Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

Pooch-Friendly Places in Charleston

April 10, 2013 by

Dogs in Charleston Now that spring is in full bloom, why not make your days out in the Charleston sunshine even brighter by bringing along your four-legged friend?

From Bark Parks to one of Charleston’s most charming bakeries, you and you pup are in for a treat! Just take a look at this short guide to plan a day-trip on the town for you and your pup:

Isle of Palms Bark Park: Let you pooch off the leash to socialize with other happy mutts at the Isle of Palms Bark Park. The Bark Park is a safe, open place where you can meet and mingle with other dog owners while your pup parties. Remember that dog parks require current vaccinations and that you keep an eye on your friend throughout your stay!

Hampton Park: Hampton Park is one of Charleston’s largest parks and boasts a beautiful old rose collection—just the key to invigorating your senses. Take your pup for a scenic stroll along its peaceful fitness trail where you’ll see a variety of Lowcountry trees. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing day out with your fluffy companion.

Sugar Bakeshop: Sugar Bakeshop is located on Cannon Street in downtown Charleston, just off the beaten path. If you haven’t discovered this new sweet spot, it’s time to check it out! Owners Bill Bowick and David Bouffard have transplanted themselves to Charleston from New York City. And better yet, they came bearing treats to share for all. Renowned for its Lady Baltimore cupcakes and Huguenot tortes, this bite-sized bakery even has gourmet dog treats for your pampered pooch! Enjoy your dessert in the beautiful walled garden with your four-legged friend!

Holy City Brewing: Holy City Brewing is one of Charleston’s favorite breweries—and your dog will love it, too.Take a tour of the brewery, and enjoy a hoppy German pilsner in the Holy City Brewing’s tasting room with Fido at your side!

Inn at Middleton Place: Visiting a quaint South Carolina bed and breakfast can be even more fun if your best friend can join, too!Luckily, the Inn at Middleton Place isn’t only a favorite local Bed & Breakfast—it’s also pet-friendly for companions under 50 pounds. Located on a scenic plantation with beautiful landscaping and views, the Inn will steal your heart with its endless hospitality. The breakfast buffet is one of renown, and you can enjoy long walks around the historic grounds with your pooch.

 

For a complete list of public venues where you can bring your pooch along, click here.

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

9 Health Benefits of Avocados

April 8, 2013 by

Avocados

Avocados, also lovingly called “alligator pears,” are a magical green fruit considered to be one of the healthiest foods in the planet. Every avocado contains over 25 essential nutrients, including vitamin A, B, C, E, & K, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.

Avocados are also an excellent source of fiber, protein, and several beneficial phytochemicals, such as beta-sitosterol, glutathione, and lutein, which may protect against various disease and illness.Although avocado is high in fat content, it is mostly the monounsaturated fat, which is a healthy fat.

Looking for reasons to enjoy more avocados in your diet? Check out the 8ways your body benefits from this little green super-fruit:

 Maintain a healthy heart. Avocado contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help regulate homocysteine levels. High levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Avocado also contains vitamin E, glutathione, and monounsaturated fat—the essentials for maintaining your heart’s health.

Protect against cancer. Many studies have shown that avocado can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. The oleic acid in avocado is also effective in naturally preventing breast cancer.

Lower cholesterol levels. Avocados are rich in a compound called beta-sitosterol, which can help lower blood cholesterol levels. According to a study, patients with mild hypercholesterolemia who included avocados in their diet for 7 days had 17 percent decrease in total blood cholesterol levels, a 22 percent decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels, and a 11 percent increase in HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Control blood pressure. Avocados are also a great source of potassium, which helps control blood pressure levels.

Regulate the blood sugar levels. The good fats in avocados can reverse insulin resistance and help regulate blood sugar levels. Avocados also contain soluble fiber,which also contributes to steady blood sugar levels.

Defy your age. Being rich in antioxidants, avocado helps prevent signs of aging. The glutathione in avocado boosts immune systems, slows the aging process, and encourages a healthy nervous system.

Increase nutrient absorption. Avocado intake is linked with increased nutrient absorption. A study showed when participants ate salad that included avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes beta carotene and lycopene) than those who did not include avocados.

Skin Care. Many cosmetic companiesadd a little avocado oil to their products because of its ability to nourish the skin and make your skin glow. It also aids in treating psoriasis, a skin disease that causes skin redness and irritation.

What is your favorite way to enjoy an avocado?

 

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

Can a Mammogram Hurt My TRAM Flap?

