COMPLIMENTARY CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY CHAR L E S TON SEPT/OCT 2022 STRESS BUSTERS BACK TO SCHOOL HOW TO SAY ‘NO’ WITH EASE BREAST CANCER A FAMI LY ’ S V I TAL ROLE COVID school shootings bullying peer relations good grades social anxiety SPECIAL ORAL HEALTH ISSUE
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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 15 | SCHOOL STRESS: AT THE EDGE OF A MENTAL BREAKDOWN “The current young adult population has seen a lot of instability in their lifetimes. The future feels uncertain to them and many of their parents – so they try to study their way to success.”— Dr. Sara Marcino 19 | WHEN CANCER IS A FAMILY EXPERIENCE Currently, 3.8 million women in the United States are battling breast cancer, and the numbers are increasing by about 0.5% each year. The importance of the support of family members cannot be underestimated. 24 | IS 'GOING NATURAL' A NEW AND LASTING TREND? When the pandemic closed beauty salons, many people responded with an increased interest in natural do-it-yourself beauty care. 28 | TELEHEALTH FOR MENTAL HEALTH: A VITAL RESOURCE IN ACCESSING MENTAL WELLNESS CARE The rise in tele-mental health use is inextricably linked to COVID. The pandemic severely limited in-person services, creating the need for an alternative treatment delivery option. 33 | A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT JOURNEY A resident of Greer, Linda Burns has been fighting kidney failure for four years. It has been an up and down battle with incredible successes and disappointing setbacks. 43 | ANSWERS STRAIGHT FROM A DENTIST’S MOUTH Read how Dr. Daniel Knause of Southern Laser Dentistry cares for his own teeth. 47 | A LEGACY OF LOVE – THE BARBARA MOWERY STORY The mother, wife and beloved school administrator witnessed her school community uplift her and her family as she fought ovarian cancer. 50 | WHAT TO DO ABOUT BOO BOOS Remedies and treatments for some of the most common injuries. 53 | SUPPORTING DENTAL HEALTH FOR PATIENTS WITH HIV The new Ryan White Dental Clinic at Roper St. Francis Healthcare seeks not only to serve people who are underinsured but also to care for HIV/AIDS patients who could potentially die from a regular dental checkup. 60 | SLEEP SAFE Some ideas to keep your little ones secure while they snooze. The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued new guidelines for babies. Issue 11.5 SEPT/OCT 2022 CHARLESTON FEATURES
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 9 65 | KEEPING THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HEALTHY Dr. Gerald Harmon, who lives in Pawleys Island and is the immediate past president of the American Medical Association, has an eagle’s eye view of the overall health of the medical field. 72 | ONE-STOP SHOPPING The Bon Secours St. Francis Health System center allows patients to receive various, if not all, aspects of their individualized neurological care at one convenient location. 77 | FEARLESS: AMY GESELL Amy Gesell, 48, learned in January 2021 that she had breast cancer that had reached her lymph nodes but not anywhere else. May 2022 marks the one-year anniversary that her chemotherapy ended. 81 | THE IMPORTANCE OF SETTING BOUNDARIES … AND STICKING TO THEM Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others. 84 | DR. ASHLEY JETER: ONCOLOGY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF BREAST CANCER “The best part of my job is being a part of a patient’s cure, and I have witnessed incredible miracles during my career.” – Dr. Ashley Jeter. CONTENTS SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT Ensuring Health Care Insurance is a Match for You....................39 Insurance is Personal – Brokers Should Be, Too. ........................40 A Good Night's Sleep.................................................................57 New Doctor Finds Community and Care in Charleston..............59 DIRECTORIES Oral Health.......................................... 94 BY THE NUMBERS Going Natural..................................... 26 Telehealth............................................ 30 Kidney Transplants.............................. 36 Infant Sleep......................................... 61 IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Note.................................. 10 About the Cover................................. 11 Living Healthy Area Events................. 12 There's an App for That...................... 69 The Lighter Side of Health Care. ........ 70 Charleston Area Nonprofits................ 86 A Unique Case.................................... 88 Healthy Pet: Happy Pet....................... 90 The Facts on Food & Drink................. 92 The Pulse on Charleston Nurses. ........ 96
