COMPLIMENTARY CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY SEPT/OCT 2023 CHARLESTON ORAL HEALTH REVOLUTION DENTAL SPAS AND DIGITAL ADVANCES MUSIC SOOTHES BUSTLING BRAINS FIGHTING CANCER ONE BREATH AT A TIME KEEPING SENIOR DOGS HEALTHY
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8 | HealthLinksSC.com 14 | DENTAL SPAS EASE ANXIETY Rather than the whirring of drills, the natural sound of flowing water greets patients who opt for a spa approach to dental health. 20 | PRESERVING YOUR GARDEN’S BOUNTY Follow a few easy tips and extend the quality and shelf life of fruit and vegetables. 24 | MUSIC FOSTERS GOOD HEALTH Because we are rhythmic human beings, music can be a valuable tool to maintain or regain our physical and emotional health. 29 | LESSONS LEARNED Compare lessons taught in dental schools now to those back in the ’60s, and discover the wonder of medical advances. 35 | PERFECTING YOUR PEARLY WHITES At-home strategies and more advanced procedures at the dentist’s office produce whiter and brighter smiles. 38 | (DON’T) BITE YOUR TONGUE The bliss of a good night’s sleep eludes people who suffer from an experience that can signal other undetected problems: tongue biting. 45 | THE EYES DON’T HAVE IT Health professionals warn that use of computers, cellphones and other electronic devices has increased digital eye strain to pandemic heights. Issue 12.5 SEPT/OCT CHARLESTON FEATURES
HealthLinksSC.com | 9 48 | FAREWELL ANXIOUS MIND Mindfulness exercises help create a calm mind, reduce stress and help patients focus on their cancer treatment goals. 52 | HEALING SOUND Therapeutic sound therapy has an enthusiastic following in South Carolina. 62 | ANGELS IN THE HALLS Hospital chaplains, channels for others’ worries and grief, work daily to bring peace and comfort to vulnerable patients and their families. 68 | TIME CHANGE CHALLENGES It seems everyone is affected by the time changes – even our pets. 76 | SENIOR DOGS NEED SPECIAL CARE As older pets age, their needs change. Preventive health care and more frequent medical checks become important to their overall quality of life. CONTENTS DIRECTORIES Oral Health...........................................................78 IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Note...................................................10 From the Editor....................................................11 Living Healthy Area Events..................................12 There's an App for That.......................................43 CCMS ..................................................................66 The Lighter Side of Health Care..........................71 Unique Case.........................................................74 Charleston Area Nonprofits.................................72 The Pulse on Charleston Nurses..........................80 SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT Northbridge Dental Offers Implant Supported Restorations........................................................................33 Alala: A Valuable Resource in the War Against Breast Cancer......................................................................55 A Hand to Hold: Family Connection Helps Families Know and Navigate............................................................56 Find Clarity and Confidence While Navigating Health Insurance.................................................................60 Gilston Insurance: 61 Years and Counting..........................65
10 | HealthLinksSC.com Issue 12.5 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 Media Consultant BRANDON CLARK [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 LISA BRESLIN HANNAH BROOKS AMY CONNOR BILL FARLEY AMY GESELL CATHERINE KAUFFMAN L.C. LEACH III KAREN LISZEWSKI RILEY MATHEWS COLIN MCCANDLESS JANET PERRIGO MOLLY SHERMAN THERESA STRATFORD LISA WACK Scan to discover our other HealthLinks platforms! I enjoy big projects. I enjoy the arduous chipping away – each day making slow, steady progress. I enjoy poking my head up from the trenches every so often to see a project evolve over time. Most of all, I enjoy the sense of satisfaction from a project well done. Nearly two years ago, we decided it was time take on the renovation of HealthLinks’ website – a project that would prove to be greater and more challenging than any other since the inception of HealthLinks magazine. The HealthLinks team, including key project stakeholders – graphic designers Kim Hall and Lynn Gottleib, webmaster George Conklin and project leader Jonathan Shanin – worked with web developers from three different countries to create a robust, user-friendly website full of information and imagination. It’s a website that meets your needs better. HealthLinksSC.com enables users to seamlessly explore thousands of local health articles and connect with quality providers throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. Through HealthLinksSC.com, our HealthLinks community has more efficient, direct access to medical information and health providers, empowering us to prioritize our personal health. Ultimately, HealthLinksSC.com will offer users the autonomy to hold the reins tighter as we navigate our own personal health and well-being. With that well-informed control, we believe that you will have healthier, happier and more productive lives. Dive in and enjoy what HealthLinksSC.com has to offer. Let us know about your experience. As with all new ventures, tweaks are inevitable. Your feedback will help us with those improvements. As a new school year begins and we bid farewell to the summer, I want to thank you for your trust and appreciation for HealthLinks. You continue to help us grow, to launch new projects and provide invaluable information. Halford Edward Luccock, a prominent American Methodist minister and professor, once stated, “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” Our good health and well-being are a symphony; it takes a whole orchestra of health care professionals, community members and publications/websites like HealthLinksSC.com to ensure that symphony is just right. Cheers to Good Heath, Cullen Murray-Kemp, Publisher Cullen Murray Kemp
