COMPLIMENTARY CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY NOV/DEC 2023 CHARLESTON HOW WELL ARE YOU AGING? YOUR DOG CAN SMELL ANXIETY SENIOR HEALTH ISSUE MAGNET DEPRESSION THERAPY? THE GRIP STRENGTH INDICATOR
A Life Plan Community Offered by Liberty Senior Living Location. Luxury. Legacy. Your wish ist, fulfilled. SALES GALLERY NOW OPEN AT 573 KING ST. 843.891.1343 ThePeninsulaofCharleston.com LUXURY. LOCATION. LEGACY. © 2023 The Peninsula of Charleston At the only life-plan community in downtown Charleston, we maintain that aging is a gift and every day is to be celebrated. Take advantage of this opportunity for condo ownership in an unparalleled location of exceptional luxury, give your loved ones comforting peace of mind with the availability of a continuum of care, and leave the legacy of a property that can be handed down to generations.
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8 | HealthLinksSC.com 16 | SENIOR LUXURY LIVING Seniors are flocking to luxury communities featuring the amenities of elegant, high-end resorts while offering first-class health care services. 20 | ‘I NEVER GET SICK’ A growing number of seniors consider themselves the lucky ones whose immune systems, good luck, good genes and good choices have shaped their lifetime of good health. 24 | DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION MUSC physicians were the first to use a variety of brain stimulation treatments for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, smoking cessation, epilepsy and chronic pain. 28 | IN A NUTSHELL: PECANS Pecans are synonymous with pie and pralines, but did you know these sophisticated, buttery nuts make a nutritious addition to your everyday diet? 31 | MOCKTAILS ANYONE? Bartenders and mixologists have tapped into the new sober-curious consumer market by creating alcohol-free mocktails with hilarious drink names, unusual flavors and attractive glassware, garnishes and presentations. 52 | ENERGIZE WITH BINGOCIZE Senior centers and assisted living communities are getting people out of their seats with a version of bingo that infuses exercise into the ever-popular game. 58 | GET A GRIP Multiple research studies have shown that grip strength offers a window into how well people are aging and how near they are to death. 66 | SENSES: FIVE AND COUNTING Scientists now estimate that we have at least nine senses – and perhaps a lot more – to help keep us well, healthy and balanced. Issue 12.6 NOV/DEC 2023 CHARLESTON FEATURES
HealthLinksSC.com | 9 70 | BEST IDEAS PERCOLATE HERE Missing your muse? Jump into the shower, the bathroom, a quick snooze or a favorite activity and watch your ideas bloom. 78 | THE URGE TO HURL Motion sickness at its worst not only affects more than 110 million Americans, it can make for some unnecessary and highly unpleasant everyday living. There are ways to curb the urge to hurl. 82 | BRIGHTER OUTLOOK FOR HIV PATIENTS Treatments for HIV are more effective and efficient and the number of cases has dropped. However, there are wide racial and gender disparities in the case rates. 90 | DOGS SNIFF STRESS The next time your dog is busy sniffing you, it may not be just about food. It’s likely that your pet is measuring your anxiety levels and offering comfort. CONTENTS DIRECTORIES Senior Health.......................................................94 IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Note...................................................10 From the Editor....................................................11 Living Healthy Area Events..................................12 There's an App for That.......................................73 The Lighter Side of Health Care..........................75 CCMS .................................................................. 76 Unique Case.........................................................86 Charleston Area Nonprofits.................................88 Faces & Places.....................................................92 The Pulse on Charleston Nurses..........................96 SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT Thoughtful Touches for a Short-term Rehab Center...........35 Evergreen House is Uniquely Designed for Dementia Patients...............................................................37 Animals Make Life Fun at the Bridge at Charleston...........39 Hearing Problems Can Become Memory Problems...........40 Worry-Free Living is More Affordable Than Ever at Franke at Seaside................................................................41 Lutheran Hospice's Staff are 'Angels on Earth'...................43 Kempton of Charleston: Activities and Quality of Life Go Hand in Hand................................................................45 Alice's Clubhouse: Making a Tough Job a Little Easier......47 Mount Pleasant Gardens: We All Want to Belong..............49 Celebrating the Holidays in Style: Embracing the Joy of Senior Living at South Bay at Mount Pleasant....................51 Herold's Pharmacy: Helping Keep You Healthy This Holiday Season............................................................57 Comfort Keepers: Living Your Best Life on Your Own Terms..................................................................61 Addressing Acne: Syncing Up Skin with Super Solutions...65 BY THE NUMBERS Pecans................................................................................. 30 HIV in South Carolina..........................................................84