10 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Issue 11.5 Sept/Oct 2022 Publisher CULLEN MURRAY-KEMP [email protected] Managing Editor THERESA STRATFORD Assistant Editor MOLLY SHERMAN Copy Editor BRIAN SHERMAN Art Director KIM HALL -- Webmaster GEORGE CONKLIN Internet GENE PHAN Sales Manager MANDY WILLIS [email protected] Writers Media Consultants ANDY BIMONTE [email protected] BRANDON CLARK [email protected] CRYSTAL WILSON-CHAMBERS [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 JANET E. PERRIGO L.C. LEACH III HELEN MITTERNIGHT COLIN MCCANDLESS LAURA HAIGHT LEAH RHYNE ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA JOHN TORSIELLO STACY DOMINGO LISA BRESLIN MOLLY SHERMAN EILEEN CASEY CHRISTINE STEELE BILL FARLEY DENISE K. JAMES Scan to discover our other HealthLinks platforms! Welcome to the September/October edition of HealthLinks! If you are an avid HealthLinks reader, you may notice a slight change in the paper weight with this publication. As in many industries and with many physical products, print publishers are facing 50%, 60% and even 70% increases in paper prices, with no cost reduction in sight. This situation is forcing many local and regional publications to reduce press runs, go online only or, in some cases, go out of business. I feel blessed that at HealthLinks we have a strong enough partner base and consistent audience that we are able to continue printing our magazine. We take great pride in the responsibility of producing quality local health information at no cost to our readers. However, to continue doing so, we must make some slight cutbacks – thus the reduction of our paper weight. I’ve always been told it’s about what's on the paper, not how much the paper weighs. On that note, we will continue to produce content-rich magazines for the communities we serve. I want to also take this opportunity to give a nod of appreciation to Managing Editor Theresa Stratford. Along with myself, Graphic Designer Kim Hall and a few other talented folks, she launched HealthLinks toward the magazine it is today. With Theresa as the engine behind the content, we created some amazing publications and connected people in need to quality providers. We continued to reach our mission of improving health literacy throughout the Palmetto State. The entire HealthLinks family will miss Theresa, and we wish her well as she immerses herself into another career opportunity after this issue. On a personal note: Best wishes to you and your family, Theresa. Thank you for helping make HealthLinks what it is today. Filling Theresa’s role as Managing Editor at HealthLinks will be Lisa Breslin. For more than 30 years, Lisa has worked as an editor and a writer. We met 15 years ago in the Writing Center at McDaniel College, and she has been a friend and mentor ever since. As she has for so many aspiring writers, Lisa pushed me to pursue a career in publishing. She has a unique understanding of the written word and excels in bringing the best out of writers. She is also passionate about facilitating captivating content and is one of the most creative individuals with whom I’ve worked. With the help of Assistant Editor Molly Sherman – a rock star in her own right – Lisa will seamlessly join our HealthLinks team and help us lift our magazine to greater heights. From one strong editor to another – a publisher’s dream. Enjoy this issue of HealthLinks and cheers to good health, Cul len Murray Kemp Cullen Murray-Kemp
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 11 ABOUT THE COVER... Welcome to fall! Seems like 2022 just began, but here we are planning for the upcoming holidays and adjusting to life with our kids back in school. This issue has a great variety of stories that touch on a personal breast cancer journey and an inside look at the new Ryan White Dental Clinic, and we also spoke to a dentist about how he cares for his teeth. We even feature a story about a kidney transplant recipient. Follow along with us as we walk with her through the trials and tribulations of a live organ transplant. We hope you all are adjusting well with going back to school. Check out our cover story about school stressors and how to cope with them. And we hope you like our stories about setting boundaries and how “going gray” is the new trend. I want to take the time to thank our team – our editor, graphic designer and our wonderful writers. These magazines would not be what they are without their dedication. We also want to thank our sales team for their work on distribution and making sure the magazines are accessible to you – our loyal readers. And we appreciate the time that our expert sources gave in order to make sure every story was written in accurate detail. Thank you. We hope you enjoy this issue of HealthLinks. Please send any feedback to [email protected]. To health and happiness, Theresa Stratford, managing editor SEPT/OCT 2022 COMPLIMENTARY CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY CHAR L E S TON SEPT/OCT 2022 STRESS BUSTERS BACK TO SCHOOL HOW TO SAY ‘NO’ WITH EASE BREAST CANCER A FAMI LY ’ S V I TAL ROLE COVID school shootings bullying peer relations good grades social anxiety SPECIAL ORAL HEALTH ISSUE CHARLESTON PHOTOGRAPHY AND POSING EXPERT VISIT JENNCADY.COM AND SCHEDULE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT TODAY!