April 5, 2013 by

Can a mammogram hurt my tram flap?

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

 

Q: I have an 18-year TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) flap. Recently I have found a perpendicular ridge about an inch from my sternum. It feels like a lump. I have had an ultrasound and now they want to do an MRI and an mammogram. They found nothing on the ultrasound. My concern is the mammogram. Could this cut off blood supply to my TRAM flap? I would like to ask my original doctor but he is strictly doing plastics. Thank you for your help!

 

A: While it’s not impossible, a mammogram is highly unlikely to hurt your TRAM flap, especially after this length of time. Certainly it is important to find out what the lump is, anyway.

Good luck, let us know if we can be of any help.

 

 Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

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

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , ,

The Charleston Youth Company Spring Spectacular

April 3, 2013 by

Charleston Youth Company

 The Charleston Youth Company is pulling back the curtain on their latest show—the annual Spring Spectacular, opening April 19 & 20, 2013, 7 p.m. ET at the Sottile Theatre.

Featuring standout performances by talented youth from all over the Lowcountry, the CYC performs original shows that include classic Broadway numbers.

The 2013 Spring Spectacular promises to awe and entertain audiences from all over Charleston. The CYC’s original production is based loosely on Beauty & The Beast, Cinderella, and Oliver—the perfect mix for a night of enchantment!

About the Charleston Youth Company

The Charleston Youth Company (CYC) is a Nonprofit Performing Arts Company for students in grades 3rd through 12th. They produce 2 major shows a year.

The Charleston Youth Company combines music, voice, dance, art, drama, and technical production to create a program unlike any other in the Charleston area. In addition to rehearsing for several hours each week, company members are expected to maintain their grades and school commitments without exception.

Past members have received scholarships to top colleges and universities throughout the United States. Eric Sean Fogel, currently an associate choreographer in NYC, continues to serve as an artistic director and teach classes for CYC. Margaret Anne Florence has performed in several major motion pictures, such as Our Lady of  Victory. She also revived the role of Luisa in the Broadway musical The Fantasticks, and was in print and commercials for many magazines and networks.

These CYC alumnus and many more have found successful ways to use the skills they learned and developed while in CYC. Many are successful teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, local performers, musicians, and businessmen and women.

As a sponsor of the beloved Lowcountry theatre company, The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction team never misses a performance!

 

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the youth and talent here in our community.

Come out for the Spring Spectacular April 19 & 20!

 

 

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

Join Us for the 2013 Survivor’s Celebration!

April 1, 2013 by

 Susan G. Komen Survivors Celebration The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is honored to be the Promise Partner Sponsor for the Komen Lowcountry Survivor’s Celebration again this year.

On April 14, 2013, we’re celebrating 20 years of serving the Lowcountry—and you’re invited to join the excitement! Whether it’s your first anniversary as a breast cancer survivor or your thirtieth, come celebrate your fantastic life with us!

Check out the event details below, and be sure to register now—space is limited!

2013 Survivor’s Celebration Details

  • Happens Sunday, April 14, 2013
  • Festivities take place at the beautiful Charleston Marriott, 170 Lockwood Blvd, Charleston, SC
  • Registration opens at 2 p.m. ET
    Survivors: $10
    Co-survivors: $15
    Table for 10: $200
  • Celebration begins at 3 p.m. ET

Visit vendor tables and register for prizes from 2–3 p.m. The food, fun, and festivities begin at 3 p.m.

Wave Your Celebration Flag High!
Show your pride and encouragement with your own survivor flag or pennant to wave high during the Survivor’s Recognition. If you forget, you can stop by the Celebration table and create one on the spot. No giant flags or banners, please—we want everyone to be able to see the action!

 

For more information about this special event, feel free to contact Komen Lowcountry at 843-556-8011 or forthecure@komenlowcountry.org, or call our office at 866-374-2627.

Mark your calendar, and register here! 

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

A Chance to Heal in Comfort

March 27, 2013 by

Cherie Mathews is the founder of healincomfort

Our team at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction  welcomes Cherie Mathews, founder of healincomfort, as the featured guest for In Her Words this week. Here is her story:


At the age of 40, Cherie Mathews received the same diagnosis from her doctor that one-in-eight women across America will face – “You have breast cancer”.

Through the shock and horror Cherie made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy. She faced her enemy in this battle with the same fortitude and resilience as the millions of other brave women warriors that came before and since, after. It wasn’t until the pre-op consultation before her mastectomy that Cherie got angry. When she was told the same thing that nurses still tell their charges today… to just bring something big and loose or one of their husband’s old dress shirts to wear home and to recover in.