10 | HealthLinksSC.com Issue 12.6 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 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 ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA LISA BRESLIN AMY CONNOR BILL FARLEY AMY GESELL L.C. LEACH III KAREN LISZEWSKI COLIN MCCANDLESS JANET PERRIGO JIM RADA JR. MOLLY SHERMAN THERESA STRATFORD MICHAEL VYSKOCIL LISA WACK KATHERINE WATERS Scan to discover our other HealthLinks platforms! If there’s one thing I learned to do in 2023, it’s how to roll with the punches. From my best friend/big “sister”/HealthLinks sales manager facing serious health obstacles to unanticipated, monumental changes at our company, I’ve been challenged at every turn, both personally and professionally. There have been times where I’ve yelled at the top of my lungs to an unresponsive Wadmalaw wooded area. There have been tears of frustration and anxiety pains that stuck with me for weeks on end. I’ve lashed out at loved ones and undoubtedly could have been kinder and more understanding to team members. I sought out solace in unhealthy habits and trudged through trying times, leaving grace behind. But a point of clarity came during my daily morning conversation with my mom on my ride to work. I was hammering on: “I can’t do this. It’s too hard. Woe is me!” She wouldn’t admit it, but I was wearing on her. My negative attitude and dreadful disposition were now her reason for fear and anxiety. While I was awake at night worried about me, so was she. I was so wrapped up with my own problems that I was blind to the impact I was having on her. That wasn’t fair, and it certainly never was my intention to burden someone I love. I’d like to think that moment of lucidity changed me and made me refocus on how grateful I am to just be on this Earth with my health and the people I love. We all have problems that at one time or another seem insurmountable, but to constantly bestow them on our loved ones isn’t helping us move forward. Instead, it is hurting them. Choose to be grateful and stay the course because the only thing we can control is our attitude. Look at those closest to you, and make sure you are having a positive impact on them. If you are causing them anxiety and worries, it may be time to adjust the prism through which you see your world – if not for yourself, then for the ones you love. So bring it on 2024. I’m almost certain you will host more challenges, but if there’s one thing that 2023 has taught me, it’s that the solution has probably been inside of me all along. I just have to refocus my lens to see it. Thanks to all our readers for making it another great year at HealthLinks. Our mission will continue to be improving access to health information for the Palmetto State. Don’t forget to check out our new website for easy access to hundreds of great doctors and thousands of local, fact-based health articles. Cheers to Good Heath, Cullen Murray-Kemp, Publisher Cullen Murray Kemp 2023 PACKED A PUNCH, BUT I’M FIGHTING BACK – AND SO SHOULD YOU
HealthLinksSC.com | 11 FROM THE EDITOR... I’ve hit that age when AARP envelopes arrive at least once a week. Box office youngsters remind me about senior discounts and social media bombards me with posts about miracle cures for droopy eyelids and waning drive. Despite the barrage, I feel much younger than how others perceive and sometimes treat me. I’m less haunted by a fear about what others think of me. I think most seniors have that sense of humble entitlement to be accepted “as is” as the years pass. There have been great strides in the way our country treats senior citizens – housing is improving and churches and nonprofits unfold resources and programs that help the elderly feel less lonely, less vulnerable and less hungry. But ageism remains a sad, cultural norm. In other cultures, seniors are revered and more confident. People seek their advice and ask them to tell stories about their past. They listen, keenly aware that those stories are repositories of history, hopes, fears and cultural values that could disappear with the elder’s last breath. In other cultures, people can age with grace. I might be able to go to Japan or visit Native Americans for an “aging rocks” experience, but this issue of HealthLinks confirms that there are plenty of people aging with grace in the Charleston area, finding happiness in nature or playing bridge and bingo rather than buying more units of Botox. The seniors that HealthLinks reporters and I have talked to focus on how well their bodies and minds have carried them, rather than the time one or both let them down. Rather than fading into oblivion, they seize new opportunities, learn new skills and welcome diverse perspectives with eagerness and focus. They avoid foods and people who are toxic, and they tap the latest medical advances that can take over when certain body parts peace out. It has been an honor to learn from them and about them. Throughout the holiday season, I hope you’ll take a moment to reach out to an older relative, friend or neighbor and offer the incredible gift of time. Ask them some questions that inspire them to talk about the past. Ask for advice about love, health and aging. And by listening, discover new truths. To simple pleasures and good health, Lisa Breslin, Managing Editor NOV/DEC 2023 CHARLESTON PHOTOGRAPHY AND POSING EXPERT VISIT JENNCADY.COM AND SCHEDULE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT TODAY!