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 SEPTEMBER 23 TO 25 South Carolina and North Carolina chapters - American College of Cardiology’s 29th Annual Joint Meeting Starts at 11:30 a.m. September 23 Kiawah Island An outstanding program with nationally known faculty, including cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiac care associates, nurses, program administrators and guests from across the Carolinas and other states. nccacc.org OCTOBER 1 30th Annual Isle of Palms Connector Run 8 a.m. A 5K and 10K charity race to raise money to fight child abuse in the Charleston area. This race has donated more than $1 million over the past two decades to nonprofits working to heal children and families who have been harmed by child abuse. ioprun.com SEPTEMBER 24 5K Partial Trail Run & Family Fun Walk 9 a.m. Mount Pleasant This 19th annual family-friendly race benefits the Carolina Children’s Charity and will take place at Palmetto Islands County Park. eventbrite.com OCTOBER 11 Blood Cancer Support GroupCharleston 11:30 a.m. Virtual This group will address specific issues related to blood cancer diagnosis and will provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss concerns, anxieties, feelings related to illness, treatment and other related issues. Registration is required, but there is no fee. This event is being offered by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. lls.org
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 13 OCTOBER 15 James Island Connector Run 8:30 a.m. James Island OCTOBER 15 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s 9 a.m. Riverfront Park, North Charleston Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. act.alz.org OCTOBER 16 Out of the Darkness Charleston Area Community Walk 2 p.m. Riverfront Park, North Charleston The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope and support. It unites the community and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Funds raised help #stopsuicide. supporting.afsp.org The James Island Connector Run is Charleston’s premier 10K run and 5K walk/run that serves and honors students with disabilities. This run promotes fitness, builds community awareness and ultimately funds college scholarships for students with physical disabilities. runsignup.com OCTOBER 21 CF Bites 7 p.m. North Charleston A spooktacular event that benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Around 300 ghouls and gals are expected for a Halloween-themed bash in the Porter Room at Holy City Brewery. eventbrite.com OCTOBER 22 Charleston Beer Fest 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Riverfront Park, Charleston Charleston Beer Fest is back and continuing to grow – all for a great cause: helping those living with HIV/ AIDS. Proceeds benefit Palmetto Community Care. chsbeerfest.org OCTOBER 29 2022 Komen More Than Pink Walk Anytime Walk where you are Join the Susan G. Komen community and feel the presence of support every step of the way. Breast cancer fundraising helps save lives every day through research, care, community and action. info-komen.org
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www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 15 SCHOOL STRESS: AT THE EDGE OF A MENTAL BREAKDOWN By L. C. Leach III
16 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com One afternoon in the fall of 1969 at Brook Glenn Elementary School in Taylors, 8-year-old Louie Lewis watched as the clock in his third-grade class ticked close to 2 p.m. He and his classmates had just experienced something they could not yet explain – but which they would now do everything in their power to overcome. “Our teacher, Miss Alice Harper, assigned us English and math homework – but gave us the last 30 minutes of class to start,” Lewis recalled. “And we raced like crazy to get it done before the bell rang so we could go home and play all afternoon.” It was Lewis’ earliest memory of school stress, “but something I barely noticed.” But over the next 50-plus years, school stress would build and form into mental health concerns that Lewis could never have imagined – including surpassing 4.0 grade point average standards; completing college courses in high school; the threat of gun violence; health epidemics such as COVID; lack of social privacy; and the challenge of handling increasing loads of homework. Now, with another school year underway in South Carolina, a looming question faces parents, teachers and educational leaders: How are we going to handle all of our school stresses before they permanently damage us? “Academic pressure has increased tremendously for all grade levels,” said Dr. Sara Marcino, psychiatrist and mental health professional with Still Point in Mount Pleasant. “And that pressure now comes with so many other stress factors.” PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Dr. Marcino pointed out that while factors such as physical bullying, body comparisons and body shaming have long been present in schools, others have evolved over decades into major components of school stress. For example, when advanced preparatory courses were introduced to South Carolina high schools in the 1970s, students could earn a few college credits in advance. Now a few AP credits might not be enough just to be considered for college. “Students also feel pressure to score well on the SAT and from universities who want to see many activities on their resumes, including sports, volunteer work and proficiency in a musical instrument,” Dr. Marcino said. “Our children are now told that their value is proportional to achievements and accomplishments. And I can’t think of a better message to destroy self-esteem.” And with cyber bullying, social media acceptance, COVID strains, environmental concerns and a sharp national political divide, “students are now desperate for some sense of security.” “The current young adult population has seen a lot of instability in their lifetimes,” she said. “The future feels uncertain to them and many of their parents – so they try to study their way to success.” PERSPECTIVE Uncertainty about the future has always led to carried stresses and changing perspectives. Daisy Nesmith of Sumter, walked two miles to school in the 1950s – after doing morning farm chores and helping her sharecropping family. They had no running water, no indoor plumbing and little money to buy school supplies. She worried constantly about “just being able to stay in school.” By the time Harold Moore entered Liberty High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in 1977, his contemporaries were stressing over their futures based on whether they were succeeding or failing in their present struggles. “Everything revolved around competition – summer jobs, car ownership, high school parking permit, letterman’s jacket and honor society,” said Moore, who now lives in Greenville. “During hunting season, people asked ‘Who killed the deer with the largest rack and how many squirrels did you harvest?’ The tails would be attached to your bicycle handlebars.” Greenville resident Frankie Felder, a 1989 graduate from Florence, chose to home-school all five of her children to prevent “unnecessary school stress that I believe would hurt them later.” “School now is not just about learning – it’s more about academic performance and how you measure up against “The current young adult population has seen a lot of instability in their lifetimes. The future feels uncertain to them and many of their parents – so they try to study their way to success.” — Dr. Sara Marcino, psychiatrist and mental health professional with Still Point in Mount Pleasant.
