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3 Delicious Easy-To-Make Snack Recipes for Game Time

October 31, 2017 by

friends watching sport celebrating goal

Football season is in full swing! And you know what that means? It’s the perfect time to invite your friends or family members over for some game day fun!

As the game day (or night) host, you already know snacks–and lots of them–are expected.

This year, instead of grabbing a bag of Doritos, knock the socks off your guests with some of our halftime favorites.

Not only are the recipes below delicious, but they are also healthy alternatives to most snacks on the grocery store shelves, and we know your friends and family members will love them!

Caprese on a Stick

Caprese on a stick is a great snack for your guests who want to enjoy a light, savory, guilt-free snack. Between the juicy tomatoes, salty mozzarella balls, and fresh basil, you can’t go wrong with this snack on a stick.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 (.6 ounce) package fresh basil leaves
  • 1 (16 ounce) package small fresh mozzarella balls
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Thread a tomato half, a small piece of basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball onto toothpicks until all ingredients are used.
  2. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato, cheese and basil, leaving the end of the toothpick clean.
  3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Tip: For an extra kick, provide your guests with balsamic vinegar that they can drizzle over the caprese sticks. Yum!

Recipe Source:
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/213849/caprese-on-a-stick/?internalSource=staff%20pick&referringId=76&referringContentType=recipe%20hub

 

Swedish Meatballs

You’re bound to have a few meat-loving football fans at your party. And this Swedish meatball snack recipe is the perfect way to satisfy their “meat tooth.” Best of all, this recipe is easy and can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons  Butter
  • 3 tablespoons  Flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon. Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine ground beef, panko, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt and egg. Mix until combined.
  2. Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
  3. Add 4 tablespoons butter and flour to skillet and whisk until it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard and bring to a simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

Tip: You can make them ahead of time and keep them warm in a crockpot until your guests arrive.

Recipe Source: https://therecipecritic.com/2016/08/the-best-swedish-meatballs/https://therecipecritic.com/2016/08/the-best-swedish-meatballs/

Mini Caramel S’more Cups

Last but not least, we had to include something on the snack list for dessert lovers–mini caramel s’more cups! This mini dessert snack is packed with rich chocolate and sweet caramel. The best part…because they are so little, you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in 1 or 2 or 7 of them!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pouch (1 lb. 1.5 oz.) chocolate chip cookie mix
  • ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 36 round chewy caramels in milk chocolate
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 36 mini muffin cups with cooking spray.
  2. Make cookie dough as directed on package, using butter and egg. Shape dough into 36 (1-inch) balls. Place 1 ball into each muffin cup.
  3. Bake 8 to 9 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove from oven; firmly press 1 candy into center of each cookie until flush with cookie top. Top each with 3 marshmallows. Bake 2 to 4 minutes longer or until marshmallows are puffed. Cool 30 minutes. Loosen edges of cookie with small metal spatula and remove to cooling racks. Cool completely.
  4. Place chocolate chips in small resealable freezer plastic bag. Microwave on High about 1 minute or until softened. Gently squeeze bag until chocolate is smooth; cut off tiny corner of bag. Squeeze bag to drizzle chocolate over marshmallows. Let stand until hardened, about 10 minutes.

Tip: Hide some of your freshly made s’more cups so you can enjoy them later!

Recipe Source: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/caramel-smore-cups/9916aa44-083c-4507-8db9-49d0a92f62f7https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/caramel-smore-cups/9916aa44-083c-4507-8db9-49d0a92f62f7

 

What’s your favorite game time snack? Let us know in the comments below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness

Ask the Doctor- Are Implants Still an Option after Radiation? I Have Expanders Now that Were Placed At the Time of Mastectomy.

October 27, 2017 by

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

Question: I had a double mastectomy in January 2017. Expanders were placed at that time. I had radiation March-May. Postponed reconstruction until June 2018. Are implants still an option?

