his experience in Bedford County schools, Murtagh says that the public school system has good special education programs in place but that BRAAC is able to fill a specific need for students with autism. The educator said research shows that the earlier services are offered for autism, the better the results. BRAAC uses the intensive approach known as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and sets a goal for each student to transition into a regular education environment and succeed. “At BRAAC, we really want to work collaboratively with families and school systems to meet individual student needs,” the administrator says. “By collaborating with each other, the student wins and that’s going to be the most important goal.” The school started out as a smaller operation known as Blue Ridge Autism Center and was incorporated in September 2002 by a group of parents and professionals dedicated to providing appropriate education, support, and information for children who have autism and their families. The Roanoke www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 51
our health | KIDS’ CARE
autistic students in the same school helps all the children. Exposing typical children to autistic children and giving the autistic students a chance to interact with the regular education classroom is a unique aspect of BRAAC. Leonard says combining the two education styles was her goal from the time she first opened the center.
this intensive ABA work with him in our home, we saw that he was a quick learner. But, he couldn’t generalize his skills. We had to seek out a preschool environment where he could practice his skills in a variety of models,” Leonard explains. “As we opened the school years later, we needed to recreate that same environment.”
Having a preschool program on site allows BRAAC teachers to not only offer specialized autism education, but also to access the preschool classroom for exposure to typical students and regular FLU SHOTS* education methods.
“When my son Joshua was younger and we were doing
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my family got flu shots and we got to practice on time.
Murtagh says the Lynchburg location is beginning small to establish its program but may consider adding a preschool program in the future. “As we grow and become more established, we will be expanding and building a more developed program in areas where there is need. It really will depend on what the needs are of the students who enroll,” he says.
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BRAAC is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). BRAAC is operated by a board of directors and funded through private donations, grants, tuition and fees. BRAAC staff is highly qualified, and the center continues to grant opportunities to further employees’ education.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS | our health
PREVIVING THE ODDS words | TINA JOYCE
A Lynchburg woman found that her proactive health choices empowered her to make an informed decision, rather than wait for a diagnosis. Although October marks a time of pink ribbons, testimonials, and races to find a cure, Sonia McFarland has made her own strides against cancer. Recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October brings together breast cancer charities to raise funds to increase awareness and for research into the disease’s cause, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. According to the American Cancer Association, the awareness campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. McFarland, age 55 and a Volunteer Coordinator for Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital, is generating a different type of awareness and support. She is a previvor. A previvor is a person who has either precancerous cells or a genetic mutation known to cause cancer, but does not have cancer. Sonia McFarland did not have breast or ovarian cancer, but she did discover she carries the BRCA1 gene—increasing her risk of contracting breast cancer to 65% and 39% for ovarian cancer before her 70th birthday.1 The odds were stacked against her. A year and a half ago her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and the family began genetic research to determine who might also be a carrier of the mutated gene. “These are my God given genes,” Sonia acknowledges. “Knowing whether I carry or don’t carry the mutation can affect my family now as well as in future generations.” www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 53
our health | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
According to the National Cancer Institute, a woman’s risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a deleterious (harmful) BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Men with these mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer. Genetic tests are available to check for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations through a simple blood test. Genetic Counseling is recommended before and after testing.2 Learning that her first-degree family members were affected by cancer caused grave concern for McFarland. She and her husband of 34 years, embarked on an exploratory journey together by first meeting with a genetic counselor. Phyllis Everett, an Advance Practice Nurse in Genetics at the Lynchburg Hematology-Oncology Clinic in the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, provided initial consultation to McFarland and her husband. Knowing she was at high risk for carrying the BRCA1 gene like her sister, McFarland was prepared to make a monumental decision before receiving the results of her genetic testing. If indeed she were found to be a carrier, she would
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS | our health
elect to have a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction and a partial hysterectomy.
are experiencing. Their journey can be very different than other patients we see,” explains Everett.
Her husband Richard supported this bold, proactive decision. “He was so supportive and protective of me. He came to every appointment and reassured me every step of the way,” shared McFarland. “Once my results came back positive, I stayed set on having the surgeries. I wanted to see my grandson grow,” she stated with confidence and conviction.
