OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside Magazine December 2018/January 2019 by OurHealth Media LLC

December 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ January 2019 ourhealthlynchburg.com

229

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

33 74

FEATURES

DECEMBER 2018 • JANUARY 2019

THE IDEAL DOCTOR AND PATIENT WISH LISTS: 7+7 WAYS TO MAKE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS HEALTHIER TO HELP EVERYONE These wish lists give patients and doctors seven ways to increase communication, improve the doctor-patient relationship and produce better outcomes for both.

11TH ANNUAL BEST BEDSIDE MANNER AWARDS

ARE YOU REALLY A HEALTHY DRIVER?

Presenting the 11th Annual OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside's Best Bedside Manner Awards, recognizing 229 doctors and providers in 59 specialties. Everyone likes to think they’re a great driver once they get behind the wheel. The bad news is many drivers on the roadways in Virginia are still a danger to themselves and others.

JOIN THE

OurHealth Community ON Social Media! Write us, tweet us, or tag us today! #OurHealthLynchburg

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

DEPARTMENTS DECEMBER 2018 • JANUARY 2019

The Pulse | People. Places. News to Know.

Calendar | Things to Do in Lynchburg & Southside

Health Scene | Happenings. Who’s Who. Trending.

Volunteer Spotlight

Heroes. Champions. Community Minded. Local Leukemia survivor, Natalie Cameron, serves others in the battle against cancer by volunteering with the American Cancer Society (ACS).

22 6

Eight Steps to a Healthy Winter for Seniors: In Virginia, the winter months bring more than holiday shopping. Cold temperatures, snow storms and flu season all come along for the ride — and they can put the health of Lynchburg's seniors at serious risk.

during December and January for your Mind, Body and Soul

Miriam’s House Marks 25 Years of Working to End Homelessness with a Celebration Gala

80 Aging Well | Wisdom. Dignity. Support.

Q&A on Health | Questions. Answers. Knowledge.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Health A-Z | Insight. Awareness. Mindfulness for the Whole Family. 86 – Diabetes Looks Different in Men and Women: Diabetes is one of the diseases highly influenced by hormones. Since hormones affect men and women so differently, the warning signs for diabetes and how to prevent and treat it are often different than they are for men. 90 – The Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Men: One important health issue often ignored by men is hearing loss. 94 – A New Kind of Care for Orthopedic Injury: A Parent and Physician Perspective

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

december 2018 • january 2019 PUBLISHER PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING MANAGER CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER

McClintic Media, Inc. Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com Jennifer Hungate Laura Bower Karrie Pridemore Tori Meador Ashley Glen Karissa Grantham CJ Harris

CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS

Sara Kaltreider, MD Karen Kenney, DDS Angie Mountz, OTR/L Craig Petry, MD

CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL EXPERTS & WRITERS

Tracy Corntazer Michelle Eld Ron Feinman, Esq. Lisa Kroulik Jennifer Lamont Katharine Paljug

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING Cindy Trujillo | Senior Media Consultant P: 434.907.5255 | cindy@ourhealthvirginia.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are $19.95 per year. To receive OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside via U.S. Mail, please contact Jenny Hungate at jenny@ourhealthvirginia.com

@ourhealthmag

COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS We welcome your feedback. Please send all comments and/or questions to the following: U.S. Mail: McClintic Media, Inc., ATTN: Steve McClintic, Jr., President/ Publisher/Editor: 303 S. Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Ext. 1 Information in all print editions of OurHealth and on all OurHealth websites (websites listed below) and social media updates and emails is for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace medical or health advice of an individual’s physician or healthcare provider as it relates to individual situations. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALTER ANY MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF YOUR DOCTOR. All matters concerning physical and mental health should be supervised by a health practitioner knowledgeable in treating that particular condition. The publisher does not directly or indirectly dispense medical advice and does not assume any responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves. The publisher has taken reasonable precaution in preparing this publication, however, the publisher does not assume any responsibility for errors or omissions. Copyright © 2018 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. OurHealth Lynchburg/Southside is published bi-monthly • Special editions are also published • McClintic Media, Inc. • 303 S. Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483. MAIN: ourhealthvirginia.com | ourhealthroanokenrv.com | ourhealthlynchburg.com | ourhealthrichmond.com | ourhealthcharlottesville.com | Advertising rates upon request.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

The Pulse

INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS

News and Notes

Awards and Recognitions

Centra President and CEO E.W Tibbs Announces Resignation

Free Clinic Board Member Recognized by Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

Centra’s Board of Directors, in partnership with an outside recruitment firm, continues to conduct a search to hire the health system’s new president and CEO following the resignation of E.W. Tibbs, who tendered his resignation to the Centra Board of Directors earlier this fall. A Bedford native, Tibbs became President and CEO of Centra in April 2013. Under Tibbs’ leadership, Centra experienced significant growth and improvements in quality and healthcare efficiency, helping to create an enhanced culture focused on patient safety. He was instrumental in leading Centra’s ambulatory strategy, which placed facilities closer to patients’ homes to improve access to care. Tibbs was also responsible for Centra embarking on a two-year journey to transition to a single electronic health “The Centra Board of record that became operational in Directors cannot thank September. During his tenure, Centra E.W. enough for his achieved many national awards and energy, commitment and passion for Centra.” quality recognitions. - Amy Ray

“The Centra Board of Directors cannot thank E.W. enough for his energy, commitment and passion for Centra and while we wish him well in his next endeavors, we are sorry to lose him and grateful for his service,” says Amy Ray, Chairman of the Centra Board of Directors. During the transition, Michael Elliott is serving as the interim CEO. Elliott joined Centra in 2012 and serves as Centra’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He has his Doctorate in Pharmacy and is involved in numerous local community services organizations. “I appreciate the opportunity to follow the likes of George Dawson and E.W. Tibbs, who epitomize servant leadership,” says Elliott. “I am honored to serve in this interim role carrying on their legacy.” More Information: www.centrahealth.com

CHECK OUT

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com FOR EVEN MORE HEALTH RESOURCES!

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Jen Stowers, board member of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, has been selected as the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ (VAFCC) Champion of Health Care in the Leadership Category. The Champions of Health Care is a celebration of Virginia's health safety net and the awards program is intended to recognize leaders in the community who have made and continue to make a true impact on the health and quality of life in Virginia. Stowers is the Vice President of Nursing at Centra Medical Group and the Chief Care Coordination Officer with Centra Health, as well as the founder and President of the Community Access Network. As such, she formed the nexus of critical partnerships – her positions with Centra Health, the Free Clinic, and the Community Access Network, which has allowed her to create a physical infrastructure and process design that has improved health outcomes for low-income, under – and uninsured residents of Central Virginia. Jen Stowers

Focused on improving access to quality healthcare for high utilizers of emergency departments, individuals who lack insurance or are unable to pay for medical care, and other targeted groups that struggle with care access, Stowers is responsible for designing, planning, executing, and managing patient access and care solutions. The result is the Holcombe H. Hurt Community Health Center. Without Stowers’ vision, leadership, and involvement, the Holcombe H. Hurt Community Health Center would not exist – and thousands of uninsured and underinsured patients would go without access to services. While only it its first year, the health center has an average daily visit volume of 80+ patients (many of which would have had to seek care in an emergency room setting in the past). More Information: www.freeclinicva.org

The Pulse

Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4522 www.centrahealth.com

Paul Kogan, MD

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

Fernando Mogrovejo, DDS

Welcome Dan Smith, MD

PERIODONTICS

PULMONARY/CRITICAL CARE

Periodontal Health Associates is excited to welcome Fernando Mogrovejo, DDS. Dr. Mogrovejo provides comprehensive periodontal care for patients of all ages. Services include, but are not limited to:

Dan Smith, MD is a graduate of the University of Maryland. Dr. Smith completed his internal medicine residency at Georgetown University Hospital and his pulmonary and critical care fellowship training at Virginia Tech.

•

Dental implants

•

Sedation dentistry

•

Aesthetic dentistry

•

Soft and hard tissue grafting

•

Laser treatment

•

Treatment of periodontal disease

•

Peri-implantitis

Outpatient services and procedures: •

Bronchoscopy (lung examination)

•

Lung cancer screening

•

Pulmonary function testing

•

Pulmonary edema treatment (fluid in the lung)

When not treating pulmonary patients, Dr. Smith enjoys some of the finest outdoor activities Lynchburg offers, running, hiking, biking and skiing. Dr. Smith, along with his wife and 2-year-old daughter are excited to call Lynchburg home.

Jordan Synkowski, DO

Centra Medical Group Neurosurgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.3920 www.centrahealth.com

Periodontal Health Associates 525 Leesville Road | Lynchburg 434.455.2444 | f g Hours: Tuesday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM

www.periodontalhealthassociates.com READ THIS EDITION OF

OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside

ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

Dr. Mogrovejo is now accepting new patients. Periodontal Health Associates accepts most insurance plans.

Scan here for more information about our services and providers.

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates, Inc.

2011 Tate Springs Road Lynchburg | 434.947.3963

www.lynchburgpulmonary.com Dan Smith, MD is now accepting new patients.

Scan here for more information about our services and providers. www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

• NEWS TO KNOW

Elizabeth Howard, NP

Welcome

The Pulse

• NEWS TO KNOW

Opening, Expansions, Relocations and Mergers

Direct Primary Care Practice Opens in Boonsboro Osteopathic doctor Andrew Anderson, DO has opened Boonsboro Direct Primary Care, located at 4327 Boonsboro Road, Suite 5, Lynchburg.

On Dr. Anderson’s website, www.boonsborodirectorprimary.com, it states that direct primary care is intended for:

According to Dr. Anderson, direct primary care does not accept insurance, meaning there is no co-pay or need to meet a deductible. Instead the practice has a monthly fee, which is $80 for an individual, $130 for a couple or $165 for a family of five. It includes services such as: comprehensive physicals, well child visits, sports/ school physicals, preventive care, management of chronic illnesses, all follow-up care, sick/acute visits, osteopathic manual therapy, referrals to specialists, wart/mole removal, flu/strep testing, steroid joint injections, dietary/nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations, laceration repair, cryotherapy, skin biopsies, EKG's, well woman exams and blood draws.

•

people with chronic diseases who want unrestricted access to their physician

•

people who don’t have insurance or are unemployed

•

small businesses or those who are self-employed.

Services not included are: hospitalizations, specialist care, physical therapy, surgery, ER visits and immunizations. Patients can also access certain services at a discounted rate, such as labs, imaging (MRI, CT, Xray) and pathology (skin biopsies, Pap smear, etc.), and they can also choose to file claims for these discounted services with their insurance plan.

The website also notes that typically, 80 percent of all insurance claims are related to primary care, and while direct primary care should not be considered a replacement for insurance to cover emergencies, surgeries or specialty care (Dr. Anderson refers patients to specialty care as needed and required by insurance), the direct primary care model can save money by opening up options for utilizing other insurance options such as high-deductible plans, self-funded policies or in conjunction with health spending accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA). Dr. Anderson says he is limiting his practice to 600 patients, which he explains is far fewer than a traditional primary care practice, allowing him to spend more time with each person (30 – 60 minutes per visit) and to allow for easier access to see him the same day or next when sick. He also offers patients the option to connect with him via email and/or text. More Information: Visit www.boonsborodirectprimarycare.com or call 434.214.0722.

For More of The Pulse Visit: www.ourhealthlynchburg.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Do you have health-related news to share for The Pulse? Send to Stephen McClintic Jr. via email at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com.

The Pulse â&#x20AC;¢ NEWS TO KNOW

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

DECEMBER & JANUARY

CALENDAR

INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS

Reindeer Run 2-Miler

Outdoor Recreation presents the Reindeer Run 2 Mile Trail Race, hosted at Hydaway Outdoor Recreation Center. This is the 3rd trail race in the Liberty Mountain Trail Series, with a route that loops along forest roads. Awards will be given to the top three male and female overall winners, top three males and females in each age group, and top male and female masters overall winners. Door prizes will also be given out during the awards ceremony following the race. Students/Faculty/Staff- $20-$35 | Public- $25-$40 | 9 am – 11 am Liberty Outdoor Recreation | 936 Camp Hydaway Road, Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/reindeer-run

12.2 FIRST SUNDAY FREE YOGA

12.5

Green Market Wednesdays

Join Yoga Goodness Studio for First Sunday Free Yoga! This all-levels class is perfect for everyone, so come to learn, get inspired, and discover a place inside yourself where self-care and self-discovery take center stage. Bring your own mat or borrow one free of charge.

Come downtown to experience one of the nation’s oldest markets! The Lynchburg Community Market plays an important role in our beautiful downtown as a vibrant community gathering place and celebrates regional food traditions. Each season offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisan foods, arts and crafts, and more. Stop by to see what keeps Lynchburg residents local and proud!

FREE | 9:30 am – 10:45 am Yoga Goodness Studio 901 Jefferson Street Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia. com/events/1st-sunday-12-2

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Lynchburg Community Market 1219 Main Street, Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/green-market

12.6 PUB RUN WITH THE BRICK Grab your sneakers and go on a fun and friendly Pub Run with The Brick! The run starts at 6:15 at The Brick and finishes at the Ballad Brewing taproom, where you can enjoy Ballad’s award-winning craft beers. Runners will get a special discount upon arrival. And there’s more: Nana Karen's will be serving up their delicious specialty sandwiches and wraps in the food truck area! FREE | 6:15 pm – 8 pm Start: The Brick | 140 Main Street, Danville More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia. com/events/brick-to-ballad

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Panasovskyi

Project Oleksandr by Noun

the Created from

Hosted by the Lynchburg Visitor Center, this free walking tour begins at the corner of 5th & Madison and highlights the fine homes of Garland Hill, as well as holiday traditions of years past. Your guide will give you an intimate glimpse of this remarkable neighborhood, designated as a Lynchburg Historic District and Virginia Historic Landmark. With a 20-person limit, each tour fills up quickly, so call the Visitor Center at (434) 485-7290 to reserve your spot today! FREE | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Lynchburg Visitor’s Center | 216 12th Street, Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/holiday-walking www.lynchburgvirginia.org/event/holiday-traditions-walking-tour/2018-12-08/

1.1 Lose It Lynchburg

The biggest weight loss and lifestyle improvement event Lynchburg has ever seen, the Lose It Lynchburg Competition aims to help contestants lose weight and reach their health and wellness goals safely and effectively. During the six-month competition, a team of Lynchburg’s top physiologists, fitness coaches, and nutritionists will assist and educate each contestant. The top 3 winners, based on loss of body fat percentage, will receive cash prizes, gift certificates, and other rewards. Please be sure to visit the event’s web page for dates, details, and terms and conditions (link below).

AT NOON

Come to Amazement Square at noon on December 31st to ring in 2019 at this family-friendly event! Open to all ages, New Year’s at Noon celebrates the excitement of welcoming in the new year, featuring traditional New Year’s activities, delicacies, and crafts. Toast 2019 with sparkling juice, tasty snacks from around the world, and dance 2018 away on our snap-crackle-popping bubble wrap dance floor. Don’t miss the Bug Drop at 12:00 PM!! 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Amazement Square 27 Ninth Street, Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/ new-years-2019

$100 | 12:00 am Crosswhite Athletic Club 118 Davis Cup Road, Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/ events/

1.3 EVENING HATHA YOGA AT THE LABYRINTH SPA

Join Certified Integral Yoga instructor Chastaneyka Wilcox for her wonderful evening yoga class. Refresh and center yourself as she guides you through an Integral Yoga session - a complete hatha yoga exercise that includes chanting, Asanas (physical postures), deep relaxation, breathing exercises, and short meditation. Free | 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm The Labyrinth Spa 325 West Main Street Bedford More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia. com/events/yoga-atthe-labyrinth

READ THIS EDITION OF

OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside

ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

• DECEMBER | JANUARY

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS WALKING TOUR

NEW YEAR’S

Calendar

Panasovskyi

Project Oleksandr by Noun

the Created from

12.15

Calendar

• DECEMBER | JANUARY

HEALTH CAREER DAY

AT CENTRA

To encourage students to discover and develop their interests in healthcare, Centra is running Health Careers Day programs at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital. The program offers middleschool students opportunities to explore the exciting world of health and medical careers through dynamic learning experiences and activities with medical specialties and departments at Centra. Classes are limited to 30 students per group, and program availability is subject to change. Free | 9:00 am – 11:30 am Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital | 3300 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/career-day-2019

1.19 & 1.18

ELITE STARTS AND TURNS

Power up your swimming skills at this two-day camp where your trainer will be Olympic gold medalist Gunnar Bentz! During a race, a swimmer moves fastest right after the start gun goes off and after every turn at the end of a lap. At this high-performance swim clinic, you will work on starts and underwater dolphin kicking on Saturday; on Sunday, you will focus on flip turns, open turns, and finishes. Sign up for one or save by signing up for both sessions! Session 1 (Jan. 19)- $89 | Session 2 (Jan.20)- $89 Both Sessions- $169 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Liberty University Natatorium | 1521 Liberty Mountain Drive, Lynchburg More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/bentz-swim

1.26 WINTER FESTIVAL

Come out to 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company and enjoy delicious food and great drinks, and dance the night away with DJ Larry Averett! Enter the 50/50 raffle for your chance to win some incredible prizes! Dress code is casual attire, and you must be at least 21 years old to attend. Admission includes a t-shirt, meal, water bottle, and one complimentary drink. $30 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company | 209 Trade Street, Danville More Information: www.ourhealthvirginia.com/events/2-witches-winter-fest

For More of The Calendar Visit: www.ourhealthlynchburg.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Do you have an event that our readers simply must know about? Tell us about it by emailing Stephen McClintic Jr. at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com. Please submit your information at least three months in advance to be considered for publication in the magazine.

Calendar â&#x20AC;¢ DECEMBER | JANUARY

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Health Scene HAPPENINGS • WHO’S WHO • TRENDING photos | KARISSA GRANTHAM AND ASHLEE GLEN

MIRIAM’S HOUSE MARKS 25 YEARS OF WORKING TO END HOMELESSNESS WITH CELEBRATION GALA On Thursday, November 8th, Miriam’s House in Lynchburg kicked-off the yearlong celebration of its 25th anniversary working to end homelessness in Central Virginia with a gala held at The Virginian Hotel in downtown Lynchburg. Miriam’s House opened its doors on Magnolia Street in January 1994, and during the past quarter century, it has helped more than 2500 homeless persons gain housing and stability. At the gala, current Miriam’s House Board President Kate Sigler welcomed attendees with a message reflecting on what matters most: the people who have overcome homelessness and realized opportunities to thrive. Miriam’s House Executive Director Sarah Quarantotto shared the story of Miriam’s House’s growth through the years while adapting to the ever-changing needs required to remain relevant and most impactful. And in a meaningful demonstration of gratitude, Lynchburg City Mayor, The Honorable Treney Tweedy, provided a toast to the non-profit’s staff along with words of encouragement to inspire each toward continued excellence while also challenging the community to remain committed in its support of the organization’s mission to end homeless by rebuilding lives and empowering the area’s most vulnerable neighbors. For more information about Miriam’s House, visit www.miriamshouseprogram.org.

