Good Health 2021 - Oxford Eagle by The Oxford Eagle

Good Health OXFORD

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF OXFORD NEWSMEDIA, LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 WOMEN’S HEALTH: Pregnancy During Covid 5 DERMATOLOGY: Tips For Great Skin 7 COMMUNITY FITNESS: Oxford Park Commission 11 SPORTS MEDICINE: For Every Body 15 ALLERGY & ASTHMA: Tips To Handle Oxford’s Allergy Season 18 MENTAL HEALTH: How to find a Counselor

Good Health EDITORIAL

Anna Guizerix Jake Thompson

CONTRIBUTORS

Joey Brent Davis Coen Sarah Jay Gray Carrie Stambaugh

DESIGN

Jamie Dawkins Connor Martin-Lively Brittani Myers Kimberly Myers Briana Sansom

MARKETING

Delia Childers Amelia Miller

PUBLISHER

Rebecca Alexander

The Oxford EAGLE is published mornings,

Tuesday through Saturday, except for USPS

holidays at 4 Private Road 2050, Oxford MS

38655. Periodical postage is paid at Oxford, MS. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Oxford Eagle

21 PEDIATRICS: Advice to New Parents

P.O. Box 866

Oxford, MS 38655.

26 AUDIOLOGY: 5 Ways to Protect Hearing 29 NUTRITION: Fueling Your Body for Health

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 1

Pregnancy in a Pandemic Giving birth in 2020 was not for the faint of heart. Story by ANNA GUIZERIX

hen my husband and I found out we were pregnant in November 2019, we imagined a delivery room with our families anxiously waiting down the hall, cards and flowers from loved ones, getting to have my mother in the room to support me as I brought a baby into the world. Instead, our daughter was born to an operating room full of masked faces, wheeled in a bassinet to a quiet room with just the three of us, no fanfare, no flowers. It was an unsurprising turn of events after, when

2 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

I was barely five months along, the world shut down at the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. Our expectations, like the rest of the world, were forced to change. We gave up many, if not most, of the traditional experiences surrounding pregnancy. Gone were doctor’s appointments with my husband by my side as we watched our baby wiggling around on the screen. I didn’t get to enjoy shopping trips to buy baby clothes with my mom and mother-in-law. We canceled the baby shower. My parents had to wait for the birth of their first grandchild in the hospital parking lot. However, throughout all the things we had to alter or toss out entirely in the journey to bringing our

baby into the world, we discovered the beauty in simplicity. It took us a while to get to that moment. Months of FaceTiming my husband during sonograms, months of lonely doctor appointments. My doctor, Best of Oxford physician Meredith Griffin, could not have been more supportive and helpful as we navigated pregnancy in unprecedented times. She answered every question from “Could I eat indoors at a restaurant?” to “What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 before I go into labor?“ I cut back on outings to the point where the only time I left the house was for doctor visits, walks at the park or the occasional drive-thru treat. I exercised this caution not just for myself, but for my baby as well. As far as potentially being COVID-positive in the delivery room, my doctor assured me things would still be as close to normal as possible; I’d just need to wear a mask around the baby and keep her six feet or more away from me, unless I was feeding her. Thankfully, those worries didn’t become reality.

As the weather got warmer, and I got bigger, I thankfully experienced few complications with the pregnancy and our baby was healthy. Surely, I thought at one point, this whole pandemic will be over by the summer. Wrong. I do have to admit, the only thing worse than walking around nine months pregnant in July is walking around nine months pregnant, in July, while wearing a face mask. But, we made it work and soldiered on. We arrived at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi to be induced on July 20, 2020. We had our masks on, and loaded down with extra snacks and everything we could think to bring, because once we entered the hospital, we weren’t allowed to leave. The staff was so friendly in spite of the situation, requiring that we wear masks when they came in the room, but otherwise letting my husband and I go maskless when we were by ourselves. I had thankfully tested negative for COVID 96 hours before, as is hospital policy.