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 17 schools in other states,” Felder said. “Safety is now an alarming concern, and I think peer pressure also affects safe-school environments.” SAFETY MEASURES NEW AND OLD When he was in elementary school, Lewis said, school safety mostly amounted to teachers being with students and “janitors locking the building after we left.” But now, with more U.S. school shootings in the last 22 years than in the previous 160 years combined, safety measures include trained school resource officers and ever-improving electronic security to keep schools safe and stress levels low. “School safety is now everybody’s concern – from a first-day first-grader to a soon-to-graduate senior,” said Chuck Saylors, past president of the South Carolina School Boards Association and a Greenville County School District trustee since 2002. “And that safety is now everybody’s responsibility.” District spokesman Tim Waller added that a new $550,000 state-of-the-art portable weapons detection system, known as EVOLV, was implemented before the start of the current year. “A key advantage with EVOLV is the ability for students to flow through this system at a normal pace while providing accurate detection information,” he said. But while electronic security can lessen the stress of school safety, Mount Pleasant SRO Ransom Walters said it is no substitute for personal involvement. “We rely heavily on everyone from faculty and staff to the students and parents to do their part in reporting any safety concerns,” said Walters, an SRO at James B. Edwards Elementary since 2017. “If you see something unsafe, fix the issue. If it’s beyond your scope, report it so that it can be fixed.” SLOWER SPEEDS, BIGGER WINDOWS School safety is not the only fixable issue. Dr. Kelly Holes-Lewis, a psychiatrist with Modern Minds mental wellness clinic in Charleston, said it is imperative that “we encourage our students to share their worries openly with their parents, teachers, a trusted friend or loved one.” “Because if these fears are left unspoken, they can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety and even self-medicating with substances to numb the negative feelings they have,” she said, adding that the window for kids to just be kids keeps getting smaller. “Our children are growing up much faster than ever before,” Dr. Holes-Lewis pointed out. “We live in a very fast-moving world, which includes our education and our lives. But it is not a healthy pursuit.” Going forward, both Dr. Holes-Lewis and Dr. Marcino said that to keep school stresses from building even more and passing the proverbial point of “know” return, everyone in the state’s school systems must offer basic personal support such as: • School officials providing for students’ mental health as early as possible. • Parents instilling in children the importance of unwinding every day. • Students pursuing courses of study that are personally right for them rather than trying to please college entry boards. • Encouraging students of all ages to play after school. • Teachers revamping homework to manageable levels. “In grade 1, 10 minutes is ideal,” Dr. Marcino said. “In grade 4, 40 minutes. In grade 6, 60 minutes. Too much homework leads to burnout, poorer nutrition, lack of sleep and inadequate opportunities to connect with family and friends.” To echo both Saylors and Walters, the most potent weapon against any kind of school stress is everyone looking out for everyone else in any way they can. “With all the unprecedented stresses and challenges facing our students today, our teachers and students would tremendously benefit from a daily in-school practice of meditation and silence,” Dr. Holes-Lewis said. “This practice leads to greater levels of compassion, empathy and understanding, all of which we need more of in our world today.”
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WHEN CANCER IS A FAMILY EXPERIENCE By Janet E. Perrigo According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “The diagnosis of cancer is a family experience that changes the lives of all its members, bringing an immense amount of stress and many challenging situations.” Here are the stories of three families and their responses when breast cancer came calling.