5 6

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Health Scene

• HAPPENINGS

8 10

14 15

1 Miriam's House 25th anniversary celebration gala. 2 Former Miriam’s House Board Member Norman Darden and his wife, Paige. 3 From left: Vic and Cheryll Angel, Sally Curtis and Bill Sellari. 4 Dr. Verna Sellers and her husband. 5 Founding Board Member, Vince Sawyer and his wife, Judy Sawyer. 6 Miriam’s House Founding Board Member, Stella Tanner along with current Board Member, Laura Grosvenor. 7 Eric Harrison and Bethany Harrison, Lynchburg Commonwealth Attorney. 8 From left: Linnie and Mac Frankfort (Current Miriam’s House Board Treasurer) and Kerry and Patrick Frankfort. 9 Miriam’s House Executive Director Sarah Quarantotto (center) along with her mother Karen Slyman and sister Nicole Marshall. 10 Former Miriam’s House Board Member Randall Watts and her husband, John. 11 Lynchburg City Mayor The Honorable Treney Tweedy, along with former Miriam’s House client, Nichole Bradley. 12 Current Miriam’s House Board President, Kate Sigler (center) along with her parents Dick and Betsy Worthington. 13 The entire staff of Miriam’s House. 14 Miriam's House 25th anniversary celebration gala. 15 From left: Julie Salmon, Annebel Pranic, Former Miriam’s House Board President Anne Alfieri, Dorothy Niles and Former Miriam’s House Board President Ellen Nygaard. www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

VOLUNTEER

Spotlight HEROES • CHAMPIONS • COMMUNITY-MINDED

LOCAL

Leukemia Survivor WANTS TO

Serve Others IN THE Battle Against Cancer words | KATHARINE PALJUG

Natalie Cameron was very young in 2013 when she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. “I went through several months of chemotherapy treatment, but later relapsed and went through more chemo, radiation and eventually a bone marrow transplant,” says Cameron.

American Smokeout and other major fundraising occasions to promote cancer awareness and research. “I know every little step makes a difference in the long run,” adds Cameron. “Even if I was only putting stamps on envelopes. I knew it was a small task for a big outcome that is very important in so many people’s lives.”

Then, a few years after her cancer went into remission, Turning Struggle into Good Cameron’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In her volunteer hours, Cameron discovered she wasn’t “My grandmother had gone through breast cancer the only cancer survivor who had been motivated “It was just such an in the past. And currently I have an uncle to turn their personal struggle into advocacy. with prostate cancer and an aunt with heart eye opening moment cancer,” explains Cameron. “There is a lot of “I do remember once talking to my very kind that so much good cancer in my family, and so it has touched my supervisor and asking him how he got involved,” life in a big way.” could be made from recalls Cameron. “His father’s struggle with cancer prompted him to start volunteering and such a terrible and Five years after her initial diagnosis, Cameron later become a full time employee of the society.” began volunteering with the American Cancer heartbreaking time.” Society (ACS). Now an exercise science major His story resonated with her, reminding her that - Natalie Cameron at Liberty University, she says she’s passionate even tragic events could be turned into positive action. about fitness, health and working to help other people “It was just such an eye opening moment that so much good diagnosed with cancer. could be made from such a terrible and heartbreaking time.”

Little Tasks That Make a Big Difference

Making the Time

The ACS has been fighting cancer since 1913. The organization is known for its multi-layered approach to tackling cancer, including funding breakthrough research, promoting healthy lifestyles, advocating for legislative policies and providing emotional and practical support to those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

As an full-time student with an active personal life, including a second commitment to volunteering at local assisted living homes with her trained therapy dog, Cameron admits it’s sometimes a challenge to squeeze in time for volunteering. But she says the commitment is worth making and worth keeping for the good that it does in her community and the world.

To keep that many programs running, the ACS relies on the time and energy of more than two million volunteers. Cameron was thrilled to be one of them. “I would help with putting their mailings together for their big events, folding, placing them in envelopes, scanning, stamping, filing, among other things,” explains Cameron. Though the work wasn’t glamorous, she was still happy to contribute because she understood what the eventual impact would be. “These events are where they raise most of the donations for the society,” she says, including Relay for Life, the Great 20

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

“I may have had a tiring day, but there is someone else who is sick from chemotherapy treatment or someone who is struggling to feed their child,” says Cameron. “Volunteering is a pure and simple way to help out your neighbors and even strangers in a loving way. Even if it is just an hour a week, it is something.”

ON THE WEB

More at OurHealthLynchburg.com

lth

Local Leukemia Survivor Wants to Serve Others in the Battle Against Cancer

OurHea

VOLUNTEER Spotlight â&#x20AC;¢

s id

AWARDS

1 8 S I LV E R

b u rg & So u

nch

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Questions. Answers. Knowledge.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS fill in some gaps of coverage

that Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B don’t cover and are sold through various health insurance carriers. - Tracy Corntazer -

Who can benefit from supplemental insurance? Supplemental coverage can be purchased to fill in gaps of either insurance coverage or to pay you money in certain medical situations. Supplemental insurance policies help pay for many expenses that aren't covered by your primary health insurance. Medicare Supplements come to mind when hearing the word supplemental insurance. Medicare Supplements fill in some gaps of coverage that Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B don’t cover and are sold through various health insurance carriers. They can be purchased directly through the carrier or a local broker. You can also visit www.medicare.gov to search all plans available to you. Another type of supplemental coverage is known as a critical illness policy. Typically, the insured individual(s) receives a preset amount of money to cover certain costs. There are various plans and carriers to choose from for critical illness policies, so be mindful of policy exclusions and limitations. Speak to your insurance representative or contact a local agent with Virginia Farm Bureau to see if they offer this type of coverage and if it will benefit you. Tracy Corntazer

Virginia Farm Bureau Health Care Consultants Richmond | 804.290.1115 www.vafb.com

How long do the results of blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) last? The ideal answer would be that “no aging occurs after blepharoplasty”, but because the aging process does continue after the procedure, thinning of the skin and perhaps some additional drooping of the eyelid fold can occur. Other factors can also cause drooping of the upper eyelids after blepharoplasty and may require surgery to correct. Ptosis, a condition that can be caused by problems with the muscle that lifts the eyelid (called the levator muscle) may occur after blepharoplasty requiring reattachment of the muscle. Brow ptosis, which causes drooping of the brow, can also occur over time, requiring a surgical lifting of the eyebrows. As humans, however, our tissue does not regenerate, so the results of blepharoplasty are permanent in the sense that what is removed does not come back, and once blepharoplasty has been performed, it is unlikely that you would need or want additional tissue removed from the eyelids, even after many years. Sara Kaltreider, MD

Eyelid and Facial Aesthetics Charlottesville | 434.244.8610 www.eyelidandfacialaesthetics.com

How will I know if I’m getting the right amount of physical rehabilitation for my condition? What if it’s too much or not enough? The type and length of the physical rehabilitation process varies based on the condition being treated. Your treatment plan begins with your therapist getting to know you and your situation, such as learning what activities you were able to do prior to needing therapy, your medical history, set-up of the environment where you will be during your recovery and the outcome you hope to realize from your therapy. Together, you and your therapist will develop goals and discuss how to best accomplish them. Throughout therapy, your therapist will monitor your vitals, assess your strength and range of motion, evaluate your activity level and ask how you feel performing various rehabilitative exercises and tasks. It is important you communicate openly with your therapist about any muscle soreness or other pain you are experiencing during and after physical rehabilitation treatments and letting him or her know if you feel like an activity is too easy or too hard to perform. Based on your feedback, your therapist will make adjustments to your treatment plan and discuss with your doctor if necessary to help you achieve the highest level of function possible. Angie Mountz, OTR/L

Appomattox Health and Rehabilitation Center Appomattox | 434.352.7420 www.appomattoxrehab.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Questions. Answers. Knowledge.

What is CoolSculpting® and how is it performed? CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, fat-reduction treatment using controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. Because CoolSculpting® does not involve needles or surgery, there isn’t a long, drawn out recuperating period and patients don’t experience any downtime at all.

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical, fat-reduction treatment using controlled cooling to

ELIMINATE

STUBBORN FAT that resists all efforts through diet and exercise. - Craig Petry, MD -

The CoolSculpting® procedure involves an applicator being placed over the area you wish to treat. The applicator delivers precisely controlled cooling to gently target the fat cells under the skin. The treated fat cells are crystallized (frozen) and die. Once a fat cell dies, it is gone for good. Over time, your body naturally processes the fat and eliminates the dead cells. Each treatment of CoolScultping® results in approximately a 20-25 percent reduction in fat. Wyndhurst Medical Center is the community’s only provider of Dualsculpting services. Dualsculpting is the use of two CoolSculpting® machines, so you can have two areas treated at the same time, reducing treatment time in half. Craig Petry, MD

Wyndhurst Medical Aesthetics and Hormone Clinic Lynchburg | 434.386.8894 www.wyndhurstaesthetics.com

Can a power of attorney be used to make healthcarerelated decisions for an individual? Yes. The core power of attorney gives someone the authority to act on your behalf. There are basically three types of power of attorney: General Power of Attorney, Limited Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney. In Virginia, a Medical Power of Attorney is referred to as the Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA) and requires that certain statutory bases be covered to be effective. Before the person you have designated as your Health Care Power of Attorney can make healthcare decisions on your behalf, a attending physician, upon personal examination, must provide in writing his or her opinion that you are unable to give informed consent to medical treatment. Additionally, a Capacity Reviewer, who is required to be a medical doctor or a clinical psychologist, must also provide the same certification. It's important to not confuse a medical power of attorney with a living will, or advance directive. While a medical power of attorney allows the agent to make decisions about treatment when the principal is incapacitated, it does not allow the agent to make decisions about end of life care. Speak with an attorney who specializes in POAs for assistance in this process. Ron Feinman, Esq.

The Law Office of Ron Feinman Lynchburg | 434.528.0696

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

What is the difference between bonding and veneers? Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are both dental procedures used to improve the overall appearance of your teeth. They are two different ways to achieve a similar result. Bonding involves application of a tooth colored resin or plastic to repair chipped or broken teeth. It is also used to improve tooth shape including filling spaces and gaps. Bonding is a relatively unintrusive procedure and is usually performed in a single chair side visit with the dentist. Bonding costs less than veneers and can be repaired easily. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They can add length, change the shape, and improve color of one or multiple teeth. Most veneers require two to three appointments with the dentist. They are custom made in a dental laboratory by a skilled technician. Because of the more involved procedure, veneers are more expensive than bonding. Veneers are strong, long lasting, and don’t stain easily. Determining the best option depends on individual dental needs and preferences. The dentist can help make an informed decision. Karen Kenney, DDS

Lynchburg Dental Center Lynchburg | 434.384.7611 www.lynchburgdentist.com

Q A ON HEALTH â&#x20AC;¢ Knowledge

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

The Ideal

Doctor and Pa

tient

Wish List

7+7 Ways t o Make Do Relationsh ctor-Patien ips Healthie t r to Help E veryone words | JE NNIF

We’re all o

n this ship

ER LAMON

together – A hulking the U.S.S. multi-leve Dysfunctio l goliath to nal Health the bottom p care Syste h e a v y with reg is riddled m. u w la it tions and h holes that health of it technolog are leakin s passenge y, g money a rs. t the expe nse and Both doct ors and pa tients are so – despit suffering e medical – and spen advances ding more high med a nd smarte money to ical costs, r technolo do a n gies. Chro d physicia tidal wave nic illness ns forced s of burea e s, to co ucracy are nstantly st ever-wors ruggle ag that’s cost ening sym ainst ing patien ptoms of a ts and doct broken syst ors more – em w h il e giving le Americans pa ss. y higher hea lt h ca re trillion dolla costs than an rs annually. y other coun That’s one ou tr y in the wor ranks lower t of ever y six ld, to the tun than most de dollars per pe e of $3.3 ve lo pe the hands of d countries rs on . B ut the U.S. consi in quality of doctors and stently patients while care. It’s a ‘s continue to ick care’ syst chronic diseas rise. em that ties es like obesit y, heart diseas e and diabet es

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

visit tate what an office thin the system dic wi s and ge rs en all cto ch do in Certa pretty. Both like. And it isn’t ks es loo tic y ac sta pr l e ita ar sp hc or ho ective healt ges that create ineff en all ch e fac s nt patie k of sinking. and put us all at ris ship are highly r-patient relation cto do e th t ec aff Not only can Challenges that health outcomes. ive sit po er nd hi n rs, they can frustrating and ca rious medical erro se to in e lat ns tra communication these challenges d a breakdown in an sts co tra ex y ey are truly cause unnecessar rs want to know th cto Do . nt tie pa d trust doctors between doctor an ile patients must wh r, tte be t ge ective two-way helping patients their lives. So, eff es im et m so d an with their health, essential. communication is mmunication can e doctor-patient co tiv ec eff to s er rri ment models and Most of the ba d money. Reimburse an cy cra au re bu e time they could be blamed on ) rob doctors of th HR (E s rd co re h alt tients. Primar y electronic he ships with their pa ion lat re g rin R ste fo day just doing EH be devoting to e of six hours each ag er av an ly d on en is sp tor, care doctors rk, albeit a huge fac reaucratic busywo data entry. But bu y: are toda ts affecting healthc one of the elemen

ting the Best Care

’t Get 4 Reasons You Aren

ans Drowning in Oce Your Doctor is of Paperwork. and information

m of data rt a constant strea rvices (CMS) for Doctors must repo and Medicaid Se re ica ed M r fo s ming. EHR were to the Center dibly time-consu cre in is is Th t. is reimbursement reimbursemen iders in getting th ov pr e ar hc r alt he t , which don’t foste meant to assis cumbersome tools e ar s m ste sy R but most EH value based care. patient-centered,

detracts from that an EHR Studies show hip during io atient relat ns the physician-p given the ing ris rp is isn’t su office visits. Th d glued to e doctors spen amount of tim s that 90 . Research show their monitors but the R, EH ctors use an percent of do e amount of t happy with th majority are no rical work. consumed by cle time they say is

S. costs hcare in the U. Although healt ose th , es tri r coun more than othe higher to e lat ns tra n’t higher costs do ge lar also means a quality care. It d or aff t n’ people ca percentage of e: nc ra su in care or basic medical

Ineffective Care ugh tients jump thro Chronically ill pa care ive ct ffe etimes ine hoops for som e nc ra su In e becaus or medications by ts en m at tre e at companies dict for certain tests refusing to pay or drugs.

200,000

each people are killed Over 200,000 ical errors. year due to med

12-17 percent

le has uninsured peop The number of 2016. 17 percent since risen from 12 to

3 times

times as U.S. pay three Patients in the e exact countries for th much as other same drug.

ell, but stening Very W Li t n’ re A rs to Doc ients. Neither Are Pat is that they

about doctors patient complaints Not all doctors are One of the biggest me of them don’t. so r, fai be to d, something they don’t listen. An ication skills and it’s un m m co us ulo graced with fab e any other skill. need to practice, lik

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Features

• INSIGHT

On the other hand, too many overburdened doctors really don’t have the time to listen to exhaustive lists of chronic ailments or complicated symptoms. With half of their day spent on clerical drudgework, their time isn’t being treated as a valuable commodity by the system. Although this infuriates many doctors and negatively impacts patient care, most have come to accept it. But patients feel rushed, interrupted and “talked down to” a lot of the time. Doctor surveys show that, on average, 42 percent of all doctors across the nation report feeling burned out. Doctors who specialize in critical care, neurology and family medicine report the highest numbers at 48 percent.

Similarly, patients are guilty of not listening to their doctors as well, with some patients afraid to speak up or ask questions when they don’t understand something. This creates another barrier to better healthcare when a patient won’t or can’t comply with treatment because of a lack of understanding.

Does Your Doctor Seem Exhausted? Doctors are required to respond to the needs of demanding patients and an even more demanding healthcare system, while finding time for intellectual stimulation, professional growth and connecting on a personal level with their patients. It’s no wonder so many are feeling burned out. In fact, doctor burnout is at an all-time high. Many doctors blame the sheer amount of EHR work and the interference of the doctor-patient relationship by insurance companies and non-medical health managers as the driving force behind their burnout.

To doctors, being forced to get permission to order life-saving medications or procedures for extremely ill patients is beyond demoralizing. One doctor in a recent study called it a “circus.” And it’s one reason a growing number of physicians are leaving traditional insurance companies behind to practice direct pay or concierge medicine.

How Insurance Companies and Healthcare Managers Have Become the ‘Bosses.’ Doctors are trained to diagnose, prevent and treat illnesses. They should be making the decisions in patient’s healthcare, but they’re not. Insurance companies question orders and often exclude medications or treatments they determine are too expensive, whether the patient is in dire need or not.

A 2017 survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) showed that patients perceive there are forces greater than the doctor who are dictating patient care. And they felt these forces – insurance and pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, and Congress – have a greater impact on their treatment than their own doctor.

Doctors and insured patients face strict regulations, push back and flat out denials that impede access to quality care. Just because a patient is insured, it doesn’t mean he or she has access to necessary, quality healthcare. Additionally, sky high deductibles, ballooning drug costs and increasing denials of coverage for an ever-growing number of medications and procedures are making both costs and delivery of care unmanageable for patients and doctors alike. Between insurance companies and an army of health administrators to answer to, doctors are no longer the ‘boss.’ Doctors and insured patients face strict regulations, push back and flat out denials that impede access to quality care. Just because a patient is insured, it doesn’t mean he or she has access to necessary, quality healthcare.

Even though doctors and patients know there are other forces shaping the healthcare system, they agree the partnership between doctor and patient is the most essential element in a quality healthcare system, according to the AAFP survey. Both doctors and patients can help right the ship with stronger patient and self-advocacy, trust, accountability, follow-through and, most of all, effective communication. While 86 percent of doctors and 89 percent of patients saying they need more face-toface time, both sides are responsible for improving the quality of care in the time they do have together. These doctor and patient “wish lists” foster the hallmarks of a good doctorpatient relationship while increasing quality of care and doctor-patient satisfaction.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Features

7 Ways to Be a Great Patie

•

: A Doctor’s WishnLtis t

The Ideal Doctor and Patient Wish List

Be as concise as poss ible so we can make the most out of the vis it.

Managed care forces doctors to see aroun d 40 patients a day gives patients appro so that ximately 15 minutes – and usually less – to concerns. Bring a bu discuss lleted list of specific concerns and quest prioritize them in ord ions and er of most pressing . Bring a written rec the medications you’r ord of all e taking, with dosag es, as well as record needed. Be accurate s when when describing sym ptoms.

Know that “Dr. Google” didn’t go to school like I did.

While doctors are ha ppy for patients to get as much inform they can to make mo ation as re informed decision s, people need to rem that because they go ember ogle their symptoms online doesn’t mean know more than the they doctor who has had years of school and training.

