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7 Mall Alternatives In Charleston on Black Friday

November 27, 2013 by

Charleston has many options for Black Friday that don’t involve the mall or getting up at 4 a.m. We went to the Charleston Visitors’ Bureau website and compiled a list of seven places to go and things to see so that you won’t miss fighting the crowds at the store. 

28th Annual Progressive Dinner, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Charming Inns and Circa 1886 Restaurant host their annual Holiday Progressive Dinner, which means you’ll ride a carriage through downtown Charleston and have hors d’oeuvres at the Kings Courtyard Inn, a three-course dinner at Circa 1886 Restaurant, and dessert at the John Rutledge House Inn. The cost is $95 per person and covers all but beverages.

Middleton Place Holiday Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Garden Market & Nursery and Museum Shop host a Holiday Market with refreshments, live music, plenty to see, and holiday spirit. Admission is free.

Mingo Point Oyster Roast and Barbecue, 6–9 p.m.

Come out at sunset for some roasted oysters, Southern barbecue and buffet, and a concert by The Island Trio. Plenty of fun for the kids too! Admission is $40.95 per adult and $22.95 per child (5-12 years old).

Sweet T. Christmas, 8:30 p.m.

Come to the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre and watch the story of a “heavenly stranger, a hapless handyman, a hopeless hostess, a hopping-mad Santa, and their hysterical hunt for the holy grail of wish granting, a winning lottery ticket!”

Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for college and military, and $15 for children under 12.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Sanctuary, 5 p.m.

Watch the staff decorate the Grand Lobby Christmas tree and grand staircases, and be there for the tree lighting during this special night.

5th Annual Holiday Pub Crawl, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Visit four of Charleston’s historic pubs for Christmas beverages, treats, and cheer. Admission is $30 per adult, with proceeds going to MUSC Children’s Hospital and Toys for Tots. Reservations are required.

2013 Holiday Festival of Lights, call 843-795-4386 for time and admission fees

Charleston’s Festival of Lights has plenty of fun for everyone! This driving tour has over 700 holiday displays, along with events such as marshmallow roasting, train rides, dancing light displays, a 50-ton sand sculpture, a climbing wall, and an old-time carousel.

What’s your favorite Black Friday non-shopping activity?

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

5 Ways to Use That Leftover Turkey

November 25, 2013 by

Ways to Use That Turkey

It happens every year, and it doesn’t matter if you buy a smaller turkey or invite more people to Thanksgiving dinner.

You’re going to have leftover turkey. A lot of it.

Here are a few ways to use it—some serious, some lighthearted. We’re thankful to have that leftover turkey, and sharing it is one of many options.

Send it home with your guests.

Often, we don’t think of this because the tryptophan in the turkey makes us semi-comatose. When everyone leaves, sending home leftovers just doesn’t register! Pack goodie bags for your guests right after dinner. Maybe you can steal everyone’s keys and put them in the goodie bags, so no one can leave without their turkey.

Try some new recipes.

Visit a recipe website, and learn something new while using up that turkey! Good recipe sites include Food Network, All Recipes, and Real Simple. If you’re more the Martha Stewart type, try her website. (Or if you’re not much of a cook, just cut it up and add it to everything you eat for the next week.)

Surprise your coworkers.

The people you work with want more turkey, don’t they? Whip up some turkey sandwiches and take them in for lunch the first workday after Thanksgiving. They’ll love you for remembering them. Won’t they?

Freeze for later use.

When you’re completely “turkeyed out,” parcel what’s left into small bags and put them in the freezer. You can always use that turkey later for delicious comfort food like turkey and noodles and turkey pot pie.

Finally, give it to the dog.

We’re thankful for the dog, and the dog is thankful for us. Why not spread a little Thanksgiving cheer and give him or her the last of the turkey?

Tell us on our Facebook page what you do with leftover turkey!

 

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

After Breast Reconstruction, Do I Still Need an Annual Mammogram?

November 22, 2013 by

diep and mammogramThe following question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. James E. Craigie. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

Q: After having breast reconstruction using the DIEP method, do I need to have an annual mammogram?  If so, can the pressure from the procedure cause any damage to the tissue or blood vessels used in the reconstruction?

A: First of all, following mastectomy and reconstruction with your own tissues, a mammogram is routinely not needed on a regular screening basis.  Screening mammograms are only helpful for normal breast tissue; therefore, in our patients we do not recommend that they have regular screening mammograms.

From time to time, people will be seen in follow up for examination and have areas of the breast feel firm or hard and sometimes the oncologist or other physicians will order mammograms to investigate a specific finding.  This would normally be performed after the first and second stages of the reconstruction process were completed and therefore should pose no risk of injury to the blood vessels that were connected to the breast.

Thank you for your question!

James E. Craigie, M.D.

Do you have a question about breast implants or natural breast reconstruction? Ask the doctor by submitting your questions here.

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In Her Words: Shirley Nilsen

November 20, 2013 by

This week we’re happy to highlight Shirley Nilsen’s story for In Her Words. Shirley, a breast cancer survivor, spearheads an initiative for East Cooper Medical Center, where volunteers  provide plush essential care bags to post-surgery breast reconstruction patients. She reminds us that even the smallest gestures of kindest go a long way.

East Cooper Medical Center Care Bags

This is an incredible initiative and it’s managed by all volunteers! Tell me a little more about the initiative, why it was created and what it means to you.

We were approached last year by the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction to see if our Volunteer Services Organization, a non-profit entity that provides scholarships for students going into the medical field, medications for patients who need financial assistance, and donations to charities in the East Cooper area, would be interested in providing basic essentials to breast reconstruction patients upon discharge. 

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction held a fund-raiser and $2167 was raised, with 20% of the money going to The Plastic Surgery Foundation Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund.  The remainder was donated to the VSO, who put together bags to give to any patient of any physician who had breast reconstruction at East Cooper Medical Center.   

What items are included in post-op care bags for reconstruction patients? 

4” x 4” Gauze Sponges, 2 packs of warm, fuzzy non-skid socks; pink-ribbon pin; pink-ribbon manicure set; pink-ribbon pen and pad set; pill box; travel mirror. 

Do you have any stories from you or a loved one about breast cancer survival or wellness? 

I am a breast cancer survivor and have had reconstruction.  Although my surgery was over 10 years ago, I still remember the feeling of thinking “will I still feel like a woman, will I be perceived any differently because I have had my breast removed and how will my reconstruction look.  I was very lucky that I had the support of my husband, family and friends.  Unfortunately, all women do not have that support and my heart truly hurts for those women.  The volunteers want women to know that they care.  There is a note in the bag from the volunteers which says:

The Volunteers at East Cooper Medical Center would like to present this lovely tote bag and the little gifts inside to show their support for you as you recover from your surgery.  The funds to purchase these items came from a fundraiser in October, 2012 whose purpose was to show support for women undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.  We hope you find these items useful and we wish you a speedy recovery.

 How can people support this ongoing project?

People can make a donation to the Volunteer Service Organization at East Cooper Medical Center, 2000 Hospital Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, designating that their donation go to the “Breast Reconstruction Fund”.  

Filed Under: In Her Words Tagged With: , , , , ,

How to Safely Decorate for the Holidays

November 18, 2013 by

We’re in one of the most fun times of year for kids and adults alike. One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is decorating your home and yard. Following are a few tips to keep small children and pets safe:

Keep common poisons out of reach. 

Many of us enjoy putting food out for guests, but we don’t think about how it can affect our pets. Even a little bit of chocolate can be too much for dogs and cats due to theobromine, a nervous system and cardiovascular stimulant that can cause illness and death. Yeast dough, grapes, and raisins are also toxic for your furry friends.

Be careful while cooking that nobody has access to anything he or she shouldn’t eat.

Be careful with decorations.

Pets and small children can easily knock over or be caught in decorations such as incense holders and candles, and some pets will try to eat or chew them. Poinsettia, ivy, holly, and mistletoe aren’t good for anyone to chew on. If you wouldn’t let a toddler near a decoration, don’t let your dogs near them.

Dogs often drink the water from Christmas trees, and males might use the trunk as a porta-potty, so keep an eye on your pups. If you dress up your small children or pets, make sure nothing can choke or suffocate them.

 

Keep important or sentimental items out of reach.

