To Your Health, June 2019 by pscommunications

LIVING WELL IN NORTHWEST GUILFORD COUNTY published by ps communications

Aging in place

7 Growing an herb garden 9

CBD: “snake oil” or “miracle cure”?

11 School’s out – now what? 14 “You’re only as old as you feel” 15 Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s 19 Your mouth: a window to your body 22 Dental “Did you know?”s 31 Top 10 healthy herbs

2019

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(Back row, L-R):

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(Front row, L-R):

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Aging in place – or,

‘how to stay put as you grow older’

Remaining at home may cost less than moving to an assisted living facility, but it requires planning now

Photo: Chris Burritt/ PS Communications

Kyle Campbell, manager of Dove Medical Supply’s store on Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, demonstrates a lift hospital bed that helps people stand up from a reclining position while assistant store manager Kierra Reid (left) looks on.

by CHRIS BURRITT If only aging in place were as simple as putting a slipproof rubber mat in the bottom of your bath tub. That’s actually one of the recommendations by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). But it’s just one of many physical, financial and family considerations for elderly people who want to stay in their homes instead of entering assisted living and nursing homes. Just as with saving for your children’s college education and building your retirement nest egg, it’s never too early to start preparing to age in place. “When you realize you need a grab bar, it’s too late,” said Tammy Bridges, president and CEO of Dove Medical Supply, which sells home health supplies from compression stockings to wheelchairs in its three Triad stores, including one in Summerfield. “Some people may confuse the issue by thinking that aging in place will fix the things that they may have or problems that may arise,” reads an article found at www.SeniorLiving.org. “Aging in place can only address those problems that have already been planned for in the person’s life. Aging in place challenges refers to the health, social and emotional needs an elderly person may need and such needs that can be addressed to help them maintain a well-rounded life, in the residence of their choice.” The popularity of aging at home is growing right along

with the number of senior citizens. Estimated at 45 million today, the number of Americans 65 or over will climb to 73 million by 2030, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Five years later, it is projected to reach 78 million, marking the first time that older adults will outnumber Americans younger than 18. “Aging in place is so vast,” said Jamie Lindsay, a certified aging in place specialist for Renata Renovations LLC, a Greensboro-based general contractor. Simply put, she said, “the goal is to help individuals stay in the comfort of their homes as long as possible.” In her work, Lindsay looks for telltale signs of elderly people struggling to live independently. When

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she spots finger smudges on a wall, she suspects the person is fighting to keep his balance and using the wall “basically as a crutch.” A solution may be as simple as installing a grab bar, which can cost less than $50. Or worsening mobility may require the person go from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair. That, in turn, may necessitate more expensive modifications such as placing ramps over thresholds and widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs. Extensive remodeling of a kitchen with easier-toreach cabinets and appliances or remaking a bathroom with zero-threshold showers can cost tens of

continued on p. 24

Classes in Yoga, Pilates, Ballet, Hoop Dance and Tai Chi for active adults Located at The Factory in Kernersville 210 N. Main St., Suite 238 (336) 497-5437 www.studioeleve.com

‘Puttering about’ in backyard produces bounty of herbs Trial-and-error planting by Scottish-born Lesley Rigby produces rosemary, thyme and oregano she uses year-round by CHRIS BURRITT Lesley Rigby reveals her Scottish roots when she pronounces the “h” in “herb,” as in the man’s name. A walk around her terraced backyard in Oak Ridge shows another British tradition – a kitchen garden from which she plucks sprigs of rosemary and Vietnamese cilantro for cooking year-round. Rigby said she got “the bug to plant herbs” 30 years ago when she and her

husband, Bill, bought their first home with a garden in Manchester, England. To hear her describe it, it sounds like a page from Beatrix Potter’s “Peter Rabbit,” right down to the gooseberry bushes where a net ensnared the mischievous bunny as he tried to escape from Mr. McGregor, the farmer.

pens,” said Rigby, who grows lemon balm, oregano and thyme next to the steps of the back porch. Walking across the patio one late afternoon recently, she pointed to perennials just starting to sprout and grow. “This is fennel and lavender, and just starting to pop back up here is horehound,” she said. “I’ve got sorrel and rosemary over in the pond area. “I have three types of mint on the go,” she said. “Mint being mint, it goes everywhere. I have to keep it contained.” For centuries, growing herbs in kitchen gardens has been a tradition in Britain and Europe. It’s grown in popularity in the U.S. as people who lack the time or interest in cultivating full-blown gardens

Rigby took over their Manchester garden. When the couple moved to the U.S., she said she transported from England a love for “puttering about,” as she calls it. Since moving to Oak Ridge 16 years ago, she’s created a bountiful garden by tucking herbs in beds around the previous owners’ patio, featuring a Japanese maple and lily pond filled with the clucking and croaking of frogs. “I give it a go and see what hap-

continued on p. 29

Photo: Chris Burritt/PS Communications

“I give it a go and see what happens.” said Lesley Rigby, who grows herbs in a kitchen garden in the backyard of her Oak Ridge home.

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HEMP-U-CATION by Puriti Labs The

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CBD - There they are, the three letters that you can find everywhere at the moment. The gas station on the corner sells it, your salon has it and so does probably the vape shop in your town. It is supposed to have healing properties but your doctor will not write you a prescription, so how do you know what to get and where to get it? So let us help you get some Hemp-U-Cation so you know what you are buying and what to look for: CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol and it is one of the substances that are naturally occurring in Cannabis Sativa L. One of the plants that falls under this category is industrial hemp. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp across the United States; however, most states, including North Carolina, are still working on legislation to protect the consumer. Because there are no “rules and regulations” the consumer is at risk of consuming a CBD product that is not safe by still having residual solvent or even pesticides in it, has little if no CBD in it or is even manufactured in an unsafe environment. The list can go on and on. Currently there are no specific regulations for extracting oil from the hemp plant. The only regulation currently in place is that an individual or company who wishes to process and manufacture hemp oil must register with the State of North Carolina. A list of these can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/hemp/ProcessorsInfo.htm Many of the processors on the list use their home address for registration because that is where they are processing and bottling their CBD products. There are currently no regulations at all for processing CBD products, which means the CBD product you are consuming could have been made in someone’s basement that was mold ridden. In addition a lot of companies offer plain hemp seed oil, which is typically used in salad dressings or to cook with but it does not have any cannabinoids in it. The proper oil to look for is hemp extract made from industrial hemp. There is no way for the consumer to know if the product they are taking even has CBD in it. North Carolina and other states are currently working on new industrial hemp legislation. In the meantime, the consumer needs to beware when purchasing CBD products. USA GROWN

Many companies make the claim “MADE IN USA” when in fact the CBD they use is being imported from other countries, with China being one of the leading cannabis suppliers to the USA. Hemp is a leaching plant, which means it absorbs everything from the soil while it grows, including contaminates. Therefore, if the soil it was grown in is not good, clean soil, then that plant might contain high levels of toxic substances.

