COMPLIMENTARY CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY MAY/JUNE 2023 Best Doctors, Dentists, Senior Living, Fitness Centers andMore... CHAR L E S TON
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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.
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8 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com 14 | POWER UP WITH A NAP We’ve all experienced it. That early afternoon, postlunch lull that can mean the difference between productivity and sleepiness. For some, the fix is simple: a power nap. 16 | GET UP AND OUT: PATIENTS PRESCRIBED EXERCISE Patients often expect to receive a prescription for medicine when they visit their doctor, but some doctors are now taking an innovative approach and prescribing exercise. 18 | WALK WITH A DOC On the fourth Saturday of each month, medical professionals welcome people to Charleston’s Hampton Park for a quick five-minute chat on the medical topic du jour and then a peaceful walk. 22 | EATING HEALTHY ON A TIGHT BUDGET Despite the rising cost of groceries, you can still manage to eat healthy on a budget. It just requires a little planning and preparation. 24 | HEALTHY FOOD HITS FOOD DESERTS Lowcountry Street Grocery, a grassroots local food delivery service that services the greater Charleston region and beyond, takes steps to end food inequity. 26 | BERRIESOFFERA ‘1-2 PUNCH’ Dr. Ann G. Kulze, bestselling author of “Dr. Ann’s 10 Step Diet” and “Dr. Ann’s Eat Right for Life” series has been an enthusiastic advocate of berries since the beginning of her venture into medicine. 30 | PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN: FUNGAL INFECTIONS The World Health Organization released its first-ever list of 19 health-threatening fungi. Major factors contributing to more fungus among us: climate change and resistance to drugs. 33 | BEST IN HEALTH With over 6,000 votes from readers, patients and local medical professionals, HealthLinks is proud to present our 2023 Best in Health winners. Issue 12.3 MAY/JUNE 2023 CHARLESTON FEATURES
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 9 76 | THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN’S DEPRESSION Though men comprise 49% of the population, they account for 80% of all suicides. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression, but men die by suicide three times more often. 86 | ADDICTED TO ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS More and more research points to the addictive elements of ultra-processed foods as well as their link to a number of cancers. 88 | WHERE HAVE THE THERAPISTS GONE? Since there aren’t enough professional therapists to meet the dramatic increase in mental health concerns, people are seeking creative alternatives. 94 | MEDICAL WASTE NEARS CRISIS Medical waste is not only looming, it could easily end up deciding whether we’ll face more global concerns or enjoy the benefits of medical stability. 98 | TIKTOK WELLNESS TRENDS Effective exercises, mental peace, stronger bones, sound sleep and whiter teeth – TikTok fans are finding, creating and following trends as they strive for better health. 104 | CYCLE SYNCING An awareness of the different phases of the menstrual cycle helps women make choices that balance their hormones, optimize their energy levels and improve how they feel. 108 | DOG’S GOT BOOT SCOOT? Scratching ears, licking feet, doing the boot scoot to ease rectal itching – these can all be signs that something is off with a dog’s gut health. CONTENTS DIRECTORIES Primary Care. .....................................................110 IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Note...................................................10 From the Editor....................................................11 Living Healthy Area Events..................................12 The Lighter Side of Health Care. .........................28 CCMS ..................................................................90 Charleston Area Nonprofits...............................100 Unique Case.......................................................102 There's an App for That.....................................106 The Pulse on Charleston Nurses........................112 SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT You're the Hero of Your Hormone Story. ............................71 Everything Starts with the Brain..........................................73 Periodontal Associates: Quality Care From a Longtime Team......75 A Helping Hand for Your Health Journey. ..........................81 Getting Patients Home.......................................................82 Make Memories, Not Mosquitoes. .....................................92 BY THE NUMBERS Fungal Pathogens...............................................................32 Depression in Men..............................................................78 Medical Waste. ...................................................................96
