COMPLIMENTARY MAY-AUGUST 2023 DISCOVERING OUR ‘U-PICK’ FARMS IS FUNGUS A THREAT? CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY ABBEVILLE | ANDERSON | CHEROKEE | GREENVILL | GREENW OD | LAU ENS | PICK NS | OCONEE | UNION | SPARTANBURG HOW NAPS BOOST THE BRAIN ‘REAL MEN. REAL DEPRESSION.’ UP S TAT E
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4 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com ISSUE 6.2 MAY-AUG 2023 UPSTATE 12 | POWER UP WITH A NAP We’ve all experienced it. That early afternoon, postlunch lull that can mean the difference between productivity and sleepiness. For some, the fix is simple: a power nap. 16 | BETTER HEALTH, LONGER LIFE With a love for the state and South Carolinians that runs deep, Dr. Brannon Traxler leads the way to better health. 22 | EATING HEALTHY ON A TIGHT BUDGET Despite the rising cost of groceries, you can still manage to eat healthy on a budget. It just requires a little planning and preparation. 24 | FORAGING 101 April Punsalan forages more than 50 edible and medicinal plants within two miles of her doorstep in Charleston. She can’t imagine life without foraging wild plants. Get some tips. 26 | BERRIES OFFER A ‘1-2 PUNCH’ Dr. Ann G. Kulze, bestselling author of “Dr. Ann’s 10 Step Diet” and “Dr. Ann’s Eat Right for Life” series has been an enthusiastic advocate of berries since the beginning of her venture into medicine. 28 | BERRIES AND PEACHES ABOUND Whether you want to pick them yourself or buy them roadside, South Carolina is rich with berries of all shapes and sizes. 42 | ADDICTED TO ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS More and more research points to the addictive elements of ultra-processed foods as well as their link to a number of cancers. 48 | GET UP AND OUT: PATIENTS PRESCRIBED EXERCISE Patients often expect to receive a prescription for medicine when they visit their doctor, but some doctors are now taking an innovative approach and prescribing exercise. 50 | CYCLE SYNCING An awareness of the different phases of the menstrual cycle helps women make choices that balance their hormones, optimize their energy levels and improve how they feel. 54 | THE TOLL OF FIGHT OR FLIGHT Acute stress, adrenaline rush, sudden anxiety: fight or flight in all forms can have significant effects – both good and bad – on our long-term health. 58 | CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS As the number of professional caregivers declines and there is more burnout among all the caregiving ranks, self-care has to come first. FEATURES
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 5 CONTENTS 60 | TIKTOK WELLNESS TRENDS Effective exercises, mental peace, stronger bones, sound sleep and whiter teeth – TikTok fans are finding, creating and following trends as they strive for better health. 62 | THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN’S DEPRESSION Though men comprise 49% of the population, they account for 80% of all suicides. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression, but men die by suicide three times more often. 66 | MEDICAL WASTE NEARS CRISIS Medical waste is not only looming, it could easily end up deciding whether we’ll face more global concerns or enjoy the benefits of medical stability. 70 | WHERE HAVE THE THERAPISTS GONE? Since there aren’t enough professional therapists to meet the dramatic increase in mental health concerns, people are seeking creative alternatives. 72 | TRAVEL OFFERS BRAIN BOOST Whether enjoying a relaxing cruise, a trip to an exotic country or a simple journey through the woods to Grandma’s house, escaping daily routines and surroundings, even for a short time, gives your brain a boost. 74 | PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN: FUNGAL INFECTIONS The World Health Organization released its first-ever list of 19 health-threatening fungi. Major factors contributing to more fungus among us: climate change and resistance to drugs. 80 | DOG’S GOT BOOT SCOOT? Scratching ears, licking feet, doing the boot scoot to ease rectal itching – these can all be signs that something is off with a dog’s gut health. DIRECTORIES Primary Care. .............................................................. 86 IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Note............................................................ 6 From the Editor............................................................. 7 Living Healthy Area Events........................................... 8 The Lighter Side of Health Care. ................................ 14 There's an App for That.............................................. 77 Unique Case................................................................ 78 Upstate Area Nonprofits............................................. 82 Faces & Places. ........................................................... 84 The Pulse on Charleston Nurses................................. 88 SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT Kudzu Medical: Taking Care of Your Health Care Staffing Needs........................................................32 Forum Health: Alternatives for Various Health Needs....35 Everyday Hormone Health..............................................36 Physical Therapy: Could It Be Your Pathway To Recovery?. . 