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Best Charleston Places to Bring Your Pup

July 7, 2015 by

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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: , , , , , , , ,

Best Sunsets in Charleston

June 30, 2015 by

Charleston sunset

With Charleston’s unique location, we are known for many things—the beaches, the history, and the delicious food.

But there’s one thing that comes with our amazing waterfront locations and superb restaurants: absolutely stunning sunsets.

But where are the best places to take in the view? There are just SO many options to choose from.

Don’t fret—below we’re sharing our top 5 picks for the best spots to watch Charleston sunsets.

Vendue Inn Rooftop Bar

This is the king of amazing sunset rooftop views, and we’re apparently not the only one to think so. The Charleston City Paper has awarded the Vendue Inn Rooftop Bar the “Best Rooftop Bar” since 2007. While enjoying lunch, dinner, or innovative cocktails, overlook the beautiful, sweeping view of the Charleston Harbor, Waterfront Park, and The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

The Battery

The Battery Park boasts stunning views of southern mansions, cannons, cannon balls, oak trees, palmettos, statues, a gazebo, and incredible views of Fort Sumter, Castle Pinckney, and the Sullivan Island Lighthouse. Take a stroll, or bring a picnic and relax while taking in the sunset—the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day.

Sunrise Park

Sunrise Park, also known as Melton Peter Demetre Park, is located on James Island and offers spectacular views of Charleston Harbor and the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Don’t let the name fool you—there aren’t just breathtaking sunrise views, but also incredible sunset watching as well.

Red’s Ice House

Red’s Ice House is a classic to catch a great sunset. With two locations at Shem Creek and in the Bohicket Marina, you’re offered 2 amazing views to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset. The laidback atmosphere and delicious food (the buffalo shrimp is a must) make this a definite top spot on our list.

Pavilion Bar

The Pavilion Bar is an absolute oasis. This location boasts a view of historic Charleston, a gorgeous cascading pool, a truly spectacular atmosphere, and, of course, a pristine sunset-watching location. The view is everything you hope for in Charleston, and we promise it will not disappoint!

Do you agree with our top sunset spots? Comment below.

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

Ask The Doctor-What surgery would you recommend for me and why?

June 26, 2015 by

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

Question: I was diagnosed and attempted to have reconstruction surgery following a double mastectomy in October 2013, after 2 infections following expander attempts. I finally gave up, and asked them to be removed until chemo and radiation completed. My last rad was done in September 2014. Most doctors where I’m located recommend latissimus surgery. What surgery would you recommend for me and why?

Answer: I’m sorry to hear you have had problems with your breast reconstruction. After having implant problems, I would recommend starting over and using your own natural tissue. Specifically your own fatty tissue and skin. This can be done without sacrificing any of your important muscles. Unfortunately, the Latissimus procedure sacrifices the back muscle and may not be enough tissue to rebuild your breast without using an implant. For this reason, I would consider using the skin and fatty tissue from either your tummy, thigh or buttock areas depending on your body shape and where you might have enough tissue. These procedures require removing the tissue from the donor area (without removing or sacrificing any of your muscles) and moving the new breasts to the area that was removed during the mastectomy. The procedure requires reconnecting the new breast to the blood vessels that normally nourish the breast. We call this microsurgery and is what our practice specializes in. If you would like more information, let me know. Thanks for your question!

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: , , , , ,

What to Look For in a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon

June 23, 2015 by

picture of roseAs you face the prospect of mastectomy and possibly reconstruction, it’s important that you feel you’re in good hands.

We suggest that patients look for these four characteristics in their ideal plastic surgeon: skill, compassion, rapport, and honesty.

When interviewing surgeons (something you should definitely do!) for microsurgical breast reconstruction, ask the following questions:

Question #1: Are you a microsurgeon? Where and by whom were you trained in this specialty?

You will want to know exactly what the doctor’s specialty is and where his training took place.

Question #2: How many microsurgeries have you performed? And how often do you perform them?

You want to know that your surgeon is very familiar and well versed with your particular surgery.

Question #3: What is your success rate?

Not only is this an important question to ask in regard to the surgeon’s skill level, but it’s also important to ask about the overall success rate of the surgery you’re looking into, by any surgeon.

Question #4: Can you arrange for me to speak with some of your patients who have had the procedure I am seeking?

This is a great way to communicate with others who can give you advice on what to expect, post op recovery, and information on their experience with the doctor. It’s important to note that candidates should speak with people of similar ages and lifestyles.

Question #5: How long do you anticipate I will be under anesthesia for the procedure?

It’s important for the surgeon to walk you through what to expect the day of the procedure—this way there will be no surprises, and you can also let your caregiver know the time commitment.

Question #6: How many board-certified physicians will be assisting with the first stage of the procedure? Will there be physicians in training (residents) involved with my surgery?

Be sure to know exactly who will be involved in the procedure and why your doctor has chosen them to participate in the surgery.

Question #7: Will I have to sign a consent form saying, if a physician is unable to complete the procedure, I will have to consent to a TRAM/Free TRAM?

Always know exactly what you’re signing and agreeing to, and make sure you’re comfortable with the contract. 

Have a question for our doctors? Message them here. 

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor, Breast Cancer Awareness Tagged With: , , , ,

Ask The Doctor-Am I able to have DIEP breast reconstruction with my family history?

June 19, 2015 by

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

Question: My Dad had a DVT 5 years ago—it was out the blue no known cause. I had a consult online with PRMA and another doctor who asked for “blood clotting” blood work to be done because of my fathers history. It came back showing the Factor V Leiden and activated protein C resistance. I personally have not had any problems with clots, DVT.

Answer: Many people can have abnormal clotting tendencies and never know it. There are different kinds of disorders and some factors can increase or decrease for different reasons. Many of the clotting abnormalities are grouped together and referred to as a condition called thrombophilia. The concern is that people who are positive for thrombophilia have an increased risk for DVT (like your father)—especially during or after surgery. A DVT is a potentially life threatening condition as you may already know. The blood clot can possibly cause a pulmonary embolism.

The other concern associated with thrombophilia and DIEP breast reconstruction is an increased risk for failure of the tiny blood vessels that we connect under the microscope to stay open after the microsurgery. Clots can form and may prevent the new breast from receiving the blood supply that keeps the new breast alive. This can happen in patients without thrombophilia. There is no consensus on the exact risk when it comes to procedures like DIEP breast reconstruction. In our practice we have had patients with factor V leiden and protein C resistance successfully have DIEP surgery with no problem. We treat all of our patients as if they potentially have thrombophilia by giving them a light blood thinner(lovenox) before and after surgery. This is the most effective way to reduce the risk of a DVT.  Also if we know a patient is positive for thrombophilia before surgery, we always have them seen by a hematologist before surgery. There are many different types of thrombophilia and some of the factors increase and decrease depending on other medical factors. This allows us to determine if the risk is relatively  high or low. If its high we may wait until it goes down. Also the treatments may change and the hematologists are the experts at keeping up to date with any changes in the treatments or tests and can look at your labs and determine your precise risk.

I personally am reviewing our practices experience with 1184 breast reconstructions with DIEP, GAP and PAP procedures. Our overall success rate is 98.5%. Of the patients who have had a flap (DIEP) failure at least one had factor V leiden thrombophilia. If someone has a thrombophilia it is most likely that they have a higher chance than normal of losing a flap (DIEP). It is important to know what the “normal” risk is for any practice that offers these procedures. In that one patient however she also had a successful flap at the same time on the opposite breast, and later went on to complete her reconstruction with a third flap procedure. Again, all our patients that we have known before surgery that they had thrombophilia have done well. We also know that some patients have had it and we never knew. So I would recommend getting the advice of an hematologist before surgery, but would not say at this time that you could not have DIEP breast reconstruction. Please send me any questions you might have.

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: , , , , ,

Ask The Doctor- I’ve had two radiated breasts, now what?