12 | HealthLinksSC.com HEALTHY AREA EVENTS l ving NOVEMBER 11 Holy Smokes Barbecue Festival with Hogs for a Cause Riverfront Park 1001 Everglades Drive North Charleston 11 a.m. Barbecue pitmasters from across the country will converge on North Charleston’s Riverfront Park to raise awareness and funds for children and families affected by pediatric brain cancer. Learn more: holysmokeschs.com NOVEMBER 19 Shuck Cancer of Charleston Bowens Island Restaurant 1870 Bowens Island Road Charleston 3 p.m. An oyster roast for a cause. Shuck Cancer of Charleston benefits the American Cancer Society and Charleston’s Hope Lodge, which provides support for patients and families affected by cancer. Learn more: facebook.com/ShuckCancerCharleston/ NOVEMBER 18 Charleston Walk to End Colon Cancer James Island County Park - Stono Shelter 871 Riverbend Drive Charleston 10:30 a.m. The Walk to End Colon Cancer provides critical funding for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s life-saving programs to raise awareness, provide support and fund research to end the silence of colon cancer. Individuals and teams will walk a 3-mile course on the trails of the James Island County Park. Learn more: ccalliance.org/charlestonwalk
HealthLinksSC.com | 13 NOVEMBER 23 Turkey Day Run Marion Square 329 Meeting St. Charleston 9 a.m. Established in 1914, the Turkey Day Run is a 5k run and walk that winds through historic downtown Charleston. Proceeds are divided among local nonprofit organizations. Learn more: turkeydayrun.com DECEMBER 2 STAR Therapy Dogs Reading Hour Bees Ferry Library, West Ashley 3035 Sanders Road Charleston 10:30 a.m. Children can build confidence in reading by reading aloud to a STAR therapy dog. Learn more: ccpl.org/events/star-therapy-dogs-beesferry-west-ashley-library DECEMBER 1-3 26th Annual Frontiers in Pediatrics Francis Marion Hotel 387 King St. Charleston Organized by MUSC’s Office of Continuing Medical Education, pediatricians will attend three days of presentations to review and discuss the latest in pediatric medicine. Learn more: medicine.musc.edu/education/cme DECEMBER 6 Holiday Hoedown Wannamaker County Park North Charleston 5 p.m. An event for people and families with special needs. Mrs. Claus requests your presence at this Western-themed holiday celebration. Don your cowboy hat and boots and giddyup to Wannamaker County Park’s Hoedown. Learn more: ccprc.com/calendar DECEMBER 6 Stroke Support Group Trident Medical Center 9330 Medical Plaza Drive Charleston 5:30 p.m. This group offers stroke survivors and their caregivers guidance on how to live after a stroke and offers the opportunity to share experiences and create friendships with other survivors. Learn more: tridenthealthsystem.com/calendar
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16 | HealthLinksSC.com THE RISE IN SENIOR LUXURY LIVING By Amy Connor As baby boomers age – the last of the generation will turn 65 in 2030 – the demand for senior housing is on the rise. And many seniors are flocking to luxury communities featuring the amenities of an elegant high-end resort while offering first-class health care services.
HealthLinksSC.com | 17 Nestled on over 100 acres of lush landscape, Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community is a registered arboretum featuring miles of walking trails designed by residents, a bee sanctuary, a community garden, two dog parks, a croquet court and a putting green. “This isn’t the retirement community of the past,” Kimberly Borts, Bishop Gadsden’s vice president of mission and communications, said. “Our residents are active. They want physical fitness, and they want personal wellness training. We are focused on making sure everyone feels inspired and on creating opportunities for unique and memorable experiences.” Located on James Island within the city of Charleston, the thriving life plan community has 475 residences, including a 268-unit apartment and cottage community, and offers independent and assisted living, memory care, skilled care and short-term rehabilitation services. Individuals pay an entrance fee to join the community plus a fee each month based on the type of residence and its size. Cottages can span more than 2,800 square feet and include a gourmet kitchen, garage and large windows to showcase the scenery. Each customizable apartment offers a private balcony or patio. Residents can enjoy a dip in the saline indoor swimming pool, get a massage in the spa, burn calories in the fitness center or express their creative side in Bishop Gadsden’s art loft, with guidance from an art teacher. Run by professionally-trained chefs, Bishop Gadsden’s culinary program cuts its own steaks, makes sauces from scratch and sources from local farms, when possible. There’s a fine dining venue – jacket and reservation required – offering dinner and a weekly Sunday brunch complete with ice sculptures. The Market Place Cafe serves up a casual array of selections including made-to-order pasta, sandwiches, brick oven pizza, fresh fish and a bakery with house-made pastries and gelato.
