Healthy Living Fall 2020 by Washington Daily News

HEALTHYliving FALL 2020

WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

SENIOR LIVING Staying healthy and fit during a pandemic

Published by Washington Newsmedia, LLC

Joint pain or sports injury? We can help. Our goal is to help reduce your pain and help get you back to your active life as quickly as possible with a range of non-surgical and surgical procedures that include the arthroscopic approach, which is less invasive than traditional surgeries and typically results in less pain, fewer complications, minimal scarring and faster recovery time. To schedule a consultation, call 252-792-0305. Ask about same-day appointments. Lawrence Larabee, M.D. Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

Kristin Warren, PA-C Certified Physician Assistant

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10/21/20 1:33 PM

PUBLISHER

HEALTHYliving WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

Ashley Vansant EDITORIAL

Steve Barnes Matt Debnam Vail Stewart Rumley CONTRIBUTERS

Jillian Conerly Kyle Harner

COMMON WARNING SIGNS OF ARTHRITIS

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR SENIORS DURING THE PANDEMIC

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

David D. Singleton MARKETING & SALES

HOW TO WORK OUT SAFELY AFTER 50

Kristen Smith Scott Williamson

DISTRIBUTION

Kim Riggs

WHAT IS A RHEUMATOLOGIST?

ART DIRECTION

Elizabeth Reed

LOCAL SENIORS OFFER ADVICE ON COPING WITH COVID HEALTHYliving P.O. Box 1788 Washington, NC 27889

VOLUNTEER SAFELY DURING THE PANDEMIC

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

MEDICAL AND HEALTH DIRECTORY

4 Â· WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

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FALL 2020

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6 · WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

TAKE NOTE: Arthritis often produces four important warning signs, regardless of which type of arthritis a person may have.

Common warning signs of arthritis

rthritis has name recognition, even among people who are not suffering from it. But despite that recognition, arthritis is not as well understood as one might think. According to the Ar thritis Foundation, arthritis is not a single disease, but rather an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. In fact, the term “arthritis” is so wideranging that it actually refers to more than 100 types of conditions. Despite that complexity, arthritis often produces four important warning signs, regardless of which type of arthritis a person may have.

misconception about arthritis pain is that it only occurs during or shortly after a body is at rest. However, arthritisrelated pain can occur while the body is at rest and is not always triggered by an activity that incorporates a part of the body affected by arthritis. In addition, pain from arthritis can be isolated to one area of the body or affect various parts of the body.

Swelling

the one that is most often associated with arthritis, even by people who don’t suffer from the condition. Stiffness when waking up in the morning or after long periods of being sedentary, such as sitting at a desk during the workday or taking a long car ride, can be symptomatic of arthritis, especially if the stiffness lasts an hour or longer.

Difficulty moving a joint

The Arthritis Foundation notes that Skin over the joints affected by people should not experience difficulty arthritis may become red and swollen. moving, such as when getting out of This skin also may feel warm to the bed. People who experience such touch. The Arthritis Foundation advises difficulty may have arthritis. anyone who experiences this swelling People who recognize any of these for three days or longer or more than warning signs should report them to three times per month to contact a their physicians immediately. Be as Pain physician. specific as possible when describing The Arthritis Foundation notes these symptoms, as specificity can help that arthritis-related pain may be Stiffness physicians design the most effective constant or intermittent. One common This warning sign is, along with pain, course of treatment. ■

HEALTHYliving

FALL 2020

Physical activity for seniors during the pandemic

here’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic adults. For older adults, physical activity plays a vital role in has wreaked havoc in the lives of older adults. ameliorating chronic disease, helping maintain independence Older adults have the highest and improving mental health. risk of infection, and the social For health benefits, the American College of isolation safety protocol used to prevent the Sports Medicine suggests all older adults obtain spread of the virus is negatively impacting the either 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity, health of this population. 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity or a The Centers for Disease Control states that combination each week. Consider taking a walk, eight out of 10 COVID-19-related deaths trying aqua aerobics or a new sport! reported in the U.S. were among people aged 65 Don’t forget to incorporate strength training, years and older. As a person ages, their risk for as well as activities that challenge your flexibility COVID-19-related hospitalization and death and neuromuscular proprioception at least two significantly increases. For example, the CDC days per week. For strength training, practice JILLIAN states that in comparison to 18-to-29-year-olds, lifting weights or performing body-weight CONERLY those who are 65 to 74 years old have five times exercises. In order to improve your flexibility a greater risk for hospitalization and 90 times higher risk for and neuromuscular proprioception, consider practicing yoga death. Although social isolation is recommended as one of or tai chi. the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus, it is also When ACSM recommendations can’t be met due to health associated with increased sedentary behavior and health conditions, older adults should be as active as their abilities decline among older adults. As the pandemic wears on, older and conditions will allow. Currently, there are no physical adults must work to keep themselves safe and not fall into activity guidelines developed that explicitly address mental physical inactivity. health. However, it’s suggested that individuals who seek When older adults are no longer able to go shopping, to improve their mental health through physical activity play with their grandchildren, walk inside malls or go to should strive to obtain the ACSM weekly physical activity the gym, they may become sedentary. Research suggests recommendations. that physical inactivity among older adults is the fourthIf you’re sedentary or less physically active than what you highest risk factor for mortality worldwide. The Journal of were before the pandemic, consider taking small steps to the American Geriatrics Society states that older adults who incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine. don’t participate in regular physical activity may become Do your best to interrupt prolonged bouts of sitting by prone to chronic diseases, weakened muscles, reduced standing up or taking a stroll. For example, move around mobility, functional decline, frailty and poor mental health. during commercials breaks while watching TV. Consider Insufficient amounts of regular physical activity during regularly performing light household chores such as cleaning the pandemic can cause deleterious effects on the physical or gardening, and enjoy leisure activities such as dancing or and mental health of older adults. In fact, a study from walking. If you are safe, try being physically active while on the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that FaceTime or Zoom to gain social support. If you’re new to it only takes five to 10 days of physical inactivity for your physical activity and exercise, talk with your doctor before muscles to shrink, also known as sarcopenia or muscle starting an exercise program. loss. In addition, the study found that walking fewer than Jillian Conerly can be reached at Jillian.Conerly@vidanthealth.com 1,500 steps per day can lead to health decline among older or 252-975-4236. ■

HEALTHYliving

8 · WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

Exercise and aging: How to work out safely after 50

n an ideal world, people young and old exercise each day. But as men and women age, finding time to work out is not so easy. Commitments to work and family often take precedence over daily exercise. As a result, many people 50 and over might not have exercised regularly or at all in many years. But as children grow up or even move out, people facing down their golden years are often compelled to get back in the gym. That’s a wise decision that can increase a person’s chances of being healthy and happy in retirement. But before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of the following safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury. • Speak with your physician. The National Institute on Aging notes that even people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis can be physically active. However, anyone with such a condition and even those who don’t fall into those categories should consult with their physicians and receive a full physical before exercising. Such a consultation and checkup can shed light on any unknown issues, and physicians can offer advice on how to safely manage any problems that may arise. • B e g i n w i t h l ow - i n t e n s i t y

HEALTH AND SAFETY: Before beginning a new exercise regimen, men and women over 50 should take heed of a few safety tips to ensure their efforts are not derailed by accident or injury.

exercises. Even if you feel great and have maintained a healthy weight, don’t push yourself too hard at the start. Your body needs time to adjust to physical activity, so choose low-intensity exercises like walking and light strength training so your muscles, tendons and ligaments can adjust. Initially, exercise every other day so your body has ample time to recover between workouts. • Choose the right places to exercise outdoors. Exercising outside provides the best of both worlds for many people, providing a chance to get healthy all while enjoying the great outdoors. When exercising outdoors, choose areas that are not remote and where others can see you and offer help

if you suffer an injury or have an accident. Boardwalks, public parks and outdoor gyms are safer places to work out than wooded areas or other places well off the beaten path. • Stay hydrated. The NIA notes that many people lose their sense of thirst as they age. But just because you aren’t thirsty does not mean you don’t need water, especially while exercising. Water regulates body temperature and lubricates the joints, thereby decreasing your risk of injury during exercise. Exercising after 50 can help people live healthy well into retirement. But caution must be exercised when aging men and women return to exercise after a long break. ■

HEALTHYliving

FALL 2020

What is a rheumatologist?

hat is a rheumatologist? It is more than just a big word that is hard to say. Rheumatologists are doctors with specialized training in the medical management of arthritis and osteoporosis. They have at least five years of training after medical school — three years of internal medicine and at least two years of rheumatology training. This is after completing college, so there is a lot of schooling involved. Rheumatologists are not orthopedic surgeons, but KYLE HARNER, MD do their best to prevent and manage ongoing joint issues in an attempt to keep arthritis patients from surgery for as long as possible. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, everything from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus to scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis to ankylosing spondylitis. A rheumatologist is trained to recognize the difference between all types of arthritis. Arriving at the proper diagnosis involves using a combination of skills and specialized testing — this includes a detailed history, physical examination, X-rays, laboratory testing as well as possible advanced imaging (such as ultrasound, CT and MRI). Once a diagnosis is reached, a rheumatologist will discuss personalized treatment options. Once a course of treatment is reached between the patient and the doctor, a rheumatologist will closely monitor the patient for improvement and possible side effects to treatment. Arthritis and osteoporosis are typically lifelong problems, meaning patients will continue to see a rheumatologist long-term to manage these issues. In addition to managing the use of medications to treat arthritis, rheumatologists are experts in joint and other injections. To assist in control of arthritis symptoms, rheumatologists inject shoulders, elbows,

wrists, hips, knees, ankles and small joints in the hands and feet. They also inject areas around the joints to include near tendons and other tender points. Initial visits to a rheumatologist may take an hour or more, such that providers can take the time needed to get to know you and understand your arthritis or osteoporosis concerns. Time will be spent filling out intake paperwork, talking to the provider, and obtaining any needed imaging studies and labs. Injections may also be given at your initial visit. Follow-up visits are typically shorter, but long enough to evaluate progress and make any needed changes. At follow-up visits, the rheumatology provider will discuss any testing that was ordered during your initial visit or subsequent visits. Some things to consider when choosing a rheumatologist include determining whether the clinic has on-site X-ray, bone density, laboratory and infusion suites. Infusion suites are used to deliver specialized arthritis and osteoporosis treatments that must be monitored during administration. These infusions are administered either intravenously or by injection. Dr. Kyle Harner is with Carolina Arthritis Center, which has a long history of helping arthritis and osteoporosis patients in eastern North Carolina. Carolina Arthritis Center has been continuously seeing patients since opening in 2001 at its current location, 2355 Hemby Lane, Greenville. To make an appointment, call 252-321-8474 and speak to a referral coordinator. ■

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10 Âˇ WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

STEVE BARNES | DAILY NEWS ON THE MAT, IN THE POOL: Jackie Dean hopes to return to teaching water aerobics and yoga soon.

Local seniors offer advice on coping with COVID

KEEPING AT IT: Al Weller works out at the Washington waterfront gazebo.

By STEVE BARNES Washington Daily News

veryone is ready to get back to normal after months of relative isolation and unprecedented changes to our daily routine, even though we know life will be different in the future. Senior citizens are perhaps the most vulnerable group in society. Everyday tasks get harder with age and as time alone increases. Seniors look forward to interacting with peers and others through opportunities to leave the house. Going to the grocery store, church, exercise class and day trips all provide a stimulating change from spending too much time inside. Most of those opportunities vanished in March when COVID-19 started to become prevalent, and changed daily life. Everything shut down for months and only

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FALL 2020

This is the only life you get, so you might as well enjoy it. — Al Weller recently have restaurants, libraries, movie theaters and parks reopened. A routine trip to the store has turned into an exercise in organization: must remember to take a mask; don’t touch the cart until after you know it’s been wiped down; don’t go the wrong way down the aisle; don’t get too close to the other shoppers. It’s enough to make one go on a diet of homegrown vegetables. However, two area seniors have managed to overcome the “new normal” and stay in a good frame of mind and offer tips to fellow seniors about how to do the same. Jackie Dean was doing well physically and mentally before COVID took over. The 80-year-old former Washington High School business education teacher was teaching water aerobics and yoga at the local Vidant Wellness Center multiple times a week. It was a situation she fell into by accident but turned it into a paying gig. “We were in the pool ready to go one day and the instructor didn’t show up,” Dean said. “None of us wanted to waste our time and go home, so I said I would lead the class. I really liked it and Judy Van Dorp (the center manager) encouraged me to get certified so I could get paid to teach. I had been retired for a long time and my husband of 58 years passed away

five years ago, so I decided to go for it.” Dean taught several sessions of the two classes on different days each week and enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know her students. When the virus invaded in mid-March, the Wellness Center closed and has yet to reopen. “I really miss my students and the other folks at the gym,” Dean said. “I try to keep up with them on Facebook, but it’s not the same. I’m doing yoga in my sunroom at home and walking four miles a day with two of my friends in the neighborhood. We’re a sounding board for each other, and it’s nice to have people to talk to who you have a lot in common with. I’ve also had small groups of friends over for socially-distanced meals a few times.” Al Weller, 73, was also a Wellness Center regular but took part in group exercise classes that were a big part of his morning routine. His three-days-a-week habit for 34 years came to a sudden halt with the COVID-induced closure, and he lost social interaction as well as muscle tone. “I tried to do a workout in my garage by myself with no music, but that didn’t last long,” Weller said. “I ran a few times, but that didn’t do it either.”

The retired forester has always enjoyed being outside, so he worked on his boat, trimmed some trees and bushes, picked up countless pinecones and took long walks at Goose Creek State Park, but knew something was still missing. “People’s yards and garages should look the best they ever have with all this extra time to fill,” Weller said with a laugh. “I finally found out that a group from our morning class at Vidant was working out at the (Mac Hodges Festival Park) gazebo on the Washington waterfront. I’m going four days a week, and it’s been wonderful. It’s great to see my friends, you can’t beat the water for a backdrop, and the workouts are hard enough to knock some of the orneriness out of me.” Dean and Weller ag ree that camaraderie, companionship and socialization are the keys to warding off the upheaval the vir us has caused and maintaining a positive outlook. “This is the only life you get, so you might as well enjoy it,” Weller said. “Being around other people is so important. It lifts my spirits to know what’s going on in other people’s lives. You can volunteer if you don’t like to exercise. Wear your mask, do social distance and still make a difference in someone’s life. Be involved in something.” ■

HEALTHYliving

12 · WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

Volunteer safely during the pandemic

olunteers are vital to the survival of many charitable organizations. Without people willing to offer their time and expertise free of charge, many nonprofits would find it difficult, if not impossible, to meet their missions. The global pandemic that begin in late 2019 and continued into 2020 changed many aspects of life as the world knew it, and that includes volunteering. Social distancing measures and stay-athome mandates from state and local governments discouraged people from leaving their homes, while various health organizations warned aging men and women to stay home as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age. In recognition of that threat, many retirees who were heavily involved in volunteering prior to the pandemic were forced to cease working as volunteers, which could have a negative effect on their mental health as the pandemic continues. A report from the Mayo Clinic Health System noted that adults over age 60 experienced greater life satisfaction and greater positive changes in their perceived health as a result of volunteering. Many people have continued to volunteer during the pandemic,

and those that want to do so can take these steps to make sure their efforts to give back are as safe as possible. • Speak with your physician first. Anyone, but especially seniors, who wants to volunteer during the pandemic should discuss those aspirations with their physicians prior to offering their services to charitable organizations. Doctors can discuss the acute and chronic threats posed by the COVID-19 virus and examine each individual’s medical history to help potential volunteers decide if working with a local charity is safe. In addition, doctors can check patients for COVID-19 symptoms and even have them tested to make sure they won’t be putting anyone in danger should they decide to volunteer. • Contact the organization prior to volunteering. Some organizations may not be allowing potentially atrisk volunteers to perform in-person tasks. Contact the organization you hope to work with prior to signing up to confirm your eligibility, but also to discuss the safety protocols they’ve put in place to protect the health of their volunteers. • Monitor your own health. If you’ve signed up to volunteer, it’s vital that you monitor your own health. Health officials believe the COVID-19 vir us has spread so rapidly for a number of reasons,

including the likelihood that many people have had the vir us but shown no symptoms. Charitable organizations will no doubt assess the health of each volunteer when they show up to work, but volunteers also should make such assessments on their own. Check your temperature each day and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of COVID-19. If you suspect you are unwell or are even slightly under the weather, contact the charity and tell them you won’t be showing up that day. Operating with an abundance of caution during the pandemic can save lives. • Consider virtual volunteering. Vir tual volunteering is a safe way t o g ive b a ck t h a t wo n’t expose volunteers or others to the COVID-19 virus. Charitable organizations need behind-thescenes help just as much as they need volunteers with their boots on the ground. Virtual volunteers can help with fundraising efforts and event planning, but also help charities overcome the logistical ch a l l e n g e s o f o p e r a t i n g a n d meeting their missions during the pandemic. • Prior to volunteering during the pandemic, prospective volunteers can follow numerous steps to ensure volunteering is safe, both for them and the people they’re trying to help. ■

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FALL 2020

MEDICAL AND HEALTH DIRECTORY

HEALTH INSURANCE

BREAST SURGERY Vidant Breast Clinic - Washington

Medicare Supplement Insurance

252-974-9256

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615 E. 12th Street, Washington, NC

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11404 NC Hwy. 32 S. Plymouth, NC 27962

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FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

CARDIOLOGY Vidant Heart & Vascular Care 608 E. 12th Street, Washington

252-974-9460

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

www.VidantHealth.com

FAMILY MEDICINE Vidant Family Medicine–Aurora 151 3rd Street, Aurora

252-322-4021

www.VidantHealth.com

Vidant Multispecialty Clinic - Belhaven 598 W. Old County Road, Belhaven

252-943-0600

Vidant Home Health and Hospice

www.VidantHealth.com/Belhaven 1211 Highland Drive, Washington 252-975-8330 www.VidantHealth.com

Vidant Family Medicine–Chocowinity 740 Bragaw Lane, Chocowinity

252-946-9562

Vidant Family Medicine– Washington 501 West 15th Street, Washington

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HOSPITALS

www.VidantHealth.com

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Vidant Beaufort Hospital-Washington 628 East 12th Street, Washington

252-975-4100

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INTERNAL MEDICINE

Vidant Gastroenterology-Washington

Vidant Internal Medicine-Washington

252-946-1573

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608 East 12th Street, Washington

www.VidantHealth.com

1380 Cowell Farm Road, Washington

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14 · WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

NEUROSURGERY

MAMMOGRAPHY

Vidant Neurosurgery - Greenville 2325 Stantonsburg Road, Greenville, NC

252-847-1550

Eastern Radiologists Washington 630 E. 11th Street, Washington, NC 27889 252-946-2137 easternrad.com

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NURSING & REHABILITATION

Early morning and Saturday Appointments Available for X-ray and Mammography

Eastern Radiologists Breast Imaging Center 2101 W. Arlington Blvd., Suite 100 Greenville, NC 27834 252-752-5000 easternrad.com M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues. ‘til 7 pm, Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Offering Hologic 3D Mammography ™, 3D™ Breast Biopsy, Breast Ultrasound and MRI All your Breast Imaging needs in one location

Rivertrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

Joyful Healing. Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Offered 7 days a week. Specialized Wound Treatment. 250 Lovers Lane, Washington 252-975-1636

Vidant Women’s Care-Washington 1204 Brown Street, Washington

252-946-6544 www.VidantHealth.com Now scheduling 3D Mammography

MASSAGE THERAPY

ONCOLOGY Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center 1209 Brown Street, Washington

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ORTHOPEDICS Vidant Orthopedics-Washington 1207 Highland Drive, Washington

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ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO THE DIRECTORY | CALL 252.946.2144

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FALL 2020

PAIN MANAGEMENT

RHEUMATOLOGY

Vidant Pain Management Center - Greenville Vidant Rheumatology-Washington

2010-A W. Arlington Blvd., Greenville

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628 East 12th Street, Washington

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PULMONOLOGY Vidant Pulmonology

608 E. 12th Street, Washington

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SURGERY Vidant General Surgery-Washington

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615 E. 12th Street, Washington

252-946-0181

RADIOLOGY

www.VidantHealth.com

UROLOGY Vidant Urology-Washington 1202 Brown Street, Washington

252-946-0136

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WELLNESS/FITNESS Eastern Radiologists Washington 630 E. 11th Street, Washington, NC 27889 252-946-2137 easternrad.com Vidant Wellness Center Early morning and Sat. Appointments Available

1375 Cowell Farm Road, Washington

252-975-4236

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WOMEN’S CARE Eastern Radiologists Greenville MRI 2101 W. Arlington Blvd., Suite 110 Greenville, NC 27834 Vidant Women’s Care-Washington 252-752-5000 easternrad.com Gynecology and Primary Care M-F 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. S/S 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

1204 Brown Street, Washington

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Eastern Radiologists Interventional Radiology 2101 W. Arlington Blvd. Vidant Women’s Care-Washington Greenville, NC 27834 Obstetrics and Gynecology 252-754-5253 easternrad.com 1210 Brown Street, Washington M-F 7:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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HEALTHCARE IN AND AROUND BEAUFORT COUNTY

Sleeves up. Masks on. Flu prevention. COVID-19 protection. This year, there is more than one virus to worry about. Fortunately, one has a vaccine. Do your part to protect yourself, your family and your community from the flu – get vaccinated. And wear a mask – it helps prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19. To schedule your flu vaccination, call your Vidant Health provider’s office or visit VidantHealth.com/SafeCommunity for our current schedule of drive-up flu vaccine clinics.

Questions about the flu vaccine or COVID-19? Call 252-847-8000.