Heart disease and stroke is something no one ever wants to experience. Unfortunately though, heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women. The good news is there are lifestyle choices that can help reduce your risks, even if it runs in your family. The best way to combat the debilitating effects of a possible heart attack or stroke is to partner with your physician and take precautions based on your current state of health. Make an appointment today to take heart and beat the odds you may be facing. In the meantime, read on to learn more about heart disease and stroke from our local medical experts.

Too often, the stigma that still surrounds mental health has caused people to struggle in silence. We at Pink want to help put an end to that stigma by shining a light on Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and Panic. These are all real health issues, not character flaws or weaknesses. The strongest thing we can do is seek help. Here is advice from experts for dealing with these serious issues.

Memory problems can be scary! Many of us have experienced a “senior moment”,
but for one in ten older Americans, memory issues are much more serious than that.
Dementia is more prevalent in women, so we thought it was time to ask local wellness experts
to help us understand what could happen to us or someone we love.

When is the last time you thanked your kidneys? Those two, small bean-shaped organs in your lower back are incessant workhorses for your health. Here’s what these superstars are doing while you go about your day: They are regulating your body’s fluid levels, filtering waste and toxins from your blood, releasing hormones that regulate your blood pressure and direct production of red blood cells. If that is not enough, they also activate vitamin D to maintain healthy bones and keep blood minerals, such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, in balance. We all experience malfunctions occasionally, and unfortunately, one in three Americans is at risk for developing kidney disease. Read on to get more in touch with your kidneys and urinary tract. Here’s what we asked our local health experts:

Blood is like the “UPS driver” of our bodies. It courses through our veins leaving “packages” filled with life-sustaining items, such as oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, hormones and much more, at every organ. Blood is the delivery system of life, and that’s why blood tests are exactly what your doctor orders. This delivery system has tracking and can tell your physician everything it is delivering and how much. This information often provides a map of what’s good, what’s bad, what needs working on and where to explore next. With this important information being the key to your treasured health, we thought you would be interested in knowing more about blood tests and what they can tell you about the status of your health. As such, we asked the experts at Hilton Head Regional Healthcare to give us the details:

What is routine blood testing and how often should I get it?
A routine blood test is an important way you and your physician can keep track of your overall health and well-being. A typical routine blood test, called the Complete Blood Count, or CBC, counts red and white blood cells and measures hemoglobin levels. This test requires getting blood taken at your doctor’s office or at a lab. Usually, a phlebotomist, nurse, or doctor will draw your blood from a vein in your arm as you sit in a chair with your feet on the ground. Often, you’re done in less than five minutes.

We all have questions about the care down there that sometimes just feels a little awkward—or maybe a lot—to talk about, even with your doctor. For some women, it’s just difficult to casually hold a conversation when words such as vagina, sex, labia and the like have to freely flow. Read on to see what our local medical experts had to say on subjects important to women’s health. Be sure to tell your doctor everything with no fear or hesitation. Your health is what’s most important, and besides, they tell us they have heard it all!

We all have questions about the care down there that sometimes just feels a little awkward—or maybe a lot—to talk about, even with your doctor. For some women, it’s just difficult to casually hold a conversation when words such as vagina, sex, labia and the like have to freely flow. Read on to see what our local medical experts had to say on subjects important to women’s health. Be sure to tell your doctor everything with no fear or hesitation. Your health is what’s most important, and besides, they tell us they have heard it all!

We’ve all heard that being overweight is unhealthy, and weight loss can help prevent illness and disease, but how? We asked local medical experts to weigh in on the advantages of losing weight. Looking good on the beach is just a fringe benefit!

Living with pain is no fun. In fact, pain can take all the fun away, especially if you enjoy being active. It’s somewhat of a Catch-22, though. It seems the more active set are the ones who get sports injuries. Makes sense, afterall, doesn’t it take sports to get a sports injury? Not necessarily. Sometimes, just a simple walk to the mailbox, moving a planter in the garden, or a quick clean up of the garage can end in injury. The good news is pain does not have to be forever with many injuries, over use, or degeneration. There are new, modern and effective ways to stop the snap, crackle, pop in the knees, reduce the burn of bursitis and rejuvenate the rip of the rotator cuff. We asked our local orthopeadic experts to tell us all about sports injuries, joint replacements and knee problems. Here is what they had to say:

If you feel the urge to hide your smile, now is your time to say cheese! Cosmetic dentistry has never been so accessible, or advanced. Whether a little whitening will brighten your world, or you need to wear braces as an adult, a beautiful, brilliant smile, worthy of that big screen money shot, it easy to attain. And no longer do you have to have a mouth full of metal—or head gear, for Heaven’s sake! Want whiter teeth? You can check it off your to do list in about 90 minutes. There are many new and advanced procedures your cosmetic dentist offers that can help you look younger, healthier,and happier! Find your options and watch that frown turn upside down. Now that’s something to smile about.

Everyone wants life to be fun, full and heart-y, which is easy when you’re healthy. But it’s hard to follow your heart when it’s sick. Heart disease is still the No.1 killer for both men and women in the US. However, with a little TLC, many risks associated with heart disease, heart attacks and strokes can be drastically reduced. The heart is our lifeline, without it we cease to be. It’s not difficult to take care of, so why not begin marching to your heart’s beat, and take the easy steps to be heart healthy? A healthy heart gives a heart-y life!

January can get you down with more than the blues. It’s the month down South when the cold really kicks in, and brings with it common winter illnesses such as cold, flu and respiratory infections. Ugh! These winter woes can make you feel terrible. That’s why it’s important to know as much as you can about how to avoid and rapidly cure these sneezing, coughing, stuffy, achy, miserable ailments. 

Toxins: The most common procedure performed in the world of plastic surgery today would be toxins such as Botox or Dysport. These actually paralyze muscles, such as the muscles that cause frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead furrows and even bunny lines on the nose. It’s even used to raise the brow and the corners of the mouth. They specifically and temporarily interrupt the nerve supply to the injected muscles.

Fillers: Next would be “fillers,” which are products used to re-volumize areas on the face that have lost volume with aging or weight loss, such as cheeks and hollows under the eyes and even chin and jaw line. Juvederm and Restylane are examples. These can be very effective at turning back the clock non-surgically. A comparison is a deflated beach ball. Inflate it, and it no longer sags.

If something is named heartburn, reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), it can’t be good. While usually not life-threatening, acid reflux, and all it’s monikers, definitely can threaten your quality of life. GERD has no respect for decadence on the dinner table, and no one wants to enjoy a delicious filet minion paired with a big, full-bodied glass of cabernet only to have to follow it up with plop, plop fizz, fizz as dessert. So what is GERD and how can you manage it? Read on to comfortably digest what our local medical experts have to say about this uncomfortable condition.

There is no doubt almost everyone in the world has had a brush with stress this year. For many, daily living routines have become overwhelming, sparking a growing trend of sadness, anxiety and depression. In our modern-day world, where we flit here and there, overload our to-do lists, argue over every little thing and rarely relax without some type of electronic device, the rat-race now sets the pace many follow. That combined with Covid-19, elections, violence and social distancing—it’s no wonder feelings of panic and hopelessness are at an all-time high. However, there is help. We asked our local health professionals to weigh-in on anxiety and depression to help us understand what it is, how it affects us and what we can do about it.

Really? Do I still need the sex talk?

Of course you do! Sex isn’t a one-and-done when it comes to talking and learning about your sexual needs, desires and health. Our bodies change as the decades go by, which impacts your sexual health with new issues always arising. To achieve your best sexual health—and keep your intimacy in shape—be sure to talk to your doctor regularly about any concerns, strange sensations, or noticeable changes you may be experiencing. Don’t be afraid to ask any question, even if you find it embarrassing. Remember, sex is a science that your doctor has studied for years. One last thing: Tell all! You have to be 100 percent honest and detailed with your physician if you want the best solution. Rest assured, doctors really have heard it all!

Addiction kills thousands of Americans every year and impacts millions of lives, relationships, families and careers. Whether it’s a problem with alcohol or drugs, addiction is a mental disorder which compels someone to repeatedly use substances, or engage in behaviors even though they have harmful consequences. With more than 21 million Americans having at least one addiction, having open dialogue about this topic is imperative to finding help and the road to recovery. There is hope! Addiction doesn’t have to win. With more resources than ever, and addiction on the rise, reaching out for help is the wisest thing to do. Read on for insight and advice from our local experts.

Are you looking to reduce the signs of aging, or get rid of stubborn fat?  Perhaps you have thought about a face or neck lift. Maybe you want your facial skin to regain its more youthful dew. Have you been worried about your feminine health and felt uncomfortable talking to your doctor about it? Whatever you are looking for these days, chances are you can achieve it without going under the knife. We asked local doctors what’s new in non-surgical rejuvenation, and the news is exciting! Yesterday’s surgery is today’s in-office procedure with little to no downtime. You’re going to like what these professionals have in store for you.

Maintaining optimal brain health gives us lifelong cognitive power.
Not only does the human brain control bodily functions,
it is the most powerful “computer” on earth, which helps us to understand
and grasp the world around us with a full range of thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Keeping your brain in tip top condition is imperative for quality of life.

Think about it! Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the brain.
Meet our panel of local brain health and wellness experts,
as they give us the facts on protecting our beautiful bustling brains and
discuss needed tools for maintaining optimal
levels of brain clarity and function.

May2020 Issue - Pink Prescriptions
Give It A Boost: Your Immune System Will Thank You!

Your health is your greatest wealth. No doubt, no one wants to be sick, and people with great
wealth have never been able to pay their way out of death. Great health is the foundation of our quality of life; a strong immune system is the foundation of great health. It is the your frontline defense against illness, so the stronger it is, the stronger you are. Let’s find out more on how to boost your immune system to Herculean strength.

Sure, most of us look for that parking space closest to the entry of our favorite store or restaurant, even though we can walk perfectly fine and without pain. It’s an interesting behavior, which seems to point to a conclusion that walking is something people want to minimize, that is until their ability to walk is threatened by pain, injury or degeneration. Then we wish we would have walked more when we could and valued our independent, pain-free mobility. The good news is total joint replacement of the hips or knees can give people a second chance for leading an active and possibly pain-free life. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, total joint replacement is one of the most commonly performed, elective surgical procedures in the United States. This procedure traditionally has been performed on older people, requiring long recovery times, often accompanied by a lot of pain. Now, there are almost 7-million Americans with either knee or hip replacements, and the majority of them now live their lives free again doing things they love to do. Some of them even park far away on purpose so they can walk…just because they can!

If you’re overweight, you’re not alone. More than one-third of Americans are obese, and two-thirds are either obese or overweight. All 50 states in the US now have at least a 20 percent obesity rate, with five states at more than 35 percent of their population being obese (South Carolina is not one of them). Just two decades ago, not one state in our nation had over a 15 percents obesity rate. Being overweight and obese is an epidemic, one far more scary and imminent than headline viruses. Obesity is linked to 60 chronic illnesses, and has now surpassed smoking as the No. 1 preventable cause of death. The reason: We are eating more. Way more! We are consuming 23 percent more calories on a daily basis than we did in the 1970s. What that looks like in numbers is a standard 2,000 calorie per day consumption has increased to an average of almost 2,500 calories per day, all while physical activity has decreased. The result: We have become an unhealthy, sick country. Everyone knows losing weight is one of the hardest tasks to conquer. Sometimes we feel defeated before we even start. The good news is, if you are overweight or obese, losing even five percent of your current weight helps reduce your risks for disease. Many wonder where to start. It’s OK to ask for help, and that’s why we went to the experts to really talk about the ins and outs of weight loss and fat reduction, and what the difference is.