18 | HealthLinksSC.com “We invest a great deal of resources into our culinary program. Charleston is full of James Beard award-winning restaurants, and we want to compete with that. We want our residents to enjoy as luxurious a meal within our community as they would downtown,” Borts said. Bishop Gadsden will have even more to offer before too long. Located at the terminus of iconic King Street and Columbus Street is the future site of The Peninsula of Charleston, a luxury life plan community slated to offer over 40,000 square feet of luxury amenities plus independent living and a full continuum of health care – all just steps away from downtown Charleston’s fine dining, shopping, art and culture. Scheduled to break ground in 2024 and open in early 2027, The Peninsula was designed by internationally known Robert A.M. Stern Architects. The property will feature 148 residences with 74 different floor plans – many one-of-a-kind – each featuring a large balcony, chef’s kitchen, high-end finishes and 10foot ceilings. A full continuum of health care will be available to resident members. The Peninsula of Charleston is the first ownership model senior living community in Charleston, where residents own their home and can sell it or designate it as an inheritance. They also pay a monthly fee covering meals, cocktails, utilities, housekeeping and maintenance. With amenities including 24/7 concierge services, valet parking, a heated saltwater pool and jacuzzi, a golf simulator and a salon and spa, Director of Sales and Marketing Paige Canaday Crone compares the amenities and services to those found in a high-end hotel. “Our residents will feel pampered and taken care of,” Crone said. “Our ‘priority partners’, who’ve put down a refundable $10,000 deposit to join our priority list, are a vibrant crowd of talented individuals. They enjoy their churches, friends, shops and restaurants and staying socially and culturally active. They don’t want to leave that walkable, wonderful downtown lifestyle.” Residents will be able to view the sunset each evening from a sprawling terrace garden on the fourth floor before heading down to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar and club lounge and visiting one of The Peninsula’s first-floor formal and informal dining options. But beyond the elegance of plush senior luxury living, both Borts and Crone agreed that friendships and connections are what make a place feel like home – and the opportunity to live an extraordinary life. “People are living longer, healthier lives,” Crone said. “Moving to a life plan community doesn’t have to be scary. It can be exciting. With homes ranging from 775 square feet to over 3,000 feet, The Peninsula will have something for everyone. We want our residents to feel like their neighbors are family.” “Not only is Bishop Gadsden beautiful on the outside, it’s really quite beautiful on the inside,” Borts added. “Each person’s extraordinary life can look very different. But whatever that extraordinary life might be, we want to give you the opportunity to fulfill it.” Learn more: Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community bishopgadsden.org The Peninsula of Charleston thepeninsulaofcharleston.com OTHER LUXURY SENIOR COMMUNITIES IN THE LOWCOUNTRY: KEMPTON OF CHARLESTON kemptonofcharleston.com Nestled in historic downtown Charleston, the Kempton is a luxury assisted living community featuring premier dining, amenities and services close to cultural offerings, shopping and recreation. FRANKE AT SEASIDE frankeatseaside.org A continuing care retirement community situated among beautiful lagoons and Spanish-moss-draped oaks in Mount Pleasant, Franke at Seaside offers residents services and amenities that encourage new adventures. SOUTH BAY AT MOUNT PLEASANT southbayatmountpleasant.com A luxury retirement community in a setting that looks and feels like a luxury vacation and lives like home, South Bay at Mount Pleasant features stunning surroundings and a continuum of care.
HealthLinksSC.com | 19 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.
20 | HealthLinksSC.com Summerville resident Shirley Berardo has always considered herself remarkably healthy, one of those “good genes” people whose immune systems are robust. During childhood, she never missed school; when her sons came home with viruses, she didn’t get sick, and now, at 82, she is prescription-free and happily immersed in an active life. When Berardo located her biological family, she mentioned never getting ill to her half-sister, who responded, “You have good genes. We all do; we never get sick.” And then, Berardo’s certainty about her “good genes” shifted into an insatiable, contagious curiosity about why some people coast with good health and others experience just the opposite. Like Berardo, several seniors consider themselves the lucky ones whose immune systems, good luck, good genes and good choices have shaped their lifetime of good health. They also enjoy a strong sense of community – a plus for longevity. They gathered at Berardo’s home to share strategies they consider vital to their good health. The discussion was illuminating as each realized similarities and as Berardo peppered the conversation with current research and information her doctors have shared with her. ‘I NEVER GET SICK’ A COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS AND EXPERTS EXPLORES WHY By Lisa Moody Breslin
HealthLinksSC.com | 21 GOOD GENES AND HEARTY IMMUNE SYSTEMS When Berardo was 62, she met with an internist to talk about her fascination with the possible correlation between good genes and good health. “The doctor tested five chromosomes to see what the future may hold for me – what my propensity might be to have various illnesses associated with aging,” Berardo told the group. The result revealed that four of the five chromosomes indicated she could be susceptible “to every neurological disease known to mankind – ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s – all of which have proteins that attach to nerve endings,” she added. “But the fifth chromosome was my powerhouse that could either negate neurological illnesses or ensure that symptoms were mild.” Berardo’s efforts to connect with the internist or find paperwork linked to that test have not been successful; however, it is likely that what she learned then mirrors more advanced research today. “Today, thanks to the mapping of the human genome and subsequent efforts to make sense of the resulting blueprint of As and Ts, Gs and Cs, we are close to being able to predict
