After a long day, there is little that compares to the joy of coming home to my dog, Lucy. She has been doing life with me for 13 years. It’s heartbreaking to see her need my help. Her maintenance care over the years has increased. Recently, the vet told me that if I hadn’t provided regular check-ups, Lucy’s health would’ve deteriorated faster.
Using Advance Directives to Plan for Life’s ‘What-ifs’
You’ve probably been told to ‘live your life’ and ‘be in the moment,’ so it’s no surprise that you might not want to think about the what-ifs. What if you are in an accident or become too sick to make decisions about your own healthcare? Will your family know what you want — or don’t want — done to keep you alive?
Signs You May Have A Shoulder Injury
You’ve been playing a little too much pickleball or bowling, holding babies or toddlers too long or carrying heavy groceries into the house. Now you have some aches and pains in your shoulder and it’s hard to sleep at night. A part of your shoulder called your rotator cuff might be to blame and, no, this injury doesn’t just happen to professional athletes.
Pushing Through Arthritis
Your body is a machine that gets put through its paces each and every day and your joints take the brunt of the workload. Thanks to hours of walking, carrying packages and babies, running, playing sports and standing, you might find that your joints — such as your knees, hips or neck – hurt and feel a little stiff. This could be osteoarthritis.
Control Your Weight, Reduce Your Risk
It seems to make sense that if you eat less food, you’ll lose weight. But that’s not necessarily the case, according to Dr. John B. Cleek, an obesity medicine specialist with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners.
Five Things You Can Do For Your Mental Health
Job loss, remote learning, financial strain, stress and fear of you or your family members getting sick are just some of the concerns weighing down everyone during these trying times.
Urgent or Emergency? When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
Nobody wants to think about a medical emergency happening to them or their loved ones, but the fact is that illnesses and accidents can happen. If they do, your health – or the health of your loved one – shouldn’t wait. Be prepared by knowing now when you should get to the emergency room, what the medical staff can do for you and when the ER may not be the best place for your symptoms.
I Have Pain In My Throat and My Voice Has Changed. Should I See A Doctor?
When someone gets emotional, it’s said that they have a lump in their throat. While that kind of lump is harmless, you may have a reason for concern if you actually see or feel a lump. The symptoms of something more serious are not always obvious. They can mimic other diseases. But if you have a lingering sore throat, a sinus infection that won’t go away, neck pain, voice changes, breathing difficulties, coughing or trouble swallowing, all of these symptoms can be indicators of thyroid cancer.
Komen South Carolina Takes More Than Pink Walk to a Different Level
Did you know that you could help thousands of people by simply taking a walk this month? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year, more than ever, local patients and their families need your help. So lace up those walking shoes because it’s time for the More Than Pink Walk, an event that you can take part in from the comfort of your own home.
Green Building in a Linear Society
Working in a manner to reduce the waste of natural resources and operate as energy efficient as possible is essential to consider throughout the design, building, operation and maintenance of a building. In order to protect the environment, remodeling and construction companies are adjusting to green building practices and methods. Less resilience on fossil fuels and reducing waste are both ways a remodeling company can focus on green building.
What I Wish My Patients Knew Before They Started a New Workout Routine
Are you considering working out to drop a couple pounds from staying home? Maybe you’re just looking to get in better shape? No matter what your reason for starting a new exercise routine, don’t take one step without making sure you have the right footwear.
Causes and Solutions for Brick Mortar Deterioration
Have you ever wondered what causes deterioration of brick mortar joints sometimes seen on older buildings? Deterioration to the point that it literally falls out like powdery sand.
The likely cause of damage is damp rising and salt damage. “Damp Rising occurs when salt laden water is drawn upward into masonry via the capillary action of the porous properties of masonry,” says Peter M. Loy, President of Citadel Enterprises. “Costs to diagnose and make repairs to this phenomenon can be high. The ugly reality is that limited repairs are unlikely to sustain and are rarely guaranteed.”
When the Pain Just Won’t Go Away
Are you dealing with a crick in your neck that seems to linger forever? Do you wake up with shoulder discomfort that lasts throughout the day and sometimes disrupts your sleep in the middle of the night? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from these common issues, but there are ways to ease your pain.