“I can tell you first hand that when a woman loses her breasts in her battle against breast cancer she does not ‘feel’ ok wearing her husband’s dress shirt. Mentally, it’s cruel.  Cancer is hard enough! If a sprained elbow gets a sling to heal in, why isn’t there helpful equipment to heal in after a mastectomy?”

 

Something had to change.  A new “standard” in medical equipment for women recovering from breast cancer surgery needed to be created. Cherie Mathews would go on to launch and to provide the very healincomfort post-op recovery kits that she herself was denied. Now, women across the globe benefit from Cherie’s vision and ambition to make certain that no woman would suffer this complication. In this decade, thousands of breast cancer survivors have been spared this unnecessary discomfort. Today, thanks to Cherie, all women have the ability to “healincomfort.”

All healincomfort Kits Include: Healincomfort kits make great gifts for loved ones.

  • Patented healincomfort Shirt – Super soft moisture management material, self-adhering  fasteners (like Velcro®), Four Internal Pockets for Drain Management
  • Advanced Design Hands Free Lanyard Straps – Hands free Independence for Showers and Maneuverability
  • Private Medical Drain Pouch – Manages Drains while wearing Regular Clothing
  • Inspirational Story “My Shadow Story” – Your personal copy to help prepare for the ‘First Look’ after your breast cancer surgery.

 

For more information, visit healincomfort.com for more information.

You can also follow Cherie Mathews on Facebook.

Filed Under: In Her Words Tagged With: , , , , ,

Quick Spring Cleaning Tips

March 25, 2013 by

Here are some tips to clean quickly and effectively!Spring is here—and with the season of renewal comes the perfect time to get your house and life in ship-shape order!

But who wants to spend the bulk of their time actually cleaning? You have better things to do—like enjoying the fresh Charleston air! In the spirit of quickly tidying up, here are a few ways to make chores more efficient and effective, so you can have a sparkling home in no time flat.

Tidy the Kitchen

  • Sanitize the sink.Did you know that a dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than a toilet seat? To disinfect, clean your sink with soap and water first, then spray a mist of vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide, and let air-dry. (Note: Don’t mix the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together—spray one after the other.) If your sink is stainless steel, make it sparkle afterward by putting a few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and buffing. This prevents water buildup, which deters mold, and keeps the sink looking clean longer.

 

  • Ditch paper towels for good.Paper towels don’t stand up to the task of heavy-duty cleaning quite like microfiber cloths. When wet, they sanitize and clean floors, counters, glass and tile, and eliminate the need for other cleaning products. They’re reusable, too—just machine-wash and hang to dry. Easy!

 

  • Zap the sponge.Sponges can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing it out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it’s shredded and smelly, it’s time for a new one.

Beat the Bath

  • Clean the liner.Mold and mildew—a shower curtain’s arch nemesis. Throw your besieged liner in the wash with a few towels, which will help scrub it clean, then hang it back up to dry.

 

  • Scrub the toilet.Drop a teaspoon of Tang Drink Mix in the bowl. The citric acid acts like a natural scrubber—not to mention, it’s nontoxic, in case the dog takes a sip. Let it sit for a few minutes, then swish and flush.

Get Swept Away

  • Pick the right broom.For indoors, choose one with finer bristles to pick up smaller dirt particles. For outdoors, opt for stronger, stiffer bristles, which work better to clear uneven surfaces.

 

  • Sweep like you mean it.Turns out, there is a right way to sweep!Hold the broom like a canoe paddle, with one hand on top of the handle and the other toward the middle. Push your hands in opposite directions to get the most out of every sweeping stroke. Sweep from the outside in so that you don’t miss any spots, and move the dirt to the center of the room, where it will be easy to pick up.

Rein in the Bedroom

  • Make the bed.If your bed is made, your bedroom looks neat. When you wake up, pull the covers up to your chin, and then gently peel the covers away from your body, folding the covers down. The bed will be close to half-made, and you can easily finish the job before you walk away.

 

  • Tame the drawers.Most women have drawers full of clothes they don’t wear, and their dressers absorb the unwieldy burden. Donate the clothes you haven’t worn in a year, and commit to putting away your clean laundry as soon as it is done.A little more space and organization make a world of difference in how clean the room feels!

Let’s hear your time-saving cleaning tips. Share below!

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , ,

How Long Does a DIEP Flap Procedure Take? What Is the Recovery Time?