22 | HealthLinksSC.com your future health from your DNA,” writes Dr. Rahul S. Desikan in his 2019 Scientific American article titled “How Well Can a Genetic Test Predict Your Future Health?” Using advanced computer models, scientists are adding together the influence of the hundreds, even thousands, of DNA variants associated with a given disease into what is called a “polygenic score.” “The hope is that your personalized polygenic score could help you prevent disease, live longer and plan for your future,” Dr. Desikan added. Berardo and her guests’ good health could also linked to their distinct immune systems, according to a 2023 study conducted by researchers at The National Institutes of Health. “Researchers identified distinct features of the immune systems of extremely long-lived people,” according to findings published in NIH Research Matters. “One of those features was that their immune systems remained healthier for longer compared with other people.” Over their lifetimes, “the centenarians developed fast, more effective immune responses to infections,” the NIH report continues. “We haven’t reached 100 yet, but I’m sure our immune systems are different than other people’s,” Berardo said. THE HAPPINESS FACTOR Berardo’s guests were quick to note that, for them, happiness helps them live longer. “I always try to find the good in everything and everyone, which makes me happy” said Gloria, 93. “I have no doubt that happiness – pushing away negative thoughts – keeps me alive. I’ve heard that smiling turns on healthy enzymes.” “I make it a point to do things that make me happy and give me a sense of purpose,” said Cathy, 72. “I know these things – teaching before and now volunteering for Habitat for Humanity – help me live longer.” Berardo shared an article that confirmed that happy people live longer. The article challenged policymakers to consider, among many things, ways to make people happy, which may involve more community engagements and more city beautification projects. “Happiness linked to purpose – we have both; that is the key,” Berardo said. MEET THE HEALTHY ONES The women who gathered at Shirley Berardo's home range from 70 to 93 years old. They are all mindful of what they eat, they exercise regularly, they are big water drinkers and they are involved in community programs that assist others. Each attendee requested anonymity because of their shared belief that revealing who they are and where they live makes them prey to a growing number of scammers or others with intentions far worse. CATHY, 72 “I grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest. There was never a dull moment, and we were always doing something. My parents are 97, and Mom has always said, ‘Keep moving.’” And Cathy does. A retired physical education teacher who played every sport when she was growing up, she still swims, walks, hikes and kayaks. She enjoys a glass of wine occasionally and takes vitamin D3, calcium, a multivitamin, zinc and omega 3. JUDY, 76 “I love being with people, and I do all things in moderation. If I have a cheeseburger urge, I eat one, but, otherwise, I don’t eat much red meat. I don’t take anything unless I’m dying. At one point, I took 30 vitamins. But now I just take vitamin D.” JENNIFER, 78 “I avoid sugar and caffeine, and I’m a pescatarian who enjoys an occasional bite of chicken. I have a franchise for health and nutrition supplements and take many. I also drink a lot of water – more than half my body weight in ounces. During my 4-mile walk, I drink 32 ounces and then drink another five to six 12 ounce glasses during the day.” GLORIA, 93 “I’m very healthy and I don’t hurt anywhere. I sleep well at night and I still drive. I’ve enjoyed Juice Plus+ for more than 45 years; it is something that makes me healthy for sure.” Gloria also enjoys water aerobics four to five times a week and conversations during Ladies Lunch. “I eat everything, and I eat slowly,” she said. “Usually everyone is waiting while I munch away.” SHIRLEY, 82 “I live in a world of positivity, and I always have an open mind. I constantly eat veggies, and I don’t eat red meat, with the exception of maybe a few hamburgers a year and an occasional piece of meatloaf.” Ever the philanthropist, community volunteer, Shirley is championing the creation of a cultural arts center.
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 30 Years Serving in the Healthcare Industry Health Coach Suzi You have a coach for: Education ✔ Sports ✔ Business ✔ Finances ✔ Schedule a FREE Consultation. Meetings are virtual. www.healthcoachsuzi.com Health Coach Suzi has the experience and knowledge to lead you to a healthier, happier life. "I am very approachable as a coach - kind of like the friend you'd like to have. I make it easy for people to open up to. I use my years of nursing, education, wellness programs, trauma, oncology/cancer, anxiety management, in various fields to my clients' benefit." WHY DON’T WE HAVE A COACH FOR HEALTH?
24 | HealthLinksSC.com DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION REVOLUTIONIZES TREATMENT In the summer of 2011, when U.S. resident Yoheved Hasson began feeling involuntary shaking in her left leg, she soon learned from a local neurologist that she had Parkinson’s disease. Several years later, after trying prescription medications and other treatments to no avail, she was told by doctors that her only hope for recovery was an experimental procedure called deep brain stimulation. Using this method, doctors would attempt to surgically reach into the part of her brain that had triggered the Parkinson’s and deliver an electrical impulse to change the course of the illness and return Hasson to normal. “I was nervous, but my doctor told me it was the only option we had left,” Hasson said. Her treatment was performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles – and, so far, she has been free of any sign of Parkinson’s. But if brain stimulation might be an option to help you recover from Parkinson’s or another chronic illness, you don’t have to go all the way to the West Coast. At the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, researchers not only run the state’s only comprehensive brain stimulation center, they continue to pioneer efforts to help people like Hasson overcome Parkinson’s and an array of other illnesses and mental health conditions. “Brain stimulation is revolutionary in psychiatric care,” said Edward Baron Short, M.D., director of the Brain Stimulation Service at MUSC. “And as treatments are starting to spread throughout South Carolina, MUSC remains the top in expertise and innovation for brain stimulation care.” For example, MUSC physicians were the first to use a variety of brain stimulation treatments for depression, obsessive By L. C. Leach III
HealthLinksSC.com | 25 compulsive disorder and smoking cessation. Other illnesses that have been treated with brain stimulation include epilepsy, essential tremor, chronic pain, dystonia, Tourette’s syndrome and a number of psychiatric conditions. “Depression is the biggest need,” Dr. Short said. “1 in 5 people are suffering from depression or mood disorder, and we have several brain stimulation methods available for their treatment.” These treatment methods include: • TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, that are commonly underactive in people suffering from a variety of disorders. Patients usually need six weeks of daily individual treatment. Each session lasts 20 minutes, and people start to feel the benefits within a few weeks. • ELECTROCONVULSIVE THERAPY. With roots to the 1930s, ECT involves the controlled induction of a brief seizure through electrical currents applied to the brain. Individual treatment, unique to a patient’s system and level of need, is provided three times a week for three to four weeks. “Patients go home within an hour of ECT treatment,” Dr. Short said. “And about 75% of severely depressed patients find ECT tremendously improves their condition.”
26 | HealthLinksSC.com • VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION. Long used to treat epileptic seizures, VNS utilizes an implanted device under the skin that sends electrical pulses to one side of the vagus nerve, one of the 12 cranial nerves in the body. Because this large nerve carries messages to areas of the brain that regulate mood and sleep, it is implicated in depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. “Most people feel nothing when the device delivers a pulse, which usually occurs once every five minutes,” Dr. Short said. “VNS was FDA-approved for adults with chronic recurring depression.” • DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION. DBS is an invasive, surgical therapy that involves implanting electrodes in specifically targeted brain areas during open brain surgery to modify disorders in signaling. When successful, this method can relieve sufferers like Hasson from movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor. Dr. Short said, however, that while all of these methods represent light-year advancements toward curing a host of human illnesses, “the research is only at the beginning.” “DBS does not fully resolve the symptoms of Parkinson’s or other conditions,” he said. “But it can decrease a patient’s need for medications and improve quality of life.” So far, based on estimates by the National Institutes of Health, more than 160,000 patients worldwide have undergone DBS for a variety of neurological and non-neurological conditions. And with Hasson as a prime example, those numbers – and DBS treatments – are likely to be the wave of a very near future. “Do not be afraid of deep brain stimulation,” Hasson said. “It is a life-changing procedure.”
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28 | HealthLinksSC.com IN A NUTSHELL: PECANS GET CRACKING WITH A HEART-HEALTHY WAY TO ADD NUTRIENTS AND VITAMINS TO YOUR DIET By Michael Vyskocil If it’s holiday time in South Carolina, you can bet you’ll find pecans appearing in many dishes. Pecans are synonymous with pie and pralines, but did you know these sophisticated, buttery nuts make a nutritious addition to your everyday diet? Melissa Macher, a Charleston-based registered dietitian and nutritionist with a food science degree, relishes the opportunity to add pecans to the recipes she creates for her cooking and entertaining blog, "A Grateful Meal." “They’re great to add to one’s diet,” she said, noting that pecans contain fiber, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A and E and various B vitamins. “In addition to snacking on them by themselves,” she said, “you can add them to your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, roasted vegetables or salads for an added nutty crunch.” Besides containing these nutrients and vitamins, pecans are also rich in monounsaturated fat, a heart-healthy fat that can help lower LDL – the undesirable type of cholesterol in our bodies, she added. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, each 1-ounce serving of raw pecans yields about 12 grams of “good” monounsaturated fat and zero cholesterol or sodium, according to information provided by the American Pecan Council, a newly formed organization of U.S. pecan growers and processors who are working together to build demand for American pecans. Pecans also contain significant disease-fighting antioxidants. According to the Pecan Council, a 2018 study published in the journal Nutrients found that eating a handful of pecans each day – approximately 1.5 ounces – helped improve specific markers of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Discover delicious ways to add pecans to your seasonal cooking with the following recipes
HealthLinksSC.com | 29 APPLE AND CELERY SLAW WITH PECANS Inspired by the classic Waldorf salad, this light side dish replaces the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing with one made from reduced-fat sour cream, sherry vinegar and a pinch of sugar. Makes four servings. 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast pecans until lightly browned, tossing halfway through baking, about eight to 10 minutes. Transfer pecans to a rack to cool. 2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, sherry vinegar and sugar until smooth. Add celery and apple slices; season mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Toss ingredients gently to combine. Crumble toasted pecans on top and divide slaw among serving plates. Serve immediately. Recipe courtesy of Michael Vyskocil. CIDER-BRAISED PORK WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS, APPLES AND TOASTED PECANS To achieve the best sear on the pork, pat it dry well with paper towels after marinating. Cook the Brussels sprouts in a very hot pan so that they sear instead of steam. Makes four servings. 1. Combine 1 cup apple cider, salt, mustard, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic and 2 to 3 sprigs of rosemary in a microwave-proof bowl. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until salt is dissolved. Cool completely. You can add a handful of ice to make the cooling process faster. 2. Add pork to cider mixture and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator. 3. Once marinating is completed, dry off the pork and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saute or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear pork on each side for at least 2 to 3 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from pan and set pork aside. 4. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat in pan. Season Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper and sear cut side down in pan. Add apple slices. Cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until Brussels sprouts and apples are charred. Deglaze plan with remaining 1/2 cup apple cider and chicken stock. 5. Add pork chops back to pan and heat until warmed throughout, sauce is reduced slightly and Brussels sprouts are softened. Top with additional rosemary sprigs and toasted pecans. Serve and enjoy! Recipe and photo courtesy of Melissa Macher, registered dietitian and nutritionist, "A Grateful Meal" – agratefulmeal.com. • 1 1/2 cups apple cider, divided. • 1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste. • 1 tablespoon whole-grain or Dijon mustard. • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. • 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled. • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, smashed. • 3 to 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided. • 4 boneless pork chops. • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste. • 2 tablespoons light olive oil, divided. • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved. • 1 large honeycrisp apple, sliced. • 1/2 cup chicken stock. • 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped. • 1/3 cup pecans. • 3 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream. • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar. • 1 teaspoon sugar. • 1 pound – about 10 large stalks – celery, peeled and thinly sliced to yield about 5 to 6 cups. • 1 apple – halved, cored and thinly sliced. • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
