FEBRUARY • MARCH 2014 | OURHEALTHVIRGINIA.COM
THE RESOURCE FOR HEALTHY LIVING IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA
Scott Habeeb, of Salem, shares how he and his family learned
Physical, Emotional and Spiritual life story to live a better
table of contents | february • march 2014
JUST ASK!..................................12 Healthcare questions answered by local professionals
MEDICABULARY.........................14 Local experts define healthcare related terms
THE LATEST...............................16 A listing of new physicians, providers and locations in Southwest Virginia
HEALTH POINTS.........................20 Interesting facts and tidbits about health
THE ANATOMY CHALLENGE.....23 How much do you about our anatomy? Test your knowledge for a chance to win great prizes!
HEALTH AND FITNESS ON THE GO..................................25 Health-focused apps you can download to your smartphone or tablet
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COVER STORY
STRIVING TO LIVE A GREAT STORY Scott Habeeb, of Salem, shares how he and his family learned to live a better physical, emotional and spiritual life story
The Resource for Healthy Living in Greater Richmond
40
MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY Chalet and Mark Orr discuss infertility challenges and how they were able to overcome them
72
GIVING TO THE COMMUNITY Saving baby Charli
NUTRITION.................................53 HEALTHY EATS: A healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner! Spicy apple oatmeal, artichoke chicken pitas and sweet potato chicken kebobs
HEART HEALTH MATTERS........58 Roanoke man suffers heart attack despite healthy lifestyle
DOCS OFF DUTY.........................69 • A spotlight on Susan Gaither, FNP • G oing the distance to find my calling; Sandra Brown, DO
LOOKING BACK..........................82 Images reflecting the history of healthcare in SWVA * PLUS * a chance to win prizes!
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 9
READ THIS EDITION OF
OUR HEALTH SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA ON YOUR TABLET
The Resource for Healthy Living in Southwest Virginia
february • march 2014 OURHEALTH’S EXCLUSIVE MEDIA PARTNER
PUBLISHER PRESIDENT/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR VICE PRESIDENT OF PRODUCTION CHIEF DESIGNER WEBMASTER
McClintic Media, Inc. Steve McClintic, Jr. | steve@ourhealthvirginia.com Angela Holmes Jennifer Hungate Karrie Pridemore Adapt Partners
CONTRIBUTING MEDICAL EXPERTS
Gavin Aaron, MD Janice Anderson, AuD Sandra Brown, DO John Facciani, MD Jason Foerst, MD Alicia Hollis, DO Kenneth Luckay, DO Robert O’Brien, MD Travis M. Shannon, DMD Robert Slackman, MD
CONTRIBUTING PROFESSIONAL WRITERS
Susan Dubuque Rich Ellis, Jr. Trisha Foley, MS, RD Tina Joyce Laura Neff-Henderson Rick Piester Jennifer Romeo
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COMMENTS/FEEDBACK/QUESTIONS We welcome your feedback. Please send all comments and/or questions to the following: U.S. Mail: McClintic Media, Inc., ATTN: Steve McClintic, Jr., President/ Publisher/Editor: 305 Colorado Street • Salem, VA 24153. | Email: steve@ourhealthvirginia.com | Phone: 540.387.6482 Information in all print editions of Our Health and on all Our Health’s websites (www.ourhealthvirginia.com and www.ourhealthrichmond.com) 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 © 2014 by McClintic Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The Our Health Southwest Virginia edition is published bi-monthly by McClintic Media, Inc. 305 Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153, P: 540.387.6482 F: 540.387.6483. www.ourhealthvirginia.com | www.ourhealthrichmond.com | Advertising rates upon request.
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OurHealth | JUST ASK!
ju st a sk!
Is an implant better than bridge? Not always. The choice of an implant over a traditional bridge is patient specific. In many cases an implant restoration is indeed the preferred method for replacing a missing tooth. An implant restoration gives an option that prevents unnecessary reduction of tooth structure that a traditional bridge would require. In addition, the implant acts as a man made root that stimulates and maintains bone levels where the tooth/ teeth were lost. However, in some cases of inadequate bone support, a bridge may be the preferred restoration. My job is to help the patient make that decision. Travis M. Shannon, DMD Mills & Shannon Dentistry Salem | 540.989.5700 www.millsandshannon.com
H E A LT H C A R E Q U E S T I O N S A N S W E R E D B Y L O C A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S
My skin tends to get very dry in the winter. Does this make me more vulnerable to skin infections? Yes. Your skin serves as a protective barrier against bacterial infection. When your skin is dry, micro-openings form and serve as portals of entry for bacteria. Most common skin infections are caused by the Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria species. Symptoms include pain, itching, warmth, swelling, and redness. Mild infections are usually treated with topical or oral antibiotics, while severe infections can require surgery. To guard against dry skin during winter months, I recommend using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water in the shower. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer 3-5 minutes after showering to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. My favorite skincare brands include Dove and Cerave. Sandra Brown, DO River Ridge Dermatology Blacksburg | 540.951.DERM (3376) www.riverridgederm.com
Can periodontal disease cause health problems beyond the mouth?
What are some common vision problems that affect adolescent children?
Periodontal disease, an infection of the tissue and bones that hold teeth in place, is generally caused from increased levels of bacteria in the mouth as a result of poor dental hygiene. When not addressed, periodontal disease can lead to severe gum, oral bone damage and even tooth loss. There also have been multiple studies conducted suggesting that when this build-up of bacteria enters the bloodstream, it may also cause some types of non-oral related medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, pre-term, low birth weight babies, and immune system disorders.
Teenagers with nearsightedness will usually squint when trying to see things in the distance but will have no problem reading books that they hold in their hand. A simple glasses prescription will perfectly restore the clarity of their vision, so I don’t consider this to be a significant “problem”. Undiagnosed farsightedness and astigmatism is also common in vision screenings in teenagers, but these undiagnosed problems won’t hurt the development of normal vision.
Gavin Aaron, MD Aaron Periodontics & Dental Implants Roanoke | 540.562.3166 www.periohub.com
Much more important are unrecognized visual problems in very young children. Because these unrecognized problems will permanently limit a child’s sight, it is important to get young kids screened if there is a family history of a parent wearing a patch on an eye, having an eye that crossed in or drifted out as a child, or a parent that needed eye surgery as a child. Any children that fail a vision screening at their doctor’s office should be examined by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist with experience with young children. Any child with eyes that jiggle or are not always straight should also be brought in immediately for an evaluation. John Facciani, MD Pediatric ophthalmology Vistar Eye Center Roanoke | 540.855.5100 www.vistareye.com
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JUST ASK! | OurHealth
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OurHealth | MEDI•CABU•LARY
me d i • ca bu • l ar y
L O C A L E X P E R T S D E F I N E H E A LT H C A R E R E L AT E D T E R M S
What is Addison’s disease?
What is Meniere’s disease?
The human body has two adrenal glands, which sit on top of each kidney. These glands are responsible for secreting the hormones cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline, among a few others. Addison’s disease is characterized by inadequate secretion of these hormones either from partial or complete destruction of the adrenal glands. Symptoms of Addison’s disease are fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weakness. These patients may show darkening of the gums, knuckles or in the creases of their palms. Blood tests can diagnose Addison’s disease and in some cases imaging tests are needed. Treatment includes replacement of at least one of the main adrenal hormones (cortisol). Patients who are appropriately treated for this disease can usually expect to live active lives.
Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder of the inner ear. The symptoms of Meniere’s include vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness. Vertigo is an intense sense of spinning type dizziness usually accompanied with nausea. It can be mild to severe and must last at least 20 minutes in order to be classified as Meniere’s disease. The hearing loss accompanying Meniere’s tends to be a fluctuating low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss that worsens during attacks and may deteriorate the hearing permanently over time. The tinnitus tends to be a low tone ringing or roaring noise in the ears. Aural fullness is a sense of fullness in the ear. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention from your family physician or audiologist.
Alicia Hollis, DO Internal Medicine Carilion Clinic Roanoke | 540.224.5170 www.carilionclinic.org
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Janice Anderson, AuD Anderson Audiology Christiansburg | 540.381.6967 www.hearindublin.com
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
What is arthography and when is it used?
Bioidentical hormones are identical to those produced by the body. They are used in hormone balancing to optimize their effects on improving health and well-being. They differ from synthetic hormones in the delivery method as well. Synthetic hormones are usually taken by mouth. Bioidentical hormones are either absorbed through the skin or mucous membranes thus more closely mimicking how the body interacts with them. The synthetic hormones were the type in a women’s health initiative study done some years ago that caused women to stop all forms of hormone replacement. Unfortunately this resulted in much needless suffering. Thankfully scientific research has come a long way.
