Y O U R L O C A L H E A LT H R E S O U R C E
COMPLIMENTARY COPY
June/July 2019
ourhealthlynchburg.com
The 2019 Class of Outstanding Nurses in Lynchburg and Southside More Than Measure Up. It Takes Special Qualities to Represent One of the Most Important Roles in Healthcare
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WHO DO YOU think has the
BESTBedside VOTING CATEGORIES INCLUDE:
Manner
in Lynchburg and Southside?
POLLS OPEN NOW Visit www.ourhealthlynchburg.com and click on the 2019 Best Bedside Manner Awards voting button to submit your entries. VOTING CLOSES JUNE 30, 2019, and winners will be featured in the December/January edition!
Questions? Email steve@ourhealthvirginia.com
LYNCHBURG & SOUTHSIDE
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FEATURES
JUNE • JULY 2019
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CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING NURSES IN LYNCHBURG AND SOUTHSIDE Our 2nd Annual Celebrating Outstanding Nurses in Lynchburg and Southside recognition program puts on display individuals possessing qualities that exemplify excellence in every way. Please join us in congratulating these 8 nurses for setting a standard from which we can all learn.
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MESSAGES TO MEN: YOUR HEALTH IS IMPORTANT TO YOUR FAMILY. IT SHOULD BE IMPORTANT TO YOU. June is Men’s Health Month and there’s no better time to tell the men in our lives how important they are to us. Plus, important health tips geared just to men that they cannot afford to miss.
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DEPARTMENTS JUNE • JULY 2019
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The Pulse | People. Places. News to Know.
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Health Scene | Happenings. Who’s Who. Trending. This year’s Lynchburg Heart Walk, which is organized by the American Heart Association, raised over $100,000 to fight heart disease and stroke.
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Q&A on Health | Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
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Are You an Anti-Vaxxer When it Come to Your Furbaby. There are risks if pet owners vaccinate. But there are also risks if they don’t. Pet owners must stay informed using evidence-based research and input from trusted veterinarians.
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46 Kid’s Care | Inform. Educate. Grow Keeping Children Active This Summer and Off Those Screens! Find yourself worrying about what your schoolage teens will be doing this summer? Take back the summer from those screens with these healthy alternatives for a fun-filled and active summer.
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Food and Fitness | Nutrition. Exercise. Prevention. The Benefits of Buying Local Foods! Why buying and consuming local foods is beneficial in more ways than you might think.
40 Healthy Home | Family. Safety. Improvements. Updating Your Home? Consider These Simple Tips for Making It a Healthier and Safer Place for Your Family. Like all industries, home improvement is one that has seen major advancements in the products, materials and processes used to not only make our lives more comfortable, but healthier too.
Pet Health | Educate. Train. Care.
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Funny Bone | Spot the Seven Differences
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JUNE • JULY 2019
PUBLISHER PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGNER
McClintic Media, Inc. Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com Jennifer Hungate Laura Bower Tori Meador
CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS
Soni Carlton, MD, FAAD Terry Dowdy Kristen Kuk, MD Andrew Pieleck, DO Richard G. Rento II, MD Kendra Simpson, MD
CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL EXPERTS & WRITERS
Joe Butler Brandy Centolanza Jeanne Grunert Jennifer Lamont
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 Laura Bower at laura@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 © 2019 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. OurHealth Lynchburg/Southside is published bi-monthly • Special editions are also published • McClintic Media, Inc. • 303 S. Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483. MAIN: ourhealthvirginia.com | ourhealthroanokenrv.com | ourhealthlynchburg.com | ourhealthrichmond.com | ourhealthcharlottesville.com | Advertising rates upon request.
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Local health. Anywhere you go. OurHealth Lynchburg & Southside magazine our community’s only resource entirely dedicated to delivering information about local healthcare services and healthy living topics. Pick up our print edition at more than 400 locations throughout the area or get the digital edition by visiting ourhealthlynchburg.com.
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The Pulse
INFORMATION • EVENTS • AWARENESS
New Technologies Fertility Specialist Providers Now Available in Lynchburg Fertility specialists, Chris Williams, MD, and Laura Smith, MD, of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Center of Virginia are now seeing new patients in the Women’s Health Services of Central Virginia in Lynchburg, every Tuesday between the hours of 8:30 AM and 3 PM. As subspecialty, board-certified Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility physicians, they see patients who are having trouble conceiving, who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss, or who are interested in egg banking, in vitro fertilization, preimplantation genetic testing, and other complex gynecological issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, uterine anomalies and polycystic ovary syndrome. More Information: Call 434.654.8520 or visit www.rmscva.com.
New Technologies New Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Vehicle in Lynchburg Through the generous support of the Centra Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Centra Foundation, Lynchburg and surrounding area residents now have access to a state-of-the-art mobile intensive care unit, NeoOne. NeoOne, is a fully customized vehicle outfitted with the advanced technologies of a NICU and the medical staff crucial for treating the tiniest and youngest patients. The neonatal ambulance can transport critically ill newborns in Lynchburg, Bedford, Danville, Farmville, Gretna and Halifax (8000 square mile area). With the ability to transport two patients, or a patient and a family member, and up to four staff, NeoOne can provide crucial early interventions during transport to the Level 3 NICU in Virginia Baptist Hospital (VBH). More Information: Visit www.centrahealth.com/services/maternity/nicu.
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Tahmina Brady, MD
Alexandra March, NP
Kendra Simpson, MD
Lauren Williams, PA
Centra Urgent Care – Forest Centra Southside Lynchburg | 434.200.7210 Medical Center www.centrahealth.com Farmville | 434.315.5340 www.centrahealth.com
Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com
Centra Urgent Care – Forest Lynchburg | 434.200.7210 www.centrahealth.com
www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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The Pulse
• NEWS TO KNOW
Recognitions and Accreditations Centra Names New President and CEO Centra announces the appointment of Andrew (Andy) T. Mueller, MD, to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 15, 2019. “After a comprehensive national search process, the board is pleased to announce that we have selected a highly qualified individual to assume leadership of Centra," says Amy Ray, chair of the Centra Board of Directors. "Dr. Mueller’s values and experience are consistent with Centra’s mission to care for our patients, their families and the communities of central Virginia. His proven track record of healthcare leadership, deep industry knowledge and his primary care background, make him uniquely qualified to lead Centra successfully into the future." Dr. Mueller began his employment career in college as a cooperative engineering intern at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where he worked in support of the Space Shuttle Program. He completed his B.S. degree with honors in electrical engineering at North Carolina State University, Andrew T. Mueller, MD and his Doctor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina. While serving in the Air Force after medical school, Dr. Mueller deployed overseas twice, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as a flight surgeon. Most recently, Dr. Mueller served as a Senior Vice President at Novant Health, a large, multi-state integrated healthcare delivery system. While at Novant Health, Dr. Mueller held increasingly responsible roles in ambulatory services, physician networks and clinical service lines. During the last four years, he served as President of the Greater Charlotte Market, the largest market within Novant Health. Under his leadership, the Greater Charlotte Market grew considerably across all service lines, developed new clinical programs and set new records for growth in outpatient volumes and new patient encounters. During his career, Dr. Mueller has had numerous experiences across many facets of the continuum of care and has a proven history of working collaboratively with independent as well as employed physicians. He has a strong background with medical education programs and will advance the educational mission of Centra with local institutions of higher learning. Dr. Mueller has continued to practice family medicine throughout his career and plans to continue seeing patients, as time allows, in Lynchburg. “I am so excited to join the Centra team and become part of the central Virginia community,” says Dr. Mueller. “It is a tremendous honor to serve as part of a truly integrated and comprehensive healthcare system that is widely known for the quality of care it delivers. I look forward to partnering with the entire medical staff to enhance care, grow strategically and create greater value for the patients and communities served by Centra. I am grateful and thankful to the Centra Board of Directors for this opportunity and look forward to helping them achieve the mission and vision of Centra Health.” “I am confident Dr. Mueller will continue to develop our mission and deepen our commitment to our communities. We are excited to welcome Andy and his wife, Courtney, and their three daughters to the Centra family,” says Ray. More Information: Visit www.centrahealth.com.