30 | HealthLinksSC.com Photo courtesy of River Street Sweets. A PENCHANT FOR PRALINES Charlestonians can likely agree on one thing: They’ve sampled at least one praline in their lifetime. The buttery, crunchy treat made with butter, cream, sugar and pecans is a staple confection in the South, especially around the holidays. River Street Sweets in downtown Charleston and North Charleston has been making pecans for 50 years and is one of the leading producers of pralines in the country, according to co-owner Jennifer Strickland. Only the best Georgia-grown mammoth pecan halves go into the company’s World-Famous Pralines. The company sells approximately 130,000 pounds, or more than a million single pralines, every year. When enjoyed in moderation, pralines are an indulgence that even those eating light can’t resist. “We have many raving fans who tell us they order our pralines and ration them as a splurge,” she said. PECANS By the Numbers Pecans are not native to South Carolina. They likely arrived in the state through commerce trade, planted by colonists during the late 1600s.*** River Street Sweets uses approximately 75,000 POUNDS of Georgia-grown pecans annually to make its World-Famous Pralines.**** One handful of pecans, approximately 19 PECAN HALVES, is a good source of fiber, thiamin, zinc, copper and manganese.* Pecans are low in carbs – about 4 GRAMS – and high in dietary fiber – about 3 GRAMS – per serving.* Pecans are naturally GLUTEN-FREE. ** The United States produces more than 300 MILLION pounds of pecans each year, approximately 80% of the pecans supplied for worldwide consumption.* *American Pecan Council, americanpecan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/APC_FACT_SHEET.pdf. **americanpecan.com/pecans-101/ ***Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center, hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/faq-about-pecan-production-in-the-home-garden/ ****Information courtesy of Jennifer Strickland, co-owner, River Street Sweets.
HealthLinksSC.com | 31 By Janet E. Perrigo COCKTAILS OR MOCKTAILS ANYONE?
32 | HealthLinksSC.com Non-alcoholic drinks known as “mocktails” have been around for years, but, since the COVID-19 pandemic, their popularity has exploded. According to Nielson IQ, social media has been a huge promoter as celebrities and influencers regularly discuss switching to alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks and lifestyles. From August of 2021 to August of 2022, hashtag “#mocktails” saw more than a billion hits, according to TikTok, a number which represented $395 million in consumer sales. While this is still a miniscule portion of the alcohol sales market, alcohol-free drinks have continued to rise in popularity throughout 2023. Global Market Insights predicts sales of non-alcoholic drinks to be as high as $30 billion by 2025. So how did a pandemic affect American drinking habits? In the midst of increased self-medicating with alcohol and drugs, a growing number of adults also decided to ease away from excess alcohol consumption. For some, the habit of regularly visiting bars and drinking establishments, temporarily limited by COVID restrictions, remained even after the restrictions were lifted, and the need for alcohol no longer seemed as urgent. These “sober curious” individuals began actively experimenting with the options available should they decide to cut alcohol out of their diet. Additionally, after facing the life-and-death realities presented by the pandemic, both millennials and Generation Z have been choosing healthier lifestyles, which often exclude alcohol consumption. They have been attracted to mocktail ingredients that can include a variety of new organic, sugar-free mixers, fresh fruit and herbal additives. The result is a wide range of flavorful, low-calorie and healthy alternatives to alcohol-based drinks. Mocktails are people-friendly. They are safe alternatives for pregnant women, those with specific medical conditions or those taking particular medications, designated drivers and recovering alcoholics or those choosing to abstain from alcohol for other reasons. Such inclusivity is a definite plus factor in social settings. Bartenders and mixologists have tapped into this new consumer market by becoming creative with drink names, unusual flavors, attractive glassware, garnishes and presentations. In Charleston’s bars and restaurants, patrons can find mocktails with such intriguing names as Slowburn Marg, Passionate Mule Crusher, European Outlaw, The Unknown Coast, Derby Daze, Blood Moon, Pink Clouds and Shallow End. Some establishments list their mocktail options separately, and others offer to make non-alcoholic versions of their standard offerings, when requested. While mocktails might seem to be the perfect answer for all those seeking non-alcoholic choices, especially when enjoying an evening out with friends, Warren Phillips LMSW, co-founder of Lantana Recovery in downtown Charleston, offered a word of caution: “Since some non-alcoholic drinks still contain trace alcohol, they could be a potentially dangerous trigger for the person new to recovery.” “Drinking mocktails will be a very personal decision for each recovering individual,” he continued. “In some instances, having a similar-looking but non-alcoholic drink could make the person much more comfortable in social situations. It just depends on the individual, their triggers and where they are in the recovery process. I would recommend discussing the situation and the danger of relapsing with their own therapist and peer network.” In reality, for the recovering alcoholic whose friends’ group are still active binge drinkers, holding or sipping a mocktail may not help much and may very well become a pitfall for relapse. Also, tasting beer or a former drink of choice can trigger a response called “euphoric recall,” during which past good drinking times are remembered to the exclusion of the negative moments and consequences that accompanied them. Aside from the concerns for recovering alcoholics, adding mocktails to your hosting menu offers many positive benefits and opportunities. You can customize drinks for your friends and loved ones. You can regulate the calories, keep your costs down, include everyone and promise no morning-after hangovers – and you can easily find the perfect recipes on social media – just use #mocktails. Mocktails are people-friendly. They are safe alternatives for pregnant women, those with specific medical conditions or those taking particular medications, designated drivers and recovering alcoholics or those choosing to abstain from alcohol for other reasons.