10 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Issue 12.3 MAY/JUNE 2023 Publisher CULLEN MURRAY-KEMP [email protected] Managing Editor LISA BRESLIN Assistant Editor MOLLY SHERMAN Copy Editor BRIAN SHERMAN Art Director KIM HALL Webmaster GEORGE CONKLIN Sales Manager MANDY WILLIS [email protected] Writers Media Consultant BRANDON CLARK [email protected] Intern LEXIE SHERMAN 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 Charleston reserves the right to refuse advertisements. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply the service or product is recommended or endorsed by HealthLinks Charleston. 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] CHARLESTON PUBLISHER'S NOTE JANET PERRIGO L.C. LEACH III AMY GESELL COLIN MCCANDLESS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA THERESA STRATFORD MOLLY SHERMAN LISA BRESLIN BILL FARLEY LINDA ESTERSON AMY CONNOR LISA WACK Scan to discover our other HealthLinks platforms! As a senior at McDaniel College, a small liberal arts school in Westminster, Maryland, I received an apt superlative from my peers, mentors and teachers in the English Department: Most Likely to Risk His Life for the Sake of a Story. At the time, I thought: “What the hell? I’ve spent years pouring myself into these people and this department, and that is the best they can come up with? Most Likely to Win the Pulitzer Prize and Change the World is more like it!” Long story short, since college, I’ve risked my life for the sake of a story more times than I can count, but I’m still without a Pulitzer and haven’t, to my knowledge, saved the world. Those academics are so damn intuitive. Aside from a demonstration of my lack of self-awareness and foresight, this story also sets the stage for my recent visit to my primary care doctor. It was an early spring Monday morning when I stumbled into my doctor’s office for my annual physical. Dry mouth and forehead percussions – remnants of the previous “Sunday Funday,” still lingered. My doctor and I discussed my mental and physical health, and we both agreed that, overall, I am quite healthy for 33. “But wait, when’s the last time you had any bloodwork done?” my doctor inquired. Not completely sure how to answer, I simply shrugged. He suggested that I stick around for some bloodwork, and, with my first meeting of the day still 30 minutes away, I agreed. “Cullen. Your cholesterol is up a good bit. You need to make lifestyle changes or go on a statin.” My blood test was back, and I just kept reading the doctor’s words, which didn’t make any sense. I work out every day and have a metabolism faster than Usain Bolt. Here I am thinking my arteries are flowing stronger than the Mississippi, and he’s telling me I could be at risk for a stroke or heart attack? It’s quite disarming when you are so confident in something like your health, and you learn that there’s a major gap between your perception and the truth. My biggest frustration is that I’ve become an example of exactly what I preach to others to avoid: Don’t wait until you are diagnosed with an ailment or disease to start being proactive about your health. I’ve been shouting this from the rooftops since the inception of HealthLinks, and here I am, the hypocrite with a 177 LDL cholesterol level. I hope my words aren’t too high in cholesterol, because I surely will be eating them. I began to discuss my cholesterol issue with those closest to me. My wife said that I needed to make dietary adjustments. My golf partner/good buddy, laughed, handed me a beer and told me “welcome to America.” She’s a doctor, and he, well, he’s certainly not. My wife also assured me that small changes could make a massive difference in cholesterol levels and that I was, most likely, not going to have a stroke anytime soon. Enter fish, grains, nuts, veggies. Exit alcohol, pizza and butter. Turns out, I guess I can still risk my life for the sake of a good story, but no chicken wing in hand this time. Cheers to Good Better Heath, Cullen Murray-Kemp, Publisher Cul len Murray Kemp
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 11 FROM THE EDITOR... March Madness, the Olympics and a host of other competitions – chess, spelling, robotics – confirm our passion for identifying “the best.” The esteemed recipients of a “Best” title have a unique combination of qualities that propel them to the top: talent, an unrelenting dedication to perfect their skills, resilience, the ability to learn from and mentor others, to name a few. Reporter Amy Connor took a moment to talk to local children about what being the best at something means or takes. To be the best at something, “they should practice,” explained 6-year-old Owen. People should be the best at something “because they love me,” said Emma, 4, “almost 5.” If someone wants to be the best at something, “they should draw pictures of dinosaurs,” confirmed Porter, 7. This issue of HealthLinks Charleston celebrates the “Best” in our health care community. As you read about the recipients, you will undoubtedly notice their talents and their unrelenting dedication to perfect their skills. I’m sure the celebrated bests practice and bring love to the people they help. Perhaps when you reach out to congratulate them, you should see if they pass the Porter test: Do they draw pictures of dinosaurs? Congratulations and thank you to all of this year’s awardees. In this issue, you will also discover helpful advice and resources from local experts – eating healthy on a tight budget, power naps. You’ll find stories that might stun you – health-threatening fungi, men’s depression, medical waste, addiction to processed foods. There are stories that caution – the boot scoot, where have the therapists gone? And with each page turn, you will probably be inspired to add more adventure to your life – TikTok wellness trends. Enjoy. To simple pleasures and good health, Lisa Breslin, Managing Editor MAY/JUNE 2023 COMPLIMENTARY CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY MAY/JUNE 2023 Best Doctors, Dentists, Senior Living, Fitness Centers andMore... CHAR L E S TON Volume 12, Issue 3 • MAY/JUNE 2023 www.CharlestonPhysicians.com CHARLESTON Source: National Institute of Mental Health 'Real Men. Real Depression' Announcing the NEW CharlestonPhysicians.com Why CharlestonPhysicians.com? ✔ Search doctors by location, insurance & specialty! ✔ Search health topics that matter to you. ✔ HIPAA Certified & dedicated to your safety. ✔ Read HealthLinks Magazine. ✔ Listen to HealthLinks Podcast. +
