december hattiesburg healthy cells 2011

DECEMBER 2011 FREEareaPromotingHealthier Living in Your Community • Physical • Emotional • Nutritional

PINE BELT

Have Yourself a Stress-Free Holiday pg. 6

Fight Cancer WithDelicious Food pg. 8

Chiropractic Advice for Moms-to-be pg. 10

The Davis-Morris Law Firm is Your

Disability Law Firm page 12

HealthyCellsM A G A Z I N Ewww.heal thycel lspinebel t .com

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December2011—PineBelt—HealthyCellsMagazine—Page3www.healthycellspinebelt.com

letter from editor

Merry Christmas!Welcome to the December Issue of Healthy Cells Magazine. It is hard to believe this is my third Holiday Issue. I am truly grateful to all my advertisers who have supported this publication, so that it can be provided FREE to all the readers. It’s sort of their gift to you, so when you are making choices about businesses to frequent, please remember these advertisers, and thank them for their support.

I have been very blessed throughout my life. Not by events and cir-cumstances that have always worked out favorable for me in the moment, but by the ability to have faith in God’s word that says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

From an early age I was taught to see the good in people and leave the rest, Period! Healthy Cells Magazine has given me the opportunity to meet some amazingly good people who are in the same habit. In the 3-1/2 years since migrating to the south to escape the harsh Illinois winters, and to be a Godly grandmother, I have had the privilege of seeing “Southern Hospitality” at it’s finest.

With so much information bombarding us and vying for our attention, sometimes it is hard to step back and see all the good that is hap-pening. That is why I took some time and allowed space to show a spattering of ways regular everyday people throughout our commu-nity are making a difference. I call it “A Few of My FavoriteThings.”

As you read through this month’s issue of Healthy Cells Magazine, it is my hope you will find the information useful, educating and enter-taining. And perhaps you and your family can create your own “Fa-vorite Things Tradition.”

I pray you will be blessed this Christmas Season and you will bless others.

Carolyn Jones - PrimeauxCarolyn Jones-Primeaux

P. S. Please like Healthy Cells Magazine-South Mississippi and watch for Free Stuff and great information in the new year.

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CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

The Davis-Morris Law Firm is Your Disability Law Firm page 12

This Month’s Cover Story:Volume 2, Issue 12

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Letter From EditorMerry Christmas

Winter Wonderland:Start to the Holidays!

Emotional:Have Yourself A Stress-Free Holiday

Nutritional:Fight Cancer with Delicious Food

Physical:Chiropractic Advice for Moms-to-Be

Body Health:Know the Different Types of Heel Pain

Patient Health:Annual Wellness Exam Now Covered By Medicare

Hearing Loss:The Hearing Help-Seeking Process

The Spirit of Giving:The Power of a Simple Gift

Financial Health:Medicare, Medicaid…

Weight Loss:LAP-BAND System

Medication:Houston, We Have a Problem…

Make A Difference:The Gift of Vision!

Insurance:Guide to Medicare Coverage

Advanced Technology:Blade-Free Cataract Surgery

Diet ProgramA Healthy Approach to Losing Weight

Senior Living:Its Christmas in Assisted Living Communities Too!

Community Outreach:Wesley Medical Center Raises Almost $5000 for Breast Cancer Research

D E C E M B E R

Healthy Cells Magazine is intended to heighten awareness of health and fitness information and does not sug-gest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for medical attention. See your healthcare pro-fessional for medical advice and treatment. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed by the columnists, advertisers, and contributors to Healthy Cells Magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or publisher.

Healthy Cells Magazine is available FREE in high traffic locations, including major grocery stores throughout the Pine Belt as well as hospitals, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, and health clubs. Healthy Cells Magazine is published monthly. Healthy Cells Magazine welcomes contributions pertaining to healthier living in the Pine Belt of Mississippi. Limelight Communications, Inc. assumes no responsibility for their publication or return. Solicita-tions for articles shall pertain to physical, emotional, and nutritional health only.

Mission: The objective of Healthy Cells Magazine is to promote a stronger health-conscious community by means of offering education and support through the cooperative efforts among esteemed health and fitness professionals in the Pine Belt.

Cover and story photos by JRichards Originals

2011

For information about this publication, contact Carolyn Jones-PrimeauxBlueMoonMarketingat601-467-3487orhealthycellspinebelt@gmail.com

www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Healthy Cells Magazine is a division of:

1711 W. Detweiller Dr., Peoria, IL 61615, Ph: 309-681-4418 Fax: [email protected]

I wish to thank all the advertisers for their gracious support of Healthy Cells Magazine in our mission to bring positive health related information to our readers. With their generous support we are able to provide this publication FREE to you. —Carolyn Jones-Primeaux

...choose you this day whom you will serve,

...But as for me and my house, we will serve

the LORD. Joshua24: 15, NKJV


winter wonderland

Join Forrest General, the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meis-tersinger Chorus and Orchestra, the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings, La Studio Academy of Dance, On Your Toes Dance Studio and

more at Winter Wonderland – a magical holiday event that is becoming a tradition for Pine Belt families! The second annual Winter Wonderland, to be held December 9 and 10, will celebrate Forrest General’s family-centered care with family-centered fun! Inspire the imagination and usher in the holiday spirit during the Christmas Village activities, where young ones will take home their own magical reindeer food and ornaments, sample delicious treats in Mrs. Claus’ Sweet Shoppe and be entertained by the sights and sounds of Victorian carolers and other costumed char-acters. Children can get a head start on their wish lists by writing let-ters to Santa, then take photos with the big man himself and his elves! In addition to the Christmas Village activities, adults and children alike will be treated to the beautiful sounds of the season during the Win-ter Wonderland Concert with the Hattiesburg Concert Association’s Meistersinger Chorus and Orchestra, the Southern Miss Dixie Darlings and other talented performers, including a visit from Forrest General’s ambassadors, Forrest the Deer and his friend Emerald.

Friday, December 9:5:30 – 7 p.m.: Christmas Village activities at Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center 7:30 p.m.: Winter Wonderland concert at the Saenger Theatre

Start to the Holidays!

Saturday, December 10:Noon – 1:30 p.m.: Christmas Village — Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center2 p.m.: Winter Wonderland Concert — Saenger Theatre3:30 – 5 p.m.: Christmas Village activities (tickets for this date include admission to the concert and either the first or second Christmas Vil-lage session)

Families are encouraged to spend their weekend in Downtown Hat-tiesburg kicking off the holiday season by attending Winter Wonderland as well as participating in the Holiday Art Walk, 35th Annual Victorian Candlelit Christmas and the exciting hands-on preview of the new Chil-dren’s Museum of South Mississippi. Tickets for Winter Wonderland can be purchased through the Saenger Theatre 601-584-4888, visiting HattiesburgSaenger.com or at the Saenger Theatre box office from 12 – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri. Tickets are also available at Lake Terrace Convention Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mon-Fri. Ticket prices are: Adults - $19/$22; 18 and Under $11/$13 (Credit/Debit). All tickets include admission to the Winter Wonderland Christmas Village and Concert.

For additional information on Winter Wonderland or other Forrest General events and services, visit forrestgeneral.com.

The Winter Wonderland Concert featured the sounds of the season, as presented by The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and other local and regional performers.

—HealthyCellsMagazine—PineBelt—December2011 www.healthycellspinebelt.com

Have Yourself A Stress-Free

Holiday!By Emily Bourne, MS, LPC, Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction

Services, An Extension of Forrest General Hospital

emotional

Stress and the holidays usually go hand in hand, so it is normal to feel a mild sense of stress or even anxiety as the holiday season approaches. However, for some individuals, the pres-

sure to have the ‘perfect’ holiday can be overwhelming. Given our country’s economic woes and the added financial stress on the family budget, the holidays have the potential to present additional challenges this year. Few people have the resources to invest in high-dollar gifts and elaborate decorations or gourmet meals. People are cutting back, families are watching every dollar, employees are worrying over job security, the cost of gasoline, the housing market, parties, shop-ping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, and the list goes on and on, doesn’t it? You might even think “so much for peace and joy!” We can look at the “crunch” as an opportunity to be creative and to take this holiday season to enhance our psychological well being. It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of Americans say they ex-perience stress levels that exceed what they define as healthy. As the holidays approach, Americans report extraordinary levels of stress and anxiety. Stress, depression and anxiety can ruin your health and put a serious damper on holiday celebrations. It is important to put things in perspective. Prioritize what is really important. Revisit your definition and your expectations of the holiday season. It is important to remember that the materialism of the holiday isn’t the real spirit of the season. Any holiday season is about family, friends and togetherness, not sparkling lights, tinsel or gifts.

Tips for dealing with stress:

1. Take time for yourself – Often people interpret this as being self-ish but if we don’t take care of ourselves (mind, body and spirit), we have less to give to others. Remember that you are only one person and can only accomplish so much. Go for a long walk, listen to your favorite music or make time to read a new book or magazine. A simple 15-minute “breather” without distractions may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. All of us need time to recharge our batteries – slow down, take care of yourself and you’ll find you have more energy to give.

2. Be realistic – The holidays do not have to be perfect. As fami-lies change and grow, traditions and rituals change, too. If wish lists are outside of what is in your budget, it is okay to discuss financial

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challenges and remind children and others what really makes a great celebration. When we overextend ourselves financially, this only paves the way for more stress down the road. We may fret about a burned turkey, tasteless casserole or lopsided tree, but look at these things as memory-makers and a chance to laugh.

3. Reach out to others – If you tend to feel lonely or isolated during the holidays, seek out social, community or church-related activities and events. Volunteering your time can lift your spirits, broaden your sense of giving and offer the opportunity to make new friends.

4. Remember what’s important – Examine what means the most to you during the holiday season – your definition of a great holiday celebration.

5. Reach out for support – It is okay to acknowledge and take time to express your feelings. Talk about your anxieties with your friends and family. Getting things out in the open can help you navi-gate through your thoughts and feelings and work towards a solu-tion for your stress. If you are persistently sad, anxious, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless or unable to face daily routines, you may need to reach out for professional help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.


nutritional

In my October article I discussed how cancer develops very slowly and usually the immune system destroys mutated cells while they are harmless. However, those cells will take hold and grow if your

immune system is weak, your body contains chronic inflammation, or toxic substances are overwhelming. This month I intended to explain more about inflammation and how to avoid it, but instead, dear reader, I will present you with how to have a holiday with delicious food that fights cancer and save the unpleasant information for January when you are on a diet. Your behavior is critical to your health. The EPIC-Norfolk study of over 20,000 people ages 45 to 79, published in PLoS Medicine in 2008, showed that those who did four simple health behaviors had a survival rate over fourteen years longer than people who did not. Not only was length of life affected, their body health was fourteen years younger! These behaviors were (1) eating five fruits or vegetables a day, (2) doing daily simple exercise such as walking or active recreation, (3) not smoking, and (4) not drinking more alcohol than two glasses of wine per day. These healthy behaviors protected against both cancer and heart disease.

What follows is how you can use food with the strongest antican-cer properties, described in Cooking With Foods that Fight Cancer by Richard Beliveau, Ph.D., and Denis Gingras, Ph.D. I have included the names of molecules that fight cancer to show you that food is a seriously-studied science and deserves a place in an anticancer strat-egy. Eat several anticancer foods daily. Herbs and spices are an easy place to begin. Curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger powerfully block the production of a major inflam-matory enzyme. A delicious use of turmeric is to saute onions in olive oil with a half teaspoon of turmeric, add some black pepper to increase absorption, and scramble some eggs in the mixture. You can block many cancer genes by adding herbs. The terpines in mint, thyme, marjoram, oregano, basil, and rosemary and apegenin in parsley, cori-ander, chervil, fennel, cumin, carrots, parsnips, and celery block blood supply to cancer and decrease inflammation. Grow a pot of herbs in a sunny window. Onions and garlic prevent and kill microtumors. You can prepare many dishes beginning with olive oil, onions or garlic, turmeric, and black pepper. For example, add sliced squash and tomatoes, or liver,

Fight Cancer with Delicious Food

By Sandra Bender, BSN, PhD


The Medical Center Of PetalR. Mike Weaver, M.D.

601.582.7755Now Accepting New Patents and Same

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or ground beef in preparation for spaghetti sauce. To release medicinal compounds, crush garlic with the flat side of a knife blade and allow it to sit for ten minutes while you assemble other ingredients. The cabbage family contains many food choices—cabbage, broc-coli, kale, mustards, collards, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts—and should be on the front line of defense. You can quickly steam any of them and add butter or bake Brussel sprouts with herbs. Gluco-sinolates, found exclusively in the cabbage family, stimulate the natural activity of our immune system. Regular consumption lowers the risk of many cancers: lung, bladder, breast, stomach, and colon. Mushrooms contain lentinan that can reduce tumor size and when combined with chemotherapy they can prolong lives. Add sliced mushrooms to salads, any stir-fried vegetable dish, scrambled eggs, or gravy. Mushrooms increase immune response by increasing white blood cell strength and activity. Omega 3 oil is found in flax seeds, salmon, sardines, and pasture-raised animal products such as beef, milk, and eggs. You can make salmon patties from a can of salmon (add onions, turmeric, pepper, eggs… ) or bake a salmon filet. Grind flax seeds and add them to ce-real. Omega 3 oil is extremely important in reducing inflammation. Tomatoes contain lycopene that protects men from prostate can-cer. Tomato sauce is easy to use over noodles or in chili. Cooking tomatoes in olive oil increases lycopene absorption into the cells. Seaweed is being studied for use in cancer treatment because its anti-estrogen activity can prevent hormone-dependent cancers in Japanese women. It contains fucoxanthin and fucoidan which disrupt cancer growth. Seaweed is delicious when cooked with greens. Probiotics in yogurt and kefir stimulate immune cells to reduce in-flammation by modifying the composition of intestinal bacteria. Daily intake of fermented foods maintains your population of friendly bacteria. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are an exceptional source of anticancer molecules. Ellagic acid in raspberries and strawberries and anthocyanidins in blueberries can block the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumor growth. Proanthocyanidins in cranberries and blueberries interfere with tumor development. Use organic rasp-berries and strawberries because regular ones are heavily sprayed with pesticide. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, monoterpenes, and flavones. They can decrease by half the risk of developing cancers of the digestive system by interfering with cancer cell growth and re-ducing inflammation. Eat the fruit rather than drinking juice to increase fiber and decrease sugar consumption. Green tea leaves contain up to one third of their weight in catechins. Catechins may be one of our best defenses against the progression of cancer by blocking the formation of cancer’s network of blood vessels. The richest source of catechins is Japanese green tea brewed for eight to ten minutes. Three cups a day is optimum. Red wine contains resveratrol, a miraculous molecule that can pre-vent the development of new cancer cells and block the growth of cancer cells already present. A glass of red wine daily combined with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best food combinations to promote a long, healthy life. The key to red wine is moderation. Too much actually increases risk of cancer. Dark chocolate is delicious and protects your cells and your heart. It contains polyphenols similar to those in green tea, berries, and onions. Stick with 70% cocoa because milk in chocolate prevents polyphenol absorption. About one-fifth of a dark chocolate bar daily can be a healthy part of your anticancer program!