Statistics reveal one in eight women over the age of 40 will be diagnosed with a form of breast cancer in her lifetime—allowing approximately 40,000 women to die every year from a curable disease.3 Choosing to skip routine screenings is not a risk worth taking nor is ignoring the genetic odds that significantly increases a positive diagnosis.
If McFarland would have chosen not to have the surgeries, her highrisk status would have her seeking a mammogram or a MRI every six months with the constant fear that cancer cells could develop quickly or possibly be missed. In February 2012, Sonia McFarland elected to have the first of two surgeries that may have saved her life—statistically speaking. Weighing risks is a reality everyone faces. For some, it is choosing the safest activities to participate in or the best investment to make. However, for McFarland, the risk she faced was playing the odds against an unforgiving and often deadly disease. McFarland joins a growing number of other women across the country electing to be cancer previvors as opposed to cancer survivors. In Dina Roth Port’s book, Previvors – Facing the Breast Cancer Gene and Making Life-Changing decisions – she captures the stories of five courageous women who also elected to undergo proactive surgeries without having cancer. Numerous other women blog or join local support groups to find encouragement through the testing and decision-making process. Lynchburg has a local support group for those with BRCA mutations. The group meets monthly with growing participation. “The support group was started this year to give these women a connection to others who can understand what they www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 55
our health | BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Local healthcare professionals concur with the National Cancer Institute. A woman, beginning at age 40, should have a high-quality screening mammogram and a clinical breast exam (conducted by a health care provider) every year as the most effective way to detect early signs of breast cancer. Additionally, those at high risk, like McFarland, should consider genetic counseling and testing. A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the breast that detects 90% of all breast cancers, usually well before an abnormality becomes apparent. This procedure is widely accepted by professionals as the best tool for detecting breast cancer.4 Unquestionably, early detection and proactive measures can save lives. Now, many women are choosing the option to “previve” the odds of cancer because of the preventative steps they have been able to take. The choice empowers women to attack this curable disease before it attacks them. To inquire about genetic testing or learn more about the Lynchburg Support Group, contact Phyllis Everett at 434.200.5925. To seek services or to schedule a screening mammogram in Lynchburg, call 434.200.4048. For services in Farmville call, 434.315.2779 or for more information, visit www.centrahealth.com. 1. Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC1180265 2. Source: www.cancer.gov 3. Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2008 Incidence and Mortality Webbased Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2012. 4. Source: www.breastcancer.org
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NUTRITION HEALTH | our health
Nutrition For Breast Cancer words | TRICIA FOLEY, RD, MS
Breast cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. It is estimated that 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women this year (1). Nutrition is an important part of the healing process for these patients. Unfortunately, chemo treatments can leave patients with a skewed sense of taste and little appetite due to nausea. Thankfully, Mother Nature has provided us with many foods that can settle the stomach and provide the strength needed to heal! Did you know that nourished patients experience less nausea and feeling of malaise during their treatments? Maintaining a healthy weight is also very important since it is estimated that forty percent of cancer patients die from malnutrition, not cancer (2). To stay at a healthy weight, consider adding olive and coconut oils to recipes as well as calorie and nutrient dense nuts, avocados, and beans. Avoid using trans fats found in margarine and many prepackaged shelf stable snacks like crackers and cookies. These fats have been shown to negatively impact survival rates in patients with cancer. Key nutrients including beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and selenium can improve chemo and radiation therapies while protecting healthy cells from the damage normally inflicted by chemo and radiation. Foods containing these nutrients include sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro, fresh thyme, cantaloupe, romaine lettuce, broccoli, citrus fruits, berries, brazil nuts, grass fed beef, eggs, mushrooms, red bell peppers, olive oil, and onions. It is also important to buy organic since non-organic produce can have high amounts of pesticides and toxins that strain a liver already working hard to www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 57