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LAB TEST INFO QR CODE Picture Courtesy of NovantHealth.org

Each CBD product should have a QR code on it that links directly to the Third Party Laboratory Analysis of the product. If a manufacturer is not sending off each batch of product for independent testing then there is no way to know what is in the product including CBD content and results for heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins. Test should be performed for heavy metals, pesticides, mold and mildew and CBD potency at a bare minimum.

How Is Puriti CBD Oil Manufactured? Puriti Labs, located in Troutman, NC, is operated by degreed chemists who have worked in or with FDA accredited laboratories and utilize many of those same practices, which are intended to protect the consumer. Our mission is to support the US Farmer while protecting the consumer and giving them access to the highest quality CBD products available. Our Hemp is grown in North Carolina and extracted in our facility located in Troutman, NC, where we use food-grade ethanol for extraction. The large majority of processors utilize CO2 for extraction. However, CO2 is a greenhouse gas and can endanger our environment. At Puriti Labs, the incoming hemp is tested, the extracted oil is tested and then the final product is tested again, all by an independent lab. If the lab test is acceptable our products are then made available to the consumer. The lab report is made available on our website, which is linked to the QR code on each product.

: ‘snake oil,’ or a ‘cure for what ails you’? Federal regulators scrambling to catch up to booming demand for hemp-derived CBD products by CHRIS BURRITT The popularity of drops and salves derived from cannabidiol (CBD) oil is soaring. Shown to relieve inflammation, pain and anxiety, sales of the natural remedies are climbing, fueled by online demand and increasing availability in retail outlets. CBD products “are sold in hundreds of tobacco shops, convenience stores and pharmacies,” according to a recent report by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Aside from oils, outlets are selling products claiming to contain CBD “in the form of gummies, trail mix, lollipops and many other food products.” Retailers selling foods with CBD labels are breaking the law, however, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned CBD in food and beverages. The agency isn’t yet regulating the manufacture and sale of other CBD products, leaving consumers vulnerable to buying items that don’t, in fact, even contain CBD. “There’s a lot of ‘snake oil’ being sold out there, so buyers beware,” said Tammy Bridges, president and CEO of Dove Medical Supply. “It’s a huge deal for the consumer to be properly educated.” Aside from selling medical supplies and equipment, Dove Medical produces and sells its Puriti line of hemp oil tinctures, patches and other CBD products online and in its three local retail stores. The company operates a laboratory which is “run like a pharmaceutical lab,” Bridges said, and a processing facility in Troutman, North Carolina. Madison-based Carolina Canna supplies hemp plants and seeds to farmers in Guilford and Rockingham counties. In turn, the crop is processed into CBD-infused extract for tinctures (bottles with droppers), salves and vaping. The company also processes hemp flowers for vaping and other uses. “We are almost unregulated,” said Stephen Mundy, who owns Carolina Canna with Sager West. To assure the quality of its organic products, the company requires farmers growing its

plants and seeds to certify that their soil is free of pesticides and heavy metals and it conducts further tests to verify its products are free of contaminants, Mundy said last week during a presentation about CBD at Summerfield Farms. The close connection between hemp and marijuana is one point of confusion. Hemp refers to varieties of the plant species Cannabis sativa L that contain 0.3 percent or less of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is the chemical compound that can make you “high,” – i.e., euphoric or intoxicated – according to the website of CBD Origin, an organization that touts CBD products. Marijuana refers to the varieties of cannabis with more than 0.3 percent of THC, the ingredient that binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain and produces a high. The two varieties of plants appear identical, differing only in their chemical composition, Mundy told those attending the CBD presentation. Both grow buds that look alike and the buds and leaves smell the same when burning. “One would need a chemical analysis to tell the difference,” the SBI report said. A lack of understanding about the differences has tainted the reputation of hemp and is causing some people to miss possible health benefits from CBD, Bridges said. “Why would you be afraid to come in here and buy something that can change your health?” she asked when interviwed last week. “I guess some people think it’s like being in the grocery store and having beer in your cart and turning the aisle and running into your pastor.” CBD products may become an alternative for people using opioids to dull severe, chronic pain, West said. “Humans have been using cannabis for thousands of years,” he said. “This provides relief for people to deal with their pain.”

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Billy Tesh, owner of Pest Management Systems, began using CBD tinctures and creams about two years ago for pain relief. “The abuse that I’ve applied to my body over the years has started to show,” the 60-year-old Summerfield resident said. The treatment “worked remarkably well,” by improving his sleep and helping him recover from knee surgery, he said. “I was back on my feet in no time.”

continued on p. 10

2019

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continued from p. 9 Tesh’s daughter, Julie, owns two dogs; one, Remington, is 17 years old, blind and ailing. Two days after giving her dog CBD treats, Tesh said, “she’s swimming in the swimming pool.” To those who have told Tesh that CBD hasn’t worked for them, he wonders if they didn’t take it long enough – or, perhaps they bought products that had been falsely labeled as containing CBD. “You can’t make medical claims when you talk about CBD, but the proof is in the results,” Tesh said. He’s so convinced that CBD has the potential to help people with health problems that he’s teamed up with Summerfield businessman Ken Miller to cultivate more than 10 acres of industrial hemp. He also believes that CBD products can reduce people’s dependence on pharmaceuticals and says he wants “to be part of the solution.” Karen Neill, retired director of the Guilford County center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, is managing Tesh and Miller’s farm in Summerfield, where they’ve planted more than 20,000 hemp plants they hope to harvest in September, Tesh said. They plan to hire a processor to extract CBD oil from the plants, selling some to third parties and using the rest for their own line of tinctures and creams. More than two decades of cutting and hauling trees has “worn my body out,” said 56-year-old Vic Dillon, owner of Dillon Tree Service in Colfax. He attended Carolina Canna’s presentation to learn more after using CBD cream to relieve aches and pains. He said it worked. For decades, federal law lumped hemp and marijuana under the most strictly regulated category of narcotics. The U.S. Congress changed that last December with the passage of the 2018 farm bill. Signed by President Donald Trump, the legislation essentially removed hemp from its classification as a Schedule 1 substance under the Controlled Substances Act. In North Carolina, the state Department of Agriculture oversees production