Answer: Implants may still be an option, but it’s going to depend on several things, probably the most important of which is how much you were expanded prior to radiation. It can be next to impossible to expand skin after it is radiated, although occasionally it seems to work. If you were expanded, and are tolerating the expanders well, then hopefully it would be straightforward to remove the expanders and place permanent implants. In addition to placing permanent implants, fat grafting can often significantly enhance the quality of your reconstruction.

If you end up not getting a reconstruction you like with implants, the good news is that none of what you have been through impacts your chances of getting a quality reconstruction with your own natural tissue. We have successfully reconstructed many, many hundreds of radiated patients with DIEP, sGAP, and other natural tissue flaps.

Hope this helps, please let us know if you would like additional 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: , , , , ,

How to Have the Perfect At-Home Spa Day

October 24, 2017 by

There is nothing more relaxing than a day at the spa.

Not to mention, it helps you rest and unwind after a long week of work, chasing your kids around the house, or whatever else it is that you do on a weekly basis.

The only problem is that going to a professional spa can cost a lot of money.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while, but for most people, going for a spa treatment on a weekly basis is simply out of the budget.

For that reason, we at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction want to share with you how to have the perfect at-home spa day.

Our at-home version is just as fun, will make you feel just as relaxed, and can be thrown together for a fraction of what a day at the actual spa would cost.

Follow these steps for a perfect at-home spa day that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Step 1: Prepare Your Favorite Beverage

Most spas will have fancy fruit-infused waters or teas available for guests to drink when they arrive for their appointment. So, to begin your at-home spa session, grab a cup of your favorite beverage—coffee, tea, juice…even wine! We don’t judge!

Step 2: Start with a Face Mask

A face mask is an inexpensive way to rejuvenate your skin and leave your face feeling fresh.

You can purchase premade masks at just about any grocery store or skin care shop for under $5. Or, if you prefer to make your own, simply mix together 1 tbs. of coconut oil with ¼ tsp. of turmeric.

This simple 2-ingredient face mask recipe is great for hydrating your skin and reducing blemishes.

Step 3: Soak Your Feet in a Footbath

From walking all over the place to being crammed in high heels, our feet take a beating every day. This is why it’s so important to give your feet a break and soak them in a footbath.

You can buy a more expensive foot bath at the store for between $60 and $100. If you’re someone who constantly has sore feet, this might be a good investment for you.

However, if you’re only planning on enjoying a good foot soak once in a blue moon, a simple bucket will work just fine. All you have to do is fill a bucket with warm water, add some Epsom salts (you can find this at the grocery store) and let your feet soak for 15-20 minutes.

If you want to get really crazy, you can also add in some essential oils. We personally love adding about 3 drops of peppermint oil into our footbaths.

Step 4: Take a Hot Bath

If more than your feet need a good soak, we recommend that you fill a tub with nice hot water and take a bath.

Be sure to dim the lights, light candles, grab your favorite book, or turn on some soothing music. It’s such a good feeling to be able to separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and lock yourself away in a cozy warm bath for an hour or so.

If you’d like, you can add some of the Epsom salts you used in your footbath to the water. These salts are known to help ease sore muscles and help you relax. Or, if you want to do something different, use a delightful-smelling bath bomb to make your bath time a little more special.

Step 5: Finish with Polished Nails

Most ladies have a few bottles of nail polish floating around the house. But here’s the question…how often have you been able to take the time to sit down and actually use them?

Make time after your relaxing bath to end your night with a manicure or pedicure.

Put on a pair of cozy pajamas, pick your favorite nail polish color, and go to town! While your nails are drying, indulge in some senseless TV, read a magazine, or play a game on your phone. It’s all about giving yourself the time to do what makes you happy.

Do you have any at-home spa rituals you love? Share them with us in the comments below!

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

Ask the Doctor-What are Your Suggestions For Muscle Spasms After Breast Reconstruction?

October 20, 2017 by

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

Question: I had breast reconstruction on my left breast in 2006. I have had muscle spasms in it ever since. Recently they have gotten bad again. Any suggestions?

Answer: I’m sorry you are having problems with your reconstruction.
You didn’t mention if you were reconstructed with an implant or with your own tissue, so I will answer as if you are reconstructed with an implant. Please let me know if I have assumed wrongly.

There are several potential reasons why you could have spasms. If the implant was placed under the pectoralis chest muscle, it can lead to pains in the pectoralis muscle or other muscles, as the muscle is no longer functioning in precisely the way it was designed to. Most people tolerate the implants well, but there is no question some have more problems than others. The muscle can also sometimes separate from attachments to the chest wall over time, which could cause changes in symptoms. Additionally, If you are radiated, this could potentially cause additional problems, as the muscle may be less flexible.

If you can, I would contact your original plastic surgeon, as he or she is probably in the best position to evaluate your symptoms. I would also be happy to discuss your situation with you further by phone, if you wish.

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: , , , , ,

5 Fun Ways to Exercise This Autumn

October 17, 2017 by

Exercise is so important for keeping your body healthy, your mind sharp, and releasing stress. That’s said, we know that adding a workout routine into your daily schedule isn’t always the easiest—or most fun—thing to do!

Here’s the good news…

You don’t have to buy a gym membership, join a running club, or start weight lifting to get a decent workout.

In fact, exercise is simply about getting your body moving, and it can be done in many ways.

Now that the fall season is upon us, we thought we’d share some festive fall activities that will certainly give you a workout. The best part…these activities are so much fun, you won’t even realize you’re exercising!

Check them out now…

Take a Hike in the Woods to See the Changing Leaves

Every year people watch in amazement as the green tree leaves turn brilliant shades of reds, yellows, and burnt oranges. It truly is a beautiful sight to see!

This year, we encourage you to enjoy the color-changing leaves and take a hike through them.

Not only will you be surrounded by nature’s beauty, but you’ll also get a great cardio workout. Bonus: You’ll be so emerged in your beautiful surrounds that we bet you won’t even realize you’re breaking a sweat!

Play in the Leaves in Your Back Yard

Who said playing in the leaves is just for kids? We certainly don’t think it is!

Raking the leaves in your yard is an incredible upper body workout. When you have a large pile or two, get some friends together, your kids, or even your pets, and spend some time running around your backyard and jumping in your leaf piles.

Who knows, you might even get an ab workout from the laughter that comes with such a fun activity!

Go Apple Picking

Apple picking is a fall favorite and a great family outing.

Between walking through the orchards, climbing trees, and picking your apples, this activity requires a lot of moving around.

Let’s also not forget that once you’ve collected a bucket full of apples, you’ve got to haul them back to your car! How’s that for weight lifting?

The best part of getting exercise while picking apples is that you don’t have to feel guilty about making an apple pie and then eating it later. Actually, go ahead and treat yourself to two slices…after all that work, you deserve it!

Do Pumpkin Squats While Pumpkin Picking

Taking a trip out to the local pumpkin patch is another fun fall activity. Even as an adult, it’s so much fun to run through the pumpkin patches searching for the perfect pumpkin.

Everyone who’s been to a pumpkin patch knows, however, that once you find the pumpkin you want, it’s your responsibility to pluck it from the vine and carry it back to the wagon that brought you out to the fields.

With an average size pumpkin weighting between 12 and 18 pounds, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get a workout in while you wait for everyone to board the wagon. Hold your pumpkin tightly in your arms and do a few squats. And there you have it…pumpkin squats!

Play a Game of Flag Football

It’s football season—the perfect time of year to get your friends and family together for a friendly game of flag football.

We recommend flag football because it’s safe and fun for all ages. And all you need to play is a football, a flag (or handkerchief or piece of fabric) for every player, and two teams of people who want to get some exercise and have a good time.

After playing a game of backyard football, you’ve definitely earned some couch time to watch the pros play on TV.

Do you have a favorite fall-inspired exercise? Share it with us in the comments below!

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

Ask the Doctor- I’m Unhappy With My Reconstructive Result from Another Surgeon – Are You Able to Make It Look More Natural?

October 13, 2017 by

This week, James E. Craigie MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question about breast reconstruction.

Question: Three years ago, I had a double mastectomy and am now cancer free. My plastic surgeon did a terrible job with the reconstruction. The left side implant is way off to the outer side and looks larger than the right side. The right side is way too far to the outside. There is zero cleavage. Is there any way to re position the implants more to the natural position of the breast ? I do not expect perfect but don’t like looking like a botched job. Thank you.

Answer:  I’m glad to hear you have been cancer free and have your treatment for breast cancer behind you. At the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction it is part of our mission to help women move on with their lives after breast cancer. We focus our efforts on helping women get their bodies back together with permanent ”natural results”.

I’m sorry you are disappointed with your reconstruction. If you have had radiation then it may be very hard to have your breasts match with implant reconstruction. If you have not had radiation then perhaps your implants could be revised or adjusted for an improvement. Unfortunately these corrections are all too often temporary. It is possible that using your own fatty tissue would be a more permanent option without implants.

Sometimes it is hard to start over with another approach but it may be necessary if you desire a more natural and permanent result. If you would like more information about natural breast reconstruction with your own tissue let me know.

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: , , , , ,

5 Self-Care Tips Guaranteed to Reduce Stress

October 10, 2017 by

Making time for self-care is very important. It allows you to unwind, destress, and refocus.

And most important, making time for self-care is vital for maintaining both your emotional and physical health. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. Between work, raising kids, maintaining your home, volunteering, or doing whatever it is you do each week, it’s very easy to forget about taking care of yourself.

Self-care isn’t a reward.

It’s something that needs to be worked into your weekly routine to ensure you stay healthy and happy.

So, today, we thought it would be fun to share 5 simple self-care tips that you can add into your routine every week. Enjoy…

Give Yourself a Night Off

We know you have responsibilities. Kids need to be fed. Pets need to be walked. Houses need to be cleaned. The list goes on and on.

But here’s a little secret. It’s okay to take a night off once a week. In fact, it’s important that you give yourself a break so you don’t go crazy!

Simply ask your partner to take over dinner duty one night a week.

If you don’t have help from a partner, order pizza once a week instead. Everybody wins on pizza night!

Do you have a dog that needs to be exercised? Hire a neighborhood kid to walk your pooch once a week or put your pup in doggy daycare for the day.

Are you tired of cleaning? Ask your kids to take over one of your chores, or rearrange your chore schedule.

There are endless ways you can give yourself one night off each week. All it takes is a little planning and creativity.

Have a Girls’ Night

There’s something therapeutic about a glass of wine, some dessert, and a night out with your best girlfriends.

We know people’s schedules are busy, but we also don’t think it’s unrealistic to set aside time for a girls’ night once a month.

All you need to do is pull out your calendar, call up your girlfriends, and pick a date that works best for everyone.

Then, each month, let one person be in charge of making the plans. This takes the stress off of one person having to coordinate everything.

Here’s are a few ideas for a fun girls’ night activity…

  • Have a movie night
  • Make dinner and dessert
  • Take an art class
  • Host a board game night
  • Go out for a spa day
  • Attend a yoga class
  • Enjoy a hike at a local park

Make Time for Exercise

Making time to exercise is so important…

Not only does weekly exercise keep your body strong and healthy, but it will also keep you feeling confident and looking good.

We’re not saying you have to go crazy and join a high-intensity boot camp training program.

Unless, you’re into that kind of thing…in that case, go for it, girl!

But, a daily walk, taking a yoga class, or going for a swim at your local indoor pool are all great ways to keep your body moving.

Not sure what exercise routine you’d like best? Here are a few fun low-impact workout options to choose from.

Check out our favorite low-impact workout activities. 

Make Your Goals and Dreams a Priority

How often have you had to put your goals or dreams on the back burner because you’ve had a responsibility to put someone else before yourself?

First of all, we applaud your selflessness.

It’s take a special person to be able to put someone else’s wants and needs before your own.

Second, we are here to tell you that now it’s your turn to make your dreams and goals a priority.

This doesn’t mean you have to give up your duties as a spouse, parent, or employee. But, it does mean that you need to give yourself permission to carve out time each week to accomplish the things you want to do.

For instance, if you’ve dreamed of running a marathon, now is the time to plan a few hours each week to go running.

