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Slimmed-Down Summer Recipes

July 16, 2012 by

It’s the season of barbeque and picnics, and at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we know most of our favorite summertime eats are brimming with saturated fat and cholesterol. As a solution, we’ve compiled our favorite recipes for healthy, waistline-friendly alternatives to the usual warm-weather menu items. Serve them proudly at your next cookout—they’re nutritious and delicious!

Trim Potato Salad:
3 med. potatoes
1/3 c. vegetable stock
1/4 c. low fat plain yogurt
3 tbsp. green pepper, minced
1 hardboiled egg (minus the yolk), chopped
1/3 c. onion, minced
1/4 tsp. celery seed
1/4 tsp. parsley flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook potatoes in skins and cut into bite size pieces (potato skins have all the nutrients!). Allow chopped potatoes to cool until just warm. Add the remaining ingredients and toss lightly until well mixed. Chill and serve.

  • No-Pounder Beet Burgers: 1 1/4 cups cooked, cooled brown rice
    1 cup cooked brown or green lentils, cooled, drained well
    1 cup shredded beets
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    Fresh black pepper to taste
    1 teaspoon thyme
    1 teaspoon dill
    3 tablespoons very finely chopped onion
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
    1/2 cup very fine breadcrumbs
    Olive oil for the pan

Peel beets and shred with the shredder attachment of your food processor, and then change the attachment to a metal blade. Pulse the brown rice, shredded beets and lentils about 15 to 20 times, until the mixture comes together, but still has texture. It should look a lot like ground meat. Now transfer to a mixing bowl and add all the remaining ingredients. Use your hands to mix very well. Place the mixture in the fridge to chill for half an hour.

Preheat a cast iron pan over medium-high. Form the patties by taking a heaping 1/2-cup of mixture, and shaping it into burgers with your hands.

Pour a very thin layer of oil into the pan and cook patties for about 12 minutes, flipping occasionally. Burgers should be charred at the edges and heated through. Serve on a whole-wheat bun with all your favorite trappings.

  • Skinny Pasta Salad 1/2 lb. rotini (springs)
    2 lg. carrots, diced
    3 ribs celery, diced
    1 lg. red pepper, diced
    1 med. white onion, diced
    20 sliced black olives
    1 lg. cucumber, diced
    1 lg. tomato, diced
    Dill weed, black pepper, Mrs. Dash, basil
    1/2 bottle low fat Italian dressing (or more if needed)

Cook the pasta as per instructions on box, then chill. Chop all the vegetables and mix together.

Add dill, black pepper, and basil to taste (fresh is best). Add the chilled pasta, Italian dressing, and toss together. Chill and serve cold.

  • Low Fat Hot Dogs:The trim tip for this summer favorite is easy—simply make the switch from meat to meatless. Smart Dogs by Lightlife are fantastic hot dog substitutes without the mystery meat or saturated fat. In fact, each link has 0 grams of fat, 45 calories, and 8 grams of protein. All that nutrition and they still taste great! Grill these puppies, and top them off with a whole-wheat bun, diced onions, relish, ketchup, and you’ve got a new summer classic!

What is your favorite summer-time food?

 

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The Advantages of ICAP Flap Breast Reconstruction and When to Use This Procedure

July 13, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

When would we use the ICAP flap for breast reconstruction and what are the advantages of this procedure?

The TCAP flap is a procedure for reconstructing the breast or partial breast reconstruction and is another of the muscle-sparing flaps. The ICAP does not require microsurgery or reattachment of the blood vessels, but usually the amount of tissue available is small.  In our experience it is most frequently used to perform partial breast reconstruction of mainly the outer side of the breast or to add volume to a previously reconstructed breast or when the resulting size is not as quite as large as desired from the original planned procedure.  An advantage of the ICAP flap is that it removes tissue from the side of the body that is usually in excess and sometimes bothersome following a mastectomy.  It is just above the bra line and the scar, and although it extends to the back, can almost always be covered in a bathing suit or a support type bra.  Again, the ICAP’s best use is in adding additional tissue to an already reconstructed breast or providing small amounts of tissue for partial breast reconstruction.  It typically does not involve microsurgery to reconnect the blood vessels and the blood vessel that nourishes the tissue is conveniently located on the side of the body near the breast just above the bra line.

