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5 Super Easy Ways to Cut Carbs

August 4, 2015 by

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Photo credit: Scott Veg

When you love all things bread and pasta, cutting carbs from your diet can seem nearly impossible.

However, restricting your intake of carbohydrates–especially the kind that come in the form of a large box of pizza—is an important factor to losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle.

Fear not, carb lovers, we’re providing 5 alternatives to some of your favorite recipes that are sans carbs. And they’re delicious.

Spaghetti Squash

Someone from up above took pity on those of us who love pasta by creating the most amazing vegetable, spaghetti squash. As its name implies, it’s a squash that you bake and then scrape out the contents with a fork, and it comes out in strings resembling pasta. The even better part is that it tastes like whatever sauce you put on it!

We recommend this marinara and turkey meatball spaghetti squash recipe as a great alternative to pasta.

Pizza bites

There is a lot of buzz about cauliflower crust pizza floating around in the PinterestSphere, but it can be incredibly time consuming to make (not to mention the smell alone can put off your appetite). These no-crust pizza bites only require a muffin tin, Canadian bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and any additional pizza toppings of your choice.

The best part of this recipe (minus being super duper healthy) is that it allows everyone to create his or her own mini pizza—minus the carbs!

Eggplant pizza

Replace the high-calorie crust with eggplant! Slice the eggplant, salt both sides and let sit to draw out the moisture, sprinkle some herbs, and bake for about 25 minutes. Next, add your pizza toppings, and place back in the oven for a few more minutes. Only downside is this eggplant pizza recipe is a little tricky to eat with your hands—you may have to opt for a fork and knife.

Pepper nachos

This pepper nacho recipe is perfect for the chip lover! Using mini peppers (sliced in half and hallowed-out), stuff full of corn, black beans, pico de gallo, avocado, and low-fat cheese. Pop in the oven until the cheese gets nice and melty, and then snack away!

Roasted chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas are an absolute lifesaver when you need that salty and crunchy fix. Just add olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you’d like and bake for about 15 minutes—so easy and delicious!

Have a favorite carbless recipe you’d like to share? Comment below!

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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!

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Techniques to Remain Calm in Stressful Scenarios

July 28, 2015 by

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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!

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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!

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The Best Sunless Tan Products

July 21, 2015 by

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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.

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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!

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Ways to Stay Hydrated this Summer

July 14, 2015 by

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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