2019

We want consumers to be aware that there is only limited available information about CBD, including about its effects on the body.” Dr. Amy Abernathy, principal deputy commissioner of the FDA and head of its CBD working group

of industrial hemp grown in the state. The state legislature authorized the creation of the Industrial Hemp Commission in 2014 to assess the feasibility of industrial hemp as a crop in North Carolina. Among the rules, the Department of Agriculture requires farmers who want to process CBD oil to get a license to grow hemp. “Is hemp safe? Yes,” said Mundy, speaking last week at Summerfield Farms. Until the FDA imposes regulations, however, he said it falls on consumers to determine the quality of CBD products before they buy them. “Know your source,” Mundy said. “It is vital to know where it comes from.” To make CBD oil, processors extract the compound from cannabis plants and then dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut or hemp seed oil, according to an article posted on Healthline’s website. Knowing how to read labels on bottles and packages of CBD products is also important. Potency is measured in the milligrams of CBDs and other chemical compounds per dosage and in the full container. As a rule, the more milligrams, the higher the cost. The starting price for 250-milligram tinctures sold by Puriti by Dove Medical is $39.99. A 500-milligram tincture sold by Carolina Canna costs $64.99 in Summerfield Farms’ retail store, called The Market. Labels typically say whether the product is “full spectrum,” meaning it contains CBD and some of the more than 100 other chemical compounds, possibly including traces of THC.

continued on p. 28

School’s out for the summer – now what? A little ‘down time’ is good, but too much can lead to physical and mental inactivity, and unhealthy side effects. Involve your kids in planning how to spend their time wisely this summer – and have fun while doing it

Kids need some down time, but too much of it can lead to unhealthy habits. Planning how your kids will spend a good part of their summer hours is essential to keeping them mentally, physically and socially active and healthy

by PATTI STOKES

inactivity increase the possibility of weight and fat gain, but the foods in TV and screen ads aimed at kids are often high in sugar, salt and fats – and, children eat more when they are watching TV, especially if they see ads for food.

June 21 officially marks the beginning of summer, but for most school-age children, it begins after the last day of school. Ah, the freedom that comes with no homework, no sitting in a classroom seat for hours – and for many, later bedtime and wake-up schedules. But without the structure of a typical school week, how can parents keep their kids physically active and mentally and creatively challenged when many are inclined to spend hours in front of a screen each day? According to the National Institutes of Health, watching TV/movies combined with video gaming, tablets and cell phones leads to most American chil-

dren spending 5 to 7 hours each day – or more during summer months – in front of a screen. The NIH warns that too much screen time can have negative effects on a child’s health that include a higher risk of attention problems, anxiety and difficulty sleeping – and obesity. Not only does the physical

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health revealed that the body mass indexes (BMI) of more than 5,000 kindergartners and first graders almost doubled during summer break as compared with the school year.

continued on p. 30

Novant Health Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge When it comes to your child’s care, you can trust our expert pediatricians. From prevention services to same-day sick visits, we’re here every step of the way.

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L to R: Deepa Nayak, MD; Chase Michaels, MHS-PAC; Steve Kearns, MD; Laurie MacDonald, MD

2019

We’re expanding to meet your needs

You want a healthcare system that’s everywhere you are — for all of life’s stages and surprises. That’s why Novant Health is expanding to offer more of the care you need right in Guilford County. You’ll find urgent care, primary and specialist care, and emergency and hospital care all close to home for your convenience.

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Making healthcare remarkable © Novant Health, Inc. 2019

A Novant Health Northwest Family Medicine 7607 NC Highway 68 N., Suite B Oak Ridge • 336-643-3378

B Novant Health Forsyth Pediatrics Oak Ridge 2205 Oak Ridge Road, Suite BB Oak Ridge • 336-644-0994

C Novant Health Northern Family Medicine 6161 Lake Brandt Road Greensboro • 336-643-5800 D Novant Health Express Care 4012-B Battleground Ave. Suite 1020 Greensboro • 336-564-4341

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J Novant Health Bariatric Solutions 5701 W. Friendly Ave. Greensboro • 336-660-5100

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‘You’re only as old as you Exploring new hobbies and activities can be a great way to keep your mind and body active by ANNETTE JOYCE Growing older looks different on everyone. While some people get mentally geared for being “over the hill” when they hit their 60s, others keep going strong right into their 90s and beyond. They look and feel great, and see no reason to give up their active lifestyles just to watch the world go by. So what’s their secret? Renowned actress Sophia Loren, now 84, said it most eloquently, even giving us insights as to how to obtain this state of being. “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love,” she said. “When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Every single day, people are shattering the barriers that hold us back as we age. Just this past year, California runner Katherine Beiers finished the Boston Marathon at age 85.

Gladys Burrill didn’t even start doing marathons until she was 86. A few years later, at 92, she power-walked and jogged through the Honolulu Marathon right into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest female to complete a marathon. The late astronaut John Glenn spent nine days in outer space at the age of 77. And former president George H.W. Bush, who died in 2018, celebrated his 90th birthday by diving from a plane. Both his 75th and 80th birthdays were commemorated the same way. Although traveling into space or jumping out of an airplane might be a bit extreme for most of us, there are unlimited activities to keep that youthful vigor. Here are a few ideas, some of them admittedly a bit “off the wall,” to get you moving in the right direction. Go back to school. Get a degree. Just keep learning. Join a club or, better yet, start one. If you’ve got a particular interest and would like to meet other people who enjoy the same thing, do what it takes to make a connection. Take up a new hobby. On the tame side, you could try something like kayaking, writing or beekeeping.