Or perhaps you’ve dreamed of getting a job in a certain profession, but need to go back to school to earn a degree. Today is the day to start saving up for classes and put together a plan for going back to school.

You can make your dreams a reality as long as you start taking steps toward reaching your goals now.

Treat Yourself

Last, but certainly not least, we want you to know that it’s ok to treat yourself every once in a while.

Craving a dessert from your favorite bakery? Stop by after work and reward yourself for a great work day.

Excited that the pumpkin spice latte is now available in coffee shops across the country? You’ve waited all year for it, girl. Go get yourself a drink!

Tired of screaming kids, spending hours doing laundry, and putting in overtime at work? Use a vacation day, and take that 3-day weekend trip with your girlfriends.

I think you get the point.

Every once in a while, do something for YOU. You deserve it!

What is your favorite self-care tip? Share it with us in the comments below!

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

Ask the Doctor- Are These Normal Problems To Have 2 Years after a Breast Reduction?

October 6, 2017 by

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

Question: I had a breast reduction over two years ago. It still feels like I have scar tissue in some areas and nipple tends to be a little sore at times. Is that normal?

Answer: No, that’s not normal, and I’m sorry you’re having to endure it.

I can’t tell what is going on by your description, but it’s possible that you have some residual dead fat in your breasts which has not been resorbed. An MRI scan would be the best way to determine this. It’s also possible that you have pain for no discernible reason, which is unusual, but it happens from time to time. That doesn’t mean it can’t be treated, however, as pain therapists can be very effective in helping manage that type of pain.

I would be happy to help you any way I can, but it would be best if you first returned to the surgeon who did your reduction and let her / him know of your concerns. If that doesn’t work, please let me know.

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

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Our Surgeons Show Support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 3, 2017 by

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. And it’s important that we take the time to remember those who have lost their lives to breast cancer, support those who are battling it, and celebrate those who have won their cancer battle.

One of the ways The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction likes to celebrate is to get involved in community events that are focused on breast cancer awareness.

This year we’ve been invited to participate in a series of Breast Cancer symposiums. We are thrilled that two of our surgeons, Dr. Craigie and Dr. Kline, will be included in the panel for these discussions.

All of the Charleston, SC, community is invited to attend these talks, and we encourage you to attend if you are able!

Check out the details below…

East Cooper Breast Cancer Symposium – October 4

The first Breast Cancer educational symposium will be held at the East Cooper Medical Center. The event will take place in the classrooms at the hospital, limiting registration to about 40 people.

During this event, a panel of medical experts will be talking about a variety of breast cancer topics, from treatment and prevention to reconstructive surgeries and life after breast cancer.

The facility will be serving boxed dinners for participants to enjoy during the panel talk, which will take place from 6:00 p.m. to around 8:00 p.m.

Space is limited, so if you’re interested in attending please call the East Cooper Medical Center at (888) 417-1377 to find out how to register for the event.

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day Talks – October 17, 18, and 19

To celebrate Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA day), three talks on breast reconstruction will be held over the course of three days—October 17, 18, and 19.

All three events will feature medical professionals and surgeons who are active members of Roper’s breast cancer team. The topics of discussion will focus on reconstructive breast surgery.

A few featured topics include…

  • A presentation on fat grafting.
  • A discussion on Micro Autologous.
  • A talk on lymph node transfer.

The first talk will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Roper Mount Pleasant in Classrooms 1, 2, and 3. For more information, click here.

The second talk will be held on Wednesday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Roper Bon Secours St. Francis, Mall Classrooms 1, 2, and 3. For more information, click here.

The third talk will be held on Thursday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Roper Hospital, Irene Dixon Auditorium. For more information, click here.

Please note that the same talks will be given each night, so it’s only necessary to attend one event if you have an interest in going.

On behalf of our entire staff, we wish you a happy National Breast Cancer Awareness month. And to those of you who are currently battling breast cancer, our thoughts are with you.

Do you have any National Breast Cancer Awareness month activities on your schedule that you’re excited about?

Share them with us in the comments below!

Filed Under: Breast Cancer Awareness Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,