When You’ve Tried Alternatives, It Might Be Time for Joint Replacement Surgery
There are a number of reasons your joints — especially your knees and hips — could be hurting. The pain could be a result of osteoarthritis, an old injury flaring up, too much high-impact activity, or simple wear and tear that occurs over time. If you’ve tried everything to ease your pain, it might be time to consider a joint replacement.
Weighing In On Weight Loss
It seems to make sense that if you eat less food, you’ll lose weight. But that’s not necessarily the case, according to Dr. John B. Cleek, an internal medicine specialist with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners. Dr. Cleek points out that genetics are responsible for 50 to 70 percent of a person’s weight, but other factors contribute to what your bathroom scale tells you each morning. For example, if you don’t get enough sleep, your metabolism decreases and your appetite increases.
Bites, Sting and Ocean Things
One of the best parts of living in the Lowcountry is enjoying the great outdoors — but that can also mean all kinds of nasty bites, stings, and other injuries from insects and ocean dwellers.
Is It Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?
Charleston’s summers are no joke. The high temperatures combined with the high humidity can be potentially dangerous if you don’t pay attention to your body. Whether mowing the grass, playing at the beach or even working in the blistering sun, it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
This Screening Can Truly Help Save Your Life
While everyone knows colonoscopies are not exactly the most pleasant procedure, getting screened for colon cancer is incredibly important — and can potentially save your life. “Many of the symptoms are silent, so many people will not have any major symptoms whatsoever,” says Dr. Jorge Lagares-Garcia of Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “Pain can be a late symptom of very advanced colorectal cancer.”
The Things Your Mother Never Told You About Menopause
Menopause is a natural, normal process, but for some women it can feel quite mysterious — because it’s something so few people discuss.
“I frequently hear, ‘Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?’ All of a sudden women can’t sleep, and they have no idea what’s going on,” says Dr. Elaine Eustis, with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners OB/GYN. “They see two or three doctors before they get to me. It’s surprising to me that more women don’t talk about this.”
David Bessinger From Charleston’s Original Barbecue Family Shares the 80 Year History of Mustard-Based Barbecue
The Bessinger family name is synonymous with the tangy, yellow barbecue sauce that put South Carolina on the map as a mustard-based BBQ region. It was 80 years ago that the now famous sauce was first used by Joseph Bessinger in a Holly Hill, SC, restaurant. Three generations later David Bessinger, owner of Melvin’s Barbecue in Mt Pleasant and on James Island, still uses the same Golden Secret sauce his grandfather created 80 years ago.
Why Hotter Weather Increases Your Risk for Kidney Stones
If you’ve ever had kidney stones, you know that they’re painful. Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that can form in the urine.
Vaccines: 3 Important Things to Know
When it comes to maintaining health and protecting yourself and your family against diseases, vaccinations play an essential role.
Check out these unique homes in Old Mount Pleasant
Magic can happen in real estate when a great plan comes together. Just ask Casey Kellermann and Noell Smith, the owners of Kellermann Smith Real Estate. They represented the original owner of a lot in Old Mount Pleasant and presented the opportunity to a great builder client, SHELTER Custom Built Living. Ryan Butler, owner of SHELTER, built two custom homes which now stand on what was once a large single lot.
Oh, No. Is it the Flu?
This year, the flu is hitting later than usual, so even though winter may be fleeing, the flu is not. For many people, flu symptoms can appear seemingly out of nowhere, so it’s important to understand the symptoms.
Everything You Need to Know About Shingles
If you’ve ever had chicken pox, you could be at risk of developing shingles sometime in your life — so it’s important to understand the signs, symptoms and treatment options.
Understanding Weight Loss Surgery
Everyone knows losing weight—and keeping it off long-term—can be challenging, especially for obese individuals who need to lose significant amounts of weight. For many people, bariatric surgery can be a great option that doesn’t just help you lose weight but helps you maintain lifelong health and a better quality of life. “Bariatric surgery is becoming the gold standard for the treatment of people with morbid obesity and the medical problems related to it,” says Dr. Bryan Thomas, who specializes in bariatric and general surgery at Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “The goal is for you to reach a healthy weight and then maintain that weight for the rest of your life.”
Pack in Holiday Fun, Not the Extra Pounds
Every year we’re faced with the challenge of the holiday and winter season: the dreaded extra pounds we are liable to pack on with an extra cookie here and an extra holiday drink there. If you are trying not to gain weight through the holidays or just trying to maintain a healthy balance, consider these tips.
