COMPLIMENTARY JAN/FEB 2024 CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY MAGAZINE IS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT REAL? SPECIAL ISSUE WOMEN IN HEALTH FIGHT FLU BITE BY BITE PUPPIES PUT PATIENTS AT EASE THE HAZARDS OF RED DYE NO.3
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8 | HealthLinksSC.com 16 | LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Is love at first sight real? If so, does it happen as often in real life as it does in movies and novels? Find out. 20 | THE HAZARDS OF RED DYE NO. 3 For health-conscious consumers, the hazards of red dye no. 3 have finally garnered national attention. California recently captured headlines not only by banning this artificial dye but by becoming the first state to outlaw a food product currently allowed by the Food and Drug Administration. 24 | POSTPARTUM DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SO BLUE A new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August 2023 is a game changer for women who have depressive symptoms after birth. 28 | FIGHT FLU BITE BY BITE Give your body the immune support it needs to fight seasonal illnesses like the cold and flu by adding nutrient-rich foods to your winter meals. 33 | WIH With Women in Health, HealthLinks Magazine celebrates the leaders who share their intellect, compassion and perseverance every day. Because of them, our community receives the care and resources needed to be healthy and happy. To these women, and all other leaders in the health care profession: thank you. 59 | GOODBYE BIRTH CONTROL Easing off of hormonal birth control is not always easy physically and mentally. There are tools – nutrition, supplements, sleep, movement – that help women with the journey. 68 | HEALTHY SMILES START EARLY With better dental methods, more encouragement and more knowledge about how to keep teeth strong and lasting longer, dentists are getting children on board early with teeth and mouth care. 72 | BEYOND THE WINTER BLUES For some people, the winter months are an endless stretch of sadness and helplessness. There are ways to shorten, if not prevent, that stretch. Issue 13.1 JAN/FEB 2024 MAGAZINE FEATURES
HealthLinksSC.com | 9 76 | MANY PATHS TO ORGAN DONATION The push to raise awareness about the need for organ donations continues. Hospital and business partnerships are opening miraculously efficient paths for transplants and organ sources as well. 84 | ZELDA FOSTERS CARE Zelda, a therapy dog in the Foster Care Clinic at the Medical University of South Carolina, senses children’s moods and knows exactly how to offer the perfect comfort and care. CONTENTS DIRECTORIES Pediatric Health...................................................86 OBGYN Health.....................................................87 IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Note...................................................10 From the Editor....................................................11 Living Healthy Area Events..................................12 The Lighter Side of Health Care..........................65 There's an App for That.......................................79 Unique Case.........................................................80 Charleston Area Nonprofits.................................82 The Pulse on Charleston Nurses..........................88 SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT Survivors Thrive at MUSC's Strength Camp........................66 BY THE NUMBERS Food Additives...................................................................22 Healthy Smiles....................................................................70
10 | HealthLinksSC.com Issue 13.1 Publisher CULLEN MURRAY-KEMP [email protected] Managing Editor LISA BRESLIN Associate Editor AMY GESELL Copy Editor BRIAN SHERMAN Art Director KIM HALL Webmaster GEORGE CONKLIN Sales Manager MANDY WILLIS [email protected] Writers Senior Media Consultant MARTHA SPILLANE [email protected] Photographer JENN CADY [email protected] Distribution Manager CAROL CASSIDY Administration & Bookkeeping GINGER SOTTILE Distribution U.S. Post Office, Harris Teeter, Publix, CVS, Food Lion, Medical Offices TO ADVERTISE IN HEALTHLINKS, PLEASE CALL 843-732-4110 MEDICAL MARKETING GROUP HealthLinks Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertisements. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply the service or product is recommended or endorsed by HealthLinks Magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from Medical Marketing Group, LLC. Medical Marketing Group 4 Carriage Lane, Suite 107, Charleston, S.C. 29407 843-732-4110 • [email protected] MAGAZINE PUBLISHER'S NOTE ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA LISA BRESLIN AMY CONNOR AMY GESELL L.C. LEACH III COLIN MCCANDLESS JANET PERRIGO JIM RADA JR. MOLLY SHERMAN MICHAEL VYSKOCIL LISA WACK KATHERINE WATERS Scan to discover our other HealthLinks platforms! Each time I sit down to my computer to write this publisher’s note, I strive to say something meaningful or inspiring. I try to deliver a message that draws from my life’s experiences and that will resonate in a positive manner with those who read this column. This note had all the makings of a New Year’s resolution message like “The new year offers us a blank canvas where we can repaint our self-portrait with brushstrokes of better diet, more exercise and a renewed focus on mental health.” While there's certainly inspiration in the notion of new year, new you, I’m almost certain our readers have heard this message before and will inevitably see it this January on millions of Instagram feeds and health blogs. I believe we should always strive to be the best version of ourselves, but, for me, this year, that doesn’t mean five weeks of crash dieting and rigorous exercise. I will not be eating 18-wheelers of kale and pine nuts, nor will I break any records on my Peloton bike. Heck, it may take me until summer 2024 before I find the time to see my therapist again. And frankly, I’m OK with all of that. Rather than committing to a new, better me, I will be working on reframing my perspective of myself. For my entire adult life, I’ve struggled with self-criticism and self-doubt. My shortcomings and failures appear crystal clear, while my accomplishments exist as afterthoughts at best. My frail ego exists almost exclusively on external affirmations from colleagues, friends and family. “True confidence” was a concept my late father worked diligently to instill in me as he saw through my boisterous facade growing up. The self-deprecation came to a point this fall when we made the decision to, after five years, discontinue printing our sister magazine, HealthLinks Upstate. I pressed myself to think of this not as a failure but as an opportunity to refocus our efforts and keep up with a changing media and health care landscape. The internal dialogue didn’t cooperate. As a leader, I did my best to internalize my emotions and not let my team or family see the hollowness that was forming inside. I told myself to stay the course, but the problems seemed to mount faster than the solutions. Eventually, I realized that I could no longer neglect my history of personal and professional success. I had to rewire my brain and my thought processes to see that I had brought good not only to my life but to the lives of those around me. This year, let’s make a commitment to self-appreciation and trusting our intuitions. While we always strive to be the best version of ourselves, it’s about time to recognize that we are more than good enough just as we are. It’s a new year and the same old us. And that’s a great thing. Cheers to Good Heath, Cullen Murray-Kemp, Publisher Cullen Murray Kemp
HealthLinksSC.com | 11 FROM THE EDITOR... Love at first sight is a phenomenon that has mystified poets, artists and dreamers for centuries. It has been a recurring theme in countless movies – “Before Sunrise,” “Titanic,” “Notting Hill” and “Serendipity,” to name a few. Whether set against the backdrop of a tragic shipwreck or the streets of a bustling city, these stories remind us that sometimes love has a way of defying time and circumstance. Let me assure you, dear skeptics, that love at first sight is not just a romantic notion – a whimsical waltz that dances into the hearts of unsuspecting souls. It finds its way even at a time when all eyes are going down smartphone rabbit holes, when schedules are tight and coffee is gulped in a hurry. Science backs and blows off the love-at-first-site phenomenon. There is proof that a journey through neurotransmitters, hormones and the intricate dance of brain circuits makes our hearts skip a beat. At the same time, psychologists note that we should consider the distinction between love at first sight and attraction at first sight. For this issue of HealthLinks, reporter Clark Leach delves into the topic. As you flip through the pages, you’ll also learn about a lovable dog who helps children feel at home even when they are not. You’ll pick up tips about healthy foods that can help you ward of winter woes and illnesses, and you’ll discover many other people and places that brighten up tough times. This issue of HealthLinks also features our annual Women in Health section – our traditional shout-out to many accomplished women who are leaving an indelible mark on the health care field and whose contributions are paving the way for future generations of women. Love at first sight. Lovable dogs who help children. Healthy foods in the winter. Accomplished women who are breaking barriers in health care – I hope that you enjoy this issue of HealthLinks as much as we did creating it. Happy New Year. Thanks for welcoming HealthLinks to your good-read list. To simple pleasures and good health, Lisa Breslin, Managing Editor JAN/FEB 2024 MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY AND POSING EXPERT VISIT JENNCADY.COM AND SCHEDULE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT TODAY!
