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What is a BRCA Test and Do I Need One?

December 6, 2013 by

What is a BRCA Test and Why Do I Need One

According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, “In the general population, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is approximately 12% and the lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is about 1.4%. The risks increase with age.”

So how can you tell if you are at risk for breast cancer? One way is through a BRCA test.

What is a BRCA test?

There are a variety of BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 mutations present in individuals around the world, and a BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 test is used to detect various mutations in the genes. Some of these mutations are seen in individuals who have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. If you have a relative who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you would be a good candidate to receive a BRCA test to determine if you carry the same gene mutation. However, a BRCA test is not recommended for the general public. It is only recommended for individuals who have a close relative(s) that has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially before the age of 50.

It’s important to note that there are options for individuals who receive a positive result on their BRCA test and there are ways to help prevent the onset of breast or ovarian cancer. Just because someone receives a positive result on their BRCA test, doesn’t mean they will definitely develop breast or ovarian cancer. The positive result means that they are at higher risk of developing these cancers.

It’s also important to note that if an individual receives a negative result from the BRCA test, this doesn’t completely rule out the development of breast or ovarian cancer in the individual for the future. This is because the BRCA test can only detect if a person has a hereditary breast cancer or ovarian gene mutation.

If you have more questions about breast cancer and testing for breast cancer, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

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

Winter Fun in Charleston!

December 4, 2013 by

We’re blessed to have good weather all year here in Charleston, and while we might not have the snow that other places get, we still have plenty of winter fun! Here are a few events we thought you’d like. You can also go to the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website to find out more about events that might interest you.

Farmer’s Markets

Unlike most places, the Charleston area has two farmer’s markets during the first part of winter.

Folly Beach: Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 43 Center Street, through December 18.

Charleston: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at King & Calhoun Streets, through December 21.

Toast of Charleston

Listen to live music from local talent, such as Blake Zahnd and Kevin Church, every Friday and Saturday night through the end of February at the Toast of Charleston. Music begins at 8 p.m. at 145 Meeting Street.

Acoustic Sunset Oyster Roast

On Fridays through February, The Wreckfish hosts the weekly Acoustic Sunset Oyster Roast Series from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come to 7690 Northwoods Blvd for oysters and drink specials to kick off your weekend.

Second Sunday on King Street

King Street is one of the best shopping spots in America, and on the second Sunday afternoon of every month, it becomes a fun festival with live music, food, and incredible shopping.

A range of performances for every taste

The North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center hosts artists ranging from locals to nationally known musicians.

This winter, the music lineup includes:

  • Darius Rucker
  • John Mayer
  • Gabriel Iglesias
  • Tedeschi Trucks Band
  • Barry Manilow
  • Johnny Mathis
  • Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell
  • Merle Haggard
  • Arlo Guthrie

Sporting events include:

  • South Carolina Stingrays hockey

Other performances and events include:

  • Moscow Ballet
  • TV’s Mythbusters
  • Monster Jam
  • The Addams Family
  • Endless Love
  • Southern Bridal Show

Which winter events do you enjoy?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: ,

5 Tips to Stay Flu Free

December 2, 2013 by

How to Stay Flu Free This Winter

This time of year can be a difficult one if you’re trying to stay healthy and avoid the flu. It seems like everyone is sick and the germs are all around you. Keeping the flu away may not always be possible, but here are a few ways you can protect yourself.

Wash your hands properly.

The best way to avoid colds and flu is to practice effective hand hygiene. Here’s how:

  1. Use warm water, not hot, and wet hands thoroughly.
  2. Apply plenty of soap (does NOT have to be antibacterial), and work up a lather for 20 seconds. The friction is what really kills the germs. Count slowly to 20, or sing your favorite childhood song two or three times. Rub your hands together briskly, and make sure you wash everything from wrists to fingertips. Don’t forget knuckles, cuticles, and under fingernails.
  3. When you rinse, make sure you keep your hands below your elbows. Don’t touch the sink or the faucet.
  4. Leave the water running, and use at least two clean paper towels to dry your hands.
  5. Grab another dry paper towel and turn off the faucets. Use whatever you can to open the door… your elbow, another towel, or the bottom of your shirt. The bathroom door is typically teeming with germs.

Always wash your hands when you get home from being out in public, especially after shopping.

Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize… and don’t touch your face!

Carry alcohol-based sanitizer with you for those times you can’t wash your hands or you’re handing things others touch (such as shopping carts). Follow the directions on the sanitizer. Again, friction is your friend when it comes to hand hygiene.

The easiest way to transmit the flu or cold is to touch your face. Keep hands away!

Get plenty of sleep.

Don’t allow yourself to run down. Sleeping is your body’s way of recharging, and that recharge includes your immune system. Know how much sleep you need to be healthy—for most adults, it’s at least 7 hours a night.

Eat right.

Part of keeping your immune system healthy is feeding it properly. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and make sure you’re eating enough healthy fats and protein. Keep sugar and starches to a minimum, and drink plenty of water.

Avoid people who are sick.

If you don’t need to be around sick people, don’t do it. It’s difficult to keep the flu away if you’re spending several hours with someone who has it. Ask coworkers to keep their distance and cough into their sleeves.

The key to avoiding the flu is to constantly be vigilant and observant.

What tricks do you use to prevent flu?

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

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.

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , ,

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: , ,
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