Many people think a stroke happens in the heart, but it happens in the brain, and it can be devastating. Stroke is a disease you must be educated about. When it happens, it is always sudden and never expected. Knowing the signs and symptoms, and acting FAST, can mean the difference between a stroke victim being permanently disabled, or being able to resume a normal, healthy life. It can also be the difference between life and death. Read on to educate yourself on the risk factors, signs and symptoms of stroke.

There is a surefire formula for Americans that is resulting in the rise of the dangerous disease of diabetes: Decreased exercise plus increased weight equals more and more diabetes diagnoses. There is good news and bad news when it comes to diabetes. Let’s talk bad new first: Diabetes is one of the most destructive diseases one can face. It breaks the body down, affecting vision, kidneys, nerves, gastric function, and blood circulation. It also severely increases the risks for heart disease and stroke. In other words, it negatively affects almost every body function. So whats the good news? Diabetes is controllable, and there is a lot of help out there to get you going on the right track. Speaking of tracks, one of the best ways to combat diabetes is by taking a daily brisk walk. In other words, by changing your lifestyle, you can change your trajectory of illness due to diabetes. Read on to learn more about this disease from our leading experts.

It can't be happening—thinning hair, texture change and even worse—hair going down the drain at an alarming rate. What is happening? Is it aging? Illness? Nutrition? Thinning hair is not something women talk much about. However, that doesn’t mean the problem isn’t real. We decided our skin was thick enough, even if our hair wasn’t, to unclog the silence and ask the professionals to give us the skinny on thinning hair.

One of the most dreaded conditions for women (and men) is incontinence. Unwanted and untimely waste leakage is a problem that ranges from being inconvenient to completely embarrassing. Though it’s usually a topic discussed jokingly in women’s circles, urinary incontinence is truly no laughing matter, and fecal incontinence is even worse. Both conditions can change a person’s lifestyle, making them not want to go out or socialize as much because of the chance of unwanted leakage. The good news is incontinence is not inevitable with age. In addition, there are many effective new treatments to consider. Read on to learn the various conditions of leakage—as they are not the same—and what you can do about it!

What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care (pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is professional care that helps ill people and their family members with support to make the most out of each day. During the course of an illness, palliative care addresses the whole person, physically, by anticipating symptoms a patient may experience, as well as addressing current symptoms for maximum quality of life. Emotional and spiritual care is also provided to navigate the journey of an illness. Additionally, palliative care can help to facilitate holistic medical care and navigation through the segmented health care system. Patient choices and autonomy are the primary focus.

A lot of us grew up in an age of miracle cures.
The antibiotics and vaccines of the mid-twentieth century
were so effective that we are fortunate we don’t even
remember how dreaded—even deadly—polio, tuberculosis
and other diseases were, which are all but unknown now.

With these blessings came a bit of complacency. For instance, have you been getting your annual flu shot? Do you know what other vaccines are recommended for your age and medical history? If you’re planning a trip abroad, do you know what immunizations you might need to stay protected?
Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, let it serve as a reminder to get those much-needed vaccinations.

 Oh, My Aching Back!
Bend and stretch … reach for the sky … Oops!
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
As most of us know, back pain can be a major pain whether it’s a chronic
or temporary condition. This month, Pink’s professional and medical experts tackle
the subject of back pain and its myriad causes and treatments.

Is there a perfectly good reason—other than how we look—for losing weight?
Is there a perfect formula? A perfect size? A perfect diet?
This month, our Pink medical professionals weigh in with the good—
and the not so good—news.  

Sarah Hankey, CHC, NuBODIA Wellness & Weight Loss
Why is a nutritionally balanced diet important for weight loss?Nutrition is absolutely key when it comes to weight loss. Everyone wants that magic wand—that one thing that will help them achieve their wellness goals—and the answer is food!

Yes, movement is part of a healthy lifestyle, but no amount of exercise can undo the effects of a bad diet. Typically, when an individual is holding on to a lot of excess weight, it is actually a sign that their body is nutritionally starving.  When our bodies are consistently denied the necessary nutrients they need, they will store whatever “wrong” calories they do receive as fat.