20 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com For Harry McMillan, when his wife’s routine breast lump removal unexpectedly disclosed a tiny hidden cancerous tumor, he reacted with shock and disbelief – but feelings of helplessness were close behind. For more than 50 years, McMillan has taken seriously his role of family protector and provider. But back then, Cathy, the person he loved most in the whole world, was being attacked, and he could do nothing to stop the invasive onslaught. However, there were other things he could tackle, including personally notifying the couples’ two adult sons, who have always been very close to their mother. There were also the endless consultations and appointments. “I struggled with seeing her being stuck and prodded, and that was very emotional, but I never missed a one of them,” he reminisced. “Cathy says that I was also supportive by doing things around the house when she wasn’t able to and hiding her car keys so she couldn’t slip off and go to work when she needed to stay home.” Cathy McMillan is a strong woman who does not cry or give in to her emotions easily. For her husband, it felt like she truly did not need his support as much as some women might in this circumstance. Her refusal to lose hope, her faith and her perseverance kept despair at bay, even during the difficult times. When the thought of losing his beloved wife elbowed its way into his mind, McMillan responded by sending up prayers on her behalf. It's been 15 years, and Cathy is now well past the five-year and 10-year survivor anniversaries. For Harry McMillan, the experience has made him realize, THE MCMILLANS “When you get wrapped up in daily living, you can forget what is important, and an experience like this brings you back to Earth real quick.”
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 21 Harmon Kerrison was only 14 when her carefree, self-absorbed teenage world suddenly crumbled. It was at a typical family dinner where she noticed the unusual sadness in the eyes of her parents as her mom announced to her and her older sister, Legare, that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, their mom, Hunter Kerrison, was not one to wallow in self-pity or to let her family fall into that place. She quickly determined that getting an excellent medical team was the most important step. With her entire professional life devoted to health care, she knew exactly who to call upon for the very best treatment protocols. For Harmon, the Kerrison family dynamics suddenly changed. She remembers, “I disconnected from my personal, everyday activities – which no longer seemed as important – to spend time with my mom.” Some days seemed like being on an emotional roller coaster: “The days when Mom came home in severe pain and I could hear her crying, even though she tried to hide it, were the worst. Before, I always wanted to be out of the house with my friends doing my own thing, but now that felt selfish, and I wanted to be with my mom, doing things together with her instead.” While the initial surgery was stressful, Harmon mistakenly assumed the worst was over. The beginning of chemotherapy, with the characteristic hair loss, nausea and other side effects was a second, unanticipated battle. Although her mother doggedly continued to work and tried to keep the family routines as normal as possible, the effects, of chemo challenged her self-sufficiency and her ability to maintain the professional attractiveness that her daughters were so accustomed to seeing. Observing her vulnerability was a new and painful experience. Harmon recently graduated from high school and is optimistically looking forward to majoring in architectural studies as a freshman at Tulane. she said. “I feel more mature. My mother and I did so many fun things together during her battle with cancer that our relationship is much stronger and more adultto-adult now, but I do sometimes worry about what if it comes back.” If she were to advise other teens dealing with a parent with cancer, she would encourage them to get deeply involved and go to appointments and treatments, even if that means pushing the boundaries a little. The times she devoted to her mom have enriched their relationship, and for this young woman, family is now a top priority. THE KERRISONS “I am changed. I am much more mindful of life and of setting the right priorities,”
22 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Dennis Simon, a naval officer and then a submarine navigator, was deployed at sea when his commanding officer decrypted a life-changing, urgent message about his wife, Patricia. She was only 33, but she had been diagnosed with breast cancer – the same hideous disease that had killed her mother at 42. Simon remembered feeling overwhelmed. What if she did not survive? What if he had to raise their two young sons without her? What about his career with the Navy? He battled these fears as he flew home on the very next flight available from Andros Island and met her right before her surgery. All he could do was take one day at a time. Like Harry McMillan, Simon found his personal faith to be a comfort and trusted that God would help him handle this time of family crisis. A particularly difficult moment occurred when Patricia, typical of so many women with breast cancer, finally voiced her fears that her husband’s love for her would be diminished because of her breast surgery. Simon gifted her with the perfect answer when he said, “You know, I’ve always been a leg man, and your legs are perfect!” He and their sons, Scott and Christopher, became the bearers of hope and laughter, especially during those difficult days when it was hard for Patricia to find it for herself. The fear of returning cancer is very real for all cancer survivors and their families. While 90% of those with nonmetastatic invasive breast cancer remain cancer-free at the five-year mark and 84% are still free at the 10-year anniversary, Patricia Simon has been part of the minority who has had to face a rematch. It has been six years since she won her latest battle with uterine cancer. Throughout each rough spot, Dennis Simon has operated on the simple principle of: With his ever-abundant supply of love, hope and laughter, he continues to help navigate the Simon family safely in their life journey together. Currently, 3.8 million women in the United States are battling breast cancer, and the numbers are increasing by about 0.5% each year. The importance of the support of family members cannot be underestimated. In sharing their stories, Harry McMillan, Harmon Kerrison and Dennis Simon illustrate how tough families can go through tough times and emerge even stronger than they were before cancer reared its ugly head. THE SIMONS “Love your wife and support her. Life is a highway – there are many reasons to turn into the slower lanes or even stop at rest stops, but the important thing is to get to your destination.”
