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Archives for January 2013

5 Restaurant Mistakes Healthy Eaters Make

January 30, 2013 by

Just because Charleston offers up some of the best restaurant experiences in the country, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a healthy meal. Check out our 5 tips below to make your next dining experience here in the lowcountry or anywhere for that matter a healthful one.

For most of us, light eating means passing up the Alfredo and opting for veggies over the fries. Problem is, even if you adhere to conscientious eating while dining out, healthy options still fall prey to the decadent trappings of extra oil, bigger portions, and serious calories.

But that doesn’t mean you have to eat at home every night. Simply follow these tips when you dine on a diet, and your meal will be both delicious and guilt-free:

Go easy on the olive oil. Sure, olive oil is a better option than slathering your bread with butter, but it’s still a quick source of fat and calories—and that bread soaks it up like a sponge. Olive oil may not have saturated fat or increase your bad cholesterol, but it can still wreak havoc on your waistline. Next time you want to garnish your bread with heavenly flavor, opt for extra-virgin olive oil and add a splash of balsamic vinegar to cut down the calories. Instead of dipping, drizzle it on with a fork.

Beware the small plates. They look innocuous enough, but tapas and appetizers add up, especially since most come to your table deep-fried and calorie-packed. Not to mention, these small dishes trick your brain into thinking you haven’t eaten much, so you tend to eat more. Avoid the extra calories by looking for grilled options, and opt for veggies or protein over carbs.

Watch out for plain old veggies. Steamed veggies are always a smart option for the figure-conscience patron. After all, they are a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Still, chefs often finish them in a sauté pan with a slick of butter or oil to boost the flavor. To avoid the fat-trap, order your veggies by asking for them “dry.” That will let the chef know to steam them and leave the bacon drippings and oil far away from your greens so you can control your calorie count.

Don’t fall for looks. Gorgeously plated meals can make a large serving suddenly look tiny when dwarfed by a huge platter or when piled sky-high. Dodge the extra intake with a proper-portion check. Lean protein should be no bigger than your smartphone. A serving of carbs should be the size of your fist—much smaller than the average pasta entrée.

Be salad savvy. You’ve been ordering your salads with dressing on the side for years now, but the ingredients in even a mixed green salad can mean unwanted calories. One with goat cheese, pears, and candied walnuts, for instance, can set you back 500 calories. Most restaurants are willing to let you custom-create your salad with dressing on the side to avoid these unnecessary temptations.

What are some ways you avoid extra calories while enjoying a meal out?

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , ,

Striking the Work-Life Balance

January 28, 2013 by

Have you found yourself working late and spending your off-the-clock time doing work-related activities (like replying to work emails or prepping work for the next day)? If so, it may be time to reconsider where to draw the boundary between your work life and your personal life.

It can be tempting to rack up hours at work, especially if you’re vying for a promotion, trying to earn a raise, or managing an ever-increasing workload. But when you spend most of your time working, your home life will take a hit—resulting in added stress, fatigue, and lost time with your family and friends.

Try these tips to take control of your work-life and regain the you-time needed to feel your best, both on and off the job:

• Track where your time goes.Work is an endless well. There will always be more for you to do if you’re looking for it. Start taking note of your daily tasks, including work-related and personal activities. Where is most of your time spent? Can you delegate the extra work you’re taking on? If so, take that option.

• Practice saying no.This simple word is the key to your sanity. Whether it’s a co-worker asking you to spearhead an extra project, or your boss asking for you to do “just one quick favor” when you’ve already worked overtime the past four days, remember that it’s OK to respectfully say no. You’ll have more time for the activities that are meaningful to you when you learn to stop feeling guilty over not taking on more responsibilities.

• Take advantage of your options. Ask your employer about flex hours, a compressed workweek, job sharing, telecommuting, or other scheduling flexibility. The more control you have over your hours, the less stress you’ll feel.

• Leave work at work.Reinforce the boundary between work and home by refusing to check your work email or opening your laptop after you leave the office. Instead, fully invest yourself in the time you spend with your loved ones and unwinding from the long day.

• Manage your time.Don’t save household chores and errands solely for your day off. Instead, organize them in batches throughout the week so you don’t feel as though you trade one kind of workday for another. Simply do what needs to be done and let the rest go.

• Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet, get a little physical activity in your day, and catch your beauty sleep. And be sure each day you do something you love, such as curl up with a great book or practice yoga. Remember your well-being is just as important as your work demands and deadlines. Treat it accordingly.

What are some ways you maintain the work-life balance?

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , ,

Can Breast Cancer Return After Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

January 25, 2013 by

The below question is answered by Dr.James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Is it possible for cancer to come back in a new reconstructed breast?

Hello,

Breast cancer can reoccur in the breast after mastectomy. This can happen with or without reconstruction.  If the reconstruction is done with your own skin and fatty tissue, then the new breast has no real breast tissue and can not develop breast cancer. If breast cancer remains after mastectomy it could possibly grow into the new breast. This is rare but not impossible.

James Craigie,MD
Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

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Charleston’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants

January 23, 2013 by

One of the beautiful things about Charleston is its diversity—and when it comes to dining, we make sure no vegetarian is left behind! Aside from the perks of a vegetarian diet—from lower cholesterol to higher life expectancy—vegetarian fare is just plain delicious!

Check out our favorite places to dine around Charleston when craving vegetarian cuisine:

• Basil Thai Restaurant: When we’re in the mood for unforgettable flavor without the meat, Basil Thai Restaurant is at the top of our list. Whether it’s Green Curry, Pad See-Eu, or Pad Prik, Basil’s most-loved dishes can be made with tofu at your request. Sit back and take in the lush, sophisticated ambiance while you enjoy your meat-free meal!

• Black Bean Co.: Organic, all natural, and vegetarian-friendly—Black Bean Co. gives you the best of all worlds when you walk through its doors. They can even cater to vegan patrons upon request. With a menu that features fresh baked pastries, hearty wraps, gyros, and salads, Black Bean Co. offers foods that make you feel energized and fulfilled all day long.

• Alluette’s Cafe: Aluette’s Café cuisine is a mix of Gullah, Gheechi, Soul and southern—and every last flavorful dish is prepared only once it is ordered. Alluette has an “always on the menu” section including brown rice and organic tofu for the vegan and vegetarian diner in addition to the daily specials. While you enjoy your meal, be sure to check out the local artists’ works adorning the salmon-colored walls. One trip to this charming café, and you’ll be hooked. But don’t just take our word for it—even Oprah Winfrey vouched for the deliciousness of Aluette’s fare!

 
Have you been to these exemplary Charleston restaurants before? Share your experience in the comments section below!

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

How to Get Your Metabolism Moving

January 21, 2013 by

Did you know that you’re burning calories as you read this post? In fact, your body burns calories even when you’re not moving a single muscle. Every single thing you do—from breathing to eating to sleeping—uses energy. The number of calories it would take just to lie in bed all day is called your resting metabolic rate, which is unique to every person.

Although you can’t exchange your genetics or turn back the clock, there’s still plenty you can do to be a fast calorie burner. All you need to do is remember these four metabolism truths:

1. Cardio charges your metabolism for hours afterward. A pound of muscle at rest does burn three times as many calories as a pound of fat, but that doesn’t mean you should only focus on weight training if you want to blast calories. Cardio is every bit as crucial for keeping your metabolism cranked up. Do just two to three vigorous bouts of exercise per week for 45 minutes, and you could lose a pound of fat every two weeks from the combination of calories expended during exercise plus what you burn afterward.

Pro-tip: Any sweat-inducing activity you can sustain for 45 minutes will do the trick.

2. Beauty rest is the new calorie-burning boost. Though contrary to expectations, more sleep makes for a quicker metabolism. In fact, a single sleepless night reduces your resting metabolic rate by about 5% several hours into the next day, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. So put away the laptop, and be sure you aim to give yourself nine hours of sleep  each night.

3. Age doesn’t mean you can’t have a healthy metabolism.Sure, it’s hardly a myth that women tend to gain weight after the age of 40. But according to a new study in Cell Metabolism, estrogen levels may be the cause. Less estrogen, it turns out, equals a sluggish metabolism—you burn 50 fewer calories a day. Compensate by hitting the weight room three times a week. In 12 weeks, you’ll add enough muscle  mass to burn an extra 45 calories per day.

4. Timing is everything when it comes to blasting calories. Drops in blood sugar can make your metabolism stall during the day. That’s because the primary food for your brain is blood sugar, and when you let it drop, your brain has to set up defenses to sustain its fuel. In other words, low blood sugar leaves you with less muscle, which makes your metabolism sluggish. To keep your blood-sugar levels even throughout the day, eat smaller meals with 100- to 200-calorie snacks in between.

What are some ways you keep your metabolism fired up? Share your tips in the comments section below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , , , ,

DIEP Flap Reconstruction Surgery After Capsular Contracture

January 18, 2013 by

The below question is answered by Dr.James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

Does anybody have any idea what the difference is “surgically” when DIEP surgery involves removing an implant that has developed a capsular contracture? That is what my situation is. I’m wondering if the skin that has been stretched over the implant will be removed, or become part of the new flap?