Be honest with me.

If you withhold inform ation that can affect your health, your do won’t be able to tre ctor at you effectively an d you’re wasting yo time and theirs. Be up ur own front about all the rea sons for your visit. Do don’t care about yo ctors ur lifestyle, unless it’s a danger to your he alth.

Partner with me by pa rticipating in your own care.

While doctors want you to trust them in guiding you, the want you to do yo y also ur part by actively questioning things understand or agree you don’t with. Don’t leave the office with unanswere and reasonable – qu d– estions.

Know that you’re not powerless in the exam room.

Getting your voice he ard is more effective in fostering a robust patient relationship doctorthan passively accep ting whatever the says. Question proced doctor ures, supply costs and medication cho you don’t feel comf ices if ortable.

Be accountable for yo ur own choices and lifestyle habits.

Diabetes medicine can only go so far to he lp a patient who’s sta each day eating donu rting ts. In other words, pa tients must be accou for their diet and exe ntable rcise habits, without expecting a pill or treatment to erase an other unhealthy lifestyle.

Above all, Comply

While it’s good to qu estion things you do n’t agree with or unde if you and your docto rstand, r create a mutually ag reed upon treatmen follow through with t plan, it. And, if you don’t comply, be honest wit doctor and tell them. h your They can’t read your mind and may believ treatment failed wh e the en, in reality, it wasn’ t followed.

Treating patients req uires elaborate documen tation to fulfill regulations an d protect against Medicare or insurance audits.

50 percent

This means doctors are spending around 50 percent of their day on EHR, or desk work.

27 percent

That only leaves abou t 27 percent of their day to spend with patients, accord ing to a 2016 study in the An nals of Internal Medicine.

59 percent

In research conduct ed by Stanford Medicine, as many as 59 percent of docto rs polled think EHRs “need a complete overhaul.”

40 percent

Forty percent of do ctors see “more challenges wit h EHRs than benefits.”

Features

• INSIGHT

: r o t c o D r e t t e 7 Ways to Be a B nt’s Wish List A Patie

me. Don’t interrupt only got to speak for 12 seconds

s their ed that patient interrupted by One study show before getting it ases vis bi g eir in th rm of g ng and are fo at the beginnin ctors are listeni do el fe n’t do doctor. They ure. a complete pict without getting

I can Google” and me so Work with “Dr. isions. make better dec conditions online before they

own more searching their powered with Patients are re . They feel em om rate ro cu ac am to ex e em th or to direct th ever get into ing for the doct ok lo e ar t . bu ns knowledge formed decisio ey can make in resources, so th

e my concerns.

or trivializ Don’t invalidate

is valuable doctor ’s time ely aware their ut ns without ac er e nc ar s co nt eir While patie s to listen to th or ct do a patient’s nt as wa ey as important and limited, th l skill, this is just na so er rp te in bias. As an k up. ability to spea

te pectations illustra These different ex n tio ica un m m and co the uncertainty d an rs cto do een disconnect betw in th wi s ge en e chall patients. And th rening the docto at re th e ar healthc g in go t no e ar ip patient relationsh or , its vis r cto r do away. But longe ’t on the horizon isn ” ne ici ed “slow m g rs. So, fosterin for most docto r ge on str d an tion better communica is relationships interpersonal h alt he g in ov impr imperative to s it’ , ct fa In s. tient outcomes for pa h improving healt imperative for rs too. outcomes for docto or with these doct Do you agree sit sh lists? Vi and patient wi virginia.com www.ourhealth thoughts. ur yo and tell us at should As a doctor, wh improve their patients do to a patient, office visits? As t doctor? ea gr a what makes

ver ur monitor whene Look up from yo possible. everything. ors document

But eing doct look at se ly to on s ed or us ct e do Patients ar p suffers when Using ient relationshi with patients. the doctor-pat e eye contact ak m patient n’t es do ov d pr an im rs nt their monito with the patie s of education tool reduces feeling the EHR as an ication. It also un m m co d an st tru t, engagemen alienation.

person with care Treat me as a and empathy. time to explain

have sometimes don’t and not shed, busy and s with dignity nt tie pa Doctors are ru g in at tre t Bu ering a . st nt fo tie ile pa a process wh ng everything to ali he e th s off help brushing them t partnership. of doctor-patien e ns se er ng ro st

s, and n I ask question Educate me whe when I don’t. and why they’re ical problems

med ne are derstand their procedures do Patients who un having certain or ns tio ica ed m taking certain atment plans. comply with tre more likely to

t advocate. Be my stronges e empowered to demand better

mor ge are becoming cates against hu While patients to be their advo s or ct almost do le to hi W ok . lo es ill ni st pa care, they rance com bergs like insu n “strongly or felt doctors ca bureaucratic ice ed ey rv su s nt tie ctors surveyed pa do of of t lf en 96 perc , less than ha em th r fo te ca vo somewhat” ad s as advocates. saw themselve

Sources

Physicians emy of Family American Acad www.aafp.org al Medicine Annals of Intern rg ls.o na www.an aid dicare & Medic Centers for Me v .go ms w.c ww Services – forbes.com Forbes – www. gy for Biotechnolo er nt Ce National .nih.gov nlm bi. nc w. ww – Information ic Oxford Academ oup.com www.academic. ine Stanford Medic ford.edu tan d.s me w. ww ged Care Journal of Mana The American www.ajmc.com rary Wiley Online Lib y.wiley.com www.onlinelibrar

ON THE WEB Lynchburg.com More at OurHealth

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Is YOUR FAVORITE DOCTOR OR PROVIDER Missing From the List of Winners? In the Lynchburg and Southside communities, there are thousands upon thousands of exceptional doctors and providers who are just as committed to providing exceptional bedside manner to their patients as the winners on this list. If you feel your doctor or provider is deserving of recognition for his or her excellent bedside manner and would like to receive reminders of when voting will open for the 2019 Best Bedside Manner Awards

Presenting the 11th Annual OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside Magazine's Best Bedside Manner Awards The OurHealth Lynchburg and Southside Magazine’s Best Bedside Manner Awards are widely considered by doctors and providers as the most meaningful and cherished recognition they receive because it comes from patients and peers in our community. Throughout the month of March 2018, the public was invited to visit www.ourhealthlynchburg.com to cast their votes for their favorite medical providers in 59 medical specialties who they feel exemplify excellence in bedside manner – a medical provider’s total approach to patient care that encompasses the attributes of professionalism blended with compassion and attentiveness and the ability to communicate with concern and empathy.

so you can nominate him or her, please visit www.ourhealthlynchburg.com and subscribe to our e-newsletter.

For 2018, more than 20,000 votes were cast, which were tabulated by a third party firm to determine the first, second, third and honorable mention winners in each specialty. Please join us in congratulating the 229 doctors and providers in Lynchburg and Southside who are 2018 Best Bedside Manner Award winners. If you have any questions, please submit via email to info@ourhealthvirginia.com.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

ACUPUNCTURE

MATTHEW MILLER, MB, LAC East West Acupuncture Lynchburg | 434.851.8533 www.eastwestacupuncture.net

As our medicine becomes more technological, it is easy from some doctors to see bedside manner as beside the point. But in the Chinese medical tradition, we always treat the whole person. The patient must be given a chance to collaborate with their health care provider and not just passively do what they are told.

FIRST PLACE

Obtaining a good history is integral to formulating a patient treatment plan. Visits to the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office are often stressful to the patient. A provider who appears relaxed and has a good bedside manner will be able to put the patient at ease and thereby obtain an accurate history. With all the changes happening in the healthcare industry, the providers at the Asthma and Allergy Centers of Roanoke, Lynchburg and Salem have always been dedicated to providing a comfortable experience for our patients, while providing the best modern treatments.

AUDIOLOGY

Audiology Hearing Aid Associates Lynchburg | 434.528.4245 www.digitalhearing4u.com

Having a hearing loss myself gives me a unique perspective on the problem. Sharing my personal experiences with my patients tends to put them at ease with the anticipation of hearing aid use. Empathy goes a long way to reassuring the patient that help is available.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

DEBORAH FARLEY, LAC, DOM Acupuncture Works, LLC Lynchburg | 434.237.0302 www.acupunctureworksllclynchburg.com

CHARLES LANE, MD Allergy Partners of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.385.8190 www.allergypartners.com/lynchburg

Asthma & Allergy Center Lynchburg |434.846.2244 www.asthmaandallergycenter.net

DANNY W. GNEWIKOW, PHD, FAAA, CCC

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

SAJU EAPEN, MD

FIRST PLACE

YUELING LI, LAC, BM, MS Acupuncture Wellness Center Lynchburg | 434.582.1998 www.goforacupuncture.com

THIRD PLACE LUIS MATOS, MD Allergy and Asthma of Virginia Forest | 434.515.0419 Danville | 434.251.0026 Roanoke | 540.384.1797 www.va-allergy.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

PEGGY WARNER, AUD Blue Ridge Hearing Aids & Audiology Services Lynchburg | 434.200.8753 www.brhaa.net

PAUL ASHBROOK, MS, CCC-A, FAAA Ashbrook Audiology Danville, Martinsville & Stuart 276.226.2795 www.ashbrookaudiology.com

THIRD PLACE

MONIQUE HALL, AUD, FAAA, CCC Audiology Hearing Aid Associates Lynchburg | 434.528.4245 www.digitalhearing4u.com

KARA MARTIN, AUD, FAAA, CCC Audiology Hearing Aid Associates Lynchburg | 434.528.4245 www.digitalhearing4u.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

JUSTIN ANDERSON, MD

MATTHEW SACKETT, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com

RICHARD KUK, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE

GARY MILLER, MD Cardiology Consultants of Danville Danville | 434.791.1088

CARDIOLOGY

Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com

I really do enjoy listening to and working with my patients to move them toward better health. This stems from a deep concern and compassion I have for each person I care for.

FIRST PLACE

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

WILL LIKINS, DC, FASA

Chiropractic Care Center Forest | 434.525.4588 www.drlikins.com

Bedside manner is just a reflection of how someone feels about their purpose. I truly love my job and the people I have the opportunity to treat. For the last 18 years I've had the privilege of helping so many people achieve and maintain their health. I hope to continue with this purpose and passion for years to come.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

CARL MOORE, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

LINDA BROWN, DC Brown Chiropractic & Wellness Lynchburg | 434.528.4030 www.lindabrowndc.com

JAMES WHITE, DC Commonwealth Pain Relief Center Lynchburg | 434.385.4000

THIRD PLACE ROBERT HEDGEPATH, DC Bedford Chiropractic Clinic Bedford | 540.586.5860 www.bedfordchiropracticclinic.business.site

JOEY ARTHUR, DC Lynchburg Chiropractic Center 434.384.1631 www.lynchburgchiropractic.com

DENTISTRY: COSMETIC

CARRINGTON CRAWFORD, DDS Lynchburg Dental Center Lynchburg | 434.384.7611 www.lynchburgdentist.com

Every year we provide our team the most current technology and training to confidently serve our patients. Families need to know they are receiving the highest quality care available.

DENTISTRY: GENERAL

Riley Dental Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.363.9059 www.rileydentalassociates.com

This is truly an honor to be voted as having the best bedside manner in the general dentistry category. Thank you to all who voted and for choosing Riley Dental Associates for your oral healthcare services. We are aware that there are numerous options; therefore, we are grateful for your trust in us!

SHANE CLAIBORNE, DDS Forest Family Dentistry Forest | 434.473.7449 www.forestsmiles.com

BRAD LENTZ, DMD Lynchburg Dental Center Lynchburg | 434.384.7611 www.lynchburgdentist.com

THIRD PLACE

BRENT RILEY, DMD Riley Dental Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.363.9059 www.rileydentalassociates.com

RICHARD OLDHAM, DDS Oldham Aesthetic & General Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.385.6100 www.lynchburgsmiles.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

JAMES PEERY, III, DDS Peery Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.847.5331 www.peeryfamilydentistry.com

ANNIE LIBBEY, DDS Libbey Family Dentistry Forest | 434.316.9090 www.libbeydentistry.com

THIRD PLACE

GREG TOONE, DDS Lynchburg | 434.239.8222 www.toonedental.com

JOHN HOWARD, DDS Central Virginia Family Dentistry Lynchburg | 434.237.0004 www.centralvafamilydentistry.net

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

JEFF RILEY, DDS

HONORABLE MENTION

â&#x20AC;¢

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

FIRST PLACE

DENTISTRY: PEDIATRIC

FIRST PLACE

Look for OurHealth

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SHANNON SAWYER, DMD Children’s Dental Health of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.239.6948 www.cdhlynchburg.com

Good bedside manner is important because communication is the key to everything. Patients are not just teeth; they are people with feelings, coming from a variety of different backgrounds. They want to be heard and cared for with concern. Good bedside manner is essential to providing a positive dental experience.

FIRST PLACE SONI CARLTON, MD, FAAD

DERMATOLOGY

Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

I am thankful to my patients for this honor. For me, bedside manner means I treat patients like I would treat a family member or a friend. I enjoy forming relationships with patients and I am blessed to have such wonderful patients, they make my job a joy.

HONORABLE MENTION

CARRIE COBB, MD, FAAD RidgeView Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.363.4190 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

GARRETT BOHRNSTEDT, DDS Seven Hills Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.237.3376 www.sevenhillsdermatology.com

THIRD PLACE

SAMANTHA HILL, MD RidgeView Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.363.4190 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

JASON GIVAN, MD, FAAD, FACMS RidgeView Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.363.4190 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

LAURA J. POTTER, MD Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.centrahealth.com

KAPPA PEDDY, MD, FAAD Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

SECOND PLACE ADAM STEVENS, MD Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE

I am humbled by the honor of this award! What a privilege to work with and for patients for a better tomorrow.

FIRST PLACE ALAN KAUPPI, MD

ENDOCRINOLOGY

COMPASSION

SHEPHERD SITTASON, DDS Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.0125 www.smilelynchburg.com

SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

RAMIRO RAMOS, MD Centra Emergency Services Group Lynchburg | 434.200.3027 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE PATRICIA POWERS, MD Whole Health Catalysis, PC Lynchburg | 434.947.5220 www.drpattypowers.com

THIRD PLACE I really enjoy getting to know my patients and find out more about them than just their illness. Knowing my patients also helps me to better care for them and tailor my treatment to match their needs.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

LISA WISNIEWSKI, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

FIRST PLACE JAMES STANLEY, DDS, PC

ENDODONTICS

Lynchburg | 434.385.0273 www.lynchburgendodontics.com

Our goal is to have each patient feel they have received value from their visit to our office. We feel the best way to accomplish this is to exceed their expectations from the time they enter the office until they leave. Compassion, understanding and a comfortable environment go a long way in our efforts to make the treatment visit positive.

FIRST PLACE CVFP Medical Group Lynchburg | 434.846.7374 www.cvfp.net

GASTROENTEROLOGY

I am honored to be recognized for what I love the most. To care for my patients and their families is such a gift. Family medicine allows us to be involved in a person’s life like no other way possible and I am truly blessed!

athelas

DUSTIN REYNOLDS, DDS, MS Forest Hill Endodontics Lynchburg | 434.439.4942 www.foresthillendo.com

THIRD PLACE W. LEE PHILLIPS, DDS Gentle Dental Care Lynchburg | 434.239.7411 www.drwleephillips.net

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION CONTINUED...

CRAIG PETRY, MD Wyndhurst Family Medicine Lynchburg | 434.237.3664 www.wyndhurstmed.com

PETER GIBBS, DO Centra Medical Group – Nationwide Lynchburg | 434.200.3908 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE

LEAH HINKLE, MD CVFP Medical Group Forest | 434.525.6964 www.cvfp.net

JOHN CARMACK, MD CVFP Medical Group Forest | 434.534.6868 www.cvfp.net

HONORABLE MENTION TOM EPPES, MD CVFP Medical Group Forest | 434.525.6964 www.cvfp.net

DAVID PAULUS, MD CVFP Medical Group New London | 434.534.6868 www.cvfp.net DAVID SMITH, MD Access HealthCare Forest | 434.316.7199 www.access-healthcare.net

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

ROBERT RICHARDS, JR., MD

PATRICK KENNY, DO Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.333.0902 www.gastrocentralva.com

Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.333.0902 www.gastrocentralva.com

The smile of a patient who is improving can brighten any day. It is a pleasure and an honor to serve our community and do my best to bring out these smiles.

FIRST PLACE CHRISTOPHER WEBB, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

GERIATRIC CARE

RESPECT

FAMILY PRACTICE

KIMBERLY COMBS, MD

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE BIKRAM BAL, MD Centra Medical Group Gastrointestinal Center Farmville | 434.315.2860 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE VERNA GUANZON, MD CVFP Medical Group Monelison | 434.846.8421 www.cvfp.net

THIRD PLACE

I find that taking the time to listen to my patients allows me to give them the best medical care.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

VERNA SELLERS, MD Centra PACE Lynchburg | 434.200.6516 www.centrahealth.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY INFECTIOUS DISEASE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

COMMUNICATION

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

KEVIN PATEL, MD

CECILIA MACCALLUM, MD Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5925 www.centrahealth.com

Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5925 www.centrahealth.com

Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis that affects the entire family. It is important to me that I treat my patients and their caregivers as I would treat my loved ones. This enhances their ability to cope with the diagnosis and better understand the treatment plan. I always emphasize that the patient, caregivers and the healthcare providers work as a team with the goal of improving the patient`s physical, emotional and spiritual health.

SECOND PLACE

ROBERT BRENNAN, MD, FACS

JOHANNA BROWN, MD Infectious Disease Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.idvirginia.com

Infections Disease Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.idvirginia.com

THIRD PLACE As a physician, my greatest gift is the relationship that I have with my patients and my greatest privilege is to spend time with my patients hearing their concerns about their health, stories about their family or sharing their life experiences with me.

FIRST PLACE Forest Integrative Medicine Forest | 434.515.2775 www.forestintegrativemedicine.com

Living in constant pain is a type of suffering that few can tolerate, many will never understand and some of us chose to help others conquer. I believe a good bedside manner is the first step in letting our patients know that we care about them. Once our patients know we care, they can relax and know our goal is to provide them the best treatment medicine has to offer. I look forward to finding a solution for each individual I am trusted to care for.

Centra Medical Group – Nationwide Lynchburg | 434.200.3908 www.centrahealth.com

I am honored to receive this award. Many thanks to all my patients for entrusting me with their healthcare.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

SCOTT WADE, MD, FACS Infectious Disease Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.idvirginia.com

SECOND PLACE

RICK LEE, MD

GEETA RAKHERAM, MD

INTERNAL MEDICINE

STEFAN GORSCH, MD Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5925 www.centrahealth.com

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

DAVID CANNON, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

THIRD PLACE ELIZABETH MUMPER, MD, FAAP The Rimland Center for Integrative Medicine Lynchburg | 434.528.9075 www.rimlandcenter.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

JUAN APONTE, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

DANIEL HORTON, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

THIRD PLACE (TIE)

MICHAEL KALAFIAN, MD Centra Medical Group – Nationwide Lynchburg | 434.200.3908 www.centrahealth.com

SHAWN HAYES, MD Centra Medical Group – Nationwide Lynchburg | 434.200.3908 www.centrahealth.com MORIA RAFFERTY, MD Medical Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.947.3944 www.centralvamd.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

NEPHROLOGY FIRST PLACE MOHAMMED ASHRAF, MD, FACP, FASN Lynchburg Nephrology Lynchburg | 434.947.3954 www.lynchburgnephrology.com

It has always been a privilege and pleasure for me to sit down beside my patients and listen to their stories. I have learned so much from them all these years. It is humbling to get the recognition.

ASAD EHTESHAM, MD, FACP, FASN Lynchburg Nephrology Lynchburg | 434.947.3954 www.lynchburgnephrology.com

LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

HONORABLE MENTION

YAO-FOLI SEKYEMA, MD Southside Urology & Nephrology Danville | 434.792.1433 www.southsidedocs.com

â&#x20AC;¢

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE AMAR PARIKH, MD Southside Urology & Nephrology Danville | 434.792.1433 www.southsidedocs.com

NEUROLOGY

FIRST PLACE CARL HOEGERL, DO Centra Medical Group Neurology Center Gretna | 434.200.3600 www.centrahealth.com

Coming to the doctor is stressful enough. Good bedside manner allows for the patient to have a more comfortable experience in an otherwise stressful situation.

SECOND PLACE PETER KONIECZNY, MD Centra Medical Group Neurology Center Lynchburg | 434.200.3600 www.centrahealth.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

NURSE PRACTITIONER (NP)

FIRST PLACE MANDY WILKES-HOFFMEISTER, FNP-C RidgeView Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.329.7066 ridgeviewdermatology.com

I enjoy getting to know my patients and meeting their skin care needs. I want them to feel like family at our office and feel confident in the care they receive.

OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

FIRST PLACE CATHERINE SCHULLER, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

It means the world to me that my patients appreciate my approach to their care. One patient told me that coming to see me felt like coming to see an old friend – I value that so much. It means she felt safe and not judged, felt comfortable in her skin, and trusted that I would give her the same advice I would give my sisters or my mom. Each of my patients are unique and my relationship with them is special. I am so grateful to do what I do and being acknowledged for that is pretty incredible.

FIRST PLACE JERRY PRICE, MD, MRO HealthWorks Lynchburg | 434.200.6933 www.hw4me.com

I have had the ultimate opportunity of practicing medicine in this community for 30 years. I always strive to treat everyone as I would like my family to be treated, with respect, compassion, and concern.

SAXTON MOSS, MD

OPHTHALMOLOGY

HONORABLE MENTION

CARRIE MCKINNEY, FNP CVFP Walk in Care Lakeside Lynchburg | 434.845.4175 www.cvfp.net

SHANNON DECHANT, DNP, FNP-C Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

THIRD PLACE

VICKIE MOORE, DNP, FNP-C Lynchburg Gynecology Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 www.lynchburggynecology.com

TIFFANY KIDD, PNP Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com

Piedmont Eye Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 www.piedmonteye.com

Thank you for this honor. Patient care is the heart of our focus here at Piedmont Eye Center. I feel so blessed to be able to serve so many wonderful patients in this community.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

ANNE NORWOOD, PNP Johnson Health Center Lynchburg Women’s & Pediatric Health Services Lynchburg | 434.455.3260 www.jhcvirginia.org

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

CHRISTINE MARRACCINI, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

WADE NEIMAN, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com

THIRD PLACE

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

SARAH WOODS, MD Lynchburg Gynecology Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 www.lynchburggynecology.com

DAVID PHEMISTER, MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com JOHN PIERCE JR., MD Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.239.7890 www.whscv.com WILLIAM COOK, III, MD Johnson Health Center Lynchburg | 434.455.3270 www.jhcvirginia.org

SECOND PLACE MATTHEW TATOM, DO Physicians Treatment Center Lynchburg | 434.239.3949 www.ptclynchburg.com

THIRD PLACE DIANE BLAIR, NP Centra Medical Group – PrimeCare East Danville | 434.791.2612 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

HONORABLE MENTION

DARIN BOWERS, MD Piedmont Eye Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 www.piedmonteye.com

JOSEPH FAUST, MD Harmen Eye Center Danville | 434.857.0020 www.harmaneye.com

DAVID HARMAN, MD Harman Eye Center Forest | 434.385.5600 www.harmaneye.com

ROBERT VOGEL, MD Piedmont Eye Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 www.piedmonteye.com

THIRD PLACE JAMES PAAUW, MD Piedmont Eye Center Lynchburg | 434.947.3984 www.piedmonteye.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards â&#x20AC;¢ LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

FIRST PLACE GARY ST. CLAIR, OD

I would like to thank all of my patients for showing their confidence and support in selecting me for “Best Bedside Manner” in the category of Optometry. I feel it is extremely important to establish a relationship with each patient. The more comfortable a patient is with a doctor, the more likely they will abide by the doctor's treatment plan and recommendations. It also gives the patient a reason to come back which is important for continuity of care. A patient may not remember everything you say or do, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

ACCESSIBLE

ORAL SURGERY

OPTOMETRY

St. Clair Eye Care Lynchburg | 434.239.2800 www.stclair-eye.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

FRANK VILLA, OD Dr. Frank Villa Optometrist Lynchburg | 434.385.8800 www.drfrankvilla.com

R. LUKE WAGONER, OD Wagoner Family Eye Care, PLLC Lynchburg | 434.385.0213 www.wagonereye.com

THIRD PLACE

LANDON COLLING, OD Harman Eye Center Forest | 434.385.5600 www.harmaneye.com

AUNDREA HOWELL, OD Johnson Curran Optometry Centers Lynchburg | 434.237.2100 www.johnsoncurran.com

MICHAEL CURL, OD Harman Eye Center Forest | 434.385.5600 www.harmaneye.com

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

WILLIAM CARVAJAL, DDS, MD, FACS

RAJ GURAYA, DDS Blue Ridge Oral and Facial Surgery Lynchburg | 434.845.1121 www.blueridgeentps.com

Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery Lynchburg | 434.832.8040 www.cvofs.net

THIRD PLACE At Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery and Lynchburg Aesthetics our patients are priority number one. We strive to make every office visit a pleasant and positive experience. It is an honor to be selected again for best bedside manner, it reinforces the value of our doctor-patient relationships.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

MITCHELL MAGID, DMD Mountainview Oral Surgery & Implant Center Lynchburg | 434.316.7111 www.lynchburgoralsurgery.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

ERIC BAUGHER, DMD

EDWARD SNYDER, DDS Snyder Orthodontics Danville | 434.792.8900 Martinsville | 276.632.4144 www.doctorsnyder.com

JENNIFER CLAIBORNE, DDS Central Virginia Orthodontics Lynchburg | 434.385.GRIN (4746) www.bracesbycvo.com

ORTHODONTICS

Central Virginia Orthodontics Lynchburg | 434.385.GRIN (4746) www.bracesbycvo.com

THIRD PLACE Our office is honored to be recognized yet again for providing the best bedside manner in orthodontics. To us this means treating your family like our family and providing the exceptional care you deserve at every visit.

RICHARD STERNE, DDS Orthodontic Arts Forest | 434.385.4499 www.orthodonticarts.net

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

FIRST PLACE

MARK BLANCHETTE, DDS, MS Blanchette Orthodontics Lynchburg | 434.846.4014 www.blanchetteortho.com NORMAN PRILLAMAN, DDS Orthodontic Arts Forest | 434.385.4499 www.orthodonticarts.net

SECOND PLACE

OTOLARYNGOLOGY (ENT)

ORTHOPAEDICS

OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

I try to spend as much time as necessary with each patient and treat them as I would a friend of mine. A patient seen at 4 PM on Friday afternoon deserves the same attention as someone at 8 AM Monday.

FIRST PLACE TIMOTHY COURVILLE, MD Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 www.blueridgeentps.com

WILLIAM ANDREWS, JR, MD, FAOA OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

HONORABLE MENTION H.C. ESCHENROEDER JR, MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

ANDREA KITTRELL, MD Head & Neck Surgery Central Virginia, PC Lynchburg | 434.455.7999 www.hnscv.com

JOSEPH HUTCHISON, MD Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 www.blueridgeentps.com

THIRD PLACE I am honored to be recognized for bedside manner, particularly since all of my peers are both excellent physicians and compassionate people. It is a privilege to provide care for patients.

JAY CLINE, MD Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 www.blueridgeentps.com

FIRST PLACE SARA ASHLEY MCCOWEN-BOTTERILL, MD

PAIN MANAGEMENT

athelas

THIRD PLACE

OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com

What is routine for us as physicians is not routine for our patients and can be scary. It is important to me to try to ensure that my patients feel that they are well informed about treatment options, comfortable with the plan of care, and cared for as individuals. I enjoy learning more about my patients other than just meeting their medical needs and helping them feel that we are working towards the same goals.

SAMUEL MEADEMA, MD Danville ENT Associates Danville | 434.792.0830 www.danvilleent.com SAM MESHKINFAM, DO Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 www.blueridgeentps.com

SECOND PLACE RICK LEE, MD Blue Ridge Chronic Pain Center Forest | 434.515.2775 www.blueridgechronicpaincenter.com

THIRD PLACE CHRISTIAN ESTRADA, MD Centra Medical Group Physical Medicine & Pain Management Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4175 www.centrahealth.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

MICHAEL DIMINICK, MD

JOHN BARNARD, JR, MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

â&#x20AC;¢

FIRST PLACE

PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Centra Health Lynchburg | 434.200.4455 www.centrahealth.com

Earning a patient’s trust is one of the most important aspects of being a doctor. Getting to know the patient, as a person, is a vital component in providing excellent care. I’m honored to be selected from so many outstanding physicians.

Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com

It is a privilege to be part of a team that is committed to helping patients during their times of need! I endeavor to be a servant-physician, and I truly appreciate the relationships with my patients which have helped me to better serve others.

LOAN TRINH KLINE, MD

PEDIATRICS

Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com

The best part of my job is getting to play with kids all day! Thank you for allowing me to watch them grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of their lives.

SECOND PLACE BRENT CAROTHERS, MD Centra Medical Group Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE (TIE)

HONORABLE MENTION

MELODY AILSWORTH, DO Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com

JUSTIN MUTCH, MD F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

SKYLER MCCURLEY, MD F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

MICHAEL PADILLA, MD Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com

THIRD PLACE

STEPHANIE SULLIVAN, MD F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

RACHEL GAGEN, MD, IBCLC F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.237.8886 www.hopkinspediatrics.com

FIRST PLACE RYAN ANDERSON, DDS Periodontal Health Associates Lynchburg | 434.455.2444 www.periodontalhealthassociates.com

PERIODONTICS

BRENDA STOKES, MD Centra Health Lynchburg | 434.221.2057 www.centrahealth.com

MARK TOWNSEND, MD

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

TRUST

JOHN OLMSTED, MD

SECOND PLACE GAVIN AARON, DDS Aaron Periodontics & Dental Implants Lynchburg | 434.316.0080 www.periohub.com

THIRD PLACE All too often healthcare professionals neglect interpersonal skills and forget that a good bedside manner is one of the main tools for diagnosis. Patients are more likely to open up and share with their doctor when they feel comfortable with them. Certain ailments are awkward to discuss with a stranger and by providing a positive demeanor in a relaxed atmosphere we are more likely to get the information needed to administer effective care.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

SHERMAN SMOCK, DDS Periodontal Health Associates Lynchburg | 434.455.2444 www.periodontalhealthassociates.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards â&#x20AC;¢ LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

SECOND PLACE (TIE) H. CHAPMAN BROWN, III, RPH

PHARMACY

Gretna Drug Company Gretna | 434.656.1251 www.gretnadrug.com

PHYSICAL MEDICINE

COMPASSION

FIRST PLACE

It is always important to be a patient listener. Many times, by spending time with people and patiently listening we are able to offer to them our best care.

ABBY CHANEY, PHARMD Hill City Pharmacy Lynchburg | 434.237.2221 www.hillcitypharmacy.com JODI ETTARE, PHARMD Timberlake Family Pharmacy Lynchburg | 434.237.6338 www.timberlakefamilypharmacy.com

THIRD PLACE GLEN LANG Kroger (Boonsboro Road) Lynchburg | 434.384.3666 www.kroger.com

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

MELANIE MARKS, PT, DPT, SCS

SARA ASHLEY MCCOWEN-BOTTERILL, MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

Centra Rehabilitation – Nationwide Drive Lynchburg | 434.200.7860 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE I am honored to be recognized. Bedside manner is a key element in establishing relationships with patients where they feel confident that they are heard and that their goals are my priority in achieving their outcomes.

FIRST PLACE (TIE) JOSHUA BAILEY, PT, DPT Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.237.6812 www.racva.com

Bedside manner is a critically important facet in caring for patients. In my opinion, bedside manner is the culmination of empathy for our patients and truly listening to them (using medical knowledge and clinical experience to truly understand the patient’s perspective with regard to their injury and its effects). Simply put, an effective bedside manner lets patients know that their opinions and needs matter! This, in turn, deepens the relationship between the patient and the therapist which lends to trust, understanding, compliance and ultimately a successful outcome.

ANDREA STUTESMAN, MD* Centra Medical Group Physical Medicine & Pain Management Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4175 www.centrahealth.com *Recently retired.

SECOND PLACE KEVIN COPE, PT, CGFI Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Madison Heights and Monelison 434.845.5641 www.racva.com

THIRD PLACE RYAN WEBB, PT, DPT Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Amherst | 434.381.6090 www.racva.com

HONORABLE MENTION JACQUI GOODEN, PT, DPT Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.237.6812 www.racva.com

FIRST PLACE (TIE)

PHYSICAL THERAPY

JOE SPAGNOLO, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC

Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.237.6812 www.racva.com

Bedside manner is critically important with regards to service and care of patients. In my opinion, this is the customer service side of healthcare and unfortunately, in the world of increasing regulation, it can be lost unless there is specific emphasis placed upon it by healthcare providers. An effective bedside manner allows patients to express their wants and needs which, in turn, fosters a better relationship between the provider and the patient. A strong patient and provider relationship translates into trust, understanding and ultimately a more positive outcome.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

MICHAEL RICHARDSON, DPT, MSPT Rehab Associates of Central Virginia Forest | 434.525.4851 www.racva.com BETH RINI SCOTT, DPT Whole Health Physical Therapy Lynchburg | 434.420.3263 www.wholehealthpt.com STEVE WILEY, PT, ATC OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8517 www.orthovirginia.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT (PA) FIRST PLACE MARK MACGREGOR, PA-C, MPAS Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

Best bedside manner is really about thanks to the great coworkers you work with and the kind and special people you have the privilege of caring for. Thanks for your gracious support.

ALEXIS CHANTAL, PA-C RidgeView Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.329.7066 ridgeviewdermatology.com

DANIEL ACEVEDO, PA-C OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com

THIRD PLACE

BRIAN JALBERT, PA-C, MPAS Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com

MEGAN ALLISON, PA RidgeView Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.329.7066 ridgeviewdermatology.com

LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

HONORABLE MENTION

•

SECOND PLACE

ANDREA ADAMCZAK, PA-C Blue Ridge Ear, Nose, Throat & Plastic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.947.3993 www.blueridgeentps.com

PLASTIC SURGEON FIRST PLACE HENRY WILSON, MD Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4350 www.centrahealth.com

There is no better way to let someone know that you care than to give them your undivided attention. It’s what I would want for my family or myself, so I do my best to provide that to my patients.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SIMON HATIN, MD Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4350 www.centrahealth.com

KEITH PITZER, MD Centra Medical Group Plastic Surgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4350 www.centrahealth.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

FIRST PLACE MICHAEL OVERFELT, DPM Advance Foot Center Lynchburg | 434.384.0481 www.advancefootcenter.com

PODIATRY

Good bedside manner is important. It allows patients to be comfortable when talking to their physician. The ability that a doctor has to listen to what a patient is saying is key to providing quality care for that individual.

PSYCHIATRY PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELING

SCOT ZINDEL, DPM Associated Podiatry of Central Virginia Lynchburg | 434.385.0707 www.lynchburgpodiatry.com

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

KENNETH FORE, MD

JITENDRA ANNAPAREDDY, MD Centra Autism and Developmental Services Lynchburg | 434.200.5999 www.centrahealth.com

MARIA LUISA GANAN ALMOND, MD Centra Medical Group Psychiatric Center Farmville | 434.200.5999 www.centrahealth.com

Central Virginia Psychiatry Lynchburg | 434.582.1600 www.lynchburgpsych.com

DAVID G. COX, DPM OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com

THIRD PLACE

Look for OurHealth

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE It is important to listen and understand and not just to hear what someone is saying to you. Then, work together to find a solution to the problem that each of you can feel comfortable with.

FIRST PLACE LYNNETTE SHADOAN, MA, LPC, LMFT Light Counseling Lynchburg | 434.384.1594 www.lightcounseling.net

I love what I do and care about the well-being of all my clients. I want to thank those who voted for me. I feel very honored.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

PETER BETZ, MD Centra Medical Group Piedmont Psychiatric Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5999 www.centrahealth.com

GEORGE LUEDKE, MD Central Virginia Psychiatry Lynchburg | 434.582.1600 www.lynchburgpsych.com

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

BONNIE CURRAN, LPC Thriveworks Lynchburg | 434.528.3263 thriveworks.com

KAREN DUDLEY, LPC Wyndhurst Counseling Center Lynchburg | 434.237.2655 www.wyndhurstcounselingcenter.com

THIRD PLACE

ELAINE JOHNSON-SNYDER, MA, LPC Light Counseling Lynchburg | 434.384.1594 www.lightcounseling.net

DEBORAH KLEINSMITH, LCP Empower Counseling, PC Lynchburg | 434.219.5621 www.empowercounseling.com

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.947.3963 www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

High quality health care depends on trust, and trust always starts with good communication. It’s important that doctors and patients trust one another and are honest with one another in order to make plans that will really help the patient. Relationships built on trust and compassion are the best way to help patients work through their illnesses.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4522 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE JOHN PLANKEEL, MD Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.947.3963 www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

SECOND PLACE ANITA JOY HILLIARD, MD Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4522 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE When people are diagnosed with cancer, they are very vulnerable. They need to know that we will not only take care of them, but also that we care about them. Each person is special and making sure they feel that way is one way of having a good bedside manner.

MICHAEL O’NEILL, MD Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center Lynchburg | 434.200.4522 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE RICHARD NEWTON, MD

RADIOLOGY

Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.4091 www.lynchburgradiology.com

Quality patient care and compassion come first. All else follows.

RHEUMATOLOGY

SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE ERIC KENNY, MD

SHARUKH SHROFF, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, FACP Spectrum Medical Danville | 434.793.4711 www.spectrummed.com

AUDREY GRAHAM, MD Centra Health Breast Imaging Lynchburg | 434.200.3000 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE ROBERT BRINDLE, MD Centra Health Breast Imaging Lynchburg | 434.200.3000 www.centrahealth.com

HONORABLE MENTION ROBERT GREEN, MD Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg Lynchburg | 434.237.4091 www.lynchburgradiology.com

athelas

LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

ANGELA BRADY, MD

JOSEPH KHOURY, MD Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.947.3963 www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

•

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

COMMUNICATION

PULMONARY MEDICINE

ALBERT BAKER, MD

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

FIRST PLACE

OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

SLEEP MEDICINE

SECOND PLACE JOSEPH KHOURY, MD Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.947.3963 www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

FIRST PLACE MICHAEL MILAM, MD

COMPASSION

Lynchburg Pulmonary Associates, Inc. Lynchburg | 434.947.3963 www.lynchburgpulmonary.com

FIRST PLACE

SPORTS MEDICINE

OMAR ELKHAMRA, MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

Even though the world of healthcare is ever changing, the patients have to remain at the center of it. Every patient that I see, I strive to treat with utmost respect. I do the best that I can to be as friendly and supportive in their moment of need. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to remember that we are here to serve, and I just hope to never lose sight of this mission.

SECOND PLACE

HONORABLE MENTION

BRADLEY HAUPRICHT, MD CVFP Medical Group Lynchburg | 434.582.CARE (2273) www.cvfp.net

ANDREW PIELECK, DO Access HealthCare Forest | 434.316.7199 www.access-healthcare.net

THIRD PLACE

JOHN PRAHINSKI, MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com

JOHN BERNARD, JR., MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com

FIRST PLACE

SURGERY: CARDIAC

Centra Stroobants Cardiovascular Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5252 www.centrahealth.com

Bedside Manner is intrinsic to quality care for patients and goes beyond the clinical. Our patients come to us with heightened anxiety that naturally occurs when facing cardiac surgery. It is essential to recognize the importance of compassion and communication.

FIRST PLACE PETER PLOCH, MD

SURGERY: GENERAL

RESPECT

KENNETH SAUM, MD

Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE HOUMAN TAVAF-MOTAMEN, MD Centra Cardiothoracic Surgery Lynchburg | 434.200.2212 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE DAVID FRANTZ, MD Centra Health Lynchburg | 434.200.1800 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE ROBERT BASS, MD Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE I believe that it is important to have a good relationship with your surgeon. Spending extra time to address concerns and provide education always helps to foster a positive experience.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

WILLIAM KITTRELL JR., MD Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 www.centrahealth.com

SURGERY: HAND SURGERY: ORTHOPAEDIC

SECOND PLACE

IAN SMITHSON, MD

DREW KIERNAN, MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

FIRST PLACE PETER CAPRISE JR., MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

2018 Best Beside Manner Awards

FIRST PLACE

Look for OurHealth

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

I am honored to be recognized by my patients. I want to thank my staff who work so hard on a daily basis to provide excellent patient care.

SECOND PLACE GAUTHAM GONDI, MD OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8598 www.orthovirginia.com

â&#x20AC;¢

SURGERY: SPINE

FIRST PLACE JOSEPH ORCHOWSKI, MD, FAOA OrthoVirginia Lynchburg | 434.485.8500 www.orthovirginia.com

Patients with neck/back skeletal pathology are usually in desperate need of relief through surgical or medical management. At OrthoVirginia Spine Center, we strive to first and foremost assuage their concerns regarding their treatment needs. Good bedside manner allows patients to feel comfortable and confident with their treatment plan.

DILANTHA ELLEGALA, MD, FAANS Virginia Neurospine Forest | 434.200.9009 www.vaneurospine.com

THIRD PLACE MORRIS MCCRARY, MD Centra Medical Group Neurosurgery Center Lynchburg | 434.200.3920 www.centrahealth.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE

SECOND PLACE

SURGERY: VASCULAR UROLOGY

UROGYNECOLOGY/FEMALE PELVIC MEDICINE

URGENT CARE MEDICINE

ACCESSIBLE 56

FIRST PLACE JEFFREY WIDMEYER, MD Widmeyer Vein Center Lynchburg | 434.847.LEGS (5347) www.veinhealing.com

SECOND PLACE LAWRENCE POLETTI, MD Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE

For me, good bedside manner comes from truly caring about my patients and enjoying being able to provide excellent care to them.

FIRST PLACE CHRISTOPHER VON ELTEN, MD CVFP Walk-In-Care Lakeside Lynchburg | 434.845.4175 www.cvfp.net

They don’t call it medical care for nothing! When folks are ill or injured and need medical care they need both – a medical aspect and a care aspect. Medicine can be difficult and challenging…listening, smiling and caring shouldn’t be.

DAVID CASSADA, MD Centra Medical Group Surgical Specialists Lynchburg | 434.200.3901 www.centrahealth.com

SECOND PLACE CESAR CABALLERO, MD Centra Urgent Care Forest | 434.200.7210 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE GLENN MEADOWS, MD Physician Treatment Center Lynchburg | 434.239.3949 www.ptclynchburg.com

FIRST PLACE MATTHEW TOMPKINS, MD Lynchburg Gynecology Lynchburg | 434.385.7818 www.lynchburggynecology.com

I feel strongly that physicians should put patients first and take the time to do the little things that help a patient feel as comfortable as they can during what can be a difficult appointment. This may be as simple as talking about a hobby or asking about her family.

SECOND PLACE KATHIE HULLFISH, MD UVA Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Charlottesville | 434.924.2103 www.uvahealth.com

FIRST PLACE JOSEPH CARBONE, MD Southside Urology & Nephrology Danville | 434.792.1433 www.southsidedocs.com

Despite all of the technological changes in medicine, the art of delivering medical care remains constant because the human condition hasn’t changed. Patients bring fear, anxiety and ignorance into the exam room. It has always been the doctor's responsibility to calm their fears, educate and provide hope. Regardless of the clinical issue, a good bedside manner establishes trust, understanding and a mutual sense of purpose.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

SECOND PLACE RONALD FISHER, MD Centra Medical Group Urology Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5297 www.centrahealth.com

THIRD PLACE ROBERT D. COOK, MD Centra Medical Group Urology Center Lynchburg | 434.200.5297 www.centrahealth.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

RICHESON DRIVE PEDIATRICS

105 Richeson Drive | Lynchburg | c 434.385.7776 | w www.richesondrivepediatrics.com

Pediatric Care at its Best! Richeson Drive Pediatrics is honored to be recognized in this year’s Best Bedside Manner Awards with Tiffany Kidd, PNP, Michael Padilla, MD, Loan Trinh Kline, MD and Melody Ailsworth, DO for their specialty care to pediatric patients. Our fun-loving providers along with a caring staff bring personalized pediatric care to patients in the greater Lynchburg area. We’re here when you need us. That’s why our awardwinning care is available seven days a week! Call 434.385.7776 to schedule an appointment or visit www.richesondrivepediatrics.com to learn more about personalized care. athelas

Congratulations

Richeson Drive Pediatrics Team! Tiffany Kidd, PNP | Michael Padilla, MD | Loan Trinh Kline, MD | Melody Ailsworth, DO

MEDICAL PROFILES

athelas

SOUTHSIDE UROLOGY & NEPHROLOGY

1040 Main Street | Danville | c 434.792.1433 | w www.southsidedocs.com

Congratulations to Our Physicians Southside Urology and Nephrology is honored to be recognized in this year’s Best Bedside Manner Awards with Dr. Joseph Carbone for his specialty care in Urology and Dr. Yao-Foli Sekyema and Dr. Amar Parikh for their specialty care in Nephrology. These accomplished physicians are part of a team of 14 specialists who bring top of the line urology and nephrology care to patients in the Danville, Martinsville and South Boston area. Southside Urology and Nephrology has offered quality, compassionate care for over half a century. Call 434.792.1433 to schedule an appointment or visit www.southsidedocs.com to learn more about services offered. Amar Parikh, MD | Yao-Foli Sekyema, MD | Joseph Carbone, MD

Congratulations Drs. Parikh, Sekyema and Carbone!

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

ACCESS HEALTHCARE Family Medicine | Sports Medicine

ANDREW PIELECK, DO | DAVID SMITH, MD 2103 Graves Mill Road | Forest | c 434.316.7199 | w www.access-healthcare.net

Who Are the Physicians at Access HealthCare? Access HealthCareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s David Smith, MD is a graduate of Duke University and the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Smith is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and has practiced medicine in the Forest area for nearly 40 years. As founder of Access HealthCare, Dr. Smith is passionate about his relationship with his patients, focusing on providing individualized medical care based on each patients specific and unique needs. A native to the Lynchburg area, Andrew Pieleck, DO is a graduate of Virginia Tech and the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Dr. Pieleck completed his Residency at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, followed by a fellowship in Sports Medicine under former Penn State Team Physician, Michael Cordas, DO. Dr. Pieleck is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine with a subspecialty in Sports Medicine. He has practiced locally since 2013. Dr. Pieleckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to focus on patient-first care led to his partnership with Dr. Smith, and earlier this year his acquirement of Access HealthCare. Dr. Pieleck is eager to continue the legacy of patient-focused care that Access Healthcare is so well known for.

WELCOMING

Marlee R. Bryant, BSN, RN, FNP Access HealthCare announces the addition of Marlee R. Bryant, BSN, RN, FNP to its practice. Marlee is a graduate of James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and recently from Liberty University where she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner. Marlee is now accepting new patients.

Drs. Pieleck and Smith continue to offer quality healthcare services for both family medicine and sports medicine needs, often accommodating same day appointments if needed. Office hours at Access Healthcare are 8:30 AM to 6 PM. To make an appointment, call 434.316.7199.

Congratulations to our Best Bedside Manner Award Winners, Andrew Pieleck, DO and David Smith, MD! 58

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

MEDICAL PROFILES

athe

BLUE RIDGE ORAL & FACIAL SURGERY RAJDEEP (RAJ) GURAYA, DDS, MD 1922 Thomason Drive | Lynchburg | c 434.845.1121 What Services Does Blue Ridge Oral & Facial Surgery Offer?

Why Should You Choose Blue Ridge Oral & Facial Surgery?

At Blue Ridge Oral and Facial Surgery, we offer a full scope of oral and facial surgical services with expertise ranging from single tooth extraction and wisdom tooth surgery to bone grafting, dental implants and oral pathology. We also offer anesthesia services to help make your surgery as stress free as possible, including both conscious sedation and general anesthesia.

At Blue Ridge Oral and Facial Surgery we take a personal caring approach with every patient, so you will have a compassionate and professional experience that respects your time, your health and your dignity. We take pride in making sure you will receive the finest oral surgery treatment available.

Who is Rajdeep Guraya, DDS, MD? Dr. Guraya, a Ventura, California native, attended the University of California at Santa Barbara for undergraduate studies. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1995 where he graduated with honors and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Dr. Guraya also received his Doctor of Medicine from University of Missouri at Kansas City in 2000. He went on to complete his specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Truman Medical Centers, University of Missouri Kansas City. Upon completion of his specialty training, Dr. Guraya served in the U.S. Army for nine years and was deployed to Iraq with the 115th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. On his return, he joined Blue Ridge Oral and Facial Surgery in Lynchburg where he has been treating patients since 2010.

Our providers will meet with you for a full consultation to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options available. We’ll review your entire treatment plan in detail so you’ll know what to expect when you arrive. Occasionally, surgery can be performed the same day. However, a complex medical history or a treatment plan will require a second appointment providing your procedure on another day.

Blue Ridge Oral & Facial Surgery Team What’s New at Blue Ridge Oral & Facial Surgery? At Blue Ridge Oral and Facial Surgery, we utilize the latest technology that allows us to produce results that are better for our patients. Our digital x-ray imaging system and 3D CT scanner make the treatment we provide more predictable with better results and less radiation exposure to our patients. This technology is excellent for dental diagnostics and treatment planning and allows us to easily share information with referring doctors for follow-up care. We now offer seamless communication between referring providers and healthcare facilities with our new electronic records system. We take additional measures to secure and protect our patient data.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

GASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATES OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA 121 Nationwide Drive | Lynchburg | c 434.384.1862 w www.gastrocentralva.com

What Does Gastroenterology Pledge to Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patients? At Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia, our goal is to provide you with the highest quality and most up to date healthcare in a friendly and compassionate atmosphere. We respect the confidence that you and your referring physician place in us when choosing our practice for your care. The dedicated physicians and staff here at Gastroenterology Associates will evaluate and treat your gastrointestinal disorders with sensitivity, compassion, professionalism and confidentiality.

Our Award-Winning Care Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia is honored to once again be recognized in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Bedside Manner Awards for exceptional care in Gastroenterology. Our team of board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistant are passionate about your care.

Our practice exists to meet the needs of our patients. We pledge to accomplish this by adherence to our core values of demonstrating the highest level of professionalism and continually striving to improve our performance as individuals and as a group.

Congratulations to our Best Bedside Manner Award Winners, Dr. Robert Richards and Dr. Patrick Kenny! 60

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

athelas

MEDICAL PROFILES

GRETNA DRUG COMPANY 108 Vaden Drive | Gretna |

c 434.656.1251 | w www.gretnadrug.com

How Long Has Gretna Drug Been Serving The Community?

What are some of the services offered at Gretna Drug?

Gretna Drug Company has continuously served Gretna and Pittsylvania County for more than 100 years. In 1967 H. Chapman Brown, Jr. purchased the pharmacy and relocated his family to Gretna from nearby Lynchburg. Since then, Gretna Drug Company has evolved from a small “corner drug store” with two major expansions in 1974 and 2002. In 1983 H. Chapman Brown III joined the pharmacy after graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy. Over time, Gretna Drug Company has continued to grow through the addition of pharmacists and staff while continuing to offer the same care and service the community has come to know them for.

Gretna Drug Company prides itself on excellent customer service and through providing competitive prices. You’ll find that Gretna Drug Company is more than just a pharmacy, they are your family's partner in healthcare. For additional convenience, they provide free local delivery and an online pharmacy. Prescriptions can quickly and easily be ordered, refilled or transferred and delivered right to your door by using their online pharmacy. Additional medication services that are offered include: •

Flu shots and immunizations

•

Private consultations with a pharmacist

•

Durable medical equipment

•

E-prescriptions

•

Yearly prescription summaries

•

Medication flavoring

•

And much more!

•

Adherence packaging

•

Medication synchronization

•

Medication therapy management services

athelas

“As a pharmacist, the best advice we can offer is to always ask questions if you’re unsure about your medications or treatments. At Gretna Drug, our pharmacists and staff will listen to your concerns. Being a good listener is an important facet of being a great provider. If your provider will not listen to you, perhaps it’s time to seek another.” – H. CHAPMAN BROWN III, RPH

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

INSIGHT IMAGING

Why Choose Insight Imaging For My Imaging Needs? At Insight Imaging in Roanoke, we understand that when your health is in question, you want answers. That is why we offer evening and weekend hours, including same-day appointments when needed. Our associates are here to answer any insurance questions and are also able to give you a personalized price quote before your appointment. We understand how critical our role is in getting you the care you need so you have peace of mind. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why our team of specialists works with you and your doctor to deliver accurate results the first time, timely and efficiently. With the latest equipment, technology and expertise, we have the power to make the unknown, known. To give you the right answers that lead to important decisions.

Do I Really Have A Choice Of Imaging Facilities? You have the power of choice. While your doctor or insurance provider may offer referrals, ultimately, you are in control of your own care. In fact, even if you are seen by a doctor at the hospital, you do not need to have your imaging done at that hospital. Not all imaging facilities are the same. At Insight Imaging in Roanoke, we cost 30-50% less than hospital-affiliated imaging providers.

What Are Some Of The Services Offered At Insight Imaging? HIGH-FIELD MRI: captures high-quality, clear images. Also, Insight Imaging now offers Prostate MRI. HIGH-FIELD OPEN MRI: high-quality images in an open scanner, ideal for claustrophobic, anxious or larger patients. CT: detailed images of your organs and vascular system, as well as your abdomen and bones. INJECTIONS FOR PAIN: cost-effective options to better analyze and treat joint pain. REGENERATIVE MEDICINE: non-surgical treatments used to treat various orthopedic injuries, including tendon, joint, osteoarthritic conditions and soft tissue injuries. ULTRASOUND: imaging with no radiation exposure or injections. X-RAY: quick and convenient, walk-ins accepted.

Congratulations Robert O'Brien, MD and James Matthews, MD on your award winning services! 62

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

MEDICAL PROFILES

Why Should You Choose RidgeView Dermatology? When searching for dermatological treatment, you need a dermatologist who is experienced, understanding and supportive. Our dermatologists are board-certified and fellowship-trained in General Dermatology, Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery, and Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology. In addition to our medical dermatology services, RidgeView Dermatology also offers services in aesthetic dermatology.

Meeting the Needs of Our Patients in Our Communities! One of our goals at RidgeView Dermatology is to continue to grow in communities and provide access to care closest to where our patients live and work. Our Lynchburg, Farmville, Forest and Smith Mountain Lake staff vow to provide timely access to excellent, fullspectrum dermatologic care that our patients deserve, closer to home.

Services and Procedures Our team of compassionate and educated experts offer you the most qualified medical, surgical and aesthetic services in central Virginia. •

MOHS SKIN CANCER SURGERY

•

COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL DERMATOLOGY, including complete skin exams and cancer screenings and treatment of complex skin conditions and rashes

•

PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT DERMATOLOGY, provided by Lynchburg’s exclusive board-certified Pediatric Dermatologist

•

FULL-SPECTRUM AESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY, including CoolSculpting, miraDry, injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, chemical peels, PRP therapy and much more! athelas

Pictured above from left to right: Mandy Wilkes-Hoffmeister, FNP-C | Alexis Chantal, PA-C | Carrie Cobb, MD, FAAD Jason Givan, MD, FAAD, FACMS | Samantha Hill, MD, FAAD | Megan Allison, PA-C www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

athelas

CVFP MEDICAL GROUP w www.cvfp.net

| f CVFPmedicalgroup

Who is CVFP Medical Group?

How to Skip the Wait!

Central Virginia Family Physicians is an established independent practice with six regional family practice offices and three immediate care facilities. We’re committed to providing excellence in family medicine to our patients and excellence in professional growth to our providers. We offer wellness and preventive services, immunizations, routine physical exams, disease management, pregnancy services, pediatrics services, wellness counseling, family planning, noscalpel vasectomies, and diagnostic services.

CVFP Medical Group’s Walk-In Cares now feature a convenient appointment scheduling process and virtual waiting room experience at their immediate care centers located at Wards Road, Lakeside Drive and in Madison Heights.

Where is the Closest CVFP Medical Group Office? CVFP – APPOMATTOX 131 Jones Street | Appomattox | 434.352.8235

CVFP – FOREST 1175 Corporate Park Drive | Forest | 434.525.6964

Immediate Care Locations

CVFP – DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

14005 S. Wards Road, Ste. A | Lynchburg | 434.473.7700

2321 Wards Road | Lynchburg | 434.582.2273

CVFP – MONELISON 118 Oakwood Drive | Madison Heights | 434.846.8421

CVFP – NEW LONDON 1088 London Links Road | Forest | 434.534.6868

CVFP – PIEDMONT 2019 Tate Springs Road | Lynchburg | 434.846.7374

CVFP – STAUNTON RIVER 527 Pocket Road | Hurt | 434.324.9150

Each immediate care location is now offering ClockwiseMD, a solution that allows patients to reserve a spot in line and receive real-time information about wait times. Automated communications with patients via text, email or voice allows patients to know how long their wait is. The service will send a text message when it is time for you to arrive. Just one more way CVFP is bringing convenient, quality primary care to the Lynchburg area.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

WALK-IN-CARE – WARDS ROAD WALK-IN-CARE – LAKESIDE DRIVE 2137 Lakeside Drive, Ste. 100 | Lynchburg | 434.473.7700

WALK-IN-CARE – MADISON HEIGHTS 118 Oakwood Drive | Madison Heights | 434.473.7700

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

w www.cvofs.net

| f Find us on Facebook

Why Choose Central Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery? At Central Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery, you’ll find state-of-the art technology that allows us to provide the best possible care to our patients. Our on-site 3D imaging services provide precise, crystal clear digital images allowing for more detail in your treatment plan. For your comfort and safety, we offer a wide range of anesthesia services, through our on-site anesthesiologist, that are designed to make your surgery as pleasant as possible. Our electronic records facilitate easy communication between providers and offices, and our digital x-rays allow us to perform better diagnoses with less radiation exposure. At CVOFS you’ll also find expertise and experience in our oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Drs. Carvajal, Pinch, Chalk, Kesecker and Richmond manage a wide variety of oral and maxillofacial conditions ranging from wisdom tooth removal to dental implant and facial cosmetic surgeries. Our doctors can also diagnose and treat facial injuries, sleep apnea, tumors and oral pathology, TMJ disorders, and perform a full range of dental implant and bone grafting procedures.

What Facial Cosmetic Services Are Offered At CVOFS? Our facial surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform detailed cosmetic procedures to the face and lips with beautiful, natural-looking surgical results.

We offer a wide range of both surgical and non-surgical facial cosmetic procedures with beautiful outcomes, including: •

Endoscopic browlift

•

Forehead lift

•

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

•

Restylane/Juvederm ™

•

BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedures

•

Laser Treatments

•

Coolsculpting

•

Liposuction

•

Photofacials

•

Chemical Peels

OPENING SOON Don’t miss Lynchburg’s newest home for exclusive aesthetic services, Lynchburg Aesthetics and Wellness, featuring expert care by William Carvajal, MD, FACS andMichael Richmond, MD. 66

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Best Bedside Manner Award winner in Oral Surgery, FIVE years in a row!

WELCOMING

MICHAEL RICHMOND, MD & JEFFERY KESECKER, DDS Central Virginia Oral and Facial Surgery announces the addition of two new providers, Dr. Michael Richmond and Dr. Jeffery Kesecher. Jeffery Kesecher, DDS brings additional oral and maxillofacial surgery services to the practice. The addition of anesthesiologist, Michael Richmond, MD, allows CVOFS to offer additional anesthesia services.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

CENTRAL VIRGINIA ORTHODONTICS ERIC BAUGHER, DMD AND JENNIFER CLAIBORNE, DDS 7802 Timberlake Road | Lynchburg |

c 434.385.GRIN (4746) | w www.bracesbycvo.com Why Should You See An Orthodontist? Braces are an investment that will benefit you for the rest of your life. An improved smile helps build self-esteem, establishes facial balance and ideal function for your teeth and jaws, and allows for better long-term oral health. Our goal is for every patient to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that will last for a lifetime.

Are You A Candidate For Orthodontic Treatment? Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. 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. At Central Virginia Orthodontics, not only do we provide families with the highest caliber of service, our state-of-the-art practice offers treatments ranging from traditional metal braces to the newest technologies such as Invisalign, clear braces and self-ligating braces. We excel in creating beautiful, healthy smiles for patients of all ages. In fact, approximately 20 percent of our patients are adults.

Why Is Age 7 Considered The Optimal Time For Screening? Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

FREE CONSULTATION! If you would like to discuss what options are available for improving your smile, call Central Virginia Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation at your convenience. We look forward to helping you see the smile you’ve always wanted!

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

When Trust Matters

Award Winning Care

Studies reveal trust is a primary component people consider when choosing products and services for their families. From schools to cars, your family’s health and safety is a number one priority.

For over 45 years, Lynchburg Dental Center has been providing comprehensive family dental care to patients throughout the greater Lynchburg area. Setting them apart is their advanced equipment and commitment to continuing education.

Research and ratings play a part in finding a quality healthcare provider. However, when it comes to routine care, having a trusted provider who knows and understands you and your family brings the highest level of comfort.

“When asked to describe a high-quality provider, most Americans focus on the doctor-patient relationship.” When trust matters most, choosing a dental practice with a skilled, caring staff ranks high on the decision list. Proactive care begins with creating healthy habits at home, combined with scheduling consistent hygiene appointments for the entire family. Choosing a trusted dental partner enables you to identify potential concerns during routine appointments, making treatment typically less complicated and more comfortable. Lynchburg Dental Center’s Dr. Karen Kenny shares, “We embrace creating trusted relationships with our patients. We understand the importance of building confidence in our young patients so they, and their families, feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, and trusting in the skills of our staff.”

The patients at Lynchburg Dental say it best. Take time to read their reviews, provided by a third party, on the practice’s website.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Dr. Carrington Crawford, six-time Best Bedside Manner Winner, explains, “Our team is highly trained and experienced. We continuously further our education to bring our patients the latest advancements, providing maximum comfort and a positive experience.” Lynchburg Dental Center offers services in the areas of family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, implants and restoration, and dental hygiene—ensuring confident, healthy smiles. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00-5:00. Call to schedule an appointment, 434.384.7611 or visit www.LynchburgDentist.com.

“The staff is very friendly and professional. I was in terrible pain from an abscessed tooth. Dr Lentz and his assistant were incredible and efficient in taking care of me.” -Mike G.

“Dr. Crawford Provides Impeccable Care! To find a doctor who is exceptionally skilled— truly a master in his specialty—who is also deeply kind, very attuned to his patients, and who offers the greatest care is rare. I found that and more in Dr. Crawford.” - Jane K.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

MEDICAL PROFILES

SHERMAN SMOCK, DDS, RYAN ANDERSON, DDS, AND FERNANDO MOGROVEJO, DDS, MS PERIODONTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES 525 Leesville Road | Lynchburg | c 434.455.2444 w www.periodontalhealthassociates.com | f g HOURS: TUESDAY – FRIDAY FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM

YOUR TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR EXCEPTIONAL SPECIALTY CARE What Services Are Offered at Periodontal Health Associates? When you visit Periodontal Health Associates, you’ll discover a team focused on supporting your overall wellness. We specialize in helping you preserve and restore the critical support system that surrounds your teeth. Our approach helps ensure a healthy foundation for your smile and a lifetime of benefits. Our doctors have carefully selected state-of-the-art technologies that are proven to deliver the finest experience to our patients. This means comfortable procedures and predictable results. Through this winning formula, we offer the following services and procedures: •

Specialty Techniques to Save Teeth

•

Implant Placement

•

Periodontal and Preventative Cleaning

•

Sleep Apnea Appliances

•

Low Dosage Digital X-Rays

•

Cosmetic Surgery

•

Oral Cancer Screenings and Biopsies

•

Bone Regeneration

•

Gum Recession Treatment

•

Patient Education

As a trusted partner with the dental community, we’re here to keep your healthy lifestyle on track. Discover why so many loyal patients value our compassionate approach that honors their time, budget, and goals.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

How Does Oral Health Affect My Overall Wellness? Current research continues to establish clear links between bacterial disease in your mouth and ailments in other parts of the body. Bleeding gums provide a direct pathway into the bloodstream, a journey that toxic oral bacteria can quickly take. Studies show a link between this oral bacteria and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and certain types of cancers. The integration of oral and general health is not one to be ignored. If you have concerns about your overall gum health, make an appointment to see your periodontist.

CONGRATULATIONS

PERIODONTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES

Meet Dr. Anderson Ryan Anderson, DDS is a graduate of Duke University and The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Anderson completed his periodontal training at University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center. His extensive training included periodontal therapy as well as implant placement and site preparation. Dr. Anderson is an active member in a number of professional organizations including the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association and the Lynchburg Dental Society. Dr. Anderson also believes in giving back to the community and he routinely volunteers his services at the Lynchburg Free Clinic.

Meet Dr. Smock Sherman Smock, DDS attended the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Tennessee, School of Dentistry. He completed his periodontal residency at the Medical College of Georgia and later, a two-year program offered by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Smock is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the American Dental Association, the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He is a Past President of the Lynchburg Dental Society.

Meet Dr. Mogrovejo Periodontal Health Associates announced the addition of Fernando Mogrovejo, DDS, MS to its practice in September. Dr. Mogrovejo is a graduate of University of Cuenca in Ecuador and the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. His areas of expertise include dental implants, sedation dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, soft and hard tissue grafting, laser treatment and treatment of periodontal disease and peri-implantitis. Dr. Mogrovejo and his wife, general dentist, Dr. Alyssa Martini, are excited to be in the wonderful Lynchburg community.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

SPONSORED BY

ARE YOU REALLY A

HEALTHY

DRIVER? words | JENNIFER LAMONT

In Lynchburg last year, there were 1,170 CAR CRASHES resulting in 771 people becoming seriously injured. Throughout Virginia, 20 percent of all crashes in 2017 were caused SOLELY BY DISTRACTED DRIVERS. Everyone likes to think they’re a great driver once they get behind the wheel. And, in terms of national statistics, Virginia drivers aren’t the worst. You may disagree, especially if you commute, but the state doesn’t score too badly against the rest of the nation. That’s the good news. The bad news is many drivers on the roadways in Virginia are still a danger to themselves and others. Drivers are distracted, impaired, inexperienced and otherwise not taking care of their own health and safety, let alone being mindful of everyone else who’s on the road with them. Throughout Virginia, there is a car crash every four minutes. Practicing common-sense defensive driving techniques reduces accidents and potential fatalities but even good drivers get distracted. Here are quick tips for staying safe and healthy behind the wheel.

4 DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS FOR DRIVING WELL 1.

STAY AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Pay attention to the road, other drivers, pedestrians and other objects at all times. Don’t give up control of your car to your phone, a conversation or other distractions. Don’t engage with aggressive drivers. Avoid them.

2. DON’T COUNT ON OTHER DRIVERS TO WATCH OUT FOR YOU. Assume that other drivers will run red lights, skip through stop signs or block you from merging. Because they will.

3. FOLLOW THE 4-SECOND RULE. Always leave 4 seconds of stop time between you and the car ahead of you, since that’s where the greatest chance of a collision is.

4. AVOID AGGRESSIVE DRIVING. Speeding, weaving through traffic and tailgating are not helping you get to your destination any faster.

Knowing how to drive defensively is key. But other habits affect your driving skills as well. Here are some healthy habits for yourself, and your car, that keep you safer and make you a better driver. www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Features

• INSIGHT

4 WAYS YOUR OVERALL HEALTH IMPROVES YOUR DRIVING SIGHT. Your vision is directly related to your ability to drive well—but it’s not all about how blurry a sign appears. Your eyes should be able to spot immobile and moving objects, see things near and far, be sensitive to contrasts so you can see in low light conditions, and have good depth perception.

Distra cted drivin risk f g is o actor s for ne of apps y o the m unge can ain r driv help estab ers. T your lish g h e se o y o the ro oung d hab ad: its an drive d be r safer • on LifeS aver TrueM otion Famil y Mojo

DRIVING APPS:

AT&T DrDistracted driving is one of the iveMo de SafeD main risk factors for younger rive drivers. These apps can help Focu s by TeenD your young driver establish good rive habits and be safer on the road: •

LifeSaver

•

TrueMotion Family

•

Mojo

•

AT&T DriveMode

•

SafeDrive

•

Focus by TeenDrive

Use your smartphone to your advantage to help you keep both your car and yourself safe. These apps can remind you when to change your oil or track your fuel usage:

Some of these issues are not apparent just by looking around you, even if your sight isn’t blurry. Regular eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist will tell you if your vision is impaired in any way for driving during different conditions. SLEEP. It’s the one thing that plagues most of us—sleep deprivation. Getting more, better quality sleep at night will help you be a safer driver the next day. For a huge portion of the population, however, getting enough sleep isn’t that simple. Studies show that 40 million Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and don’t even realize it because the condition is severely underdiagnosed. If you wake up perpetually tired even after getting a normal amount of rest, or you tend to get drowsy when driving during the daytime, a sleep test can determine whether you suffer from sleep apnea. It can even save your life. Not only do sleep apnea sufferers have up to five times the risk of being in a serious car crash, they also have a higher chance of suffering a heart attack, stroke and diabetes. STRESS. More than 132 million people in the U.S. commute to work each day, and they all seem to be on the road with you at the same time. Whether you’re white-knuckling it or calmly sipping a coffee on your commute each day, the drive can cause your stress hormones to rise even if you aren’t aware of it. Reclaim control over your drive by keeping anger in check, listening to relaxing music or podcasts, and being mindful that you can’t control the traffic or other drivers. SHAPE. Are you in good shape and what does your fitness level have to do with driving? A lot. Are your neck and shoulders flexible enough to turn your head to look around you? Exercising and keeping flexible will help you get in and out of your car more easily, as well as increase your range of motion so you can see blind spots or scan your driving environment with more ease. Even if you have 20/20 vision and you exercise regularly, there are risks everyone faces while driving. Distracted driving while on our cell phones is a hazard for people of all ages, simply because everyone has a cell phone. But risk factors differ across age groups and gender.

•

Car Minder

•

AUTOsist

•

MyCARFAX

THE WORST DRIVERS…

•

autoEXP

TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS. By far, the biggest risk to everyone driving is newly licensed, inexperienced drivers. They have the highest crash and death rates than other groups of drivers. Teen drivers ages 16-19 are almost three times likely to be in a fatal crash.

TEENS AND YOUNG ADULT

RISK FACTORS:

TICKET NUMBER

7132018

Distracted driving – texting, using cell phones, carrying several other passengers in the car Speeding and reckless driving, like following other cars too closely Being male. Males are twice as likely to die in traffic accidents at this age than females. Not using a seatbelt. Night driving. Crash statistics are highest for this group after 9 pm

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Features •

To combat these statistics, the CDC’s Graduated Driver Licensing Program helps teens build driving skills and has been proven to reduce fatalities and crashes among new drivers.

Are You Really a Healthy Driver?

DID YOU KNOW?

Throughout Virginia, there is a car crash EVERY FOUR MINUTES. ADULT DRIVERS. This group’s likely risk factors are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While crash statistics for drivers with more experience under their belt get better.

Distracted driving from cell phones and texting Drowsy driving Over-reliance on vehicle safety technology Women spend more time on their phone while on the road than men Men speed and drive more aggressively than women

SENIOR DRIVERS. Like teen drivers, senior motorists are more negatively impacted by engaging in secondary tasks while driving, like talking on a cell phone. Further, cognition, vision, hearing and reaction time all diminish as we get older. The number of drivers aged 65 and older is increasing as more people live longer in the U.S. and here in Virginia. According to the Federal Highway Administration, almost 7,000 seniors are killed in traffic crashes each year.

As drivers get older, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe on the road. Seniors should: Keep physically fit and schedule regular screenings Manage chronic conditions that may interfere with driving ability Put the cell phone and other distractions away Keep driving skills updated Know their limitations.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Features

• INSIGHT

For all drivers at any age, defensive driving skills and healthy habits will keep you safer on the roadways. But the health of your car is just as important. Here are four quick safety tips for making sure your vehicle is in top shape as well:

4 QUICK SAFETY CHECKPOINTS FOR GOOD DRIVERS WIPER BLADES – Drivers tend to let these work way past their shelf life, which creates a serious driving hazard. Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on visibility. Replace blades every six months and keep your windshield clean.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES:

DRIVERS‘ EDITION

OIL AND FLUID CHECKS – The oil is the life of your engine. Know how to check oil, transmission fluid and engine coolant so your engine doesn’t overheat.

CLEAN HEADLIGHTS – Clear, bright headlights can give

Who drives better… men or women? Although the gap is narrowing, studies show men are far more likely to engage in reckless behavior behind the wheel. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that, during a forty-year period, twice as many men died in car accident casualties than women. It’s true that men drive 6,000 more miles each year than women, which accounts for a rise in their crash statistics. But men are also far more likely to speed, avoid wearing seat belts and drive while impaired.

you four more seconds of reaction time. Make sure they’re bright and not clouded.

TIRES – Nearly 250,000 accidents each year are caused by underinflated tires. Know how to check your tire pressure to prevent blow outs and get more mileage out of them. Use a gauge since you can’t tell by just looking at a tire whether it is under – or overinflated. A digital speaking tire gauge makes the process simple.

Sources AARP – www.aarp.org/auto Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov Health in Aging – www.healthinaging.org Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – www.iihs.org International Journal of Epidemiology – www.academic.oup.com National Institute of Child Health and Human Development – www.nichd.nih.gov National Safety Council – www.nsc.org Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles – www.dmv.virginia.gov

ON THE WEB

More at OurHealthLynchburg.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Aging Well

WISDOM • DIGNITY • SUPPORT

STEPS TO A

HEALTHY WINTER FOR

LYNCHBURG'S SENIORS

words | KATHARINE PALJUG

In Virginia, the winter months bring more than holiday shopping. Cold temperatures, snow storms and flu season all come along for the ride — and they can put the health of Lynchburg’s seniors at serious risk. One of the best things you can do for your health in the winter is to get a flu shot, says Carol Barker, the Clinic Nurse at The Summit Independent Living in Forest. Last winter was a particularly bad flu season, with more than 80,000 people in the U.S. dying from flu or flu-related complications. “Seniors are especially Even with a flu shot, susceptible [to the flu] because they usually have weaker immune however, the winter systems,’ explains Barker. “Flu can also lead to serious secondary infections, such as pneumonia, which can be fatal.” months still cause

increased health risks due to cold weather, isolation and dangerous conditions outdoors.

Even with a flu shot, however, the winter months still cause increased health risks due to cold weather, isolation and dangerous conditions outdoors. And poor health puts a severe financial burden on seniors who may already be living on a fixed income through doctor’s visits, home care expense, and additional prescriptions. It also puts a financial burden on the rest of the economy: according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the cost of healthcare is rising sharply as more baby boomers enter their senior years.

NEED A FLU SHOT?