12 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com HEALTHY AREA EVENTS l ving MAY 11-13 Neurology and Women’s Health for Primary Care Conference Francis Marion Hotel 387 King St., Charleston Times vary Continuing Medical Education for Primary Care in Charleston presents three days of half sessions where participating medical professionals can earn up to 12 hours of accredited CME credits for their continuing education requirements. The conference will focus specifically on advancements in neurology and updates in women’s health. Topics such as stroke prevention and treatment, cranial nerves, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and contraception will be presented in the historic Francis Marion Hotel. Registration and fees required. To learn more: mceconferences.com. MAY 15 Chip in Fore a Cause Golf Tournament Ocean Winds Course - Seabrook Island Varied tee times Teams or individuals can register for this day of fun on the greens at Seabrook Island Golf Course while supporting The Point, a local charity whose mission is to support the needs of women in health crisis. To learn more and register: thepointis.org. MAY 13 G.O.A.T. 5K The Goatery at Kiawah River 3883 Betsey Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island 8:30 a.m. A 5K run with unobstructed views of the Kiawah River can’t be . . .baaaa-d, can it? Sponsored by Blue Sky Endurance, the third annual G.O.A.T. 5K is sure to thrill as you jog, run or sprint your way through a trail system carved out of 2,000 acres of land along one of the Carolinas’ most beautiful island riversides. Biscuits and coffee await you post-race, along with real goats who are eager for selfies. Proceeds benefit Lowcountry Farm Conservation. To learn more and register: blueskyendurance.com. MAY 13 Moms’ Run 5K Philip Simmons High School 3080 Village Drive, Charleston 7 a.m. With categories for adults, adults with strollers and for kids, the Moms’ Run celebrates its 20th year honoring mothers. Proceeds from this event help fund Postpartum Support Charleston and is its largest fundraiser of the year. Your contribution supports work with families facing postpartum issues such as depression, anxiety and OCD, both during and after pregnancy. The run is held conjunction with Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Verde and Philip Simmons High School. To learn more and register: ppdsupport.org or runsignup.com.
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 13 MAY 21 AND JUNE 18 Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series 6 a.m.-7 a.m. - Race day packet pickup Teams or individuals get to swim, sprint, cycle and run across the landscape of James Island County Park during the Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series. You’ll join the roster of the over 30,000 people who have raced this series over the years. Honored as one of the Top 10 Charleston Signature Sport Events by the Charleston Metro Sports Council, you won’t want to miss it. To learn more and register: ccprc.com. JUNE 1 Telehealth and mobile resources Wadmalaw Community Center 5605 Katy Hill Road, Wadmalaw Island 9 a.m.-noon Services provided during this mobile health visit will include health education; telehealth; referrals and community resources related to birth control; human papillomavirus vaccination; lactation consultations; cancer screenings; sexually transmitted infections or HIV; pregnancy; mental health, including depression during or after pregnancy; substance use; and nutrition/ exercise. To learn more: ccpl.org/telehealth or ccpl.org/outreach/mobile. JUNE 1 CPR Certification Charleston 22 Westedge St., Suite 400, Charleston 6:30 p.m. CPR Certification Charleston offers a quality class and certification through this in-person course. Your CPR certification card is issued at the successful conclusion of your class. To learn more and register: cprcharleston.org. JUNE 10 Yoga at Waterfront Park Waterfront Park 101 River Landing Drive, Daniel Island 9:30 a.m. Breathe in, breathe out in the beautiful outdoors as everyone from beginners to expert yogis are guided through movements designed to stretch and mobilize your body and ground your spirit. This free class is provided by Bella Rybak Yoga. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. To register: eventbrite.com. MAY 19 Farm Breakfast Charleston Medical District Doughty Street from President Street to Courtenay Drive. 7 a.m. Charleston Medical District Greenway’s Blue Sky Sunny Day Farm Breakfast will be on-site selling breakfast on what should be a beautiful May morning. The CMD Greenway continues to grow in its efforts to provide a relaxing green space for Charleston’s Medical District. Top learn more: charlestonmedicaldistrict.com. JUNE 24-JUNE 28 The Teratology Society Annual Meeting Charleston Marriott 170 Lockwood Drive 8 a.m. Enjoy the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Birth Defects Research & Prevention. The society strives to understand and protect against potential hazards to developing embryos, fetuses, children and adults by bringing together scientific knowledge from diverse fields. To learn more and register: birthdefectsresearch.org.