For More of The Pulse Visit:
www.ourhealthlynchburg.com Do you have health-related news to share for The Pulse? Send to Stephen McClintic Jr. via email at steve@ourhealthvirginia.com.
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Health Scene HAPPENINGS • WHO’S WHO • TRENDING photos courtesy of | AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION words | JENNY HUNGATE
LYNCHBURG HEART WALK RAISES OVER $100,000 TO FIGHT HEART DISEASE AND STROKE On Saturday, April 27, 2019, more than 1000 walkers from the Greater Lynchburg area filled Lynchburg’s Peaks View Park in support of the American Heart Association’s fight against heart disease and stroke. This year’s Lynchburg Heart Walk, organized by the American Heart Association, featured several family-friendly activities around the main event’s one, two and three-mile walks. The morning kicked-off with a special Survivor Celebration Breakfast, sponsored by Centra Health, honoring the community’s heart disease survivors and allowing them a time to connect with fellow survivors. Breakfast was followed by the first annual Pooch Parade where furry friends competed for “Best in Show” and other categories for awards and prizes. Special four-legged guest participants from the Lynchburg Humane Society donned vests with “Adopt Me: Having a pet lowers your blood sugar and is good for your heart!” Unique to this year’s event was a special opportunity to learn about and practice Hands-Only CPR. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an “out-of-hospital” setting, such as home, work or in a public space. The event, which raised a total of $104,000, was chaired by Ray Dinstel and sponsored by Pacific Life. Supporting sponsors included Centra, Liberty University, Auto-Owners Insurance, Central Virginia Family Physicians, Innovative Wireless Technologies, and many others from the Greater Lynchburg community. For more information from the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org.
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Health Scene • HAPPENINGS www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
What is “active surveillance” if you have prostate cancer? Because certain prostate cancers grow very slowly, your doctor may determine this type of cancer may not likely present a significant threat to you. This is only true if the type of prostate cancer is localized, meaning it hasn’t spread beyond the prostate.
ACTIVE
SURVEILLANCE OF PROSTATE CANCER
depends on your doctor monitoring you closely and watching to see how the cancer progresses, if at all. This requires regular rectal exams, PSA blood tests, biopsy or an MRI. Richard G. Rento II, MD Virginia Urology
If that’s the case, you and your doctor may discuss forgoing immediate treatment. Doctors call this approach “active surveillance.” By not rushing into treatment for a cancer that may not cause you any harm, this approach helps many men avoid treatment-related side effects. Active surveillance depends on your doctor monitoring you closely and watching to see how the cancer progresses, if at all. This requires regular rectal exams, PSA blood tests, biopsy or an MRI. If your doctor notices changes occurring, then treatment discussions will begin. Patients are carefully monitored during this type of treatment, and your doctor will consider many factors before deciding whether this approach is right for you. Richard G. Rento II, MD Virginia Urology Richmond | 804.330.9105 www.uro.com
What causes a hernia? A hernia can happen in different parts of the body, but most people think of hernias in the abdomen and groin areas. Typically, muscle tissue and connective tissue, called fascia, keep your bowels and abdominal organs within the abdomen. When there is damage to, or weakening of, the muscle or fascia, it can create an opening where the contents of the abdomen can come through. The hernia bulges out and often contains loops of the intestine or fat. A hernia can be caused by heavy lifting, an old incision, or something as simple as a persistent cough, or even constipation. Sometimes, a hernia can come through a naturally occurring opening in the groin (inguinal hernia). There are several types of hernias but inguinal and umbilical are the most common. If you feel a bulge and have discomfort in the area, you should get it checked out by your primary care provider. Andrew Pieleck, DO
Access Healthcare Multi-Specialty Group Forest | 434.316.7199 www.access-healthcare.net
What is the most popular aesthetic procedure for men? According to the American Hair Loss Association, androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men. By age 35, two-thirds of American men will experience some degree of appreciable hair loss. At Ridgeview Dermatology, our most popular men's treatment is plateletrich plasma (PRP) injection for hair loss. The medical treatment, in which the patient’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp, uses the body’s own natural plasma, reducing the chance of an allergic reaction. Once injected, the platelets release growth factors that can stimulate dormant hair follicles to begin growth again. The procedure only takes 10-15 minutes and is generally well tolerated. We recommend that patients have the procedure performed in a series of at least four treatments performed once a month. The patient is then transitioned to a maintenance plan of 2-3 treatments per year. PRP injection can be combined with other treatments for hair loss, including taking oral supplements or medications, and topical treatments such as minoxidil (Rogaine). Kristen Kuk, MD
Aesthetics by Ridgeview Dermatology Lynchburg | 434.363.4190 Forest | 434.333.7370 Smith Mountain Lake | 540.759.7500 Farmville | 434.607.4599 www.ridgeviewdermatology.com
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Questions. Answers. Knowledge.
What is the role of a hospice volunteer?
Can psoriasis go away on its own?
Hospice volunteers serve families experiencing the final stages of a life-limiting illness. A source of comfort, compassion and encouragement, they often find their own lives enriched by supporting family caregivers and spending time with someone nearing the end of their life.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can be managed and controlled, but there is currently no cure. However, the disease severity and activity can vary significantly from person to person. Patients with milder disease may have periods with clear skin for years at a time with only the occasional flare-up. If the psoriasis has been triggered by a medication, then stopping that medication can sometimes make the psoriasis go away. It has been shown that reducing stress has helped psoriasis improve as well. There are many new medications called biologics that can treat psoriasis and help it to improve. Because there is no cure to make it go away on its own, much research is being done for this skin condition.
Carefully selected and trained, hospice volunteers provide greatly appreciated assistance by:
Without record of vaccination, the only way to know
IF YOU HAVE
IMMUNITY TO MEASLES
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Visiting with patients and families in their place of residence, sometimes when caregivers need to run errands or tend to their own health and well-being.