12 | HealthLinksSC.com HEALTHY AREA EVENTS l ving JANUARY 6 Keith Summey North Charleston Library 3503 Rivers Ave. North Charleston 11 a.m. Read, talk, sing, write and play your way to early literacy excellence at an interactive storytime. For 5-year-olds and younger – with a caregiver. Learn more: ccpl.org/events/family-storytime-keith-summey-north-charlestonJANUARY 20 The 14th Annual PNC Bank Charleston Half Marathon Burke High School 244 President St. Charleston 7 a.m. For the first time since the inception of this race, the 2024 route will exclusively be run within the city of Charleston. Stretch your legs for 13.1 miles of historic Charleston beauty. You’ll start in front of Burke High School and cross the finish line at Charleston's Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park – The Joe. Learn more: capstoneraces.com/charleston-half-marathon JANUARY 13 CPR Certification Charleston 22 Westedge St., Suite #400 Charleston 10 a.m. Know CPR. Make a difference. Save a life. CPR Charleston offers recurring classes, teaching the valuable skill of CPR in a hands-on environment. You’ll receive the proper training and your certification card on the same day. Learn how to give basic life support to all ages, perform the seven steps of CPR, use an AED machine and feel confident in your skills. Learn more: cprcharleston.org
HealthLinksSC.com | 13 JANUARY 27 Bo’s Roast & Chili CookOff James Island County Park Noon Started by the James Island Vikings more than 13 years ago, this event benefits local charitable organizations with a focus on cancer patient support. There is something for everyone: oysters, chili, hot dogs, live music, a kids corner and more. Learn more: bosroast.com FEBRUARY 10 Cupid’s Chase Charleston James Island County Park 971 Riverland Drive Charleston 10 a.m. Run or walk the winding trails of Charleston’s James Island County Park to support and celebrate Community Options, an organization dedicated to housing and employment for people with disabilities. Runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome to join. Learn more: runsignup.com/CupidsChase5Kcharleston FEBRUARY 6 Breast Cancer Support Group Trident Medical Center - Cafe A 9330 Medical Plaza Drive Charleston 6 p.m. Our Breast Cancer Support Group offers survivors healing through community. Led by Missy Smith, LMSW, ACM-SW, patients, survivors and their guests participate in thoughtful discussions and activities. Learn more: tridenthealthsystem.com/calendar/ FEBRUARY 10 9th Annual Building Healthy Communities 5k Run/Walk and Wellness Expo Hampton Park 30 Mary Murray Drive Charleston 9 a.m. The Wellness Expo is centered on raising awareness of and educating the community about the prevention of childhood obesity. Proceeds benefit MUSC’s Children’s Hospital Heart Health Program. Learn more: runsignup.com/Race/SC/Charleston/BuildingHealthyCommunities5K FEBRUARY 24 2024 Lowcountry Heart Walk Brittlebank Park 185 Lockwood Drive Charleston 9 a.m. Your participation contributes to the American Heart Association’s mission of supporting lifesaving science. Boost your own mental health and get your heart pumping. Learn more: heart.org FEBRUARY 3 Save the Light Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk Folly Beach Pier 8 a.m. Run along the city streets of Folly Beach. The Save the Light Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk benefits Save The Light, a nonprofit organization raising money to restore and prevent the Morris Island Lighthouse from being lost to the sea. The out-and-back course of the race starts and ends on Arctic Avenue near the Folly Beach Pier, taking runners and walkers along a seaside tour of gorgeous beach homes, oceanfront vistas and more. Learn more: ccprc.com/3258/Save-the-Light-Half-Marathon-5K
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16 | HealthLinksSC.com THE RISE IN SENIOR LUXURY LIVING It was explored by the ancients Greeks, pondered by Chaucer and Jane Austen, debated ever since Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" and featured time after time in movies such as “West Side Story,” “The Godfather, “Gone With The Wind” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” Is love at first sight real? If so, does it happen even a fraction as often in real life as depicted in film and novels? And is there a special ingredient that just lands out of nowhere on a chosen few while eluding the rest of us? The truth on all counts is a lot closer to “no” than it is to “yes.” While science and psychology can point to occasional examples that appear to bear out the idea, the overwhelming evidence shows that love at first sight is more fantasy than fact. By L. C. Leach III LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT: FACT OR FANTASY?
HealthLinksSC.com | 17 “The feelings can mimic what love is, but, typically, without some passage of time, love at first sight is better described as attraction at first sight,” said Mike McCall, senior instructor of psychology at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. “Love at first sight can feel like love at that moment, but is it the same thing as love? Is it going to be a long-standing attachment? Is it something that’s going to be returned?” Trying to equate real-life claims of love at first sight to marriage, divorce and breakups in general make the idea even more puzzling. Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, reported in February 2023 in an online article for the clinic that “[o]ver 60% of individuals indicate that they have felt love at first sight at one point in their life.” She explained that there are three components to true love: intimacy, passion and commitment. “Love at first sight is only one aspect of the triangle, which is passion,” she said in the article. “If you think you are experiencing love at first sight, it’s important to pause and make sure it’s going to be a lasting connection.”
18 | HealthLinksSC.com Dr. McCall further explained that love at first sight doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the endurance of relationships. “Love, marriage and divorce are not perfectly correlated with each other,” he said. “People who experience love at first sight may not always get married – just as people who marry may not always stay together, even if they love each other. Just because one person fell in love at first sight doesn’t mean that the partner experienced the same feeling.” He further added that it is almost impossible to reconcile the high reports of love at first sight with the high number of divorces. For example, the National Center for Health Statistics reported a divorce rate of approximately 34.7% in 2021. And the American Psychological Association said in November 2023 that “more couples are divorcing after age 50 than ever before.” “Divorce rate statistics are tough to nail down because they don’t tell the whole story about who and why divorce is happening,” Dr. McCall said. “It is possible to love without marriage, marry without love, marry with love, divorce with love, divorce falling out of love and separate and never count as a divorce statistic.” So where does that leave love at first sight as a recurring attraction? Both of these examples – the true one and the fictitious one – have one thing in common: a rare experience that most of us will never know. “To really love is to accept the idea that your heart can be broken,” Dr. McCall said. “I definitely think our view of love is going to continue to evolve; however, I think one thing that won’t change is humans being drawn to the feelings of a new attraction’s excitement. Once we give the initial spark enough fuel, space and air, that’s when attraction can turn into the full fire of love.” Consider the following examples: • The real one – John Knox. In a 2019 story for the University of Georgia school publication The Red&Black, UG geography professor John Knox recounted the following: While searching for a graduate school to attend in 1988, he wrote an open-ended letter to the University of Wisconsin and received a long reply from a graduate student named Pam. Knox arranged to meet her on a campus visit to discuss the matter, but, when he arrived at the place, he saw someone sitting at a table drinking wine. That someone was Pam, and “it was love at first sight.” They have been married since 1991. • The invented one – Sleeping Beauty, 1959. This Walt Disney film is hard to beat for its classic portrayal of love at first sight. Though the film’s villain curses Princess Aurora with the promise that on her 16th birthday, she will prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die, a good fairy ensures that Aurora will only fall into a deep sleep until a kiss from her true love awakens her for the happy-ever-after ending.