March 22, 2013 by

This week Charleston breast surgeons Dr. James Craigie and Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answer your questions about DIEP flap surgery. 

 

Q: Approximately how long does the DIEP flap surgery take on one breast?

 

A: Thanks for your question.

A unilateral DIEP typically takes from 3-6 hours, depending on whether you already have had a mastectomy, and on how complicated the microvascular anatomy of your particular flap turns out to be.

Richard M. Kline, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

—

Q: I do not personally know anyone that has had DIEP flap surgery. What should I expect within the first two to three weeks of recovery after DIEP flap surgery?

A: The first 4 days will be in the hospital, the next three weeks you will be very mobile but no driving. After one month your drains will be out and you will feel much better. Over the next 6-8 weeks you should be getting back to normal. Let me know we will be glad to let you talk to one of our patients who is in a similar situation.

See you soon.

James E Craigie, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

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

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Exploring Charleston’s Gardens

March 20, 2013 by

 

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

photo courtesy of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens website.

Charleston’s trademarks are its Antebellum history and Lowcountry beauty. And when you experience its many plantations and gardens, you get the best of both worlds!

Spring is the perfect time to take in Charleston’s flourishing natural world, starting with these historic and breathtaking gardens. Pack a lunch, and bring the family along!

Boone Hall Gardens: Boone Hall is one of the most stunning sites Charleston has to offer. Between its sprawling mansion, live oak trees, and Spanish moss draped paths, the entrance to this charming plantation alone is worth the trip! Take a self-guided garden tour, and see the many various plants, flowers, and trees that are currently growing in the beautiful gardens on the front lawn. Be sure to stop and smell the gorgeous antique roses that are over 100 years old.

Cypress Gardens: Travel to Berkeley County’s Cypress Gardens for the utmost adventure and wildlife in one outing! Visitors from all over the country come to experience Cypress Gardens’ magical grounds, gardens, greenhouse, and swamparium. Enjoy picturesque views along 3.5 miles of walking and hiking trails, which loop through the swamp and gardens. The peak azaleas bloom by the month’s end, and while you take in the beautiful wildflowers, you can also spot yellow-throated warblers, red-shouldered hawks, and Carolina chickadees.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870. The gardens at Magnolia Plantation are of such beauty and variety that they have brought tourists from around the world to view them. Today there are thousands of flowers to take in—from camellias, daffodils, and azaleas to countless other species in bloom year round.

Hampton Plantation State Park: Tucked away among live oaks and magnolias, Hampton Plantation State Historic Siteis home to the remains of a colonial-era rice plantation. Take in the splendor and history of this scenic site during an easy hike along the nature trail loop. You’ll take in several ecosystems and discover how the landscape and wildlife changed over the 250 years this land has been known as Hampton Plantation.

Which of Charleston’s unforgettable gardens is your favorite to visit?

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

New Social Network for Women Facing Breast Cancer

March 18, 2013 by

Heads up—there’s a new social network in town, and The Center of Natural Breast Reconstruction couldn’t be happier to share the news!

My Breast Cancer Team (MyBCTeam) is a brand-new social network open to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, those currently in treatment, and even women 15 years out from treatment. MyBCTeam enables women to find others just like them, share experiences, tips and referrals and make real, lasting connections with other women who have been in their shoes.

Other features of the social network include:

  • Activity Page: The heartbeat of the site, where women share their ups and downs with each other. Triumphs are cheered and challenging moments are supported.
  • Find People: Women can search for other women by diagnosis (both stage and type) and also by age and location.
  • Provider Directory: A searchable directory (by keyword and location) of a variety of providers, submitted by women, specializing in breast cancer treatments.
  • The Team: Users share the team of providers who have helped them during and after treatment—from an oncology radiologist to a breast reconstruction surgeon to hair stylist. Women can also add other women they find supportive to their team, offering another great way to connect.
  • Q & A: This searchable database is a forum for questions and answers submitted by the community of women.
  • Pinboard: A discovery area where women visually share their journey with breast cancer and treatment. Pins can include ways of managing their self-image, recipes, family photos, or places they’d like to travel after treatment.
  • “Hug” Button: The unique “hug” button is used to show empathy and understanding to other women. Women can also choose to “like” someone else’s status, story, or photo to show their approval.
  • Mobile App: Gives women the ability to ask questions and connect to the community wherever they are. The freeMyBCTeam app is available on iOS and Android devices.

 

Connect and share with other women with breast cancer at http://www.MyBreastCancerTeam.com.

 

 

Filed Under: Health and Wellness Tagged With: , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »