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3 Fresh and Fruity Dessert Recipes for Your Labor Day Weekend Picnic

August 29, 2017 by

In just a few days, we’ll be celebrating the unofficial end of summer, also known as Labor Day weekend. One of the most popular ways to say goodbye to the summer months—and celebrate the American Labor Movement–is to host a Labor Day picnic or family BBQ!

No gathering with family and friends is complete without dessert, so today, we’re suggesting some of our favorite fresh and fruity dessert recipes that are sure to please anybody’s taste buds.

Give them a try and let us know what you think!

Strawberry Pie Recipe

Pie is a classic and beloved American dessert and for good reason. It can be made ahead of time, is easy to throw together, and can be transported from your kitchen to any event. While there are many different types of pies you can make, we thought this recipe, featuring juicy summer strawberries is perfect for a summer picnic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
  • 1 quart fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1.Arrange half of strawberries in baked pastry shell.

2. Mash remaining berries and combine with sugar in a medium saucepan. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually stir cornstarch mixture into boiling strawberry mixture. Reduce heat and simmer mixture until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Pour mixture over berries in pastry shell. Chill for several hours before serving.

5. In a small bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Serve each slice of pie with a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/15836/strawberry-pie-ii/

Blueberry Cobbler Recipe

We hope the only end of the summer blues you have this year are the blueberries in this delicious blueberry cobbler recipe. This 5-ingredient cobbler is easy to whip up in a pinch and travels well in a baking dish. Top it off with a little vanilla ice cream when you get to your picnic, and you’ll be in cobbler heaven!

Ingredients:

  • 6 tbs. butter, melted
  • 1 ¼ cups Original Bisquick mix
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 3 cups fresh blueberries

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour melted butter into 8 or 9-inch square baking dish.

2. In medium bowl, whisk together Bisquick mix, sugar, and milk; pour over melted butter.

3. Sprinkle blueberries evenly over Bisquick batter. Bake 42 to 47 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Recipe Source: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/blueberry-cobbler/081e1713-454d-4d2d-a54d-7ea9579d29b2

Fruit Pizza Recipe

You just can’t go wrong with pizza…especially dessert pizza. This tasty treat is light, fresh, and completely customizable. Follow the recipe to a “t” or pick and choose your own dessert pizza toppings. With a sweet cookie crust and a mix of fresh summer fruits and berries, we can guarantee that this fruity dessert will be a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tsps. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Mix in egg. combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Press dough into an ungreased pizza pan.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool.

4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until light. Spread on cooled crust.

5. Arrange desired fruit on top of filling, and chill.

Recipe Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/12604/fruit-pizza-i/

Do you have a favorite fruity dessert recipe? Share it with us in the comments below!

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Ask the Doctor- I’m Looking For a Plastic Surgeon that Specializes in Microvascular Breast Reconstruction. Are You in my Insurance Network and Do I Have to Make a Huge Down Payment Before Surgery?

August 25, 2017 by

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

Question: I am looking for a p.s. who specializes in microvas. breast recon. I had dcis in 2014 lumpectomy with 6 weeks rads followed by bilat mast. 2016 with immed. recon with expanders then implants in March. Then I got a serious infection in the left (rad) breast, had implant removed and refused to do have lat flap done.

I am thin and one ps said I might be able to do a bodylift type or one where they take from my backside and use an implant on both sides. I do not want the implant I have now. It is subpec and is painful. Can someone help? I have anthem bc/bs and you are out of network.

I do not have 8500 to have this done at another location. My insurance is agreeable to a pay if the it is in network. I can’t afford much out of pocket. We are low middle class, but don’t qualify for help.

Answer:  Hi and thanks for your inquiry. Glad you found us – you’ve definitely found a team that specializes in microvascular breast reconstruction. Regarding your insurance, does your card have a little suitcase on the lower corner of your card? If so, we’re actually in network for you utilizing the Blue Card program through our contract with BCBS of S.C.

I’m happy to check into that and assure that is the case if you would like. I’d only need a copy of the front and back of your card and some basic demographic information like – Name of insured on card and birthday if different from yours, your birthday, and address. I can run eligibility in a matter of minutes once I’ve received the information.