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Reminiscing, listening to their stories, or just being a comforting presence.
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Reading to them or writing letters on their behalf to family and friends.
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Assisting with administrative duties or community outreach – data entry, filing, preparing for and staffing community events.
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Sharing their artistic or creative talents – playing music, singing or making handcrafted gifts.
IS THROUGH A
MEASLES TITER TEST, which is a blood test that looks for antibodies to the measles virus. Kendra Simpson, MD
Richeson Drive Pediatrics
Terry Dowdy Director of Volunteers
Gentle Shepherd Hospice Lynchburg | 800.789.0586 www.gentleshepherdhospice.com
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Soni Carlton, MD, FAAD
I’m not sure if I had a measles vaccination as a child; how do I find out without records? Without record of vaccination, the only way to know if you have immunity to measles is through a measles titer test, which is a blood test that looks for antibodies to the measles virus. This can be ordered by your primary care provider on request. That said, if you are unsure of immunity and don't have a record of having an MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends receiving 2-dose MMR series as there is no harm in receiving the vaccine, even if you have already had it in the past. Kendra Simpson, MD
Richeson Drive Pediatrics Lynchburg | 434.385.7776 www.richesondrivepediatrics.com
Dermatology Consultants Lynchburg | 434.847.6132 www.lynchburgdermatology.com
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Celebrating
Outstanding
Nurses in Lynchburg & Southside
The 2nd Annual Celebrating Outstanding Nurses in Lynchburg and Southside Recognition Program Puts On Display Individuals
Possessing Qualities that Exemplify Excellence in Every Way words | JOE BUTLER
Having exceptional clinical skills is only part of what reminding them the main reason they got into medicine makes a nurse stand out in her or his field in healthcare. in the first place: because they care. While there’s no denying the amount of time, effort According to the Virginia Nurses Association, there and intellect that goes into becoming a nurse, it’s often are currently more than 100,000 nurses in the what’s not taught in the classroom that really makes these Commonwealth who all generally possess similar abilities. truly special individuals the difference makers in The class of nurses who make up this year’s list their field. Like compassion and empathy. shows us more about the person, including Resilience and dedication. Resolve what makes each of them unique when it and determination. Selflessness and comes to treating others the way they Nurses are humility. Typically, people in healthcare deserve. It’s either their projects and often the catalysts positions are taught to separate their passions they’ve been involved in for for change when it emotions from their jobs, so they may years or the especially interesting make the most objective decisions comes to the pre-nursing careers and backgrounds based on medical science. But anyone that can sometimes add extra health system as who has been cared for by a nurse will perspective to their current duties and a whole. be the first to tell you that being typical provide more opportunities for them is in no way among the many hats they to share their skills and empathy with wear. For nurses, it’s personal, and they prove today’s patients. It’s everything you can think every day that it takes the best balance of humanity of when you envision what makes a nurse notable, and so to see others in need through what often are the worst much more. moments of their lives. But it doesn’t end there. Nurses are often the catalysts for change when it comes to the health system as a whole. They motivate their colleagues, peers and leaders around them to do more and expect less while routinely
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Please join us in congratulating the nurses featured in the following pages. We thank each of them for their service and for setting a standard from which we all can learn.
www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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• DEDICATION •
• ATTENTIVE •
• CONSIDERATION •
Tracy Casto, RN, BSN Director of Nursing
Brandi Creasy, BSN, RN, CCRN Jessica Goode, LPN Clinical Quality Coordinator
Long-term Care Nurse
Lynchburg
Lynchburg
Lynchburg
When Tracy Casto’s diabetic patients are at the grocery store trying to decide what really constitutes a whole grain or healthy vegetable, they can call her to get a little shopping advice. The Director of Nursing at Johnson Health Center (JHC), along with Nutritional Coordinator Rachel Harrison, is happy to take calls, texts or emails from patients who are new to her diabetic wellness group and need help on the spot in making healthy choices.
The day Brandi Creasy, BSN, RN, CCRN, trusted her instincts and turned her car around was the day she saved a life. As the Clinical Care Coordinator for Centra Health’s Cardiothoracic ICU, Creasy is always ready to expect the unexpected and help out anytime.
As a kid, Jessica Goode, LPN, loved to watch hospital dramas and medical shows featuring surgeries and the lives of different medical professionals. And while they piqued her interest in helping people, she was probably most influenced by her mother, who was a nursing assistant for about 30 years.
That time came one day when she was on her way home after work. She passed an elderly bicyclist talking to the driver of a UPS truck. As she kept driving, something told her to turn around. When she did, the cyclist flagged her down and said the UPS driver had slumped over. Creasy immediately jumped to his aid and began performing CPR with the help of another passerby, who happened to be Missy Jarvis, a fellow Centra nurse.
Over the years, her passion for nursing grew. Now, the licensed practical nurse at Westminster Canterbury-Lynchburg is the kind of nurse she wanted to emulate from those shows and her mother—a compassionate professional who is always warm, attentive and able to anticipate her patient’s needs before they even know themselves.
Johnson Health Center www.jhcvirginia.org
Casto is an RN and BSN who knows that leading the wellness group means patients who aren’t sure about proper ways to buy and prepare food often have questions which need to be answered outside of normal office hours. Because she wants her patients to learn the best strategies for eating and living, she’s been happy to oblige them over the years. She also encourages them to call with questions about diabetic strips when they’re at the pharmacy. Casto’s sense of dedication and collaboration spills over to the nursing team she leads at JHC, where she emphasizes teamwork, respect and excellence in her staff. Collecting input from everyone on her team when decisions need to be made, as well as seeking the opinions of other nurses on her team, creates a balance of integrity and team building that improves procedures, morale and patient care.
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Centra Health www.centrahealth.com
Because of their efforts, the driver later recovered. The two nurses received recognition and an award from the Red Cross. They both continue to stay in touch with both the driver and the cyclist, who, in his 80s, was inspired by their life-saving heroism to take a CPR class so he’d be better prepared to help someone as they did. While Creasy was happy to have a direct role in saving someone’s life, she says it is really part of what she does daily: use her training, experience and her instincts to help others.
OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
Westminster Canterbury-Lynchburg www.wclynchburg.org
In her nine years as an LPN, she has administered care to patients while staying cool in stressful situations. While she assists with a variety of health needs, including wound care and infection treatment, Goode also knows what product or services are available locally and regionally to help residents. She arranges transportation for them and believes that performing all of these tasks well requires being flexible and empathetic toward patients, their families and even her fellow co-workers. Colleagues say Goode is the perfect example of a proactive, patient-focused professional. Because she believes that respect for others is one of the most integral characteristics in a nurse, she sets a good example by always being respectful to patients and colleagues and her work reflects her considerate nature and positive attitude.