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 3

I gained a whopping 50 pounds while pregnant — it was hard enough to breathe without the mask, and became even more difficult once Pitocin was administered and contractions began early the next morning. After more than 12 hours with no progress, my doctor suggested a c-section. She gave my husband and me some time to talk through it and make a decision. Cesarean birth was not part of my plan; I was so confident in my body that I hadn’t emotionally considered it. And, truthfully, I don’t know that I would have opted for it in different circumstances. My baby was not in distress, it was not completely medically necessary; I just simply had not progressed as far as I could have at that point. For months, I was plagued by the idea that, had I not felt subconsciously pressured to get out of the hospital and back in my safe home as soon as possible, had I been allowed to have a birth advocate like a doula by my side, maybe I would have been able to take a different path and by extension, have a much easier recovery. But, like everything else, fear of the pandemic played into our decision for me to undergo a c-section. It’s all a little blurry, thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, but I do remember how, once again, the labor and delivery staff showed me every kindness. We welcomed our little girl, Magnolia Bailey Guizerix, the evening of July 21, into an uncertain world. It broke my heart a little bit, knowing my parents and my in-laws had to meet their granddaughter via FaceTime. Nothing was as I pictured it initially, but it was somehow still perfect. In those first few moments together as a new family, just the three of us, nothing else mattered. Not the pandemic, the mask requirements, the lack of flowers and fanfare. It was the first time since March that I’d seen a glimmer of hope in the world, the promise of a better day ahead. I’m hopeful that, by the time Maggie’s first birthday rolls around, we’ll get to make up for the missed celebrations, together and in person.

4 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

Tips for Great Skin at Every Age Advice from Oxford Physician, Dr. Lyndsay Shipp Story by CARRIE STAMBAUGH

reat skin at every age starts with a basic skin care routine, said Dr. Lyndsay Shipp of Dermatology Associates and Renew Spa. “Sunscreen is super important,” said Dr. Shipp, adding “Of course, the younger you start the better.” Not all sunscreens are created equal though, she explained, a lot of people don’t understand what to look for or how to read the label. The SPF or sun protection factor listed on the bottle is only an indication of the UVB light that is blocked. As a way to remember this she said, think B equals burn. But the deep-penetrating UVA sunlight exposure, however, is what causes the majority of sun

damage later in life. Think: wrinkles, dark spots, thinskin that bruises easily and skin cancer. Although the FDA now requires sunscreens to be clearly labeled if they are broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB), consumers still need to be savvy, said Shipp. Sunscreens come in two varieties: chemical and physical blocking. “Stick with the physical blocking sunscreen and wear it every day,” said Shipp. The physical blocking is the best and there are two ingredients to look for: zinc oxide and titanium oxide. “These were the white ones in the past that were hard to run in. Now we have so many brands that are cosmetically elegant. You can put them on with your moisturizer in the morning and be done,” said Shipp. Most sun exposure happens daily through activities like walking to the mailbox or riding in the MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 5

car, that’s why it is recommended for every day use. During high-exposure sun activities like visiting the swimming pool or beach, working outside or sports activities, sun protective clothing is the best choice. “It is a lot easier than rubbing on a goopy sunscreen,” she said, noting there are way more fashionable choices now than there used to be. “Getting a tan is never a good thing,” she added, “No tan is a good tan.” The idea of getting “a base tan” before going to the beach to avoid a burn is not a good idea, she adds, “You don’t need to lay out in the sun, or go to the tanning bed. That is a terrible idea. You are increasing your risk for skin cancer.” Dr. Shipp recommends every one get a skin check before the age of 20. This helps to establish a “baseline,” including tracking where moles are and how they change over time. “There are no specific guidelines,” she said but for patients with a family history of skin cancer “the earlier the better.” By age 30, people should be getting a skin check with a

6 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

dermatologist every year. In addition to sun protection the best thing people can do for their skin at any age is staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, and applying a good moisturizer to your entire body. “A moisture barrier to your skin is a natural defense barrier. It is like your brick wall. If you’re not moisturizing it you are letting your brick wall crumble,” Dr. Shipp said, adding the mortar between the bricks are ceramides. She recommends CeraVe products, which include ceramides. It’s a good idea to add a vitamin C serum in your 20s as well as a retinoid. Retinoids are different than retinols, she said. “Retinols are great products but retinoids are better,” she said, explaining retinoids penetrate deeper and spur more collagen regrowth giving you “more bang for your buck.” Most are prescription and can be expensive but they last way longer because only a tiny amount is needed. Differin Gel – marketed as an acne treatment – is a great choice, said Shipp.

Commitment to Community Fitness How the Oxford Park Commission adapted during a pandemic Story by JAKE THOMPSON

hen the Lafayette County reported its first case of the novel coronavirus last March, the City of Oxford began shutting down. Businesses closed, restaurants scaled down service and only grocery stores remained open. All of this did not deter the Oxford Park Commission. Serving as the city’s official outdoor and indoor activity provider, OPC had to find creative ways to continue offering what they could to Oxford residents, as safely as they could. Knowing this, OPD executive director Seth Gaines

and his staff began brainstorming. The brainstorming shifted for Gaines when the Board of Aldermen furloughed a majority of the city’s employees, leaving Gaines as the only one still running OPC for a threemonth stretch. Recreational sports were shut down and many of the activities were put on pause due to the restrictions and guidelines in place of preventing the spread of COVID-19. One thing that was still a constant, and encouraged by local and federal health officials, was the ability to still get out and walk at the parks or walking trails. Individual activities were encouraged still as a means for people to get out of their house during the height MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 7