14 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com POWER UP WITH A NAP By Linda L. Esterson
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 15 We’ve all experienced it. That early afternoon, post-lunch lull that can mean the difference between tremendous productivity and exasperating sleepiness. For some, the fix is simple: a power nap. A nap is considered any act of sleeping for a short period of time. A power nap is limited to under 30 minutes, according to Jessica Lee, M.D., a double board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon with Charleston ENT & Allergy. These quick respites can be just what’s needed for those who don’t get enough sleep at night. On average, humans require seven to nine hours of sleep to maintain the body’s circadian rhythm, the natural process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. “That’s not always feasible for all of us all of the time,” said Allison Wilkerson, Ph.D., clinical director of the Sleep and Anxiety Treatment and Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. “Life gets in the way for most of the population, so power naps can be beneficial.” Regardless of whether you eat lunch, the afternoon dip occurs between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Dr. Wilkerson attested. Alertness plummets and sleepiness increases without the proper rest overnight. With a few hours left of the workday, the power nap becomes the perfect prescription. “If you can make it through that period, your alertness increases,” noted Dr. Wilkerson, who turned to power naps herself during graduate school and later when training for a half-marathon. She pointed out that people are most alert from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. “That’s why we have prime time television. That’s why your inbox gets inundated with sales flash emails. The marketing world knows that we’re awake and we’re alert and we’re probably not working,” she explained. Dr. Wilkerson suggested a quick lunch and a short power nap for optimum wakefulness and productivity and the ability to take better advantage of that prime time of wakefulness. The power nap also delivers a boost in energy and mood, according to Dr. Lee, who is also certified in lifestyle medicine. Physiologically, the mid-day nap reduces adenosine pressure, a chemical that builds in the body during waking hours and at its peak causes sleepiness. “If you take a short power nap, you can drop it (sleep pressure) down about 10%, and you don’t feel as sleepy,” she explained. “Your sleepiness sensation is postponed.” Companies such as Nike, Facebook and Ben & Jerry’s encourage power napping to increase productivity. Some, including Google, have gone as far as creating sleep pods, which provide designated, soundproof areas for employees to nap. What’s the best way to power nap? Dr. Lee offered some tips to nap at the office. • Darkness - Pull the shades, close the door and turn off the computer monitor and other electronic devices. • Quiet - Opt for noise-canceling earbuds or headphones to block out sounds from around the office. • Comfort - Try to mimic night sleeping positions as much as possible. Bring a small pillow and a yoga mat if a sofa is unavailable. • Sleep tracker - Use a device to determine sleep latency, or how long it takes to be completely still. Try different nap durations – 20 to 30 minutes – until you find an ideal scenario. • Support - Make sure your supervisor is aware and that you’re napping during down periods. Research studies have evaluated the effectiveness of power napping, with many findings supporting the cognitive benefits of napping. A study from the School of Psychology at Flinders University in Australia evaluating the benefits of power naps found that the 10-minute nap produced immediate improvements in sleep latency, subjective sleepiness, fatigue, vigor and cognitive performance, with some of the benefits maintained for as long as 155 minutes. Twenty and 30-minute durations elicited improvements after a period of impaired alertness upon wakening. Newer studies are focusing on the behavior of athletes, who historically need more sleep because of the physical exertion their jobs require. Athletes as well as shift workers have modified the power nap to the “caffeine nap,” which incorporates drinking a bit of caffeine prior to the power nap to amplify its effectiveness. A 2021 study found that caffeine intake followed by a short nap resulted in better sprint performances than caffeine or a short nap alone. Taking a nap that is too long may impact your chance for a good night’s rest that evening, and naps are not recommended for those with insomnia and already have difficulty falling and staying asleep at night. As helpful as the power nap can be, experts suggest avoiding using them habitually. Dr. Lee noted, “If you stayed up late on a work deadline or you’re not feeling well, a 30-minute nap during the day can be helpful.”