An arthogram, or an arthrography, is the x-ray examination of a joint such as a shoulder, hip or wrist to help identify the source of your pain. Using a special form of x-ray called fluoroscopy, contrast material (dye) containing iodine is injected into the joint to highlight soft tissue structures so they are visible during an X-ray, MRI or CT. A board-certified, fellowship trained radiologist performs the procedure.
Kenneth Luckay, DO Luckay Doc Roanoke | 540.777.6807
Robert O’Brien, MD Insight Imaging Roanoke | 540.581.0882 www.insighthealth.com
OurHealth | THE LATEST
the l atest
Anthony McPherron, DO Orthopedic Surgeon LewisGale Physicians Pulaski | 540.994.9443 Blacksburg | 540.951.6000
N E W P H Y S I C I A N S , P R O V I D E R S , L O C AT I O N S A N D U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
Richard Brownstein, MD Gastroenterology LewisGale Physicians Blacksburg | 540.961.1590
Ben Sigmon, CO Certified Orthotist Virginia Prosthetics Roanoke | 888.366.8287
Bill Earles, CO Certified Orthotist Virginia Prosthetics Christiansburg 888.366.8287
Charlotte Tyson Named New CEO of LewisGale Hospital Alleghany
CORRECTION:
LewisGale Regional Health System is pleased to announce the promotion of Charlotte Tyson, MHA, BSN, FACHE, to Chief Executive Officer of LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, effective February 1. The 205-bed hospital is the second-largest private employer in Alleghany County.
section of the December 2013/January
Tyson has been with LewisGale Medical Center for 29 years, serving in various leadership roles during her tenure. Beginning her professional career at LewisGale in 1984 as a staff nurse, Tyson quickly moved into the roles of Charge Nurse, Director of Oncology/Medical/Surgical services, and then to Director of Quality/Risk Management. In 2001, she was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer and, in 2005, to Chief Operating Officer. In May, 2013, she was promoted to her current role of Chief Nurse Executive for LewisGale Regional Health System. Under her leadership, LewisGale Medical Center achieved numerous national rankings for providing among the nation’s highest quality of care, resulting in the medical center being recognized by several organizations such as The Joint Commission, Healthgrades®, Leap Frog, and Anthem. After earning her Associate Degree in Nursing at Virginia Western Community College, Tyson continued her formal education, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from the Medical College of Virginia and her Master of Health Administration Degree from Pfeiffer University. She is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on numerous community boards. Charlotte and her husband have two children and two grandchildren. The search for a new Chief Nurse Executive for LewisGale Regional Health System will begin immediately.
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Heidi A. Taylor, LPC Psychological Health Roanoke Roanoke | 540.772.5140
In the Best Bedside Manner Awards 2014 issue, some information in the Dermatology category was incorrect. Below is the corrected content: • First Place: Chad Johnston, DO River Ridge Dermatology Blacksburg 540.951.3376 www.riverridgederm.com • Second Place: Daniel Hurd, DO New River Dermatology Blacksburg 540.953.2210 www.newriverdermatology.com • Third Place: Sandra Brown, DO River Ridge Dermatology Blacksburg 540.951.3376 www.riverridgederm.com Also, the correct contact information for second place provider in the Nurse Practitioner category is: • Susan Gaither, FNP, MSN River Ridge Dermatology Blacksburg 540.951.3376 www.riverridgederm.com
the l atest NEW PHYSICIANS, PROVIDERS, L O C AT I O N S A N D U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
B2C Enterprises’ Bruce Bryan Appointed Chairman of Kirk Family YMCA Annual Support Campaign The Kirk Family YMCA has appointed Bruce C. Bryan, President of B2C Enterprises, chairman of their upcoming Annual Support Campaign. The Annual Support Campaign raises funds to provide financial assistance to families and children who cannot afford the YMCA’s services. The campaign kicks off on February 17th and runs through April 17th. “This year we have an aggressive goal to raise money for the Annual Support Campaign at The Kirk Family YMCA,” said Board President Adam Boitnott, Vice President of Strategy and Operations with NetVentures Corporation. “When leadership discussed this campaign, we knew we needed a positive, energetic, and proven leader to guarantee our success. Bruce Bryan was the leader we needed to ensure that we maximize the Y's impact to our community.” All of the money raised during the campaign goes towards the YMCA’s financial assistance program, Everyone Deserves a Y. This program grants the money collect to deserving children, families and individuals in our community. “The YMCA of the Roanoke Valley is committed to providing quality youth and adult programs and facilities to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Nancy Brattain, Branch Executive Director of the Kirk Family YMCA. The Kirk Family YMCA aims to improve the community's health and wellbeing through activities that bring families closer together and programs that empower young people to find success. “At B2C, we work to give back to our community,” said Bryan. “This is a great opportunity for people in the region to pitch in and help an organization that goes out of its way to partner with others and provide assistance. I’ve been touched by the work of the YMCA in Roanoke and am excited about helping them to do even more for others in the coming year.” •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• B2C Enterprises is an award winning advertising, marketing and business development firm utilizing a mixture of traditional and new media resources. B2C Enterprises works with independent medical practices such as Vistar Eye Center and Jefferson Surgical Clinic; service industry leaders like Member One Federal Credit Union, ReBath and Delta Dental of Virginia; non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley, Help Save The Next Girl and Down by Downtown; and major regional retailers including Woodson Honda, Reid’s Fine Furnishings, Black Dog Salvage and Northwest True Value and Lynchburg Hardware.
•0•1•4 2 dr. robert l.a. keeley award recipient
Dan Harrington Receives Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Award
an Harrington, M.D., F.A.P.A., was recently presented with the 2014 Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Award at the Carilion Clinic Foundation’s annual Medicine and Muse dinner benefiting Carilion’s Healing Arts Program. The award is presented to a physician or health care professional who has made a significant impact on the health and well-being of the Roanoke region. Dr. Harrington came to Roanoke in 1990 to establish Carilion’s first Psychiatry Residency. He held several positions in psychiatric education and served as the Medical Director for Carilion Behavioral Health. He is currently Carilion Clinic’s Vice President for Academic Affairs. During his tenure, Dr. Harrington established an academic department of psychiatry, which has contributed to the careers of numerous psychiatrists, many of whom now work in southwest Virginia. He helped establish a Mental Health Collaborative to treat underserved patient populations. He also was instrumental in the early development of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, where he now serves as Professor and Senior Dean for Academic Affairs. Dr. Harrington is a Lifetime Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and is active in the Psychiatric Society of Virginia, where he serves on the Ethics Committee and the Fellowship nominating committee. He is a past president of the Southwest Virginia Psychiatric Society. He has been married to his wife,
Gil, for 29 years and is the father of Alex and Morgan. In response to Morgan’s untimely death in 2009, the Harringtons established a number of projects including the Morgan Dana Harrington Scholarship at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, construction of the Morgan Harrington Educational Wing at OMNI Village in Zambia, Africa, and the establishment of the Help Save the Next Girl foundation to help educate children and young adults about the need for safety and personal responsibility. “I am grateful to have been chosen to receive the Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Award,” Dr. Harrington said. “Dr. Keeley is legendary in the medical community and I am honored to continue his legacy. His service and kindness to patients and staff are traits we should live each day. Carilion Clinic has chosen a progressive and important way to enhance patient care by incorporating the arts into the patient experience. I am pleased to be a part of of Carilion Clinic and to serve our community.” The annual award is named in honor of Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley, a board-certified thoracic surgeon, innovator, community servant and one of the founders of Jefferson Surgical Clinic in 1956. In 2012, Dr. Keeley became the first recipient of his namesake award, and in 2013 Carilion Clinic established the Dr. Robert L.A. Keeley Healing Arts Program. For information about donating to the program, contact Kay Strickland at 540-224-5398 or kfstrickland@carilionclinic.org.
OurHealth | HEALTH POINTS
tips, tidbits and more to inform and entertain you
There are currently
21 of Chapstick® available flavors
About how long does it take for the heart to pump blood all through the body? a. 10 seconds b. 30 seconds c. 1 minute d. 3 minutes
Source: www.chapstick.com
(Answer: b. 30 seconds)
That’s the message of the Carilion Clinic Breast Care Center’s public awareness campaign. CCBCC strongly advises women to begin getting an annual mammogram at age 40, earlier if you have risk factors such as a prior family history of the disease. Source: www.carilion.com
If you put all your
In Virginia,
blood vessels end
children up
to end they would
to the age of
stretch over
90,000
19 will have
That’s almost
services under
miles!
access to oral health
2.5
the Affordable
times around the world!