This seems obvious, but in the excitement of the season, it’s easy to forget to kid- and pet-proof ornaments. Decorations and breakable tree ornaments should be placed out of reach. Tinsel and metal ornament hooks can cause digestive problems if swallowed. Curious children and dogs can pull breakable items off tables and walls. Cats and dogs may knock over candles and other holiday items. Keep electrical cords off the floor.

You may wish to kennel or confine pets while decorating, and you can always decorate while your children are napping or sleeping.

Pick up everything as you use it.

Many decorations have small or sharp pieces that children, dogs, and cats can easily pick up and choke or hurt themselves. Items such as broken decorations, wire hangers, and loose pine needles can be harmful to the little people and critters in your home. If you need to, keep a vacuum cleaner handy to pick up small pieces of decorations.

If the holiday excitement stresses out your pets or children, consider taking dogs and cats to a kennel. Perhaps family members would like to take care of children for the day.

How do you decorate safely?

 

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

Enjoy a Few of Charleston’s Vegetarian Restaurants

November 13, 2013 by

Now that the farmers markets are closed, if you’re craving fresh vegetables, try some of Charleston’s top vegetarian restaurants. Charleston is home to some creative and delicious vegetarian fare.

Alluette’s Café – Vegetarian Friendly (Ovo, Lacto)

80 A Reid St (at Meeting St), Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-577-6926

Reservations required.

Moderate pricing for lunch, more for dinner.

Alluette’s is the place to take your friends, as it serves not only vegan- and vegetarian-friendly cuisine, but also American, Southern, organic, and non-vegetarian fare. Meat is available, but pork is not on the menu. Typically, it has a couple of vegan or vegetarian choices for lunch and dinner as well as vegan desserts.

Dellz Uptown – Vegetarian (Ovo)

511 Rutledge Ave, Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-641-0352

Open Monday through Saturday until 8 p.m., closed between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Casual atmosphere and moderate pricing.

You’ll love the variety of cuisine ranging from American to International, with take-out. All food can be made vegan. The house specialty is the My Thai Bowl, which is also gluten free. Enjoy wi-fi with your meal.

Five Loaves Café – Vegetarian Friendly (Lacto)

Three locations:

43 Cannon St (at Coming St), Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-937-4303

372 King St, Charleston 29403. Phone: 843-805-7977

1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd # 50, Mt Pleasant 29464. Phone: 843-849-1043

Closed Sunday.

Moderate pricing.

Another restaurant that you can take anyone to, Five Loaves has multiple locations in the Charleston area and offers meat options along with some vegetarian-only dishes.

Nirlep Indian Restaurant – Vegetarian Friendly

908 Savannah Hwy, Charleston 29407. Phone: 843-763-9923

Inexpensive pricing.

This Indian restaurant is also vegan friendly and has a lunch buffet six days a week. Feel free to order from the menu, as the wait staff can make any dish vegan.

Three Little Birds Café – Vegetarian Friendly (Ovo, Lacto)

65 Windermere Blvd (at Folly Rd), Charleston 29407. Phone: 843-225-3065

Open Tuesday through Saturday until 3 p.m., Sunday until 2 p.m., closed Monday.

Inexpensive pricing.

Enjoy vegetarian- and vegan-friendly food, along with American cuisine, a juice bar, catering, and take-out. Typical food includes spelt bread, salads, and veggie burgers. You can have breakfast any time and eat outdoors.

What’s your favorite vegetarian or vegan restaurant in Charleston?

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

How To Make Gratitude a Part Of Your Life

November 11, 2013 by

At this time of year, we’re often reminded to be thankful for the blessings and happiness in our lives. We believe that gratitude should be part of our lives every day, and we should take time regularly to reflect on what we appreciate about the people, animals, and things we love. Someday they might not be there, and being a thankful person tends to attract more to be happy for.

We are all thankful for different things. What one person appreciates, another might wish to be rid of. Gratitude is individual, and here are a few ways to work it into your daily routine.

Make a list.

Write down everything you’re grateful for, no matter how small. Tuck this list into a safe place, and when you’re having a bad day, read it and realize how fortunate you are. It’s easy to think everyone else has more or better than we do, but when you see that your list covers your children, spouse, family, and friends, you’ll feel like the luckiest person alive.

Practice gratitude daily.

Make it a habit to be gratified every day. It may be for something as simple as the car starts or the dogs come running to you when you call. Every day brings something to treasure.