Also, I am sure that one of our physicians will be sending an answer to the remainder of your question very soon.

I look forward to your reply, we’d love to help you!

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

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3 Healthy School Lunch Ideas Your Kids Will Love

August 22, 2017 by

PB&J, ham and cheese, and bologna sandwiches all have one similarity…they are the most common sandwiches that get packed into a kid’s lunchbox. But, after weeks of eating the same 3 sandwiches, lunchtime is bound to get boring.

With the school season quickly approaching for most and already started for others, we thought it might be fun to share some of our favorite and unique brown bag school lunch ideas to spice up your kid’s lunchbox.

And not to worry…all of these recipes are easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are good for your kid’s growing body.

Try some of these recipes out…

Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a great alternative to packing a sandwich every day. When made with tri-color veggie pasta, this meal will keep your kid energized and free from carbohydrate-induced blood sugar crashes throughout the day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound tri-colored spiral pasta
  • 6 tablespoons salad seasoning mix
  • 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.

2. Whisk together the salad spice mix and Italian dressing.

3. In a salad bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and olives. Pour dressing over salad; toss and refrigerate overnight.

Recipe Source: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/14385/pasta-salad/

 

Crunchy Veggie Rice Paper Wraps Recipe

If your kids are a fan of Asian-inspired dishes, they will love to find these crunchy veggie rice paper wraps in their lunchbox. The best part…these wraps can be made a few days in advance and will keep fresh in your fridge.

Ingredients:

  • 15 rice paper sheets (6 inch)
  • 1⁄2 cup green cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1⁄2 cup fresh carrot, finely chopped
  • 1⁄2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1⁄4 cup sweet green pepper, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 5 ounces imitation crabmeat (optional) or 5 ounces shrimp, chopped (optional)
  • Oriental sweet chili sauce (or any other favorite spicy sauce, allow 1/2 – 1 tsp per roll)

 

Directions:

1. Mix all the ingredients except rice paper and Chili sauce. Shortly before serving soften each rice paper wrap separately. Do this by submerging the wrap in a bowl of warm water for a minute of two.

2. When it is pliable it is ready, so remove that one from the water and drop in another one.

3. Lay out a couple of paper towels and place the softened wrap on the towel.

4. Don’t rub it; just place it on the towel. Place 1-2 tbsp. of the veggie mix in the center of the wrap and add 1/2- 1 tsp. sweet chili sauce.

5. Fold up the bottom and then fold in the sides and roll to form a sealed roll.

Recipe Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/crunchy-veggie-rice-paper-wraps-89246

 

Whole Wheat Waffle Strips Recipe

Breakfast foods are one of our favorites. So, we thought, why not pack them for lunch? This whole wheat waffle recipe is easy to make and is a treat any kid would love to take to school. Throw in some cut-up fruit and a yogurt as sides, and you’ve got a well-balanced meal in a box.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour or Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your iron while you make the waffle batter.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and butter or oil.

4. Mix together the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The batter will be a bit lumpy; that’s OK.

5. Cook the waffles as directed in the instructions that came with your waffle iron.

6. Cut waffles into strips, put the strips in a container, and throw the container into your kid’s lunchbox. Option to add a smaller container of maple syrup if desired.

Recipe Source: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/whole-wheat-waffles-recipe

Do you have any unique lunchbox recipes your kids love? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

 

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Ask the Doctor- I am Unhappy with my Previous Bilateral Mastectomy with Reconstruction Using Implants. Are you Able to Fix it?

August 18, 2017 by

This week, Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I’m not happy with the results of my bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction using implants. Reaching out to see if it can be fixed.

Answer:  It is very likely that we could help you with your unsatisfactory reconstruction, either by using your own tissue, or by revising your implant reconstruction. I will be happy to discuss your situation in more detail by phone, if you wish.

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

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Family-Friendly Movie Night Ideas

August 15, 2017 by

It’s now been several months since school has let out for the summer, and you may be scratching your head wondering what you can do to entertain your kids between now and when school starts.

Fret not! We took an office poll and would like to suggest hosting a family movie night.

Think about it…it’s the perfect way to spend an evening after a long day at the beach or the pool while also getting in some much-needed family chill time. With the variety of child-friendly movies available that are also fun for parents and older children to enjoy, you’re guaranteed to find something perfect for the entire family.

Here are some of our favorites for a family movie night…

The Secret Life of Pets

If y0u’re a pet lover that enjoys a good laugh, you’ll definitely want to add The Secret Life of Pets to your movie list.

This film follows the story of a dog named Max whose life suddenly gets flipped upside down when his owner adopts a new dog into the family. It also documents the lives of several other house pets and the shenanigans they get into while their owners are away.

Ever wonder what your pets are doing when you leave for work or school? Watch this movie to find out!

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast is a classic Disney film that all ages will enjoy.

If you’re old-school, watching an old VHS of the animated Beauty and the Beast is a great way to take a step back in time and bring yourself back to the good old days.

If you prefer movies with a more modern look, you’ll want to check out the new live-action Beauty and the Beast that has received nothing but wonderful reviews from Disney fans across the country.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Years ago, JK Rowling captured the hearts of children and adults with her Harry Potter books. Today, she is making even more magic as her book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits the big screen.

This whimsical movie, packed with fun, adventure, and plenty of laughs is perfect for the entire family.

Tip: After you watch this film, schedule one movie night per week to watch the Harry Potter films with your family.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

A beach vacation is one of the most fun things you can do during the summer. But, if your schedule doesn’t allow for a beach vacation, the second-best thing to do is sail the 7 seas while watching the movie Dead Men Tell No Tales.

This movie is the final movie in the well-loved Pirates of the Caribbean series.

While this film is fun for the whole family, it does have a few moments that may be deemed too dark or scary for really young children, so please exercise caution when watching.

The BFG

The BFG is a beloved children’s book written by Ronald Dahl that follows ten-year-old Sophie’s as she meets and forms a relationship with a Big Friendly Giant.

Since the book, popular movie director Steven Spielberg has turned this classic into a film the whole family can enjoy.

Will The BFG be able to convince the rest of the giant community that humans are friends, not food? Rent the movie to find out!

Do you and your family have a favorite movie for movie night? Share it in the comments below!

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Ask the Doctor-My Sister Had a Mastectomy 4 Months Ago and Is Almost Done with Chemo. Is it Too Late for Reconstruction?

August 11, 2017 by

This week, Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I have a sister whom had a mastectomy 4 months ago. She has 2 more chemo treatments left. She is now sorry she did not have reconstruction, and wants to know if it can be done-after the chemo and no flap was made.

Answer:   We routinely do flap surgery breast reconstruction long after mastectomies and other treatment, sometimes many years later, with great success. I would be happy to see your sister in consultation, or speak with her by phone, whenever she feels she is ready. We can discuss her situation in more detail, and review all of her options, at that time.

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

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Flap Reconstruction Surgery: Important Stats and Abstract Information

August 8, 2017 by

If you’ve had breast cancer and are considering reconstruction surgery, it’s possible that one of the options you may be looking into is flap reconstruction surgery.

Breast reconstruction utilizing “flap” techniques are procedures where body tissue is used to reconstruct the shape of your breast after surgery. While it’s a relatively common type of reconstructive surgery these days, we feel it’s important that you should learn as much as possible about the benefits and risks, and discuss them with your doctor before you have the procedure.

That’s why we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are always looking for better ways to educate and inform our patients before a decision.

One way we ensure our patients have access to the latest in medicine and medical technology is to have our surgeons and staff constantly learning, researching, and writing about their findings.

In fact, some of our latest research on reconstructive flap surgery was recently submitted to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons by our Dr. Kline. This specific abstract documented the success rate of our reconstructive flap surgeries with regard to the role of autogenous microvascular breast reconstruction in the community.