Source: Delta Dental www.thatsthetrooth.com
Care Act.
FLU SHOTS
are a good idea even for healthy adults, but they
are a must for: Pregnant women
DEPRESSION COSTS MORE in medical expenses and causes more sick days than DIABETES, BACK PROBLEMS or HYPERTENSION! Source: www.businesssolutionsinc.net
Adults age 50+ Those with chronic health conditions Healthcare workers Teachers Source: www.carilion.com
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HEALTH POINTS | OurHealth
Recommended Reading! With so many books out there, new mom’s can become “over stimulated” with information. To narrow down that reading list (a little, anyway), visit the suggested reading list provided by The Pediatric Center (www. richmondpediatriccenter.com). One of our favorites for tackling that sleep schedule, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, MD. Rest is vital to your child’s health, growth, and development. Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child outlines proven strategies that ensure good, healthy sleep at every age.
LewisGale Regional Health System now offers a video source to help you live your healthiest life. The “Up-to-theMinute Health” playlist on YouTube features local health experts and health consumers sharing about services and procedures offered at LewisGale. Source: www.lewisgale.com
-D 3Movies andYour Eyes
3-D Movies require 3-D Vision: Traditional Theater 3-D Movies required two projectors to present the image that you view through the supplied frames. Today’s newest technology presents the movie image from a single projector, which is believed to reduce eye fatigue and strain. To properly view a 3-D Movie, you need to have good quality vision in each eye. Some viewers may develop eye fatigue, headaches, or blurred vision after watching a 3-D movie. If you or a relative, especially a child, experience any unusual symptoms following one of these movies, you may need to schedule an eye exam. Small inconsistencies in how well your eyes work together might lead to your symptoms. Often these inconsistencies can be corrected with glasses or a regimented therapy program to improve your visual ability and perception. Source: www.newman-blackstock.com
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THE ANATOMY CHALLENGE | OurHealth
words | STEPHEN MCCLINTIC, JR.
The human body is considered the most complicated machine in the world. We see with it, hear with it, breathe with it, walk and run with it, and sense pleasure with it. Its bones, muscles, arteries, veins and internal organs are organized with incredible design, and when we examine this design in detail we find even more amazing facts. We are proud to introduce a new section of OurHealth called “The Anatomy Challenge”. In each issue, we will take a closer look at a part of the body. But did we get it right? Let us know for a chance to win great prizes!
aorta brachiocephalic trunk An artery that supplies blood to the right arm and the head and neck.
The largest and longest artery in the body that carries oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the body.
left atrium The upper chamber of the heart that receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs via the pulmonary vein.
right atrium The right atrium receives blood from the veins and pumps it to the right ventricle.
coronary arteries The coronary arteries run along the surface of the heart and provide oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
left ventricle The lower left chamber of the heart that pumps blood through the aortic valve into the aorta.
Want to win a $25 gift card inferior vena cava right ventricle The right lower chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the pulmonary (lung) artery.
A large vein carrying oxygen-poor blood to the right atrium from the lower half of the body.
to Fresh Market?
Identify at least ten errors and send your responses to steve@ourhealthvirginia.com by 3/10/14. The winner will be announced on OurHealth’s Facebook page 3/15/14.
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HEALTH AND FITNESS ON THE GO | OurHealth
Health and Fitness
On the Go Having information at your fingertips; that’s what mobile apps are all about. Empowering users to effectively manage their healthcare and a healthy lifestyle is important to everyone. In our Health and Fitness on the Go section, we recommend a variety of health-focused apps you can download to your smartphone or tablet.
Glow First Glow First is for couples who are sure they want to have a baby as soon as possible. If, for some reason, you do not get pregnant using the Glow app, Glow First provides you with the ability to get a much cheaper infertility screening to see if something is wrong. It’s a way to share the risk of infertility with other couples that are going through the process of trying to start families. You contribute money each month to Glow First. At the end of 10 months the entire fund (plus possible matching contributions) will be split amongst those who are not pregnant. If you get pregnant within 10 months then your money goes towards those who were not so fortunate. Apply to participate in Glow First by downloading the App through iTunes. Currently only available for iPhone or iPad. Cost: free
iPhone OR iPad
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OurHealth | HEALTH AND FITNESS ON THE GO
Gazelle Gazelle®, a mobile health app from Quest Diagnostics, empowers you to see, store, and share your vital health information, and take control of your health anytime, anywhere. Get Quest Diagnostics lab test results sent directly to your mobile device, quickly view your medical records in an emergency, conveniently access your prescription names and doses whenever you need them, share your health information via email or fax and more! Gazelle also allows you to store your doctor, insurance and emergency details, allergies, problem list, vital statistics, prescriptions, lab results and medical and immunization histories. Available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry. Cost: free
iPhone
Android
Blackberry
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE HEALTH AND FITNESS APP!
Share your favorite health and fitness app! Scan this QR code with your smartphone or tablet to visit and “Like” OurHealth’s Facebook page, then post a “Comment” with your favorite health and fitness APP!
26 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH | OurHealth
Striving to live a
BETTER STORY words | TINA JOYCE AND STEVE MCCLINTIC, JR.
Among hiking enthusiasts, McAfee Knob in Roanoke County is known as the most photographed part of the Appalachian Trail. But for many, it’s much more than that. It’s a place where people have realized a renewed direction in life, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It symbolizes challenge, fear, excitement and accomplishment. It’s a reminder that when we test our limits, we can make our story better. In the book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, author Donald Miller recounts how he learned to tell a better story with his life. Even after writing his best selling memoir, Blue Like Jazz, Donald still felt his life lacked meaning and purpose. While at his lowest point, he was approached by two Hollywood producers interested in turning his memoir into a movie. As he began editing his memoir into a screenplay, Donald realized his story needed considerable adaptation to make it more intriguing. But instead of just editing his story on paper, Donald starts reliving his life by taking risks, exploring opportunities and releasing his grasp of fear and failure.
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years has challenged millions to ask themselves this question: How can I live a better story? To get a local perspective, OurHealth reached out to Scott Habeeb, of Salem, to tell us why he credits this book for challenging he and his family to live a better story.
Reprints To order reprints of the original artwork featured on this issue’s cover, please send an email to: info@ourhealthvirginia.com To view additional work by our artist, Joe Palotas, visit www.salemartcenter.com
“If I had never read the book, I’m certain my family and I would have continued in a good direction,” explains Scott. “But I can say with complete confidence that our lives are better, more meaningful, because of it.” www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 29
OurHealth | THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH
Those who know Scott, his wife Julie and their four children, Kaitlin, 18, Kelsey, 16, McKenna 11 and Matthew, 5, say the Habeebs have always led a meaningful life. They have always been active in the community. Have always embraced the importance of maintaining a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. Have always been committed to their faith and to the responsibility of helping others.
What more can you strive for? In 2011, Scott asked himself this very question. ••••• In many instances, the passion to become a better person is further driven by challenges experienced while growing up. For Scott, this instance holds truth. Born in Syracuse, NY, Scott is the oldest of his parent’s three children. His brother and sister are two and five years younger, respectively. When Scott was five years old, his father took a job in Virginia Beach where the family settled. Shortly after, when he was in the first grade, his parents divorced. “Even as a young child, I can remember it being tough to not have my parents in the same house, but I believe they did everything they could to make it a good transition for us,” he says. As time passed, Scott settled into his own routine. He made friends, participated in sports and most important, he and his siblings had a comfortable balance of time spent with each parent. But just as he was finishing out his 5th grade year, Scott learned that life as he knew it was about to change. “My mother always wanted to raise us in a smaller town,” explains Scott. “Virginia Beach was a large city with a lot of crime. All three of us were growing up and mom thought it was time to make the move.” Unable to relocate because of his job, Scott’s father remained in Virginia Beach.
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THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH | OurHealth
That summer, Scott and his sister, brother and mother made the move to Southwest Virginia. His grandparents on his mother’s side had been traveling the country enjoying their retirement. But they were ready for a more stationary life. So together with Scott’s family, they bought a house in Christiansburg. And life started all over. “My mother made our home a wonderful one. It was built with love and spiritual guidance,” says Scott. “And my grandparents were such great role models. They lived through the Great Depression, so they had so many important lessons to teach my brother, sister and me. Lessons that I continue to use for guidance.” But being six hours away from his father wasn’t easy.
“When something happens to you, you have two choices in how to deal with it. You can either get bitter, or get better.”