Tell people what you’re grateful for.

Having gratitude and knowing what you’re lucky to have is wonderful, but when you express thanks, you send your happiness out into the world. Don’t be afraid to tell others what you’re happy to have in your life.

Be a model for others.

Let other people see you being grateful. So many are not appreciative of their lives, and when they see, feel, and hear your gracious thanks for your happiness, they may follow suit. When they see you model grateful feelings, they may be motivated to do the same.

Don’t allow others to trample on your gratitude.

Let’s face it—most people are not appreciative of what they have. Unhappy people often try to rain on others’ parades. See this negative behavior for what it is, and ignore it.

Journal.

Write down your feelings each day, or whenever you feel especially thankful (or not so thankful). Often, the mere act of getting our feelings out where we can see them will intensify the good and minimize the bad. Journaling can be done via computer or the old-fashioned way: a diary with a good lock.

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

Post-Operative Care: What to Expect and Helpful Tips

November 8, 2013 by

Post-Op Care and TipsOur team often receives questions on the healing process and post operative care after breast reconstruction surgery. We strive to provide our patients with the information to ensure they achieve the most optimal surgical experience. For today’s Ask The Doctor post, we are sharing with you some tried-and-true steps and tips we have to help our patients improve their post surgery recovery and healing time.

After Surgery

Family members will receive periodic updates during your surgery.

Following the procedure, you will be moved to a special unit in the hospital where you will be connected to monitoring equipment. There, nurses trained in post operative care of breast reconstruction will monitor you at all times.  Family members can see you during visiting hours.

You will also receive an informative sheet that discusses your specific information and post-operative care.  This likely will include information concerning drain care; it is very important to monitor flow from the drains in a 24-hour period. This guides us on when to remove them.  You will also have a kind of thermometer on your chest, which monitors the flap.  Other specifics and information will be provided in your post-operative packets.

As You Heal

Family and Friends:
Support from loved ones is very helpful. But understand that comments they may make during your recovery can cause you concern. Remember this: We will tell you honestly how you are doing and what we expect your result will be.  Please trust in our knowledge and experience when we discuss your progress with you.

Healing:
You will heal! How quickly depends on factors your genetic background, your overall health and your lifestyle (exercise, smoking, drinking, etc.). Many people believe the surgeon “heals” the patient.  No person can make another heal. Dr Craigie and Dr Kline can facilitate, but not accelerate, the healing process.  But you play the starring role, so your cooperation is key.

Swelling:
You may find swelling of your new breast and abdomen (DIEP) or buttock (GAP) to be troublesome and your clothes may not fit.  Be patient, this swelling will gradually subside and you will feel better in a few weeks.  There will be a certain amount of tightness in the area where the flap was taken from.  This will slowly relax in a few months.

Following Instructions:
Another way to improve healing is by following the instructions given by Dr. Craigie and Dr. Kline’s staff.  We believe “the difference is in the details” and strive to achieve the best possible results for you.  It is imperative that you act as a partner in this process — not a passive participant.  The instructions are designed to give you the best opportunity for healing without delay or surprise.

Click here for a complete list of post surgery healing and recovery tips and instructions.

Have questions about post operative breast reconstruction? Or questions in general? Contact us today!

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

Civil War Charleston: 3 Ways to Observe the Sesquicentennial

November 6, 2013 by

Charleston played a major role in the Civil War, and as we continue to commemorate the sesquicentennial years, we remember the soldiers who gave all. Here are just a few ways to discover more about these epic battles and the people who played a role.

Charleston’s Civil War Walking Tours

Experience Charleston during the war through the stories and photos from local historian Jack Thomson at Civil War Walking Tours. From the website:

“Walk with Jack and his associates as they take you on a trip through Charleston’s history that is much more fun than any van or bus tour. This beautiful city has been bombarded for eighteen months by Union forces. Devastation and destruction are everywhere. Heavy smoke lingers in the air. And yet this city where the Ordinance of Secession was signed in 1860 survives…now more beautiful than ever…

…You will meet people like Gus Smythe, the young Confederate Signal Corps Sergeant up in St. Michael’s steeple with a bird’s eye view of the Union shells raining down from Charleston Harbor. You will also be introduced to Jane Wightman, a free person of color with her own slaves and a beautiful brick house on cobblestoned Chalmers Street.

Jack uses his collection of 118 photographs from 1865 to set the mood and illustrate his stories. Step back in time with Civil War Walking Tours and experience Charleston’s wartime society like never before. Your adventure awaits you!”

The Charleston Museum

The museum’s tribute to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is constantly evolving, so be sure to check the website frequently. Here is just one example of an exhibition from the museum’s website.

“City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War: This permanent exhibition provides a rich overview of events in and around Charleston from secession to 1865. Including the Federal naval blockade, Union bombardment, social dislocations, privations, and five major Union attempts to capture the “Queen City of the South,” the war and its effects changed the lives of Charleston’s residents forever.

Their story—one of suffering, sacrifice, initiative and tenacity—is told with extensive images and artifacts from the Museum’s collections. These include uniforms, artillery shells, firearms, “gunboat china,” the watch of a fallen South Carolina soldier, and the recently-acquired prosthesis of Colonel Peter Gaillard, who lost his hand in action against Union forces on Morris Island.”

Fort Sumter National Monument

One of the most famous forts of the Civil War, Fort Sumter is a popular destination for Civil War and history buffs. Here is a short description of the battle:

“…During the early-morning hours of April 12, 1861, Confederate gunners fired the first shots of the Civil War at this Union bastion in the middle of Charleston Harbor. After 34 hours of pounding, the fort’s commander, Maj. Robert Anderson, surrendered. The victorious Confederates occupied, using the strategic location to keep the Union navy from the harbor and to protect blockade runners.

After an unsuccessful Union attempt to bypass the fort by water, Union land-based guns were brought within range, eventually pounding Sumter into rubble. The advance of Union General William T. Sherman forced the Confederates to evacuate the fort Feb. 17, 1865.”

Feel free to visit any of these places and soak up the rich history of the Civil War.

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

How to Cook a Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner

November 4, 2013 by

Photo courtesy of:
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbsidedishes/r/cauliflowermash.htm

We get questions every year at this time: how can you cook a healthy Thanksgiving dinner, yet still feel satisfied? It’s easier than you think, and we have some great ideas to share.

Drain as much poultry fat as you can from the turkey.

This fat is not healthy, so you want to drain as much of it as you can. The fat helps keep the turkey juicy, but you don’t need to eat that fat once the turkey is cooked. Drain the fat, and give the skin to the dog or the cat.

Think veggies and healthy fats.

Yes, we said to drain the fat from the turkey, but that’s because it’s unhealthy fat. Other foods have good, beneficial fats, and you want to include those on your Thanksgiving menu. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados. Try new recipes with those ingredients, or set nuts and seeds out with the appetizers. Make some guacamole and chips, or serve avocado slices during or after dinner.

Try mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.

This is one of our favorites, and we really enjoy the flavor of the cauliflower for a change. Following is a great recipe for healthy mashers. The recipe can be found at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/george-stella/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe/index.html.

(Catherine, photo is from )

Total Time: 21 min

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 6 min

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head cauliflower
  • 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon straight chicken base or bouillon (may substitute ½ teaspoon salt)
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh or dry chives, for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:

  1. Set a stockpot of water to boil over high heat.
  2. Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces. Cook in boiling water for about 6 minutes, or until well done. Drain well—do not let cool, and pat cooked cauliflower very dry between several layers of paper towels.
  3. In a bowl with an immersion blender, or in a food processor, puree the hot cauliflower with the cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, chicken base, and pepper until almost smooth.
  4. Garnish with chives, and serve hot with pats of butter.

Hint: Try roasting the garlic and adding a little fresh rosemary for a new taste.

Per Serving: Calories: 149; Total Fat: 11.5 grams; Saturated Fat: 7 grams; Protein: 5 grams; Total carbohydrates: 8 grams; Sugar: 4 grams; Fiber: 4 grams; Cholesterol: 31 milligrams; Sodium: 170 milligrams.

Offer fruit for dessert.

Fruit is so versatile that you can use your imagination when it comes to serving a healthy dessert. Strawberry shortcake is always a hit, or you can try creating a fruit salad for dessert or during the meal. Some will eat the fruit as is, and a colorful fruit basket makes a wonderful centerpiece.

What tips for a healthy Thanksgiving dinner would you like to share?

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