38 Spartanburg Holistic Health: Still Offering Healing. .......40 Pruitt Health Now Offers Palliative Care.........................41 An Upgrade for Sportsclub Fitness & Wellness..............44 How to Prepare Your Pelvic Floor For Pregnancy. ..........46 Palmetto Proactive Offers Affordable and Accessible Care. 52 Upstate Hearing & Balance: Ensuring the Best Possible Outcomes.........................................................53 BY THE NUMBERS Depression in Men..........................................................64 Medical Waste. ...............................................................68 Fungal Pathogens...........................................................76
6 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com As a senior at McDaniel College, a small liberal arts school in Westminster, Maryland, I received an apt superlative from my peers, mentors and teachers in the English Department: Most Likely to Risk His Life for the Sake of a Story. At the time, I thought: “What the hell? I’ve spent years pouring myself into these people and this department, and that is the best they can come up with? Most Likely to Win the Pulitzer Prize and Change the World is more like it!” Long story short, since college, I’ve risked my life for the sake of a story more times than I can count, but I’m still without a Pulitzer and haven’t, to my knowledge, saved the world. Those academics are so damn intuitive. Aside from a demonstration of my lack of self-awareness and foresight, this story also sets the stage for my recent visit to my primary care doctor. It was an early spring Monday morning when I stumbled into my doctor’s office for my annual physical. Dry mouth and forehead percussions – remnants of the previous “Sunday Funday,” still lingered. My doctor and I discussed my mental and physical health, and we both agreed that, overall, I am quite healthy for 33. “But wait, when’s the last time you had any bloodwork done?” my doctor inquired. Not completely sure how to answer, I simply shrugged. He suggested that I stick around for some bloodwork, and, with my first meeting of the day still 30 minutes away, I agreed. “Cullen. Your cholesterol is up a good bit. You need to make lifestyle changes or go on a statin.” My blood test was back, and I just kept reading the doctor’s words, which didn’t make any sense. I work out every day and have a metabolism faster than Usain Bolt. Here I am thinking my arteries are flowing stronger than the Mississippi, and he’s telling me I could be at risk for a stroke or heart attack? It’s quite disarming when you are so confident in something like your health, and you learn that there’s a major gap between your perception and the truth. My biggest frustration is that I’ve become an example of exactly what I preach to others to avoid: Don’t wait until you are diagnosed with an ailment or disease to start being proactive about your health. I’ve been shouting this from the rooftops since the inception of HealthLinks, and here I am, the hypocrite with a 177 LDL cholesterol level. I hope my words aren’t too high in cholesterol, because I surely will be eating them. I began to discuss my cholesterol issue with those closest to me. My wife said that I needed to make dietary adjustments. My golf partner/good buddy, laughed, handed me a beer and told me “welcome to America.” She’s a doctor, and he, well, he’s certainly not. My wife also assured me that small changes could make a massive difference in cholesterol levels and that I was, most likely, not going to have a stroke anytime soon. Enter fish, grains, nuts, veggies. Exit alcohol, pizza and butter. Turns out, I guess I can still risk my life for the sake of a good story, but no chicken wing in hand this time. Cheers to Good Better Heath, Cullen Murray-Kemp, Publisher Cul len Murray Kemp UPSTATE Publisher CULLEN MURRAY-KEMP [email protected] Managing Editor LISA BRESLIN Assistant Editor MOLLY SHERMAN Copy Editor BRIAN SHERMAN Art Director KIM HALL Webmaster GEORGE CONKLIN Sales Manager MANDY WILLIS [email protected] Photography Partner CARIN SCATES carinscates.com Writers Media Consultant BRANDON CLARK [email protected] Distribution Manager Latrale Gunther – [email protected] Distribution: C&R Marketing Administration & Bookkeeping GINGER SOTTILE Distribution U.S. Post Office, Harris Teeter, Ingles, CVS, Food Lion, Medical Offices TO ADVERTISE IN HEALTHLINKS UPSTATE PLEASE CALL 864-612-7694 MEDICAL MARKETING GROUP HealthLinks Upstate reserves the right to refuse advertisements. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply the service or product is recommended or endorsed by HealthLinks Upstate. 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] Issue 6.2 MAY-AUGUST 2023 JANET PERRIGO L.C. LEACH III AMY GESELL COLIN MCCANDLESS ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA MOLLY SHERMAN LISA BRESLIN BILL FARLEY CATHERINE KAUFMANN LINDA ESTERSON LISA WACK PUBLISHER'S NOTE Scan to discover our other HealthLinks platforms!