16 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Patients often expect to receive a prescription for medicine when they visit their doctor, but some doctors are now taking an innovative approach and prescribing exercise. An exercise prescription goes beyond a brief “how can I become more active” discussion. The goal is to teach and support patients as they adopt lifelong healthy habits. Eddy Kicker recently experienced a minor back issue and received a prescription to the Physician Referred Exercise Program through Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. P.R.E.P. is a 60-day program based at St. Francis Physical Therapy, which is situated inside Sportsclub Greenville. Participants work with a physical therapist and a personal trainer and have access to all the gym’s equipment. The program costs $60 – essentially a dollar per day. Kicker had been walking regularly for the past four years, but P.R.E.P. gave him the confidence to do more. “The program helps you wherever you are in your fitness journey and not just to get in better shape. They also work with you on balance, strength, endurance and stretching,” Kicker said. EXERCISE: A PRESCRIPTION FOR WELL-BEING By Lisa Wack
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 17 According to Scott Carley, a physical therapist with P.R.E.P., many participants join the club after the program ends. “These individuals are now confident out on the gym floor. They know the staff and feel connected to other members,” Carley said. “We see P.R.E.P. as another piece of the pie in quality patient care.” Dr. Jennifer Trilk, associate professor and director of the Lifestyle Medicine Program at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, has long known the power of prescribing exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. She explained that sedentary behavior is the fourth leading cause of mortality in the United States. She advocates for the importance of physical activity in preventing and treating diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers. Dr. Trilk is also the program director of Exercise is Medicine Greenville, which is affiliated with Prisma Health, the YMCA of Greenville and the American College of Sports Medicine. After receiving a doctor’s prescription for EIMG, patients meet with a nurse navigator to determine if the program is right for them, and then an individualized program is developed. The 12-week intervention program costs $249 and includes full access to the facility. If necessary, financial assistance is available at YMCA locations to defray the cost. Providers in more than 20 Prisma-affiliated offices refer patients, and many of them choose to join and continue their fitness journey at the YMCA. Dr. Trilk was a founding member of the USC School of Medicine Greenville – the first and only medical school in the country to require students to be trained in lifestyle medicine, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, behavior change and self-care. This training prepares physicians for the growing challenge of chronic diseases they will be expected to treat and prevent. Galen Bennett, assistant fitness director the Medical University of South Carolina Wellness Center in Charleston, said, “weight loss is not always the main goal of a fitness/wellness program. There are many benefits to a well-structured exercise program, such as reducing the risk of certain diseases, improving quality of sleep and preventing cognitive decline.” Patients often visit the Wellness Center on the recommendation of their health care providers and take part in programs such as Better Back, Knee Rx, Rock Steady Boxing and the Breast Cancer Survivors Fit Club. There are plenty of other places for residents to embrace more activity. For instance, Tidelands Health, an MUSC Health affiliate, has a prescription-based walking program called “A Walk in the Garden” in partnership with Brookgreen Gardens. If patients qualify, their Tidelands doctor gives them a walking program prescription redeemable for a free 30-day pass to Brookgreen Gardens. Eddy Kicker knows what it’s like to go to a gym on your own. “It can be intimidating. You walk in not sure what to do and often never feel engaged,” he said. “Now I feel like I belong.” Kicker is looking forward to the best part of retirement – spending more time with his grandkids. His exercise prescription is helping him do just that. charlestonhealth.org | 843.879.8224 215 E 5th North St Summerville, SC 29483 CHIROPRACTIC AND NATURAL MEDICINE Providing natural and non-surgical solutions. See our website for more information. We would love to see your smiling face. Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Healthy teeth don’t hurt, and neither do healthy bodies. We are here to identify and correct problems at their source.
18 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com The internet is peppered with stories of doctors rushing through appointments, not “hearing” patients’ concerns and even becoming insidious agents for “big pharma.” Despite these media negatives, there remains a steadfast sea of physicians dedicated to the first line of The Physician’s Pledge: “I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of humanity.” Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio, is one such physician. Recognizing that giving a patient a “stern talking to” in a clinical setting wasn’t helping noncompliant patients change their habits, he invited his patients to do something that might not only strengthen his relationships with them but also create an opportunity for them to improve their physical and mental health. The idea was radical yet simple: “Let’s go for a walk.” On a beautiful spring morning in 2005, 100 of Dr. Sabgir’s patients accepted his invitation to “go for a walk.” Since that day, an entire movement has emerged, and patients now find Walk With a Doc programs across the country. Coastal Pediatric Associates and Dr. Kelly Lipke head up Charleston’s own chapter with the “… mission of inspiring communities through movement and conversation.” The program’s aim is also to help patients hit the targets of four pillars of health: physical activity, social connectedness, education and connecting with nature. On the