HealthLinksSC.com | 19 On any given day, you’ll find a range of options to fuel your passions, meet new friends and enjoy a lifestyle rich with interesting and exciting educational and engaging programs. Learn more about senior living at SouthBayatMountPleasant.com or schedule a visit at 843.886.1124. A Life Plan Community offered by Liberty Senior Living INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE SKILLED NURSING | REHABILITATION 1400 Liberty Midtown Drive Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 © 2023 South Bay at Mount Pleasant STRETCH your body & your experiences
20 | HealthLinksSC.com For health-conscious consumers, the hazards of red dye no. 3 have finally garnered national attention. California recently captured headlines not only by banning this artificial dye but by becoming the first state to outlaw a food product currently allowed by the Food and Drug Administration. Discovered in 1907, this synthetic dye, also known as erythrosine, immediately became popular for its brilliant red color. Originally derived from coal tar, today it is produced from petroleum and can be found in popsicles, candies, strawberry-flavored milks, Peeps, bubble gum, drinks, cereal, yogurt and fruit snacks. Less obvious are red 3-infused products such as loaded casserole potatoes and vegetarian bacon. Because food and trade groups are predictably reluctant to voluntarily relinquish the bright, flashy food colors that are so appealing to a massive children’s market, policing has been left to the FDA. “There is so much confusing and conflicting information around food additives and food in general,” said Paige Aberasturi, a registered dietitian with Start Fueling Better, a Charleston-area podcast and coaching service. “For example, the actual food packaging and marketing within stores misleads people.” Aberasturi helps her clients navigate the overwhelming world of food choices as well as the marketing ploys and traps that so often trip them up. HAZARDS AND DEBATE SURROUND RED DYE NO. 3 By Janet E. Perrigo
HealthLinksSC.com | 21 In 1990, when a study with rats seemed to indicate a connection between cancer and red dye no. 3, the FDA intervened, banning it from cosmetics and external medications but not from internal consumption. The agency discounted the original animal study as not providing enough concrete evidence supporting the dye’s potential to cause human cancer. Recently, 21 food agencies rallied behind the passage of California’s Food Safety Act, AB418, in an attempt to embarrass the FDA into taking further action against red 3. The California Environmental Protection Agency declares it has found direct links between artificial colorings, including red 3, and children’s changed behavior in more than 13 of 25 studies. Critics of the dye also point elsewhere, including Canada and the European Union, where no. 3 is either already banned, covered in warning labels or limited to only a handful of approved products. With 15,000 new or enhanced food products filling grocery shelves each year, the average shopper rarely stops to decipher the artificial additives lurking within. However, many parents of children struggling with attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other behavioral diagnoses are convinced of the negative connection and choose to purchase only products that are as free of artificial additives as possible. Also, health-conscious adults and those battling serious medical issues often choose clean eating as a way to strengthen and support their bodies. For all of these consumers, identi-
22 | HealthLinksSC.com fying and eliminating questionable foods containing red 3 and other additives can be a major difficulty. “Food allergies, food intolerances and food sensitivities work differently within the body and are all tested differently. Some tests are more reliable than others. I work with children and food sensitivities, and I can say that even babies can be tested for these,” Aberasturi explained. “It’s not uncommon for someone to have symptoms related to food additives, but parents have no idea that is the case. There are so many different things added to our foods that it can be extremely challenging to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms on your own.” The good news is that at least some companies in the food industry appear to be listening to consumer concerns. Red 3 has already been removed from Skittles and M&M's candies. While returning to natural dyes such as cabbage, turmeric, beets and paprika may not be as cost-effective to produce, a steadily growing sector of health-conscious American families will be watching and appreciating further food-industry upgrades. FOOD ADDITIVES By the Numbers More than 10,000 FOOD ADDITIVES have been approved by the FDA. (healthychildren.org) Consumers buy more than 400,000 packaged products each year, with half of them containing at least THREE food additives. (upi.com/Health_News) The U.S. food industry spent $2.4 BILLION in food advertising in 2022. (statista.com/statistics) In a recent review, 64% of 4,000 APPROVED ADDITIVES had no research showing them to be safe for eating or drinking. (healthychildren.org) Americans are eating more processed foods every year, and approximately 60% of our consumption has some form of artificial food additive, including dyes, preservatives or sweeteners. (upi.com/Health_News) Why Red Dye? ‘We Eat First With Our Eyes.’ First-century Roman merchant, food lover and one of the first recorded cookbook authors, Marcus Gavius Apicius, once matter-of-factly observed, “We eat first with our eyes.” For centuries, this simple truth has been the driving force behind the development of thousands of synthetic dyes and preservatives. Cleverly incorporated, these additions coax unsuspecting consumers to desire every attractive new food product and menu delicacy that hits the market. The food industry employs enormous amounts of money and manpower to this end. Unfortunately, while hundreds of harmful additives have been weeded out over the years, many new and remaining artificial dyes have not been adequately tested for safety, including those used in combination with other food chemicals.