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 7 FROM THE EDITOR As the editorial team and I created this robust issue of HealthLinks Upstate, Ella Fitzgerald’s smooth, jazzy version of George Gershwin’s “Summertime” continuously rolled through my head: “Summertime and the livin’ is easy. Fish are jumping and the cotton is high.” The song captures the lulling pace that I hope warm temperatures will bring to your lives. If the pace of May, June, July and August slows, I hope you will have this issue near. You will discover helpful advice and resources from local experts – better health: longer life; caring for caregivers; eating healthy on a tight budget; power naps. You’ll find stories that might stun you – health-threatening fungi; men’s depression; medical waste woes; addiction to processed foods. There are words of caution – the toll of fight or flight; where have the therapists gone? And with each page turn, you will probably be inspired to add more adventure to your life – travel boosts the brain; Foraging 101; TikTok wellness trends. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared their expertise and their personal experiences with HealthLinks reporters. The stories in this issue are your stories. As a result, as “Summertime” suggests, “One of these mornings [readers] will rise up singing. Yes, [they’ll] spread [their] wings and take to the sky. To simple pleasures and good health, Lisa Breslin, Managing Editor MAY-AUGUST 2023 Volume 6, Issue 12 • MAY-AUGUST 2023 www.UpstatePhysiciansSC.com HealthLinks UPSTATE COMPLIMENTARY MAY-AUGUST 2023 DISCOVERING OUR “U-PICK” FARMS IS FUNGUS A THREAT? CHARLESTON | DORCHESTER | BERKELEY ABBEVILLE | ANDERSON | CHEROKEE | GREENVILL | GREENW OD | LAU ENS | PICK NS | OCONEE | UNION | SPARTANBURG HOW NAPS BOOST THE BRAIN ‘REAL MEN. REAL DEPRESSION.’ ealthLinks UPSTATE UP S TAT E UPSTATE Source: National Institute of Mental Health 'Real Men. Real Depression' STAY HEALTHY & STAY INFORMED WITH THE MOST TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR UNBIASED, LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION: Interested in Advertising? Questions about being featured? Contact Mandy Waters Willis UpstatePhysiciansSC.com (864) 612-7694 [email protected]
8 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com HEALTHY AREA EVENTS l ving JUNE 1 Breast Cancer Support Group Noon Cancer Society of Greenville County 113 Mills Ave., Greenville The Cancer Society of Greenville offers a support group for women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, are going through treatment or have already completed treatment. Its goal is to offer a safe and gentle outlet for the expression of the intense thoughts and feelings that come with a cancer diagnosis. To learn more: cancersocietygc.org. MAY 6 Reedy River Duck Derby 11 a.m. Falls Park, Greenville Adopt a rubber duckie and cheer him or her on as thousands are released into the Reedy River in a race to the finish. Prizes for winning ducks include groceries for a year from Publix, one of two cash prizes, a year’s worth of doughnuts from Duck Donuts, movie tickets and more. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Reedy River Greenville. Proceeds are donated to many local charities. To learn more: duckrace.com/Greenville. MAY 13 Ag + Art Tour Lancaster 10 a.m. Various tour sites Designed to celebrate and explore South Carolina’s culture of agriculture, enjoy free, self-guided tours of local farms and markets, with each stop featuring the work of some of Lancaster’s best artisans. To learn more: agandarttour.com/Lancaster. MAY 6 14th Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fort Mill Join the celebration of Fort Mill’s favorite fruit. Early birds can enjoy a strawberry pancake breakfast or peruse the food trucks as the afternoon continues with live music, rides, stage events, a car show and recipe and eating contests. To learn more: scstrawberryfestival.com.
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 9 JUNE 4 Monkee’s of the West End Fore K 6:30 p.m. Thornblade Club 1275 Thornblade Blvd., Greer This 4K kicks off a weeklong celebration of the BMW Charity Pro Am. Registered runners receive two complimentary daily tickets to the tournament and a race T-shirt. Race through the grounds of the Thornblade club and receive your finishers’ medal as drinks and snacks await. Stroller and dog friendly. Register: runsignup.com/Race/SC/ Greer/PureBarreForeK JUNE 7 AND 21 Veterans Connection Support Group NAMI 130 Industrial Drive, Greenville A support group for veterans from all branches of the military, NAMI Greenville offers a space to discuss the mental health issues that can affect the lives of former military. Sharing experiences, assisting with coping skills and offering other resources, NAMI Greenville welcomes veterans on the first and third Wednesday of every month. To learn more: namigreenvillesc.org. FRIDAY NIGHTS IN JUNE www.cityofinman.org
10 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com JULY 14 Ride to end ALZ A three-day, 252-mile group cycling ride from Simpsonville to Charleston to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. To learn more: act.alz.org. JUNE 10 Rock the Ranch Music Festival 1 p.m. 155 Charlie B Farm Road, Senaca Rock the Ranch brings you a live music festival benefiting The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Shriners Hospital for Children. The Ranch revives its 70s roots, when they hosted such bands as Fleetwood Mac, ZZ Top, The Marshall Tucker Band and more. Headlining this year’s festival is The Band of Heathens, and Rock the Ranch is adding to the lineup. To learn more: rocktheranchmusicfest.com. JULY 1 America's 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run 8 a.m. Anderson County Courthouse 100 Main St. Starting at the Courthouse Square, this rolling and hilly, in-andout course is sure to challenge. Proceeds from this event go to Operation Active Kids O.A.K. Program of Anderson. To learn more: runsignup.com/Race/SC/Anderson/Americas5K. JUNE 8-11 BMW Charity Pro-Am 7 a.m. This golf tournament benefiting local charities brings together 160 celebrities and amateurs and 160 pros in a four-day match, played on two courses as they battle it out for bragging rights and a high-stakes purse. Proceeds benefit Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, Roper Mountain Science Center, Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, Meyer Center for Special Children and Cancer Society of Greenville County. To learn more: bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en/charity-golf.html AUGUST 8 Mobile Mammography Immediate Care Center 3611 Pelham Road, Greenville Mobile mammography makes lifesaving mammograms available to women who may not have access to care because they lack time, transportation, insurance coverage or awareness. You are eligible for a mobile mammogram if you: are a woman age 40 or older; not pregnant or breastfeeding; can walk up the mammography unit’s stairs; do not have a history of cancer; and have no breast implants or current signs or symptoms of the breast. To schedule an appointment, call 864-560-7777 AUGUST 24 C. Dan Joyner Mission Backpack 5K and Walk Race 8 a.m. AUGUST 5 Run 2 Overcome 6 a.m. This run benefits The Julie Valentine Center, whose mission is to stop sexual violence and child abuse through prevention and advocacy. To learn more: runsignup.com/Race/SC/Greenville/Run2Overcome. The 8th annual C. Dan Joyner Mission Backpack 5K race and walk is a family event that features bounce houses, sprinklers, bubbles and a special visit by the Peanut Butter and Jelly Man. 5K and Walk Race participants will gather downstairs at the Activities & Youth Ministry Center before heading out to the recreation fields and Swamp Rabbit Trail. To learn more: raceentry.com/c-dan-joyner-mission-backpack-5k-and-walk/race-information#!
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 11 www.healthlinkspodcast.com Fitness for Everyone. That’s what we’re all about. powered by • 3 Upstate Locations • State of the Art Fitness Equipment • Nationally Certified Personal Trainers • Aquatics Programs • Tennis and Junior Tennis Programs • Racquetball and Pickleball • 250+ Group Fitness Classes per Week • Childcare, Summer Camps, and After School www.SPORTSCLUBSC.com
12 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com POWER UP WITH A NAP By Linda L. Esterson We’ve all experienced it. That early afternoon, post-lunch lull that can mean the difference between tremendous productivity and exasperating sleepiness. For some, the fix is simple: a power nap. A nap is considered any act of sleeping for a short period of time. A power nap is limited to under 30 minutes, according to Jessica Lee, M.D., a double board-certified otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon with Charleston ENT & Allergy. These quick respites can be just what’s needed for those who don’t get enough sleep at night. On average, humans require seven to nine hours of sleep to maintain the body’s circadian rhythm, the natural process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. “That’s not always feasible for all of us all of the time,” said Allison Wilkerson, Ph.D., clinical director of the Sleep and Anxiety Treatment and Research Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. “Life gets in the way for most of the population, so power naps can be beneficial.”
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 13 Regardless of whether you eat lunch, the afternoon dip occurs between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., Dr. Wilkerson attested. Alertness plummets and sleepiness increases without the proper rest overnight. With a few hours left of the workday, the power nap becomes the perfect prescription. “If you can make it through that period, your alertness increases,” noted Dr. Wilkerson, who turned to power naps herself during graduate school and later when training for a half-marathon. She pointed out that people are most alert from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. “That’s why we have prime time television. That’s why your inbox gets inundated with sales flash emails. The marketing world knows that we’re awake and we’re alert and we’re probably not working,” she explained. Dr. Wilkerson suggested a quick lunch and a short power nap for optimum wakefulness and productivity and the ability to take better advantage of that prime time of wakefulness. The power nap also delivers a boost in energy and mood, according to Dr. Lee, who is also certified in lifestyle medicine. Physiologically, the mid-day nap reduces adenosine pressure, a chemical that builds in the body during waking hours and at its peak causes sleepiness. “If you take a short power nap, you can drop it (sleep pressure) down about 10%, and you don’t feel as sleepy,” she explained. “Your sleepiness sensation is postponed.” Companies such as Nike, Facebook and Ben & Jerry’s encourage power napping to increase productivity. Some, including Google, have gone as far as creating sleep pods, which provide designated, soundproof areas for employees to nap. What’s the best way to power nap? Dr. Lee offered some tips to nap at the office. • Darkness - Pull the shades, close the door and turn off the computer monitor and other electronic devices. • Quiet - Opt for noise-canceling earbuds or headphones to block out sounds from around the office. • Comfort - Try to mimic night sleeping positions as much as possible. Bring a small pillow and a yoga mat if a sofa is unavailable. • Sleep tracker - Use a device to determine sleep latency, or how long it takes to be completely still. Try different nap durations – 20 to 30 minutes – until you find an ideal scenario. • Support - Make sure your supervisor is aware and that you’re napping during down periods. Research studies have evaluated the effectiveness of power napping, with many findings supporting the cognitive benefits of napping. A study from the School of Psychology at Flinders University in Australia evaluating the benefits of power naps found that the 10-minute nap produced immediate improvements in sleep latency, subjective sleepiness, fatigue, vigor and cognitive performance, with some of the benefits maintained for as long as 155 minutes. Twenty and 30-minute durations elicited improvements after a period of impaired alertness upon wakening. Newer studies are focusing on the behavior of athletes, who historically need more sleep because of the physical exertion their jobs require. Athletes as well as shift workers have modified the power nap to the “caffeine nap,” which incorporates drinking a bit of caffeine prior to the power nap to amplify its effectiveness. A 2021 study found that caffeine intake followed by a short nap resulted in better sprint performances than caffeine or a short nap alone. Taking a nap that is too long may impact your chance for a good night’s rest that evening, and naps are not recommended for those with insomnia and already have difficulty falling and staying asleep at night. As helpful as the power nap can be, experts suggest avoiding using them habitually. Dr. Lee noted, “If you stayed up late on a work deadline or you’re not feeling well, a 30-minute nap during the day can be helpful.” FINALLY Hearing care you can trust your ears to. We focus on reconnecting you with what matters by offering: • Flexible Care Plans • Hearing Tests • Dizziness/Vertigo Evaluation • Tinnitus Treatment • And Much More! Call to schedule your appointment, and hear what you’ve been missing. 864.770.8822 25 Woods Lake Rd, Ste 401, Greenville UpstateHearingAndBalance.com
14 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com We all know that the “power nap” has a long and honorable history. Most of us experienced our first official ones at an early age – generally 4 or 5 years old – during kindergarten. The “nap” as it was simply called back then, before its “power” had been identified and recognized by science, was a minislumber for toddlers who were often worn out from hours of hurling building blocks and crayons at one another and around the schoolroom. Or was it??? One school of thought claims that the nap was first devised as a break for teachers, who needed a few blessed moments away from their rowdy charges. Mr. Jones or Ms. Smith could sneak off for a refreshing cup of tea or – perish the thought – a quick Marlboro or two and often even have enough time to put their own heads down on their desks for a few minutes before waking their sleeping students. Back in those halcyon days, many pint-sized pupils assumed that nap time was their birthright and would continue forever. Alas, this was not to be. Once under the lash of their brutal first grade teachers, napping was a no-no. Despite their tender ages, kids were expected – nay, required – to remain seated upright, eyes wide open for long hours at a time while their relentless teachers drummed the “three Rs” into their heads. This sorry state of affairs continued until at least middle school for most. Then came high school and the nap began its comeback. Most students had schedules with free periods, useful for an array of activities, from eating to playing a sport to just lying down under a tree for a welcome snooze. If college was on the agenda, everyone had to rethink the power nap. If a professor “taught from the textbook” on his subject, you could pretty much sleep through each lecture. If not, you’d better be on your toes. He or she might call on you, and you’d be expected to know at least the subject being discussed. Once in the business world, the power nap persisted for many of us. Quite a few employers even endorsed them. Of course, traffic cops, professional jugglers and cardiovascular surgeons were discouraged from the practice while on duty. I myself once took a temporary job replacing someone who had moved up the corporate ladder. I inherited not only his office but his old, extremely comfortable 9-foot-long leather couch. There, I power-napped blissfully almost every afternoon, after closing my door and sending all my calls to voicemail. I felt a bit guilty about my slumbers until the day our head of security burst in shouting “Get down! Get down!” He was already “down” himself, duck-walking around my desk, his sidearm at hand. Silently he raised his pistol to point at my huge picture window – the one with the beautiful view and now with a clean little hole with a splintered glass halo around it drilled right by my desk chair. If I’d been seated there hard at work instead of having a great power nap on my new couch, I might have become the late, hopefully lamented, Dr. Duke. In the end, although the building took half a dozen hits, no one was injured. In a distant copse, a teenage boy had been trying out his new .22 on the neighborhood squirrels. Apparently, no one had advised him that when you miss the squirrel, the bullet keep on going, eventually falling to the ground or, more likely, hitting something else on its path – like a high-rise building filled with people. So, do I approve of power naps? You bet I do. Power naps and never, ever sitting at a desk that’s next to a window where squirrels and dummies with rifles are around. THE LIGHTER SIDE OF HEALTH CARE By Dr. Duke POWER NAPS
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 15 I’m Sick... I need a doctor... NEED A DOCTOR? www.UpstatePhysiciansSC.com Fill out our simple form and within 24 Hours you will be contacted by one of our Physician Partners. UPSTATE NATURAL HEALTH 1218 John B. White Sr. Blvd, Suite D, Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-626-0733 | Upstatenaturalhealth.com DR. WELLS BLOOD SUGAR PROTOCOL SAVE 10% Use promo code: HHL23 Dr. Sherian Wells, PhD, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner Holistic health is a great way to approach understanding and improving your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. By booking a holistic health visit with me, you are embarking on a journey to discover what works best for you. I strive to create an enjoyable and safe environment that nurtures growth. During this visit I will assess your current needs in the context of your lifestyle and set achievable goals that can be modified as needed. Working together, we can create a personalized care plan that incorporates the latest evidence-based practices tailored just for you. Book a Holistic Health Visit with me today to take control of your holistic health. Ask About IV Hydration Therapy, Wellness Visits, Reiki, Cranial Sacral, And Bowen’s Therapy *APPOINTMENT REQUIRED*