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feel ’

Looking for something out of the ordinary? How about extreme ironing (yes, that’s really a thing), testing your creativity by designing duct tape fashion or flying through the air on a trapeze? “Dance like nobody’s watching.” Ballroom dancing, line dancing, belly dancing or, for the very adventurous, pole dancing can all be fun and provide loads of exercise. (Fun fact: at 73, Dai Dali is China’s oldest pole dancer. She began this strenuous hobby at the age of 65.) Sign up for a run or walk and then train for it. Who knows? The Boston Marathon might be in your future after all! Get politically involved. Find out what’s going on in your local or state government and work to change what you feel needs changing. Volunteer for a candidate’s campaign. Better yet, run for office yourself! Travel to somewhere exotic. Plan a trip to a place you’ve always wanted to go but have never been. Volunteer to do something that’s completely “out of the box” for you.

Take up public speaking, hold a fundraiser and give the proceeds to a favorite charity or put together a neighborhood block party. Write a novel and publish it. Try a new sport. Running, paddle boarding, pickleball, fencing, yoga, golfing and hiking are just a few to consider. Again, if you’d like something a bit more challenging, try rock climbing or gymnastics. Just be sure you check with your doctor and know your physical limitations. Become an entrepreneur. Are you good at creating great photographs, baking delicious cakes or staging homes for sale? Your talents could pay off. Get involved with your community by volunteering. It’s a great way to meet new people and help with some great causes. If these ideas don’t pique your interest, consider your passion, do some research and begin your own journey to a more youthful existence. No matter what you choose, stay active both mentally and physically. Remember, you really are only as old as you feel.

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Photos courtesy of the family of Terry Herrick, Tamra Snider and Helen Angell

Above left, Steve Dozier with his mother Helen Angell at the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2015 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Top right, Terry Herrick and his wife Dianne. The photo was taken around 1965 when Terry was at the United States Naval Academy; Terry Herrick died of Alzheimer’s at age 70. Above, Tim Snider of Summerﬁeld said his mom, Tamra Snider, 78, has two master’s degrees and taught elementary education in Forsyth County for 25 or more years. “After battling dementia 10 years, though, that person is no more,” Tim said.

“Surround yourself with people who’ve been through it, because you are not alone. Take care of yourself,” advises Stokesdale resident Steve Dozier. by MEREDITH BARKLEY When he reached his mother’s house in Florida during a 2014 visit, Steve Dozier found her in tears.

“I forgot how to write a check,” she sobbed. “I said: ‘Oh my God!’” recalled Dozier, who lives in Stokesdale.

Because it’s

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He had helped care for his beloved grandmother as Alzheimer’s progressively stole her mind and body, then her life. He knew what lay ahead. “She had been exhibiting symptoms for years, but we’d say: ‘Ah, that’s just mom,’” said Dozier, 61. By then, though, it was obvious his mother – Helen Angell – needed help. She had been caring

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continued on p. 26

2019

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Big or small, your mouth is ‘a window to your body’

Regular dental checkups can uncover pregnancy risks, acid reﬂux, sleep apnea and other health issues by CHRIS BURRITT When oral healthcare providers examine their patients’ mouths, they’re not only looking for cavities and misaligned teeth, but for other issues which can signal broader, more serious health concerns. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), systemic diseases – those that affect the entire body – may first become apparent because of mouth lesions, bad breath or other oral concerns. “The mouth is a window to your body and offers clues to your overall health,” said Dr. Jenny Weston, who along with her husband, Dr. Ben Weston, owns Summerfield Family Dentistry. “Prevention and early treatment of dental disease are critical to preventing systemic complications,” Jenny Weston said. “New diagnostic tools available today help us detect and treat oral problems better than ever. Some scary things that show up in the mouth are HIV, leukemia, oral cancer and eating disorders like bulimia and inflammatory bowel disease.” Chronologically speaking, dental care starts with expectant mothers. “Some pregnant women think they can, or should skip dental visits, but it’s actually the time to make sure you see your dentist,” said Dr. Cassandre Joseph, owner of

Odyssey Dental of Summerfield. Poor dental habits or untreated dental issues can lead to more serious health problems during pregnancy that could include premature delivery, gestational diabetes, or an elevated level of glucose in the blood, according to the ADA. Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy increase blood flow to the gums and can lead to gingivitis, Dr. Joseph said. Left unchecked, that could develop into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that raises the risk of preterm or low birth-weight babies, she noted. Pregnant women (and others) are encouraged to brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush for two minutes, using a fluoridecontaining toothpaste, and clean between the teeth once a day. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends parents take their children to the dentist starting at 1 year old, and to brush and floss their children’s teeth until they’re old enough to do it themselves. “It is essential to start good habits early to avoid serious dental problems such as early childhood caries, or baby bottle tooth decay, and gum disease,” said Dr. Stephanie Lindsay, who owns High Point Pediatric Dentistry with Dr. Kristina Coffield. Forty-two percent of children from 2 to 11 years old develop a cavity in at least one baby tooth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Besides the discomfort and needed dental treatment, even more serious is the risk of infection and damage to

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YOUR MOUTH

continued from p. 19

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the permanent teeth which are developing under the baby teeth, Coffield said. “Baby teeth are important because they help children speak clearly and chew properly, and they aid in forming a path for developing permanent teeth,” she noted. Acid reflux, or heartburn, is caused by some of the stomach acid going back up into the esophagus. Although not uncommon, the chronic condition often goes undiagnosed. However, dentists are uniquely qualified to spot it. “Dental erosion from acid reflux shows a distinct pattern,” Lindsay said. “When this is detected, your dentist may recommend you see your primary medical doctor to help get the reflux under control.” Teeth erosion can occur in children or adults who frequently consume highsugar food and drinks. “Over time, sugary products can break down the enamel of the teeth, which can lead to sensitivity and potential cavities in the weakened areas of the teeth,” Coffield said. As dentists have broadened the scope of detecting medical problems, so has their communication with their patients’ physicians. “Once we discover a condition, we refer the patient to their physician,” said Michelle Phillips, dental hygienist and marketing director with DeVaney Dentistry. According to the ADA, dentists may want to consult with medical doctors before performing procedures such as tooth extractions that may cause bleeding. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, raising the risk of infection in other parts of the body such as the heart or prosthetic joints. To prevent the spread of bacteria, patients may be prescribed antibiotics before undergoing dental procedures. Dentists and doctors may also collaborate in fitting patients with oral devices to address sleep apnea, a potentially serious disorder that occurs when breathing