HealthLinksSC.com | 11 FROM THE EDITOR... I used to be the person who proclaimed, “I won’t ever like going to the dentist.” I’d dutifully make annual appointments to confirm that every other body part remained healthy and then, with little logic and many unfounded fears, I’d put off making my dentist appointment. Guilt fueled that procrastination because I’m not the most consistent flosser, and lots of prescribed tetracycline during my teeth’s formative years left them so gray that bearing them does not thrill me. Thankfully, the old days of being scolded for less than perfect dental hygiene are over. Even more enticing is the current oral health revolution. From teeth-whitening options to getting a new crown in one visit, the medical advances are mind-blowing. Some dental offices boast of spa-like treatments, including warm blankets, mood music and chair massages. This issue of HealthLinks takes you into these experiences so you will be better informed when it’s time for you to make a decision about which advancement in dentistry you would like to enjoy. Reporter Clark Leach’s article about what dentists were taught in the 1960s compared to what they learn now confirms that dental professionals better understand the link between dental health and overall health. They share this correlation with their patients, whose dental health routines now reach beyond what Clark identifies as the “dental trinity” of brushing, flossing and gargling. When it comes to teeth cleanings and dental checkups now, I’m all in. In addition to a focus on the oral health revolution, this issue of HealthLinks Charleston offers tips for extending the life of fruit and vegetables, whether they are from your bountiful garden, the grocery store or a farmers market. For our readers who are fighting cancer, there are articles about unique ways to ease your pain and find your focus. Throughout this issue, you’ll find some good laughs and discover unsung heroes in the community, too. I hope that you enjoy the magazine as much as the HealthLinks team enjoyed creating it. To simple pleasures and good health, Lisa Breslin, Managing Editor SEPT/OCT 2023 CHARLESTON PHOTOGRAPHY AND POSING EXPERT VISIT JENNCADY.COM AND SCHEDULE YOUR PHOTOSHOOT TODAY!
12 | HealthLinksSC.com HEALTHY AREA EVENTS l ving SEPTEMBER 2 Downtown Charleston Farmers Market Marion Square 329 Meeting St., Charleston 8 a.m. Open each Saturday through November, the Charleston Farmers Market offers local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers, as well as breakfast and lunch vendors, live entertainment and an assortment of arts and crafts from local artisans. Learn more: charlestonfarmersmarket.com SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 8 MOJA Arts Festival Charleston The MOJA Arts Festival is an annual celebration of Black arts and culture and their artistic contributions to the world. The festival events include visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, traditional crafts and family activities. Learn more: mojafestival.com OCTOBER 7 2023 Isle of Palms Connector Run Ocean Boulevard, Isle of Palms 8 a.m. This is a 5K, 10K and fun run charity race to raise money to fight child abuse in the Charleston area. This race has dedicated more than $1 million over the past two decades to nonprofits working to heal children and families who have been harmed by child abuse. Learn more: IOPrun.com SEPTEMBER 2 STAR Therapy Dogs Bees Ferry West Ashley Library 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-102
HealthLinksSC.com | 13 OCTOBER 8 Latin American Festival North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 8888 University Blvd., North Charleston Noon The annual Latin American Festival celebrates Charleston’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean cultures through nonstop merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa music; folkloric artwork and crafts; and authentic Latin American and Caribbean food. Learn more: ccprc.com/1699/Latin-American-Festival OCTOBER 14 Walk with a Doc Gahagan Park 515 W. Boundary St., Summerville 10 a.m. Walk with a Doc is a free walking program held on the second Saturday of each month for anyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. Learn about a current health topic from a health care professional and enjoy a healthy walk and fun conversation. Learn more: walkwithadoc.org/join-a-walk/locations/summerville-south-carolina OCTOBER 19 Coffee and Coloring Dorchester Road Library 6325 Dorchester Road, North Charleston 10:30 a.m. Gather to relax and enjoy coffee, coloring and conversation. Coffee and coloring supplies will be provided. Learn more: ccpl.org/events/coffee-and-coloring-11 OCTOBER 22 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Riverfront Park 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston 12:30 p.m. Join the fight against breast cancer at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, a celebration of courage and hope and a movement uniting communities to end breast cancer as we know it. Learn more: facebook.com/MakingStridesCHS OCTOBER 29 Out of the Darkness Charleston Area Community Walk Riverfront Park 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston 2 p.m. 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. The funds that are raised support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Learn more: supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm
14 | HealthLinksSC.com CHANGING LIVES ONE (CALM) SMILE AT A TIME HOW A SPA APPROACH HELPS EASE DENTAL ANXIETY Comfort isn’t a word that usually comes to mind when thinking about a visit to the dentist. A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that dental anxiety affects an estimated 36% of people in the United States, with 12% of those suffering from extreme dental fear. For many, dental anxiety means delayed or missed appointments. And about 3% of people experiencing severe anxiety may stop going to the dentist altogether. “Going to the dentist completely stresses me out. My stomach is in knots, my jaw clenched and I’m so scared of the work that needs to be done,” said (sometimes) dental patient Jennifer Gross. But what if your dental office featured a spa atmosphere? At Sculpt Dental Spa in downtown Charleston, Client Experience Coordinator Nick Aime’s role is to ensure every patient’s experience is one of ultimate comfort. “I’ll never forget the first patient I met with dental anxiety. She had to be dragged through the front door by her boyfriend,” said Aime. “We want to do everything we can to cater to our patients and ensure they have an enjoyable experience.” Aime presents patients with a menu of comfort items for their appointment, including a scented neck pillow, champagne, lip balm and moisturizing paraffin hand treatment. Patients can enjoy a chair massage to calm them before their appointment and watch a Netflix movie under a cozy blanket during treatment. Opened in 2022 by Dr. Suzie Dubrinski, Sculpt Dental Spa specializes in cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers with cutting-edge, modern dentistry. Patients can even get Botox while in the office. “I wanted to create a space where clients would feel pampered like a VIP, somewhere they would look forward to coming and enjoy spending time,” said Dr. Dubrinski. By Amy Connor
HealthLinksSC.com | 15 “Dentistry can be an intimate procedure,” said Sculpt Dental Spa Treatment Coordinator and New Patient Liaison Olivia Brazier, DA. “Dr. Suzie has cultivated a calming environment that is built on team members who are passionate about what we are doing – patients understand that we are here for them.” “I’ve always had crippling dental anxiety. I was physically shaking at my first appointment with Dr. Suzie. I think I even cried at one point,” said Sculpt Dental Spa patient Tita Curtin. “I’m so grateful to Sculpt for helping me start to move through my fear.” “We are delighted when our clients recognize that we are different. We get excited when we can shift a patient’s opinion about their smile from something they are embarrassed about to something they love and are so excited to show off,” said Dr. Dubrinski. In the Upstate, walk into downtown Greenville’s Waterstone Dentistry, and you’ll notice the office looks more like a home than a dental practice. The natural sound of flowing A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that dental anxiety affects an estimated 36% of people in the United States, with 12% of those suffering from extreme dental fear. “ “
16 | HealthLinksSC.com water greets you from a large waterfall feature in the waiting room, where comfortable, overstuffed chairs gather around a gently flickering fireplace. It’s the kind of place you might settle in on a lazy afternoon to read a good book – not where you expect to wait to get a filling replaced. Dr. Beatriz Dennis knew she wanted to offer patient-centered service in a comfortable and relaxed environment after working in a fast-paced practice with high anxiety and high stress. “I knew if I felt that much stress and anxiety working there, I could imagine how a patient would feel,” she shared. In 2008, she opened Waterstone Dentistry to “create a patient-centered, positive dental experience for each patient from the moment they arrive at the office until the moment they leave.” It’s a warm, artfully designed environment featuring state-ofthe-art dental equipment where Dr. Dennis and her staff take their time with each patient. Natural light pours into treatment rooms through oversized windows. Patients can relax under the comfort of a warm blanket and watch TV or listen to music with noise-canceling headphones. Seeing patients transform from covering their mouth when they speak to smiling with confidence is what Dr. Dennis loves most. “Patients appreciate the amount of time we spend with them and appreciate the friendship that we’ve formed with them because everything is more patient-centered,” said Dr. Dennis. The dental spa approach is about more than massages and soft music. It’s about trust. “One of the most rewarding things is when you work with someone who has such severe dental anxiety that they can’t open their mouth. They are just so upset at the way they’ve let their teeth get because they have such a fear. And then you help them, and they are so appreciative,” shared Dr. Dennis. Brazier agreed: “I’ve met people who felt almost hopeless. When you finally create that bond of trust, it’s life-changing for the patient. For anyone who’s had to hold back your smile, to wipe that away and smile again, it’s life-changing.” Aime added that he wants patients to know that “You are in a safe space. We are here to help make your smile what you want it to be.”