June 19, 2015 by

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

Question: I’ve had two radiated breasts, now what?

Answer: Thanks for the question. If your breasts have been radiated, then I’m assuming you have not had mastectomy and would not need breast reconstruction. If you have had radiation following mastectomy ( surgery to remove the breasts), then you can undergo breast reconstruction when you have recovered from the radiation (minimum of 6 months after last treatment).  After radiation, using your own tissue would be the best option because radiation increases the risk for problems with implants.

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: , , , , , ,

Upcoming Charleston Summer Events

June 16, 2015 by

couple dancing on the beach at sunsetPhoto Credit: Harold Heindell Tejada

Summer in Charleston is unlike anywhere else.

There’s just some unexplainable shift in the air that brings locals and tourists out in droves to participate in uniquely Lowcountry events.

There are truly so many things to do and see this summer—it starts to get overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve decided to share these 5 upcoming Charleston events to make this an unforgettable summer!

Party in the Park

Bring your lawn chair and blankets to Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park for “Party in the Park” to kick back and enjoy the live music and food vendors put on by 103.5 WEZL. It’s always a great time!

Information:

Dates: every Tuesday night in June

Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Cost: Free admission

Additional info: no dogs, coolers, umbrellas, or tents.

Yappy Hour

Bring your furry friend and enjoy live music and drinks, while the pups get to mingle! Yappy Hour takes place at the James Island County Dog Park.

Information:

Dates: June 16 and July 9

Time: 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Cost: $1 per person for park admission or free for Gold Pass Members.

Additional info: Outside food, alcohol, and coolers are prohibited. IDs are required for alcohol purchases.

Naturalization Ceremony at Middleton Plantation

An annual event to commemorate Arthur Middleton’s birthday, the Naturalization Ceremony has become a highly anticipated summer event. The ceremony on the stunning grounds of Middleton Plantation is a reminder of the varied makeup of our nation’s citizenry—whether through natural birth or naturalization—creating the cultural melting pot that is the United States.

Information:

Date: June 26

Time: The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.

Cost: Attendance is free with paid admission to the Middleton Plantation.

Additional Info: Following the Naturalization Ceremony, everyone is welcome to explore the gorgeous Middleton Place Gardens, House Museum, and Stableyards.

Shaggin’ on the Cooper

Slip on your dancing shoes and head to the Mount Pleasant Pier to dance the night away to some great live music! Enjoy the water view, bring your friends, grab a bite to eat and a beverage, and dance your cares away at Shaggin’ on the Cooper.

Information:

Dates: July 4, 18, and August 15

Time: Gates open at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 at the gate/$8 for Charleston residents with advance purchase.

Additional Info: Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.

9th Annual Sizzling Southern Celebration

Looking for July 4 plans? Join Circa 1886 for the 9th Annual Sizzling Southern Celebration and enjoy music, lawn games, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar during cocktail hour. Next, the event will move inside, and guests will sit down to a delicious 3-course “Grill Dinner.” After dark, guests will venture outside to the cupola with a glass of champagne to watch Charleston’s firework show!

Information:

Date: July 4

Time: Outside cocktail hour begins at 6:00 p.m.

Cost: $75 per person, price excludes tax, gratuity, and additional beverages.

Additional Info: Reservations required.

Let us know your summer plans on our Facebook page!

 

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

Ask The Doctor-Should I be concerned about my breast getting larger and more uncomfortable?

June 12, 2015 by

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

Question: I had breast reconstructed surgery after breast cancer, in 2002 in my left breast. Now I just notice it has gotten larger and feels uncomfortable. Should I be very concern? Am I in danger? I am willing to do without my breast if I have to. Thank you.

Answer:  Is it your reconstructed breast that has suddenly changed, or is it the opposite breast? If it is your reconstructed breast, then the possible causes may depend on the type of breast reconstruction you have had. Regardless, you should have your doctor examine you in order to look in to what is causing the change. Lots of things could cause changes that have nothing to do with the breast cancer.  However, you should have it checked right away to rule that out first.

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: , , , , ,
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