On top of the monetary cost, poor health can lead to long-term complications, keep you from staying active or cause depression. It also forces seniors to make a difficult decision: stay at home and risk symptoms becoming worse, or go to the hospital. Not only is a hospital visit expensive, it also exposes you to strains of the flu virus that you’re not be protected against, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other illnesses. If you are seriously ill or injured, an emergency room is the best place for you to be. But you can prevent things from getting that bad by taking eight steps to protect your health, stay safe and keep active during the winter months.

1. Think About Temperature, Inside and Out One of the biggest risks seniors face during the winter months is as simple — and dangerous — as becoming too cold.

Find a Flu Shot Clinic Near You by scanning the QR code provided. 80

“Older adults tend to produce less body heat, and it is harder for their bodies to regulate body temperature,” says Lakeshia Entzminger, MD, a team physician in Centra’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Lynchburg, Farmville and Gretna. If you’re over 65, your metabolism

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Aging Well

has likely slowed down from when you were younger, which means your body is producing less heat. In winter, these factors can lead to hypothermia.

The colder the weather is, the more at risk you are for hypothermia, which can be fatal. In fact, cold weather kills 20 times more people than hot weather. In January - Carol Barker 2018, Virginia experienced one of the coldest months since the 1980s, and news stations reported multiple instances of people freezing to death when caught outdoors. “Older adults who do venture outside in cold weather should make sure to dress warmly,” advises Barker. Dress in loose layers, including heavy socks, a scarf and a hat to prevent your body from losing heat through your neck and head. Come in from the cold regularly to give your body time to warm up. “For some seniors, hypothermia can even happen indoors,” warns Barker. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) warns that seniors with existing health conditions are even more at risk, as well as those who live alone and don’t have anyone else helping to monitor the temperature. When inside, wear warm layers, including socks. “Keep the thermostat above 65 degrees,” advises Barker. Even if you are tempted to turn your heat down to save money, it’s not worth the risk to your health. If you are worried about paying your heating bill, you can contact the Virginia Department of Social Services for assistance by calling 800.552.3431. You should also avoid alcohol, which can make you feel warmer than you really are. Instead, drink plenty of water. “Seniors typically eat and drink less than younger people,” Dr. Entzminger says. “In general, you’re also not as thirsty during the winter months so are prone to drink less fluids. Dehydration can lead to weakness, electrolyte imbalances, confusion, low blood pressure which all increases risk for falls.” Staying hydrated allows your body to regulate its temperature more easily, along with preventing other complications.

2. Pay Attention to Your Mood Winter can put your mental health at risk, says Barker. “Many people experience lowered energy and mood during the winter, which is caused by decreased daylight,” she explains. “It’s known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.” This is particularly true for the 28 percent of adults over 65 who, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, live alone. Isolation, says Dr. Entzminger, has a major impact on seniors’ mental health. Many seniors are also prone to loneliness around the holiday season. “The holiday season can be a time of joy, spending time with family/friends and eating delicious food,” Dr. Entzminger says. “It can also be a time of sadness and stress. Seniors may think about loved ones who have passed or have financial concerns.” If seniors don’t have friends or family nearby, the holidays can increase their sense of isolation and lead to poor mental and emotional health. Mental health struggles affect more than 34 million American seniors, according to the organization Mental Health America, and seniors dealing with depression are more at risk for isolation, poor physical health and suicide. Older patients with depression also have healthcare costs that are 50 percent higher than those without mood disorders. Yet 68 percent of adults over 65 report knowing little or nothing about depression, and only 42 percent would seek help from a doctor rather than trying to “handle it themselves.”

20 times

Eight Steps to a Healthy Winter for Lynchburg's Seniors

“Hypothermia [is] a drop in body temperature below normal, less than 95° F,” explains Dr. Entzminger. “When this occurs, your heart, nervous system and other organs cannot work normally.”

•

“Older adults who do venture outside in cold weather should make sure to dress warmly.”

Cold weather kills 20 times more people than hot weather.

January 2018

In January 2018, Virginia experienced one of the coldest months since the 1980s.

Freezing to death

News stations reported multiple instances of people freezing to death when caught outdoors.

34 million

Mental health struggles affect more than 34 million American seniors.

50 percent

Older patients with depression also have healthcare costs that are 50 percent higher than those without mood disorders.

68 percent

About 68 percent of adults over 65 report knowing little or nothing about depression.

42 percent

Only 42 percent of seniors would seek help for depression from a doctor rather than trying to handle it themselves.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Aging Well

• WISDOM

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU NOTICE SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, INCLUDING:

A B C D E

Constant worry or stress Feeling “empty” or sad all the time Feeling despair or hopelessness Loss of interest in everyday activities Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

F G H I

Insomnia or persistent oversleeping Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide Physical problems with no apparent cause, such as stomach pain or headache

But depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are health problems that should be treated by a doctor the same way as a heart condition or the flu. “Lack of personal hygiene, inability to do everyday tasks or a disregard for safety are also a concern,” says Barker. “Seniors in rural areas are particularly at risk during the winter months,” she adds. “Not only is it more difficult for them to leave without risking the cold or dangerous driving conditions, it’s also harder for visitors to reach them.” To combat isolation, reach out to your neighbors, join a local senior community center or use technology to stay connected to your family and friends.

3. Talk to Your Doctor Sooner, Rather Than Later

READ THIS EDITION OF

OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

If you have health conditions like diabetes or a heart problem, your body is already working hard to stay healthy and fight off illness. A second, untreated illness might be more than your immune system can handle. “Getting sick in the winter can further exacerbate chronic diseases, such as COPD, which may lead to [emergency department] visits or hospital stays,” says Dr. Entzminger.

If you suspect you are getting sick, go to the doctor sooner rather than later. Don’t try to selfmedicate or more than two days, even if you think your symptoms are mild or an injury isn’t serious. “If [a senior] has tried to take care of themselves at home but is not getting better, they should also seek a doctor’s help versus If you suspect you trying to continue taking care of the matter on their own,” advises Dr. Entzminger. are getting sick, go

to the doctor sooner rather than later.

You should also see your doctor quickly if you notice new or increased symptoms of an existing condition. “Serious warning signs include unusual changes in weight, difficulties with moving or balance, fatigue, pain especially in your chest, hearing or vision problems and swelling in your feet or legs,” says Barker. “You should also pay attention to signs of mental strain, like mood swings, forgetfulness, sadness or loneliness.” Telemedicine services, which are available through many hospitals and primary care practices, are an effective way to check in with a doctor during winter, especially if the weather makes it difficult to leave the house or you want to avoid exposure to germs at the doctor’s office. “Several of our residents use telemedicine services,” says Barker. “They automatically record and share vitals, such as blood pressure, glucose levels, weight and pacemaker levels. It has been very successful for them.”

4. Find Safe Ways to Stay Active Exercise is important in every season, but it becomes difficult in the winter. Cold weather and snow make it hard to exercise outside, which can impact your mood, sleep and overall well-being. 82

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Aging Well Eight Steps to a Healthy Winter for Lynchburg's Seniors

“Falls are a major risk for seniors in winter,” explains Barker. For some seniors, this risk can lead to fear, which causes them to avoid exercise and outdoor activity entirely. However, if you don’t exercise, you lose balance, flexibility and muscle, all of which contribute to falls as well. Exercise also improves your sleep, keeps your heart healthy and lowers your risk of depression.

•

Cold temperatures, snow and ice can also lead to falls, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports is the leading cause of death and injury for seniors, including hip and arm fractures, as well as head injuries. “Do not over do The costs of these injuries adds up: in 2015, the CDC reports, the total it! When it’s cold, medical cost of falls in the U.S. was $50 billion.

your heart is already working extra to keep you warm.”

- Lakeshia Entzminger, MD

“Try to continue getting regular exercise, indoors if necessary,” Barker recommends. If you’re going outside, wear appropriate footwear, such as walking shoes or winter boots with good traction, and stay in well-lit areas that are cleared of snow and ice. You can also visit a mall or gym, which provide safe, warm space for walking and exercise. Even if the weather prevents you from leaving the house, you can still stay active. Try to do exercises inside, like marching in place while watching TV or carefully stretching your arms and neck.

5. Focus on Hand Hygiene According to experts, one of the best things you can do to prevent dangerous winter illnesses is both simple and easy to forget: washing your hands, especially when using the restroom, preparing food, eating or spending time in a public place like a restaurant or shopping mall. According to the CDC, washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses, including the flu. For seniors who already have weakened immune systems and other health problems, even a simple cold can cause complications that require a trip to the emergency room. Hand washing can prevent these dangerous complications.

6. Care For Your Heart In the U.S., around 84 million people suffer from some kind of heart disease, and this causes nearly 2,300 death per day. Cardiovascular diseases and stroke cost $327 billion every year, and that number is rising.

According to the CDC, washing your hands regularly with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses, including the flu. For seniors who already have weakened immune systems and other health problems, even a simple cold can cause complications that require a trip to the emergency room. Hand washing can prevent these dangerous complications.

Seniors are more at risk for heart disease that other groups, particularly in the winter. “Do not over do it!” warns Dr. Entzminger. “When it’s cold, your heart is already working extra to keep you warm. Overworking oneself can cause a strain on the heart especially if [you have] heart disease or high blood pressure.” To protect your heart, stay warm indoors and out, and get any vaccines your doctor recommends. “Avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow,” says Barker. “Even strenuous walking, like through wet snow or snow drifts, can strain your heart.”

Cold temperatures, snow and ice often leads to falls, which the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports is the leading cause of death and injury for seniors.

If your doctor says it is safe for you to shovel snow or exercise outside, take frequent breaks to rest and warm up. And watch out for warning signs such as sweating, becoming overheated, shortness of breath or chest pains. “Listen to your body,” advises Barker. “If you feel different, call your doctor right away.”

7. Be Prepared for Bad Weather Virginia winters can be unpredictable, with sudden storms and freezing temperatures. All this bad weather can pose a severe safety risk for seniors.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Aging Well

• WISDOM

Unsafe conditions inside and outside can lead to falls or injuries, which are especially dangerous during bad weather when emergency services may be slow to respond. Even seniors’ basic needs can be affected, warns Barker, if you don’t prepare ahead of time. “If you’re unable to leave the house and shop for food, the lack of nutrition can affect you quickly,” especially if you already have health problems.

Carol Barker

Clinic Nurse at The Summit Independent Living in Forest.

Lakeshia Entzminger, MD Team physician in Centra’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Lynchburg, Farmville and Gretna.

If you know a storm is Keep you pantry stocked with non-perishable food items in case a storm hits unexpectedly. coming, check with your Seniors should also make arrangements pharmacy about filling ahead of time for snow removal, repair any prescriptions early. steps or walkways around their homes, have handrails by stairs and keep ice melt on hand. “Wear shoes with very good traction,” says Barker. “And use walking aids inside and out if you need them.” If you’re inside, make sure pathways in your home are kept clear of clutter and extension cords. It’s a good idea to keep a space heater on hand for very cold days, but be careful about the type you choose. Electric heaters should have an automatic shut-off function in case they become too hot. If you’re using a wood-burning stove or kerosene heater, you may be in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. “[Carbon monoxide] is an odorless and tasteless deadly gas that is produced by burning wood, natural gas and kerosene when used for fireplaces, wood/gas stoves and gas appliances,” explains Entzminger. To avoid any danger, install a carbon monoxide detector installed in the home. Winter storms or icy roads can also prevent seniors from getting to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions, which is especially dangerous if you take regular medication to manage a condition like heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. If you know a storm is coming, check with your pharmacy about filling prescriptions early. You can also ask your pharmacist about filling prescriptions for three months at a time, rather than just one.

8. Ask For Help Expert Contributors Carol Barker, the Clinic Nurse at The Summit Independent Living in Forest. Lakeshia Entzminger, MD, a team physician in Centra’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Lynchburg, Farmville and Gretna.

Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov Mental Health America www.mentalhealthamerica.net National Institute of Aging www.nia.nih.gov Reuters News Agency www.reuters.com Richmond Times www.richmond.com The Lancet Journals www.thelancet.com United States Census Bureau www.census.gov

US News – www.usnews.com

When cold weather limits your ability to leave your home, care for your property or run errands by yourself, many seniors feel a loss of independence. But one of the best ways to stay safe and healthy in winter is to ask for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather, especially during an emergency like a winter storm. “Ask for assistance if [you] lose heating in an emergency,” says Barker, or stay with a neighbor or family member until your power returns. “Community is very important for seniors,” agrees Dr. Entzminger. Filling prescriptions, getting to doctor’s appointments and heading to the grocery store are all things that family and friends can help with. If you don’t have nearby family, your local board of aging can connect you with transportation, home aids and other services. You can contact the Virginia Office for Aging Services at 804.662.9333 to be directed to your local board of aging. Whether you are turning to a close friend, an adult child or a volunteer, it can be difficult to ask for help. But it can be the difference between a healthy winter and an extended hospital stay. “[Your] physical, psychological and spiritual well-being is of paramount concern,” concludes Barker.

ON THE WEB

More at OurHealthLynchburg.com

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Health

A-Z

INSIGHT • AWARENESS • MINDFULNESS

DIABETES DIFFERENT

in Men and Women words | LISA KROULIK

Although you probably know what hormones are, you might not have heard of the medical specialty of endocrinology. The simplest way to connect the two is to think of endocrinology as a study of hormones.

Since hormones affect men and women so differently, the

HORMONES: [ HAWR-MOHNS ] noun Chemical messengers that affect your sleep, moods, body temperature, stress level and physical growth. They develop in one area of your body and then travel through your bloodstream to another area.

HORMONES ALSO HELP TO DETERMINE THE FOLLOWING: Appetite and whether someone becomes obese

warning signs for

Regulation of glucose levels

diabetes and how

Bone growth

to prevent and

Level of alertness

treat it are often

When puberty begins

different than they are for men.

A person can develop one of several major diseases when his or her hormones don’t function as they should. Diabetes is one of the diseases highly influenced by hormones. Since hormones affect men and women so differently, the warning signs for diabetes and how to prevent and treat it are often different than they are for men.

Women, Diabetes, and the Role of Hormones Women’s hormones go through significant changes as they approach menopause. The steep decline in the estrogen hormone makes it more difficult for women’s bodies to keep blood 86

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Health A-Z •

glucose levels at a healthy level. That’s why middle-aged women have a higher risk of developing diabetes than younger women. Even if you haven’t started showing signs of menopause yet, it’s a good idea to have your doctor check your blood glucose levels every year after age 45.

Diabetes Looks Different in Men and Women

Other Risk Factors of Diabetes for Women It’s important to pay attention to the risk factors for diabetes no matter what your age. Some of the most common ones include:

Being overweight or obese

Family history of diabetes

Frequent sensation of thirst

You have frequent bouts of urinary tract infections (UTI)

You need to urinate more frequently

Your vision is blurrier after eating foods high in carbohydrates

Fatigue

Your thinking feels confused or foggy

You feel hungrier than usual

While these are the most typical symptoms of diabetes in women, some women are entirely asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) and others experience more unusual symptoms. For example, you may lose weight without trying, have little interest in sex, notice that your wounds heal more slowly and struggle with insomnia. These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have diabetes, but you should always report any new symptom to your doctor. He or she will order the appropriate tests to confirm or rule out diabetes.

More than 12 percent of the population of Virginia has diabetes. Unfortunately, nearly one-quarter of them don’t know it. More than one-third of Virginians have pre-diabetes. That means they have many of the risk factors but their blood glucose doesn’t measure high enough yet for a diagnosis.

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Health A-Z

• INSIGHT

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

The plasma glucose test is the most common way to diagnose diabetes. For this test, you need to fast from all food and drink for at least eight hours. You then visit a laboratory for a blood draw. If you’re non-diabetic, your reading should come back at 100 mg/dL or less when fasting.

Some doctors also use an A1C test to measure your average blood sugar over the last three months, and most consider a reading above 6.5 to indicate diabetes. If you do receive a diagnosis, your doctor will repeat both tests at each check-up to ensure that your blood glucose is at healthy levels.

Completing an oral glucose tolerance test is another way to diagnose diabetes. For this test, you drink a beverage containing glucose and your doctor measures your blood glucose level two hours later.

Even if you haven’t started showing signs of menopause

Diabetes Treatment Options

yet, it’s a good idea

If you’re overweight or obese, your doctor will advise you to lose weight. You should also start an exercise program if you’re sedentary and overhaul your diet to balance your carbohydrate intake with other nutrients. Many women find it helpful to meet with a dietitian shortly after their diagnosis for guidance on meal planning.

to have your doctor check your blood glucose levels every year after age 45.

The type of medication you take depends on if you have Type I or Type II diabetes. Type I is typically diagnosed earlier in life. It requires taking daily insulin injections and careful dietary monitoring. Treatment for Type II diabetes usually involves dietary and exercise interventions first and then adding an oral medication if those changes don’t do enough to help stabilize blood glucose.

Diabetes Prevention Strategies Even if you have pre-diabetes, you could reverse it and not go on to develop diabetes by making some significant lifestyle changes. Regular exercise not only helps you lose weight, it reduces blood glucose and increases your insulin sensitivity, as well.

A fitness program that contains both resistance training and aerobic exercise may be the most beneficial. Even if you can’t do that, going for a walk every day in Virginia’s mild climate can dramatically improve your health. Increasing fiber and whole grains in your diet are also effective at lowering blood glucose. Some good food choices to make include beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Although following a fad diet such as the glycemic index or a low-carb diet might be tempting, it’s best just to make healthier choices every day instead.

Diabetes can be frightening, whether you have received a diagnosis or simply think you might have it. In either case, focus on READ THIS EDITION OF

OurHealth

Lynchburg & Southside ON YOUR TABLET OR SMARTPHONE

controlling as many risk factors as you can and working closely with your doctor to achieve good health.

ON THE WEB

More at OurHealthLynchburg.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Health A-Z â&#x20AC;¢ Diabetes Looks Different in Men and Women

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Health

A-Z

INSIGHT • AWARENESS • MINDFULNESS

words | LISA KROULIK

One important health issue often ignored by men is hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 36 million Americans have hearing loss. And unfortunately, these 36 million Americans are dealing with much more than diminished hearing.

WHAT IS AN

OTOLOGIST/ NEUROTOLOGIST? An otologist/neurotologist is an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) who provides medical and surgical care to patients – both adult and children – who suffer from diseases that affect the ears, balance system, temporal bone, skull base, and related structures of the head and neck.

A study released by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) found that untreated hearing loss was closely associated with quality of life issues like sadness, depression, anxiety, insecurity and irritability. Not surprisingly, the study also indicated that hearing loss affects both the individuals with “Men are far more the loss, as well as their families. likely to work in loud

Men Experience Hearing Loss in Much Higher Numbers Twice as many men as women are likely to experience hearing loss between ages 20 and 69. Advancing age is the biggest factor in hearing loss and it’s diagnosed most often between ages 60 and 69.

occupations such as construction or manufacturing. Hearing noises every day with high decibel levels eventually takes a toll on hearing.”