of quarantining and self-isolation in the late spring and summer months last year. Oxford having several parks that offer walking paths was a way for OPC to still provide while having to scale back. “We were sitting there and trying to be cognizant of, ‘What can be done?’” Gaines said. “You have to embrace what you’ve got because people weren’t just going to quit. They’e not just going to be shutins. But, what can we do and what can we provide safely? What can we provide or encourage within the boundaries of what (Governor Tate Reeves’) orders were and what (Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill) and the Board of Aldermen’s orders were.” Other activities were converted outdoors, including 8 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

boxing and fencing classes. Once Gaines got his staff back in September following the furloughs, OPC went back to work on what could they still do fully-staffed, but still staying within the restrictions that were firmly in place heading into the Fall. Soccer, which was put on pause in the spring at the start of the pandemic, was picked back up and concluded. Another activity they managed to do, which was outdoors, was flag football. This past Fall, Gaines said they had highest number of participants to register for flag football at 420 for a shortened season. The previous record for registration was 316 kids.

An eagerness to return to a sense of normalcy was felt instantly by Gaines. “Even when we could still start signing stuff up there were still so many questions,” Gains said. “Was there going to be a second wave? Was there not going to be a second wave? …We’re still not quite sure, we just had a rash of refunds in soccer and baseball because people were not ready yet. So, I was sitting here thinking if we get 200-400 kids it’s going to be a perfect three-week season and then we had the biggest flag football season we’ve ever had here.” Another example of OPC finding ways to be creative and inventive was how their Leisure Lifestyles of Oxford program managed to adapt to the pandemic. Since last March, the 40-and-over LLO community have not been able to take part in classes at the old Oxford Activity Center due to COVID-19 and the preventative measures in place. With that in mind, LLO instructors have tried to keep up with their students through technology in hopes of bringing back as much of an in-person feel in a virtual format.

Using OPC’s YouTube page, LLO instructors would upload their sessions for the class members to watch and participate on their own from the comfort and safety of home. “All of our instructors are independent contractors. So as far as us telling them what to do, we can’t really do that,” Gaines said. “Fortunately for us, we’ve got a lot of independent contractors that did things on their own and without us telling them to go do things for the crowd. Throughout the summer, some of those instructors, on their own, were doing Zoom calls with people who were typically in their class.” Looking back, there is plenty of hindsight to fall back on for Gaines and his staff at OPC. With last year bringing the first pandemic in 102 years, and the fact Oxford did not have a parks commission in 1918, there was not a playbook or manual for OPC to fall back on. Making one up as they went along was the name of the game for Gaines, and all city and county departments. After seeing what they were able to

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 9

do and time for reflection, OPC is prepared to offer safe and healthy activities, including some they did not offer last year, if an event such as COVID-19 hits again. “I think if anybody ever deals with it again, there’s a background to say, ‘Hey, this is what worked. This 10 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

is what didn’t work,’” Gaines said. “As a society, if we are requiring masks much earlier, maybe we can get in some of these activities and do things. Hopefully, nobody has to go through this again.” A year later, OPC is gearing up for what they anticipate is a more normal 2021 activity calendar.

Treating Every Body Equally Sports Medicine isn’t just for athletes Story by CARRIE STAMBAUGH

hether you’re an elite college competitor, an older athlete or just someone who enjoys daily movement, everybody deserves topnotch treatment for bone and joint injuries. “What we find is that the ability to treat our highlevel athletes at Ole Miss translates well to both our high school athletes and the general population,” said Dr. Daniel Boyd, of Oxford Orthopedics. “Many people believe when they turn 50 or 60, they are no longer an athlete but we have numerous people who are active in cycling or running as well as tennis and golf at those ages and they deserve the same treatment

that an SEC athlete would get. That’s what we try to do with all our patients with sports injury who are seen in our clinic.” As the country recovers from a year of COVID-19 lockdowns and restriction, doctors are seeing a rise in sports-related injuries, said Dr. Boyd. “We are currently seeing a need for recovery in our entire population after COVID. We have had to develop recommendations for both our young athletes returning to their sports as well as our weekend warriors returning to their activities,” he said. “We have seen many start-up injuries because people are attempting to return now to their normal exercise routines and sports routines and their bodies need the chance to slowly transform into a MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 11

ROBERTS WILSON, P.A. Local Injury Lawyers OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI • AUTO ACCIDENTS • TRUCKING ACCIDENTS • MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS • SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY • SLIP AND FALL INJURIES • WORK ACCIDENTS • WRONGFUL DEATH

(662) 662) 533-9111 WWW.WEGETJUSTICE.COM CALLS ANSWERED 24/7 FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