• DEDICATION •
Crystal Gunner, LPN Long-term Care Nurse
Piney Forest Health and Rehab Center www.pineyforestrehab.com
Danville She’s not your typical nurse. Crystal Gunner, LPN, at Piney Forest Health and Rehabilitation Center in Danville, is an advocate for patients and their families before, during and after a patient’s death. The licensed practical nurse is a compassionate professional who aids new patients in finding comfort while helping family members find moments of closure in the wake of grief. It takes a special type of nurse to arrange final visits with family members and make sure the experience is met with the empathy and importance it deserves. Gunner is that kind of nurse, inspired by one very special memory... When the mother of one of her friends passed away before she could attend her son’s upcoming wedding, Gunner made sure the devastated family had a final visit before the funeral home arrived. She even made sure the woman was wearing her beloved beanie that held special memories for her family members. Gunner’s thoughtfulness helped the family find a bit of closure, while helping Gunner find her calling. She’s dedicated to providing the same level of care and support to all her patients and their families to try and lessen the heartache during the worst times in their lives.
Join us in Congratulating These
Outstanding
Nurses #OurHealthLynchburg
www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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• INSPIRATIONAL •
Kristin Hicks, RN, BSN
Endoscopy Nurse
Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia www.gastrocentralva.com
Lynchburg Her patients say she makes them feel “safe” and “cared for.” Her fellow nurses say she gives them the confidence to do better with their own patients. Kristin Hicks, RN, BSN, is a natural leader who inspires others with her grace, strength and integrity. The endoscopy nurse at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Virginia’s Endoscopy Center monitors her patients with the dependability and leadership qualities that make her co-workers enjoy working with her, and her patients appreciate everything she does for them. Taking the time to listen to her patients with warmth and empathy, Hicks remains positive and in charge so that others around her—patients and fellow employees—feel confident and comfortable. That makes her a natural choice to serve as a preceptor for a University of Lynchburg Nursing student each year. She takes this role seriously, making sure future nurses have the right technical skills to be successful, as well as the ability to connect well with patients.
Join us in Congratulating These
Outstanding
Nurses #OurHealthLynchburg
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
• Determination •
Lisa Moore, RN
Regional Director of Personal Care Services Generation Solutions www.generationsolutions.net
Lynchburg All her life, she’s been interested in helping people. Lisa Moore, RN, is a nurse who believes in a holistic approach to patient care. She’s also a leader who recognizes and implements needed improvements to help both patients and co-workers at Generation Solutions in Lynchburg. Moore’s early personal experiences of helping take care of her injured brother and her grandmother who suffered a stroke—as well as her 40 years as a nurse— have shaped her into a compassionate professional who is also determined and efficient. As Regional Director of Personal Care Services, Moore now focuses more on human resourcesrelated responsibilities, but she is always mindful of the “whole” person. She’s revamped and created new organizational processes to improve patient care and workflow, while personally mentoring everyone affected to ensure smooth transitions. As an RN who is also a massage therapist, she’s uniquely qualified to help patients in managing chronic pain with hands-on therapy requiring less medication. Her holistic approach to all that she does helps her and the rest of the staff at Generation Solutions provide optimal care with kindness and dedication.
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• GENEROSITY •
Tammy Moore, RN, BSN Hospice Nurse
Gentle Shepherd Hospice www.gentleshepherdhospice.com
Lynchburg OURHEALTH WOULD LIKE TO
Congratulate ALL OF THE
Outstanding
Nurses in Lynchburg & Southside
Join Us in Congratulating THEM ON
social media #OurHealthLynchburg
There are many good, caring hospice nurses, but likely very few who create homemade bath soaps for their patients. Tammy Moore, RN, BSN, at Gentle Shepherd Hospice in Lynchburg, is that type of nurse. With more than 20 years of experience, Moore’s philosophy starts with getting to know her patients on a deeply personal level. She experiences the struggles hospice patients and their families face, often shedding tears right alongside them and recognizing where they most need help. Buying groceries out of her own pocket for families, gathering donations to assist patients and giving caregivers much needed breaks, Moore possesses a generous spirit that helps ease the exhaustion her patients and their families endure. Finding ways to go above and beyond standard patient care, she often continues to visit patients or work with a family long after her shift has ended. Praised as a nursing leader with a strong work ethic, she communicates well with patients and their families to help them work through necessary, difficult decisions while remaining their passionate and empathetic advocate. And because she gets to know her patients and their families so well, she can provide those caring, personal touches that are vitally important to their emotional wellbeing.
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
• Passion •
Alice Waller, LPN Residential Clinical Care Director
Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care www.heritagegreenlynchburg.com
Lynchburg At Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care in Lynchburg, Alice Waller, LPN, knows all of the 100 residents by name. The dedicated licensed practical nurse is familiar with not only residents’ medical concerns but also their life stories. As the facility’s Residential Clinical Care Director, caring for patients is an act of compassion, as well as passion. She makes sure patients know they’re appreciated and respected, and that doing so is a form of “treatment” that’s just as important as the medical care they receive. Working on the floor whenever she’s able, and even spending some of her off time to visit with residents who don’t have family or friends nearby, Waller sits with patients to listen, watch Billy Graham or just make sure they’re comfortable. It’s these special moments of compassion that define her leadership style as well. She encourages the staff at Heritage Green to always put themselves into the patient’s shoes to practice better compassion and elevate the care residents receive.
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Messages to Men:
Your Health is Important to Your Family. It Should Be Important to You Too. words | JENNIFER LAMONT
You’re our protector, our advisor and our guide, even if you don’t always know where you’re going. Sometimes you’re the dad who makes us learn how to change a tire before we can drive. Or the class clown who makes us all giggle. You’re the husband who is a best friend and partner. The guy who makes us roll our eyes but who we know we can’t live without. You’re not a superhero, but, at times, you’re our hero. You seem invincible – and you might feel that way – but you’re not. As the people in your life who love you, we want you to take care of yourself. But we don’t want to nag or constantly remind you, because, frankly, we are tired of doing all the worrying for you. And we know nagging doesn’t work anyway. Men still don’t go to the doctor for checkups as much as women, especially if they feel ‘well.’
Love Your Body Like You Love Your Car June is Men’s Health Month and there’s no better time to tell you how important you are to us – the people in your life who love you, support you and want you around for a very long time. We know you don’t like going to the doctor. Who does? And while some of your reasons for not going are logical, some aren’t. Logically, you know that men who get early, preventive care have a better chance of catching and surviving illnesses while they’re much more treatable and manageable.
Even if you feel “fine” or you think that pain will go away, there’s never a “dumb” reason to go to the doctor. Just as you take your car in for regular oil changes and repairs to make sure it’s running smoothly, you need to treat your body with just as much care. If you think something is wrong with your car, you want to fix it early before it becomes a major hassle. Your health is even more important. It matters. So, here’s what we really want you to know.
Love Letters from Your Family – What Your Loved Ones Really Want You to Know
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Tips to Der ail D Pred iabet iabe tes a can es be r n d type eve Emily Johnson (Sis)
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rsed . The 2 diabe tes CDC redu say c by e ing your s ve w perc n 5 to 7 eight e risk. nt lower s F pers or a 200 your o to 14 n, that’s pound only poun 10 ds.