For more answers to your breast reconstruction questions, visit our Ask the Doctor section of this blog or submit your questions here.

 

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Around the Harbor: A Guide to Experiencing Charleston by Sea

July 11, 2012 by

Charleston is our favoite place to be during the summer months, with its great beaches and waterways helping to temper the heat. If you’re looking to experience our beautiful city from another vantage point, consider taking a cruise around the Charleston Harbor. You will truly get a feel for life in this city by the sea. While you’re out there, you might even encounter some dolphins playing in your wake!

Charleston Harbor Tours

Step aboard the “Carolina Belle” and immerse yourself in the history of maritime life with Charleston Harbor Tours! This 90-minute tour comes with a well-educated tour guide who will point out some of Charleston’s most historic landmarks and tell the fascinating stories behind them. You can also purchase a carriage or plantation tour package when booking a harbor tour.

Spirit Line Cruises

Tour Ft. Sumter, have dinner, and sail around the harbor with the same cruise company! Spirit Line Cruises offers private charters, three-hour dinner cruises, and even wedding receptions. This company offers something for the history buff and socialite alike.

Charleston Dolphin and Eco Tours

Looking for something a little less historical? Grab your family and see Charleston’s watery wildlife up close and personal! Charleston Dolphin and Eco Tours offers fun for the whole family, with nature-oriented tours and harbor cruises. Choose the perfect excursion for your family, and enjoy the ride!

About Charleston:

The Charleston area is home to wonderful resources for our patients and their families. If you are traveling here for surgery, rest assured that we have world-class medical and post-operative facilities. Patients of the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction are cared for at the East Cooper Medical Center, a state-of-the-art regional hospital, located very near to our offices.

The region is also filled with hotels, villas and homes available for short- or long-term rental.

Charleston is routinely ranked one of the nation’s most beloved destinations. And we’ve also been voted most polite so often, that we’ve politely pulled out of the competition. Charleston enjoys a temperate climate, a vibrant historic district, wide beaches, majestic homes and a friendly ambiance. No matter the season, there are plenty of things to see and do here.

You can get more information about Charleston and its’ harbor tours and cruises at the Charleston Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

 

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Tired of the Heat? Escape with Cool Getaways.

July 9, 2012 by

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: GROVEPARKINN.COM

Summertime in the Lowcountry can be beautiful, but it is certainly hot. If you’re tired of the heat, take after Charleston’s oldest residents and escape to the mountains for a slight reprieve.

The Grove Park Inn

Asheville, NC, is famous for the Biltmore House, but it is also home to one of the South’s best Inns and Spas. Take a trip to the luxurious Grove Park Inn, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, and beat the heat in style. This charming getaway includes a full-service spa, five-star restaurant, and spacious front porches with rocking chairs for everyone. While you’re there, visit America’s largest private-owned home, the Biltmore Estate, and admire the beauty of its gardens and rooms.

Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa

Vail, Colorado, might be famous for its skiing, but this small town is just as beautiful in the summertime. Take a trip to mountainous Colorado, where nights are cool enough that you’ll need a jacket! The Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa is nestled at the foot of Vail Mountain, and offers world-class amenities, including a full-service spa. Let your stress melt away as you drink in the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado mountains.

The Napa Valley Lodge

Escape to Napa Valley for a romantic getaway in California’s beautiful wine country. The Napa Valley Lodge is the ultimate getaway for wine country living, offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and a relaxing atmosphere. Take a drive up the California coast and cool off on the shores of the Pacific during your stay!

Wherever you go, we hope that you find the perfect place to relax and escape from the heat.

We’d love to hear your favorite cool getaways!

 

 

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TDAP Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery: When and Why to Choose This Option

July 6, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

When would we use the TDAP flap for breast reconstruction and what are the advantages of this procedure?

The TDAP flap or thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is a procedure for reconstructing the breast or partial breast reconstruction and is another of the muscle-sparing flaps.  The procedure allows for the fatty tissue from the side and back to be mobilized and then transferred to the breast without disconnecting its blood supply and performing re‑anastomosis of the small blood vessels.  The tissue that is used is in the area above the latissimus dorsi muscle, which is the largest muscle in the body; however, the procedure does not involve transferring the muscle or destroying the muscle.  The advantages of this procedure are that the tissue can be used for breast reconstruction without performing the microsurgery and without damaging or removing the muscle.  The disadvantages of the procedure are that there is a limited amount of tissue available to use for breast reconstruction and because the blood vessel remains attached and is not divided, there is a limit to the shaping and positioning of the new tissue.  It is most frequently used for reconstruction of a part of a breast, mainly the outside, but in some circumstances can be used for reconstructing the entire breast.  However, this is usually a smaller reconstruction and the amount of skin available is typically limited as well.  The TDAP can be used for transferring fat to the breast at the time of mastectomy or can be used later after mastectomy and the body has healed.

Procedures: Transforming Healthy, Living Tissue
Microsurgery has come a long way since its invention by vascular surgeons in the 1960s. The term refers to any surgery involving a surgical microscope. And it has found one of its best applications in breast reconstruction. Through microsurgery, our skilled surgeons are able to harvest healthy tissue from one part of a womans body and reattach it to the breast area. Through the careful process of attaching blood vessels, microsurgery allows patients to have natural looking breasts made from their own, living tissue. Another benefit is the minimized impact and injury to muscles, allowing patients to enjoy a faster, fuller recovery.

Did you find this post helpful? We’d love to hear from you in our comments section.

 

 

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Happy Fourth of July!

July 4, 2012 by

 

We at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction wish our readers a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday!

 

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The Best & Brightest Fireworks in Charleston this Fourth of July

July 2, 2012 by

Of course Charleston, historic landmark city that it is, would never settle for anything less than the brightest to rein in the 4th of July, and we at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction wouldn’t have it any other way! To set your patriotic heart a-soaring this holiday, we’ve rounded up the places where you’ll want to get a good seat come sundown:

  • Patriots Point will host one of Charleston’s biggest and brightest pyrotechnics displays yet with the USS Yorktown as the center stage. Patrons can sit aboard the Flight Deck for $10, but spectators can also enjoy the fiery spectacle landside as well. With food vendors abound and plenty of entertainment for the kids, it’s a walk-through-friendly environment. The real selling point, though, is the view: the fireworks overhead and reflected off the waterfront will saturate your senses in awe.
  • In the heart of Summerville, catch the “Red, White, and Blue on the Green” in Town Square from 5-8 PM. As a special patriotic treat, the Fort Dorchester Garrison re-enactors will set up a Revolutionary War era camp on Hutchinson Square. A reminder of the reason for the holiday, World War II jeeps owned by Summerville locals will be on display. The fireworks sizzle shortly after dusk.
  • The North Charleston Fireworks and celebration take place at Riverfront Park
    where you can enjoy local live music provided by CoastRunner, The Blue Dogs, and Quianna Parlor. A little dancing is good for your health, and a great way to celebrate our country’s independence!

  • Folly Beach, only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, is yet another perfect star-spangled spot this Fourth of July. Tour the local restaurants, then settle down with your blanket on the sand to watch the sky dazzle above you.

Happy Fourth of July, Charleston! Where will you go to see the fireworks this year?

 

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Am I A Candidate for Natural Breast Reconstruction?

June 29, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 at age 24 (infaltrating ductal, triple negative). I had a lumpectomy with a lymph node dissection, chemotherapy and radiation. I found out I was positive for the BRCA1 mutation in 2008 and had a myomectomy (c section cut) and subsequent full hysterectomy (via davinci) in 2010, since pathology found the mass to be Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma.

I am now considering a mastectomy to decrease my chances of reoccurrence. Would you recommend a prophylactic mastectomy? If so, what type of reconstruction can I have? I prefer natural reconstruction rather than implants, but do not know if I am eligible since I’ve had two abdominal surgeries and do not have a lot of extra tissue anywhere else.