– Donald Miller A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
“I missed him a lot,” Scott says. “But I did spend time with him during breaks and in the summer.” Young children are resilient. And they can adapt. That was true for Scott also. Throughout middle school, Scott continued to grow into his gregarious self. He didn’t have problems making friends. By most accounts, Scott was definitely more of a leader than a follower. In high school, he was served by others through a
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OurHealth | THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH
program called Young Life, a Christian ministry founded in 1941 by a young, youth leader who started a weekly club for high school students. His service as a leader in Young Life began at a local high school while attending Wake Forest University. Although he may not have realized it at the time, teaching fit Scott. He then transferred to Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in History and a Masters of Arts degree in Education,
Curriculum
and
Instruction. His mother inspired Scott’s academic pursuit and emphasis in history. “Every summer we took driving trips around the country and stopped at every historical site along the way,” Scott remembers.
The influence of his family not only inspired his desire to serve, but also his decision to pursue education.“ “Teaching is really an act of service,” he acknowledges. Often, when we reflect on our lives, we remember those who had the most influence. We typically consider our parents, mentors, coaches, and often times, teachers as most influential. Scott’s desire to learn, combined with his aspirations to serve, seem to always open the door for him 32 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH | OurHealth
to help young people and continue unfolding the new chapters of his own life.
From left to right: Kaitlin, 18, Matthew, 5, Scott, Julie, Mckenna, 11 and Kelsey, 16
Throughout college, Scott continued to work with young people. His involvement with Young Life helped further confirm his desire to teach. He knew teaching would give him an opportunity to connect with youth and to pursue another passion, athletics.
“…once you live a good
While still in graduate school, Scott coached middle school football and high school
story, you get a taste for
girls’ tennis. His dual role, as both teacher and coach, multiplied his opportunity to reach young people as they were preparing for their future endeavors.
a kind of meaning in life,
Scott began his teaching career at Salem High School (SHS) in 1997, teaching
and you can't go back to
Modern World History. During his first year, he felt an overwhelming struggle
being normal; you can't
with the mindsets of many of his students. He felt they didn’t seem to care. Some students didn’t appear to value the benefit of working hard.
go back to meaningless
Many first year teachers experience challenges as they embark on a new career.
scenes stitched together by
The eager graduates possess a solid base of knowledge and newly found vigor and passion for teaching so when it appears students don’t share the same enthusiasm it can be unsettling.
the forgettable thread of wasted time.”
– Donald Miller
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
Fortunately, Scott was part of a teaching team, and the members offered ongoing support and advice to one another. One team member, Ray Moore, a veteran SHS English teacher and colleague, provided Scott with invaluable insight. www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 33
THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH | OurHealth
“I remember Ray saying to me: ‘Scott, not all of your students were raised with the same support and direction as you were. You have to aim for their hearts, not just their heads.’” “His words really struck a chord with me,” shares Scott. “I knew they [my students] could be successful.” Those wise words shared by Mr. Moore began to shape the young man as a teacher. “First, you have to inspire them. Second, you have to point them in a direction to use that inspiration. It is about going beyond the content,” says Scott. “I have to credit Ray Moore for helping me understand how to take all the knowledge and core academic values [I wanted to teach] and blend them into the classroom to ultimately help students be successful.” Unbeknownst to Scott, these initial experiences as a teacher were preparing him for a position of greater responsibility and influence. He was a teacher for seven years prior to being named Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction. “The main difference in my new role was I was now listening to a lot of people and supporting a diverse faculty,” he articulates. His leadership opportunities continued as he was named Principal at SHS after serving seven years as faculty and nine years as Assistant Principal. Scott is in the process of completing his 1st year as head Principal at SHS.
“…if what we choose to do
When you have a better understanding of Scott’s life, you recognize how important
with our lives won’t make a
his mentors have and continue to be to him. His family. Teachers. Coaches. Colleagues. He has heeded their advice. Advice that has helped him to become a better person.
So in 2011, when Ray Moore gave Scott a copy of A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, he accepted it with anticipation.
story meaningful, it won’t make a life meaningful either.” – Donald Miller A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
“From the beginning until the end, I was engaged in the book’s message,” explains Scott. “On one level or another, each story within Donald Miller’s total story resonates with me. It makes me want to strive to live a better story for my family and myself.” Scott points out this particular excerpt from A Million Miles in a Thousand Years that he often shares with others: www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 35
OurHealth | THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH
Children of all ages can teach important lessons of love, commitment and character. They see opportunities that busy adults often miss. Likewise, those with disabilities share a special perspective that unquestionably touches the hearts of those who give of their time.
“
If you watched a movie about a guy who wanted a Volvo and worked for years to get it, you wouldn’t cry at the end when he drove off the lot, testing the windshield wipers. You wouldn’t tell your friends you saw a beautiful movie or go home and put a record on to think about the story you’d seen. The truth is, you wouldn’t remember that movie a week later, except you’d feel robbed and want your money back. Nobody cries at the end of a movie about a guy who wants a Volvo. But we spend years actually living those stories, and expect our lives to be meaningful. The truth is, if what we choose to do with our lives won’t make a story meaningful, it won’t make a life meaningful either. Scott and his wife Julie wanted to live a better story for not only themselves, but
”
also their four children. Parents often worry about being ready for the next chapter in their children’s lives. Some regretfully think they’ve missed out, due to day-today busyness. However, life’s lessons are not just learned through succeeding or failing, but often through experiencing. The experiences of life tend to lead to the titles of the chapters that people can identify. It is also important to Scott and Julie that they are careful with their children’s activities. All four have various talents but, there has to be a balance. “We try to be efficient. To not overcommit. I have an amazing wife; she has sacrificed a lot for our family. I know I couldn’t balance it, but we can,” he shares 36 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 37
OurHealth | THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH
with a kindness in his voice that reveals his sincere appreciation.
“…it [isn’t] necessary to win for [a] story to be great, it is only
Some may call what happened next to Scott and his family a pure coincidence. “I was listening to A Million Miles in a Thousand Years on my iPod when I received an interesting phone call,” says Scott.
necessary to sacrifice
The voice on the other end of the phone was Stafford Craymer. Stafford is on staff
everything.”
giving young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to
– Donald Miller A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
with Capernaum, an organizational entity of Young Life. Capernaum is dedicated to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through clubs, camps and other activities. Craymer explained that their local group needed buddies for each and every special needs child who would be going to camp that summer. “This is purpose. This is a story,” thought Scott. “I believe it was much more than just coincidence that I received that phone call when I did.” Scott happened to ask his oldest daughter, Kaitlin, if she would like to be a buddy through Capernaum. She responded with a resounding, “yes”. He was filled with joy as he could feel his story of serving, teaching, and balance being played out in his own daughter’s story. There may not be many greater moments than seeing a child’s heart align with the values instilled by parents. The Habeebs’ life story continued to take shape, but not only through Scott’s leadership. “Kaitlin actually inspired our entire family,” he proudly shares. “Because she enjoyed her volunteer experiences at Capernaum so much, she initiated The Buddy Club at SHS during her junior year.” The Buddy Club invites students to be a buddy with other students who, although in mainstream education, have physical and/or other developmental disabilities. Kaitlin, now a freshman at the University of Mary Washington, inspired her younger sisters, Kelsey and McKenna, to build relationships with others though Capernaum and The Buddy Club at school. McKenna has joined a similar club at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem. She was already involved in
38 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
South Salem’s Autism Awareness Team. Watching their daughters serve with selflessness and joyful hearts inspired Scott and Julie to commit to volunteering with Capernaum. “We all sort of grew into serving this population of youth,” Scott explains. The entire family started attending Capernaum events and socials to connect with the children and young adults needing buddies. “It has been very touching to see our son Matthew, age 5, grow up experiencing that all people deserve to be treated with love and that all people are our friends, even if we are a little different from one another,” says Scott. “He doesn’t know to see differences. He simply sees people as people.” Twice a month, the Habeebs gather with other volunteers, and buddies with a multitude of disabilities, to complete crafts, play games, tell stories and sing and dance. The children laugh and have a great time. Families of special needs children often say that their children have nothing of their own. They spend their lives going to their siblings’ activities. But Capernaum gives these children something to call their own and look forward to. Scott explains “It’s not really even volunteer or service work; they are just our friends.” Scott also recognized there are many others who make clubs and organizations
for
special
needs www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 39
OurHealth | THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH
children amazing. The Jill’s Buddy Camp, a summer camp renamed in memory of Jill Bailey Chenet, a former Big Buddy who volunteered while she was a student at
“…People love to have
Salem High School, is just another example.
lived a great story,
Kelsey recently volunteered at the Buddy Camp. The Camp is designed to pair
but few people like the
a teenager in the Buddy Club with a young child with a developmental delay.
work it takes to make
Campers are introduced to activities and exercises designed to improve social interaction, language and motor skills during the summer months.
it happen. But joy
Children of all ages can teach important lessons of love, commitment and
costs pain.”
character. They see opportunities that busy adults often miss. Likewise, those with
– Donald Miller A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
disabilities share a special perspective that unquestionably touches the hearts of those who give of their time. The Habeebs certainly do not claim to have it all together or that their story is all figured out. It is an ongoing process—to create a great family story. “Just like everybody else, we are still learning. If someone were to ask me my advice on how to improve family dynamics and how to improve your emotional, physical, and spiritual health, I would say, ‘make sure your family is pursuing a great story,’” Scott shares. “You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin the journey.”