Inbox – Email May 20, 2019 at 5:50 PM
Happy Birthday Bro To: Trever Johnson
Happy 50th Birthday to my favorite big brother! Yes, you’re my only brother, but still my fave. That’s why I want to tell you how much I appreciate you for always being there for me. As big brothers go, I got lucky. Did I ever thank you enough for all those times you changed my oil or patched that old VW back together for me? Or for being my protector that one summer at camp? I know I could never thank you enough for helping me move so, so many times. (I swear, I’ll never ask again!). Thank you, big brother, for always being someone I could count on as kids and, even now, you’re always there for me. As your sister, I’m proud to call you my brother. As your family, I hope you’re taking good care of yourself. You know I need you to be here for all the family reunions and help me make fun of the cousins. :)
Reduce Your Risk
Exercising and eating healthy reduces your chances for developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. That number jumps to 71 percent if you’re over age 60.
Take care and happy birthday, bro.
Did You Know?
Love always, Your Sis
Replacing fast-digesting carbohydrates (refined, processed sugary foods) with whole foods reduces your chances for developing diabetes by up to 40 percent.
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 37
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OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
! ay, Daddy u d h t ir B and give yo y p Hap B in person H l u o yo co h g is w hin
to t you somet ’t be there g s week! I go Sorry I can al n fi ’s for meetin it t u hug, b , thank you W T , B se e. u a great big o m h t ti t of the it home nex ing him ou n n ru t – bringing o n d the break an John over dy. ad D er y, u od g ut whenev lol. He’s a go me soon, b ti y g an in k ed in arri it. Th t to get m talk about e W f . O it I don’t wan l? in o o he’s r grad sch my future, s maybe afte e’ h I imagine t u ot you. B urse, he’s n co l o ys nd, right? L a close seco I will alwa ill so ugh. You w worry, tho ’t n need you, o t D an rt o e care of always be the most imp e me please tak is addy. man in my life. ProJmohn and yourself, d e aisle when of e down th m k al e take care w ere to u, so pleas yo d ee n you’ll be th s way ed. I will al I get marri addy. yourself, d ter! and Mom la I’ll call you birthday!
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Did You Know?
You can increas e your fi rate of ve-year colorec surviva tal canc type of l er – the cancer leading in both men an d wome – up to n 90 perc e n t by getting recomm ended screenin gs and catchin g it in th e early sta ge.
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Dear Son, What a milestone! Getting to 50 means you’ve done okay so far. Just wait till you’re my age! I wish you the happiest of birthdays, kiddo. It doesn’t matter how old you get, you’re still my little boy. I’ve A little birdie told me always been proud of you, you know that. you missed another There’s not much new happening here since doctor’s appointment. we spoke last. Your father sends his love. His Don’t make me take sugar has been a little on the high side. you there myself. I hope you’re taking good care of yourself. How is the shoulder doing? A little birdie told me you missed another doctor’s appointment. Don’t make me take you there myself. You know your father doesn’t like me driving the car. I’ve enclosed a magazine clipping that says eating greens helps prevent cancer and diabetes, so I hope you’re eating your vegetables and taking your vitamins. And please go the doctor. Don’t be like your father. He won’t eat kale.
Tips for Reducing Slips, Spills and Mishaps Improving your balance and strength can help you reduce the chance of falls and injuries while working, home or at play.
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Happy, happy birthday! Your dad and I love you with all our hearts. Take care of yourself, son.
ow?
Wear ing a seat b the sp elt an eed li d follo mit re dying wing duces in a c your r ar cra isk of sh by half. Gettin g com prehe eye e nsive xams e ach y espec ear, ially a fter th age o e f 45, w ill red your c uce hance s for accid ents a nd fall s.
Love, Mom and Dad
I f Yo u Do A T h e se N o ny t h i n g, Ta ke te s to H e a The way y rt o u t a ke c a re
3 01 2 g rin p S
Spring 2013
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of yourself ever yone a impacts ro u n d y o u , a s ow n physic well as yo ur al and me ntal perfo ever y thin r mance in g you do. P art o
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Healthy Home FAMILY • SAFETY • IMPROVEMENTS
Updating Your Home? Consider These Simple Tips for Making It a Healthier and Safer Place for Your Family words | JEANNE GRUNERT
There’s nothing quite like standing back and seeing how magnificent a project has turned out after all the hard work it took, especially a remarkably large undertaking like renovating or remodeling a home. Yet, no matter how much we may love our living space’s new makeover, there always seems to be something that we would have done differently had we remembered or known about it before the job was complete. Like all industries, home improvement is one that has seen major advancements in the products, materials and processes used to not only make our lives more comfortable, but healthier too. Before you begin your next big project, take time to learn more about the options available today that can make your home a healthier place to live in the years to come for you and your family.
Mold and Mildew Areas of a home like basements, beneath stairs and in crawl spaces – especially those where furnaces, heat pumps, water heaters and sump and sewer pumps may be located – are more prone to accumulating moisture that can lead to mold and mildew developing. Moisture behind already enclosed walls can even be present, especially if a home is very old or previous remodeling was done incorrectly.
Did You Know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to mold in the home can lead to coughing, wheezing, throat irritation and skin irritation. People with existing lung disease should pay special attention to mold issues as they can aggravate the condition.
New Products for Home Health
Are They Worth It? Ads on television or in glossy brochures at the home center tout the latest health and safety products, but are they worth it? For those with ongoing health concerns or young children at home, you may wish to consider one or more of the following add-on products to your new home or home remodeling project.
1. Media filters: Most air filters for HVAC systems fit loosely in their frames. This allows some air to circulate without passing through the filter, and thus without having airborne particles filtered out. Media filters, on the other hand, fit tightly in the frames and trap more dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. And, according to experts, may last two to three times longer.
2. UV lights: UV lights use ultraviolet radiation to kill mold and bacteria in the air. They are placed inside the HVAC system. As air passes through the system, the UV light kills these living organisms and improves indoor air quality. They may also be used to reduce mold and bacteria in water systems. They are well-tested and proven to work, and have been in use for decades.
3. Electronic Air Cleaners:
These provide whole-house filtration by removing airborne dust, pollen, and other miscellaneous particles.
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What can homeowners do to keep their homes dry and reduce the risk of mold? A wet switch or EZ trap into HVAC and water heaters allows the system to cut off upon the detection of water to prevent water damage. Also, a whole-house dehumidifier aids in the prevention of mold development.
Is Summer the Best Time for Home Renovations?
Asbestos and Lead Paint in Older Homes Remodeling older homes is popular among many people who are either interested in updating their current residence or restoring a location full of character from decades before. But with remodeling an older home comes the risk of asbestos exposure and uncovering lead paint under the wallpaper you might dislike.
Was Your Home Built Before 1989?