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 23 YOU SURVIVED, NOW THRIVE! ALALA IS HERE!!! “Your body is not your masterpiece, your life is” –Glennon Doyle ITEMS WE CARRY: • Post Surgical Camisoles • Mastectomy/Lumpectomy Bras • Breast Prosthesis • Lightweight Breast Forms • Compression Garments • Swimsuits • Inspirational Shirts and Items • Gifts VISIT US Appointments Preferred Monday - Thursday 8:30-5:30 Fridays: 8:30-12:30 N Charleston: Across from Trident Cancer Center 9231 Medical Plaza Drive, Ste D N Charleston, SC 29406 803-569-4373 | WWW.ALALA.INFO | [email protected] Did you know MOST insurance may pay for: • Post Surgical Camisole – For after Surgery • Bras – Yearly - Quantities Vary • Silicone Breast Form – One per surgical side every 2 years • Foam Breast Form – One per surgical side every 6 months Uninsured or underinsured? Ask how Alala Cancer Society can help you with these items!
24 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com What does the term “going natural” describe in a post-pandemic world? For some, it seems to refer to escaping today’s materialism and conventionality for a simplified, back-to-theEarth experience. Homesteading, building “tiny” homes, living “off-grid,” traveling the country in RVs, choosing flexible online jobs and fleeing traditional lifestyles and institutions could be the extreme version of going natural. Simple and manageable may have seemed very attractive, especially at a time when business employees were sent home, schools closed and the world was struggling to stay upright. For others, the threat of this new killer disease, the uncertainty of how to best treat it and suspicion about medical misinformation led them on a journey to explore more-natural health cures. The potential of little-known herbs and long-abandoned home remedies suddenly became paramount, particularly, among those in the 31 to 64 age group, who already were health conscious. They invested in researching non-traditional health care options, practices and products, as well as natural supplements and self-help techniques to build immunity against COVID. IS 'GOING NATURAL' A NEW AND LASTING TREND? By Janet E. Perrigo
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 25 With fewer restaurants and fastfood places to frequent during the lockdowns, many families learned to appreciate eating home-cooked meals together. Some even explored baking whole-grain breads, growing sourdough starter and kombucha and experimenting with healthier ingredients and recipes. Their conversations focused on the true nature of organics, home-grown fruits and vegetables, healthy carbs, herbs and foods high in vitamin C. Savvy self-educated shoppers became label readers, knowledgeable in identifying and critiquing product ingredients. One commonality during this time might be that despite major lifestyle interruptions prompted by the COVID pandemic, most men and women still cared about their looks. When the pandemic closed beauty salons, the latter group responded with an increased interest in natural do-it-yourself beauty care. Online sales increased across the board for healthier skin, nails, hair and bathand-body products. According to the NielsonIQ report, in 2021, 15% more hair cutting was being done at home, while 19% of multicultural consumers were choosing a more natural look and 26% were wearing less makeup overall. Both the African American and the Hispanic communities have traditionally spent more on beauty products compared to other minorities, and the closure of so many beauty salons during the pandemic only increased the desire for at-home hair, nail and skin care. The result has been a steep rise in
26 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com GOING NATURAL By the Numbers Sales of organic foods rose almost 13% in 2020, moving the organic product market to $60 BILLION. Source: supermarketnews.com The global beauty industry sells $500 BILLION in products yearly. Source: mckinsey.com Expect to spend approximately 10 HOURS and $1,800 TO $2,500 to have your hair professionally dyed gray. Source: behindthechair.com Eye cosmetic sales increased 150% during the mask-wearing days of COVID in China. Source: mckinsey.com FIFTY-FIVE PERCENT of Americans report using at least one form of alternative medicine or a natural remedy to treat a health problem. Source: valuepenguin.com Black-owned beauty brands that offer natural and selfcare products. Again, NielsonIQ reports that 21% of Hispanic shoppers have also been seeking more natural products. Finally, for some, “going natural” has been as simple as using stay-at-home time to let those annoying gray roots finally grow out. Only a woman who has colored her hair for years fully understands how time-consuming, tiring and expensive the cover-your-gray process is as a part of trying to maintain a youthful appearance. It has also helped that celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Cindy Jacobs, Andie MacDowell and Kim Kardashian have boldly heralded the current popularity of silver hair and made it not only acceptable but stylish. However, as fashionistas will, these and other influencers probably will soon move on to other looks, and their devoted followers will switch styles and colors once more. It remains to be seen if the graying of America will be a lasting trend. Time will be the judge of which pandemic lifestyle changes will become permanent and which ones will go the way of fads or temporary impositions. While it does appear that many health-conscious people are choosing to continue the natural lifestyle changes they have adopted, the only certainty is that “going natural” in the future will continue to mean many different things for different reasons to our diverse population.
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28 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com TELEHEALTH FOR MENTAL HEALTH A VITAL RESOURCE IN ACCESSING MENTAL WELLNESS CARE By Colin McCandless
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 29 The use of telehealth for mental health services, where individuals receive treatment for mental health issues remotely with a therapist using telecommunications, increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a convenient way to access care. Dual board-certified psychiatrist Kelly Holes-Lewis, M.D., of Modern Minds, a new type of mental wellness clinic with an integrative mind-body approach that is affiliated with MUSC Health, said its telehealth services involve coordinating meetings with clients through a video-based platform. “Telehealth provides care for clients who are unable to come to the office for a variety of reasons,” she explained. This includes clients who don’t have reliable transportation or money for parking or gas. Others may struggle with mobility issues, presenting an obstacle to in-person care. “It just makes it easier for them,” stated Dr. Holes-Lewis. Additionally, there are people experiencing anxiety and depression who are hesitant to come in because they are afraid to drive, have a fear of bridges or are nervous about sitting in a waiting room with others – a concern COVID only exacerbated. In many cases, depressed patients’ symptoms are so severe that they can’t even leave the house, noted Dr. Holes-Lewis. “So being able to see my clients when they are this severe and would normally not be able to see me can be life-changing and lifesaving. I both need and want to be able to see my clients when they need me most, and the ease of seeing them from wherever they are provides me the opportunity to help them more.” BETTER ACCESS TO CARE Telehealth also allows Modern Minds to see clients who may have contracted COVID or other illnesses without the risk of infecting others. “COVID has created unprecedented anxiety in our country, and we need to meet those needs so that we can all move forward through this together,” remarked Dr. Holes-Lewis. “As a physician, I want to be able to help as many people as possible, and tele-mental health often allows more people to access the care that they need, when they need it.” Additional benefits of telehealth for clients include affording them the ability to better prioritize their needs and manage their time. A telehealth appointment precludes them from having to miss work to see their mental health provider or hire a babysitter if they have children. Many of Dr. Holes-Lewis’ clients go out to their car while at work to see her. She can do everything in a telehealth therapy session she can do in an office visit, including a full evaluation, diagnosis, treatment plan, prescribing medication and medication management. TELEHEALTH AND COVID The rise in tele-mental health use is inextricably linked to COVID, said Dr. Holes-Lewis. The pandemic severely limited in-person services, creating the need for an alternative treatment delivery option. Within a two-week period, many providers were up and running to provide telehealth services, according to Dr. Holes-Lewis. “In my opinion, this was a significant and pivotal improvement in care delivery for our clients that I hope will remain even after the pandemic. Even now, the majority of my clients still opt for the ease of telehealth.” More people have been reaching out for help since the pandemic – more than ever before, said Dr. Holes-Lewis – including those struggling with substance abuse. Many individuals who are experiencing anxiety and depression have been self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, meaning that these mental health conditions have commonly gone hand-in-hand with substance abuse. “And we really want them to reach out for help,” emphasized Dr. Holes-Lewis. “Telehealth means being able to help more people in more situations. Telehealth has really been a game-changer for psychiatry and mental health.” OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Before COVID, there were certain barriers to using telehealth, such as insurance and other licensure regulations. Some of those barriers were lifted amid the pandemic, when “many regulations were changed which allowed for the expanded use of tele-mental health as insurance companies were now allowing coverage for these services,” said Dr. Holes-Lewis. She added, “In addition, in order to meet the increased demand of need for mental health services, regulations were changed to allow providers to see clients in other states. All of these changes are what allowed for the rapid change in ease of access to tele-mental health services. It is my hope that insurance companies will continue to cover these services as it provides greater access to care which is and has been greatly needed, even before the pandemic.” As a physician, I want to be able to help as many people as possible, and tele-mental health often allows more people to access the care that they need, when they need it. “ “