12 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

status that allows the to participate heavily in sports or workout routines,” said Dr. Boyd. The recommendations work for both the young high school and college athletes they work with as well as patients in their 60s and 70s. Boyd said weight management and proper nutrition are also imperative to preventing and treating sports injuries, especially as individuals age. “Certainly, weight management plays a large role in the impact load a person experiences in their joints but we have to couple a recommendation of weight loss with an appropriate diet supplement of deficient vitamins and minerals, along with appropriate exercise for joints, which doesn’t stress them, allows for range of motion to circulate joint fluid and maintains strength,” said Boyd. Another recent trend is Vitamin D deficiency in patients, said Dr. Boyd, noting Vitamin D is essential in maintaining strong bones. He stressed its important to eat a well-rounded diet, supplement with a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, get a healthy dose of sunshine, and incorporate of weight-bearing exercises into a fitness routine. Oxford Orthopedics also now provide osteoporosis evaluation and management,

which includes checking a patient’s bone status and their hormone levels and treating them appropriately. When an injury does occur, Dr. Boyd, said it is critical to begin treating it early. Often times

patients, particularly the older, male ones, wait too long to seek medical treatment and make their injuries worse. “Reoccurrant swelling, obvious pain, and the inability to perform the things they love to do are all the main indicators that it is time

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 13

to see myself or my other partners,” said Dr. Boyd. Dr. Boyd stresses that their clinic is open to all patients, without referrals and regardless of age or athlete status. “Some patients feel that they need a referral or their injury isn’t as important as someone else’s, or I just didn’t think mine was that serious. I hear that all the time,” said Dr. Boyd. “The patient must understand we are only a phone call away. There is no referral. General sprains, strains and tears are our bread and

14 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

butter,” he added. When a joint repair surgery or replacement is needed, Oxford Orthopedic has wrap-around services for patients. New techniques including arthroscopic, robotic or computer-generated joint replacement surgeries have continued to improve outcomes and speed recovery for patients. When coupled with the clinic’s pre-surgery protocols patients of all ages and abilities are achieving great outcomes.

Top Tips for Allergy Suffers Just in Time for Oxford’s Allergy Season Story by CARRIE STAMBAUGH

llergy suffers already know that pollen season is upon us. Mississippi and the entire southeast United States frequently leads the world in pollen counts. Then there are the summer grasses and the fall weeds… It all combines to make some residents pretty miserable with symptoms that include include itchy throats, mouth, nose and eyes, runny or stuffy nose, red and watery eyes, sneezing and

coughing, headaches, earaches, pain in the temple and forehead and loss of smell. Allergy-induced asthma symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath. There are also skin rashes and other symptoms. But Dr. Claire Rosenblatt with the Mississippi Asthma and Allergy Clinic has a few tips for heading off seasonal hay fever and easing allergy symptoms when they do develop. Her first piece of advice: Avoid allergens if possible and if not start treating them early – before symptoms develop. “Get and take a good antihistamine,” she said, MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 15

adding there are ore over-the-counter options now than ever including Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec. She recommended patients who suffer from seasonal allergies start taking the medication before they develop symptoms, and take it through the season. In the spring that means stating in mid-February and taking it through April. For fall hay fever suffers start in August through the first frost. “These medications work great but they work a lot better if you take them routinely,” she added. A quick rinse in the shower when you come inside can go a long way too, she adds, especially during the spring pollen season. Rosenblatt also recommends nasal irrigation. “It’s a good thing to rinse your nose every day,” she said, “I’m a big proponent of saline rinsing for sure, it helps a lot of people keep from getting those infections.” A variety of pre-packaged rinses are available in stores. She cautions neti pot users to make sure their devices are well-cleaned so they don’t grow

16 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

mold or other bacteria. A good corticosteroid nasal spray like Flonase is also a good choice for allergy suffers. Afrin is not, she added. When using a nasal spray – after a saline rinse – be sure to first clear any mucus from the nasal passageways by gently blowing the nose. Then, staying in an upright position tilt the head slightly forward. Insert the tip of the spray bottle into the nose, gently blocking the other nostril with the other hand. Be sure to aim it up and to the outside of nostrils to ensure the medication gets to where it needs to go. Then squeeze the pump and breathe in slowly, repeating on both sides. When is it time to see the doctor? If the measures above aren’t helping, if a patient keeps developing sinus infections three or four times a year, or they just don’t go away, then it times to come in to see the doctor. “How I approach therapy with people is I look at symptom treatment with medicines than avoidance measures,” said Rosenblatt, she does often recommend testing and allergy injections. For individuals nervous about allergy testing – there have been some changes in recent years. A blood test can now test for 25 of the most common allergies but the old-fashion skin tests can assess allergies to 45 of the most common allergens.