Hi and Thank you for your question. I’m sorry you have been faced with these difficult decisions. Removing as much breast tissue as possible is the most effective thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. I  refer to this type of mastectomy as “risk reduction” because it does not make the chances 0 but is as close as one can get. Your previous tummy surgeries have probably not affected your ability to have natural breast reconstruction, as we have had many people who have had the same types of surgery before using the extra tummy. Even the people who have had surgeries that compromise the tummy we can almost always come up with an option for natural breast reconstruction. Many of our patients have been told they do not have enough extra to use but when we see them we can usually give them a very nice result without implants. I hope this answers your question.

Sincerely,

James Craigie, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

Would you like your breast reconstruction question answered? Just ask us!

 

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The Best Bed-and-Breakfasts Charleston Has to Offer

June 27, 2012 by

Planning a trip to Charleston this summer? Instead of staying in a larger hotel, consider trying out a Bed-and-Breakfast!

Charleston is full of beautiful historic homes, and many of them have been transformed into Bed-and-Breakfasts. These homes are perfect for the visitor looking to experience Charleston’s charm and hospitality at its best, making you feel right at home in the Holy City. After a few nights in these houses, you won’t want to leave!

The Society House

Located at Society and King Streets, this charming inn offers a central location to all of Charleston’s finest amenities. Short-term and long-term rooms are available, complete with a full kitchen, hardwood floors, high ceilings, and large windows. You’ll feel as if you’re visiting someone’s home, and not a hotel room at The Society House.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.thesocietyhouse.com

Historic 86 Church Street Bed and Breakfast

Enjoy the charm of life South of Broad street at this popular B&B. This home was built in 1783, and is run by one of Charleston’s oldest families. You will be within walking distance of the Harbor, Battery Park, and many of Charleston’s oldest and most beautiful homes.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.charlestonbandb.net

The Elliott House Inn The charming Elliott House Inn is located on Queen Street, in one of Charleston’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. You will be within walking distance of some of Charleston’s best restaurants, including Husk, Poogan’s Porch, and 82 Queen, as well as the Dock Street Theatre and most of the city’s art galleries.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.elliotthouseinn.com

The Barksdale House

The Barksdale House is an old family home located in the historic section of George Street. You will be just a few blocks away from the South Carolina Aquarium, the College of Charleston Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, and the shops on King Street.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.barksdalehouse.com

 

Where is your favorite place to stay when visiting Charleston?

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The Gluten-Free Craze

June 25, 2012 by

Gluten-free foods have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many people discovering a gluten intolerance, or dedicating themselves to a gluten-free lifestyle.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. It gives dough its elasticity and lends a chewy texture to breads and other grain-based foods. Many foods have gluten additives to help thicken and flavor, often listed as “dextrin” on the nutrition label. This additive can be found in everything from ice cream to ketchup.

People who are gluten-intolerant cannot process this protein and experience severe intestinal complications from ingesting gluten. As gluten is found in many foods and beverages, maintaining a gluten-free diet can be challenging.

However, there are many benefits to a gluten-free lifestyle as well. People who adhere to a gluten-free diet, such as actress Gwenyth Paltrow, claim to feel more energetic and alert after making the switch. Some correlations have also been made between a gluten-free diet and weight loss – most likely because of lower carbohydrate consumption.

If you’re interested in making the switch, keep the following tips and resources in mind.

Keep an eye out for additives such as “dextrin,” and avoid imitation meats, which are often made with gluten. The USDA does not currently require companies to list gluten as an ingredient, so the best method to ensure that you avoid it is to eat whole, fresh foods. Foods also clearly labeled as gluten-free are safe to consume.

Some great gluten-free options include…

  • Corn.
  • Potatoes.
  • Rice.
  • Tapioca.
  • Quinoa.
  • Yams.

Interested in learning more about going gluten-free? Check out these resources:

Mayo Clinic

Gluten Free Girl

Celiac.com

Have you made the switch to gluten-free? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!

 

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