HealthLinksSC.com | 23 www.cfaspecialists.net www.cfaspecialists.net ANDREW D. SAFFER,DPM Mt. Pleasant ADAM C. BROWN,DPM West Ashley • Compassionate, personalized care for you and your family • Sports medicine specialists • Surgical and nonsurgical treatment options • Digital X-Ray and Diagnostic Ultrasound • Relief from running injuries, heel pain, foot pain, tendonitis, bunions, pediatric foot problems • Advanced therapies & state-of-the-art technologies YOUR LOWCOUNTRY SPECIALISTS FOR ANKLE & FOOT PAIN. www.cfasp www.cfaspecialists.net Dr. Brown, Best Podiatrist Dr. Brown, Best Sports Podiatrist 501 Bramson Ct, #301 843.654.8250 1483 Tobias Gadson Boulevard, Suite 107B 843.225.5575 Mount Pleasant 311 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Suite 121 Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Summerville 201 Sigma Drive Suite 209 Summerville, SC 29486 www.HolyCityHearing.com (843) 388-4853 Derrick Woods HAS-0624 Our staff is committed to giving our patients the best hearing care. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, call us today and find out why we were voted Best Hearing Aid Providers! Thank you for your TRUST. Thank you for your CONFIDENCE. 2023 2023
24 | HealthLinksSC.com BREAKTHROUGH PILL FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION By L. C. Leach III After giving birth to her oldest daughter 11 years ago, Charleston County resident Elaine DeaKyne went through “pretty severe postpartum depression” – to the point of needing support from Postpartum Support Charleston, where she serves as executive director. Zurzuvae – a new drug that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 4, 2023 – is a game changer for women like DeaKyne. It is the first and only oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment that can provide rapid improvements in depressive symptoms for women with PPD.
HealthLinksSC.com | 25 “Postpartum depression was not on my radar at all – so having this pill validates what new mothers are facing all the time,” DeaKyne said. “As a person who struggled and who works with mothers all the time who are struggling, it’s really, really a significant step for maternal health.” “Women have been waiting for an oral medicine that can specifically and rapidly improve the symptoms of PPD,” said Barry Greene, CEO of Sage Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the chief testing company for the new drug. “And we are proud to be able to deliver that.” The breakthrough pill came after seven years of clinical trials testing, both by Sage Therapeutics and Biogen, a global biotechnology company that also calls Cambridge home. The pill has been scheduled as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is now commercially available. “The approval of Zurzuvae to treat postpartum depression is a major milestone for the hundreds of thousands of women who experience this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition,” said Christopher A. Viehbacher, president and CEO at Biogen. “We appreciate the support of patients, patient advocates and researchers who helped to reach this milestone.” One of the researchers was Dr. Connie Guille, director of the Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health Division at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
26 | HealthLinksSC.com “Sage developed the compound and reached out to sites across the country to take part in the clinical trials,” Dr. Guille said. “I had worked with them before as a content expert on postpartum depression, and, in addition to MUSC, where we did the clinical trial, there were at least 10 to 15 other testing sites around the country.” She added that the trials held particular, personal interest for her because of her experience seeing “so many women suffering with this condition for a very long time.” Researchers with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, estimate that 1 in 7 women can develop postpartum depression, which tends to severely affect their ability to return to normal function. Risk factors include depression and anxiety, negative attitudes toward the baby, crying, irritability and adverse changes in sleeping or eating patterns. “We know that at this point in our country, maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality by suicide and drug overdose,” Dr. Guille said. “We are thrilled to have new and effective treatments available for women.” Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are currently the medications used for the treatment of postpartum depression. Dr. Guille said that while SSRIs take six weeks or more to relieve PPD symptoms, for some women, the symptoms can persist for a year without treatment. “The clinical trials with Zurzuvae demonstrate significant improvement in symptoms in two to three days,” she said. “FDA approval of Zurzuvae is a great advancement in the treatment of PPD, and I hope it will be a medication that is available and accessible to all women in need of this treatment.” The approval of Zurzuvae to treat postpartum depression is a major milestone for the hundreds of thousands of women who experience this underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. “ “
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28 | HealthLinksSC.com HOW TO STAY WELL ALL WINTER By Michael Vyskocil
HealthLinksSC.com | 29 AMP UP YOUR INTAKE OF ALLICIN Allicin, a compound found in garlic, supports your body’s fight against bacteria and inhibits a virus’ ability to reproduce. Crush raw garlic cloves and add them to pasta dishes or salads. BOOST YOUR DIET WITH BRASSICAS You know them as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leafy greens, rutabagas and turnips. These cruciferous vegetables in the brassica genus offer your body high levels of vitamins A, C, E and K, plus nutrients such as calcium, fiber, folate, iron, phosphorous and potassium. These vitamins and nutrients boost your body’s cellular health and strengthen your immune system. CREATE A STOREHOUSE OF VITAMIN C As a water-soluble vitamin, vitamin C functions like an antioxidant in the body, helping build and repair tissues while supporting a healthy immune system. You may associate vitamin C with citrus fruits such as grapefruits and oranges, but you might be surprised to learn that red bell peppers are also high in this immune-boosting vitamin. One-half of a pepper has about 76 milligrams of vitamin C, compared to about 35 milligrams found in half of an orange. As a new year begins, we all want to start 2024 with a clean slate by consuming healthy food. Want to keep your immune system strong all season? Pay attention to what you’re eating. According to Alaine Mills, a registered dietitian with the MUSC Health & Wellness Institute, adding nutrient-rich foods to your winter meals can give your body the immune support it needs to fight back against seasonal illnesses such as the cold and flu.
30 | HealthLinksSC.com DELVE INTO FOOD AND DRINK WITH VITAMIN D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin your body relies on to regulate immune cells. Food such as salmon, milk or milk alternatives and yogurt provide vitamin D for your body. PIQUE YOUR PALATE WITH PREBIOTICS Did you know 70% of your body’s immune cells reside in your gastrointestinal system? The healthy bacteria in your gut, probiotics, are vital to supporting a healthy immune system. To help the bacteria thrive, give them plant-based prebiotics rich in fiber. You’ll find prebiotics in: • Apples; • Artichokes; • Avocados; • Broccoli; • Cauliflower; • Garlic; • Legumes such as beans, peas and lentils; • Sweet potatoes. Introduce probiotics to your gut with kefir, pickled vegetables, tempeh – fermented soybeans – and yogurt containing active cultures. CHICKEN SOUP – GOOD FOR WHAT AILS YOU As a child, you may remember your mother preparing chicken soup when you weren’t feeling well. As it turns out, Mom does know best when it comes to recovering from illness. According to the National Library of Medicine’s MedLine Plus, drinking warm liquids like chicken soup can help relieve cold symptoms. The steam from the soup can break up congestion in your nose and throat, and the fluid from the soup thins mucus and helps prevent dehydration. If you’re experiencing nasal stuffiness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your soup to open blocked nasal passages so that you can breathe easier. HOW TO EAT LOCAL AND SUPPORT YOUR IMMUNE HEALTH According to Michael Cranford, agriculture marketing specialist for the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, brassicas thrive in South Carolina’s winters. A 2017 census of agriculture revealed that South Carolina ranks among the top 10 producers of broccoli, collard greens, kale, mustard greens and turnip greens in the United States. In addition to brassicas, Cranford noted that root crops such as sweet potatoes, rich in vitamin A, are often available through the winter. You may find locally grown ginger and turmeric in late fall at fresh food markets. Cranford said both carry anti-inflammatory properties that can help you combat the effects of various illnesses.
HealthLinksSC.com | 31 SMART SNACKING Is the mid-morning or mid-afternoon slump leaving you with snack cravings? You may be tempted to reach for go-to convenience foods. These items, however, don’t have the fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals to keep you full and satisfied, said Alaine Mills, a registered dietitian with the Medical University of South Carolina Health & Wellness Institute. The following healthy food swaps are perfect for your between-meal nibbles. They’ll give you the nutrients you need to stay energized. REPLACE WITH A handful of potato chips Baked apple chips Candy-coated chocolate pieces with peanuts Whole almonds + semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 of a milk chocolate bar A handful of unsalted dry roasted peanuts + a snack-size box of raisins Cream-filled chocolate wafer sandwich cookies Multigrain crackers + a few slices of red bell pepper + 1 to 2 tablespoons of hummus 1 large blueberry muffin 1 cup yogurt + 1/2 cup fresh blueberries Pack of gummy fruit snacks Cubes of fresh melon with a handful of almonds A pack of puffed cheese snacks A handful of pretzels + 1 mozzarella cheese stick Chocolate-flavored granola bar A few apple slices + 1 ounce of dark chocolate
32 | HealthLinksSC.com 1200 Hospital Dr., Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 • 843.375.4000 • www.vhcharleston.com What is a Critical Care Hospital? Critical Care hospitals like Vibra Hospital of Charleston, are uniquely designed to effectively care for medically complex patients. Critical Care hospitals have physicians, nurses and staff who specialize in caring for patients who are critically ill and/or have complicated medical needs like respiratory care. Choosing the right post-acute setting for critically ill patients is crucial for achieving the highest outcomes for these complex patients.
MEN WI N HEALTH With Women in Health, HealthLinks Magazine celebrates the leaders who share their intellect, compassion and perseverance every day. Because of them, our community receives the care and resources needed to be healthy and happy. To these women and all other leaders in the health care profession: thank you. Photo by Jenn Cady. "Women In Health" pictured above: Sherry Norris and Felicia Pressley from Alala, Dr. Alexandra Stiles from East Cooper Medical Center, Dr. Peyton Goodie from Perry Dermatology, Melanie Scianna, Olivia Lesko, Sam Harris and Deanna Infinger from SC House Calls, Shay Young-King from Care For Life, Jennifer Baker from Complete Beauty Wellness, Dr. Tiana Bradford and Dr. Shelby Landrum from Grace PT, DeAnne Van Reed from Franke at Seaside, Adelaide Lovelady and Dayle Guidera from David Gilston Insurance, Dr. Nicole Dahlkemper, Emily Brenner, Karen Brown, Lynn Enders and Lin Smith from Water's Edge Dentistry, Kendal Bittner from Coastal Vascular & Vein Center, Brooklyn Milner, Meghan Nyers and Bridget Schmidt from Cluver Psychiatric Group, Jennifer Minchoff from Tradebank of Charleston and Dr. Lauren Mihalek and Dr. Hannah Breal from Made 2 Move PT.
34 | HealthLinksSC.com MEN WI N HEALTH Describe a moment where you knew you were in the right career in the right place. I knew when what I was doing made me feel good every day. I never feel like my work as an aesthetician is “work.” It’s a privilege and it fulfills me. I get to see positive transformation in my clients every day. What’s your favorite way to recharge? I find that being consistent with micro-habits is the best for me. I like to do a little bit of everything. I use the infrared sauna weekly, cardio and strength training and yoga bi-weekly, nature walks, breathing techniques, prayer and meditation, massage and chiropractic care, to name a few. If you could give one piece of advice to your clients, what would it be? Be gentle and honest with yourself. Having grace and understanding for ourselves is most of the battle when it comes to healing or making life-altering changes. Slow and steady wins the race. Briefly discuss one common misconception about your profession that you would like to refute. I’d like people to know that everything we do isn’t about beauty. While most of our treatments do focus on the outside of someone’s skin, I also work on inner pieces and inner peace. We look at diet, stress management, lifestyle and even aspects of mental health and spiritual well-being. How do you envision your practice in the next 10 years? I would like my spa to be a community of health and well- being practitioners all in one place. I would also like to expand to other areas of the state. Jennifer Baker COMPLETE BEAUTY WELLNESS SPA completebeautywellness.com Photo by Jenn Cady. In person and telehealth appointments available. 109 River Landing Drive, Suite 100 B | Daniel Island, SC 29492 | 843.972.4404 CLUVERPSYCHIATRIC.COM Meghan Nyers, PMHNP-BC,LPC Bridget Schmidt, MSW, LISW-CP Jeffrey Cluver, MD Brooklyn Milner, MSW, LISW-CP
MEN WI N HEALTH HealthLinksSC.com | 35 MEGHAN NYERS Offer three adjectives to describe your journey to becoming the health leader you are today. Challenging. Rewarding. Committed. Whether working as a paramedic, a mental health clinician or a nurse, I was constantly looking to be challenged, which ultimately led to my pursuing a psychiatric nurse practitioner degree. While each profession proved to be rewarding, being able to combine all the experiences has ultimately proven to be the best. BROOKLYN MILNER Briefly describe one good habit that has helped you navigate a specific challenge in your career. Working in health care, you tend to meet people in the worst moments of their life, whether that be medically or psychiatrically – which means people can be scared and angry. I’ve developed a mantra – “This isn’t about me” – for any time I start to take something personally. It’s helped me stay calm in heightened moments and focused on the needs of the patient. MEGHAN NYERS Has there has ever been a time when being a woman in health care offered an advantage? Now is certainly the time for women providers to exert their ability to be seen as efficient and effective members of the care team. Being a female provider can foster an empathic relationship with patients who may have historically felt “unseen” by male providers. BRIDGET SCHMIDT Describe a moment when you knew you were in the right career in the right place. Thankfully, there have been many times over the years when I’ve felt validated as a practitioner. When I was a young social worker, I was able to provide crisis grief counseling to a father whose young adult daughter was dying. We’d tried to get her home to die, but it was too late. I sat with him for hours, and afterward he kept thanking me. He told me that I reminded him of her – because I’m Irish – and he sent me flowers the next week. To this day, I remember his face and how that day changed me. BROOKLYN MILNER Please share advice you would give as a mentor to women new to the health field. I think the very thing that gets us through anything in life are the small moments. It’s the moments that you make meaningful connections with your clients or their families, the moments that you see someone get better, the moments when your team supports one another. I think more often than not we have rough days, challenging cases and can feel very defeated. Acknowledging these small wins in my day or week can make all the difference in feeling like I’m on the right path. BRIDGET SCHMIDT Briefly discuss one common misconception about your profession that you would like to refute. By far, the biggest misconception about being a therapist is that it’s depressing. The therapeutic relationship is amazing, at times miraculous, and deeply rewarding. BROOKLYN MILNER If you could give only one piece of advice to your patients in regard to their health, what would it be? There are no quick fixes in life. Taking care of your mind and body requires implementing small habits that can compound over time. It begins with taking scheduled medications, going to therapy, moving your body, connecting with others, finding a creative outlet and prioritizing your well-being. Bridget Schmidt, MSW, LISW-CP CLUVER PSYCHIATRIC GROUP cluverpsychiatric.com Photos by Jenn Cady. Meghan Nyers, PMHNP-BC, LPC Brooklyn Milner, MSW, LISW-CP
36 | HealthLinksSC.com MEN WI N HEALTH 843.406.6251 - www.bishopgadsden.org Gadsden Glen is located on James Island, within Bishop Gadsden The award-winning Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab opened to the Charleston Community in 2022 to restore strength and spirit, providing a healing experience unlike any other in the Southeast. With costs in line with the area, Medicare and insurance coverage allows you to select Gadsden Glen for your short-term post-acute rehabilitation, setting you on a course of improved health and wellness. NOW OPEN
MEN WI N HEALTH HealthLinksSC.com | 37 Describe one good habit that has helped you navigate challenges in your career. Considering others’ perspectives. Reflecting on the other party’s perspective before responding to a challenge is beneficial. If I immediately respond to a challenge, it causes me to make a quick judgment, and the outcome may not be as positive or productive for any party involved. Describe a moment when you knew you were in the right career. I had moments of fulfillment in previous roles before entering the senior living field. However, working with the senior population is extraordinary. You can learn from their life experiences, create relationships that are life-affirming and, more significantly, have the honor of seeing them through end-of-life. Realizing how proud and excited I was to tell others about my career and where I worked, meeting each day with enthusiasm and knowing I made a difference in someone’s life is how I knew I was in the right place. Please share advice you would give as a mentor to women new to the health field. I only recently felt I had the knowledge necessary to mentor someone. I still feel relatively new to the field of senior living, even after 16 years. However, one does not need to be a subject matter expert to be a mentor. I believe women have the innate ability to nurture and support, but sometimes they feel they are not qualified. One’s position or title is irrelevant – but rather, the focus should be on supporting and encouraging each of us to succeed. What’s your favorite way to recharge or prevent burnout? These last few years have added stress to the health care industry that is beyond compare. Healthcare leaders have been required to fly the airplane while it was still being built, and it doesn’t seem we’re on cruise control yet and may never be. Mental health and recharging must be a priority for those working within health care. For me, it is time with my family and dog and being connected to things that make me happy – the Charleston area’s natural landscape, cooking/entertaining and traveling to new places recharge me. How do you envision your practice in the next 10 years? The senior living field is responding to the changes of a significantly growing aging population. Seniors are more vested in their physical, mental and emotional health than ever. They want competitive sports, easily accessible health care that incorporates technology and the opportunity to keep learning, all within a hospitality-like environment. I’m very excited to see how this field continues to adapt – what has happened in the last 10 years is probably just a blip of what will happen in the next 10 years. Discuss one common misconception about your profession that you would like to refute. One misconception about senior living is that people think it’s slow-paced, stuck in the ’80s, not forward-thinking and doesn’t incorporate technology into everyday life. Nothing could be further from the truth. This field is engaging, ever-changing, incredibly fast-paced – but, more importantly, rewarding beyond belief. I encourage those interested in working in health care to consider senior living – be it in hands-on care, administrative leadership and everything in between. Working with seniors is a privilege. I’m honored to be part of this field. Every day brings something new. Kimberly M. Borts BISHOP GADSDEN Vice President of Mission and Communications Office of Charitable Giving and Communications bishopgadsden.org Photo by Jenn Cady.
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