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 17

How to Find a Counselor Where do you begin when you need to to talk to someone? Story by SARAH JAY GRAY

t goes without saying that 2020 was a heavy year for most people. If you have decided to get some support for your mental wellness you may be questioning where to even start. The good news is that due to some changes made during the pandemic, professional help is more accessible than ever. Many therapists offer online scheduling and tele-health sessions (online video sessions) for convenience and to accommodate client needs. As with most professions, there are some basic terms that may be helpful to understand as 18 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

you begin your search. For the purposes of this article, the terms therapist and counselor are used interchangeably as both are trained with a master’s degree or higher in similar curriculum to provide mental health support. Before you schedule your appointment, it is important to find a counselor that you feel comfortable with. A strong therapeutic relationship is the top factor in predicting treatment success. Asking family, friends, doctors, or trusted coworkers for referrals can be a great way to learn firsthand about providers in your area. There may also be characteristics such as location, gender, age,

and ethnicity that you feel more drawn to in a therapist which help narrow down your search. By knowing a few names and preferred characteristics you can begin a web search. The more specific you are in your search the better. For instance, it may be important to you to find a therapist who specializes in your area of concern or someone who uses a specific therapy technique. You probably don’t know which therapy technique is best for you - and that’s okay. If that is the case, then focus on your concerns and goals when looking for a therapist match. Online directories, like psychologytoday.com or therapyden.com, allow you to filter your search based on several criteria. Therapist websites also provide you with additional information like their specialty, availability, fees, or insurances accepted. Some therapists have professional social media accounts

you can explore to get a feel for their personality, and many therapists offer a short consultation to address any questions you may have before scheduling your first appointment. Taking these steps will help you feel more confident in choosing your therapist.

(662) 662) 533-9111 WWW.WEGETJUSTICE.COM CALLS ANSWERED 24/7 FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 19

Once you schedule your first appointment, be prepared to complete initial paperwork. Some counselors have virtual paperwork to complete before your first appointment while others ask that you complete this paperwork in person. You may find it is similar to paperwork at a doctor’s office including confidentiality and HIPPA information. It is helpful to gather needed documents like identification, medical information, emergency contact info, and insurance information (if applicable) to complete the paperwork. Your first therapy session can be a messy experience for you emotionally. You will likely bring some difficult topics to the surface, and this can be emotionally overwhelming. Remember that your therapist’s office is a safe place to explore any thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that you are experiencing. It is a good idea to plan some buffer time immediately following your session before jumping back into work, school, or social events until you get a feel for how you process sessions. Because of the emotional toll of a first session, it may take a few sessions to decide if you and your therapist are a good fit. Remember that finding a therapist that you connect with is one of the most important pieces to your progress so try out 20 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

a new therapist if you do not feel supported and understood. How long you spend working with a therapist is unique to you. Typically sessions are booked weekly or bi-weekly, and you may stay in therapy for several months or even years if you continue to benefit from the process. After working with your therapist you may notice your progress by small shifts toward a more positive mindset or catching yourself in an old thought process and having the skills to redirect to a more helpful one. It is important to discuss your goals and progress with your counselor so they know what’s working for you. In the same way that we tend to our physical wellness by going to a doctor, a gym, or changing habits, we must focus on our mental wellness. If you direct energy toward your mental health, you will likely see benefits in other areas of your life. Reaching out can be intimidating, but hopefully these tips help ease the process. The sooner you get support the sooner you start living a life that aligns with your values and priorities. Sarah Jay Gray is a counselor in Oxford. Reach out at 662-260-6543 and thriveoxford.com or follow along on Instagram @sarahjaygray_counselor.

Advice to New Parents A conversation with Pediatrician, Dr. Catherine Phillips, D.O., FAAP, CLC Question: What advice would you have for new parents choosing a pediatrician, and how soon should that process begin? Answer: If you are in the market for a pediatrician due to pregnancy, adoption, relocation, or for any reason, the search may seem overwhelming. As parents, we want to make the BEST decisions for our children and choosing your pediatrician is an important one. This will be the office and doctor you trust with your child’s health and wellbeing.

We listen to your concerns and help you make those tough decisions as they come based on your child’s medical, developmental, and social growth. If you’re preparing for baby’s arrival and trying to think about how to provide the best experience, you’re already way ahead. I have a few suggestions to help you sort through all of your options and make the most educated decision for your family’s needs. 1. Ask your friends. Fellow parents love sharing MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 21

who has helped them through some of the best and toughest moments of parenthood. I feel honored when parents recommend me to their friends or when I see my name on a social media recommendation. It shows what an immense amount of trust they have in me. It’s an important decision and hopefully a long-lasting relationship so ask those whom you trust for their advice. 2. Check out the practice online and on social media to get a glimpse of the practice’s personality, philosophy, and policies. Will breastfeeding support be important to you, do you need same-day sick appointments, is your pediatrician available afterhours, what is the vaccine policy, and so-on. You also want to make sure the physician is accepting new patients and takes your insurance. 3. Schedule a prenatal consult before the big day. This is a great opportunity to get to know your prospective pediatrician and see if your personalities jive. Everyone is different – some want an authoritative, prescriptive figure as their baby’s doctor- other parents want someone they call by their first name and have a more friendly relationship with. Most parents want somewhere in the middle. At prenatal visits with my families,

22 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

I discuss any medical issues, your birth and feeding plan, baby’s first visit in clinic, how our office works, and what to do if your child is sick or you have a question. I tell them about my philosophies on medical care, parenting, antibiotic use, and soon. Question: What is the biggest controllable health issue for children in Lafayette county that you see and what advice do you give to combat the issue? Answer: Unfortunately, one of the biggest controllable health issues I see in children is obesity. Children are gaining weight at an alarming rate. I’m seeing adolescents present with 20 to 40 pound weight gain in just a year. This isn’t a vanity issue. It’s the associated insulin resistance, sleep apnea, exercise intolerance, and elevated triglycerides that eventually lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. At some point, this was a problem that adults faced. But over time, it is affecting younger populations, including children, teens, and women in child-bearing years. This is a silent pandemic, and even though it is controllable, it is largely out of of control.

The problem isn’t the individual or the household. It is systemic. Many of the foods we eat are processed with added sugar, alternative sweeteners, salts, or trans fats. These ingredients are okay in moderation, but when hidden in foods and eaten in excess can lead to elevated insulin levels, altered gut microbiomes, fatigue, food cravings, fat storage, inflammation, or high blood pressure. Many processed foods also lack key nutrients, such as fiber, healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants that promote satiety, energy, and cardiovascular health. Most parents in a grocery store are unaware of the quality of food they are purchasing. There is no consumer education provided in America. Instead, we are driven by labels, items marketed as healthy, low-sugar, low-fat, or prepackaged to accommodate our busy lifestyles. We also have the fast-food and restaurant industry that often serve large portions of foods and endless refills of sugar-sweetened beverages. If you feel like you are a consumer with limited knowledge about nutrition, take some time to read about super foods you should be offering

your family and try to pay attention to the added sugars or artiﬁcial sweeteners in the foods you buy, especially the ones labeled “low fat” or “less sugar.” While you can’t become a nutritionist overnight or completely change your family’s lifestyle, I do have some basic recommendations that I give families: 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! 5 fruits and vegetables a day. By doing this, you are usually eating an apple with your sandwich rather than a bag of chips. That may sound like no big deal, but over time, increasing key nutrients while decreasing processed carbohydrates makes a huge difference. 2 hours or less of screen time a day. Set timers. Set screen limits. Have designated “screen free” times in your home and eat meals together. 1 hour of activity a day. Toddlers and preschool children should play all day. Older children need at least an hour of moderate activity a day. Our kids should have fun and run so hard on the playground that they have to stop to catch their breath. To increase activity and decrease snacking on “treats,” offer your kids extra play time outside as a reward

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 23

for good behavior. 0 calories from sugar-sweetened beverages. It’s best to offer your child white milk and water. Limit juice, chocolate milk, sports drinks, sodas, and other sugary drinks. Once your family eats dinner, close the kitchen. Our bodies need time at night to break down the foods we consume, otherwise, we enter fat storage and gain weight. That weight gain is increased at alarming rates due to excess sugar and unhealthy fats in our diets along with sedentary lifestyles and increasing screen-time. No matter your time or budget, you can help your kids combat the obesity epidemic. It’s as easy as 5-21-0. If you have questions about your child’s health make sure to touch base with your pediatrician. Question: What message would you have for parents who have concerns about how the pandemic has affected their child’s health? Answer: Thankfully, children tend to have mild illnesses from COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include sinus congestion, cough, shortness of breath, and ﬂu-like illness. Some patients have no symptoms at all. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19, but anyone can develop mild to severe

24 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

symptoms. If you are concerned that your child could have the illness or has been exposed to it, you should call YOUR CHILD’S PEDIATRICIAN. We keep up with the latest guidelines, we know your child’s history, we have on-site rapid and send offcovid testing, and we will offer guidance and the best care plan for your family. For children at risk of COVID, make sure you have talked to your pediatrician and/or specialist about a care plan that best protects your child. For example, Phillips Pediatrics did asthma Telehealth visits last Spring and optimized asthma therapy to try to keep our patients well. So far, everyone is doing great! Thanks to social distancing, this has been a mild Winter and kids of all ages, both healthy and medically complex, have been relatively “well.” The pandemic, however, has taken a toll on child and adolescent mental health. Some of our patients have lost parents and grandparents to this virus and have to go through the difficult stages of grief. Others have anxiety or depression— paralyzed by fear or loneliness. If your child is experiencing any of these issues, you should reach out to your pediatrician for help. I often see and treat my patients and refer them to our mental health counselor, who is currently doing virtual visits.

Question: How has Covid changed your practice, and interaction with your pediatric patients? Answer: Since the beginning of this pandemic, my top priority has been the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff. I agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics that it is very important for children to continue to receive medical care and stay up to date on vaccinations. The last thing we need in this pandemic is for preventable diseases to re-emerge. We take extra precautions to ensure the safety of our patients and families, including curbside check-in, keeping sick and well spaces in the clinic separate, requiring masks, and enhanced cleaning procedures in the office. Paperwork is encouraged online, and we offer curbside and Telehealth visits. Reading endlessly about COVID-19 and keeping our practice policies up to date has been the easy part for me as a pediatrician. The hardest part has been the relationships and interactions. Kids aren’t playing in the waiting rooms, I’m not sitting in the exam room reading a book with them, I’m not holding newborns while I talk to their parents, I’m not carrying a toddler to the sample closet with me, or escorting a child to the toy box. I’m in a mask, trying to keep my

distance, and trying to limit my time in the exam room to decrease exposures. Thankfully, I already see these things changing now that our team has received our COVID vaccines. I am still masked, I remain cautious, and we continue to have strict policies, but I catch myself holding babies and hugging kids again. This is why I went into pediatrics, and I’ve missed it. Reading endlessly about COVID-19 and keeping our practice policies up to date has been the easy part for me as a pediatrician. The hardest part has been the relationships and interactions. Kids aren’t playing in the waiting rooms, I’m not sitting in the exam room reading a book with them, I’m not holding newborns while I talk to their parents, I’m not carrying a toddler to the sample closet with me, or escorting a child to the toy box. I’m in a mask, trying to keep my distance, and trying to limit my time in the exam room to decrease exposures. Thankfully, I already see these things changing now that our team has received our COVID vaccines. I am still masked, I remain cautious, and we continue to have strict policies, but I catch myself holding babies and hugging kids again. This is why I went into pediatrics, and I’ve missed it.

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 25

5 Ways to Protect Hearing Every Day other audio too loudly. Overall, 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both he saying “you don’t know what you’ve got of their ears. Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in approximately 15 percent of adults 18 years of age or regard to hearing. It’s easy to take hearing older report some trouble hearing, and the risk of for granted, but even momentary hearing hearing problems increases with age. Once it’s gone, hearing cannot be restored in many loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing. People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to cases. To protect hearing and guard against future music, stream movies or participate in work-related hearing loss, consider these recommendations. 1. Ask for a baseline hearing test. It’s easier to meetings more than ever before. Having the volume measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it can be measured. During your annual physical, says five in 10 young people listen to their music or ask for a hearing test or a referal to an audiologist. STAFF REPORT

26 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

ROBERTS WILSON, P.A. Local Injury Lawyers OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI • AUTO ACCIDENTS

Oxford CLEVELAND JACKSON HATTIESBURG MERIDIAN starkville biloxi MONROE, LA

• TRUCKING ACCIDENTS • MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS

COMFORT

& FUNCTION

• SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY • SLIP AND FALL INJURIES • WORK ACCIDENTS • WRONGFUL DEATH

{The New Dress Code}

(662) 662) 533-9111 WWW.WEGETJUSTICE.COM

1207 Office Park Drive, Suite A, Oxford, MS 662-234-8193 www.methodistoandp.org

CALLS ANSWERED 24/7 FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 27 oxfordO&P1/4page.indd 1

3/18/21 3:35 PM

This can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss. 2. Wear hearing protection. There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many earplugs, like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts, can reduce the sound by approximately 25 dB. Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction, in upwards of 35 to 40 dB. They are optimal for high-noise environments, such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery, according to the hearing loss resource Hearts for Hearing. 3. Turn down the volume. Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes 28 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-the-ear headphones instead. 4. Have custom molds made. Rather than turning up the volume, people can have custom ear molds made for use with earphones, suggests Johns Hopkins. The custom ear molds will block outside noise, allowing for higher quality listening. 5. Keep your ears dry. Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow and potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning, and using a cotton swab can push wax and cause it to become compacted in the ear canal. In addition to these tips, discussing hearing health with a doctor is a wise idea.