our health | NUTRITION HEALTH
process the chemo drugs. In addition to the foods listed above, cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, contain helpful compounds, known as isothiocynates, that are released when the vegetables are cut or chewed. Researchers at the University of New York compared the cancer killing
effect of these compounds with two chemotherapy drugs and found that when isothiocynates were added to human breast cancer cells, the cells died within forty-eight hours, which was almost identical to the effect of the two chemo drugs (3). Incorporating these super foods into your diet is easy! Start with
It has been a privilege caring for the residents of central and southside Virginia over the past 25 years. As our Centra family grows, as services expand and as technology advances, one thing is certain—Centra will be here to help you and your family for generations to come. We are committed to our mission of Excellent Care…Every Time. Celebrating 25 Years of Caring for Our Community
recipes that are simple to make, easy to digest, and nourishing. Your favorite soups and smoothies are good examples, especially if you aren’t feeling up to eating a heavy meal. Consider cooking in bulk too; this way you can freeze the leftovers for another time. If you do decide to make a smoothie, it’s important to avoid too much simple sugar since the latest research is showing that insulin (a hormone stimulated by sugar) can speed tumor growth in cancer. To keep sugar levels low, make smoothies with unsweetened coconut milk instead of cow’s milk (see recipe below). Unsweetened applesauce, crushed pineapple, and mashed bananas are other foods that can be used instead of sugar. Cinnamon and vanilla are also known to enhance sweetness in recipes. Use chicken stock as a great base for soup. Then add your favorite vegetables to make a soothing meal. Shitake mushrooms, onions, garlic, and red and orange vegetables, such as tomatoes and bell peppers, have also been shown to support immune function, which is important while enduring cancer treatments. Remember, small frequent meals are a great way to ensure you are getting enough calories and nutrients to support recovery while minimizing the chances of an upset stomach. Try eating six to eight mini meals a day to keep nausea at bay. Make sure to sit upright for up to an hour after eating, since lying down can sometimes make nausea worse. Cold foods can also offer relief, since simply smelling hot food may trigger nausea. A bowl of cold chicken salad with chopped green apples (also shown to ease nausea) and brazil nuts is a great choice (recipe at end of article). If you find that you still feel nauseous, try ginger tea or
58 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
NUTRITION HEALTH | our health
capsules, as these can help relieve your symptoms. Keep in mind that ginger should be avoided if your doctor has told you that your platelets are low since ginger can inhibit blood clotting. Herbs such as catnip, peppermint, chamomile and red raspberry can also be used as alternatives to relieve nausea. Other ideas that may help include washing your mouth out before and after meals to get rid of bad tastes in your mouth, limiting caffeine, chewing spearmint or wintergreen gum, or sipping green tea. Green tea is a wonderful drink that contains many cancer-fighting properties and when combined with peppermint can soothe an upset stomach. Aromatherapy may offer relief. The smell of fresh lemons has been shown to ease nausea. Finally, try eating in a cool room. Eating in a warm room should be avoided as the air may be stuffy and stale and make your stomach feel worse.
Herb Flank (Grass Fed) Steak
Directions:
• Makes 4 servings
• Pound out the meat to tenderize. Mix the remaining ingredients and rub into the meat. You may opt to refrigerate overnight. Place the oven on broil. Line the pan with foil and place the beef on a rack in a broiler pan. Broil for 5 minutes, turn and repeat for an additional 5 minutes.
Ingredients: • • • • • • •
1 lb steak 2 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp dried oregano ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp onion powder 1 clove garlic, minced ¾ tsp pepper
By nourishing your body with the proper foods, the side effects of chemo and other cancer treatments can be greatly reduced. Below are some recipes that you may find helpful. They contain many cancerfighting ingredients coupled with anti-nausea ingredients that should be both comforting and pleasing to your palate.
Recipes: Green Apple Smoothie • Makes 3 servings
Ingredients: • 1 green apple, sliced • 3/4 C unsweetened coconut milk • 1/2 C grapes, frozen • 1/2 C blueberries, frozen • 20 walnuts • 1 C strawberries, frozen
Directions: • Blend all ingredients until smooth.