2019

stops and starts repeatedly. The so-called “appliances” fit like an orthodontic retainer, supporting the jaw in a forward position to keep the upper airway open and reduce the likelihood of sleep apnea, according to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine’s (AADSM) website. “There are now appliances that replace, in some circumstances, the use of a CPAP machine” that treats sleep apnea, said Julie Huskinson, dental hygienist and office manager for DeVaney Dentistry. Summerfield Family Dentistry’s Ben Weston said dentists “are in a great spot” to identify patients possibly suffering from sleep apnea. “Common signs a dentist can identify are snoring, grinding of teeth and anatomy that is high-risk for obstructed sleep breathing,” he said. “Identifying similar breathing problems in children is critical for their physical and mental development.” People suffering from diabetes are prone to dental problems including gum diseases.

“As with all infections, serious gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise,” the ADA says. “This makes diabetes harder to control because you are more susceptible to infections and are less able to fight the bacteria invading the gums.” Older patients should tell their dentists if they have heart conditions or have undergone joint replacements, the ADA recommends. That’s because infection from dental procedures can spread to other parts of the body including the heart and artificial joints. The same goes for some medication, such as bone medicines, that can impede healing if patients have undergone serious dental procedures, Dr. Joseph said. “If patients are taking medications for their bones, they need to wait for implants or extractions because medicines can slow down healing,” she said. “We want to make sure we’re helping you maintain your health, not harming you.” More info: Visit the ADA’s website at www.mouthhealthy.org.

see related info on p. 22

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DENTAL ‘Did you Know?’s three months and after illnesses like a cold or flu.

The following dental/oral healthcare-related info was taken from the websites of the American Dental Hygienists Association and the American Dental Association. ÊÊ About 78 percent of Americans have had at least one cavity by age 17. ÊÊ Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay because it helps wash away food particles caught between teeth after a meal and also helps prevent plaque buildup by stimulating saliva production. Look for sugarless chewing gums that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance. ÊÊ Tooth decay is an infectious, transmissible disease that can be passed from one person to another through saliva. ÊÊ Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to

ÊÊ Sensitive teeth – a condition which is treatable – may be caused by fractured teeth, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or tooth decay.

ÊÊ Baby teeth are important because they help your child chew and speak. They also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums.

ÊÊ Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. It is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

ÊÊ Any form of sugar can be harmful to your teeth. From a dental perspective, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can damage teeth because cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that attack tooth enamel.

ÊÊ Known as “nature’s cavity fighter,” fluoride helps to repair the early stages of tooth decay and strengthen teeth’s enamel in both children and adults.

ÊÊ Flossing is a healthy habit for humans, but be sure to dispose of used floss securely. If a curious cat or a hungry dog swallows a piece of floss, it can cause severe, even life-threatening, internal injuries to your pet – and a visit to the emergency veterinary clinic can cause severe damage to your wallet.

ÊÊ Bleeding gums are never normal. If your gums bleed when you brush, it could be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. It also could be something simple like brushing or flossing too hard.

For more information about dental issues and oral healthcare, visit www.mouthhealthy.org.

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AGING IN PLACE

continued from p. 6

Photo: Chris Burritt/PS Communications

The main living space in John and Cheryl Baisey’s Summerﬁeld home is on the ground ﬂoor; hallways and doorways are also wider than normal to accommodate a wheelchair.

thousands of dollars. Still, it may be worth the investment, Lindsay said, “if it delays by a year or five years your need to go into assisted living, which can run thousands and thousands of dollars a month.” Paying for renovations is just one cost of aging in place. Other expenses such as utilities and property taxes don’t disappear. Prices vary, but an elderly person paying $15 an hour for a caregiver to help with dressing, bathing and other daily tasks would spend $360 a day for round-the-clock care. That amounts to more than $10,000 a month. To defray costs, relatives sometimes provide care to their elderly loved ones while juggling commitments to their immediate families and jobs. Caring for parents isn’t easy, particularly when they fear their independence is threatened, Bridges said. The elderly can be “stubborn,” she noted. “Using a cane is almost like they’re admitting defeat when, in fact,

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using a cane or walker or grab bar prevents falls.” For older adults, falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Falls are also the most common cause of nonfatal trauma that requires hospital admissions. Aids for daily living, as home care products are called, can help elderly people avoid injuries and perform a multitude of tasks that allow them to remain at home, Bridges said. Among them are aids that help arthritic people button their shirts and people with bad hips pull up their socks and pick up items from the floor. Lift-style hospital beds help the elderly stand up. And medical alert systems and home monitoring systems can be a comfort to those aging in place as well as to their loved ones. “To be proactive and make your home safe means you’re more likely to stay in your home,” said Bridges, who cared for her grandmother, Ruby Patterson, during the final years of her life. Before moving to Summerfield from San Ramon, California, John Baisey cared for his mother, Dorothy Bartnik. He accompanied her to doctors’ appointments and visited her in the retirement home where she lived until her death in 2016. Looking back, Baisey recalls some elderly people he met there who were mentally sharp but lacked mobility. Others were physically able to get around, but suffered from dementia. “It was scary for me, it was depressing for me,” Baisey said. “I thought, ‘Is this what life really has in store for us?’” Watching his mother’s decline also weighed on Baisey, leading him to resolve to do whatever he could to keep from burdening his wife, Cheryl, if she ever needed to care for him. The home the couple built in Summerfield two years ago reflects their planning. The two-story house has two downstairs bedroom suites, one for the couple and the other for friends who visit them. While John was leaning toward building

a single-level home, Cheryl wanted a second level for grandchildren. The couple hired Rich and Kathy Dumas, owners of R&K Custom Homes, to build their home. The Dumases helped the Baiseys with decisions for the long term, such as to make doorways and hallways wider than normal to accommodate a wheelchair. In the bathrooms, the showers are accessible to wheelchairs and the toilets are higher than normal. The garage is wide enough for two vehicles with their doors wide, allowing passengers with walkers to exit easily. “Everything that John would need is on the first floor,” Cheryl said.

to learn more ... Here are a few of the sites we visited when doing research for this article: www.AARP.com, www.AgeInPlace.com, SeniorLiving.org and TheSeniorList.com.