4 Signs You Should See a Doctor for a Breast Cancer Screening
It’s imperative for women to make sure they’re maintaining good breast health. While women can’t control their genetics or a family history of breast cancer, what they CAN control is seeking proper medical treatment and screenings. If you are age 40 or older, you should be seeing a healthcare provider for routine screening mammograms, says Dr. Susanne Bradford, an OB/GYN with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners.
Two Non-Surgical Options to Kickstart Weight Loss
Most people assume eating healthy and exercising will result in dramatic weight loss. And while a balanced diet and physical activity are important elements for a healthy lifestyle, they aren’t always enough to help seriously overweight people achieve weight loss goals.
Is It Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?
Sponsored by: Roper St. Francis Healthcare Charleston’s summers are no joke. The high temperatures combined with the high humidity can be potentially dangerous if you don’t pay attention to your body. Whether mowing the grass, playing at the beach or even working in the blistering sun, it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion […]
More Than 115 Million Americans are Now Using Credit Unions. Should You Join Them?
If you don’t know the difference between a bank and a credit union, you’re in good company. Many Americans do business with banks unaware that they could be repeating the benefits of credit union membership.
Understanding the Differences Between Hospice and Palliative Care
When it comes to helping people understand the role of a palliative care doctor, Dr. Beth Wolf describes it as simply as she can: the palliative care team provides an extra layer of support while a patient is going through a significant illness.
Before the Bump: New ‘Maybe Baby’ Class Prepares Would-Be Parents
Parents to-be do a lot of planning for their new baby. They pick out the safest crib and car seat, decorate the nursery and take classes on breastfeeding and infant CPR. But many parents wish they’d done a little more pre-conception planning because there are plenty of questions that need answered before the baby bump.
6 Ideas for Remembering a Loved One After Cremation
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
An increasing number of Americans, over 50 percent in fact, are choosing cremation over a burial. But what happens to the cremated remains? A few options include keeping the remains in a beautiful urn or scattering them in a meaningful place. If you are unsure of what you want to do, talk with […]
7 Questions to Ask When Shopping for Funeral Homes Services
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
When it comes to making any large purchase, price is always a consideration. Most people want to secure the very best deal they can, but it’s important to do your homework and understand exactly what that price includes. That same principle applies to selecting a funeral home package – sometimes the cheapest price doesn’t give […]
3 Ways the Funeral Home Can Help When the Service is Over
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
In the days immediately following the death of a loved one, you’re busy making funeral arrangements, writing an obituary and accepting condolence messages. But what happens when the funeral is over?That’s often when the reality of the death sinks in and the need for grief support is the most intense. It’s also when the funeral […]
Who Should I Call When a Death Occurs?
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Even when someone is terminally ill, a death is never expected. Knowing in advance who to call when the death occurs can dramatically help ease the anxiety.Todd Griffin, Licensed Funeral Director and General Manager of McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, says the very first call is to notify the healthcare team that someone has died. If […]
6 Important Steps for Healing from Grief
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Most people are familiar with the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Anyone who’s lost a loved one or close friend can expect to pass through most, if not all, of these stages as they complete the healing process.Each person is different, though, so the way someone goes from stage […]
What You Should Know About Funeral Benefits for Veterans
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
It doesn’t matter if a person was a line cook in the Army, a colonel in the Air Force or medic in the Marines. Any military service member who was honorably discharged is eligible for a military funeral service. Archie Willis sometimes encounters families who didn’t realize a loved one served in the military all […]
How Every Household Can Cut Down on Food Waste
Sponsored By:
Charleston County Environmental Management
Ever discover a long-expired package of chicken that got pushed to the back of your refrigerator? Or how about some vegetables you put in the crisper and then forgot you even purchased? We’ve all done it. When it’s a couple bananas here and some leftover pizza there, it may not seem like your family tosses […]
When It Comes to Pet Cremation, Know Your Options
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Sponsored By: McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation To many pet owners, their precious kitty or lovable pooch is a member of the family. When asked about a pet they lost, they may share with you how much they grieved when that pet died. You may also find that owners, after the death of their pet, had […]
3 Questions about Cremation You Probably Didn’t Know to Ask
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Sponsored By: McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation Between 2000 and 2015, the cremation rate in the U.S. almost doubled. The Cremation Association of North America projects the cremation rate will reach 54.3 percent by 2020 – up from 48.6 percent in 2015. If you are considering cremation, it is important to get all the facts when […]
How a Funeral Director Can Ease the Stress of Funeral Planning
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Sponsored By: McAlister-Smith Funeral & CremationWeddings, birthdays, anniversaries – these are all special occasions worth planning for. Funerals are a special occasion too. While the emotions are vastly different, they require no less attention than our happiest times.If you have ever planned an event, you know that even the smallest ones require attention to detail. […]
6 Easy Ways to Speed Up Your Metabolism
Sponsored By:
Before and After Weight Loss Clinics
Sponsored By: Before and After Weight Loss ClinicsYour best friend eats doughnuts for breakfast, pizza for dinner and never skips dessert all while maintaining a size 2. You, on the other hand, simply look at a doughnut and gain 5 pounds. Life just isn’t fair.Well, you can’t change genetics or your age; but by making […]
4 Secrets to Negotiating a Better Real Estate Deal
Sponsored By:
Bob Wolfe of Coldwell Banker
Sponsored By: Bob Wolfe of Coldwell Banker Buying or selling a home ranks as one of the largest financial transactions you’ll ever make, so it makes sense to try to do everything you can to maximize your prospects for success. But with so many factors involved in a real estate deal – making an offer, […]
5 Ways to Help a Grieving Friend During the Holidays
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Sponsored By: McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation If you have a friend who’s recently lost a loved one, this first holiday season may be different than years past. They may have a hard time keeping holiday traditions. This could also lead them to spend more time alone instead of attending social functions. What is your role […]
New to Charleston? Here’s How to Have a Great Real Estate Experience
Sponsored By:
Bob Wolfe of Coldwell Banker
Sponsored By: Bob Wolfe of Coldwell Banker Charleston living seems to be the star of the internet these days. Social media teems with enticing stories about the advantages of moving to Charleston, such as its robust economy, low taxes, pristine beaches, balmy weather and historic communities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the tri-county Charleston […]
9 Ways to Handle the Holidays… And Still Fit in That Little Black Dress!
Sponsored By:
Before and After Weight Loss Clinics
Sponsored By: Before and After Weight Loss Clinics Let’s face it – we have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. We love the parties, the once-a-year baked goods and Grandma’s cornbread stuffing. And we hate how we feel after an evening of eating (and drinking) a little too much during the holiday season. But we […]
6 Tips for Having ‘The Talk’ Over the Holidays
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Sponsored By: McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation Now is the time to celebrate holiday traditions, whether that means you’re baking grandma’s special cookies or attending a church service. This year, why not use that time of family togetherness to have a crucial discussion? If you have aging parents and loved ones, take some time this season […]
4 Smart Steps to Take Before Moving to a Foreign Country
Sponsored By:
Bob Wolfe of Coldwell Banker
Sponsored By: Bob Wolfe of Coldwell Banker The lure of moving abroad: living in a place where the sea breezes kiss the mainland or listening to the birds in the cloud-forest and life is simpler, cheaper, and less hectic. Who hasn’t dreamed of such a scenario? There are a variety of reasons why moving abroad […]
Aren’t All Funeral Homes the Same?
Sponsored By:
McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation
Sponsored By: McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation Though we might not like to think about it, we will all need the assistance of a funeral home at some point in our lives. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or making arrangements for someone else, the experience will differ depending on which funeral home you select. While […]
4 Ways to Lose Weight Permanently
Sponsored By:
Before and After Weight Loss Clinics
Sponsored By: BEFORE AND AFTER WEIGHT LOSS CLINICS Ask most people what they would like to change about themselves and you’ll get a common answer: lose weight. It’s the top resolution on January 1. It’s the Monday morning mantra. Despite good intentions, many people struggle with obesity and poor diet. Instead of fresh fruit, they […]
Palmetto Project: True or False? Dispelling the Top 5 Myths of the Affordable Care Act
Sponsored By:
Palmetto Project
Sponsored By: PALMETTO PROJECT By: H.A. Fisher Health insurance has been at the forefront of many debates, discussions and decisions since the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010. Countless news articles, websites and programs have given people details, but still there remains confusion, questions and plenty of misinformation about what the Affordable […]
Have you reviewed your insurance this year?