fourth Saturday of each month, Walk With a Doc’s medical professionals and patients meet at 9 a.m. at the gazebo in Charleston’s Hampton Park for a quick five-minute chat on the medical topic of the day. When the walk begins, participants set their own pace and choose their own distance. The walk can be one to two miles, depending on one’s pace. Throughout the walk, no one is left behind; the speaker that day moves between groups to chat and socialize with walkers. Dr. Lipke’s favorite aspect of these jaunts is the socialization. “So far, we’ve had anywhere from 12 to 25 people join us, and the social connections made through the walks have been wonderful,” she said. The social facet also appeals to Dr. Ana Arias-Pandey, the topic leader for the “Walking in Nature” walk. She marveled at how the program has brought people together. “We had some grandparents who were regular participants of Walk With a Doc in their home state of Colorado. They looked up our chapter online and, as part of their visit to Charleston, brought their grandchildren to go on one of our walks. They also brought ideas from their chapter – to bring coffee and snacks – which we implemented at the next walk. It’s a community effort.” Dr. Arias-Pandey is also pleased with the diversity in Charleston’s group of walkers. So far, we’ve had anywhere from 12 to 25 people join us, and the social connections made through the walks have been wonderful. “ “ LET’S GO FOR A By Amy Gesell
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 19 “We have a very diverse and worldly group, with people from several countries and, as I recall, three different languages spoken,” she said. Talks by these health-focused physicians have been broad and varied: “Walking in Nature,” “The Importance of Family Dinners,” “The Benefits of Walking to School” and “Stretching and Mindfulness” all have been discussed. The inaugural talk was, of course, Dr. Lipke’s “Why Walk.” Though Walk With a Doc’s website will take you to a list of 100 scientifically supported reasons to “just walk,” the most championed reasons are: • Walking is low impact and safe for patients with joint or weight problems or other conditions. • Walking is free, as is the Walk With a Doc program. • Walking is a healthy way to spend time with friends. • Walking lowers “bad” cholesterol and raises “good” cholesterol. • Walking lowers the risk of depression and elevates mood. Walking is an exercise that is completely adjustable to the patient, a gentle way to improve your cardiovascular health and possibly a way to reduce the need to find yourself in the physician’s office for anything other than a checkup. The Walk With a Doc program is a safe, fun and free way to log those steps into your health meter and get a little closer to knowing the doctors who care for you. They enthusiastically welcome you to join them. For more information: walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/ locations/charleston-south-carolina. 3405 Salterbeck St. STE 100, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 www.smilesbyhogan.com | 843.216.0908 CARING AND PROFESSIONAL DENTISTRY SERVICE Smiles by Hogan offers professional dental care, including dental implants, emergency dental services, cosmetic dentistry, laser gum therapy and more. Our dental implants are placed and restored in-house. This procedure can be done alongside our MD Anesthesiologist, Dr. Barnes under IV sedation. DENTAL IMPLANTS DENTURE IMPLANT SEDATION DENTISTRY TYLER ALDERMAN, DDS KEVIN HOGAN, DDS
20 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com 434 W. Coleman Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 / 843.884.8884 / smilecarolinasc.com / @smilecarolinasc COSMETIC RESTORATIVE ENDODONTIC GENERAL FACIAL AESTHETICS IMPLANT DENTISTRY SNORE GUARDS MORE THAN “JUST A DENTIST” WE PROVIDE ALL AROUND ELITE DENTAL CARE Including: Implants | Cosmetic Dentistry | Veneers Invisalign | General Restorative | Aesthetics Modern Imaging | Sleep GRACE PHYSICAL THERAPY • Personalized treatment • Locally Owned and Operated • Treatment by doctors of physical therapy 440 Old Tolley Rd., Summerville 843.871.3522 | gracept.com TAPING DRY NEEDLING & SPORTS REHAB Are you faced with challenging care decisions and difficult transitions? We can help. We will explain your senior living options and what they cost, answer questions about stay-at-home care planning, guide you to resources in the community, and help you navigate a complex healthcare system. Contact us for a no cost consultation. You don’t need to do this alone. SENIOR CARE AUTHORITY Renee Allison-Riley, CSA Certified Senior Advisor® (843) 233-9251 [email protected] www.seniorcareauthority.com/lowcountry-sc-ga
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22 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Although inflation has been easing a bit, grocery bills are still high, and sometimes eating healthy food can seem pricier than grabbing less nutritious supermarket options. Despite rising costs, you can still manage to eat healthy on a budget. It just requires a little planning and preparation. “It’s important to understand that healthy eating does not have to be more expensive than eating out,” said Joanna Smyers, a registered dietitian with Bon Secours St. Francis in Greenville. “It can save time. It can save money, especially if you’re cooking in bulk or planning meals ahead of time.” Smyers recommended focusing meal planning on lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nonstarchy vegetables, fruits and complex carbs – foods that will provide your body with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. You want to eliminate foods with saturated fats such as high-fat proteins or processed, fatty or fried foods. This approach has the added benefit of helping with potential medical concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nutrition-related diseases including heart disease and obesity. Smyers suggested beans and legumes as two great protein sources. SHOPPING HEALTHY: By Colin McCandless NUTRITIOUS MEALS THAT DON’T STRAIN YOUR BUDGET