Sandra Bender lives in Petal and can be reached at [email protected].


physical

Chiropractic Advice for

Moms-to-BeSubmitted by Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center

As many new mothers can attest, the muscle strains of pregnancy are very real and can be more than just a nuisance. The average weight gain of 25 to 35 pounds, combined with the increased stress placed on the body by the baby, may result in

severe discomfort. Studies have found that about half of all expectant mothers will develop low-back pain at some point during their pregnancies. This is especially true during late pregnancy, when the baby’s head presses down on a woman’s back, legs, and but-tocks, irritating her sciatic nerve. And for those who already suffer from low-back pain, the problem can become even worse. During pregnancy, a woman’s center of gravity almost immediately begins to shift forward to the front of her pelvis. Although a woman’s sa-crum—or posterior section of the pelvis—has enough depth to enable her to carry a baby, the displaced weight still increases the stress on her joints. As the baby grows in size, the woman’s weight is projected even farther forward, and the curvature of her lower back is increased, placing extra stress on the spinal disks. In compensation, the normal curvature of the upper spine increases, as well. While these changes sound dramatic, pregnancy hormones help loosen the ligaments attached to the pelvic bones. But even these natural changes designed to accommodate the growing baby can result in postural imbalances, making pregnant women prone to having awkward trips and falls. What Can You Do? The ACA recommend the following tips for pregnant women:

Exercise• Safe exercise during pregnancy can help strengthen your muscles and prevent discom-

fort. Try exercising at least three times a week, gently stretching before and after exer-


cise. If you weren’t active before your pregnancy, check with your doctor before starting or continuing any exercise.

• Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling are relatively safe cardio-vascular exercises for pregnant women because they do not require jerking or bouncing movements. Jogging can be safe for women who were avid runners before becoming pregnant-if done carefully and under a doctor’s supervision.

• Be sure to exercise in an area with secure footing to minimize the likelihood of falls. Your heart rate should not exceed 140 beats per minute during exercise. Strenuous activity should last no more than 15 minutes at a time.

• Stop your exercise routine immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea, weakness, blurred vision, increased swelling, or heart palpitations.

Health and Safety• Wear flat, sensible shoes. High or chunky heels can exacerbate pos-

tural imbalances and make you less steady on your feet, especially as your pregnancy progresses.

• When picking up children, bend from the knees, not the waist. And never turn your head when you lift. Avoid picking up heavy objects, if possible.

• Get plenty of rest. Pamper yourself and ask for help if you need it. Take a nap if you’re tired, or lie down and elevate your feet for a few moments when you need a break.

Pregnancy Ergonomics: Your Bed and Desk• Sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to take

pressure off your lower back. Full-length “body pillows” or “preg-nancy wedges” may be helpful. Lying on your left side allows unobstructed blood flow and helps your kidneys flush waste from your body.

• If you have to sit at a computer for long hours, make your work-station ergonomically correct. Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below your eye level, and place your feet on a small footrest to take pressure off your legs and feet. Take periodic breaks every 30 minutes with a quick walk around the office.

Nutrition• Eat small meals or snacks every four to five hours—rather than the

usual three large meals—to help keep nausea or extreme hunger at bay. Snack on crackers or yogurt-bland foods high in carbohydrates and protein. Keep saltines in your desk drawer or purse to help stave off waves of “morning sickness.”

• Supplementing with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before and during pregnancy has been shown to decrease the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida. Check with your doctor be-fore taking any vitamin or herbal supplement to make sure it’s safety for you and the baby.

How Can Your Doctor of Chiropractic Help? Before you become pregnant, your doctor of chiropractic can detect any imbalances in the pelvis or elsewhere in your body that could contribute to preg-nancy discomfort or possible neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth. Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic ad-justments provide relief from the increased low-back pain brought on by pregnancy. Chiropractic manipulation is safe for the pregnant woman and her baby and can be especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid medications in treating their back pain. Doctors of chiropractic can also offer nutrition, ergonomic, and exercise advice

to help a woman enjoy a healthy pregnancy. Chiropractic care can also help after childbirth. In the eight weeks following labor and de-livery, the ligaments that loosened during pregnancy begin to tighten up again. Ideally, joint problems brought on during pregnancy from improper lifting or reaching should be treated before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state-to prevent muscle tension, head-aches, rib discomfort, and shoulder problems.

For more information on this article or other chiropractic related is-sues contact Dr. Denton Spiers at Ph. 601-261-9495 or email at Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center.

physical

“Many pregnant women

have found that chiropractic

adjustments provide relief from

the increased low-back pain

brought on by pregnancy.”

Pleaselet Healthy Cells advertisers

know you saw their ad in

“Like” us on Facebook!Healthy Cells Magazine - South Mississippi


There are billboards and advertising materials all across the Pine Belt that read, The Davis-Morris Law Firm is Your Disability Law Firm, but what does that really mean? Let me see if I can explain.

Disability law cases are generally a long, arduous process. Through circumstances often beyond their control, a worker (often the primary bread-winner) finds themselves in a position of not being able to work. The insurance payments are quickly reaching the end and the emer-gency savings are long gone. It is often at this place that the phone rings at Davis-Morris Law Firm. This sets in motion events that hope-fully will provide emotional and financial relief to those who are dealing with a disability. Angela Davis-Morris, the woman behind the name says, “When cli-ents call us, they are usually in a very tough spot. Things are hard on them both emotionally and financially and they are quickly running out of hope.” And hope is one of the things Davis-Morris Law Firm tries to give their clients. “It is important to me that our clients know we believe in them, this gives them an uplift, hope!” Clients who make their way to Davis-Morris Law Firm are looking for a way to reclaim their ability to provide, to know they can take care of

themselves. Some of these clients come in with more ”issues” than just the disability. It is through well thought-out questioning that the team at Davis-Morris Law Firm begins to unravel how each intricate part of this persons life contributes to the current situation. Sometimes it is discov-ered the client has many more capabilities than they believe. Perhaps well-meaning parents who are not educated on certain disabilities have tried to shelter the child instead of fostering independence and ability. Such was the case of one 19 year old young man who came to Angela. His parents, who, while they loved and cared for him, were not empowering this young man to believe in his own capabilities. They were supporting the disability mentality. This young man was about the age of Angelaís son, Adam, and it really hit home with her. (Adam is currently completing his second year of community college and no doubt he is her “heart.”). One day Angela just sat with the young man and talked with him as a mother might, asked him how he saw himself, what his goals were, where he saw himself down the road. His answers, both startling and disheartening, painted a picture of a boy without hope. This happens more often than she wants to think about.

feature story

The Davis-Morris Law Firm

is Your Disability Law Firm

Patricia Hegwood, Rebecca Gardner, Pat Evans, Angela Davis-Morris (seated), Diane Moore and Malida Rubie.


When I asked Angela what were some examples of cases repre-sented in her firm, she was very clear there are no “cookie cutter cases.” Each one has completely different circumstances, issues involved, and is totally unique. One situation that sometimes manifests itself is the situ-ation where the client becomes the medical diagnosis they have been given. If someone is told they have the back of an 80 year old, they begin to act and more appropriately move as though they were 80, when in reality they are no where close to the age or the disability. For a disability case to be provable and winnable, it must meet certain requirements, one of which cannot be stressed enough. It is good medical documentation. “Having an injury, or inability to func-tion doesn’t prove a case.” says Angela, “It needs to be backed up by good medical notes in their medical file, X-rays, MRI’s or other medical descriptions that prove limitations based on the diagnosis.” Angela continually remarks that “we” this, that, etc., and when asked about that, since it is her name on the shingle so-to-speak, she responded that she has the best team of people working with her, and for her. From her very early days, she believes it was God’s will for her to follow this path and that He has put the right people with her at just the right time. From her humble beginnings working from her home, she has carefully chosen the team of individuals who are the backbone of her business today. Pat Evans is one such person. She joined the law firm in 1995 and has been Angelaís right-hand ever since. Through the years they have watched oth-ers come while building their careers and have watched them go as they continued on their own career paths. It was during these times that one of the Davis-Morris employees was killed in a car accident. “Our small team banded together. It was like losing a family member. The loss of an

employee is devastating and for us the only way to work through it was to work to-gether, through it,” says An-gela, “We would take turns working from her desk, all of us crammed in there, work-ing in her office for a period of time, until we felt we could better handle it.” The firm team consists of Pat Evans (office man-ager), Diane Moore (senior legal assistant), Rebecca Gardner (legal assistant), Owen Mayfield (attorney), Malida Ruble (intake spe-cialist) and Patricia Heg-wood (office assistant). Angela says, “They are all such good people, very smart, concerned, and helpful. They really are in-valuable. I am very proud of them.” With a small staff, late hours and some-times difficult cases to get through, the group is more

feature story

Angela and Pat hard at work.

Angela with KISS in her office.


their wedding vows on this cruise because, as Angela put it, “We would marry each other all over again.”) This weight loss has given way to another one of Angelaís favorite things, and that is blessing oth-ers. As she whittled away at her body, the clothes she used to wear were donated to many good causes, like Dress for Success, a volun-teer-driven organization that depends on the support of the community to deliver programs and services to disadvantaged women. It is hard to wrap up a story like Angela’s: there are so many things left to write about, like how in 2011 she was named one

of the fifty leading attorneys in Mississippi by Leadership in Law or how she attributes her work ethic, sense of social responsibility and overall level head to her parents, Fred and Marie. “These two people crafted me into the core person I am today. I am fortunate, I know that. That is why I am able to do what I do. My parents are awesome.” Or her sense of true compassion that is evidenced by the many organizations and charities she is a part of. So in closing, I asked Angela what she wanted to say and it was this: “We really are good at what we do, we really do care about our clients, and our clients know and feel it.”

like family than co-workers. And having suffered the tragic loss of one employee, Angela feels even stronger the need to cherish all relationships and not to take “it all” so serious. Building a successful law practice does not come without some sacrifices, and for Angela that came in the way of her weight. She says, “I was so busy worrying about others that I lost focus on myself, felt stress and found that eating made me feel better.” And so, many years and many pounds later she found herself in a place she didnít want to be. Over-weight. When her husband of 15 years, Joe, revamped his eating and exercising habits to address a health concern, she paid attention, but she knew she needed her own “goal.” In enters KISS. Yes, KISS, the classic rock band many of us rocked to in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. There was a KISS cruise sailing in October 2011 and Angela and Joe were going to be on it for their 15th wedding anniversary celebration. Angela was determined on one cold January day, that she would be boarding the ship with less “baggage” of

her own. So she began to apply the same determination she has for her clients’ welfare to her own welfare and accomplished marginal victories through May. In June she took it up a notch and hired a personal trainer, Tyrone. And for any one who knows Angela, a very, “I donít sweat, girly-girl,” and Tyrone, “a sweat till you drop” kinda guy, the game was on. The two developed a real working relationship only this time it was Tyrone calling the shots. With great determination, Angela stuck with the program and the reward came on October 13th, when she boarded the cruise ship without the extra “baggage” that used to be her. By the way the cruise and KISS were fabulous. (Angela and Joe renewed

feature story continued

Angela Davis- Morris at work in her office.

Rebecca Gardner at work.


feature story continued

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body health

Heel pain is the most common foot complaint in the orthopaedic clinic. Many people, from mythological Greek warriors (Achil-les) to professional athletes (Eli Manning) to hundreds of regular

folks all over the Pine Belt have found themselves with significant pain and disability due to heel pain. Heels typically hurt in one of two places: on the bottom which is the plantar surface or the back called the posterior surface. Plantar heel pain is typically caused by plantar fasciitis while posterior heel pain is caused by insertional Achilles tendonopathy (commonly called Achilles tendonitis). The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous web of tissue on the bottom of the foot, which supports the arch. It can become very inflamed where it attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus). To locate this spot, run your finger along your arch stopping when your finger hits your heel. Classic plantar fasciitis hurts here and is associated with “start-up” (first step out of bed in the morning or up from being seated for a while). The mainstays of treatment are daily aggressive stretching exercises of the calf, cushioned shoe inserts and ice and anti-inflammatories. Your doc-tor may recommend physical therapy. For many, a splint worn at night is also helpful. People who do not respond to these after a few months

Know the Different Types of Heel PainBy John H. Kosko, M.D., Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, P.A.

are typically offered a steroid injection and very rarely surgery to release part of the plantar fascia. Posterior heel pain is a different beast. The Achilles tendon is the thickest, strongest tendon in the entire body. Chronic inflammation and partial tearing over time leads to degeneration, thickening and calcification where this strong tendon inserts on the back of the heel. This often results in an extremely painful posterior prominence. Although some studies show successful treatment of this condition with physical therapy and shoe modification, it is much more likely to eventually require surgery. Backless shoes and shoes with a slight elevation of the heel tend to feel much better in patients with this condition. Both types of heel pain are typically a clinical diagnosis, but sometimes an MRI is necessary. Many people are unsure regarding if or when to see a doctor. Any foot pain lasting longer than a few weeks will begin to affect your ability to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. If heel pain is beginning to negatively impact your life and health, discuss with your doctor.

Contact Southern Bone and Joint Specialists at 601-554-7400.

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patient health

Medicare is helping patients in the Pine Belt stay healthy, with the addition of a free annual wellness exam. Previously, only new Medicare participants, in their first 12 months of enroll-

ment, could take advantage of a one-time, free wellness exam – the “Welcome to Medicare” visit. Now, Medicare policy has expanded benefits to include a free annual wellness exam for all eligible partici-pants, covered at 100 percent – meaning there is no co-payment, coinsurance or deductible. The exam is free for Medicare partici-pants who have been covered by Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, and who have not received a “Welcome to Medicare” initial wellness exam or an annual physical, in the past 12 months. The annual wellness exam provides your doctor with a baseline for your health and any risk factors that may need to be monitored to prevent or delay the development of chronic disease, as you age. It’s im-

portant to remember, though, that the exam differs from an annual physical, which is subject to different co-pays and deductibles. During the Medicare annual wellness exam, your medical and family history is discussed and recorded, as well as your medication list, height, weight, body mass index, and blood pressure. You may also re-ceive recommendations for needed immunizations and health screen-ings, based on your medical history and risks. Many of these screenings may help with early detection of dis-ease. Finally, your doctor will estab-lish a personalized prevention plan for you that can be adapted as your health needs change over time. Your personal health plan will be updated each year at subsequent annual wellness visits. An annual wellness exam allows physicians to spend valuable time with patients – time not available in other visit settings. Your primary care provider knows your medical history, including health risk factors and can work with you to maintain your best health. Many chronic conditions can be avoided — or diagnosed early and managed more effectively – with regular, preventive medical care. The Medicare program offers health insurance benefits for people age 65 and older, or those individuals under age 65 who have certain disabilities or chronic diseases. Medicare has four divisions that help with various aspects of health care costs: Part A, which provides coverage for inpatient hospital care; Part B, which provides medical insurance; Part C, which consists of Medicare Advantage Plans (in-surance provided by private companies that functions like a PPO or HMO), and Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage. Ask your doctor or health care provider about the complimen-tary Medicare annual wellness exam. To learn more about preventive health services available through Medicare, visit www.Medicare.gov, hover over the “Manage Your Health” tab, then click on “Preventive Service Check list” for recommended screenings and tests.

To find a physician, or locate your nearest Wesley Medical Group clinic, call 601-268-8000 or visit wesely.com About the Author: Dr. JD Dumas is a family physician at Oak Grove Family Clinic, a division of Wesley Medical Group, 5192 Old Hwy 11. He may be reached at 601-268-0929. To learn more, visit Wesley.com.

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hearing loss

The Hearing Help-Seeking

ProcessSubmitted by HearingSolutions Of The Pine Belt, LLC

In order to live well with hearing loss, one must recognize and ac-cept hearing loss. Specifically, many people must overcome the mis-placed shame and poor self-esteem they may experience. Only then is it possible to seek solutions to the difficulties attributable to their hearing loss experienced in everyday activities. In this article, we briefly describe the social phenomenon of Stigma and Self-Stigma. Then we describe the manifestation of Self-Stigma and how it constitutes a major impediment to seeking rehabilitation services, including the use of hearing instruments. Stigma has been defined as “the possession of, or the belief one possesses some attribute or characteristic that conveys a social iden-tity that is de-valued in a particular social contest.” In most western societies there is a Stigma associated with hearing loss. The general population perceives individuals with hearing loss as being “old,” “cog-nitively diminished,” “poor communication partners,” and “generally

Two psychological conditions must be met before people with hearing loss will adhere to a dispenser’s or audiologist’s recom-mendation for help:

1. Acceptance/Ownership of one’s problem

2. Willingness to make a change.

Hearing care providers and significant others will usually be mis-taken if these two conditions are in place when the patient agrees to the initial appointment. Statistics have proven it takes the average hearing loss patient seven years from first knowledge of loss until they actually rehabilitate the loss. Seven years of constant erosion in the auditory pathway and reception stations in the brain, which always cre-ate more difficulty and expense when they do decide to rehabilitate.


Carpenter’s Sunday School class members from Petal-Harvey Baptist Church in Petal.

Each year businesses, or-ganizations and churches find time in their hectic

schedules and with their lim-ited resources to reach a little deeper to show the “spirit of giving” to those less fortunate. For more than fifteen years, families across the United States, Canada, United King-dom, Germany, the Nether-lands and other countries have impacted the lives of less fortunate children across the globe. Through the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization headed up by Franklin Graham, Operation Christ-mas Child has delivered more than 46 million shoeboxes filled with toys, personal hygiene items, booklets, school supplies, and other items not readily available locally to many of the re-cipients. What started out as a relatively small campaign to help homeless children in Romania has expanded into one of the largest relief and evangelical programs of its kind. Operation Christmas Child is your opportunity to impact young lives as well as demonstrate to your family the real meaning of Christ-mas: giving. Petal-Harvey Baptist Church is just one church of many who participate in Operation Christmas Child, a program of Samaritan’s Purse, International Relief. Last year they filled and shipped 1500 shoeboxes and this years goal is 1800. All year long Sunday School classes like “The Carpenters,” led by Mr. Tommy Strickland, gather together items to send to disad-vantaged children continents away. It is a simple gesture on their part that has a tremendous impact on a child far away.

uninteresting.” It has been noted by some researchers that hearing loss is often misunderstood as an intellectual challenge or a deficiency in personality and character. Stigma can also occur from the vantage point of insiders – people who possess a stigmatizing trait. An excellent example of this is peo-ple who wear hearing instruments. They hold (consciously or not) the same pre-judicial views about their hearing aids as do the outsiders. For example, people with self – stigma WILL DENY THEY HAVE A HEARING LOSS! Does this sound familiar? We hear this nearly every day in the clinic. This denial leads to statements such as, “I don’t have a hearing loss. It’s my wife (children) that mumble when talking!” Denial often continues even after evaluation confirms hearing loss. We continue to hear things like, “My hearing really isn’t that bad,” or “I’m not deaf,” or my favorite, “It’s bad, but not $5000 bad!” How can you put a price on hearing and/or understanding? The question we have is, “How can you isolate yourself and deprive your family and friends from being socially, professionally and personally in-volved with you?” In closing, we understand having a negative perception towards oneself due to a stigmatizing trait leads people to be ashamed of them-selves and to have low self esteem. Because hearing loss is invisible, people that display self-stigma often deny, (or minimize) their impair-ment. Move over, because they do not want to be identified as some-one with a stigmatizing trait, they are likely to avoid or reject treatment programs (especially including the use of hearing instruments) that may help overcome the activity limitations and participation restrictions they experience.

It has been shown that counseling (to include the significant other) makes it more likely they will use hearing instruments and hearing assis-tive technologies to improve their hearing handicap. It is imperative this person begins the rehabilitation process with proper counseling, using state of the art equipment and evaluation strategies. It is a valuable asset to this process if the practitioner wears hearing instruments. Do not allow Stigma or Self-Stigma to prevent you or your loved one from seeking the professional counseling and rehabilitation they so desperately need. Contact a Nationally Board Certified dispenser or audiologist immediately.

Dr. Michael Hunt, Ph.D., A.C.A., AAS, who wears hearing instru-ments, is a Nationally Board Certified Audioprosthologist with 26 years of functional rehabilitation experience. He limits his practice to educat-ing patients about their hearing loss and the options they have about correcting that loss. For more information, or to schedule a compli-mentary consultation with Dr. Hunt, contact HearingSolutions of The Pine Belt at (601) 450-0066.

the spirit of giving

The Power of a Simple Gift!

“In order to live well with hearing loss, one must recognize and accept hearing loss.”

December2011—PineBelt—HealthyCellsMagazine—Page21


financial health

Have you ever wondered? Especially now, during open enroll-ment for some Medicare plans, you need to be informed. One way to remember the difference is that MEDICARE - ends in

care. It is a Federal entitlement program that is not needs based. Peo-ple who are 65 or certain disabled individuals are entitled to Medicare regardless of their income and assets. That is not to say that there is no cost for Medicare. Premiums are required for all parts of Medicare although some individuals do not pay premiums.

MEDICARE PART A covers hospital charges, some home health charges, and skilled nursing care for up to 100 days if preceded by a 3 day in-patient hospital stay. There is an annual deductible and a co-pay for most services. Medicare supplement policies usually cover co-pays and some cover deductibles. Most people do not pay a pre-mium for Part A because they paid Medicare taxes while working. For individuals with some state benefits such as Medicaid, the state pays the Part A premium. The Part A premium is $450 monthly for those very few individuals who must purchase it.

MEDICARE PART B helps cover doctors’ services, hospital out-patient care, and home health care. It also covers some preventive services. There is an annual deductible and also a co-pay for most ser-vices. Medicare supplement policies usually cover co-pays and some cover deductibles. Medicare Part B premiums usually increase annu-ally and are based on your yearly income. Those with higher incomes pay higher Part B premiums. The Medicare Part B premiums are paid by the state if the benefi-ciary is Medicaid eligible.

MEDICARE PART C is another health plan choice you have as a part of Medicare. Medicare Part C plans are also known as Medicare Advantage or MA Plans. They are offered by Medicare-approved private companies. They are required to cover all of the services covered by original Medicare except for hospice care. They do not all cover skilled nursing services the same way original Medicare does. Be sure to read your policy carefully to compare the benefits offered. Many of the Medicare Part C plans offer a combination of original Medicare benefits, supplemental benefits, and some combine Medicare Part D drug benefits as well. Medi-care pays a fixed amount for your care every month to the com-panies offering Medicare Advantage plans. Each plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different rules for how you get services. These rules are subject to change each year. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the benefits the plan offers before you join.

MEDICARE PART D is the prescription drug plan offered by Medicare. The plans are run by Medicare-approved private insurance

Medicare, Medicaid…What’s The Difference?

Submitted by Bedford Care Center

companies. They help cover the cost of prescription drugs. Most individuals pay and premium and co-pays under any of the Medicare Part D plans. Medicaid will not pay for prescription drugs for any Medicare eligible individual, whether or not that person is enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan. Once a person is determined eligible for Medicaid, the premiums and co-pays under the Medicare Part D plan are reduced or eliminated.

NOTE: The Medicare handbook states that “No one should call you or come to your home uninvited to sell Medicare products.”

NOW we move to MEDICAID. Medicaid is also a federal program but each state is charged with appropriating state funds and with fol-lowing federal guidelines. MEDICAID ends in AID. This is one way to remember that Med-icaid is a program funded by the general fund. While it is also con-sidered to be an entitlement program, it is needs tested. Medicaid covers a very broad range of individuals including pregnant women, minor children, and the aged and disabled. Medicaid covers ap-proximately 30 categories of eligibility. All Medicaid categories of eligibility have income limits. Many categories for the aged and disabled have resource limits. There are excluded resources such as home property, income producing property, car or cars, burial plans, some life insurance policies, some retirement accounts, and others. Countable resources usually include bank accounts, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts that produce no income, non-home property, and others. The countable resource limit for SSI individu-als is $2000 for an individual and $3000 for a couple. The countable resource limit for most other Medicaid categories for the aged and disabled is $4000 for an individual and $6000 for a couple. The nursing home and long term hospital categories are different. An individual can have only $4000 in countable resources but if there is a spouse at home that spouse can have $109,560 in countable resources.

All information cited here is available at the Medicare website www.medicare.gov or the Mississippi Medicaid website www.medicaid.ms.gov. Barbara Lofton is Resident Benefits Specialist for Bedford Care Centers. She can be reached at 601-264-3709 or by e-mail at [email protected].

MEDICARE - ends in care.

MEDICAID - ends in AID.


weight loss

LAP-BAND System - What is it?Submitted by Dr. Wes Girod

Obesity is a problem for many individuals throughout the United States and the world and there are many instances when weight loss surgery like Lap-Band procedures seem

like not only a quick-fix but also a path to obesity-freedom! But what exactly is it? LAP-BAND surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps you lose weight. An adjustable silicone ring is surgically inserted and placed like a belt around the upper part of the stomach. The ring, or band is connected by thin tubing to an access port jjust below the skin. Through this port, the surgeon adjusts the fit of the LAP-BAND system by inflating or deflatin its inner lining with saline solution to meet the person’s individual needs. The LAP-BAND System reduces your stomach capacity and re-stricuts the amount of food you’re able to ear at one time. The patient will feel full sooner and stay full longer, thus eating less. Although weight loss of three pounds a week is possible, patients usually lose a healthy one to two pounds a week on average.

The procedure consists of:1. The surgeon implants LAP-BAND around the upper part of your

stomach.2. A tube is then connected from the LAP-BAND System to an access

port affixed to the muscle beneath the skin of the abdomen.3. Adjustments to the LAP-BAND System are made through the ac-

cess port, as needed to maintain optimal weight loss, by adding saline solution or removing it.

Weight loss can not only improve your quality of life, but also prevent or lower your risk of developing life-threatening diseases. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 35+, the threshold for obesity, and you have one or more serious health conditions, you may want to consider this effec-tive weight-loss solutions. Added benefits from losing weight include lowering risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, artharlgia, and back and joint pain. LAP-BAND offers a safe choice when diet and exercise aren’t enough. You’ve probably tried to lose weight before, but gained it all back, For many people, it’s a never-ending cycyle. But you’re not

alone. Studies have shown that patients on traditional weight-loss programs lose weight, but often regain 2/3 of it within one year, and almost all of it within five years. LAP-BAND System will help take it off and keep it off. Of course, as with all health care decisions, there are many things to consider when deciding if it’s the right treatment for you. These should be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon. It is also a good idea to have your own set of questions and concerns including, • weight-loss methods you’ve tried in the past• activities that have negatively impacted your weight• what eating and lifestyle changes are necessary with LAP-BAND• what support is provided after the procedure.

For many, heath insurance or Medicare will cover the LAP-BAND procedure, but even if it doesn’t there are still options. It is best to discuss these at your consultation.

For more information on LAP-BAND surgery contact 601.268.7546.

“LAP-BAND offers a safe choice when diet and exercise aren’t enough.”


medication

Some say that drug shortages are the worst ever in the

United States and around the world. Something we take for granted has suddenly become a really big problem. Some in the industry say that a perfect storm of events has occurred with some products suddenly being discontinued by major manufacturers, shortages of quality chemical ingredients, mergers of some of the major companies and some of the factories being shut down by regulators. If this has not happened to you or someone you love, shortages may have a direct effect in the months and years to come. Cer-tain surgeries have been cancelled or delayed. Some chemotherapy patients have had to change therapies or delay treatment. Some regular prescription medica-tions have been unavailable. When the items come back on the market, often they are priced so high the aver-age person can not afford to continue therapy. All hospitals and pharma-cies report shortages with about 200 items being either unavailable or on an allocated delivery system. This means that if you need and order 100 bottles you may receive one, four, five or none or all. Many are electrolytes pre-scribed and used during and after surgery or emergency procedures as intravenous medications to keep the flu-

Houston, We Have A Problem…

By Robert Donnell, Vital Care Compounder


make a difference


ids in the system regulated. Patients with cardiac problems, problem pregnancies, and cancer therapies and those recovering from surgeries and or emergency room visits are affected most often. These short-ages affect both human and veterinary patients. One of the most frustrating points of this discussion is that we are the United States. We are supposed to lead the world in healthcare. Have we lost the ability to make necessary medications? Or have we become so profit driven that only the bottom line matters? I am afraid “true” is the answer for both questions. Our industry is so regulated we often depend on offshore manufac-turers to provide the base chemicals for many of the items we use on a daily basis, especially medications. If we do not make the chemicals here, we must be diligent in testing and providing only the finest base chemicals. This is where problems often occur. The base chemicals arrive here in this country and after testing are refused by the quality control departments. Then all the manufacturer can do is await the next scheduled batch and hope the quality of the chemical is pure and without contamination.

We as compounders can help with some of these problems by se-curing only the highest quality base chemicals and making the medica-tions here that may be needed on a most dire basis. In just the last few weeks, we have been contacted by various health care providers for injectables, oral medications and suspensions that are no longer available. We can and are happy to furnish these items when a quality base ingredient can be obtained. A current example is Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) injection as well as other injectables that are not available commercially. We are able to compound this sterile product with a price very competitive in the national market. Quinine oral capsules for leg cramps are another good example of an item we can supply with a physician’s prescription. Possibly the best example is the flu medication Tamiflu suspension for children. Often it is not available when the flu outbreak occurs. We are able to compound these items on a moment’s notice allowing the child to feel better quickly and assuring the parents that the needs of their children are being met. We purchase most of our chemicals from Professional Compound-ing Centers of America. When they receive the product, it is quaran-tined for 30 days. An assay is done to determine the identity, particle size and purity. One of 10 items fails the quality test; thus we are assured that when we dispense an item it is only the highest quality product possible. After all, our friends, patients and often our family depend on us…

Give us or your compounding pharmacy a call with any ques-tions that you may have. Or simply drop by our compounding lab for questions or a visit.

“We are assured that when we dispense an item it is only the

highest quality product possible. After all, our friends, patients and often our family depend on us…”

Southern Eye Center helped a number of peo-

ple see again with their Make A Difference Day Program 10/26/11. With this program, Southern Eye Center has restored vision to hundreds of patient who have lost vision and are unable to af-ford medical care. Patients can return to their jobs and things they enjoy with their new sight. The doctors donate their time, surgery center, and supplies so the patients pay nothing for their operation. Through these efforts, Southern Eye Center has had a tremen-dous impact on the people of South Mississippi. Ms. Madeline Robinson said “When I sat up, I could read my name for the first time in years.” Her daughter had tears in her eyes as she said “My mom can see again.” If you would like to find out if you or someone you know quali-fies for the Make a Difference Day Program, contact Southern Eye Center at (601) 264-3937.

Southern Eye Center is located at 1420 South 28th Avenue, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39402.

The Gift of Vision!

Health Care Heroes from Southern Eye Center


Who qualifies for Medicare benefits?• Individuals 65 years of age or older• Individuals under 65 with permanent kidney failure (beginning three

months after dialysis begins), or• Individuals under 65, permanently disabled and entitled to Social

Security benefits (beginning 24 months after the start of disability benefits)

The Different Benefits of Traditional Medicare• Medicare Part A benefits cover hospital stays, home health care and

hospice services• Medicare Part B benefits cover physician visits, laboratory tests, am-

bulance services and home medical equipment• While oftentimes you do not have to pay a monthly fee to have Part

A benefits (you only have to pay money when you use the services), the Part B program requires a monthly premium to stay enrolled (even if you do not use the services). In 2011 that premium will range between $115.40- $369.10 per month depending on your income. Typically, this amount will be taken from your Social Security check.

• Medicare Part D offers optional program benefits that cover prescrip-tion drugs.

For more information about your benefits or making coverage deci-sions, you can visit the official website for Medicare benefits at www.medicare.gov.

What Can You Expect to Pay? Every year, in addition to your monthly premium, you will have to pay the first $162 of covered expenses out of pocket for Part B services, and then 20 percent of all approved charges if the provider agrees to accept Medicare payments. Unfortunately, your medical equipment provider cannot automati-cally waive this 20 percent or your deductible without suffering penal-

ties from Medicare. They must attempt to collect the coinsurance and deductible if those charges are not covered by another insurance plan; however, certain exceptions can be made if you meet qualifying finan-cial hardships established by your provider.• If you have a supplemental insurance policy, that plan may pick up

this portion of your responsibility after your supplemental plan’s de-ductible has been satisfied.

• If your medical equipment provider does not accept assignment with Medicare you may be asked to pay the full price up front, but they will file a claim on your behalf to Medicare. In turn, Medicare will process the claim and mail you a check to cover a portion of your expenses if the charges are approved.

Other possible costs:• Medicare will pay only for items that meet your basic needs. Of-

tentimes you will find that your provider offers a wide selection of products that vary slightly in appearance or features. You may decide that you prefer the products that offer these additional features. Your provider should give you the option to allow you to privately pay a little extra money to get the product that you really want.

• To take advantage of this opportunity, a new form has been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that allows you to upgrade to a piece of equipment that you like better than the other standard option you may otherwise qualify for. This form is known as the Advance Beneficiary Notice or ABN.

• The ABN your provider completes for you must detail how the prod-ucts differ, and requires a signature to indicate that you agree to pay the difference in the retail costs between two similar items. Your provider will typically accept assignment on the standard product and apply that cost toward the purchase of the fancier item, thus requiring less money out of your pocket.

Purpose of ABN• The Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non Coverage also will be used to

notify you ahead of time that Medicare will probably not pay for a cer-tain item or service in a specific situation, even if Medicare might pay under different circumstances. The form should be detailed enough that you understand why Medicare will probably not pay for the item you are requesting.

• The purpose of the form is to allow you to make an informed decision about whether or not to receive the item or service knowing that you may have additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Next Month we will conclude The Guide to Medicare Coverage.

For more information, please contact Jones County Medical Sup-plies, Inc. 601-426-2574, Hattiesburg Medical Supply 601-296-6000 or Covington County Medical Supply 601-765-3277 or visit us on the web at www.hattiesburgmedicalsupply.com.

insurance

Guide to Medicare CoveragePart 1 of 2

Submitted by Hattiesburg Medical Supply


advanced technology

Blade-Free Cataract Surgery

Submitted by Southern Eye Surgery

There is a new cataract tech-nology, iCataract, that is able to perform the incisions for

cataract removals without the use of a blade, while still using tradi-tional phaecoemulsification cata-ract removal techniques. Cataract incisions up until today have been performed by a surgeon using a surgical blade held in his hand to make small micro incisions necessary for a cataract operation. Although sur-geons are very skilled at making cataract incisions, a laser guided by a computer will be more ac-curate every time. Development of computer software for the AMO IntralaseTM which has been in use at Southern Eye Center for some time allows all the cataract incisions to be performed by a Femtosecond laser. Kiper C. Nelson, M.D., who is a fellowship trained cataract surgeon was the first surgeon in Missis-sippi to perform these procedures.

Dr Nelson says, “A more accurate incision allows for a more accu-rate result and better vision for the patient. Patients who have had this latest technology can see and feel the results.”

iCataract surgery iCataract (blade-free, laser assisted, cataract removal) is another advance in eye care and treatment technology that Southern Eye Center feels is important in providing their patients with the highest level of eye care. For more information about Dr. Kiper Nelson and Southern Eye Center please visit www.SouthernEyeCenter.com or contact them at (601) 264-3937.

Dr Nelson

“A more accurate incision allows for a more accurate result and better vision for the patient. Patients

who have had this latest technology can see and feel the results.”

Weight loss meal replacement shakes are all the rage, but is it really safe to lose weight rapidly? 2/3 of the adult population are considered overweight, with 1/3 being

considered obese. Being overweight can put your health at risk, and leave your body vulnerable to diseases like diabetes, and heart related disorders. Protein weight loss meal replacement shakes can be used when an individual is looking for a diet that will produce quick weight loss. Some key benefits of protein weight loss shakes for quick weight loss is that the nutrients and vitamins one would lose with a restricted calorie diet are included within the shake.

What to look for in a Healthy Protein Weight Loss Meal Replacement Shake A high quality protein shake for weight loss addresses 3 key com-mon challenges people face when trying to lose or maintain weight:1. Getting good nutrition while cutting calories.2. Boosting a tired metabolism and keeping energy levels going

on fewer calories3. Controlling the hunger and stress of dieting.

There are many programs out there to lose weight fast, only to regain it back just as fast. For example, if you cleanse, or drink pepper type drinks, you can lose weight quickly. The challenge is you may be losing water weight, and eliminating waste to feel lighter fast, but when eating returns to normal, you will gain back the water weight because our diets are so high in sodium. The average American consumes as much as 8x more sodium per day than needed. These fast weight loss products can also cause you to lose life enhancing muscle, slowing your metabolism and weakening long term health. Protein Powder weight loss meal replacement shakes are a great diet program to achieve quick weight loss. To keep the weight off, studies show that those who choose to use weight loss support groups in addition to their quick weight loss diet program experience more long term success in los-ing the unwanted weight, and in keeping the weight that they have lost off.

Joseph Tubb is an independent consultant for Body by Vi, where he offers the Body by Vi 90-Day Challenge. For more infor-mation on Body by Vi contact Joseph Tubb at 601-606-1900 or [email protected] or josephtubb.net.

Weight Loss Meal Replacements Shakes

A Healthy Approach to Losing Weight

Submitted by Joseph Tubb

diet program



senior living

When I started as the Director of an assisted living facility I knew there would be many challenges in dealing with families who through life circumstances must make the difficult decision to

place a parent or loved one in “a home.” Just saying it conjurs up all kinds of thoughts that can add layers of guilt and fear to someone who is already struggling with “what to do issues.” There is good news. There are great places for those who require more attention and care than can be provided by themselves or from their loved ones. “ A home” is exactly what they need and quality as-sisted living facilities provide that and much more.

Knowing “When It’s Time” Consult with families trying to understand “when home is not enough” any longer for mom or dad. Each situation is different, but generally it is good to encourage families to assess the following areas:

Current living environment - is it safe? Normal ambulation — is she having difficulty walking, moving around, or is she falling? Daily living habits — is she having difficulty with such routine needs as dressing, grooming, bathing or taking medications? Caregiver’s Capacity — is the constant care required of an elderly parent beyond the primary caregiver’s physical capability? Has the caregiver become impatient or irritable in the new role? Social Engagement — would ongoing activity and programming and increased social interaction and stimulation improve her happiness? Quality of Life — would placement outside the home result in more enjoyable visits and outings between your loved one and primary family caregiver(s)?

And if it is the time, Here are some random thoughts about what to look for in finding “a home” for your love one:• Look for assisted living facilites that provide “communities” designed

for Residents at various levels of the aging process, from those need-ing very little assistance to those needing greater levels of care includ-ing Alzheimer’s and dementia

• Find facilities that have created a community where Residents age in place - and, more importantly, age with grace. A community that has been designed from the ground up to help those with physical limita-tions and/or memory impairments to live comfortable, enjoyable lives.

• Seek warm, home-like environment that offer enriching activities pro-grams and quality care,

• Check out the meals, do you like them? • What kind of medication management system do they have?• Ask to see Resident Satisfaction Surveys

And with the holidays upon us, take some time from your day and send a note or a box of candy to someone in an assisted living environ-ment. Better yet, stop by and visit those you know and make some new friends. You’ll be glad you did and so will they.

Kathy McPhail, LSW is the Executive Director at Alden Pointe and can be reached at 2 Courtland Dr, Hattiesburg 601-296-9711.

It’s Christmas in Assisted Living Communities Too!

Submitted by Kathy McPhail, LSW

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community outreachsenior living

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, Wesley Medical Center held two fundraisers over the month of October. Their annual Go Bald for a Cause event raised over $3,400 in donations for the American

Cancer Society. The event, in which the men of Wesley Medical Center shave their heads to show solidarity with patients who lose their hair while undergoing cancer treatment, is an annual community favorite. About twenty men accepted the fundraising challenge this year, with a goal to raise at least $100 each. Participants, including CEO Mike Neuendorf, as well as Chief Operating and Financial Officers Travis Sisson and Jim Young raised money over a three week period. In addition to the Go Bald event, Wesley Medical Center joined forces with the Women’s Center at Wesley Place to organize a silent auction for student artwork. The pink-themed artwork, donated by Oak Grove High School 11th and 12th grade art students, was displayed for the month of October and up for silent auction during that time. The

On Left On Right

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Dr. Jeffrey Burnsis fellowship trained in

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Dr. Thomas Baylisis fellowship trained in

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event raised over $1,400 in donations to the American Cancer Society. The goal of Wesley Medical Center was to raise funds to donate in honor of breast cancer survivors and the members of the Wesley team who work daily to help patients navigate through the complex web of managing their breast health.

For more information about the Breast Cancer Awareness activities in the month of October, call 601-268-8000.

Wesley Medical Center Raises Almost

$5,000 for Breast Cancer Research

Beverley Fox-Bray, a breast cancer survivor shows appreciation to Mr. Bill.


6600 US Hwy. 98, Hattiesburg, MS1/4 mile west of Old Hwy. 11 in Oak Grove

www.radiantreflections.us

Gift cards are great gifts for anyone on your list.

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Let us help you hear for the holidays!Call for a confidential consultation today.

(601) 450-0066

J.J. Hunt, Charlotte Hunt, Dr. W. Michael Hunt, Karen Zumbro Ph.D., A.C.A, AAS

of The Pine Belt, llc

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR WITH EASE AND CLARITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

This is the time of year that brings family and friends together for holiday celebrations, delicious food and familiarconversations, but being able to enjoy and appreciate the company of your loved ones is what truly matters. If you have difficulty hearing, you may be missing out on the conversations and events that make each holiday special. HearingSolutions of The Pine Belt has the latest wireless technology designed to dramatically improve the way you hear and understand, even in noisy settings like a family gathering or a busy restaurant. Would you like to hear with ease and clarity this holiday season?

We would like to welcome our new Audiologist:Dr. Amy Holden, Au.D., CCC-A. FAAA

LOCAL ANESTHESIA / NO DOWN TIME

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SpierS ChiropraCtiC pain & WellneSS Center

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5128 Old Hwy 11, STE 1 Hattiesburg, Ms 39402

For more information on Spiers Chiropractic Pain & Wellness Center contact their friendly staff at 601-261-9495 or spierschiropractic.com

Chiropractic Care and Adjustments State of the Art Chiropractic Techniques

New Patient Exam for $37.00 Includes initial exam, x-rays if needed, and

free consultation ($200.00 value)

Services Offered Include:• Spinal & Postural Examinations

• Corrective Exercises• Lifestyle Advice • Nutritional Counseling

• Physiotherapy • Massage Therapy

Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am-6:00 pm (closed 12-2 for lunch) Fridays 8:30-12:30.

SPIERS FITNESS CENTER24/7 ACCESS - NO CONTRACTS - NO SIGN UP FEES

•A variety of cardio and strength training equipment •Yoga and aerobics room • Personal Training

• social security disability claims

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member: mississippi bar association, national organization of social securityclaimants representatives / fifth circuit organization of social security

claimants representativesfree background information available upon request

Your Disability Law Firm

601.545.3127 • 866.519.9875804 West Pine Street, Hattiesburg, MS

w w w . d a v i s m o r r i s l a w f i r m . c o mAngela Davis-Morris

december hattiesburg healthy cells 2011

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