Checklist for aging in place

The AARP recommends these features to accommodate elderly people in their homes:  At least one step-free entrance  Open floor plans and rooms with a large turn radius  A bedroom, full bathroom and kitchen on the main level  Doorways and hallways wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through  Doorknobs and faucets with lever handles, which are easier to use than round knobs  Kitchen countertops mounted at varying heights to accommodate people when they’re standing or seated  Bathtubs and showers with non-slip surfaces  Grab bars in the bathroom  Well-lit hallways and staircases with handrails  Light switches, electrical outlets and thermostats that can be easily reached even when seated  Windows that can be opened and closed with minimal effort

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continued from p. 15 for her husband with dementia even as the disease was overtaking her. “She went from being an artist to barely being able to color in a coloring book,” said Dozier, who became his mother’s primary caregiver even though he lived hundreds of miles away. “When you have to teach your mother how to use a straw, it’s awful.” He ended up moving his mother to his home, and finally to a memory care facility. Everyone who has cared for a loved one ravaged by brain-destroying dementia can empathize. And with 5.8 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, there are millions of caregivers. Among them: Scott Herrick and Tim Snider, both of whom have helped care for parents with dementia. Herrick, 48, also of Stokesdale,

watched helplessly as his father, Terry, slowly wasted away. “He was very much a presence in my life – like an anchor,” Herrick said. “I had to step up and help my mother.” His father was a big man, making it more difficult to correct the kinds of inappropriate behaviors common in people with dementia. “I came into the bathroom one day and he was trying to brush his teeth with a razor,” Herrick said. “Try wrestling that away from someone who thinks they’re using a toothbrush.” His family had to child-proof cabinets to keep his father away from knives and bottles of household cleaners they feared he might drink.

“Watching my mother go through that turmoil was heartbreaking,” Herrick said. The whole experience so affected Herrick that he began volunteering with

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the Alzheimer’s Association, and eventually left his job in financial planning to work for the organization. He’s now North Carolina director of public policy for the nonprofit and lobbies lawmakers for dementia research funds. “I didn’t come here because I needed a job,” Herrick said. “I came here because it meant something to me.” Tim Snider’s mother – Tamra, 78 – has two master’s degrees and taught elementary education in Forsyth County for 25 or more years. After battling dementia 10 years, though, that person is no more.

“The mom I once had has been erased,” said Snider, 50, of Summerfield, who helps his dad care for her. “She’s not there anymore. Every day that’s tough.” His father, Charles, finally had to quit a book-selling job to care for her full time. His mother can no longer cook, so his parents eat out a lot. Even that’s a challenge. “She gets very upset from the normal noise you get in a restaurant,” Snider said. “She’ll tell (people) to be quiet. It makes it difficult for dad to keep the peace.” Snider put his mother’s clothes in storage, retrieving what she needs for each season. “Otherwise they’re all over the room,” he said. “We try to limit her choices so it’s not as confusing.” It’s hard to carry on a conversation with his mother. That requires memory. But she still enjoys music. So he spends time with her listening and singing. He treasures those rare opportunities to connect. He, like others who have watched parents care for a spouse, worries about the effect on his father’s heath.

“It shortens his life,” Snider said. “Emotionally, it takes a toll on everybody.” Herrick’s experience caring for his father has taught him valuable lessons – some of which he picked up by trial and error. “I think your attitude as a caregiver matters a lot,” he said. “If you try to control what you can control and be OK with things that you can’t, you’ll have a better outcome. It’s best to keep a routine. You want to reduce the chaos.” And don’t test someone suffering dementia, such as challenging them to remember people or events from the past. “No one wants to take a test they can’t pass,” Herrick said. Dozier’s advice for those finding themselves in the caregiver role: “Join a support group. Surround yourself with people who’ve been through it, because you are not alone. Take care of yourself.” When he realized his mother was in trouble, he called the Alzheimer’s Association, which provides many services. “Being the primary care provider makes you feel isolated and alone,” he said. “You feel the weight of the world is on your shoulders. That’s why I’m so passionate about the Alzheimer’s Association.”

Alzheimer’s Association support groups: First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, Room 204. Meets first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Facilitator: Lois Mezer, (336) 852-7454, Lmezer54@gmail.com Jamestown United Methodist Church, 403 E. Main St., Jamestown, Rooms 113/115. Meets first Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. Facilitator: Laura Gulledge, (336) 906-0430, lauragulledge@gmail.com Brighton Gardens of Greensboro, 1208 New Garden Road, Greensboro. Meets second Tuesday of the month at noon. Facilitator:

Patricia Brunina, (336) 297-4700, RC@sunriseseniorliving.com Brookdale Lawndale Park – Discovery Lounge, 4400 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Facilitator: Meredith Cooper, (336) 286-3432. mcooper2@ brookdale.com For more support group information, visit alz.org/northcarolina/helping_you/ support/support_groups.

Upcoming workshops:

Meet Dr. Asia Zierle-Ghosh, who will be starting September 2019

“Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body”: June 26, 12 to 1 p.m. at Countryside Village Retirement Community, 7700 US-158, Stokesdale “Understanding & Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors”: Aug. 14, 2 to 3 p.m. at Friends Homes, 925 New Garden Road, Greensboro