16 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com When Dr. Brannon Traxler became the director of public health for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in April 2021, there was no way for her to ease slowly into her new role. The pandemic was in full roar. Heroic, exhausted nurses were leaving the profession in record numbers, and, as Dr. Traxler knew well, before COVID-19, the country was already 100,000 nurses short. Great strides toward better health were unfolding, including DHEC’s national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board, but South Carolina wasn’t faring as well as Dr. Traxler wanted it to with internal, statewide and national health and well-being assessments. In its third consecutive year of researching all 50 U.S. states to determine its annual Community Well-Being Index, digital health company Sharecare and the Boston University School of Public Health recently placed South Carolina at No. 40 – identical to its rating in 2020 but four notches down from 2019. LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE PROPELS DR. BRANNON TRAXLER Dr. Brannon Traxler By Lisa Moody Breslin
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 17 Yet, with a love for the state and South Carolinians that runs as deep as her education and professional experience run wide, Dr. Traxler welcomed working with the team of experts at DHEC and with residents to turn around problems that didn’t happen overnight. “What I love most about this job is the people I work with. They are an amazing team that shined during the pandemic,” Dr. Traxler said. “They are brilliant strategists and are helping people.” Dr. Traxler also appreciates “the variety that comes with this job,” she said. “I have eight meetings on the schedule today and they are all about different topics,” she added as an email rolled in letting her know that there was an issue, a “little bit of a crisis,” as she spoke. The state is navigating the continuous opioid epidemic, an increase in mental and behavioral health issues and a growing disparity in quality and access to health care, Traxler confirmed. The leading causes of death in the state are cancer and chronic diseases such as heart disease and cardiovascular disease. “South Carolina has its overwhelming challenges,” Dr. Traxler said. “My work here goes back to loving the state and the people in it. I want everyone to have better quality of life and length of life, and I want us to show the country what we are capable of.” The “we” in her comment is not just DHEC’s team of experts and community partners – it’s also South Carolinians. To live longer and to have quality life, all residents need to step up, according to Dr. Traxler. She and her family members are already walking the walk she talks. “I went through the pandemic with a toddler,” Dr. Traxler said. “I’m not going to ask parents to do something that I’m not willing to do myself.” When it came to the COVID vaccines, Dr. Traxler was eager for her 2-year-old daughter, Lucy, to have them. “She was actually in clinical trials. She did the original series, and my husband and I were excited to discover she received the real, FDA-approved vaccine [rather than a placebo],” Dr. Traxler said. “I give credit to my husband, Tony Roach, for staying well-informed and for trusting my recommendation,” she added. DR. TRAXLER’S ADVICE TO PARENTS: • Preventive health care - Do as much of it as you can. A big component of prevention is immunizations. “If you are worried about the risk, please know that you don’t want to face the realities that accompany polio and whooping cough.” • Go for wellness checks - Be sure that your children are on track for growth and development. “I’m not a pediatrician, but I trust every bit of my pediatrician’s advice and guidance. Find a provider you trust who can know your child.” • Take safety measures - » Sleeping infants - Infants should be on their back on a flat surface, with nothing in the crib until the child is a year old. “Lucy’s first item in the crib was ‘Puppy,’ which is a blanket with a dog’s head,” Dr. Traxler said. “She didn’t get it until the night of her first birthday. I think we are on our fourth one now.” » Car seats - Parents should be sure that car seats are installed properly – for grandparents’ cars, too. “I describe myself as a ‘reformed surgeon’ after doing a lot of trauma care,” Traxler explained. “The worst cases were the ones that involved children who were not fastened into safety seats correctly.” » Helmets - Parents should be sure their children wear helmets while on bikes, scooters and ATVs. » Swimming - Especially if children live near or play in water, they should learn how to swim. DR. TRAXLER’S ADVICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC: • Know CPR - This lifesaving skill has changed over the years. Mouth to mouth resuscitation is no longer used, for example. “We all need to know CPR – everybody, not just medical people,” said Dr. Traxler. “We all need the skills, and we have to be willing to use them without hesitation.” • Get up and move around - Couch potatoes and semicouch potatoes: Get up and exercise on a regular basis – a half hour several days a week. “I’m a desk potato and sometimes I find it hard to do this,” Dr. Traxler admitted. • Ditch caffeine and go for water. • Forget the fad diet and look at calories instead. • For mental health, take advantage of options beyond the one-to-one sessions - “Mental and behavioral health are huge concerns right now. And the issues look different for everyone,” Dr. Traxler explained. “But there are waiting lists for therapists, so people need to think about alternatives – zoom sessions, phone calls, support groups – so they don’t have to wait.” • Seek accurate information - “South Carolinians face misinformation every day that can jeopardize their health and well-being. Our state is not alone,” Dr. Traxler explained. “We have well-informed members of society in trusted roles – faith-based leaders, barbers, hairdressers and coaches who need to step in.” “Accurate information is more powerful when it comes from your preacher or your barber more than me because there is a level of trust,” she added. “A person might not listen to the first person who offers accurate information or advice, but, after multiple people they trust tell them in a nonconfrontational way, they will probably hear it and heed it.”