HealthLinksSC.com | 17 We are transforming smiles and the lives of patients with gentle, comprehensive, cosmetic and restorative dental care. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care in a welcoming atmosphere. We invite you to entrust your dental care to our caring team. Call us to schedule your visit today! It’s Time to Love Your Smile 843.766.7880 charlestondentalarts.com Araby Keith Ammons, DMD ◆ Porcelain Veneers ◆ Dental Bonding ◆ Smile Makeover ◆ Full Mouth Rehabilitation ◆ Porcelain Crowns, Inlays and Onlays ◆ Composite White Fillings 915 St. Andrews Boulevard, Charleston, SC 29407 ◆ Whitening ◆ Implant Restoration ◆ Replacement of Older Dentistry ◆ TMJ Evaluation and Therapy ◆ Cosmetic Partial and Complete Dentures
18 | HealthLinksSC.com 843.406.6251 - www.bishopgadsden.org Gadsden Glen is located on James Island, within Bishop Gadsden The award-winning Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab opened to the Charleston Community in 2022 to restore strength and spirit, providing a healing experience unlike any other in the Southeast. With costs in-line with the area, Medicare and insurance coverage allows you to select Gadsden Glen for your short-term post-acute rehabilitation, setting you on a course of improved health and wellness.
HealthLinksSC.com | 19
20 | HealthLinksSC.com PRESERVING PRODUCE TO PERFECTION By Molly Sherman
HealthLinksSC.com | 21 One of the best rewards of gardening is the bounty of fresh vegetables that you can use to create salads and sauces soon after the goodies are harvested. But what’s a great gardener to do when there is too much of a good thing? Tomatoes, herbs, peppers, carrots, potatoes and fruit keep coming and coming and coming faster than they can be used. There are several methods to make the bounty last longer. Charleston local Pahola Saud swears by some produce-preserving practices she uses in her home. For flavor-adders and garnish-givers like cilantro and parsley, Saud places the unwashed herb bunch root-side-down into a mason jar with 5 to 7 centimeters of water. Then she loosely places a plastic bag on the top. “It keeps my herbs fresh for up to a month, sometimes a bit more if I’m good about changing water and clipping off bad leaves,” she said. A “good” water change will happen every four to five days. When Saud is ready to use some, she’ll pluck a few sprigs out and wash them, returning the jar set up to the fridge. “Best trick ever,” said Saud. For fruit, Saud will give them a wash with a 1 to 4 vinegar and water mixture. She soaks smaller fruit with delicate skins, like berries, in a bowl for two to five minutes, then rinses them off with water. She cleans larger fruit such as apples and peaches using a spray bottle of the same mixture, giving them a good spritz and a rinse before consuming. Produce with peelable outer layers, such as bananas, oranges and avocados, can get a water rinse before peeling. Firm produce can be brushed with a clean, soft bristle to remove residue from pores; delicate produce can be cleaned with water pressure and finger friction to remove grit. If you wait to wash all produce until just before consuming, be sure to brush off any dirt or debris and wipe clean with a paper towel and keep items in storage containers or bags to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to other items in the refrigerator. Waiting to wash is a worthy approach for preventing produce that’s sensitive to moisture from molding and rotting. After cleaning, Saud dries the fruit and stores them in their container or in an airtight one of her own, along with a paper towel that will absorb excess moisture. If they seem dehydrated after a long stay in the fridge, Saud will soak them in water before eating. “My best tip for lettuce is, once again, either a water soak or a vinegar rinse. I separate all the leaves – I typically buy romaine hearts – give them a wash and store them in an airtight container lined at the bottom with a paper towel.” This works for other leafy greens, too, such as spinach and kale. You may also choose to remove some rough outer leaves. Do you want to prolong the produce beyond the harvest season? “There are several methods to safely store your produce, such as freezing, canning, pickling and dehydrating,” said Terasa Lott, state coordinator of the South Carolina Master Gardener Program. “Vegetable gardening can be a rewarding experience, and, by preserving your harvest, you can enjoy that fresh-from-thegarden taste year-round,” she said. “Canning is a great way to extend the joy of eating homegrown produce throughout the year,” said Madison Parker, 4-H youth development agent with Clemson University. If you are planning to grow your own produce, consider saving some seeds.
22 | HealthLinksSC.com “Growing food in a home garden is such a rewarding experience,” said Parker. Most seeds can be collected from mature fruit. After being cleaned and placed to air dry on wax paper for several days out of direct sunlight, they can be stored away for next year’s planting. Lott shared some words of advice: “It’s best to stick to self-pollinating vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, beans and peas, as the outcomes are more predictable. If you’re growing a hybrid tomato, you’ll probably want to skip saving those seeds since the offspring won’t necessarily have the desirable characteristics of the parent. Unless you enjoy experimenting, it’s probably wise to skip saving seeds from vine crops as they can cross pollinate with members of the same species. Depending on what you’re growing as well as what’s growing nearby, you could end up with a strange combination such as an acorn squash-zucchini hybrid.” Rather than jumping into a full-tilt garden, Saud mentioned many of her friends have taken the approach of potted plants for growing food, flavor and household flare. “I have been looking at growing cilantro, parsley and mint – I’m just trying to figure out where to put the pots where the cats can’t get to them,” Lott said. After all, whether your plants are growing outside or in house, the chances of a produce predator are never zero. Nevertheless, no matter how you grow your own produce, you’ll be sure to enjoy the freshness of good food with these tips and tricks. For more information on all things plant health and preservation, Clemson Extension’s Home & Garden Information Center, at hgic.clemson.edu, has a multitude of fact sheets on gardening, food safety and nutrition. In addition to web-based resources, extension agents are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 888-656-9988 or [email protected].