Check it out…

Abstract

PURPOSE: To present the continuing role of autogenous microvascular breast reconstruction in the community

METHODS: 1393 free perforator flaps for breast reconstruction were performed by two surgeons from October, 2003 to October, 2016. All flaps were performed in two community hospitals. Types of flaps included DIEP unilateral (122 flaps), DIEP simultaneous bilateral (866 flaps), DIEP bipedicle (106 flaps), sGAP unilateral (55 flaps), sGAP simultaneous bilateral (202 flaps), iGAP unilateral (2 flaps), iGAP simultaneous bilateral (18 flaps), PAP unilateral (5 flaps), PAP bilateral (10 flaps), SIEA unilateral (3 flaps), SIEA simultaneous bilateral (2 flaps), and TFL perforator (1 flap). The series includes a large number of both immediate and delayed reconstructions, prior failed reconstructions, and patients with a history of radiation.

RESULTS: Overall flap survival rate was 98.2%. DIEP survival rate was 99.1%. sGAP survival rate was 95.7%. No primary unilateral flaps were lost, and no bilateral losses occurred. Including those patients whose initial flaps failed, 99% of patients were ultimately successfully reconstructed with autogenous tissue.

CONCLUSION: Implant-based reconstruction is an appropriate initial choice for many patients, but autogenous microsurgical reconstruction still remains an excellent option, whether as an initial choice, or for patients with a prior history of failed reconstruction. With proper preparation and institutional support, perforator flap breast reconstruction can be performed with a high degree of success in a community hospital setting.

On top of the abstract, our physicians—Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D. and James E. Craigie MD—also wrote the chapter on GAP (buttock) flaps for the book Perforator Flaps for Breast Reconstruction.

Check out the book chapter here.

As we mentioned earlier, we are passionate about continuing to learn, receive training, and interact with the scientific community to ensure we provide our patients with the safest, most advanced care.

And, while we’re doing our job to make sure we’re properly training our staff and staying up-to-date with the latest in medical technology, there’s one thing we encourage you to do as well—always ask for medical procedure stats.

Much like the abstract we provided above, your doctor should be able to provide you with stats on the procedures he or she conducts.

When patients come to us and ask questions on success rates, we can happily tell them the different percentage rates of success for the various procedures we provide. Equipping our patients with this information empowers them to make wise, educated decisions about their own health.

So, please, before you move ahead with a specific procedure, ask your doctor for the stats. If they have a high success rate with their surgeries, then you’re in the right place. If they don’t, it’s time for you to find another doctor.

We wish you the best as you move forward with any new procedure you may need!

Did you find the book chapter insightful? Let us know what you learned and what you thought was helpful to know in the comments below!

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Ask the Doctor-I Had DIEP Surgery that Failed and Have No Left Breast. What are my Options Now for Reconstruction?

August 4, 2017 by

This week, Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD and James Craigie, MD of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I had left implant removed due to contracture. ( double mastectomy and left radiation) Just had DIEP surgery that failed so now have no left breast. I am thin , especially now with little belly removed. What are my options for reconstruction now?

Answer:  I’m sorry you are having such difficulty getting a satisfactory reconstruction. As you know, given your history of radiation and prior problems, you are unlikely to ever get a successful reconstruction of the left breast with an implant.

When the DIEP is not available, the next option is often the sGAP flap (from the buttocks). This is far less widely available than the DIEP flap, but we have performed about 300, with a 95.7% success rate (our DIEP success rate is a little higher, at 99.08%). Other options include the PAP flap, from the posterior upper thigh, the anterolateral thigh flap, and the latissimus flap. The latissimus is rarely large enough to use by itself, and is usually combined with an implant; unfortunately, in a radiated tissue bed, the implant still often does not work well, even with a latissimus covering it.

Sometimes we can do two smaller flaps at the same time to reconstruct one breast. This is more difficult with a previous flap failure, as the recipient vessels are a little harder to reach, but we have done it successfully in some cases.

Over the last few years we have gained extensive experience augmenting the size of natural tissue flaps with fat grafting. This basically means we first do a natural tissue flap, then come back a few months later and do liposuction (yes, it can be a problem getting fat in some people), then inject the fat with specially designed needles into the flap. On some occasions, we have essentially doubled the size of flaps, although our ability to do this obviously varies with different patients’ body types. We have successfully made small “C” breast mounds even with latissimus alone + fat grafting, however.

I would be happy to chat with you by phone, or see you in person and discuss your options further, if you wish.

Thanks for your question!

Answer #2:  I’m sorry to hear you have had a difficult time. I’m sure you still have options. If I had additional information about the size of your natural breast and your body weight I could perhaps be more specific. In our practice we use your own fatty tissue without muscle sacrifice. If the DIEP did not work out then possibly thigh, or buttock fat or a combination of the two would be an option.


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

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5 Tips for Getting Back into a School Routine

August 1, 2017 by

Over the summer, our schedules tend to slow down a bit. For those with kids, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to get up early and rush out the door, but after a few months of sleeping in and staying in pajamas until lunchtime, it’s easy for kids (and adults!) to get thrown off a normal routine.

Now that we’ve reached mid-August, it’s important to start making some changes to get yourself and your kids into a back-to-school routine so the whole family has an easier time adjusting to the school schedule.

Not sure where to start? No problem. We have a few tips we think will help you out. Check them out now!

Tip #1 – Set an Alarm Clock

One of the best ways to get yourself back on schedule is ensuring you wake up at a normal “get ready for school” time in the morning. Over the next few weeks, set both your and your kids’ alarm clocks a littler earlier so you can ease into a normal back-to-school wake up time.

As you begin to wake up earlier each day, you should naturally be tired and want to go to bed earlier each night.

After a few weeks of following this routine, it will be no problem for your kids to get up in the morning in time to catch the bus.

Tip: If you or your kids are having a hard time going to bed earlier at night, try reading a book, taking a hot bath, or doing a puzzle 30 minutes before bed. These types of activities are helpful for settling the body down so you can get a good night’s sleep.

Tip #2 – Brush Up on Your Skills

It’s easy for a child’s spelling, math, and reading skills to deteriorate over the summer months—especially if your children have done nothing but enjoy playtime, cartoons, and video games.

There’s nothing wrong with taking a brain break during the summer. But, before school begins, it’s a good idea to brush up on a few of the skills you learned during the previous school year.

You can find educational workbooks on just about any subject at any bookstore or online. Order a few age-appropriate workbooks and have your child do a page or two in the evening.

Tip #3 – Make a School Lunch List

There’s nothing worse than putting the effort into packing your kid’s lunch only to hear your child say, “Ew, I don’t like PB&J sandwiches anymore!” as you’re walking out the door.

To avoid this problem, it’s a good idea to sit down with your children and make a list of the foods your kids enjoy. Having their favorite lunchmeat, fruit, and snack on hand will easily take the drama out of packing lunches in the morning.

If you want to be super prepared, stock up on your kid’s favorite non-perishable lunchbox favorites, like juice boxes, pretzels, or raisins, before school even begins. This way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting important lunchbox items.

Tip: If you have younger kids, spend some time before school teaching your kid how to pack his/her own lunchbox. Once he/she becomes a pro packer, this will save you time in the morning.

Tip #4 – Plan School Outfits in Advance

If your kid is a fashionista, you know how time-consuming it can be for him/her to pick the perfect outfit in the morning.

To avoid this problem, have your kid lay out an outfit the night before school. Or, if you have small children, you can lay your kiddos’ outfits out ahead of time so you don’t have to rush and do it in the morning. This makes getting ready for school a breeze in the morning.

Tip: Watch the weather together the night before school. This will help your kid pick out an outfit that is appropriate for warm weather, cold weather, rain, or sun.

Tip #5 – Purchase Back-to-School Items Early

Most schools will send out a list of school supplies your kid needs to purchase for personal use in the classroom. To avoid the headaches of last-minute shopping, plan a day when you are still on summer vacation to get your shopping done.

Doing your shopping ahead of time will help reduce the stress of having to do last-minute shopping and will also help ensure your kid gets prime pick of all the supplies before it gets picked over by all the other kids. It may also even help get your kid excited to head back to school.

If you have a little extra in your back-to-school budget, consider donating some supplies to your kid’s classroom. Some teachers provide lists of items they need. If they don’t, dry erase markers, tissues, pencils, and markers are always useful.

Do you have any tips for easing back into a school routine? Share them in the comments below!

 

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