Thirty percent of our patients have previous implant surgery that has failed. During the reconstruction we remove the implant, implant capsule and any Alloderm that may have been used.   We also must return the chest muscle to its natural position because the implant always goes under the muscle. Unfortunately the muscle may be permanently changed from implant surgery. The stretched skin over the implant is allowed to recover and usually not removed.  If the skin initially needed to be stretched by the implant/expander then that indicates breast skin has been removed during the mastectomies. Usually skin from the DIEP will be needed depending on previous radiation and size of the DIEP breast. If the remaining breast skin is thin, tight, too scarred or damaged by radiation we may need to remove more of it at another surgical stage.

-James Craigie

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Have questions for our surgeons? Submit your questions today and get answers straight from our surgical team! No matter where you are in your reconstruction process, we are here to help!

 

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , ,

Charleston’s Theatre Scene

January 16, 2013 by

Over the past few years, the Holy City has seen a renaissance in performing arts, with each of Charleston’s theatre companies contributing their unique voices to the city.From improv comedy to Shakespearian drama, the talent that abounds Charleston is a delight for every theatergoer.

New to the scene? Get acquainted with our favorite Low country theatre companies here:

Charleston Stage Company: Founded by playwright Julian Wiles in 1978, the Charleston Stageis South Carolina’s largest professional theatre company in residence at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. Charleston Stage provides a full season of plays, musicals, and theatre-for-youth productions. Be sure to explore the upcoming plays for the whole family to enjoy!

The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre: Leisurely browse the mystery shoppe, but kill no time ordering tickets as this cozy comedy theatre sells out quickly! Featuring Inspector No Clue’s Murder Mystery, the ghostly Charleston History Mystery, and the family-oriented Pirate Mystery Treasure Show, there’s a performance for everyone’s tastes.

Theater 99: For some off-the-cuff laughs, check out Theater 99, Charleston’s home for improv comedy. No scripts—just improve, all the time! As Charleston’s only professional improv theatre, each show guarantees high-energy laughs fueled by audience suggestion. No two shows are ever the same!

Brad and Jennifer Moranz Present: Bringing their Broadway experience to Charleston, Brad and Jennifer Moranz create spectacular musical variety shows for the whole family presented throughout the year. Browse their upcoming events for tickets to a performance you’ll never forget!

Charleston Youth Company : Join the Charleston Youth Company as they present their Winter Spectacular at the Sottile Theatre February 1 and 2. Show tickets can be purchased at the Sottile Theatre box office on the evening of the show, by calling the rehearsal studio at  843-766-4007 , or from any CYC cast member.

Charleston County School of the Arts:   Charleston County School of Performing Arts presents the classic, Hairspray January 21-February 2 at the Rose Maree Myers Theatre for the Performing Arts.  For more information and to purchase tickets please visit their website.

Have you had the chance to catch one of these companies’ performances? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , ,

8 Tips to Instantly Boost Your Energy

January 14, 2013 by

Are you feeling lethargic and fatigued before it’s even lunch time? Do you notice yourself daydreaming more and more about a mid-afternoon nap?

If you’re searching for ways to feel more energized throughout the day, look no further than these 8 tips. In no time, you’ll be amazed at how bright-eyed you feel!

  • Embrace the midday yawns: Turns out, yawning is your body’s way of cooling down the brain, which helps wake it up. So enjoy your workday yawns, and recharge your brain naturally!
  • Take a 10-minute walk:You’ll feel revved up a whole two hours afterward, and it’s good for your heart.
  • Have a good laugh: Laughing raises your blood pressure and boosts your heart rate, too, which can pump you up when you’re feeling lackluster.
  • Start seeing red: According to research from the University of Rochester, spotting the color red makes your muscles move faster and work harder, giving you a burst of energy when you need it most. Keep crimson flowers in your sight line to pep up a jam-packed day.
  • Sprinkle on the energy: Forget the espresso shots that can make you crash after a few hours.Instead, get your energy from chia seeds. They’re packed with a revitalizing combo of B vitamins, fiber, and protein, so they pick you naturally. Simply stir them into your morning bowl of oatmeal and enjoy!
  • Take time for an invigorating stretch:Stretching warms up your muscles and gets your blood moving, both of which will make you feel more alert. Raise your arms above your head, and then touch your toes. Stand up, and spread your arms out, pushing your chest forward. Hold each pose for 30 seconds.
  • Hit the gym: Before you head to work in the morning, consider carving out a little time to get in some exercise. Most women feel energized the rest of the day after a good workout.
  • Eat nutritious food: Load up on healthy foods throughout the day—especially foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, which improve mood and brain function. Try incorporating a little more salmon or avocados into your diet, and start reaping the benefits of in your workday.

What are some ways you fight fatigue during the day?

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Are You Comparing Apples to Apples When Weighing Your Breast Reconstruction Options?

January 11, 2013 by

We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction know that the Internet is a great place to read and share information, but it is also a great place to become misinformed. Before making any decisions about your breast health, please make sure to contact a surgeon to discuss all your options and make the most informed decision you can. Keeping with the spirit of the Internet as a research tool, today’s Ask The Doctor Question comes from a discussion forum we participated in on WebMD.com. The answer highlighted below in pink comes from our team and showcases the importance of making sure you really are comparing apples to apples when weighing your breast reconstruction options.

Q: Has anyone had a hard time with breast reconstruction after bilateral mastectomy? I had two infections in my right expander, 2 and 3 months after my surgery. The first we conquered with antibiotics; the 2nd we did not, and I had to have it removed 4 months later. I spent the last 5 months healing from that, and just last week had the expander replaced. Hoping for the best this time! But there is significant skin loss on my right side, and my surgeon wonders if there will be enough stretch to accommodate saline fills to match my other side. And of course we all wonder if THIS expander will behave itself and not get infected. Has anyone had this experience, or one similar? Thanks.

A: Why don’t you go with the DIEP Flap procedure – they use the fat and skin from your abdomen area – I have had no problems from this procedure and I have heard of a couple of people who have had issues with infection with the expanders. Find yourself a Plastic Surgeon who does the DIEP Flap procedure

A: I also had a bilateral mastectomy but had to wait 2 years before reconstruction. I also had the expanders but had no problems, maybe it was too soon after your surgery. I would not recommend a tram flap ,it just sounds like an awful surgery.

A: There is a difference between and DIEP Flap and a trans flap.
The DIEP Flap they only take the fat and skin from your abdomen nothing else – they find a good blood supply at the reconstruction site. The Trans Flap is they take your stomach muscle and pull it up through to the breast cavity and also bring the fat and skin from the abdomen area. I for sure was glad that I did not do the Trans Flap.

A: (The Center For Natural Breast Reconstruction’s Answer) The free TRAM flap sacrifices a portion of the transrectus abdominus muscle (hence the acronym TRAM) but doesn’t tunnel it up through the abdomen. The DIEP flap does not use any of that muscle to transfer the blood supply to the reconstruction site. A skilled micro-surgeon with fellowship training in muscle sparing free flap reconstruction provides a permanent reconstruction option with a successful DIEP without sacrificing needed abdominal musculature. There is A LOT of great information on the web about this and what questions you should ask to make sure you are choosing a microsurgical team who has the experience and at least a 98% success rate. Talk to ladies who have had DIEP, GAP, HIP, SIEA flaps ( but not TRAM, it’s not the same) and see what kind of downtime they have had, you’ll probably find it similar to the amount you have had with the repeated implant/expander problems. Best wishes on your research and recovery.

Have a question about breast reconstruction you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask us!

 

 

 

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5 Most Scenic Places in Charleston

January 9, 2013 by

There are many places in Charleston that steal our breath away, but perhaps none more so than the parks, beaches, and historic sites that abound in the city. Regardless of the time of year, a trip to The Battery or a seaside meal on Sullivan’s Island can make any day memorable.

If you’re craving a peaceful day in Charleston’s open air, check out these scenic venues for your next outing:

Image Above Taken From: www.sciway.com

  • The Battery: Famous for its’ stately antebellum homes, The Battery is a landmark defensive seawall and promenade in Charleston. It stretches along the lower shores of the Charleston peninsula, bordered by the Ashley and Cooper Rivers, which meet here to form Charleston harbor. Visible from the Cooper River side and the point, is Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-10), and Sullivan’s Island. Take a pleasant stroll along the promenade, and you can almost feel the centuries of history that resonate throughout the peninsula.
  • Waterfront Park: Along the Cooper River, you’ll find Waterfront Park, which received the 2007 Landmark Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This award “recognizes a distinguished landscape architecture project completed between 15 and 50 years ago that retains its original design integrity and contributes significantly to the public realm of the community in which it is located.” Enjoy a relaxing walk along the pier, and be sure to check out the incredible pineapple water fountain!
  • Sullivan’s Island: If you’re looking for a seaside venue, you’ve come to the right place. Sullivan’s Island is one of the most relaxing and family-friendly beaches on South Carolina’s coast. Year-round, visitors enjoy the island’s tranquil beaches, seaside neighborhoods, and waterfront dining venues.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site: On a marshy point off of the Ashley River, you’ll find Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. This is the very place where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolinas colony. Charles Towne Landing depicts life in Colonial Charleston through interpretive rangers in 17th century dress, a self-guided history trail with an audio tour, and in the interactive museum in the Visitors Center. Take the whole family and tour the Adventure, Charleston’s only 17th-century replica sailing ship. You can also see cannons fired or take a peek at otters, bears, and bison at the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo. If you prefer a more low-key day, the grounds include 80 acres of gardens, with an elegant live oak alley—the perfect place to be alone with your thoughts.

Where do you go in Charleston for a scenic stroll?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , ,
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