HealthLinksSC.com | 33 1200 Hospital Dr., Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 • 843.375.4000 • www.vhcharleston.com Your Choice for Critcal Care The average hospital is not designed to handle the demands of patients requiring Critical Care. That’s why Vibra Hospital of Charleston is special. Our many services are focused on improving the lives and medical conditions of patients who need more specialized care for their recovery or who are not yet ready to be transferred to a lower level of care, such as a skilled nursing facility or other sub-acute facility.
34 | HealthLinksSC.com Do you need home health care services? PHC Home Health can help. Visit our showroom at 1548 Ashley River Road, Charleston 29407. The Lowcountry's Premier Home Care Provider PHC Home Health provides skilled nursing, occupational, physical, and speech therapy in addition to nutritional and social services. Home Medical Equipment POWER LIFT RECLINERS MOBILITY PRODUCTS Are you looking for a power lift recliner that is the ultimate in style and performance? Golden Power Lift Recliners are fashionable and functional. Mobility plays a crucial role in your ability to live an active and independent life. The right mobility equipment can make a huge difference in your quality of life. phchealth.com | 843-762-1177
HealthLinksSC.com | 35 The Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community is a renowned continuing care community offering exceptional apartment and cottage living, assisted living, skilled care and memory support. Recently, Bishop Gadsden added a shortterm rehab center, the Christie Rehab Center, to its portfolio of facilities. “Located within the Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab, the Christie Rehab Center incorporates a unique experience featuring 32 short-term rehab rooms and dedicated amenities. The short-term rehab center is designed for patients instead of residents because our goal is for patients to stay with us for a short period and safely and independently return to their home and favorite activities after rehabilitation,” said Kimberly M. Borts, vice president of mission and communications. “Christie Rehab Center has been operational for a full year. Patients and their families remark on the uniqueness of the building,” added Borts, explaining that the design aimed at celebrate the beauty of the Lowcountry and nature through the selection of colors, furnishings and art. “Designers worked closely with local artisans to commission pieces that celebrate the Lowcountry’s culture, including a stunning piece by acclaimed artist Mary Whyte, “The Generation Tree,” which pays homage to those who have been on the property before Gadsden Glen and memorializes the grand oak tree that continues to stand proudly on the property,” she said. The short-term rehab facility offers patients and their families lovely common spaces, a gathering room for events and a bistro that serves baked goods, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, ice cream and more. A boutique is also available for toiletries, books and gift shopping. Rehabilitation takes place on the second floor, where the grand Christie Rehab Gym features large windows that bathe the space in natural light throughout the day. The gym is used for therapy and provides a beautiful backdrop for life-improving work. In addition to blending form and function, the Christie Rehab Center prepares patients to live as independently as possible once they return home. Under the supervision of and training with physical and occupational therapists, patients practice activities of daily living such as preparing meals in a gourmet kitchen, using a standard washer and dryer to launder clothes and safely accessing a shower and tub. Christie Rehab Center’s patient rooms have the look and feel of a luxury hotel. Patients do not need to bring furnishings because their needs are met with built-in shelving, refreshment stations and TVs. The couches can convert to a twin bed and seating area with a table so a loved one or friend can stay overnight or enjoy a meal in the room. “With flexible, spacious living areas, private bathrooms and porches that overlook a large courtyard, the Christie Rehab Center within Gadsden Glen offers patients a beautiful place to heal so they can safely return home,” Borts said. “The Christie Rehab Center is an extension of the Bishop Gadsden mission,” Borts added. “We want to serve people by offering positive living to all those who come through our doors, including the greater community and all their rehab needs.” THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES FOR A SHORT-TERM REHAB CENTER By Isabel Alvarez Arata SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT To learn more about the Christie Rehab Center, call 843-406-6251 or visit bishopgadsden.org. We want to serve people by offering positive living to all those who come through our doors. “ “
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