Fueling Your Body for Health JUVA encourages healthy thinking, through juices and smoothies Story by DAVIS COEN

xford’s growing health awareness in recent years has been thanks in good part to JUVA - The Juice & Smoothie Bar, located on Jackson Avenue West. The Mississippi-based franchise first opened its doors in Starkville in 2013, and at their Oxford location in 2016. The business was founded by Starkville native Justin Mitchener, who started out with one smoothie vending machine on MSU campus. His goal initially was to attract health-minded students on-the-go, and also to do his part to help fight the state’s increasing

obesity problem. The Oxford JUVA location is easy to spot from Jackson Avenue, but it’s also favorably located for goers of Orangetheory Fitness club, which is merely a stone’s throw away. The clientele is so eagerly shared between the two businesses that a 10% discount is given to Orangetheory members - in addition to customers from other local fitness locations, said Demetri Flowers, manager of JUVA-Oxford. “A lot of people come here after they work out, to get their protein,” said Flowers, a Lafayette Countynative who’s been at JUVA for almost two years. She said a smoothie menu item named ‘Flex on the Beach’ MARCH 2021 • GOOD HEALTH | 29

is popular with these folks, due to its protein and fat burner content. Also, are some of the store’s delicious off-menu snack items, such as the energy bites, or peanut bites, which also have high protein content. The fitness class, or gym-going clientele, who come in before a workout will purchase other types of items, said Flowers. The ‘Jacked Juice’ and ‘Jump Juice’ make up a section of the menu devoted to Pre-Workout. ‘Jacked’ contains arginine, creatine, beta-alanine and caffeine - which are significant for weightlifting - while ‘Jump’ contains citrimax, L-carnitine and caffeine in it, intended for cardio activity. “That just really gets you pumped up, you know - to go for a run,” Flowers said. In comparison to others in the industry, on average JUVA’s handcrafted smoothies have been shown to contain 33% fewer calories, 40% fewer carbohydrates and 47% fewer grams of sugar than the products of their top competitors. Their nutrient-rich juices come from fresh produce through the careful process of cold-

30 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

pressing. This uses a slow grinding step followed by a high-pressure process involving a hydraulic press. The freshest juice is achieved due to the minimal contact of the juice with heat and air - by way of a precise extraction - which is why it’s called “cold” pressing. The JUVA website explains that pressing produce at the ideal temperature extracts the juice while keeping significant enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals intact. Also, that heating and oxidation can drastically affect the color, flavor, and structure of the juice. The site explains that when produce is improperly ground or blended in food processors or blenders, the juice is heated, which kills vital enzymes and minerals. The menu offers over 30 drinks spanning several categories, with popular favorites including ‘Kale Yeah’ - a concoction of banana, sunflower butter, kale, and almond milk - and ‘Thrill of Brazil,’ a combination of acai, apple, blueberry, banana,

whey protein, and turbinado. Turbinado is found in most of their smoothies, and is a raw sugar that differs from typical sugar because it comes from the first pressing of the cane - therefore keeping more of the plant’s natural flavor. Also popular, and encouraged said Flowers, is modifying menu drink items. For instance, her personal current favorite smoothie is the ‘Bohemian Raspberry’ - a combination of raspberries, strawberries, bananas, whey protein, and turbinado - but she sometimes enjoys adding peanut butter for an extra kick. Some of the numerous smoothie add-ins include fiber, chia seeds, green tea, vegan protein, multivitamin, bone & joint support, oats and yogurt. Flowers said that another popular favorite is 32 | GOOD HEALTH • MARCH 2021

the ‘PCB,’ made up of banana, peanut butter and chocolate whey protein - which she refers to as a sometimes “guilty pleasure” - although she will sometimes substitute the peanut butter with PB/PB2, a powdered form which contains less grams of fat. On another local note, Mardis Honey - a local honey from Taylor, MS - has become a popular addin for both smoothie drinks and smoothie bowls. It’s also an ingredient used in their snack offerings, displayed at the barside. “It’s just pure honey, which makes it taste so much better,” said Flowers. JUVA has also taken strides to address the importance of mental health, with the help of their social media. They advocate a self-care checklist, “to encourage bringing more peace into the lives’’ of their customers, and have developed a juice cleanse specifically catered to those with such specific needs.

Don’t let heartburn ruin your life. Acid reflux disease affects approximately 30% of the American population, causing daily heartburn symptoms – but heartburn is only one sign that you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, a serious condition that has been linked to esophageal cancer. Baptist Heartburn Treatment Center at Baptist North Mississippi can diagnose GERD and offers minimally invasive treatment that can help stop reflux. Please go to baptistonline.org/heartburn to learn more and take our short online quiz to find out if you might have GERD.

baptistonline.org/heartburn

662-636-2120

A Legato Heartburn Treatment Center

Get Better.