The following is an excerpt from a letter Scott Herrick shared with Northwest Observer Editor Patti Stokes in 2010, when his father was in the latter stages of Alzheimer’s. It is printed here with his permission … “The middle stages are often the most difficult, when the spirit and personality, and some mental faculties, are still with the loved one affected. My father was never someone who liked being told what to do. He told others what to do. He fought his dementia tooth and nail, and that made it all the more difficult, but that quality is also why we all loved him. “He was always an optimist, someone who never gave up. ‘They’ll find a cure. I’m getting better. This Aricept is helping me.’ I’d argue that he’s still optimistic now. He barely talks, and what he does say makes little sense. He twitches violently, and is very difficult to rouse when you visit. He has his moments still, at age 70, where he springs up to his feet, and you have to follow him as he walks the halls of the hospital if you want to spend any time with him. “Sometimes he laughs, and that makes us all laugh, and when he does it still sounds like my Dad. Sometimes he can even, on a good day, still catch a ball. Both of my kids have had the chance to throw the ball with my father, like I did for countless hours in the backyard growing up. “My father has three kids, their spouses, grandchildren and most of all, a beautiful wife. We’ve all said our goodbyes a couple of years ago, but we still go hold his hand. It won’t be long before he’s finally free of this. I tell him now the things he always knew, but we didn’t say out loud. I tell him what a great father he is, and how well he did building our lives, and how great his grandkids are. I hold his hand, and tell him this, and sometimes I feel him squeeze my hand tighter, and I fight the tears, because he wouldn’t want us to cry for him. “You can’t think of life in terms of fair or unfair. That’s one of the main lessons I have gleaned from all of this. Life just is. We all have our struggles, and our challenges, and ultimately the experiences we have with each other are what drive our happiness, and make life a rich tapestry. Happiness is there always, but sometimes you have to seek it out.”

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2019

Products labeled “CBD isolate” contain virtually 100 percent CBD. Carolina Canna’s Spectrum line falls in the full spectrum category. According to Mundy, as the body breaks down the various chemical compounds (known as cannabinoids), it puts them to work where they’re needed most, such as providing relief from digestive issues. “All of these cannabinoids work in harmony,” he said. “It’s an all-you-caneat buffet for your body to digest organic compounds.” As a possible downside to full spectrum products, they contain small amounts of THC that sometimes cause users to fail drug tests, West said. By contrast, that’s not a risk with CBD isolate products because they contain no cannabinoids other than CBD, he noted. The FDA is starting to tackle some of the questions around CBD. It held its first hearing May 31 to assess the safety of CBD products, as well as their ability to produce their intended results. A tweet by Dr. Amy Abernathy, principal deputy commissioner of the FDA and head of its CBD working group, amounted to the agency’s warning for users to beware: “We want consumers to be aware that there is only limited available information about CBD, including about its effects on the body,” she said. The agency has approved a pharmaceutical CBD drug called Epidiolex, a treatment for some forms of epilepsy. Reports of health benefits of CBD are widespread and generating interest from others seeking relief from pain. “It’s gaining momentum in the health and wellness world, with some scientific studies confirming it may help treat a variety of ailments like chronic pain and anxiety,” according to the Healthline article. Though more scientific research and evidence is needed, some people have found CBD oil provides relief for cancerrelated symptoms and side effects such as nausea, vomiting and pain, the article said. It also cited studies showing CBD oil provided relief from depression, high

blood pressure and acne. Jesse Stallings, 76, suffers from lung cancer that metastasized into bone cancer. After taking CBD tinctures (small bottles with droppers) and creams from Dove Medical for several months, he said he sleeps better. “It’s eased my back pain tremendously,” the Summerfield resident said. Also from Summerfield, Robert Carter, 74, was among about 50 people who attended the presentation at Summerfield Farms. “My wife told me not to come home high,” Carter joked afterwards. He said he’s looking for an alternative to prescription drugs he takes for hip pain. “I came to learn.” After the presentation, Michelle Cueves of Madison bought some CBD products for her 7-year-old autistic son, Yaseth. She’s hopeful it will relieve his anxiety and fear in typical settings such as eating in restaurants and grocery shopping. “His normal is not yours or mine,” Cueves said. “I’m looking to soothe him and help him cope.” The following are some of the sources we used when researching this article: Visit www.healthline.com and search for the article titled “7 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects)”. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website, www.fda.gov, provides answers to 26 questions about CBD products. A search for “FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products” will bring up the Q&A. Visit www.everycrsreport.com for “Defining Hemp: A Fact Sheet.” The site is a compilation of reports by the Congressional Research Service, which prepares analysis of policy issues for the U.S. Congress. For details about North Carolina’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, visit the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s website at www.ncagr.gov and search for the program. For the North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s assessment of industrial hemp and CBD, visit www.sog.unc.edu and look for the agency’s report.

HERBS

continued from p. 7 like the convenience of planting herbs and popular vegetables, such as tomatoes, in pots on their decks. “Herbs are super easy to grow,” said Donna Claeys, who owns the Garden Outlet in Summerfield with her husband, Glenn. At home, they grow oregano, basil and rosemary in pots and add them to pizza and chicken cooked on the grill. “You’ve got to plant herbs where you’re going to use them,” Donna said. “If you don’t, they’ll sit there and go to seed.” Herbs grow well in composted, welldrained soil, according to Shirley Keel, a volunteer in the N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener program. Speaking at a recent workshop in Greensboro, she advised people to plant herbs as part of their overall landscaping of shrubs and flowers, partly to take advantage of pollination by bees, butterflies and other insects. Herbs planted in pots can be moved in and out of the sun, Keel said, and they need six to eight hours of sunshine a day to thrive. The backyard of Rigby’s home gets sunshine all afternoon, leading to a bounty of herbs that she uses in cooking throughout the year. The couple’s cat, Danish, especially loves the aroma of basil. Rigby makes fresh salads using lemon balm, mint, fennel and other herbs she’s picked minutes earlier. She tucks

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A bouquet of fennel, mint, thyme and lemon balm from Rigby’s back yard. rosemary in pork, chicken and lamb. In preparation for winter, she dries oregano and other herbs on newspaper spread out over the kitchen table. She then crushes them and stores them in glass jars to season sauces and crockpot recipes. Rigby also puts crushed basil and olive oil in ice cube trays to freeze for later use. “It has a fresh taste,” she said, adding that basil, rosemary and oregano are among the easiest herbs to incorporate into food preparation. Though describing herself as “a minimalist gardener,” Rigby said planting herbs and vegetables “is part of my life.” “I like to see what will grow,” she said. Even during cold months, she added, “I will come out and see what still has some life in it.”

