Posts Comments

You are here: Home / 2015 / Archives for July 2015

Archives for July 2015

Ask The Doctor-What does this mean on my billing statement?

July 31, 2015 by

2900257491_bae8f6e366_mThis week, Gail Lanter, CPC, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: My recent replacement implant surgery was last week. The billing states “Reconstruction of the Breast Prothesis.” What does that mean?

Answer: Thanks for your question.  The narrative reflected within the billing process of most practice management systems is abbreviated and sometimes determined by the staff of the practice (could be the reason for prosthesis to be spelled incorrectly).  This narrative would normally be taken from the content of the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) book utilized to assign a 5 digit code to a procedure to send via electronic claim to an insurance company. If you happen to see a 5 digit code on your billing statement that begins with 193XX, I could send you the specific narrative of the procedure billed. Hope this helps!

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

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: ,

Techniques to Remain Calm in Stressful Scenarios

July 28, 2015 by

16086503254_924854973e_z

Stressful scenarios come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it be an argument with a friend or coworker, a health crisis, a public speaking engagement, or money issues, the list can go on and on…

One fact of life is that stressors are always present.

If we can find tried and true techniques that help us handle these stressful situations in a more calming, graceful manner, our overall quality of life could increase dramatically.

That’s not to say we won’t occasionally have a screaming meltdown in the car every now and then, but maybe we can make an effort for those tantrums to happen less frequently.

Below are 6 techniques to help you calm yourself in stressful scenarios:

Identify the stressor

There are many times when we’re upset and don’t truly identify what the stressor is that’s causing this reaction. Maybe you snap at your significant other, when really you are mad at your mom for an argument you had earlier. The first step to reacting calmly to stress is to identify what the real issue is.

Sleep on it

This old adage proves true time and time again. Don’t make any rash decisions or comments until after a good night’s sleep. This gives you the opportunity to lower your blood pressure and think about the entire situation.

Make a plan of action

A lot of stress is built up from simply not knowing how you’re going to overcome a stressful scenario. Sitting down and coming up with a written down plan of how to tackle the issue at hand will help relieve a great deal of tension.

Find your “go to” ways to relax

Everyone has his or her own ways to relax. For some it’s cleaning, for others it’s taking a bubble bath, and some like to go for a run. If you haven’t found your favorite relaxation technique, try a few things out and monitor how you feel afterwards.

Write down everything you’re grateful for

Sometimes we get caught up in the minute details (okay, all the time). If we could just take a step back and see all the amazing things in our lives, a lot of that stress would seem so trivial. Take a few minutes when you’re feeling worked up to write down each and every thing you’re grateful for in your life. Better yet—save that list on your phone to look at the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Talk to someone you trust

Sometimes just being able to talk about what’s stressing you out with an unbiased party can help you relieve some tension. Having someone you trust that is a good listener who you can talk your problems out with is sometimes the biggest stress reliever of all.

Try these techniques out and let us know if they helped you relieve stress!

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

Ask The Doctor-Is it possible to give me mobility in my arms again?

July 24, 2015 by

white flower with bugThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: About 10 years ago, I had a prophylactic, skin-sparing, bi-lateral mastectomy, an an immediate reconstruction with a TRAM flap, using the latissamus dorsi muscles. However, the muscle was never cut. The muscle is going from my back around my side, it has since filled with fluid. The issue is, when I exercise it pulls, and it’s very painful. I spoke to one surgeon to cut the muscle, and he said I’d need to know where all the nerves are. Is it possible to give me mobility in my arms again?

Answer: Thank you for your question. It is possible to detach the muscle from the nerve or reposition the muscle so it does not pull as much on the breast when you exercise. In the processes, scar may be released and that may help with the mobility of your arms. Unfortunately, it is hard to say for sure because the latissimus muscle is involved with moving your arms, and the surgery to release the muscle will not return it to is normal function. The good news is that you could most likely get an improvement. I could tell you more if I were to see you or perhaps review photos of your breast reconstruction. Let me know if you need more information.

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

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

The Best Sunless Tan Products

July 21, 2015 by

tan legs

It’s no news flash that spending hours out in the sun is dangerous for our health. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million skin cancer patients are diagnosed each year.

Unfortunately, we can’t claim ignorance to the dangers like past generations could.

Luckily, there are so many great sunless tanning products on the market.

Are you a little nervous giving them a try for the first time?

After all, we don’t want to turn out like Ross from Friends, after his first spray tan.

We’ve combed the reviews—and even did a little testing ourselves—and have come up with our top 5 sunless tan products.

JERGENS® Natural glow

JERGENS® Natural Glow might be one of the first tanning products that comes to your mind. You can find it in any drug store. What do we like about it? It’s cheap, works well as a daily moisturizer and gradual tanner, and you can pick your shade. Since JERGENS® has been in the tanning lotion business for quite some time now, they’ve been able to tweak their product throughout the years. In the past, some users noticed an odor. They’ve recently released their new odor-free lotion.

Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion

Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion is a great mid-price option that is long lasting. This product is for those hoping to see a dramatic difference in a few hours. A major plus: you can see where you apply it—less chance for missing patches. Some users reported an odor.

Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Body Lotion

Another excellent mid-price option is Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Body Lotion. This lotion is also for those looking for a darker shade. What makes this one different? It lasts 7 days, has a great coconut scent, and is infused with nutrients that are good for your skin.

Vita Liberata

Vita Liberata is an excellent option for oily skin types. It is a mousse, making it a lighter formula. However, it dries quickly, so you must wash your hands swiftly after application. The line has many shade options, so it’s easy to pick the one closest to your skin color. This tanning mousse is priced on the higher end.

LORAC TANtalizer Body Bronzing Spray

This sunless tan comes in a spray form, which helps you reach difficult places like your back—it also comes with an applicator puff to prevent streaks. According to the reviews, LORAC TANtalizer Body Bronzing Spray doesn’t have a shimmer or sparkle that some other products have, so it looks more like a real tan—but it comes at a higher price.

Do you have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Comment below.

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

Ask The Doctor-How long will each procedure take?

July 17, 2015 by

16111348358_f6d6260dbb_mThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Great to meet you and your wonderful staff yesterday. We thought we had asked every question possible, but we got in the car and my aunt asked the question I didn’t think of! How long will the surgery take/be under anesthesia? First procedure and second?

Answer: It was my pleasure to meet you yesterday! Thank you for coming! The time under anesthesia for the first step would range between 3-5 hours. The times vary depending on the microsurgery and the type of connections we may need to make to have a healthy new breast the size required to meet your expectations. The second stage is also variable and ranges from 1.5hrs to 3 hrs. Thanks for your question. Let me know if you have any additional questions

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

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

Ways to Stay Hydrated this Summer

July 14, 2015 by

4788694752_d03557765b_z (1)

Photo credit: Ryan Hyde

According to the Mayo Clinic, severe dehydration can cause serious health effects such as dizziness, confusion, and low blood pressure.

When temperatures are at an all-time high, it’s vital to be sure you’re getting the fluids you need.

This is easier said than done.

From a crazy day at work to running the kids around, we can get so preoccupied that we forget to drink the proper amount of water.

We’re listing a few solutions that will help you easily incorporate more H20 into your daily routine.

Bring a water bottle with you everywhere you go

If it’s there, you’ll drink it! Take a bottle of water with you in the car, into meetings, in the grocery store, and you’ll be unconsciously taking sips throughout your day.

If it’s easier, have a designated water bottle for your home, a separate one at your office, and one for your purse. This way you won’t keep leaving it places, and you’ll always have one at arm’s reach.

Pre-portion your water

Having trouble getting enough water throughout the day? Purchase a large water bottle that contains your water goal for the day. That way you can easily track how much water you’ve had to drink—plus you don’t have to be constantly filling your water bottle up!

Warm water with lemon

Is water not your absolute favorite thing to drink? Try heating it up, adding a slice of lemon, and sipping it like tea. This is easy to incorporate while watching TV or reading a book at night. If you’re looking to cut out caffeine, we recommend replacing your usual cup of Joe with warm water and lemon.

Add fruit and herbs

Take your hydration to the next level by adding fruits and herbs to your cup or bottle! Infused water helps cleanse your body of toxins, flush fat, support liver and kidney health, and jump-start your metabolism.

Check out our favorite recipes here.

Always order a glass of water

Whenever you’re at a restaurant, always order a glass of water. Even if you are ordering a separate beverage, you’ll be able to also sip on some water throughout your meal. These little tricks will help you stay hydrated, without much change to your daily routine!

We’d love to hear how you’re staying hydrated this summer in the comments below!

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

Ask The Doctor-How long does it take to reconstruct the breast?

July 10, 2015 by

pink flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: How long does it take to reconstruct the breast? And how much does it cost for a survivor like me in Zambia, Africa. I would love to do it. Thanks and God bless.

Answer: Thanks for your question. The procedures to reconstruct the breast can take 3-7 hours depending on the type of procedure, individual factors, etc. Also, more than one procedure is required. The cost depends on your insurance. Are you living in the United States? Your question suggests you are living in Zambia. I don’t know anything about how much it would cost there. Let me know if you need more information.

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

Be sure to check out the summer issue of Breast Cancer Wellness.

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

Best Charleston Places to Bring Your Pup

July 7, 2015 by

8955845926_7680a3e037_z

Photo credit: Eric Sonstroem

Your beloved pup stays at home when you go to work, so it’s a terrible feeling leaving them at home when you’d like to go meet up with friends.