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 59
our health | NUTRITION HEALTH
Carrot Ginger Celery Soup • Makes 4-6 servings
Ingredients: • 1/2 medium onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 lb carrots, cut into 1-inch slices • ½ C chopped celery
• 1 tbsp peeled and chopped ginger root
Chicken Salad
• 2 C low sodium chicken broth
• Makes 2 servings
Directions:
Ingredients:
• Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and allow to simmer about 10 minutes. Puree in a blender and serve. Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
• two 8 ounce chicken breasts • ¼ C grapes, halved • ½ small apple, diced • 6 brazil nuts, chopped • ¼ C olive oil based mayo
Directions: • In a non-stick pan, brown the chicken over medium heat on the stove. Once cooled, cut the chicken into chunks and place in a blender to shred. Put the shredded chicken into a bowl and add other ingredients. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
Works Cited: 1. American Cancer Society, http:// www.cancer.org, 2011 2. Quillin, P, Quillin, N, Beating Cancer with Nutrition, 2005 p. 85 3. Tseng E et al, Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2004, Sep;229(8) 83542).
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FINANCIAL HEALTH | our health
Making Sense of Health Insurance Could Save You Money words | LAURA NEFF-HENDERSON, APR
Understanding your health insurance policy could be the difference between a medical catastrophe and a financial nightmare. According to a report published in the August 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine, more than 60 percent of people who file bankruptcy, most of them middle-class, well-educated homeowners, are actually swallowed by medical bills. Additionally, nearly 75 percent of people that go bankrupt due to medical bills have health insurance, the report states. “You just about have to have a degree in healthcare to understand your policy,” says Richard Roberts, who owns a Farmers Insurance agency that represents clients in Southwest and Central Virginia. That’s dangerous, he warns. Failing to understand your policy can impact your financial future.
The Right Plan Choosing the right health insurance plan can save you money. “Often people want a plan based around the premium they can afford, instead of adjusting their budget to get the plan they need,” says Roberts. To find the best plan, www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 61
our health | FINANCIAL HEALTH
you have to understand your family’s needs and the plans you are considering. Deductibles are typically a key factor in determining premiums. As is true with car insurance, plans with higher deductibles typically have lower premiums. For those in good health with a limited number of regular medical expenses, choosing a plan with a higher deductible may be a good money-saving option. Conversely, individuals who cannot afford a large deductible should opt for a plan with a smaller deductible. The same holds true for co-pays, fixed amounts that the insured are required to pay at the time of service. Co-insurance is also a factor in how high, or low, your premiums may be. A common co-insurance split is 80/20, meaning that the insurance company will pay 80 percent of a covered procedure and the insured is required to pay the other 20 percent. When the total amount you’ve paid meets your established out-of-pocket maximum, the insurance company covers any remaining costs. Generally, the higher the out-ofpocket maximum, the lower the premium. It’s also important for policy holders to know the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out for services rendered during the life of the plan. The insured needs to know what the insurance company won’t cover. The terms “exclusions” and “covered expenses” are key phrases. Generally, policies with more exclusions are less expensive, but they might not be worth it in the long run should you face any serious medical diagnosis.
spends $2,500 a year on prescriptions, first aid supplies, eye glasses, and other medical expenses, they can save about $750 a year by using an FSA. One disadvantage to FSAs is the “use it or lose it” provision. Any money that’s not spent on medical expenses is lost. Each year, 14 percent of consumers leave an average of $723 in their FSA, according to www.planforyourhealth. com. Roberts advises his clients to find out what their FSAs cover and stock up on those supplies before the plan year ends. Another downside, according to Roberts, is that because the money set aside is pre-tax, it is not included in your social security benefit calculations. For families making less than $30,000 a year, Roberts typically advises his clients not to use an FSA. They need the social security benefits more, he explains.
Health Savings Accounts If you don’t have much by way of annual medical expenses, you may want to consider a Health Savings Account (HSA). HSAs are tax-advantaged medical savings accounts available to those enrolled in a highdeductible health plan. Unlike FSAs, the funds roll over and accumulate year to year if not spent. It’s also important, says Roberts, to talk with your insurance agent or human resources department about your policy when you have questions. In addition, he advises his clients to stay informed of legislative changes that could impact them.