Not necessarily, according to U.S. News & World Homes built before 1989 may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally Report. Electrical work, painting, plumbing occurring substance that acts as a fire retardant, but inhaling asbestos particles or fibers over a long period of time can cause breathing difficulties or lung upgrades, and even decks and additions can be diseases. Common areas where asbestos was used in older homes include roofing completed during the fall or winter, too. You may shingles, hot water pipe insulation, around boilers, fireplaces, and furnaces, and also receive faster service during non-traditional in pipe joints. months when contractors aren’t as busy. Lead paint may be found in homes built before 1980. The government banned lead additives from paint in 1978, but older homes may have baseboards, trim, or wall paint that still contains lead. According to the CDC, nationwide, 24 million housing CONTINUED ON PAGE 44
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Turn to the Local Pros Tip #1:
Don’t Duck Your Ductwork Just Because You Don’t See It Home remodeling often involves updates and changes to the more visible surfaces, such as countertops, appliances, windows, flooring and wall textures. While these more minor projects make major improvements in the appearance of our homes, they unfortunately can create unwanted effects in places out of plain sight. Like your ductwork. Dust and debris created from demolition and power equipment can find its way into our ductwork through register grills in the walls, ceilings and floors that take air and everything in it that gets heated or cooled before returning into the home, along with the pesky particles that went along for the trip. These particles of dust and debris can wreck havoc on people with lung conditions, asthma or allergy, and the effects can linger as long as nothing is done. Take the opportunity after your project is complete to have your ductwork and HVAC system cleaned and checked for optimal performance. Professional HVAC contractors like Cundiff Heating and Air Conditioning in Lynchburg and Forest offer affordable and effective ductwork and overall system cleaning and repair if needed that can make another major improvement in your home, and the health of everyone who lives in it.
Cundiff Heating and Air Conditioning Lynchburg | 434.846.1323 Forest | 434.525.2455 www.cundiffheating.com www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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units are suspected of containing lead paint. This paint can chip or become dust and airborne, causing mental problems including poor concentration and lowered intelligence.
Turn to the Local Pros Tip #2: Wrap Up Your Remodel with A Professional Whole Home Deep Cleaning
Just as a small remodel can cause dust and debris to infiltrate your ductwork, it can also get trapped in the tops and bottoms of wall corners, in crevices, cabinets, carpets, walls, baseboards, ledges, fireplaces, window treatments and more that we may not know about. Mud and dirt from outdoors can also make its way in through foot traffic of construction workers and residents living in the home during construction. Even brand new appliances, sinks, fixtures, windows and doors that look clean to naked eye still may need deeper work done to rid of bacteria, germs and other unhealthy elements that they accumulated while in storage and transport. Merry Maids in Lynchburg offers specialized deep-cleaning services specifically for post project clean-up, pet-hair removal, and mold and mildew removal. Need a deep seasonal clean? They can tackle that for you too, ensuring your home is clean and healthy top to bottom.
Merry Maids
Lynchburg | 434.237.6243 www.merrymaidsoflynchburg.com
Contractors today have many options and can guide you on how to remove old asbestos-laden materials and lead paint safely. Homeowners have options, too.
What can homeowners do if they have lead paint? For homeowners living in houses that may contain lead paint, the CDC recommends wet-mopping and wiping floors and windowsills frequently to remove any lead particles. Check and remove any peeling paint, especially if you have children under age six living at home who may put hands in their mouths after touching walls or areas containing possibly contaminated paint.
Safety Should Come First When Remodeling Remodeling for aesthetic reasons provides a refreshed and beautiful home, but what about safety? As you’re drawing up your estimates with your contractors for your home remodeling, ask about adding safety features to your home including:
Reinforcing handrails Installing grab bars Modifying showers to include grab bars and seats Removing or tacking down scatter rugs Making sure transition strips are correctly mounted into the floor to prevent trips Making sure areas are well lit indoors and out If you’re remodeling your bathroom, consider adding those grab bars and handrails during the remodel. You may not need them now, but you never know when an accident or illness may reduce your mobility, making those grab bars a lifesaver. Even a slip in the shower could be dangerous; a grab bar or nonskid surface added to the tub or shower floor may save a life. Home remodeling is more than choosing new carpet, paint, and fixtures. Oh sure, that’s the fun part. But making sure your family is healthy and safe is the essential part of a home remodeling project. Choose your projects wisely, invest in healthy living spaces, and enjoy your home for a long time to come.
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FOR EVEN MORE HEALTH RESOURCES! OurHealth | The Resource for Healthy Living in Lynchburg and Southside
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Kid’s Care INFORM • EDUCATE • GROW
KEEPING CHILDREN ACTIVE THIS SUMMER
& Off Those Screens! words | JEANNE GRUNERT
ou Y Did w? Kno
School’s almost out for summer. As the clang of the last bell of the academic year dies away, and the custodian pulls the floor buffer from the closet, kids everywhere rejoice.
ll of a ent .S. c r e 9p ing he U ut 3 lds in t a gam nd o b e o A ,a seh hav nsole ent hou co perc ve 95 ens ha e of t ss to a . e acc phone l ia rt c a sm ve so y o a l s y t The ercen t p 45 almos d , an line “ a i d n me are o y .” the tantly s con
But parents are another story. Many working parents find themselves worrying about their school-age children – notably those ages 12-17 – during the summer months, especially as children age out of day camp, summer camp, and summer programs. With 24 million children between the ages of 12-17, and just over 1.8 million children under age 18 living in the commonwealth, that’s not an idle worry. During the summer months, without the structure of the school day or other activities, adolescents tend to gravitate towards their screens. Unlike their parents, who tend to visit Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, adolescents prefer YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. Too much screen time can be problematic. Screens take away from active play, reading, and playing independently. And cell phones are a real danger. Distraction with cell phones can make children and teens less able to self-regulate themselves. CONTINUED ON PAGE 49
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The Summer Fun Checklist Here’s a brief checklist to use when discussing with your teens about what interests them so you can plan your summer fun schedule. For every activity on the list, ask your teen to assign a numerical score from 1 – 5, with “1” being “not interested” and “5” being “that sounds great! Let’s do it!” Tally up the results and the activities with the most “5s” are those you might want to add to a “Summer Fun” Checklist of things to do this year.
Summer Fun Ideas: (SCORE FROM 1 TO 5)
Go canoeing
Cooking lessons
Go kayaking
Day trips to see historical sites in Virginia
Go fishing Go swimming Go to a museum
Craft lessons together like pottery, stained glass, etc.
Go for a hike
Visit a vintage or artisan festival
Go on a family bike ride
Volunteer at a local non-profit
Schedule a movie night
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Campfire or fire pit with friends
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Studies have shown the more screen time kids get, the less able they are to manage their emotions, read verbal cues, and self-soothe. Other detrimental effects of too much screen time include both physical and emotional problems. Neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, headaches, sleep disturbance with use of a screen near bedtime, and chronic illness caused by contamination of the phone with viruses and bacteria are all risks from too much screen time. Vision problems are also common. Small text and bright screens can strain the user’s eyes causing dry eyes, eye redness, and blurred vision. So no, parents – it’s not your imagination, and you’re not overreacting when you worry about your teens during the summertime. But what can you do?
Take Back Summer from the Screen! It’s time to take back your summer from the screen or limit your kids’ screentime. But instead of nagging them to death over their use of smartphones, make the alternative more attractive.
1. Virginia State Parks Programs: Virginia offers a wealth of beautiful state parks with lakes for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Camping, hiking, nature programs and other outdoor activities make for great family time, too. Special events include nature hikes, star gazing, historical tours of sites, and more.
Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/ state-parks/other/summer-fun for more information.
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2. Virginia Public Libraries: Many of the public libraries in Virginia offer summer programs for teens including movie days, gaming afternoons with old-fashioned board games, and similar programs.
Visit www.vpl.virginia.gov/ programming/youth-services/ for more information.
3. Friend Fun: Plan for a sleepover, a weekend together, or another activity that brings teens together. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. It’s having face time, rather than screentime, that counts.
4. Get On Your Bike and Ride: Dust off your old bicycles, fill the tires, and go for a family ride. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a national organization, offers a guide to converted railway lines statewide that are now smooth, groomed bicycling and walking pathways. Visit www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/blog/9-great-rail-trails-in-virginia to learn about nine great rail trails in Virginia.
5. Encourage Hobbies: Offline hobbies, crafts, and activities offer a great way to keep kids fit and active during the summer months. Baseball, swimming, horseback riding, and other sports provide demanding physical activity with plenty of time away from the screen. Macaroni Kid, an online resource to activities, events and attractions for kids throughout the region, offers some excellent ideas to consider in the Greater Lynchburg area.
Scan the QR code provided to visit www.lynchburg.macaronikid.com for more information.
Summertime is when the living is easy, but it’s also a time when parents face many challenges keeping teens active and healthy. Encourage togetherness with family and friends, outdoor time to keep minds and bodies healthy, and enjoy the months ahead.
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Pet Health EDUCATE • TRAIN • CARE
Are You an Anti-Vaxxer When It Comes to Your words | JENNIFER LAMONT
Furbaby?
Ever since Louis Pasteur hesitantly – but successfully – injected a nine-year-old boy named Joseph with the first rabies vaccine in 1885, it has saved millions of people around the world. The boy had been mauled by a rabid dog, which, at the time, was a death sentence. He survived, thanks to Pasteur and his partner, Emile Roux, who helped develop the vaccine. There are still occasional deaths, even today. On January 4, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the cause of death in 2017 for a Virginia woman was rabies. She had been bitten by a rabid puppy while traveling overseas and hadn’t gotten vaccinated against the disease. But these cases are rare. The World Health Organization estimates the vaccine saves more than 250,000 people each year. As advancements in science and technology change the landscape of healthcare each day for humans, pet medicine follows a parallel path. Advances in science have made it possible to almost eradicate diseases like canine distemper, which only has a 20 percent survival rate. On the other hand, diseases that were once rare or even eradicated are impacting pet populations again – and differently than in years past. Veterinarians in Virginia are reporting cases of leptospirosis, a dangerous bacterial disease that once only infected dogs in rural areas. Now, it’s showing up in suburban areas. While still rare, it can easily be transmitted to humans. The vaccine for leptospirosis isn’t considered a core vaccine, but many vets, in the face of increasing cases, are recommending it in addition to the core vaccines.
Do you know if your pet is getting under or over vaccinated?
Vaccinations Save Lives
While most vets follow science-based guidelines like those published by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), some may not. Research the guidelines so you know.
Even though vaccines save both pet and human lives, there is almost as much controversy surrounding our pet’s immunizations as there is about vaccines for humans. Even pet owners who are ‘pro-vaccination’ want to make sure their pets are not getting too many vaccines because of possible dangerous side effects. Are the fears unfounded? Or, are pet owners right to worry about the vaccines their pets are getting? Understanding what’s occurring when your pet gets vaccinated – or not – can help pet parents make informed decisions. 52
Is your pet getting vaccinated too often? Some vets think so. Many do not. Talk to your veterinarian and check the recommended schedules published by the AAHA and AAFP to see what minimum recommended doses are for your pet. Core vaccines, like canine parvovirus, distemper and feline panleukopenia, are advised regardless of circumstances. These prevent severe, life-threatening diseases that are universal threats. There are certain vaccines that new studies have shown to be effective for much longer than originally thought, and many vets are taking this into consideration. For example, new research shows that parvo and distemper give immunity for some dogs for at least five years. For other dogs, immunity can last a lifetime. So, individual dogs will respond to vaccines differently. Because of that, vets want to err on the side of caution without causing harm to the animal. Vets also determine what other vaccines are needed based on the pet’s location and activities. If your Golden Retriever is frequently outdoors and may come into contact with wildlife, it will need core vaccines, plus others, which won’t be necessary for a Yorkie that doesn’t leave his condo in the city.
Core Vaccines for Cats » Rabies » Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpes Virus) » Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) » Calicivirus
Core Vaccines for Dogs » Rabies » Canine Distemper Virus » Canine Adenovirus Type 2 » Canine Parvovirus Type 2
What happens when you don’t vaccinate your pets? As with humans, herd immunity develops when enough of a population has been vaccinated against a particular disease. So, vaccinating your pet doesn’t only protect your beloved pet, but also protects the community as a whole. When enough are vaccinated, it prevents the disease from gaining a foothold in the community. When there is a lack of herd immunity, however, diseases like canine distemper start showing up more frequently in animals. It’s no different from the new cases of smallpox showing up in humans in recent years. This was a deadly disease the World Health Organization once deemed completely eradicated, but is making a comeback, just like measles has. Did you know? Even if your pet stays indoors, it needs protection. A pet’s geolocation, environment and circumstances influence what types of protection it needs but some diseases are highly contagious, and transferable to you. Although immunizing your pet is up to you, except in the case of rabies, there are direct risks to your pet with all vaccines. But the risks are minimal, while vaccines have saved millions of pet lives. Without vaccination, the risks are much greater to your pet, you and the community at large.
What is Herd Immunity? Herd immunity is a form of immunity that occurs when the vaccination of a significant portion of a population (or herd) provides a measure of protection for individuals who have not developed immunity.
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54
Food Fitness NUTRITION • EXERCISE • PREVENTION
BUYING AND CONSUMING LOCAL FOODS IS BENEFICIAL IN MORE WAYS THAN YOU MIGHT THINK.
words | BRANDY CENTOLANZA
Nothing beats a fresh bowl of strawberries in the spring, a juicy tomato in the summer, or a crisp apple in the fall. While produce is easily accessible at the supermarket, buying fruits, vegetables and other products from local farmers and merchants can be a benefit for not only your personal health, but also for the community as a whole.
WHAT’S CONSIDERED ‘LOCAL’ FOOD? Local food is generally categorized as food that comes from within 100 miles of where you live, though the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) considers anything grown or raised in Virginia as local. This list includes fruits and vegetables, herbs, plants and flowers, meats, cheeses and dairy products, seafood, and other items. Buying local “helps strengthen local economies,” points out Elaine Lidholm, Director of Communications for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). “Consumer spending at farmers markets keeps money circulating within the local economy, helping to create and preserve jobs www.OurHealthLynchburg.com
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Lynchburg
FARMERS MARKETS
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) provides a list of more than 200 farmers markets by region on at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown
Bedford Farmer Managed Market, LLC 220 West Washington Street | Bedford | 434.770.8500 f TheBedfordFarmerManagedMarketLLC May – December: Tuesdays: 3 pm – 6 pm Fridays: 8 am – 1 pm First Saturdays: 8 am – 1 pm
Danville Farmers Market
629 Craghead Street | Danville | 434.797.8961 January – March: Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm May – October: Saturdays 7:30 am – 12 pm July – August: Wednesdays 3 pm – 6 pm
Forest Farmers Market
15583 Forest Road | Forest | 434.665.5475 www.forestfarmersmarket.com April – October: Saturdays 8 am – Noon
Lynchburg Community Market 1219 Main Street | Lynchburg | 434.455.4485 f LynchburgCommunityMarket Year Round: Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 am – 2 pm
Martinsville Farmers Market
65 West Main Street | Martinsville | 434.665.5475 www.martinsvilleuptown.com/farmers-market.cfm April – November: Saturdays 8 am – Noon July – September: Wednesdays 8 am – Noon *Closed Saturday, October 5th*
farmers markets, you may also wish »to Beyond consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
Through a CSA, farmers offer shares to the public: In exchange for a membership, farmers supply patrons with a box of seasonal produce or sometimes even farm products like meats and cheeses each week during the season.
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Food Fitness
• NUTRITION
in rural localities. Consumers visiting farmers markets also spend money at neighboring businesses, supporting the neighborhoods where the markets are located. Buying local is a way to know the farmers who grow your food.”
WHY BUYING LOCAL IS BETTER
Buying local is becoming more popular with more people choosing to shop at area places such as farmers markets and more restaurants also opting to use local ingredients in their dishes in a trend known as farm-to-table dining. Not only does the practice of buying local help boost the economy, it is better for the environment and is healthier for you and your family too. “It’s also a way to buy produce, plants, herbs or other products that are justpicked fresh, and thus, more nutritious,” says Lidholm. “Spending long hours on a truck or rail car diminishes nutrients, so fresher really is better.”
“Buying local is also a way to buy produce, plants, herbs or other products that are just-picked fresh, and thus, more nutritious.” Elaine Lidholm
Director of Communications for the Virginia Farmers Market Association
Picking up ingredients for your next meal at a farm stand makes you feel more connected to your food and makes you more aware of what you are putting in your body. It also provides a chance to get to know the farmers and discover foods you may have never heard of before. Prices vary depending on the products, and, while some items may be a little more expensive than your chain grocery store, the benefits to your health make it worth it.
“At a farmers market, people often find products not available at the chain stores like exotic vegetables, or heirloom apples or tomatoes, so price isn’t always a factor,” says Lidholm.
WHERE TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS
Nearly every community in Virginia has a weekly farmers market, typically in the warmer months when fruits and vegetables are at their peak. The Virginia Farmers Market Association provides a list of more than 200 farmers markets by region on its website (www.vdacs.virginia.gov/ vagrown). In addition, vendor information is available through the Virginia Farmers Market Association (www.vafma.org).
WHAT ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS?
Beyond farmers markets, you may also wish to consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Through a CSA, farmers offer shares to the public. In exchange for a membership, farmers supply patrons with a box of seasonal produce or sometimes even farm products like meats and cheeses each week during the season. The arrangement works because you get to know the people growing your food and you receive fresh food full of flavor and vitamins Local farmers also tend to use less pesticides or none at all. Advocates for organic foods – foods grown or produced without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial agents – consider these foods to be safer, more nutritious, better tasting, and better for the planet. “When buying directly from a farmer or food producer, you have the opportunity to ask them about their growing practices,” says Kim Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Virginia Farmers Market Association. “If choosing meat from animals that are grassfed or raised in a particular manner is important to you, talk to the farmers about how they raise their animals. There
are also certifications you can look for such as Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Naturally Grown, and Certified Organic.”
WHEN BEST TO BUY
In Virginia, food is grown year-round, allowing consumers to enjoy various fruits, vegetables, and other products throughout the year. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers a produce availability chart on its website at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/ pdf/producechart.pdf. “When you eat with the season, buying from local farms, you learn which fruits and vegetables are available each season and enjoy them fresh at their peak: strawberries and asparagus in the spring; tomatoes, corn, and watermelon in the summer; and apples, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes in the fall,” Hutchinson says. “You can also preserve food at its peak through canning, freezing, or dehydrating, so you can enjoy summer flavor throughout the winter. There is also wonderful produce that keeps well like butternut squashes, sweet potatoes, and apples. These are excellent to buy in bulk when they are in season.” When you are shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables, be sure to pick produce that is firm, colorful, the proper temperature, and is free of any bruising or signs of pests. Be sure to thoroughly wash items before consuming. EXPERT CONTRIBUTERS Kim Hutchinson is the Executive Director of Virginia Farmers Market Association. Elaine Lidholm is the Director of Communications for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
“You can also preserve food at its peak through canning, freezing, or dehydrating, so you can enjoy summer flavor throughout the winter.” Kim Hutchinson
Executive Director of Virginia Farmers Market Association
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Funny BONE HUMOR • SEARCH • CHECK
OURHEALTH
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY 42 Access Healthcare 12 Advance Foot Center 45 Alzheimer’s Association 5 American Heart Association 54 Asthma & Allergy Center 50 Bella Leon Permanent Hair Removal 43 Billy Craft Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 53 Blue Ridge Oral & Facial Surgery 29 Center for Advanced Gynecology 49 Central Virginia Family Physicians
9 Central Virginia Oral & Facial Surgery 2 Central Virginia Orthodontics 13 Dr. James L. Stanley, DDS, PC 21 Excel Prosthetics 51 Fork Union Military Academy 59 Gastroenterology Associates
Can you spot the SEVEN differences between the two cartoons? Be the first reader to email us describing what the seven differences are and you will earn the satisfaction (and bragging rights) of having your name in print in the next edition. OK, START YOUR SEARCH! Email info@ourhealthvirginia.com with the subject line Funny Bone Lynchburg.
25 Gentle Shepherd 29 Gretna Drug 3 Harman Eye Center 9 Heartland Health Care Center 19 Heritage Green 4 Interim Healthcare 35 Law Offices of Ron Feinman 36 Lynchburg Aesthetics
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57 Lynchburg Dental Center 60 Medical Facilities of America 42 Merry Maids 14,15 Periodontal Health 25 Rehab Associates 13 Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Center of Virginia, PLC
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MARY BETH RUSSELL of Lynchburg
Mary Beth Russell of Lynchburg was the first person to email the correct seven differences in last issue’s Funny Bone.
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19 RidgeView Dermatology 33 Susan G. Komen 21 The Williams Home 35 Valley View Retirement Community
36 Virginia Prosthetics & Orthotics 39 Virginia Urology 27 Wyndhurst Aesthetics 26 YMCA