30 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com TELEHEALTH By the Numbers In 2015, roughly 22% of mental health facilities were providing telehealth services. By 2020, more than 68% were offering telemedicine, due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. A nationwide public opinion poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association showed that the percentage of Americans saying they would use telehealth services for mental health care increased from 49% in 2020 to 59% in 2021. From March 2021 to August 2021, 39% of telehealth outpatient visits were primarily for a mental health or substance use diagnosis, compared to 24% a year earlier and 11% two years earlier. 57% of respondents in the APA poll said they would consider using a support line or online chat during a time of personal difficulty and mental anxiety. One challenge still facing telehealth involves addressing some of the socioeconomic and demographic obstacles to accessing care. Dr. Holes-Lewis noted, for instance, that not everyone has the necessary components to use telehealth, specifically internet access or a computer or smartphone – or they may find using telecommunications technology intimidating. “Some data has shown that certain populations are utilizing tele-mental health less, such as the elderly, Black and Hispanic people, people with certain psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, people living alone and those with lower incomes,” asserted Dr. Holes-Lewis. “As we continue to develop our services, we need to ensure that we understand how to overcome barriers and provide equitable access to mental health services for all.” Accessing tele-mental health services through Modern Minds is designed to be simple. At the time of the appointment, clients simply click on the link that is provided through a secure client portal to launch their telehealth therapy session. Modern Minds also has IT services on standby for anyone needing help connecting to the platform. Although Dr. Holes-Lewis advocates the use of tele-mental health, she prefers a blend of telehealth and in-person treatment. Initially, she wants to get to know someone for their first visit, which is better accomplished face-to-face. “I really like connecting with a person face-to-face,” she said. “From then on, I want them to opt for whatever modality works best for them to see me.” BEARABLE Evaluate the effect of health care routines on quality of life. BALANCE Goal-set and reflect on meditations personalized to your preferences. BETTER STOP SUICIDE Examine intrusive thoughts and explore resources for managing emotions and behaviors. BREATHE2RELAX Portable stress management tool used to decrease the body’s fight-or-flight response. EMOODS Understand mood shifts and health symptoms to better manage bipolar symptoms. MINDSHIFT Manage intense emotions and positively frame the meaning of anxiety. MOODFIT Track your moods and do exercises to get into mental shape. MOODKIT Reflect on your thoughts and learn how to develop healthy attitudes. TEN PERCENT HAPPIER Practice guided meditations and connect with coaching. WHAT’S UP? Track habits, redirect negative feelings and improve thinking patterns. Available on GooglePlay and the Apple App Store. MENTAL HEALTH APPS 43% of adults surveyed in the APA poll said they want to continue using telehealth services when the pandemic is over. Sources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive, American Psychiatric Association and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 31 ASHLEY THERAPY ASSOCIATES 1 Carriage Lane, Building J Charleston, S.C. 29407 843-573-5050 CHARLESTON MENTAL HEALTH CENTER 2100 Charlie Hall Blvd. Charleston, S.C. 29414 843-852-4100 ZAIDI FAKHAR, M.D. 78 Folly Road, Suite B9 Charleston, S.C. 29407 510-493-7217 (Telehealth) LIFESTANCE HEALTH 871 Lowcountry Blvd. Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464 314 W. 4th North St. Summerville, S.C. 29483 400 Faber Place Drive, Suite 110 North Charleston, S.C. 29405 1422 Ashley River Road Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-501-1099 Charlestoncounseling.org LIFEWORKS 246 Mathis Ferry Road Suite 100 Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464 843-971-5171 Lifeworkscharleston.com MUSC HEALTH CENTER FOR TELEHEALTH Donna Cummings, LPC 78 Folly Road, Suite B9 Charleston, S.C. 29407 510-493-7197 (Telehealth) PALMETTO LOWCOUNTRY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2777 Speissegger Drive Charleston, S.C. 29405 843-747-5830 Palmettobehavioralhealth.com PSYCHOTHERAPY CHARLESTON 198 Rutledge Ave., Suite 8 Charleston, S.C. 29403 410-299-7980 Psychotherapycharleston.com THERAPY DEN 2036 E. Wall St., Suite D Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464 803-606-2418 1 Carriage Lane Building E, Suite 203 Charleston, S.C. 29407 843-722-3576 THRIVEWORKS 215 E. Bay St., #404 Charleston, S.C. 29401 843-480-4034 Thriveworks.com CHARLESTON AREA THERAPISTS *Contact therapists directly to determine telehealth procedures. 843.886.1594 | lantanarecovery.com Contact us and take your rst step on a road to recovery. "A er leaving treatment and re-entering my life sober, I was fearful, anxious and felt alone in my recovery. Upon entering the Lantana program, not only was I provided with top notch individual and group therapy, I now had a community of peers and sta to lean on.” – Chris C Personalized Treatment for Substance Use Disorders from a Local Team that Cares. IN HOME TECHNOLOGY SERVICES EMPOWER / CONNECT / LIBERATE 843-606-0236 [email protected] smartseniortechnologyservices.com Guiding you to confidently use technology • Smartphones • Laptops and Desktops • Smart Devices • E Readers • Ipad & Tablets • Internet & Wifi SMART SENIOR Call to set up an IN HOME appointment!
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