The most important part of our personal story is the struggles we overcome and the resounding joy that may result from the conquest, the perseverance, and the unselfishness required to help someone else—for their benefit, not ours. Perhaps we should all consider molding our own character, our own family’s story, as we would want scripted in a memoir or film. We might even consider embracing each day as a gift, not to ourselves, but to the others we may serve. For more information about the SHS activities, including the Buddy Club, contact Mike Stevens, Communications Director for City of Salem Schools at mstevens@salemva.gov. For more information about Capernaum, contact Jeff Lakin, Young Life Area Director for Salem/North Roanoke, at jplakin63@me.com. Scott Habeeb also holds an endorsement in Educational Leadership from University of Virginia at the Roanoke Higher Ed Center.
40 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
THE JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTH | OurHealth
www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 41
INFERTILITY:
Why Can’t
MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY | OurHealth
We Get Pregnant? words | SUSAN DUBUQUE
Ethan came into the world on June 22, pink and robust, weighing 9 pounds 4 ounces. His arrival did not follow the typical 38-week gestation period. Rather, he was born in the wake of a three-year journey that was marked by incredible joy and frustration. Chalet and Mark Orr had been married nearly five years when they decided the time might be right to start a family. But Mother Nature had other ideas. Eighteen months later—they still weren’t pregnant. “It was like being on an emotional roller coaster,” says Mark. “We were ready to have a baby, but every month when it didn’t happen, it was a huge letdown.” Chalet remembers that “people all around me were getting pregnant—and I was happy for them. But I couldn’t help but wonder when it was going to be my turn.” Chalet’s primary care physician suggested a consultation with a fertility specialist. “Even before we went for testing, we made the decision not to assign ‘blame’ if one of us had a problem that was making it difficult to get pregnant. It was more important that we just support each other through this,” says Chalet. Both Chalet and Mark underwent a variety of fertility tests. “When the results came in, Dr. Slackman told us that it was very unlikely that we would be able to get pregnant on our own,” says Chalet. “There was good news, too,” recalls Mark. “The doctor gave us hope—and a variety of options to consider. We took a full six months to think, and pray and talked with our pastor about the choices we had to make.” Grounded in their faith, the Orrs chose a course of action. “My doctor prescribed medication to ensure I was ovulating and then we tried a procedure called intrauterine insemination,” says Chalet. “And we got pregnant the first try.”
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OurHealth | MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY
“I would advise other couples who are struggling to get pregnant not to get discouraged,” says Chalet. “Miracles do happen.”
“Through it all, Dr. Slackman was like a lighthouse,” reflects Mark. “His demeanor and knowledge gave us strength and confidence.” Following an uneventful pregnancy, the family is thrilled with the addition of Ethan. “I would advise other couples who are struggling to get pregnant not to get discouraged,” says Chalet. “Miracles do happen.” And Chalet and Mark should know. They have one of their own. ••••• This couple is not alone and their story is not unique. Infertility is no small matter in terms of the number of people affected, the complexity of the problem or the emotional toll it takes. In the United States, about 11 percent of women of childbearing age—that’s 6.7 million women—are coping with the physical and psychological pains associated with infertility.
44 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY | OurHealth
Let’s explore the subject of infertility in greater depth—how it is defined, the most common causes, the latest treatment options and, most of all, the outlook for individuals who are desperately seeking to have a baby.
Infertility: Defined While the medical literature uses terms like “impaired fecundity,” most simply stated, infertility means that a woman has not been able to get pregnant after one year of trying, or six months if she is over the age of 35. Infertility can also apply to women who can get pregnant but are unable to carry the baby to full term. Robert Slackman, MD, Carilion Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Roanoke, describes infertility as “an equal opportunity disorder.” About one-third of the cases are caused by factors that affect the woman, one-third by factors that affect the man. For the remaining one-third, the cause may be a combination of problems in both partners or it may be unknown. Dr. Slackman says, “In some ways, our ability to treat infertility has surpassed our ability to accurately diagnose it. And for many couples, not knowing is the hardest part.” Childbirth truly is miraculous when you consider the intricacy of the process and all the things that could go wrong.
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OurHealth | MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY
To have a baby: »» A woman’s body must ovulate—release an egg from the ovaries »» The egg must travel through the fallopian tubes »» Along the way, the egg must be fertilized by a man’s sperm »» The fertilized egg must then attach—or implant—in the uterus »» The hormonal and nutritional environment must be able to support the pregnancy to full term »» Infertility can happen if a problem occurs in any of these vital steps.
Seeking the Cause “Many cases of female infertility are caused by a problem with ovulation, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS),” indicates Dr. Slackman. “PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that interferes with normal ovulation. The ovaries may be enlarged with many small cysts—or fluid-filled sacs with microscopic eggs called follicles— that are visible on ultrasound.” Women with PCOS may have irregular, infrequent menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth or acne. Obesity is an added problem found in about 50 percent of women with PCOS. “But on a positive note, diet and exercise that result in weight loss are likely to improve the frequency of ovulation and enhance a woman’s ability to get pregnant.” 46 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Other causes of infertility in women are blocked fallopian tubes, which may be due to pelvic inflammatory disease; endometriosis; or surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. Physical problems with the structure of the uterus and uterine fibroids are associated with repeated miscarriages. “Male infertility may result from the absence of sperm, a low sperm count or abnormal shape or poor movement of the sperm (motility),” explains Dr. Slackman. The shape of the sperm or morphology can affect the ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg. Physical injury, infection or other damage to the reproductive system may block the sperm. In rare cases infertility in men is due to a genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis.
Societal changes have affected fertility rates in our country as more women choose to wait until their late 30s or 40s before starting a family. In fact, roughly 20 percent of women in the United States now have their first child after age 35. Age contributes to infertility in women in a variety of ways: older women have fewer eggs, their eggs are not as healthy and their ovaries are less able to release eggs. Adding insult to injury, women over the age of 35 are also more likely to have miscarriages. With all these factors combined, about one-third of couples in which the woman is age 35 or older have fertility problems. Dr. Slackman acknowledges that “determining the cause of infertility can be an arduous process—beginning with complete physical exams as well as medical and sexual histories of both partners. If no cause is identified, we may recommend additional tests.” For men, this involves evaluating the number, shape and movement of the sperm. For women, testing may include analyzing body temperature and ovulation, x-raying the fallopian tubes and uterus and a laparoscopy—an outpatient surgical procedure allowing the doctor to see inside the abdomen and examine the reproductive organs. Scarring and endometriosis can be detected through laparoscopy. www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 47
MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY | OurHealth
New Options, New Hope Medical science is no less amazing than the wonder of childbirth. The innovations in reproductive medicine in the past 30 years are astounding, bringing new hope to couples who are struggling to get pregnant— with treatment options ranging from medication and surgery to artificial insemination and assisted reproductive technology. Various medications may be used to stimulate ovulation. Dr. Slackman notes,
“We
often
prescribe
Clomiphene citrate—called Clomid by
the
drug
manufacturer—for
women who have PCOS; it is taken orally. Gonadotropins, which are normally released from the pituitary gland to mature the ovaries’ eggs, are sometimes given as injections to further stimulate the ovaries.” These are only two of a whole suite of medications that can help women achieve pregnancy. In some cases, when a structural problem exists, surgery can increase the chances of natural conception. Men may have a vasectomy reversed. Women may benefit from laparoscopic surgery
for
endometriosis,
a
myomectomy for uterine fibroids or surgery to repair the fallopian tubes.