Say Hello to Susan Almquist MD, FACOG A native of the Washington, DC area, Dr. Almquist is excited to now call Greensboro home. She, along with her husband and two-year-old daughter, are looking forward to taking advantage of the opportunities the area has to offer. She enjoys outdoor adventures with her family-especially kayaking, paddle-boarding, or just sitting at the beach watching the waves do all of the work. Her interests include exploring her local area along with traveling, and nightly story time with her daughter is a treasured routine. Dr. Almquist has cared for women in Virginia, the High Country of North Carolina, and is now honored to care for the women of Greensboro and surrounding areas.

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SCHOOL’S OUT

continued from p. 11 “Weight gain and increased BMI can lead to health problems for your children in youth as well as into adulthood,” the study noted. Although some free time is both enjoyable and beneficial for kids, keeping them mentally, socially and physically

healthier during the summer requires planning on your part. Here are just a few suggestions to help: Encourage your kids to explore new interests, such as cooking. Find some easy and healthy recipes for them to help you cook. Try some creative crafts, or plan some simple building projects. Set daily reading goals, and make

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it fun so it’s not seen as a chore (especially critical for kids who don’t love to read). Help them design a reading goal sheet and provide weekly incentives for reaching reading milestones (hint: give them input as to what those incentives will be). Offer a fun “grand prize” for reaching their summer reading goal. Take your kids on a hike or walk at a local park, greenway or nature reserve. Encourage them to observe how many sights and sounds of nature surround them and take a book to help them identify the animals and plants they see. Pack healthy snacks and a picnic lunch to eat outdoors. Go swimming (Bur-Mil Club off U.S. 220 has a public swimming pool that’s open 7 days a week in the summer). Take your kids fishing. It’s relatively

inexpensive and a great way for them to learn patience and how to calm their minds. Plant flowers or vegetables and let your kids care for them every day and watch them grow. Take trips to places you don’t often (or ever) go, like local government buildings, museums, historic sites, libraries, etc. You could even make a “passport” listing all the sites to visit and have them check off each one when they go there. Encourage your kids to take photos, record interviews with friends and family members, and video local scenes, and then teach them how to make a video. The process will not only be fun, but it will encourage them to be more observant of their surroundings and engage in conversation with others – plus, it will provide a great record of how they spent their summer.

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Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme – and other healthy herbs by CHRIS BURRITT In the history of folk music, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme are probably the most famous herbs, thanks to Simon & Garfunkel’s 1960s rendition of the English ballad “Scarborough Fair.” In the song, parsley represents the virtue of comfort, sage stands for strength, rosemary for love and thyme for courage. In health terms, nutritionists rank them among the 10 herbs packing the most punch. Here’s a rundown of the healthiest herbs and pointers for planting them, according to the websites for Health Fitness Revolution, Health and WebMD.

PARSLEY Not only does chewing a mouthful of parsley relieve bad breath, but the common garnish also can help protect us from heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular ailments. It’s an alphabet soup of vitamins – A, B, C and K – that can prevent damage to blood vessels and make blood healthier. Growing tip: Easy to grow, parsley doesn’t need much sunlight. It wilts and often dies from lack of water, though, so keep the watering can handy.

SAGE A peppery seasoning for food, some varieties of sage can help reduce fever, anxiety and fatigue. Recent research also found sage can help alleviate memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Its antiseptic and antioxidant properties can help slow early aging. Growing tip: Sage needs ample sunlight, rich soil and watering every other day to flourish.

ROSEMARY Carnosic acid in rosemary promotes

healthy eyes and has shown potential in fighting cancer cells and treating some forms of dementia. Just smelling the fragrant herb may boost your memory, according to findings in a study by the University of Northumbria in the UK that pumped rosemary scent into a room where people were performing a variety of memory tasks. Growing tip: Rosemary likes lots of sunshine and frequent watering.

THYME If you’ve got a cough or sprain, thyme may provide relief. It’s used to treat respiratory problems such as acute bronchitis and laryngitis as well as diarrhea and lack of appetite. A bath steeped in thyme oil encourages healing of bruises and sprains. Growing tip: Its small size makes thyme suitable for growing indoors as long as it gets lots of sunshine.

help prevent cell damage.

doesn’t do well indoors.

Growing tip: As long as it gets enough sunshine, oregano grows well indoors and outside. It doesn’t like overwatering.

LAVENDER

DILL Chill with dill. Its sedative and flatulence-relieving properties can ease hiccups and other gaseous expulsions. Dill also promotes restful sleep due to its calming effect on the brain and body. Growing tip: Dill thrives in full sun and deep soil and requires watering once a week if planted outdoors.

Lavender is widely used to treat anxiety and depression and as an aid for sleep and relaxation. Studies have found that massages with lavender oil improve sleep, mood and concentration. It also contains antioxidants that fight belly bloating. Growing tip: Lavender grows best outside because of its size. It requires well-drained soil and eight hours of light a day.

to learn more

CILANTRO Cilantro acts as a detoxifying agent as chemical compounds in the herb attach themselves to toxic heavy metals such as mercury and lead in the body. It’s also a source of fiber and iron. Growing tip: Cilantro’s deep taproot requires planting it in a deep hole. It

For an overview of herbs and natural medicines, visit North Carolina Consortium on Natural Medicines’ website at www.med.unc.edu/ ncmedicalherbs and NC State Extension’s website at www.ces.ncsu.edu and search for “herbs.”

BASIL Basil fights inflammation, helping relieve achy, swollen joints and arthritis. It’s also proved effective in calming nerves and clearing skin blemishes. Growing tip: Basil is hardy and thrives indoors or outside. It needs watering every other day.

MINT Fragrant mint soothes ailments ranging from stomachaches to headaches to bad breath. According to a recent study, essential oils in peppermint improve exercise performance, respiratory rate and blood pressure. Growing tip: Mint grows fast and spreads widely, so planting in containers or raised beds works best.

OREGANO Oregano contains rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant shown in studies to aid the health of the immune system. Its antibacterial properties fight staph and other infections, and its antioxidants

We get it – people have different fitness goals. We are excited to offer our clients five new elliptical machines – two XT4700 Ellipticals, two LateralX 3-D machines for a more intense workout, and a new MaxTrainer MTX – a combination elliptical/stair climber for cross-circuit training. Stop in today and see how Snap Fitness can change your life.

MONTH DUES

Learn about the top 10 nutritional herbs and how to grow them

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