Sponsored By:
1st Capital Insurance
Sponsored By: 1st Capital Insurance So now is a good time to take out your homeowner and flood insurance policies to review to make sure you know exactly what you have and what your exposure may be. Most homeowner policies should protect you should a hurricane hit our area but there are different deductibles that […]
3 Things to Know Before You Find & Finance Your Next Home
Sponsored By:
SC Federal Credit Union
Sponsored By: SOUTH CAROLINA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Purchasing a home opens the door to a lot of questions. Working with local, South Carolinians for nearly 80 years now, South Carolina Federal Credit Union has heard our fair share. Everything from “can I swap homes with a friend?” to “is there any way to make the […]
What you need to know for insurance open enrollment
Sponsored By:
Palmetto Project
Sponsored By: PALMETTO PROJECT By: H.A. Fisher It’s time to review your health insurance. Open enrollment for the health insurance marketplace begins Nov. 1, so it’s the perfect time to update any information and review your policy to ensure it’s still the best fit for your health care needs and budget. Anyone who previously explored […]
Tips For Getting Your Home Ready To Sell
Sponsored By:
Carolina One Real Estate
Sponsored By: Leesa Northrup, Carolina One Real Estate Thankfully the market has recovered, and many people are considering putting their home on the market. I often receive calls asking me what needs to be done do to get their house ready to sell. Below are some inexpensive things you can do to prepare your home […]
Locked Out? What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself from Scams
Sponsored By:
East Cooper Lock & Safe
Sponsored By: East Cooper Lock & Safe Many South Carolina residents are unaware that there are no state regulations or licensing programs required to be a practicing locksmith in South Carolina. This puts people at risk to be scammed. To be safe, people should avoid call center locksmiths without local shops. Not only do these […]
Pre-approval: Paving the Way to Your Home
Sponsored By:
SC Federal Credit Union
Sponsored By: SC Federal Credit Union You can visualize yourself sitting by the pool or preparing your Thanksgiving meal on the Viking range, but have you done the prep work for making your dream home a reality? In competitive markets, like the Charleston region, being prepared to make your home purchase can give you a […]
New Residential Mortgage Closing Rules on the Way!
Sponsored By:
Sottile, Hopkins, and Lewis, LLC
Sponsored By: Sottile, Hopkins, and Lewis, LLC As a result of the 2008 financial meltdown, Congress established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to govern the residential mortgage loan process. Among its first tasks was the combination of forms provided to borrowers at the beginning and at the end of the loan transaction. For all […]
Keeping Your Outdoor Space Mosquito Free!
Sponsored By:
Mosquito Squad
Sponsored by: Mosquito Squad Warm spring weather is here and it’s time to move it outdoors and enjoy it! This week marks the beginning of summer rituals…graduations, weddings, pool parties, grilling outdoors and enjoying all the Lowcountry has to offer outdoors. The warm weather doesn’t just bring green grass and flowers, however, it also means […]
Hurricane Season… Right around the corner
Sponsored By:
1st Capital Insurance
Sponsored by: 1st Capital Insurance We live in an area where we get to enjoy the coastal living at its finest. But come June 1st we tend to stay tuned to the weather channel just in case another Hugo decides to visit our area. So now is a good time to take out your homeowner […]
Heating & Air Conditioning Made Easier
Sponsored By:
Resort Maintenance, Inc.
Sponsored by: Resort Maintennce, Inc. One of the most daunting challenges many homeowners face is dealing with heating and air conditioning equipment problems. Do you need a new HVAC system, or can your existing system be repaired? If you need a new system, what are your options? If your system takes too long to heat […]
Problems and fixes for “bad” fuel in small engines
Sponsored By:
Wando Power Equipment Company, Inc.
Sponsored by: Wando Power Equipment Company, Inc. There is nothing more frustrating than pulling your lawn equipment out for the first cut of the season and not being able to start it. The most common cause of this is poor fuel. Gasoline begins breaking down and oxidizing within 30 days of when it is pumped. […]
Old Village living for all ages
Sponsored By:
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
Sponsored by: Coldwell Banker United, Realtors By: Cheryll Woods-Flowers Imagine living in a home, a neighborhood, from which you can walk to the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market, to shopping, to grab a bite to eat, to the Charleston Harbor and even to the beach. Imagine further that your children can walk to nationally recognized schools […]