HealthLinksSC.com | 23 THE PENINSULA OF CHARLESTON DOWNTOWN’S ONLY PROPOSED LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY COMBINING LUXURY LIVING WITH RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP Sales Gallery now open at 573 King Street. Visit us today to learn more. 843.891.1343 ThePeninsulaOfCharleston.com Now accepting $10,000 deposits for priority ownership. LOCATION | LUXURY | LEGACY Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this exceptional community. The Peninsula of Charleston is the first and only ownership model community in Charleston, allowing ownership of each residence and the option to sell or designate it as an inheritance. As a Life Plan community, The Peninsula will offer all levels of care to our residents including Assisted Living, Memory Support, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing. Prices range from $775,000 to $4 million. © 2023 The Peninsula of Charleston
24 | HealthLinksSC.com “Music allows for better blood flow, and it can help lower stress by decreasing our bodies’ cortisol response, the hormone that is released when we are under stress."
HealthLinksSC.com | 25 MUSIC AND MENTAL HEALTH When Janelle Mitchell enters the room of one of her adolescent patients who was recently diagnosed with cancer, she doesn’t bring a stethoscope or bandages. Instead, she might be carrying a guitar or the lyrics to the patient’s favorite song. Mitchell is a music therapist at Prisma Health. “Music therapy is not just playing or performing music. It’s a neurologically based science that can help patients as they learn to cope with a new diagnosis or recent surgery,” Mitchell explained. “We might play or listen to music as a way to help a young patient relax and to help us build rapport. Or a patient might tell us how the lyrics in a favorite song speak to them as we learn about what they are feeling.” A professional music therapist holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy with a curriculum focusing on musical foundations, clinical foundations and music therapy principles. Therapists also must be skilled and proficient on several instruments to effectively provide music therapy services. Their training emphasizes that music can act as a medium for processing emotions, trauma and grief or as a regulating or calming agent. Dr. Frank Clark is a psychiatrist at Prisma Health and a clinical associate professor at the School of Medicine Greenville. He highlights the connection between music and health in his practice and in the community. By Lisa Wack
26 | HealthLinksSC.com “Music allows for better blood flow, and it can help lower stress by decreasing our bodies’ cortisol response, the hormone that is released when we are under stress,” said Dr. Clark. “Music is one part of a holistic approach to medicine. We know that physical, creative, spiritual and emotional fitness work together to improve our quality of life.” Dr. Clark spearheaded the Healing Harmonies program about 10 years ago at the South Carolina Philharmonic while serving on its board. The program brings South Carolina Philharmonic musicians to area health care facilities for interactive music performances enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors. Robin Hallyburton, deputy & development director of the South Carolina Philharmonic, has seen moments of joy from the musicians who give of their time and talent and from audience members.. “Some of the performances are interactive, where the musicians invite audience members to conduct, or they may invite participation by handing out instruments,” Hallyburton explained. “We’re there for staff members, too, giving them a chance to relax and enjoy.” For Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the connection between music and mental health flowed naturally from its ongoing commitment to recognizing mental health as a community health pillar. Its Music for the Mind initiative celebrates the power of music and its positive impact on mental health. According to Kathy Smith, vice president and chief marketing and digital officer at Roper St. Francis, partnering with community organizations extends the reach of its programs. “The Roper St. Francis Concert Series at Credit One Stadium allows us to use our trusted voice to give people information about mental health and empower them to give or seek help if needed,” said Smith. “The concerts are an opportunity to build an awareness of what they are feeling, or a neighbor may be feeling, and connect the community to available resources. When people come together at the concerts, there is a joy to the music and the human connection. It can be powerful to reach people when they may not expect to be reached.” There also is a curated Music for the Mind playlist that people can play on their favorite music app. “The idea was to draw attention to the program and amplify the music playing even if they can’t attend the concert,” Smith added. As a music therapist, Alison Hughey founded Carolina Music Therapy in Spartanburg to help people connect and heal through music. “While music can sometimes be therapeutic on its own, music therapy dives deeper into the use of evidence- and music-based approaches to address individualized clinical goals,” Hughey said. Hughey likes to add a degree of playfulness to her at-home therapy ideas. She may suggest that clients keep a kazoo in their car – a “carzoo,” as Hughey calls it. That way, whenever the moment strikes, they have a way to explore their feelings through a musical outlet. “Playing a kazoo encourages players to extend their exhale while also stimulating the vagus nerve; both these actions can boost a sense of safety and calm,” she said. Dr. Clark knows that music is healthy for our physical and emotional health. “We are rhythmic human beings, and music can be one valuable tool to use when treating patients,” he said. “Why not be creative in fostering health through music?" SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Department of Mental Health’s Mobile Crisis Team, toll-free, 24/7, at 833-364-2274 CRISIS TEXT LINE If you would rather text than talk on the phone, you can text 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. More information is available at crisistextline.org. SOUTH CAROLINA 211 2-1-1 is a free referral and information help line that connects people to a wide range of health and human services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To contact 2-1-1 in any state, including South Carolina, simply dial the numbers 2-11 from any phone. “An art lesson is about the final product; art therapy is about the process. When words are not accessible, people can find space for healing in the arts.” - Michelle Robinson, Arts in Healing program coordinator MUSC’s Arts in Healing program includes both music and art therapy as outlets for expression to enhance the healing process. Music is one part of a holistic approach to medicine. We know that physical, creative, spiritual and emotional fitness work together to improve our quality of life. “ “ MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
HealthLinksSC.com | 27 1885 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.856.4735 | www. LutheranHospice.org ctor that you choose Lutheran Hospice, faith-based ministry providing ate end-of-life care for patients and l faiths and beliefs. ospice patients may receive specialized wherever they live—at no cost. aid, V.A. and other insurance program benefits available Lutheran Hospice is a faith-based, non-profit mission to provide our patients with excellent care physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are proud to provide people with life-limiting illnesses daily hope, while ensuring maximum comfort and quality of life. “ ” Non-Profit, Faith-based Senior Solutions Join our Family Live your lifestyle at the community Charlestonians love. Independent Living Apartments & Patio Homes Assisted Living & Memory Care Short-term Rehab • Long-term Care 1885 Rifle Range Rd. • Mt. Pleasant Schedule a tour! 843.856.4713 or 800.940.7435 FrankeAtSeaside.org
28 | HealthLinksSC.com For almost 65 years, The Village at Summerville has been enriching the lives of seniors of all faiths. As a Life Plan Community we provide a variety of lifestyle options – plus all levels of care, if needed – on one campus. Independent Living | Assisted Living Montessori Memory Support | Skilled Care Medicare Certified Short-term Rehab | Respite Care Situated on 84 wooded acres, The Village is like an oasis, filled with small ponds, fountains, walking trails and a peaceful prayer garden. 201 W. 9th North St., Summerville, SC Retirement That Stands the Test of Time PresCommunities.org (843) 873-2551 [email protected] To learn more or schedule a visit: Dr. Kari Ryan and Dr. Kristi Dillard www.mtpleasantdentist.com “Dr. Ryan and the staff are very personable, thorough and have your best interest at heart with their obvious and commanding expertise. They communicate results, process, price and steps to improve your dental health clearly and with integrity. I highly recommend her and her capable, friendly staff for your dentistry needs!” GO RAPTORS! beautiful smiles & health focused YOUR COMFORT IS OUR PRIORITY Welcome to your smile’s new home! We’re your Mt. Pleasant dental office that believes in treating each individual as a part of our family. That means offering advanced, personalized dentistry from dentists who care about you and go out of their way to keep your visits as comfortable and convenient as possible. The team here at Kari Ryan Dentistry is dedicated to helping you keep your naturally beautiful smile or build a new one you can count on for years to come. Implants | Cosmetic Dentistry Restorative Dentistry | General Dentistry Snoring & Sleep Apnea 815 Lowcountry Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 | www.mtpleasantdentist.com | 843-800-4021 Dr. Alexa Williamson, Dr. Kari Ryan, Dr. Shauna Fletcher beautiful smiles & health focused YOUR COMFORT IS OUR PRIORITY Welcome to your smile’s new home! We’re your Mt. Pleasant dental office that believes in treating each individual as a part of our family. That means offering advanced, personalized dentistry from dentists who care about you and go out of their way to keep your visits as comfortable and convenient as possible. The team here at Kari Ryan Dentistry is dedicated to helping you keep your naturally beautiful smile or build a new one you can count on for years to come. Implants | Cosmetic Dentistry Restorative Dentistry | General Dentistry Snoring & Sleep Apnea 815 Lowcountry Blvd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 | www.mtpleasantdentist.com | 843-800-4021 Dr. Alexa Williamson, Dr. Kari Ryan, Dr. Shauna Fletcher
HealthLinksSC.com | 29 If you compare dentistry in 2023 to what it was in 1963, you might be surprised to find how much has changed and how much has stayed the same. While dentists far and wide will tell you that your best bet to keeping your teeth is the same kind of proper daily oral care your grandfather knew, their methods for helping you maintain what’s in your mouth have vastly improved in the past 60 years. “A huge focus of dental school currently is in better understanding the link between dental health and overall health,” said Dr. Ivy White, a partner with her dad, Dr. Eddie White, at Sewee Dental Care in Mount Pleasant. “We understand the health implications of dental issues so much better now, and it’s so important to educate people on this and get them invested in their health.” For instance, when Dr. Eddie White was growing up, any tooth concerns – such as plaque, calculus, notching, wisdom teeth, crowns and possible cavities – would have been treated by his dentist as isolated matters. Now, both he and his daughter approach every dental issue with an eye to how the condition of patients’ teeth affect their overall well-being. “People are interested in keeping their teeth until 100 years old,” Dr. Eddie White said. “And we are here to help them achieve this, through focusing on how their overall health affects the health and stability of their teeth and gums.” Part of that link lies both in new and time-honored advancements, such as: FROM BRUSH AND FLOSS TO DIGITAL DENTISTRY LESSONS LEARNED IN DENTAL SCHOOL By L. C. Leach III
30 | HealthLinksSC.com DIGITAL DENTISTRY. Both dentists said that so far, digital dentistry is the biggest technical advancement of the 21st century. It’s something Ivy learned in school; in the 1980s, it wasn’t part of her dad’s training. What makes digital dentistry special is the use of computer-based or digital components to enhance patient care. For example, suppose you needed the services of Dr. Eddie White in 1986, right after he graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina. He might have put a gooey substance in an impression tray and had you bite down until it hardened. Then he would have send the mold to a dental technician to create whatever device you needed to repair, replace or better align your teeth. “The entire process was time-consuming and very uncomfortable for the patient, despite my efforts to make it as pleasant as possible,” Dr. Eddie White said. On the other hand, if you see him or his daughter now for the same issue, they will use intraoral scanning to make a 3D digital image of your mouth to enhance analysis and treatment. “Which is much faster with no patient discomfort,” Dr. Eddie White said. “We are able to integrate different imaging and deliver care based on more information, which is better both for patient understanding and for our decision-making.” POWER BRUSHING. Electric toothbrushes have been around since 1960, when Squibb marketed the first American model, Broxodent, which rotated side to side. Today’s models rotate fully and are similar to the device dentists use for regular cleanings. Dr. Lisa Creaven, dentist and founder of Made By Dentists, a company that produces professional oral care products, said the advantage of power brushes is that their rotation “essentially forces the toothpaste in more difficult-to-reach areas, which is where cavities start.” BRUSHING, FLOSSING AND GARGLING. While this dental trinity has been around seemingly forever, it is oddly the one area that is still as troublesome as at any time in the past. “People still struggle with brushing their teeth effectively,” Dr. Ivy White said. “Regular dental visits are important, but keeping your teeth clean at home is absolutely the most important.” Her dad added that while the entire Sewee Dental Care team focuses on putting patients before teeth, he and his daughter try to see them as two parts of a connected whole. “It’s a person, not a tooth, you’re working on and trying to help,” Dr. Eddie White said. “But you have to brush your teeth and floss – and people still have a hard time figuring that out. All of the dentistry in the world won’t last if patients don’t understand how to keep everything clean.”
HealthLinksSC.com | 31 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 IN A TIME WHEN LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION IS MORE VITAL THEN EVER... HealthLinks PODCAST NEWSLETTER HealthLinks Magazine provides interviews with top health care providers. Read at www.HealthLinksMagazine.com HealthLinks Newsletter delivers timely local health news to your email each week. Subscribe at www.HealthLinksNewsletter.com. HealthLinks Podcast offers in-depth conversations on unique health care topics. Listen at www.HealthLinksPodcast.com. HealthLinks Video features local doctors discussing the health care topics that are important to you. Visit www.HealthLinksVideo.com MAGAZINE If you would like to be featured or market your business or practice on any of our mediums, please email us at [email protected] or call 843.732.4110 STAY HEALTHY, STAY INFORMED.
32 | HealthLinksSC.com Private Therapy Services has been Charleston’s leading physical therapy and rehabilitation practice since 2002. Their 1-on-1 treatment approach to physical therapy has yielded tremendous results. No Referral Needed. Insurance Accepted. Call today. PHYSICAL THERAPY | SPORTS MEDICINE PELVIC FLOOR | BALANCE | & MORE askmypt.com | 843-766-2121 Same Day Crowns 1164 Northbridge Dr.Ste A Charleston, SC 29407 843·852·3401 www.northbridgedentist.com • Veneers • Crowns • Implants • Bridges • Dentures Using CEREC digital technology, Dr. Richart can design, create, and deliver your crown in one appointment. careforlifecharleston.com | 843 852-9090 ASSESSMENTS HOME CARE PLACEMENT SERVICES CARE MANAGEMENT We’re here to help. Contact us today!
HealthLinksSC.com | 33 Northbridge Dental can bridge the divide between the smile you have and the smile you want – with the help of implant supported restorations. Dr. Jim Richart practices restorative dentistry, which can improve the function, feeling and appearance of teeth and gums and prevent further damage or decay; alleviate pain and discomfort; and restore confidence in your smile. Northbridge Dental offers a range of restorative dental services to address various oral health concerns, with the goal of helping patients regain the health, function and beauty of their smile. Severely decayed, damaged or weakened teeth may benefit from a dental crown. Custom made to fit over the natural tooth, a crown strengthens and protects the tooth while offering an improved appearance. Using advanced technology, Northbridge Dental can create a crown that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Once a tooth cracks down to the root, it cannot be restored, and it will have to be extracted. A cracked tooth, which is quite uncomfortable, can be diagnosed visually or by using radiography. “That’s where the implants come in – in regards to replacing one tooth,” said Dr. Richart. A crown can be affixed to the implant piece to replace a cracked tooth entirely. “That’s getting the broken tooth out, putting in an implant and making the crown on the abutment look just like a natural tooth coming out of the bone,” said Dr. Richart. “It’s really amazing.” “Implants are basically a foundation,” said Dr. Richart. “They connect directly to the bone and serve as an anchor for crowns, bridges and dentures. They are what stabilizes tooth additions in the mouth. You place the implants in, and then you have what we call an abutment – that’s what screws into the implant and kind of sticks out. Crowns or dentures are then screwed into the abutment.” To replace several teeth in a quadrant of the mouth, two implants can be installed and a bridge can be cemented onto those implants. Artificial teeth, supported by dental crowns on adjacent teeth, are a natural-looking, functional replacement. This solution can restore smiles and help maintain the alignment of remaining teeth. In the presence of widespread tooth decay or bone loss, multiple implants can be put into place, and a denture can be screwed into the implants. “With the hybrid, it screws into the implants so all the weight, all the structure, goes on the implant, down to the bone,” Dr. Richart explained. “I know people don’t like the term denture, but this is basically fixed into the implant,” said Dr. Richart, noting how it differs from what people often associate with the word denture. “It doesn’t come in and out. Rather, it stays in the mouth and is not removed at night or for eating. It allows people to eat and smile without worrying about their dentures popping out, which is a real fix.” A patient of Dr. Richart who was in her 90s had worn floating dentures for about 45 years. She didn’t have much bone, but the surgeon was able to put two small implants on the bottom to stabilize the lower denture. “It was amazing to her that she could do that,” said Dr. Richart. Some people may be concerned about addressing issues they have coped with for a while. Although they could continue to survive with the ailment or defect, they are forgoing the opportunity provided by these treatments. NORTHBRIDGE DENTAL OFFERS IMPLANT SUPPORTED RESTORATIONS By Molly Sherman SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT Northbridge Dental is located at 1164 Northbridge Drive in Charleston. To learn more, visit northbridgedentist.com.
34 | HealthLinksSC.com Get the daily assistance you need, while living as fully and independently as possible. You’ll enjoy comforting peace of mind, enriching social and recreational opportunities, and the pleasant company of neighbors who quickly become friends. Learn how we can assist you at KemptonofCharleston.com or schedule a visit at 854.201.3466. © 2023 Kempton ofCharleston ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE REHABILITATION | SKILLED NURSING 194 Spring Street Charleston, SC 29403 WELCOME new experiences and peace of mind Senior Living Choices offered by Liberty Senior Living 123047 kempton of charleston welcome new experiences ad-healthlinks.indd 1 2/9/23 10:10 AM EXCELLENCE. TRUST. FAMILY. At our friendly office, there really is no substitute for patient comfort and superior dental care. PERIODONTICS More than 30 years of leading the fight against gum disease. DENTAL IMPLANTS Our premier tooth replacement solution. SEDATION DENTISTRY Your comfort and relaxation is our priority. LANAP® Laser Dentistry High-tech treatment for the health of your gums. 843-766-7131 | charlestonperiodontics.com 2090 Charlie Hall Boulevard, Suite #100 Charleston, SC 29414 Jeffrey J. Laro DMD, MHS Jennifer B. Wade DDS, MSD Caleb J. Poston DMD, MSD
HealthLinksSC.com | 35 The quest for whiter and brighter teeth soared during the pandemic as people had more time and easy online access to products that promised perfect pearly whites. Now, between at-home strategies and more advanced procedures at dental offices, even more people are opting for whiter and brighter smiles. The teeth whitening market is expected to grow from $6.64 billion in 2022 to $8.55 billion by 2028, according to research conducted by The Insight Partners, which identifies itself as “a one-stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence.” For as little as $20 in one day to as much as a $1,000 procedure over one or two weeks, the transformation from dull to white can happen. Mount Pleasant resident Emily Brener, 31, explored several teeth whitening options before finding an at-home treatment that she now incorporates into her self-care routine. As the office manager at Water’s Edge Family Dentistry, Brener knew what to research. “I’m an avid coffee drinker who enjoys an occasional glass of red wine,” she said. “I know I could cut down my coffee intake, but this is not ideal for anyone who has to be around me, especially when there is such a simple solution – whitening.” PERFECTING YOUR PEARLY WHITES WITH THE WILL, THERE’S A WAY By Lisa Moody Breslin
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