Luckily, Charleston has come to the rescue, yet again!

Why not go to places where you can catch up with friends and spend time with your furry friend?

Here’s our list of top dog-friendly places in Charleston:

Yappy Hour

You and your pup deserve a break! Enjoy live music and beverages at Yappy Hour—located at the James Island County Park Dog Park. Only $1 per person for park admission or free for Gold Pass Members. Beverages are available for purchase on-site. Helpful to know: outside food and drinks are prohibited.

Click here to find out more on dates and times.

James Island County Park

Looking for a dog park to meet up with your other canine-loving friends? James Island County Park’s dog park is a beautiful area to allow your pet to go off-leash and socialize with other four-legged friends. The park features a large lake where your pup can cool off in the heat.

Make sure you check out these dog park rules before you go.

Grab a bite with your dog

Don’t want to leave your canine friend at home to go out to dinner? Charleston boasts a long list of restaurants with patios that are a perfect place to bring your pup! You might be surprised who’s on the list. Restaurants like Crave Kitchen and Cocktails, FUEL Cantina, and, of course, the local dog-friendly favorite, Parson Jack’s café.

View the whole list of dog-friendly restaurants here.

Have a Beach Day at Sullivan’s Island

Spend the morning allowing your dog to enjoy the fresh air and water at the beach! The beach at Sullivan’s Island allows pet owners to bring their dogs off-leash from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. Although no dogs are allowed on the beach between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., leashed pets are allowed from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Important note: you will need to get a license for your dog at City Hall to participate in many of these opportunities.

We’d love to hear about your favorite pup-friendly places on our Facebook page.

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

Ask The Doctor-Can you recommend a plastic surgeon in my area?

July 3, 2015 by

flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Can you recommend a plastic surgeon who can perform microsurgery with the DIEP Flap in Midlothian or Richmond, Virginia? Someone Board Certified to do reconstruction?

Answer: Thanks for your question. I’m sorry but I do not personally know of anyone in your area. There was a practice in Virginia Beach that performed those procedures but that was a few years ago. The best resource would be plasticsurgery.org. The American Society of plastic surgeons has a locate a plastic surgeon tool on their website that may help.

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

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

Things to do – Independence Day 2015 in South Carolina

July 2, 2015 by

(Thanks to AppleOne Employment Services for sending this fantastic Weekend Recs e-blast for us to share!) 

Charleston

Fourth of July Fireworks on Folly Beachindependence day

 A holiday tradition on the Edge of America, the annual 4th of July fireworks display is set to take place on Folly Beach next Saturday. The fireworks will be set off at the Folly Beach County Park, at the west end of the island. Locals and visitors are invited to enjoy the Independence Day display, which will begin at 9:30pm. For more information about the 4th of July fireworks display on Folly Beach, please go to www.visitfolly.com or download the free ‘Visit Folly’ smart phone app.

When: 7/4/15 starting at 9:30pm

Where: Folly Beach-Folly Beach County Park- West end of Island

 

July Fourth on the Pride

Enjoy this Fourth of July with a sunset sail while watching the fireworks from the best seat in the house! Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Bring a snack or picnic aboard if you choose. Buy tickets by calling the number provided (843-722-1112) or visiting the website: http://www.schoonerpride.com/

When: 7/4/15 from 7pm to 9pm

Where: The Schooner Pride-Aquarium Wharf

Admission: $55 per person-book now as space is limited

 

North Charleston 4th of July Festival

The City of North Charleston is once again hosting the July 4th celebration at the Riverfront Park on July 4, 2015 from 3:30 PM – 9:45 PM. This year’s event features exciting musical guests, children activities, food trucks, craft vendors, and the Lowcountry’s largest 4th of July fireworks show. The Festival is presented free of charge to the public with all general admission for attendees. Guests attending the Festival are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there is no seating provided. Food trucks, beer and wine stations, and ATMs will be widely available. Children activities are available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. Beer and wine stations will be set up throughout the park, as well as ATMs for participants. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.northcharleston.org/Residents/Special-Events/4th-of-July-Festival.aspx

Festival performance schedule:
3:30 – Gates open
3:30 – Soul Fish (rock quartet)
5:00 – Blacklion (reggae)
6:30 – Dangermuffin (Americana)
8:00 – Funk Factory 5 (Mo-town/Top 40)
9:10 – Spectacular Fireworks show by Zambelli’s

When: 7/4/15 from 3:30pm to 9:45pm

Where: Riverfront Park-1001 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston

 

Patriots Point 4th of July Blast

 For those who want to enjoy the fireworks on the Yorktown, all Flight deck tickets are now SOLD OUT, but visitors are still allowed to watch the event landside and enjoy the celebration there! Parking is $10/vehicle.