You may wonder why this problem affects men so much more than women. One of the biggest reasons is occupational hazards. Men are far more likely to work in loud occupations such as construction or manufacturing. Hearing noises every day with high decibel levels eventually takes a toll on hearing.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Health A-Z •

Men in the military have an even greater risk of hearing loss than men who work in loud occupations. This is easy to understand when you consider that 85 percent of enlisted personnel are men and that they operate noisy machines every day. Tinnitus, a chronic ringing in the ears, affects up to 10 percent of veterans. Hearing loss affects another six percent.

The Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Men

Even the hobbies men engage in can damage hearing. Hunting, for example, can produce shotgun blasts up to 170 decibels. Riding a motorcycle exposes riders to a decibel level of 95. Most audiologists agree that it’s risky to expose yourself to decibel levels above 85 on a routine basis.

What are Decibels? A sound’s loudness is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation is about 60 Lawn mower is about 90

Loud rock concert is about 120

In general, sounds above 85 are harmful, depending on how long and how often you are exposed to them and whether you wear hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs.

Preventing Hearing Loss Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the only type of hearing loss that is preventable, and it is well documented that the use of hearing protection devices work. However, studies show the use of hearing protection devices during recreational activities is quite low for adults.

How Loud is Too Loud? You may be surprised to learn how loud some everyday sounds can be, especially if you are exposed to ones that produce decibels above the harmful level of 85 dB on a continual basis.

NOISE TYPE

AVERAGE DECIBELS

Leaves rustling, soft music or whispering

Average noise in home

Normal conversation, background noise

Office noise, inside car at 60 mph

Heavy traffic, noisy restaurant or lawn mower

80-89

Subway, shouted conversation

90-95

ATV or motorcycle

96-100

Chainsaw or leaf blower

106-115

Sports crowd, rock concert or loud symphony

120-129

Stock car races

130

Gun shot, siren at 100 feet

140 www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Health A-Z

• INSIGHT

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Men

36 million

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 36 million Americans have hearing loss.

2 times

The symptoms of hearing loss in men are very similar to what women experience. It’s important to schedule an appointment with an audiologist as soon as possible if you recognize one or more of these symptoms:

A B C

Speech or other sounds seem muffled

You have greater difficulty following conversations when a lot of background noise is present

You avoid social situations due to frustration of not being able to hear well or don’t contribute as much to conversations as you once did

Consonants in words are harder to understand than vowels

You frequently need to ask others to repeat themselves Your family complains that you turn up the television, your alarm clock, or the ringer on your phone too loudly

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Loss in Men

Twice as many men as women are likely to experience hearing loss between ages 20 and 69.

The type of testing performed by an audiologist depends on your age as well as the suspected cause and severity of your hearing loss. For adults, the most common types of hearing tests include the following:

85 percent

TRANSTYMPANIC ELECTROCOCHLEOGRAPHY (ECOG): You will lie down in a sound booth to prepare for this test. The audiologist will then place a recording sensor in each ear. The sensor measures electrical signals produced by the nerves located in your inner ear.

Men in the military have an even greater risk of hearing loss, most likely because 85 percent of enlisted personnel are men who operate noisy machines every day.

Virginia Department for the

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING

Go to www.VDDHH.org by scanning the QR provided to learn more about services that can make your life easier.

SPEECH AUDIOMETRY: As you sit in a sound booth with a set of headphones, the audiologist will play various words at different volumes and ask you to repeat them to him or her. PURE TONE AUDIOMETRY: You will wear headphones and a headband while sitting in a soundproof booth. The audiologist will then play different sound pitches and ask you to raise your hand when you can hear them. The most typical treatment for mild to moderate hearing loss is to wear hearing aids. Speech therapy and counseling if you’re experiencing anxiety or depression about your hearing loss can be helpful as well. If your hearing loss is severe or profound, a cochlear implant may be considered an option. This is an electronic device that helps to restore some hearing by stimulating auditory nerves via the electrodes attached to the cochlea of the inner ear.

Men and Women Experience Hearing Loss Differently Although men experience hearing loss at twice the rate that women do, they are half as likely to inform the people in their lives that they’re hard of hearing. Even when they do let people know, they’re unlikely to state what could be helpful such as talking louder, making eye contact, or speaking closer to the right or left ear. Consulting a hearing care professional at the first sign of hearing loss is the most effective way to treat your condition and prevent it from worsening so you hear and enjoy all the sounds of life. Be sure to ask your audiologist for resources or check with the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to learn more about services that can make your life easier.

ON THE WEB

More at OurHealthLynchburg.com

JOIN OURHEALTH ON SOCIAL MEDIA We want to hear from you! #OurHealthLynchburg 92

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Health A-Z â&#x20AC;¢ The Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Men

www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

ORTHOPAEDIC URGENT CARE CLINIC OR THE

ER?

Ortho On-Call Helps Patients Choose words | MICHELLE ELD

A parent and a physician explain how Ortho On-Call, Lynchburg's first walkin orthopaedic urgent care clinic, saves time, money, and unnecessary ER visits.

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside

Summertime 2016: school was out and my 15-year-old son was looking forward to a couple of months of relaxing and hanging out with friends. On the Friday evening of a long holiday weekend that would stretch into Tuesday, July 4, he invited some buddies to play basketball in our driveway.

negative energy resulting from the oft-cited, harshly criticized overcrowding problem. Still, as a mother, while I felt better knowing my son was now in a specialist’s care, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated with the initial outcome. I couldn’t help but think that if had he seen an orthopaedic specialist that first day, he would have been spared the pain, uncertainty, and wasted time that came with the incorrect diagnosis. I hated seeing my son suffer, worried about whether he was going to sustain permanent damage after realizing he’d been walking around on a broken foot for five days – not to mention the two co-pays and associated doctor and hospital bills I had to pay instead of just one.

About an hour into their game, my son tripped over the base of the basketball hoop in a clumsy move that no one would have guessed would result in an injury. He was in pain and couldn’t walk on his foot, but it was late so we decided to see how he felt in the morning. The next day, my son wasn’t any better, so off to the local ER we went. He got X-rayed, and the technician and on-call doctor told us his ankle was sprained. ERs serve an estimated 141.4 They fitted him for a boot, told us to follow up million patients a year. with his orthopaedic physician, and sent us on our way.

141.4 million

I made an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist, but, because of the holiday, the specialist couldn’t see my son until that following Wednesday. So, for five days we thought he had a sprain. I tried getting him to walk on it a bit, but it was too painful. We grabbed some old, ill-fitting crutches out of the attic to help with his walking and waited until the appointment.

Not a Sprain, But a Fractured Ankle On the day we visited the specialist, my son underwent another imaging test that revealed – to our horror – that he had a fractured ankle, not just a sprain. Fortunately, he didn’t sustain any additional damage to his ankle from his attempts to walk on it. His foot was put in a cast and he was given properly-fitting crutches and a schedule of follow-up visits over the next six weeks.

47.7 percent

ERs provide an average of 47.7 percent of the nation’s medical care, according to the International Journal of Health Sciences.

One in Six

One in six visits to a traditional urgent care center involves a musculoskeletal injury, with 70 percent of those being referred to an orthopaedic specialist.

<20 percent

By contrast, in orthopaedic urgent care clinics, fewer than 20 percent of patients are referred for potential surgery.

25 percent

Feeling Helpless: A Parent’s Worst Nightmare From talking with other parents, I realized this wasn’t an isolated incident. Lots of parents, caregivers, and patients of all ages run into this roadblock after suffering orthopaedic injuries. As parents, we have to take care of ourselves as well as our significant others, our children, and often our own aging parents. As a result, we carry not only the responsibility of making sure everyone is healthy and safe, but also the emotional burden that comes with feeling helpless and seeing our loved ones in pain we can’t ease. There are few things that are more personal than our health. What if there was a better way to approach orthopaedic injuries? After all, most broken bones and bad sprains occur after normal doctor’s office hours and on weekends due, for example, to local youth sporting events. My younger son plays football and broke his arm last year at the end of practice, which was at 8 pm – well after doctor’s offices close, making the ER our only option.

My immediate reaction to my son’s new diagnosis was that the ER failed us; however, I’m in no way bashing the ER, which can be this situation is not uncommon. The specialist a godsend in a real emergency. The nurses, Twenty-five percent of patients explained that ankle injury symptoms can be doctors, and support staff are amazing at are referred to physical or so vague that detecting them with standard what they do. However, things slip through occupational therapy and imaging equipment like an X-ray machine can the cracks, the staff is usually overworked, and another 18 percent are referred be difficult. When it comes to injuries like stress for additional imaging. the person tending to your child’s injury isn’t fractures in the ankle, ultrasound imaging is always the one who’s most qualified. more effective, but in an ER setting, patients with the most serious, life threatening injuries understandably take Ortho-On Call Offers Emergency Access to priority when it comes to being evaluated with the more advanced Orthopaedic Specialists diagnostic tools like ultrasound, MRI, and CT, leaving X-ray as the Enter a new approach to emergency orthopaedic care. Ortho Onbest available option to diagnose non-life threatening injuries like Call, OrthoVirginia’s Urgent Care Clinic in Lynchburg, offers a more my son’s. targeted focus thanks to its staff of specialists who can diagnose and treat orthopaedic-related injuries and conditions quickly, Patients who require urgent, but not life-saving care, are partly accurately, and affordably. This new alternative to the ER is part of a responsible for overcrowding ERs, which the Institutes of Medicine growing national trend of opening orthopaedic urgent care centers. have declared a serious national health problem. Despite the best OrthoVirginia’s Ortho On-Call has been open for one year now, and efforts of the ERs’ physicians and staff to manage expectations the response has been overwhelmingly positive. and realize better efficiencies, they still bear the brunt of all the www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Health A-Z

Catching problematic

issues quickly

and coming up with a solution is vital in injuries of all types and in

people of all ages.

â&#x20AC;˘ INSIGHT

The need for such an orthopaedic urgent care center extends past children to adults and seniors, an age group to which the damage and impact of injuries can be even more detrimental, as they have a greater chance of sustaining worse injuries if left untreated. The long-term impact compounds the situation because it takes older adults longer to heal, which can lead to other complications and issues, especially if they have chronic health issues to contend with as well. Your aging parent has a greater chance of getting more seriously injured from, say, slipping and falling on ice than a child or young adult would. Even a hairline fracture in a seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hip could lead to a whole host of other issues, like decreased mobility, which can lead to muscle deterioration, which can compromise their immune system and mental health, and so on. Fast diagnosis and treatment are what make Ortho On-Call so special and unique. Had this service been available when my son needed it, the situation could have been handled more quickly and accurately, saving us all a lot of headache and pain. It got me thinking: what risks and dangers existed because my son had to go without the right diagnosis and treatment for as long as he did?

Orthopaedic Injuries: By the Numbers Non-life-threatening orthopaedic injuries are common among people of all ages. Annually, one in seven people has an orthopaedic impairment, with fractures being the most frequent at more than one million per year. Orthopaedic injuries are even more common in children, thanks to the rise in participation in school and community sports. In fact, more than 3.5 million kids under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports injuries each year. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, one in six visits to a traditional urgent care center involves a musculoskeletal injury, with 70 percent of those being referred to an orthopaedic specialist. By contrast, in orthopaedic urgent care clinics, fewer than 20 percent of patients are referred for potential surgery: 25 percent are referred to physical or occupational therapy, and another 18 percent are referred for additional imaging.

When Should I Go to the Emergency Room for an Orthopaedic Injury? When you think that your injury may be life-threatening, always choose the ER for care. The emergency department is the best option for more severe orthopaedic injuries, and offers the appropriate resources for treatment if: Your arm or leg is severely crooked

Orthopaedic urgent care centers are popping up all over the country with increasing frequency. According to Markets Insider, the average orthopaedic urgent care center in 2016 saw 294 patients per week and about 15,300 patients throughout the year, with patient volume expected to continue expanding through 2021 to about 300 patients per week, resulting in revenue increasing to approximately $1.7 million.

Orthopaedic Urgent Care Treatment Advantages There are several benefits to visiting an orthopaedic urgent care center instead an ER for acute non-life threatening orthopaedic injuries and conditions, including, but not limited to:

A B C D

Immediate access to specialists

TIME SAVINGS: The average patient will wait just over 15 minutes to be seen in an orthopaedic urgent care vs. 45 minutes in the ER. Total visit time is 45 minutes vs. two and a half hours, respectively. Such speed and efficiency is invaluable to a busy parent or a professional who has to return to work.

MONEY SAVINGS: A visit to an orthopaedic urgent care center can save a patient hundreds to thousands of dollars. In 2016, the average cost of an urgent care clinic visit was about $175, compared with $2,260 at an ER.

G H I

On-site availability of an X-ray machine and/or the ability to perform lab tests

A bone has broken through the skin There has been significant blood loss There are other complicating factors resulting in multiple injuries sustained, such as falling from a great height or being in a motor vehicle collision

Accurate diagnosis Well-placed and padded splints or casts Referral to the appropriate orthopaedic specialist for the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specific injury two days sooner than those seen in hospital ERs, with an average referral received from urgent care in 1.2 days compared with 3.4 days after an ER visit

Safely improve orthopaedic care for ambulatory injuries Decrease volume for overburdened hospital ERs

Health A-Z •

That said, it’s important to note that ERs will always have play a vital role in healthcare. Life-threatening injuries such as allergic reactions, injuries sustained in a car accident, and any condition that you’re unsure of (e.g. chest pain) warrants a visit to the ER. The physicians and care providers there are trained in providing emergency medical attention and can save your life.

A New Kind of Orthopedic Injury: A Parent and Physician Perspective

Orthopaedic injuries such as a suspected broken wrist at your son’s football practice or a sprained ankle at your daughter’s gymnastics recital may be best treated at an orthopaedic urgent care center. As a parent, or as a caregiver of an elderly adult, this can save you time, money, and the hassle of making multiple follow-up appointments with co-pays at every visit. In my son’s case, had we visited an orthopaedic urgent care facility like Ortho On-Call, a specialist would have seen him on the day he injured himself, diagnosed him correctly, casted him immediately, and sent him home with proper care guidelines.

The Physician’s Perspective We spoke with Victor Ratajczak, MD and Omar Elkhamr, MD, both specialists at OrthoVirginia’s Ortho On-Call, about their experiences over the past year and how this type of urgent care facility has benefited the community. “Ortho On-Call saves patients a considerable amount of time, money, and unnecessary ER visits,” says Dr. Ratajczak. “Patients can often avoid ER visits by coming directly to us.” He also states that being trained in the management of athletic injuries and sideline-related injuries means they are better equipped to give, for instance, a quick and accurate timeline indicating when an injured child can resume playing safely. The most common injuries seen at OrthoVirginia’s Ortho On-Call on any given day include: FRACTURES

SPRAINS

DISLOCATIONS

WRIST, SHOULDER, BACK, KNEE, ANKLE AND FINGER PAIN

The most common treatments include casting, splinting, fracture and joint reductions, and injections. The time savings for their patients is the single greatest perk of the orthopaedic urgent care setting. “Almost always, patients who go to the ER have to return to an orthopaedic center, where X-rays and management have to be restarted or repeated,” says Dr. Omar Elkhamra. “It’s practically become the norm for patients to go to ortho urgent care right after leaving the ER.” Both physicians say that with orthopaedic urgent care, they order fewer tests, thereby helping their patients avoid excessive delays in treatments. “Our management involves ordering the correct X-ray views to obtain the correct diagnosis, and avoiding excessive lab tests and unnecessary radiation exposure from overtreatment,” points out Dr. Ratajczak. www.OurHealthLynchburg.com

Health A-Z

• INSIGHT

The Ortho On-Call specialists only order X-rays and advanced imaging they deem necessary. “Any required procedure, from casting through reductions to injections and drainage, is done on the spot,” says Dr. Elkhamra.

Often times patients visit the

ER are for non-emergent

While there aren’t necessarily bigger and better pieces of equipment in the orthopaedic urgent care clinic, more frequent usage requirements and quicker access to such equipment contribute to the positive features of this setting.

patients excessive bills, long

The use of diagnostic ultrasound in both the evaluation and treatment of many common injuries is safer, more cost-effective, and eliminates radiation exposure and expensive imaging studies, furthers Dr. Ratajczak.

reasons, which causes

wait times, an economic burden

on our healthcare and tax payers,

and it takes away from patients that truly

need lifesaving attention.

Dr. Elkhamra outlines the main benefits of using orthopaedic urgent care:

A B C D E

Getting a definitive answer Definitive management Being managed appropriately from the beginning Less wait time as compared to the ER No need to miss school or sporting events if not medically indicated

Both physicians reiterate the importance and value of ERs with respect to life-threatening injuries. “The emergency room is a pivotal part of our healthcare system,” says Dr. Ratajczak. “Many patients visit the ER for non-life-threatening reasons, which causes excessively high medical bills, long wait times, an economic burden on our healthcare system and taxpayers, and it takes attention away from patients who truly need lifesaving care.”

Omar Elkhamr, MD

Dr. Elkhamra adds, “Of course, the ER would agree as well. It’s almost never an emergency unless it’s an open fracture, and ER physicians and providers are thankful when they don’t need to deal with non-life-threatening injuries.”

Victor Ratajczak, MD

Overall, the feedback both Dr. Ratajczak and Dr. Elkhamra have received from patients this past year has been overwhelmingly positive. “Patients love avoiding the ER,” says Dr. Ratajczak. “We can see most patients promptly, without much wait time, and provide them with the care and reassurance they need.”

OrthoVirginia’s Ortho On-Call in Lynchburg.

Ortho On-Call doesn’t just benefit patients. Both physicians feel it has positively impacted their own processes. Dr. Elkhamra says the key is being able to supervise injury management from the beginning, with no delays in treatments, and easier communication with patients and other healthcare providers. “Being a physician is the greatest job in the world,” continues Dr. Ratajczak. “It is an honor to gain a patient’s trust and help them feel better.”

Easing the Burden

ORTHO ON-CALL AT-A-GLANCE OrthoVirginia’s Ortho On-Call 2405 Atherholt Road Lynchburg, VA 24501 434.485.8500 Hours: Mon – Fri, 8 am – 7 pm; Sat – Sun, 10 am – 5 pm. More information: www.orthovirginia.com/ locations/lynchburg-va/ lynchburg-va-ortho-on-call

Being a parent, caregiver, or patient isn’t easy. Broken bones and sprains happen. We can only be so lucky that these types of injures can be fixed. But it’s how we deal with these occurrences that makes all the difference in our quality of life. I started out with concern and confusion, not knowing where to turn in the wake of my son’s injury. Now I know that if the situation should arise again, which it will – I have two teenage boys, after all – I will know exactly what to do and where to head first. Like I said, being a parent isn’t easy. But this one little part of healthcare just got a whole lot easier because I’m a more informed consumer. In the end, you feel better and get better because you know better!

ON THE WEB

More at OurHealthLynchburg.com

OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside