Healthlinks Upstate March/April 2022

COMPLIMENTAR MARCH/APRIL 2022 UP S TAT E ABBEVILLE | ANDERSON | CHEROKEE | GREENVILLE | GREENWOOD | LAURENS | PICKENS | OCONEE | UNION | SPARTANBURG HAIR-SAVING SOLUTIONS FOR WOMEN SILENT SUFFERERS LIFE WITH INVISIBLE DISEASES IS “RUNNING THROUGH LIFE” HEALTHY? BEAT JOINT PAIN WITH LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE

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These include: • Same-day appointment access • 24/7 access to your care team • Urgent care • Sports and Work Physicals • Discounted lab work • Office visits • EKG • X-rays • Flu shots • Sick visits • Chronic disease management • Virtual visits ASK ABOUT OUR EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS SPARTANBURG | COLUMBIA | GREENVILLE | DRAYTON MILLS | MOUNT PLEASANT 864.252.4808 | WWW.PALMETTOPROACTIVE.COM Direct primary care for you and your family. GET WELL. STAY WELL. LIVE PROACTIVE. Accessible & Affordable Healthcare Starts Here. PALMETTO PROACTIVE HEALTHCARE is a Direct Primary Care (DPC) family medicine practice that reunites the physician and patient in a proactive partnership. We dedicate our efforts to your care while keeping the cost of care affordable and known to our patients. With our PROACTIVE PATIENT PROGRAM (P3), you will have access to the care you need to get well and stay well for only 1of 5 Smart Money Moves $70 PER MONTH. No co-pays. No surprise bills. 1208 Ella Street Anderson, SC 29621 864-965-9150 www.directaccess.md 118 S. Pendleton Street, Suite A Easley, SC 29640 864-306-4599 www.veritymedicine.com You can also contact these other physician owned and operated direct primary care clinics in the Upstate. Established 2010 1068 North Church Street Greenville, SC 29601 864-702-2365 embermodernmedicine.com

PROVEN RESULTS TO HELP ELIMINATE PAIN & DYSFUNCTION. COMPASSIONATE CHIROPRACTIC CARE NON-FORCED ATLAS ORTHOGONAL® . 3115 Brushy Creek Road, Suite C-1 Greer, SC 29650 www.upstatespinewellness.com | 864-801-1980 The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this ad are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. TREATMENT FOR ALL AGES ENTERING OUR 45TH YEAR IN PRACTICE CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION Dr. Laney is an expert in precise, Non-Forced corrective care. • Neck, back and hip pain • Arm/leg pain/numbness • Sports performance and immune enhancement • Auto accident recovery • Scoliosis treatment • Trusted one-on-one, non-rushed focused care HEAR FROM OUR PATIENTS: SARA Z. I've been using chiropractic to help with cervical spine problems for over 30 years, the technique used by Dr. Laney is the first I have found that provides obvious and lasting results. He and his staff are a pleasure to deal with and there is rarely any wait time when I arrive for an appointment. DONNIE A. Dr. Laney and staff are always concerned for my well being. Dr. Laney will take his time with you & recommend the best treatment for each case. WE BILL INSURANCE AND OFFER FLEXIBLE APPOINTMENTS TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE.

THE TRUSTED CHOICE When my dad suffered a stroke, it was my turn to help him with important decisions, like making the right choice in rehabilitation. I asked the medical professionals that treated him who they trusted for the best care and outcomes. They said Encompass Health, the nation’s largest system of rehabilitation hospitals. There, they created a rehabilitation program specifically designed for his needs using advanced technology and innovative treatments. And he was cared for by a highly trained, experienced staff that showed professionalism and compassion throughout his recovery. Now I know why they are the trusted choice of medical professionals. // encompasshealth.com/greenvillerehab ©2021:Encompass Health Corporation:MyTurn

WE CONNECT CONSUMERS WITH LOCAL PROVIDERS THROUGH BETTER INFORMATION A P P L A U N C H I N G 4 . 4 . 2 0 2 2 The Health & Wellness Social Network Advertise your business on Loopit Contact us at 843.486.3312 or [email protected] From medical practices to fitness centers and everyone else in between SCAN ME

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 5 10 | WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT JOINT PAIN? The worst thing you can do if you are suffering from joint pain is to eliminate physical activity altogether. 16 | THE UPSTATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA – AS GOOD AS THE OUTDOORS CAN GET 10 places in the Upstate of South Carolina to be active in the great outdoors. 23 | THERE IS LOVE; THERE IS HELP; THERE IS HOPE "It hurts to look at pictures of these friends and be reminded of how much joy they had in their lives because I also think about how much pain they must have been in to want to end it all." 26 | NO EXCUSES! LOW IMPACT SPORTS FOR ANYONE AT ANY AGE Here’s a list of some of the most common low-impact exercises that require little equipment and can be performed almost anywhere. 30 | THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER Save a life by using these helpful tips and facts when someone is choking. 33 | HAIR LOSS CAN BE A PROBLEM FOR WOMEN, TOO For women, there’s a societal view that equates long, luscious hair with youth and beauty. There’s a different stereotype for men. Men losing their hair is more accepted and less of an issue. 38 | LIVING WITH LOW VISION With help from an occupational therapist, people with low or no vision can find ways to solve the problems that arise in their daily lives. 40 | THE FIRST SUSTAINABILITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IN SOUTH CAROLINA Diverse stakeholders have come together for the purpose of identifying pathways and implementing solutions that move us toward a more sustainable future. 44 | LIVING WITH A DISEASE THAT OTHERS CAN’T SEE It’s a monumental experience that needs to be acknowledged, supported and, most importantly, believed. 46 | RESHAPING YOUR MIND-SET Stop focusing only on attaining a specific aesthetic or body composition and seek to develop habits that reshape your physical, mental and social well-being. 50 | A TIME TO RUN A number of injuries and afflictions tend to affect aging athletes, but you shouldn’t use that as a reason to stop working out. 54 | THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE When humans walk through the woods or simply coalesce with nature, they can immerse themselves in naturally-existing immune benefits. 56 | SHOULD YOU VOLUNTEER FOR A CLINICAL STUDY? Clinical studies are separated into several phases that must be completed before any new drug, device or treatment can be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for licensing and approval. CONTENTS DIRECTORIES Physical Therapy. ................................................................... 62 Orthopedic. ........................................................................... 63 BY THE NUMBERS Hair Loss. ............................................................................ 35 Vision Impairment............................................................... 39 Physical Activity................................................................... 47 Running............................................................................... 52 Clinical Studies.................................................................... 57 IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Note....................................................................... 6 About the Cover...................................................................... 7 Living Healthy Area Events...................................................... 8 The Lighter Side of Health Care. ........................................... 21 A Unique Case....................................................................... 36 The Facts on Food & Drink.................................................... 58 Upstate Area Nonprofits........................................................ 60 The Pulse on Upstate Nurses. ................................................ 64 ISSUE 5.2 MARCH/APRIL 2022 UPSTATE SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT Success Follows Historic Gym................................................ 15 Getting People Back in the Swing of Things. ........................ 48 FEATURES

6 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com Mental health has been a challenge for me since my father’s 2017 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. It has been a journey marred by chest-gripping, short breaths and inconsistent disillusions. Anxiety has humbled me in ways I never thought possible. I’ve lost sleep, missed laughs and lashed out at loved ones who deserved better. From constant meditation to relentless exercise to talk CB therapy, I’ve worked diligently to fill up my “toolbox” with stress relievers. I’ve often found respite in my relationship with my wife, my mother and my dogs; my relationship with myself was rarely enough. Here I was in the most exciting time of my life, with infinite opportunities, and I wasn’t enjoying any of it, I thought. My mind – warped by stress – wouldn’t allow me to do what I’ve always been best at: having fun. After a particularly long string of sleepless nights, my wife – a nurse practitioner – suggested that I try anti-anxiety medication, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in this case. Every fabric of my being rebuked the notion. If I use drugs to feel better, that proves that I am not enough. It proves that I can’t do this by myself. It’s weak. Thoughts like this kept rolling and crashing through my mind like waves in an angry sea. Through meditation, reflection and conversations, I eventually began to understand that not feeling like I was enough was all right – that to get through this blanketing mental pain, I had to let my guard down and accept help. Going on medication did not mean I had to abandon all the healthy habits that had guided me to this point. Instead, the medication would join these routines in my mental health toolbox. It’s now day three of medication. I’m still anxious, but I have been told the medicine can take more than a month to kick in. I feel relief in my commitment to accept help on this journey. I’m writing this note to let our readers know that it is OK to feel like you are not enough. It is OK to ask for help. In fact, it is liberating. I’m proud that our society has developed to a place where an admission of mental health struggles is not a demonstration of weakness but a proclamation of strength. Proactively addressing your mental health is crucial to true happiness. Along those lines, one of the things that makes me most happy is spending time outside. Research shows that being active in nature can substantially reduce your anxiety and stress. This spring, we should come out from behind our computers, phones and tablets and get outside. If you are looking for me, I will be running down the beach, chasing after our puppies – that is, except between the work hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, of course. Cheers to good (mental) health, Cul len Murray Kemp Cullen Murray-Kemp UPSTATE Publisher CULLEN MURRAY-KEMP [email protected] Managing Editor THERESA STRATFORD Copy Editor BRIAN SHERMAN Art Director KIM HALL Webmaster GEORGE CONKLIN Internet GENE PHAN Sales Manager MANDY WILLIS [email protected] Photography Partner CARIN SCATES www.carinscates.com Writers Media Consultants BRANDON CLARK [email protected] CINDY JOHNSON [email protected] Distribution Manager Latrale Gunther – [email protected] Distribution: C&R Marketing Administration & Bookkeeping GINGER SOTTILE Intern MOLLY SHERMAN Distribution U.S. Post Office, Harris Teeter, Ingles, CVS, Food Lion, Medical Offices TO ADVERTISE IN HEALTHLINKS UPSTATE PLEASE CALL 864.612.7694 MEDICAL MARKETING GROUP HealthLinks Upstate reserves the right to refuse advertisements. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply the service or product is recommended or endorsed by HealthLinks Upstate. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from Medical Marketing Group, LLC. Medical Marketing Group 4 Carriage Lane, Suite 107, Charleston, S.C. 29407 843-732-4110 • [email protected] Issue 5.2 March/April 2022 JOHN TORSIELLO DAVE CLUCAS STACY DOMINGO L.C. LEACH III SARA NOVAK ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA JANET PERRIGO CHRISTINE STEELE COLIN MCCANDLESS JILL HARPER MOLLY SHERMAN KATHERINE WATERS BRIAN SHERMAN CINDY LANDRUM BILL FARLEY ALYSSA DISALVO HOLLY LAPRADE PUBLISHER'S NOTE

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 7 ABOUT THE COVER... Flowers are in bloom and the weather is beautiful – it’s springtime. That means that it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors, and in South Carolina there are a plethora of options. We have swimming, tennis, running on trails and hiking – and the list goes on. South Carolina is truly a place for getting fit while benefiting from fresh air and some natural vitamin D. In this issue, we covered stories about fitness and the importance of getting outside, as well as unrelated subjects on diseases that people live with that are not obvious physically, vision-impaired occupational therapy, hair loss in women and information on clinical studies. We also delved into reasons that may deter people from getting fit, such as joint pain and running injuries. Another important subject we feature in this issue is the rise in mental illness and suicide – and writer Molly Sherman shares her personal story. We want to thank Galen Bennett for working with us for the cover of this magazine. Born in Panama City, Panama, Bennett spent most of his youth in the Charleston area. He has a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from Coastal Carolina University and is certified as a personal trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine. He currently works for the MUSC Wellness Center as the assistant fitness director and co-coordinator of the Center’s “Next Wave” performance training studio. He has been with MUSC for eight years. Jenn Cady took this amazing shot in the Planter’s Pointe subdivision in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. We could not have put this beautiful edition together without the help of our graphic designer, and we cannot go without thanking our copy editor, who always makes sure all the content is accurate and on point. Of course, our writers are extremely valuable to us. We thank them for all the hard work they put in. We are also grateful to our sources, who give their time to speak to our writers – thank you for that. Putting these magazines together is a team effort. Thank you to our sales staff and publisher as well. We hope you enjoy this springtime issue of HealthLinks magazine. And, as always … To health and happiness, Theresa Stratford, managing editor Cover photo by Jenn Cady Photography. MARCH/APRIL 2022 COMPLIMENTAR MARCH/APRIL 2022 UP S TAT E THE POWER OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM ABBEVILLE | ANDERSON | CHEROKEE | GREENVILLE | GREENWOOD | LAURENS | PICKENS | OCONEE | UNION | SPARTANBURG HAIR-SAVING SOLUTIONS FOR WOMEN SILENT SUFFERERS LIFE WITH INVISIBLE DISEASES IS “RUNNING THROUGH LIFE” HEALTHY? BEAT JOINT PAIN WITH LOW-IMPACT EXERCISE UPSTATE HIGH-QUALITY, BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY See through a different lens!

8 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com HEALTHY AREA EVENTS l ving MARCH 26 Inaugural Golf Tournament to Benefit the K. Todd Houston Scholarship Noon Saluda Valley Country Club in Williamston The golf tournament is sponsored by The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing-South Carolina Chapter. The K. Todd Houston Scholarship is open to all South Carolina High School seniors or college students who have hearing loss and use spoken language. eventbrite.com MARCH 21 High in Plain Sight: Current Alcohol and Drug Use Trends 8:30 a.m. Greenwood High School A fast-paced look at the current trends in alcohol and drug use by national trainer Jermaine “The Tall Cop” Galloway. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $15. eventbrite.com MARCH 10 2022 Educational Series: Nutrition and Brain Health: Boost Mood and Memory Noon Virtual – Mental Health America of Spartanburg County The Nutrition and Brain Health webinar is presented by Lori Boyd, MSN, RN, certified lifestyle medicine professional, and is hosted by Mental Health America of Spartanburg County as part of a monthly educational series. Relevant speakers and topics provide information about mental health, mental illness and seeking treatment. mhaspartanburg.org MARCH 12 Wheel to Survive Noon Cancer Survivors Park in Greenville The South Carolina Ovarian Cancer Foundation, in partnership with the Be the Difference Foundation and Teal Diva, hosts a stationary bike event. All proceeds will fund local ovarian cancer research. scovariancancer.org

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 9 MARCH 26 Sertoma Oyster Roast 6 p.m. The Barn at Forevermore Farm in Moore The Sertoma Oyster Roast will take place at The Barn at Forevermore Farm. This is a fundraiser for children’s charities with good music, fun, laughter and, of course, delicious oysters. eventbrite.com APRIL 2 Club Spandex – Sweat for a Cause: A Fitness & Dance Party 6 p.m. Runway Café Event Rental Banquet in Greenville This party, hosted by the Greenville County Medical Society Alliance, is a one-of-a-kind fundraising event that was created to support Jasmine Road, South Carolina’s first two-year residential program for adult women survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution and addiction. Jasmine Road provides a pathway of opportunity and a lifelong community of support. While seemingly a formal event, all guests will be in “athletic chic attire/spandex.” eventbrite.com FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! For vendor application please email [email protected] Market on Mill SAVE THE DATES! 3/27, 4/24, 5/22 12PM - 4 PM Come out & support local small business vendors! Food trucks & Kids Activities, too! Market on Mill F UN F O R T H E WHO L E F AM I L Y ! Come out & support local small business vendors! Food trucks & Kids Activities too! 12PM-4PM SAVE THE DATESS 3/27 4/24 5/22 Sponsors: For vendor application please email [email protected] Market on Mill F UN F O R T H E WHO L E F AM I L Y ! Come out & support local small business 12PM-44PM PM SAVE THE DATES S T 3/27 4/24 5/22 Sponsors: Sponsors:

10 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT JOINT PAIN? By Brian Sherman

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 11 That aching knee, sore shoulder or painful elbow can be the result of a variety of different issues, and there are many ways to treat both the cause and the discomfort that can keep you up at night, limit your physical activities and affect your quality of life. Arthritis, often an affliction of the elderly, might be the culprit. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage to break down where bones meet to form a joint, while rheumatoid arthritis is an immune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of a joint. However, an injury suffered recently or even a decade or more ago – whether while participating in sports, through a significant fall or in an automobile accident – also can be the source of your misery. “It can be a fall 10 years ago or a broken ankle as a kid,” explained Dr. Michael Sims, a surgeon with Bon Secours Piedmont Orthopaedics in Greenville. Dr. Sims said a good place to start when a patient visits with joint pain is to take X-rays, which can indicate if there has been any structural change in the bones. “X-rays don’t show ligaments, tendons or cartilage, but you can see evidence that these things have been damaged,” he said. “You can’t see everything, but you can infer things.” “An X-ray is a good place to start because it’s inexpensive and safe,” Dr. Brett Young, an orthopedic surgery specialist with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners in Charleston and Summerville, added. “It gives us a big-picture view of the joint. That would be the first move before an MRI.” Dr. Young went on to explain that, in many cases, he would use an MRI only to help confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.

12 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com “If a possible diagnosis would change the course of treatment, that’s when an MRI is valuable,” he said. Dr. Sims pointed out that he would order an MRI to evaluate the joint “at a deeper level” if the patient was not improving with options including over-the-counter or prescription medications; a brace for a knee or ankle; or physical therapy. He noted that seeing a physical therapist usually is a better option than doing exercises on your own. “They chaperone you. They instruct you, providing guidance and instruction so you get the most out of the exercises,” he said. “They can critique your form. It’s very helpful to have a therapist to make sure you are doing it the right way.” He added that physical therapy generally lasts a minimum of four to six weeks but can take up to three months for some patients to show some improvement. Dr. Young pointed out that rehab can be useful, depending on the injury. He said it sometimes is necessary because, as people age, they might develop poor mechanics that lead to joint pain. The option of using a knee or ankle brace to immobilize the joint can be helpful, Dr. Sims noted, but only if you are using the right type of brace. He said patients often come in with a brace they purchased at a local store. “Usually, it’s the wrong type and it’s not adequate. Before you treat yourself with a brace, get evaluated to make sure it’s worth your money,” he cautioned. Other options to help with joint pain include cortisone injections, which reduce inflammation, and platelet-rich plasma – which is still considered to be an experimental therapy and, hence, is not covered by many insurance policies. With PRP therapy, a patient’s blood is drawn, then the platelets are separated out and injected back into the injured area, using the patient’s own healing system to ease the joint pain. Both physicians agreed that the results using PRP have been mixed. “There’s science that proves that there is benefit to PRP. The problem is, we haven’t identified who it works on the most. We have ideas and theories, but we haven’t identified the exact patient who would benefit or the exact right recipe for these injections,” Dr. Sims said. “I don’t think we want to use it in every situation,” Dr. Young added. “It’s important for the physician to assess the patient’s particular reason for having joint pain and to take into consideration other things that have been done before deciding.” Dr. Sims said he sometime treats his patients with injections of hyaluronic acid, a compound that the body makes naturally – usually three injections over a period of six weeks. He pointed out that this option “replaces a natural substance in the knee to oil it up.” Some people try to alleviate their joint pain by taking glucosamine and chondroitin. Sometimes these supplements help, and sometimes they don’t. Both physicians agreed that they have no adverse side effects. “It would depend on why you are taking them,” Dr. Young said. “For osteoarthritis situations, there are no cure-alls. At best, they may slow down the progression, and, at worst, they may do nothing.” If all else fails, surgery is an option as well. The worst thing a person with joint pain can do is nothing, according to Dr. Sims. He said totally eliminating physical activity because, for example, your arthritic knee hurts, could lead to additional pain and suffering. “Continuing to perform activities as much as you can is beneficial,” he commented. “Your body stops trying to heal your knee because you’re not using it. If it hurts to walk, maybe you should try a stationary bike. Whatever you can do to stay active is the best thing you can do to help your joints.” The worst thing a person with joint pain can do is nothing, according to Dr. Sims. He said totally eliminating physical activity because, for example, your arthritic knee hurts, could lead to additional pain and suffering.

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 13 SEAWRIGHT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY 26 East Main Street Inman, SC 29349 (864) 472-6836 www.seawright-funeralhome.com A family-owned funeral home with deep roots in the community. 26 East Main Street, Inman, SC 864.472.6836 www.seawright-funeralhome.com We’ve been chosen by families who have lived here for generations – folks who have come to know and trust us over the years. You see, unlike funeral homes owned by faraway corporations, we have a commitment to the community. A er all, our roots are here. 864-574-1195 www.smjanitorialpartners.com GROW BUSINESS NOT GERMS. #dontstaydirty HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES OFFICE/BANK CLEANING | INDUSTRIAL CLEANING EDUCATIONAL CLEANING | GOVERNMENT BUILDING CLEANING EVENT CENTER CLEANING | RELIGIOUS BUILDING CLEANING SERVICEMASTER JANATORIAL SERVICES CELEBRATING 12 YEARS SERVING GREENVILLE, SPARTANBURG AND SURROUNDING AREAS. Greenville’s family-owned source for compassionate care utilizing the latest dental technology. DANIEL J KNAUSE, DMD 2131 Woodruff Road, Suite 1100 , Greenville, SC 29607 At the corner of Hwy 14 and Woodruff Road ONE VISIT CROWNS CEREC Single Appointment Permanent Crowns. LASER DENTISTRY As one of fewer than 10 offices in the state with the groundbreaking Solea Laser, we have eliminated the drilling and need for numbing with most fillings. HOLISTIC OPTIONS At Southern Laser Dentistry, we respect the beliefs and needs of our patients who want the most natural and bio-compatible options. DR. K ALIGNERS In office design and manufacture of precision clear aligners at a great value. Brighten your BEAUTIFUL SMILE with FREE WHITENING after completion of Dr. K clear aligners. 864-288-8388 [email protected] www.southernlaserdentistry.com

14 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com FAMILY & LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1975 www.SPORTSCLUBSC.com Experience the SPORTSCLUB DIFFERENCE Experienced Providers: Connie Casebolt, MD MPH | Amanda Dyar Moss, NP Schedule a consultation today 864-778-5322 Tired of not feeling your best? Want to optimize your health to be your most vibrant self? Greenville’s Leading Integrative Medicine Practice Utilizing advanced methods of integrative medicine, evaluation and treatment, we’re your partner on your journey to a healthy, vibrant life. Specializing in: • Addiction IV Therapy • Hormone Imbalance • IV Therapy • Beauty & Aesthetics • Gut Health • Menopause • Urinary Incontinence • Erectile Dysfunction

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 15 Chief Financial Officer John Whitten reminisced about the Sportsclub opening in 1975 as the Greenville Racquet and Fitness Club. “We had one location with six indoor tennis courts. Later, racquetball, fitness, group fitness and an indoor pool were added. Most of the tennis courts were moved outside by the early 1990s and the interior of the club fully renovated. In 2003, a second location was added in Simpsonville, and the company’s name was changed to Sportsclub. In 2008, the Five Forks location was added.” Whitten said that while each location may have some unique options, they all offer fitness – including personal training – racquetball, Les Mills group fitness and child care. At Greenville, possibilities include tennis, a summer camp, an after-school program for kids and swim lessons, while the Five Forks location offers swim lessons and hosts its own swim team. “Sportsclub is weathering the pandemic with 15,000 memberships and 300 employees,” said Whitten. “The Greenville and Five Forks locations are each 60,000 square feet, while the Simpsonville location is 36,000 square feet.” Whitten said what makes the clubs special is that they offer “a great setting” for all. “Newcomers to fitness are welcomed with an introductory fitness experience and an attentive staff. Child care is greatly appreciated by young parents, as they can engage in their fitness routine knowing their children are receiving great care,” he said. Whitten continued, “Our clubs are well-equipped, and housekeeping is priority one. For 47 years, we have been the go-to in fitness in the Greenville area, but we never take our position for granted. Our staff is simply the best and anxious to share their passion for fitness and good health with everyone, every day.” The clubs’ members appreciate a wide variety of equipment, exercise programs, clean locker rooms and a conscientious staff that respects their time and space. From team sports to group activities to individual instruction, there is something that suits everyone’s unique ability and lifestyle. Sportsclub Kids offers a number of fun and active programs for youngsters. Whitten said the clubs appeal to all demographics: “We are about an equal mix of men and women, with about 40% over 50, about 40% between 25 and 50 and 20% under the age of 25. We know about 30% of our members participate regularly in a group fitness class, while others are involved in cardio and strength training.” Whitten said currently there are no plans to open a new location: “However, we do have plans to enhance our existing facilities with new equipment and some refurbishments.” Group Fitness classes are included in the membership’s monthly rate. Reformer, FIT Camp and personal training are not considered group fitness classes and require an additional fee. SUCCESS FOLLOWS HISTORIC LOCAL GYM For more information on the Sportsclub of Greenville, visit sportsclubsc.com. By John Torsiello SPONSORED MEDICAL CONTENT “ What makes the clubs special is that they offer 'a great setting' for all. “

16 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com If you are looking for something to do outside, Upstate South Carolina is hard to beat. From Oconee County to the North Carolina/South Carolina border and upper edges of Greenville County, the outdoors is replete with choices for hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, birdwatching or just enjoying the immense natural scenery visible during an everyday walk or drive. And if you’re already making vacation, weekend or holiday plans for the spring, summer or autumn, the following 10 places are examples of how much fun the Upstate outdoors can be – during any season of the year. THE UPSTATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA– AS GOOD AS THE OUTDOORS CAN GET By L. C. Leach III

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 17 COVER STORY SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL A relative newcomer to the Upstate, this 22-mile, multi-use trail opened in 2009 along a former railroad line, stretching from Greenville Technical College to just north of the Travelers Rest city limits. It’s been a hit ever since. The trail is now utilized by more than 500,000 walkers, runners and cyclists. And with an extension of the trail coming soon as part of the new BridgeWay Station community in the nearby city of Mauldin, the number of people using the Swamp Rabbit Trail for outdoor fun and to maintain their health is only expected to keep increasing. PARIS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK Built in the 1930s in upper Greenville County, Paris Mountain State Park is a favorite among locals. Encompassing four lakes, a campground and playground, 15 miles of hiking and biking trails and a swimming area complete with kayaks, canoes and pedal boats for rent, Paris Mountain offers something for everyone. Photo by Carin Scates Photography.

18 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com TABLE ROCK STATE PARK Created as a park in the 1930s, this 3,000+-acre park in northern Pickens County is not only one of the most picturesque places in the Upstate, it has long been a favorite destination for generations of visitors. Whether it’s camping and lodging, wading through a mountain stream, paddling or fishing in one of the park’s two lakes, enjoying the “Music on the Mountain” bluegrass program each month or exploring and hiking to the top of Table Rock Mountain, the park offers something to do year-round. FALLS PARK You might have to look a long time to find a central Upstate resident who hasn’t been to Falls Park in Greenville at least once to see and walk across the 345-foot-long Liberty Bridge spanning the Reedy River Falls. The bridge and the falls together are not only a signature downtown attraction, but the area where they meet is a hot spot for restaurants, sightseeing and river wading for all ages. CONESTEE NATURE PRESERVE Near the city of Mauldin in Greenville County, Conestee Nature Preserve is a conservation wonder, nearly hiding in plain sight. But once inside this 406-acre wildlife sanctuary, you'll find a diverse birding refuge, the Lake Conestee Dam and vast habitats of deer, raccoons, beavers, foxes, river otters, salamanders, frogs, snakes and many other wildlife species. CHATTOOGA WILD AND SCENIC RIVER Synonymous with all things boating and water, the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River is the Upstate spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Here at the edge of the Georgia and South Carolina border, you can take in thundering waterfalls, dense forests, pristine flora, a variety of animals, more than 100 types of fish and, of course, all the rapids that your sense of whitewater excitement can handle, whether you are a novice or a veteran. DEVILS FORK STATE PARK/LAKE JOCASSEE It is rumored to be the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, but one visit to Devils Fork State Park and you’ll be hardpressed to continue any farther. Nestled in the spectacular Jocassee Gorges just above the town of Salem, the park is a series of steep rock walls carrying dozens of mountain rivers down into the vast, 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee. Constructed in 1973, the lake remains mostly undeveloped, and many of its waterfalls can be reached only by boat. While you’re there, try your hand at some of the state’s best trout fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing and kayaking. Photo by Carin Scates Photography. Photo by Carin Scates Photography.

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 19 TM I CHOOSE EXCEL BECAUSE... I WANT TO KEEP UP WITH MY PARTNER. 864.654.2001 EASLEY | CLEMSON | SENECA CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, you can receive the Physical, Occupational and Hand therapy you need and deserve through direct access or through a physician’s referral. excelrehabsports.com Based on 12-year Patient Satisfaction Survey Data ONE ON ONE PATIENT CARE SAME THERAPIST EVERY VISIT 24 TO 48 HOUR SCHEDULING HANDS-ON MANUAL THERAPY And whether you’ve experienced it once or 100 times, Devils Fork State Park and Lake Jocassee make you want to stay for a long time – no matter where else you might want to go. GREENVILLE ZOO Opened in 1960 on the eastern edge of downtown Greenville, the zoo has wowed children of all ages ever since with an impressive range of animals. On any given day, you can see exotics such as African lions, Masai giraffes, giant South American anteaters, ostriches and flamingos, alligators and a red panda, plus a farm exhibit and reptile house. So pack a lunch – after seeing and learning about the animals, you can picnic on-site or in neighboring Cleveland Park. KEOWEE-TOXAWAY STATE PARK Created in 1970 as part of a project to better utilize natural resources for energy, this 1,000-acre park is an Upstate haven for nature lovers. The lake contains a wealth of bass, bream, crappie and catfish. If you’re a first-time visitor to the park, try hiking the 1.3-mile Natural Bridge Trail, which starts behind the park office. JONES GAP STATE PARK/CAESAR’S HEAD If one of these outdoor places isn’t enough, try two – as in the combination of Jones Gap State Park and the adjoining Caesar’s Head. Here you can find 13,000 acres of unblemished mountain woodlands that are perfect for trout-fishing anglers and hikers, who can take in a breathtaking explosion of autumn color. The site also features a living lab for the park’s hands-on ecology learning center. And be sure and stop at Marci Jo’s Olde Mountain Store, situated at the fork of Highway 11 and Highway 276, for cakes, pound cakes, loads of frosting on both and all the breakfast you can handle. Of course, these choices are by no means comprehensive. But if you are considering an outdoor activity and have never experienced the South Carolina Upstate or several nearby parts of North Carolina, these 10 are not only a good place to start, but, as many of the locals will likely tell you, they are about as good as it gets. Photo courtesy of the Greenville Zoo.

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www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 21 Sometimes we suffer more than we need to, all in the name of managing our aches and pains. About 100 years ago, I knew a guy who had a whole lot of hurt from a bum shoulder he’d torn up on the gridiron. He thought it would get better with time. It didn’t. So, like most of us when we have bad pain that just won’t quit, he started his own pain-management regimen. It all began with aspirin. No relief. He tried acetaminophen. Ditto. Then he graduated to naproxen sodium. Zero. He roamed the aisles of his neighborhood pharmacy and noticed how many unctions, potions, patches and balms lined their shelves. They promised to cure his pain with heat or cold or both in one. They didn’t. Having exhausted all the OTC remedies, even aspirin-phenacetin-caffeine capsules, he turned to the dark side. On the advice of a hulking bodybuilder at the gym where he worked out – with one arm literally as well as metaphorically behind his back – he quick-stepped to a chemist he found in a factory-laden part of town. There, in the shadow of smokestacks, he purchased a bottle of the industrial solvent dimethyl sulfoxide. He took it home and slathered it on his damaged, aching limb. Instant warmth, then stinging heat, suffused the troubled joint. A few seconds later, his taste buds detected a familiar flavor – garlic. Now, he loved garlic, but on his pasta, not on his shoulder. Nonetheless, he forged ahead, applying liquid DMSO religiously for weeks, until he came to the realization that he might be doing himself more harm than good. At last, he gave in to the realization that surgery was in order. The night before the procedure, he told his surgeon that he wanted it done under a local – so he could observe his technique. The orthopedist just nodded and grunted, “Sure.” Next morning around 6 a.m., the surgeon popped in to see if he’d changed my mind about that local anesthetic. He hadn’t. The doctor then handed over a little pill and said, “Take this to relax a bit. You’ll be in the OR before you know it.” The doctor was right. He didn’t know it. The next thing he saw was the face of a nurse in the recovery room. And his shoulder really hurt! Then she adjusted the morphine drip and he drifted back off to sleep. Later, the surgeon dropped by and caught hell for knocking him out. The surgeon just laughed, explaining, “We use power saws and drills. There’s lots of blood and plenty of yanking and pulling on the joint before we insert a pin the size of a ball point pen and screw it in place. You’d have passed out on the table!” He was disappointed but had to admit that the doctor was probably right. Then he was given a prescription for a pain pill to take when he got home. It was Vicodin – opioid hydrocodone plus acetaminophen. He put the scrip in his pocket with no intention of filling it – until he did. The post-op pain was intense. As an experiment, he took one. Then all the “gray skies cleared up” and he “put on a happy face.” At least that’s what he was told later. He was already blissfully asleep. So, friends and neighbors, no matter how much you think you know about managing pain, fuggedaboutit! Listen to the experts about pain management, whether it’s post-op or just plain chronic. That’s my medical advice. Straight from the shoulder! My own. ADVICE ON PAIN …. STRAIGHT FROM THE SHOULDER The Lighter Side of Health Care By Dr. Duke

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www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 23 THERE IS LOVE; THERE IS HELP; THERE IS HOPE By Molly Sherman

24 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com Erik Caldwell, a friend of Mom’s and of mine as well, was infected with COVID-19 early in the pandemic, in 2020, although his struggle with the virus lasted the rest of his life. He diligently tracked his symptoms, met with doctors and took walks that included frequent kneeling breaks. He likened the pain and brain fog to hell and referred to the months after the most extreme side effects subsided as a never-ending hangover. However, he described his physical state as having an almost relaxing effect on his mind. In old Facebook posts he wrote to update friends – sharing what he learned and validating the intensity of the virus – he described not being able to panic, even when it felt like he would soon be unable to take another breath. “I’m a fighter. I’ve been through too much in my life to just lay down and quit,” he wrote, reflecting on his first wave of COVID-19 symptoms. “But I was relaxed enough to let it go.” “Many patients have had worsening depression because of the implications of what COVID means,” said Sarah Coker, M.D., a psychiatrist with Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “I’ve had many who have had depression because of the physical fatigue and feeling hopeless, especially long haulers, that it’s not going to get better; they barely have the energy to push on through the next day.” On his worst day during his initial bout with the virus, Erik piled the dog food high for his “perfect four-legged sidekick,” Koda, and crawled into bed. He didn’t think he would wake up again. Later, when my mom went looking for him on the day his body was found, the dog food was still piled high. That’s how I’ll remember him; he was always caring for the animals and people in his life. “When I was homeless and withdrawing from some really bad drugs – drugs I was trying to end my life with – I had nothing but the clothes on my back and he gave me his,” said Jack Bledsoe, who lived with Erik for a few months before he passed. “The universe put me right next to him.” Erik came to our house to fix a porch fan. He stayed as our friend – teaching us about mushrooms and how to fix fence posts, sharing meals and exchanging stories, repairing our home and creating art. So much of his joy came from building – his woodworking business, relationships, treehouses, 2-foot models of Lego men and his knowledge of and experience with nature. He seemed to know everything and wanted to share it all, but, in the end, he didn’t know how to stay with us. The last few months of his life, Erik was revisited by debilitating fatigue and excruciating headaches that rendered him unable to leave the house and find peace in nature. He had hiked dozens of mountains and hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. He found peace in his mind and body in the foothills and crests of cliffs, getting “an even mix of a physical workout while the hamster in my head is getting his exercise by running in place on his wheel” he wrote in a draft of his book. “As I crest the hill, I laugh at the irony that I'm literally over the hill while I'm going over the hill” he wrote, referring to turning 40. I don’t think Erik could see the other side of his sickness. He seemed deterred when overwhelmed hospitals weren’t able to I never thought my life would be touched so deeply by suicide. Within a span of three months, I said an unexpected goodbye to three friends: one from high school, another on my college campus and a third who was close to my mom. With each loss – of the person and of the moments that could have been – we wondered how and why these tragedies happen.

www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 25 offer him answers. He turned down the help of his friends and a journey of doctors’ appointments. I imagine he feared another uphill battle with the sickness and circumstances of COVID and didn’t want to live through it all again. “Some of the ones that don't want your help are successful because they make it a point to make it a more lethal means,” said Dr. Coker, who noted that more than 95% of the patients she has seen recently have had COVID and struggle with anxiety and depression – as well as the related stress of financial insecurity and the uncertainty that accompanies a pandemic. At this point, it hurts to look at pictures of these friends and be reminded of how much joy they had in their lives because I also think about how much pain they must have been in to want to end it all. I would never wish the urgency to end your own life on anyone, but I have to hope that the men I never got say goodbye to are at peace, breathing freely and no longer in pain. Dr. Coker is adamant that thoughts of suicide, as passive as they might be, should not be ignored. If you know someone that might be headed down that path, talk to that person regularly, and ask what you can do to make what’s going on more manageable. Confide in friends or family – not social media – and take the time to check in with one another. “It’s never wrong to have a discussion with someone about it because you’re not going to put that thought in their head,” said Dr. Coker. And please know that there is love; there is help; there is hope. 843.886.1594 | lantanarecovery.com Contact us and take your rst step on a road to recovery. "A er leaving treatment and re-entering my life sober, I was fearful, anxious and felt alone in my recovery. Upon entering the Lantana program, not only was I provided with top notch individual and group therapy, I now had a community of peers and sta to lean on.” – Chris C Personalized Treatment for Substance Use Disorders from a Local Team that Cares. Mental Health Specialists Easy self-referral form on website In-person and telehealth visits Accept commercial insurances & Medicare Quick access to first appointment Anxiety Depression ADHD CALL OR TEXT: 864-520-2020 OFFICES IN GREENVILLE & SENECA Providers who listen

26 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com NO EXCUSES! LOW IMPACT SPORTS FOR ANYONE AT ANY AGE In the 1970s, following the influx of non-Western worldviews and lifestyles during the late 1960s, Americans began embracing healthier routines, new diets, exercises and meditation practices. The pursuit of health became the norm for an ever-increasing number of people, many of whom made permanent changes to the way they did things and are now looking for options to maintain their fitness levels as they age. We all know that as humans grow older, our bodies are able to handle less physical stress and impact than when we were younger. However, we also know that it is imperative that we stay relatively active to maintain flexibility, bone and muscle strength, hand-eye coordination and a multitude of other functions that are necessary for a properly working body and the independence that comes with it. According to the American Senior Communities website, seniors require at least 150 hours per week of heart-rate-elevating exercise to remain physically healthy. Here is a list of some of the most common low-impact exercises that require little equipment and can be performed almost anywhere. It’s never too late to include a new pursuit that may increase your life span and make daily activities easier and more enjoyable. SWIMMING Swimming might be the best low-impact exercise available, considering there’s virtually no impact at all. While the limited amount of resistance water provides makes for a great calorie-burning workout, its buoyancy means no shock to joints, hands and feet or your neck or spine. According to Harvard Health Publishing, the average 155-pound person can burn around 216 calories during 30 minutes of moderately paced swimming. By Dave Clucas

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