The premature birth of a baby, according to Roberts, exemplifies why it’s so important to understand the lifetime maximum. In the past, he worked with a couple whose insurance policy was capped at $1 million. When their baby was born prematurely and the medical bills totaled $1.8 million, they were left to pay the remaining $800,000. “That is the kind of situation that can ruin you financially, especially when many families are barely making ends meet as it is,” says Roberts.
Flexible Spending Accounts Consider a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to save money. With a little bit of planning, families can determine their annual out-of-pocket medical expenses (excluding insurance premiums) and then have that money set aside pre-tax from their paychecks to spend on healthcare expenses not covered by their insurance policy. The average family can save about 30 percent by using an FSA, according to Roberts. If, for example, a family 62 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Richard Roberts is a Farmers® Insurance and Financial Services’ agent who represents clients in Central and Southwest Virginia. Richard can be contacted at: 540.389.1533 (office), via cell at 540.819.8615 or via email at: rroberts1@farmersagent.com
CUTTING EDGE | our health
Under the Light words | TINA JOYCE
Simply say the word germs and healthcare providers, educators, and moms alike immediately begin scrambling to remedy the invasion and determine the origin. Nothing makes your skin crawl more than watching a documentary on microorganisms and learning where they lurk in your home, office, favorite vacation spot, and many other places you frequent. In recent years, stories have been hitting the wire revealing how germs prowl in many places and on surfaces we touch every day. From Reader’s Digest to Dateline, concerns are prevalent about the health risks of sharing and transporting the microscopic bacteria and how viruses spread as quickly as the germs themselves. A recent CNN story revealed the airline industry has been taking a beating and is under scrutiny for lack of effective disinfection policies. Tray tables and seat pockets are simply a breeding ground for germs and are rarely disinfected—despite thousands of travelers boarding the planes every year.
NanoTouch™, has been researched and developed to offer printable, self-adhesive and non-adhesive surfaces with safe, selfcleaning, antimicrobial properties
Due to media attention, the hotel industry has felt the impact of the war on germs as guests become more aware of typical hotel sanitary practices. Guests are realizing that although their bedding is routinely washed, the same cleaning cloth may be used to wipe down vanities in multiple bathrooms—easily spreading bacteria from guest to guest. Additionally, remotes and lamp switches are seldom cleaned, leaving guests subject to a multitude of undesirable microorganisms. In May of 2012, Best Western released information from an independent research study that discovered “the importance of a clean and well-maintained hotel has become the number one priority for guests—surpassing customer service.” The hotel chain has risen to the challenge and is implementing several new tools for housekeeping as part of their “I Care Clean” program. Hospitals and health departments across the country have also implemented programs and spearheaded campaigns to aid in the battle against germs. In 2010, the Orange County Health Department created an educational campaign communicating the importance of reducing the spread of bacteria. Their well-intended initiative cost taxpayers approximately $25,000. Virginia is at the forefront of addressing the issue. In fact, the Commonwealth state is home to a new, patent-pending product now hitting the market addressing these health concerns for both businesses and consumers. The product, NanoTouch™, has been researched and developed to offer printable, self-adhesive and non-adhesive surfaces with safe, self-cleaning, antimicrobial properties. An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 63
our health | CUTTING EDGE
embarked on a mission to develop this antimicrobial product. As a result, the Lynchburg-based company is meeting the demands of both healthcare facilities and businesses striving to communicate their commitment to the health of patients and customers. The technology allows a practical medium for communicating the health conscious message while also providing a usable vehicle to fight against the spread of bacteria and viruses. Safety is of principal concern to many health experts. According to NanoTouch™ founders, both of the primary active ingredients are exempt from EPA registration. Zinc, is a safe mineral used in many sunscreens, vitamins, and food supplements. Titanium dioxide, a proven safe food additive, is a photo-catalyst and is also exempt from registration. viruses, and fungi that can cause illnesses such as N1H1 and MRSA. NanoTouch™ products offer bacteria-fighting solutions for facility touch points, portable surfaces, and specialty products. After extensive