When: 7/4/15 starting about 9pm

Where: Patriots Point–40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

 

Columbia

Lake Murray Fireworks Celebration

Beginning at dusk (approximately 9:15 pm) South Carolina’s largest fireworks display on beautiful Lake Murray. Fireworks will be set off from two great locations: Spence Island and Dreher Island State Park. The show is choreographed to a patriotic concert that will air simultaneously on B106.7. The best places to view the fireworks are Dreher Island State Park and both parks at the Lake Murray dam. Bring a chair or blanket, picnics are welcomed- NO Alcohol Permitted at any of the locations.

Admission (based on park):

Dreher Island State Park– $2 for adults, $1.25 SC Seniors, FREE for children 15 years and younger (Gates close at 8pm).

Lake Murray Dam park sites– open until they reach capacity- $3 per car.

The walking path on the dam will also be open. (Fireworks DO NOT launch from the park sites at the dam).

 

When: July 04, 2015 from 9pm to 10:30pm
Admission: Admission Based on Park

 

Lake Murray Patriotic Boat Parade

 Get ready for the 26th Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray on Saturday, July 4th!! CCLMC is trying to break our all-time record this year with over 150 boats and inclusion within the Guinness Book of World Records! We hope that you and your family will join us and participate to make this a special year! For more information, please visit the website: http://www.lakemurraycountry.com/things-to-do/events/lake-murray-boat-parade

 When: July 04, 2015 from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Bomb Island, Lake Murray, SC 29072
Admission: Free, but if watching from Lake Murray Dam park sites admissions is $2/car

 

Slide the City and Capital City Beach Party!

 Columbia is Famously Hot, so we’re bringing you a Surprisingly Cool way to have fun this Independence Day while supporting 2 great causes!  Slide the City is a 1000 foot water slide that will go from Blanding & Gadsden to Hampton & Gadsden Streets.  The chosen charities SC Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Celebrate Freedom Foundation will benefit each time you purchase a registration using the promo code FREEDOM, and you will receive $5 off! After you slide, go check out the Capital City Beach Party beginning in Finlay Park at 2PM. Water and Food vendors will be available for purchase at noon. Want to slide for free while helping out the charities? Sign up as a volunteer here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slide-the-city-columbia-sc-volnteer-tickets-17332899168

When: July 04, 2015 starting at 11am
Where: Finlay Park-930 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Greenville

Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival

A barrage of colors illuminates the sky every 4th of July in downtown Greenville for the annual Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue, presented by AT&T. As one of the largest fireworks displays in South Carolina, the celebration features live music, food and a variety of family activities. A long-standing tradition, Wells Fargo Red, White & Blue represents a remarkable opportunity to support a free patriotic event that is enjoyed by the Greenville community. Sponsors have long recognized this event as a unique way to showcase their brand while enjoying hospitality and a celebration that only happens once a year. Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue presented by AT&T is Greenville’s premier 4th of July celebration, showcasing one of the state’s largest fireworks displays, sponsored by Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. The free event, scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2015, from 5 to 10 p.m., features live music on two stages, fun-filled activities in the Zaxby’s Kidz Zone and a variety of popular food and beverage vendors. The event takes place in downtown Greenville from Court to Camperdown Streets and will encompass Broad Street, from Laurens to Falls Streets, and Falls Park.

When: 7/4/2015 from 5pm to 10:30pm

Where: City of Greenville-Downtown Greenville

 

Red, White and Bluegrass

Red, White and Bluegrass is a FREE 4th of July Celebration in downtown Fountain Inn. This event will begin at 7:00 p.m. with two bands performing: Justice Family Bluegrass Band and the Upstate Senior Band. Fireworks will begin at dark. There will be food, Italian ice and craft beer for purchase. We will have a special time to honor all veterans at this event. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.fountaininn.org/scs

When: 7/4/2015 starting at 7pm

Where: City of Fountain Inn-Commerce Park-110 Depot Street, Fountain Inn, SC 29644

Admission: Free!

 

A Night with Darryl Worley

 Honoring our heroes. Gates open at 5pm. Music starts at 6 pm.

Admission is free for military & first responders (military personnel, retired military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians). Regular admission is $20 per car (maximum 6 people per car). **Going on now!** Soldier care package campaign to collect items for local soldiers serving overseas. For more information and to get involved, see website. Collection total will be announced at the Darryl Worley concert to honor heroes on July 4th! Concert tickets on sale NOW! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: http://charterspectrumamphitheatre.com/event/a-night-with-darryl-worley/

When: 7/4/2015- Gates open at 5pm, Music at 6pm

Where: Charter Spectrum Amphitheatre-861 Southeast Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681

Admission: $20/car

How do you plan to celebrate? We’d love for you to share suggestions with our readers!

Filed Under: All Things Charleston, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,