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 23 “Those are easy to prepare, especially if you do the low-sodium canned beans,” she said. Lentils offer another quick, convenient option to use in making soups, which are filling and offer a great way to incorporate proteins and nonstarchy veggies. They can help limit your calorie intake and involve foods that are typically low in fats and sugars, said Smyers. You can add canned veggies to soups as well – just make sure to read the labels to ensure they won’t add a ton of sodium to your diet. Regularly cooking with nonstarchy vegetables is key to eating healthy on a budget. Foods that are high in protein and fiber keep you satiated for longer because they take more time to digest and break down, reducing the need for snacking. “It makes us feel fuller longer,” explained Smyers, who also owns a nutrition counseling business called The Food Nerdette. Chelsei James, a nutritionist with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, encourages people to plan ahead for meals and use what’s in your pantry as a starting point. Bring a grocery list with you but be prepared to make financially savvy adjustments. James and Smyers both advised to pay attention to store sales and circulars and be flexible. If you had your heart set on peaches but apples are on sale, buy the apples, said James. The same strategy applies for the meat department, where Smyers noted that you might encounter markeddown meat prices. Be adaptable and swap that chicken breast you wanted for the manager’s special pork chops. Both recommend bulk buying, such as a 5-pound bag of rice instead of a 1-pound bag or bulk buying seasonal produce and freezing some of it. Another tip is to prepare foods in bulk like a large pot of soup or repurposing leftovers, especially carbohydrates such as rice, giving you the option of a rice grain bowl one night and a stir fry the next, said Smyers – or pasta combos topped with meats or veggies. Leah Price, another registered dietitian with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, said individuals should consider where they shop and be realistic about whether it is meeting their nutritional and budgetary needs. Another move that can benefit your finances entails choosing a store brand over a name brand, especially for staple pantry items, Price advised. It can make a noticeable financial difference. ADOPTING BUDGET-FRIENDLY HEALTHY EATING HABITS Another way to make eating healthy more budget-friendly involves adopting healthy eating habits. One approach is incorporating more plant-based proteins into your diet such as lentils and legumes that are high in fiber and low in saturated fatty acids, according to Price. She suggested minor changes such as going meatless on “taco Tuesday” and switching up that ground beef for beans or substituting chick peas for the chicken in your chicken salad. This will not only save you a few bucks but, because these foods are protein-rich, they will keep you satiated longer. It is also important to be mindful of portion sizes when preparing food, according to Smyers. Additionally, eating without distractions such as scrolling on your phone can help prevent you from mindlessly eating, she said. Both of these habits can lead to leftovers and save you money. James emphasized drinking more water and less sodas and juices, which will not only make you more hydrated but is also good for the skin. Price added that when buying produce, paying attention to what’s in season can help lower your grocery bills as well. RESOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE, HEALTHY EATING DHEC offers numerous resources to help with affordable, healthy eating options. Price said the agency’s texting platform, Text2bWell, allows individuals to enroll in a subscription plan that addresses issues encompassing fitness and nutrition. It also features healthy eating videos and opportunities to request quick and easy healthy recipes and budget-saving tips. Another helpful web tool is the DHEC-SNAP Education Team’s cookbook, “Eating Healthy in a SNAP,” which contains healthy recipes that are simple and cost-effective, James noted. “It’s a really good starting point,” she said. The SNAP Ed Department also provides online maps showing farmers markets and food pantries in different counties statewide. In the Charleston area, Smyers touted the Lowcountry Food Bank as a valuable resource for its cooking classes, healthy pantry and tips for buying groceries on a budget. James and Smyers both recommended FoodShare South Carolina – foodsharesc.org – as an option for people who are struggling with access to affordable produce. The organization offers Fresh Food Boxes available at cost that are filled with nine to 11 rotating varieties of fresh fruits and veggies, including recipes, tips and nutrition notes to encourage healthier eating. If you are able to get a Fresh Food Box, Price advised taking steps to reduce food waste such as freezing or canning foods. This will keep the produce from spoiling and extend its use. James added that you can get creative with frozen fruits, using them for smoothies and banana bread, for example. Price suggested using online grocery ordering services as a tool to gauge potential supermarket bills. Sites such as Walmart’s give a cost estimate, providing you the opportunity to see how much $50 can buy. “It’s especially helpful for SNAP recipients to help with your budget and spend and distribute dollars,” she said. Focus meal planning on lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nonstarchy vegetables, fruits and complex carbs – foods that will provide your body with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