Most fertility cases—85 to 90 percent—are treated with medication or surgery, but sometimes more aggressive intervention is needed. One example is intrauterine insemination (IUI)—often called artificial insemination. “IUI is a process where sperm are processed in the laboratory, washed, concentrated and placed in a highly specialized culture fluid—then introduced into the female www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 49
OurHealth | MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY
partner’s uterus to facilitate fertilization,” says Dr. Slackman. Recent studies suggest that the best results are achieved when the female also takes medication to stimulate ovulation. IUI is used for a variety of reasons such as mild sperm issues, male sexual dysfunction, sperm/cervical mucus interactions or for couples experiencing unexplained infertility. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to a whole class of fertility treatments that involves removing the eggs from a woman’s body, mixing them with sperm to
create
embryos
and
then
transferring the embryos back into the woman’s body. •••••
On July 25, 1978, at 11:47 p.m., a five-pound 12-ounce baby girl was born named Louise Joy Brown. She had blue eyes and blonde hair and was perfectly healthy. The process was a success and the first “test tube baby” was born. Today, thanks to the perseverance and pioneering work of Dr. Patrick Steptoe and Dr. Robert Edwards, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is considered commonplace and utilized by infertile couples around the world. ••••• “There are several variations of ART that are similar to in vitro fertilization,” says
Dr.
Slackman,
“including
intracytoplasmic sperm injection—or ICSI. This procedure may be used for 50 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY | OurHealth
couples who have experienced the disappointment of failed IVF attempts or when there is a serious problem with the sperm. Here, a single sperm is injected into a mature egg and the fertilized egg is then transferred into the fallopian tube or uterus.” Sometimes assistive reproductive technology procedures rely upon eggs, sperm or embryos that were donated by others—allowing a woman to experience pregnancy and birth, even though the baby may not biologically be her child. Women with ovaries but no uterus, or those who should not become pregnant due to health issues, may be able to use a surrogate or gestational carrier. Here, the mother’s egg is fertilized by the father’s sperm and the embryo is placed in the gestational carrier’s uterus. The baby is given to the parents after birth. In the past, fertility treatments were associated with multiple births—twins, triplets, quadruplets and more. Fertility specialists today consider a single birth to be the true mark of success. According to Dr. Slackman, “Multiple births add significant risks to both the mother and the newborns. I tell my patients they can have as many babies as they want—just one at a time.”
Beyond the Physical Infertility can cause a world of hurt that goes far beyond physical pain. The dream of the perfect family is shattered. The chance to carry on a name and legacy is gone. For many, the sense of loss is palpable. Women and men coping with the inability to have children may experience a spectrum of feelings from shame and
embarrassment
to
disappointment, grief and even personal failure. The overwhelming emotions resulting from infertility are compounded even further by the financial pressures. Even with health insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 51
OurHealth | MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY
associated with infertility can be astounding. Some policies will cover the diagnostic workup; most do not cover the actual treatments. The bills can reach tens of thousands of dollars—beyond the reach of many couples who wish to add to their families. Some fertility clinics now offer financing options that include a moneyback guarantee if a successful pregnancy is not achieved.
What Does the Future Hold? The last three decades have led to exciting advances in reproductive medicine, but the future holds even more promise for effective, new fertility treatments. Robert Slackman, MD, Carilion Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Roanoke
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is an innovative spin on in vitro fertilization that can help couples who have serious genetic disorders—such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease—avoid passing them on to their children. “With PGD,” explains Dr. Slackman, “they remove a single cell from an embryo to determine whether it has a genetic abnormality before transferring it into a patient.” For women suffering from PCOS, an insulin-sensitizing drug called metformin offers an encouraging new development. Many women with PCOS who are not
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MEN, WOMEN AND THE TOTAL BODY | OurHealth
responsive to Clomid may respond better after treatment with metformin. “As more and more women opt to delay childbearing, egg freezing may offer a solution to the rapid decline in fertility women experience after the age of 35,” says Dr. Slackman. “A woman can have her eggs frozen at age 30, and saved for the future. Then, if she wants to start a family at age 42, she can have her frozen eggs fertilized and the embryos transferred back into her body at a time when she would have been likely to run out of fertile eggs. As far as her fertility is concerned, she will be only 30 years old.” Today, freezing eggs it is common practice to preserve fertility, but experimental procedures—like freezing ovarian tissue, in vitro egg maturation and stem cell research to reverse ovarian failure or poor egg numbers—offer a glimpse into the fertility innovations of tomorrow. For many, the desire to bear a child is as profound and essential as the desire to breathe. Thankfully, advances in medicine like these will allow more couples—like Chalet and Mark—to experience the joy of parenthood. ••••• Sources: • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics • Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health • American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Expert Contributor: • Robert Slackman, MD Carilion Clinic Carilion Clinic Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology www.carilionclinic.org/womens/infertilitytreatment-va Resources: • RESOLVE National Infertility Association – www.resolve.org • American Society for Reproductive Medicine – www.asrm.org
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HealthyEats AH
BREA Y H T EAL
KFAST
Crockpot Apple Oatmeal Ingredients: 2 sliced apples
Directions: 1.
Add 2 sliced apples, 1/3 cup Stevia, and 1 tsp cinnamon in the bottom of the crock pot.
2.
Pour 2 cups of oatmeal and 4 cups of water on top. Do NOT stir.
3.
Cook overnight for 8 - 9 hours on low.
1/3 cup Stevia 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups Steel cut oats 4 cups water
Tricia Foley’s
SPICY APPLE OATMEAL Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.
HealthyEats AH
LUNCH Y H T L EA
Artichoke Chicken Pitas Ingredients: 4 100% whole wheat pitas 16 ounces cooked chicken, sliced 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions: 1.
Brush both sides of pita bread lightly with some of the oil. For a charcoal grill, place the pita on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 2 minutes or until golden. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Add pita to grill rack. Cover and grill as above.)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2.
Remove from heat.
3.
Top the grilled side of each pita with 4 ounces cooked chicken breast, spinach, cheese, artichoke hearts, garlic and tomato.
4.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5.
Return to grill rack and grill about 2 minutes more until bottoms are browned and toppings are heated through.
6.
Top with pizza seasoning. Serves 4.
6 cups fresh spinach leaves 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1 clove garlic, minced 26 ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 medium tomato, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt Pizza seasoning (optional)
Tricia Foley’s
ARTICHOKE CHICKEN PITAS Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.
HealthyEats A
Y DIN H T L HEA
N ER
Grilled Coconut Sweet Potato Kabobs Ingredients: 2–3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
Unsweetened, coconut flakes (to taste)
1 one-pint container of plain Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon coconut oil
4.
Roll the entire skewer gently on a plate liberally sprinkled with the coconut flakes. Season with salt if desired.
5.
Pair with side salad and protein of choice. Serves 4-6.
Directions: 1.
Pre-heat grill to medium-high.
2.
Steam sweet potato chunks in a small amount of water, stovetop, for 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
3.
Place the sweet potato chunks on skewers, baste with plain Greek yogurt, and drizzle with coconut oil, then grill until lightly browned and crispy on the surface (about four minutes on each side).
Tricia Foley’s
SWEET POTATO KEBOBS Tricia Foley is OurHealth Magazine’s resident nutritionist.
OurHealth | HEART HEALTH MATTERS
I should have
seen this coming words | LAURA L. NEFF-HENDERSON, APR
Things were spiraling chaotically out of control at work. At the same time, he and his wife of 11 years were filing for divorce. But instead of doing what many people would have done—turning to comfort food and lounging on the couch, then 43-year-old Rob Way did exactly the opposite. Way found himself spending more and more time at the gym running laps and in his kitchen preparing healthy meals. Somehow the stresses at work and home had renewed his commitment to exercising and eating well. He lost some weight, built some muscle and felt better than ever. That was, until 2012 when he got comfortable in his new job and single lifestyle, and let things begin to slip a little. His divorce was finalized and he transitioned into his new job as a human resources consultant with Carilion Clinic. He spent more time fishing and less time at the gym, often stopping to pick up fast food on the way to the lake. He found himself indulging in a hot dog or two, and a bag of potato chips more and more often, and at the same time hitting the gym less and less often. Suddenly he was 30 pounds overweight and destined for heart trouble.
“I’d never really worried about [my family medical history]. I felt like I had dodged those bullets,” says Way. “I thought I was staying pretty healthy, but I knew that I needed to eat better and work out more.” Add that to the fact that he has a family history of heart disease and, well, it was the beginning of a perfect storm. And so, once again, he made the decision to get back on track. 58 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
Just a few weeks into his newfound commitment, Way began to realize that he just couldn’t do as much. He couldn’t run as far or work out as hard without taking a break. Way attributed it to the unhealthy habits he had picked up, and the fact that he was getting older. He was 46 by then. So, he resolved to work through it, to work harder. Until he couldn’t work through it anymore and, three days later, drove himself to the emergency room. ••••• In the three days leading up to his heart attack on Sunday, September 29, 2013, Way knew something was wrong. The symptoms began on the previous Friday when he started to feel like something wasn’t quite right. It had been a busy week at work, and Way says he remembers feeling a little odd, but it wasn’t anything he could put his finger on. He knew he had worked out rigorously the day prior, and assumed he had pulled a muscle.
60 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
HEART HEALTH MATTERS | OurHealth
He had a lot to do at work, so he finished the day and took it easy that evening, hoping it was all in his head. On Saturday, he got up and pretty immediately began to feel a slight pressure in his chest. It came and went though, and Way attributed it to overexertion. He went shopping and fishing, and spent some time relaxing at home. “It didn’t hurt,” says Way. “It just felt like someone was holding my heart.” When the pressure was still there Sunday morning, and getting worse, he couldn’t deny it any more. But still not convinced it was anything serious, he headed to the pharmacy at a local grocery store where he used the free monitoring machine to check his blood pressure. “It was 215 over 185 and I thought, ‘this is crazy; something is really wrong,’ ” says Way. That’s when he “got the courage” to drive himself to the emergency room at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and walk up to the desk. “I didn’t want to admit I was having a heart attack,” says Way. “In the back of my mind, I was hoping I was just being overly cautious.” Just minutes after arriving at the emergency room, Way was taken back to triage where a nurse checked his blood pressure and put him on an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. Because everything looked fine, the nurse sent him back out to the waiting room to wait for lab results. EKGs allow doctors to very quickly see what type of injury is being done to the heart, according to cardiologist Jason Foerst, MD, who treated Way in the emergency room. Feeling somewhat relieved, Way walked just outside the emergency room doors of the hospital to call his dad, who lives in New York, where Way was raised. But things quickly turned serious when a nurse came rushing out to find him just minutes later. www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 61
HEART HEALTH MATTERS | OurHealth
He was taken immediately to the hospital’s chest pain center where they started an IV with medication to bring his blood pressure down. During the course of the next 24 hours, Way
Know the Five Signs of Heart Attack If you have any of the signs of a heart attack, acting fast can improve your chances for recovery and survival.
underwent a catheterization and had a
Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one experiences any of these
stent put in to remove the 95 percent
common signs of a heart attack:
blockage in his artery.
»» PRESSURE or squeezing in the center of the chest.
“That’s when it hit me that my heart
»» SHOOTING PAIN that spreads to shoulders, arms, neck or jaw.
was really in bad shape,” says Way. “I
»» NAUSEA, dizziness, fainting or sudden abnormal sweating.
remember thinking then that I wish
»» SHORTNESS of BREATH
someone would have tapped me on the shoulder and told me I had a carbon copy of the DNA my parents had.”
»» HEARTBURN or INDIGESTION-like pain Women may also experience abdominal pain and weakness. To learn more, visit: www.knowthefive.com.
Then, he explains, he might have realized that his family history of heart disease wasn’t something he could escape. Way’s father, George, is in his late 60s now and very healthy, but his mother had died from a heart attack at 35 years old, when Way was 12. Both of Way’s maternal grandparents lived well into old age, but their siblings and their parents, says Way, had heart disease.
He knew that things had to be different if he wanted to live a long life. And he resolved right then, from his hospital bed, to make permanent lifestyle changes, and do everything possible to prevent this from happening again. Two days later, Way was released from the hospital with a new outlook on life. ••••• On November 24, Way underwent a second procedure, in which Dr. Foerst placed a second stent to address a minor blockage that had been discovered during the first procedure. This procedure also allowed Dr. Foerst to view the chambers, valves and coronary arteries in the heart to determine if there were blockages or other problems. Fortunately, everything looked great. But, for heart attack patients, the road ahead is long and hard. Way is making good progress and has nearly completely recovered, says Dr. Foerst. For the three months following his heart attack, Way participated in the www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 63
HEART HEALTH MATTERS | OurHealth
cardiac rehabilitation program at the Carilion Clinic Cardiovascular Center on McClanahan Street. Rehabilitation programs include exercise training, education on heart-healthy living and counseling to reduce stress and help patients return to an active life. Way completed the program on January 9. Although it’s been a slow, gradual process, he’s regained, and even improved, his physical strength. He started his exercise program slowly, and began by going for a 15-minute walk after every meal. He progressed to 30 minutes and then started jogging. Now, he exercises for about 90 minutes a day, six days a week. Way’s also been working with a nutritionist and has completely overhauled his diet, trading in hot dogs and potato chips for a completely plant-based, no oil diet. He primarily eats vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole wheat pastas, brown rice and grains, though he does eat small amounts of lean meat and poultry. He also substitutes almond milk for regular milk and limits his dairy intake.
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OurHealth | HEART HEALTH MATTERS
“I want to not only prevent heart disease, but to reverse it,” says Way. His diet is based on one created by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., MD, a former internationally known surgeon, researcher and clinician at the Cleveland Clinic. Way does allow himself some leeway every now and then, but he avoids foods high in fat and cholesterol at all costs. Dr. Foerst couldn’t be more pleased. Way’s cholesterol levels were reduced by about a third within two months on this new diet. He’s lost about 30 pounds and has a much trimmer physique. “He’s on the far end of the motivated spectrum,” says Dr. Foerst, explaining that for most of his patients, having a heart attack is a wakeup call. Very few, though, make the dramatic changes that Way has made. His friends and family have also been impressed by what he has accomplished.
While many heart attack survivors, especially those who are young, would find themselves depressed with the situation he was facing, Way found the experience to be a renewal of sorts.
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HEART HEALTH MATTERS | OurHealth
“You can’t allow yourself to be controlled by your circumstances. You can’t have a bad attitude and be stressed over it,” says Way. He doesn’t make excuses for exercise anymore and he’s smart about it. He regulates his activity, checks his pulse and takes a break when he needs to. Way also makes it a priority to manage the stressors in life—using deep breathing and meditation. “One of the best things you can do is realize that you are in control,” says Way. The cardiac rehabilitation nurses he worked with taught him that stopping to take a deep breath almost always reduces stress by allowing the brain to take back control of the situation, explains Way. The situation has also helped him put things into perspective. “I don’t have to be first anymore, or the best, I just have to be happy with who I am,” says Way. In addition to maintaining his new diet and exercise regime, Way is on a daily dose of several medications to help reduce the risk of future cardiac problems. He’s grateful though, not just for having lived through it, but also for the opportunity it provided him to make changes in his life. He credits his recovery to prayer, hard work and the outstanding care of the professionals at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. And Dr. Foerst specifically. He has continued to see Dr. Foerst for his cardiac care. “He’s a very busy guy with lots of people to care for and he has many lives in his hands every day, but he still takes time to take care of his patients,” says Way. Way’s advice to others who suffer a heart attack is to do everything their doctor tells them; to take every suggestion and implement in. “You don’t have the luxury of deciding what will save your life.” Dr. Foerst’s advice to people who have had a heart attack is to know that their life is not over. In fact, he considers it a new beginning—a chance to make the necessary changes to be healthy and reduce their risk of future cardiac problems.
Jason Foerst, MD, with Carilion Clinic Cardiology.
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OurHealth | HEART HEALTH MATTERS
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DOCS OFF DUTY | OurHealth
Susan Gaither Spotlight
words | JENNIFER ROMEO
Going the Distance to Find My Calling After over 15 years in the healthcare field, Susan Gaither, FNP, of River Ridge Dermatology has truly found her passion. While she wasn’t always sure where her medical career would take her, Gaither knew early on that she felt called to help patients. “I’ve always loved skincare, both the medical and cosmetic aspects,” Gaither explains. Originally from Princeton, WV, Gaither attended Bluefield State College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her nursing degree opened a number of doors and even offered her the opportunity to travel to explore new places. After studying and working as a nurse in the area for years, Gaither moved to Tampa, FL, to pursue a new career as an ER and travel nurse. Working in the ER, Gaither experienced a variety of medical emergencies, learning every day. Her experiences there shaped the provider she has become today. “After working in the ER and taking a nursing job in a dermatology office, I really knew I loved focusing on the skin; it’s the largest organ of the body, and diagnosing skin concerns can be a real puzzle,” Gaither says. Deciding to focus on the specialty of dermatology, Gaither took a brief break from nursing to pursue her master’s degree and subsequently became licensed as a nurse practitioner. After years of traveling and collecting experiences in the healthcare field, Gaither settled in the New River Valley. Coming nearly full circle, Gaither now calls Blacksburg, VA, home. Less than an hour from her hometown, Gaither cares for her patients utilizing her 10 years of experience in the field to deliver quality care.
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OurHealth | DOCS OFF DUTY
“We focus on utilizing a team approach here to take good care of patients. As a nurse practitioner, I provide comprehensive and holistic care,” Gaither adds. “We want patients to feel they can call on us if they need us.” Gaither began practicing dermatology in 2004 and most recently worked for four years with New River Dermatology in Blacksburg. “People think we just see acne and moles, but it’s a lot more than that,” Gaither says. Today, Gaither offers her patients a range of services. In addition to checking for cancers, treating psoriasis and addressing other medical concerns, Gaither is excited to partner with her colleague, Dr. Sandra Brown, to begin offering cosmetic dermatology treatments, such as chemical peels and fillers, as well. With her travels behind her and an impressive collection of experiences to draw upon, Gaither feels passionate about the career she feels destined to explore. “Medical dermatology is my first love,” Gaither says with a smile. “I think it was always the plan for me.”
Sandra Brown, DO The only female dermatologist in the New River Valley, Susan Brown, DO, of River Ridge Dermatology joined the practice in October 2013. She brings to the group specialties in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Brown is board certified and a fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. As a member of several additional professional medical groups, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic Association and the Medical Society of Virginia, Dr. Brown makes a special effort to benefit her patients by continuing to grow professionally. Most recently, Dr. Brown earned recognition for her work as the thirdplace winner in the 2013 Best Bedside Manner Awards in dermatology for the New River Valley, a testament to her skillful treatment and careful attention to her patients’ needs.
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OurHealth | GIVING TO THE COMMUNITY
Saving Baby Charli words | RICH ELLIS
Eighteen-month-old Charli has a huge infectious smile, big brown eyes that are filled with mischief and light up a room, a huge personality and boundless energy. Simply put, he’s a character, and about the cutest baby you’ll ever see. Charli’s beauty, however, is invisible to his fellow villagers who want to kill him the first chance they get, either by throwing him in a dumpster full of garbage or sacrificing him to the devil as part of a voodoo ceremony. Welcome to Haiti, and having a birth defect here. A widespread belief among many Haitians is that children born with a birth defect, like Charli, are children of Satan and must be killed, sacrificed or simply thrown away, says Vanessa Carpenter, executive director of Angel Missions Haiti. “Hundreds of children are tortured or thrown away every day,” Carpenter explains. “It’s mind-boggling.” Carpenter started her organization 14 years ago after a trip to Haiti where she witnessed dozens of Haitian mothers arrive at the orphanage gates with sick children and no way to get them medical care. That’s when she founded her organization to help Haitian children receive the lifesaving treatment they need, free of charge, in the United States or Haiti.
“In Haiti, most people live on less than a dollar a day and the only people who can afford medical care are the very wealthy,” she explains. Charli arrived in the United States in May for medical treatment. It wasn’t an easy journey. He was born without arms or legs, a birth defect known as an amelia, and specifically a tetra-amelia indicating the absence of all four limbs. He has no hands, no feet, no arms and no legs. Instead he has short, residual limbs where his arms and legs should be, and of course, those eyes and that smile.
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Charli, his mom, dad and siblings lived on a remote mountain in Haiti—a threehour hike from the nearest vehicle-accessible road. His father farmed the land while his mother raised the children, and kept Charli hidden from villagers. She knew what they would do if he was discovered. The family’s strategy seemed to be working, until a farming accident forced Charli’s father to seek help from the local voodoo doctor, as Carpenter describes him. The doctor sent him home to rest, but he never made it, dying instead on the journey home. That’s when Charli’s troubles, or perhaps his salvation, began. Villagers heard about the death and came to the home to pay their respects. They discovered Charli, and they weren’t leaving without him. Charli’s quick-thinking mother convinced the villagers to allow her to grieve and bury her husband that night, promising to surrender Charli to them the very next morning. But when night fell, instead of burying her husband she escaped down the mountainside, Baby Charli cradled in her arms. At about the same time that Vanessa Carpenter was starting her rescue organization, Doug Call, CP, the president and owner of Virginia Prosthetics, Inc., was fully immersed in helping his wife, Marty, raise their three young sons, growing his orthotic and prosthetic business, and treating patients. He recalls that his path would often cross with that of Thomas Strong, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon with the former Roanoke Orthopedic Center, in Roanoke, VA.
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GIVING TO THE COMMUNITY | OurHealth
Dr. Strong would share stories about his mission trips to St. Lucia to provide free medical care and would encourage Call to accompany him. However, because of his responsibilities at the time, Call didn’t feel the time was right to attend. Then a few years later, a new opportunity to give back arose, and the timing was right to seize it. Hugh Hagan, MD, and John Mann, MD, both orthopaedic surgeons at the former Roanoke Orthopedic Center, had started organizing medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic in partnership with Solid Rock International—a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of the Dominican Republic’s poor—and Roanoke’s Second Presbyterian Church, led by Dr. George Anderson, senior pastor. Dr. Hagan mentioned the upcoming trip to Call, and that was all it took. “I already had the interest, because I think it’s good to give back,” Call explains. “Most of these folks don’t have the same opportunities we have here in the United States, not only in medical care but also in getting people back to their normal life after amputation.” So in 2007, Call and Charlie Coulter, O&P coordinator at Virginia Prosthetics,
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joined the mission trip and measured and fit nearly two dozen amputees in need of prostheses or repairs to their prosthetic devices. “Nearly every patient we saw on that first trip walked in on crutches, and was able to walk out of the clinic on artificial limbs that were custom-made for them,” Call said. He and his team would return to Virginia
Prosthetics’s
Roanoke
headquarters, craft new prostheses for the patients they had measured and then fit those devices to patients on a return trip to the Dominican Republic. Now, Call and Coulter make two trips there annually, one with the larger mission group and another on their own, to continue to help amputees. This year, Call’s youngest son, Davis, will accompany him on the trip, following in the footsteps of his older brother Harrison. Harrison described the trip to his younger brother as “something you have to do because it will change your life and make you appreciate everything you have here.” That first trip Call took in 2007 has since grown into an international medical mission for Virginia Prosthetics, not just in the Dominican Republic but locally as well. It’s how baby Charli wound up in Virginia Prosthetics’ treatment and fabrication facility last fall. Carpenter, Call and their two organizations are no strangers to one another, having worked together previously to provide free medical care to Haitian patients brought to the U.S. on a medical visa. “Historically, we have never turned away anyone needing treatment, regardless of their ability to pay,” Call explains. Charli, however, presents a unique set of challenges, according to Virginia Prosthetics’s certified prosthetist Doug Smiley who, along with certified prosthetist Sidney Nicely, is treating him. 76 | www.ourhealthvirginia.com
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“With an amelia, it isn’t uncommon to have one limb affected, but it is very uncommon to have all four limbs affected,” Smiley explains. “It’s not something I’ve seen before. Anytime you have the upper and lower extremities involved, it is going to be challenging for anyone to achieve a high functional level. If it were just both lower limbs that were involved, you’d still have so many finite controls available through the hands. On a positive note, because he’s a child, he’s going to be able to adapt faster than an adult.”
Charli’s course of treatment began with passive devices fit to his upper extremities so that he could grow accustomed to having something attached there and learn how to use the prostheses. “At some point, we’ll provide him with a moveable device where he can actually move his hands, whether it’s body-powered or a myoelectric device, or one of each,” Smiley explains. Once Charli is accustomed to his upper extremity devices and is using them to try to pull himself up, like most toddlers would at this age, the Virginia Prosthetics team will fabricate and fit him with lower limbs, something they are in the process of doing now. “I think his prognosis is really good,” Smiley explains. “As with most pediatric patients, they adapt so quickly and he’s going to develop strategies to do all that he needs to do through experience—more so than anything we can teach him.” While he’s in the United States receiving treatment for the next two www.ourhealthvirginia.com | 79
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to three years, Charlie is staying with his host family, Rick and Christine Jacobs of Salem, and traveling periodically back to Haiti with Carpenter to see his mother, to whom he will eventually return, since he is not up for adoption. “His mom was so excited to see him on our last trip,” Carpenter explained. “She was just overjoyed and couldn’t say ‘thank you’ enough.” As for Charli, he recognized his mother right away, and of course rewarded her with his trademark grin, and for the first time, two arms he could reach out to her with.
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OurHealth | LOOKING BACK
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Looking Back
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