18 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com It has taken centuries and many factors for South Carolina’s health, well-being and environmental concerns to rise to where they are today, Dr. Traxler confirmed. “There is not an overnight fix,” she added. “But we will continue to meet the challenges and discover solutions, and with each stride we will be intentional. It is not good enough to improve overall if disparity increases, too.” Resources: scdhec.gov/about-dhec/agency-plans-reports/bridge-strategic-plan-2022-2024 scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/CR-003160_Short.pdf livehealthy.sc.gov/ HEALTH DEPARTMENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is the government agency responsible for public health, health care quality and the environment in the state. South Carolina has a centralized public health system. Each county has its own health department, and DHEC runs all of those departments. Birth certificates, death certificates, immunizations, family planning – the list of patient-oriented services and resources that flow from each department expands as Five Most Important Community Health Concerns Overweight/Obesity Diabetes High Blood Pressure Drug Use Cancer Five Most Important Factors for a Healthy Community Access to Affordable Health Care Good Jobs/Healthy Economy Access to Healthy and Affordable Foods Acceptance of All People Strong Faith and Fellowship 52.8% 47.1% 33.3% 30.5% 30.3% 55.5% 43.3% 42.2% 26.5% 20.3% ASSESSMENT RESULTS
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 19 residents’ needs expand. DHEC also does surveillance for all communicable diseases and moves swiftly if there is an outbreak like the RSV outbreak in fall 2022 that hit child-care facilities and then many residents across the state. The department compiles the South Carolina flu data for a weekly surveillance report called, Flu Watch, which is shared each Wednesday on its website. DHEC also reports confirmed cases of monkeypox daily to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A link to the CDC’s MPOX tracker map that confirms current cases by state is available on DHEC’s website as well. DURING DHEC’S ACCREDITATION PROCESS, IT IMPROVED SEVERAL CORE SERVICES, INCLUDING: • Launching a new immunization information system to help the agency and immunization providers ensure access and availability of essential immunizations to help keep South Carolinians healthy. • Spearheading the successful statewide transition to eWIC, providing South Carolina families that qualify for Women, Infants and Children services better access to healthy foods. South Carolina’s WIC program aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating and referrals for health care. • Collaborating with community partners across the state to develop a comprehensive statewide health improvement plan, Live Healthy SC. This plan, published in 2018, is currently being updated. Community members are encouraged to provide input online. For more information about DHEC resources, services, programs and the team that delivers it all, visit scdhec.gov.
20 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com B O U T I Q U E C L O T H I N G A N D G I F T S H O P rusticjemaboutique.com Rustic Jem a Boutique 4A Mill St., Inman, SC BRING THIS AD FOR 10% OFF Rustic Jem is a small boutique located in the heart of downtown Inman, South Carolina. When shopping at Rustic Jem you'll experince a true small-town, family friendly feel. In addition to the various trendy items we carry, we also have several unique local vendors that have items perfect for you and your family! Come and see us! Come visit our new location at 21 Mill St. on June1st We help patients with scoliosis and spine deformities, limb and foot deformities, hip disorders, fractures, and bone and joint infections. David Lazarus, MD Michael Beckish, MD Christopher Bray, MD Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
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22 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com Although inflation has been easing a bit, grocery bills are still high, and sometimes eating healthy food can seem pricier than grabbing less nutritious supermarket options. Despite rising costs, you can still manage to eat healthy on a budget. It just requires a little planning and preparation. “It’s important to understand that healthy eating does not have to be more expensive than eating out,” said Joanna Smyers, a registered dietitian with Bon Secours St. Francis in Greenville. “It can save time. It can save money, especially if you’re cooking in bulk or planning meals ahead of time.” Smyers recommended focusing meal planning on lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nonstarchy vegetables, fruits and complex carbs – foods that will provide your body with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. You want to eliminate foods with saturated fats such as high-fat proteins or processed, fatty or fried foods. This approach has the added benefit of helping with potential medical concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nutrition-related diseases including heart disease and obesity. Smyers suggested beans and legumes as two great protein sources. SHOPPING HEALTHY: By Colin McCandless NUTRITIOUS MEALS THAT DON’T STRAIN YOUR BUDGET
www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 23 “Those are easy to prepare, especially if you do the low-sodium canned beans,” she said. Lentils offer another quick, convenient option to use in making soups, which are filling and offer a great way to incorporate proteins and nonstarchy veggies. They can help limit your calorie intake and involve foods that are typically low in fats and sugars, said Smyers. You can add canned veggies to soups as well – just make sure to read the labels to ensure they won’t add a ton of sodium to your diet. Regularly cooking with nonstarchy vegetables is key to eating healthy on a budget. Foods that are high in protein and fiber keep you satiated for longer because they take more time to digest and break down, reducing the need for snacking. “It makes us feel fuller longer,” explained Smyers, who also owns a nutrition counseling business called The Food Nerdette. Chelsei James, a nutritionist with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, encourages people to plan ahead for meals and use what’s in your pantry as a starting point. Bring a grocery list with you but be prepared to make financially savvy adjustments. James and Smyers both advised to pay attention to store sales and circulars and be flexible. If you had your heart set on peaches but apples are on sale, buy the apples, said James. The same strategy applies for the meat department, where Smyers noted that you might encounter markeddown meat prices. Be adaptable and swap that chicken breast you wanted for the manager’s special pork chops. Both recommend bulk buying, such as a 5-pound bag of rice instead of a 1-pound bag or bulk buying seasonal produce and freezing some of it. Another tip is to prepare foods in bulk like a large pot of soup or repurposing leftovers, especially carbohydrates such as rice, giving you the option of a rice grain bowl one night and a stir fry the next, said Smyers – or pasta combos topped with meats or veggies. Leah Price, another registered dietitian with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, said individuals should consider where they shop and be realistic about whether it is meeting their nutritional and budgetary needs. Another move that can benefit your finances entails choosing a store brand over a name brand, especially for staple pantry items, Price advised. It can make a noticeable financial difference. ADOPTING BUDGET-FRIENDLY HEALTHY EATING HABITS Another way to make eating healthy more budget-friendly involves adopting healthy eating habits. One approach is incorporating more plant-based proteins into your diet such as lentils and legumes that are high in fiber and low in saturated fatty acids, according to Price. She suggested minor changes such as going meatless on “taco Tuesday” and switching up that ground beef for beans or substituting chick peas for the chicken in your chicken salad. This will not only save you a few bucks but, because these foods are protein-rich, they will keep you satiated longer. It is also important to be mindful of portion sizes when preparing food, according to Smyers. Additionally, eating without distractions such as scrolling on your phone can help prevent you from mindlessly eating, she said. Both of these habits can lead to leftovers and save you money. James emphasized drinking more water and less sodas and juices, which will not only make you more hydrated but is also good for the skin. Price added that when buying produce, paying attention to what’s in season can help lower your grocery bills as well. RESOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE, HEALTHY EATING DHEC offers numerous resources to help with affordable, healthy eating options. Price said the agency’s texting platform, Text2bWell, allows individuals to enroll in a subscription plan that addresses issues encompassing fitness and nutrition. It also features healthy eating videos and opportunities to request quick and easy healthy recipes and budget-saving tips. Another helpful web tool is the DHEC-SNAP Education Team’s cookbook, “Eating Healthy in a SNAP,” which contains healthy recipes that are simple and cost-effective, James noted. “It’s a really good starting point,” she said. The SNAP Ed Department also provides online maps showing farmers markets and food pantries in different counties statewide. In the Charleston area, Smyers touted the Lowcountry Food Bank as a valuable resource for its cooking classes, healthy pantry and tips for buying groceries on a budget. James and Smyers both recommended FoodShare South Carolina – foodsharesc.org – as an option for people who are struggling with access to affordable produce. The organization offers Fresh Food Boxes available at cost that are filled with nine to 11 rotating varieties of fresh fruits and veggies, including recipes, tips and nutrition notes to encourage healthier eating. If you are able to get a Fresh Food Box, Price advised taking steps to reduce food waste such as freezing or canning foods. This will keep the produce from spoiling and extend its use. James added that you can get creative with frozen fruits, using them for smoothies and banana bread, for example. Price suggested using online grocery ordering services as a tool to gauge potential supermarket bills. Sites such as Walmart’s give a cost estimate, providing you the opportunity to see how much $50 can buy. “It’s especially helpful for SNAP recipients to help with your budget and spend and distribute dollars,” she said. Focus meal planning on lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nonstarchy vegetables, fruits and complex carbs – foods that will provide your body with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
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