24 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Food and nutrition play a major role in our everyday health and in disease prevention, but not everyone has access to affordable, healthy sustenance. Lowcountry Street Grocery, a grassroots local food delivery service that serves the greater Charleston region and beyond, was initially created in 2015 in response to issues of food inequity in our community. It prioritizes low-income residents with little to no access or transportation to buy healthy foods or who experience food insecurity. Their overarching goal is working toward a more equitable food system for consumers and producers, with an ethos that access to healthy, affordable food is a right, not a privilege. “Where you live and how much money you have in your bank account should not determine how healthy you eat,” stated LSG founder and CEO Lindsey Barrow. LSG’s business plan uses market-based strategies to offset the cost of its social mission, a concept LSG calls Robin Hood economics. This sliding scale pricing system allows them to leverage the sale of high-demand, healthy local food to address fresh food access for people who need it the most. By Colin McCandless LOWCOUNTRY STREET GROCERY: MAKING HEALTHY EATING ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 25 There are three arms of the business that are all interdependent and united under the umbrella company of LSG: a school bus named Nell that operates as a mobile farmers market; a community-supported grocery that serves as a local home delivery subscription service; and a GroceryRx produce prescription program that employs a “food as medicine” concept designed to combat nutrition-related illnesses. NUTRITION EDUCATION: THE MISSING PIECE Registered dietitian and GroceryRx Director Olivia Meyers, RDN, LD, who has been with LSG since 2016, explained that a produce prescription program traditionally involves someone going to the doctor’s office and receiving some sort of transactional prescription for food. The GroceryRx program works with community clinics like Fetter Health Care and other partners such as MUSC and Roper’s Greer Transitions Clinic to get referrals for people diagnosed with chronic health issues. Patients receive weekly fruit and vegetable prescriptions redeemed through LSG deliveries and are enrolled in free weekly nutrition education classes covering nutrition and wellness basics, cooking and recipes. There also is one-on-one engagement with a registered dietitian. “Our mission is not just ‘let’s get people food,’ but it’s ‘let’s get people really good food that’s going to be really good for them,’” said Meyers, who previously worked as a dietitian doing outpatient counseling at the Medical University of South Carolina. Barrow described nutrition education as “the missing piece” in the food equity puzzle. “I always say it’s like a shot in the arm for food access and food equity,” he remarked. “It’s taking the food as medicine buzzword and applying it in a real-life scenario. And not just giving somebody those tomatoes and garlic and saying, ‘here’s your medicine.’” GroceryRx originated from an idea that food and nutrition have been separated from health care, and an approach was needed that would bring food back into a clinical setting as a vital part of an individual’s health care plan. “And we were perfectly designed to do that because we have the clinical side and then we also have the food side,” noted Meyers. “And at its root, not just bringing food into the clinical system but bringing the local food into it – the most nutrient-dense food to the people who need it the most.” LSG prioritizes community, working directly with around 100 local farmers and producers, offering everything you would find in a farmers market. As Meyers observed, farmers want to sell to locals, but they don’t always have the means. LSG helps bridge that gap. Each person referred to GroceryRx receives $450 of fresh food through the program, with 75% being local produce, generating income for the local food system. “It’s important to note how much money this is putting into our local economy,” asserted Meyers. She cited some of the program’s positive outcomes as part of the reason LSG able to continue GroceryRx. The average patient loses nine to 10 pounds and sees a reduction in LDL cholesterol, among other wellness metrics. And because of LSG’s close partnership with clinics, it is given the information it needs to address health issues. After patients graduate from the GroceryRx program, health care providers follow up with them to evaluate progress. All graduates receive additional resources, including program continuation through Electronics Benefits Transfer/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program incentives and LSG sliding scale credits. Photos courtesy of Low Country Street Grocery. To learn more, visit facebook.com/LSGmobilemarket.
26 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com BERRIES OFFER A ‘1-2 PUNCH’ By Amy Gesell Plump blueberries swathed in cream, a ripe blackberry just picked from the vine or fresh strawberries dressed with a light dusting of sugar sound like incredibly decadent, slightly naughty desserts. After all, a bite this sweet couldn’t possibly be healthy for you, right? Fortunately, these tiny little jewels aren’t forbidden snacks. They’re astoundingly healthy treats whose sweet flavor belies their nutritional superpowers. Low in calories and high in value, you’ll find few diets that don’t suggest including these nourishing delights in varying serving sizes. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are endorsed by scores of dietitians, physicians and other proponents of health. Dr. Ann G. Kulze, bestselling author of “Dr. Ann’s 10 Step Diet” and “Dr. Ann’s Eat Right for Life” series has been an enthusiastic advocate of berries since the beginning of her venture into medicine. She earned a degree in food science and human nutrition from Clemson University and was the valedictorian of her class at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Kulze emphatically believes that nutrition is the cornerstone of wellness and that berries are important building blocks in that foundation. “Berries are in a league of their own,” Dr. Kulze said. “They contain very high concentrations of a category of phytochemicals, nutrients and bioactive plant compounds that we now know have enormous benefits when we consume them.” According to Dr. Kulze, one of the most appealing attributes of berries of any type is that their flavor can satisfy a sweet tooth while also satiating an appetite. Sweet, but high in fiber, berries are a perfect snack. “All fruit is OK, but mitigating quick rises in blood glucose is good for everyone, and it’s especially good for metabolically challenged people,” Dr. Kulze shared. “Relative to many other fruits, berries produce the lowest glycemic response because of their fiber content.”
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