testing and product development, the production methods were finalized giving end users the ability to apply the NanoSeptic™ technology to high-contact printed materials in two forms. The adhesive backed products can include door push pads, and grocery cart handle wraps. Non-adhesive products range from vanity and travel mats, to TV channel guides, hospital patient guides, menus and desk, tray table, and snack mats. The product’s ability to inhibit the transfer of bacteria and viruses from one person to another makes its uses widespread across many industries. The unique germ-deflecting concept was brought to light by Dennis Hackemeyer and Mark Sisson, founders of NanoTouch Materials, LLC. Both entrepreneurs are experts in the print and technology industry and
NanoTouch™ products offer bacteria-fighting solutions for facility touch points, portable surfaces, and specialty products. 64 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
So how does it work? Co-founder, Dennis Hackemeyer explains, “Our NanoSeptic™ surfaces electrostatically attract and trap microbes reducing the likelihood of transfer from one contact to the next. In addition to killing microbes and limiting their growth, NanoTouch™ surfaces also kill dangerous spores such as Clostridium difficile and decomposes their toxins.” The printable, antimicrobial material is a bioactive environmental surface, which claims to reduce bacterial and viral contamination and destroys adherent organisms. More importantly, the product allows users to communicate the importance of antimicrobial touch points on doors, shopping carts, or placemats—educating consumers on safe places to touch. Some products have a removable, repositionable, adhesive backing so the products may be utilized at different locations. Properly washing your hands is the most effective way to reduce the distribution of bacteria. Unfortunately, many people do not take the time to consistently and thoroughly wash their hands throughout the day. Additionally, facilities that are heavily contaminated, such as nursing homes and hospitals, need more than latex gloves to prevent the spreading of germs onto medical equipment and tray tables. Early adopters of the NanoTouch™ technology are finding great benefit in the product’s uses and overall message. “Bacteria, viruses and other germs are not only an ongoing threat, but a growing concern for the public. For that reason, anything we can do in the medical community to help this fight is a good thing. There’s no one fix. We need lots of tools in this fight. NanoTouch™ works in concert with disinfectants, cleaners, hand sanitizers, and other methods for stemming the spread of germs. It’s a great new addition to the tools we have at our disposal,” explains Dr. Michael Miller of Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery in Richmond, Virginia.
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Elite hotels are also showing their commitment to the health and safety of their guests by adopting new sanitation methods. Cornerstone Hospitality, management firm for the Craddock Terry Hotel, has committed to using the technology and is providing NanoTouch™ products for use by every guest. The historic boutique hotel, located in Lynchburg, serves some of the regions most prestigious guests. In May, NanoTouch Materials, LLC received TechEDGE’s 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year award presented by Virginia’s Region 2000 Technology Council. The Technology Council works to foster an environment that stimulates innovation and growth of technology-focused organizations in the Central Virginia region. “This year’s winner approached the growing health and safety problem from a different angle, creating low cost, self-cleaning surfaces. Recognizing the importance of public perception, the communication and branding opportunities that NanoTouch™ products provide can be its greatest value...telling people where to touch or place personal items, and letting them know the provider is committed to their health and wellbeing,” shares Jonathan Whitt, Executive Director of the Region 2000
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Technology Council. NanoTouch Materials, LLC has plans to position their fabrication facility in Lynchburg’s Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) in Forest, VA. With the advent of this new line of printable antibacterial products, Virginia appears to be a national trendsetter for innovative ways to communicate antimicrobial messages directly on the end-use products themselves. For more information about NanoTouch, visit the company’s website at nanotouchmaterials.com.
Sources: ◊ www.bestwestern.com/newsroom/pressreleases_detail. asp?NewsID=834 ◊ www.rd.com ◊ www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/12/22/bt.germs.breed.on.plane/ index.html ◊ Jonathan Whitt, Region 2000 Technology Council www. region2000.org ◊ Dr. Michael Miller, Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery in Richmond ◊ Dennis Hackemeyer, NanoTouch materials, LLC http:// nanotouchmaterials.com