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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
MAY 2023
“Luke doesn’t learn the way of the Jedi through
‘STAR WARS’ LESSONS ON PERSEVERANCE AND MINDSET The Hero’s Journey
natural ability but through hard work. With belief in yourself, hope for the future, and a determination to keep going, you can be successful.”
“Star Wars” is more than a science fiction-adventure film series — it’s a cultural phenomenon. In addition to the compelling characters, exciting action, and groundbreaking special effects, the movies also offer some classic wisdom. In honor of Star Wars Day on May 4 (“May the fourth be with you”), I want to share some of the lessons the series has taught me. Unlike most people my age, I didn’t see the first “Star Wars” film in theaters. I wasn’t interested, I was too busy studying. But cultural osmosis finally got to me, and after about 10 years, I finally saw the “retroactively” titled 1977 movie “A New Hope.” It was love at first watch! I was hooked when Luke Skywalker found the video of Princess Leia pleading, “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Along with the death of the aunt and uncle who raised him, that moment sets him on the path for mentorship with Obi-Wan, learning about “the Force,” and becoming the hero he was meant to be. While none of us have ever saved the galaxy from an evil empire, most have faced difficult situations where we were forced to choose a path, step outside our comfort zone, and grow into stronger and wiser people. Luke’s quest is an example of “the hero’s journey,” and creators have used it for centuries. In fact, Joseph Campbell’s book about the hero’s journey, “The Hero With a Thousand Faces,” inspired “Star Wars.” The idea of a hero facing a challenge, learning new skills, ultimately winning a decisive victory, and returning home with exceptional powers that can help his community has resonated with us for millennia. The concept of the Force also evokes something significant. Luke must learn to harness this powerful energy to win his battle. The Force may be fictional, but the idea is similar to the one outlined in a book I recently re-read called “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. Dweck introduced the world to a “growth mindset,” which has helped many people break out of a rut and improve their lives.
Many of us think of our personality as set in stone; we are who we are. Dweck challenges that thinking and argues that just as you can improve your intelligence with study or physical fitness with exercise, you can develop new traits through perseverance and drive. She argues that our accomplishments are as much about the journey as the ultimate result. That same message is at the heart of “A New Hope.” Luke doesn’t learn the way of the Jedi through natural ability but through hard work. With belief in yourself, hope for the future, and a determination to keep going, we can all grab hold of the growth mindset and be more successful. Though it took me some time to get hooked, “Star Wars” is now a family obsession. My kids are fans and even dressed up as movie characters for Halloween one year. Meanwhile, my cousin, Luke, once met Mark Hamill and got his autograph. Hamill signed it, “From one Luke to another.”
“Star Wars” remains so popular for a reason, and I believe its message of hope is a primary factor. We really can do anything if we set our minds to it. May the Force be with you!
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THE WORLD ISN’T ENDING 3 STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ANXIETY
When most people think of anxiety, they likely have negative connotations tied to it. Many make the assumption that anxiety will always lead to panic attacks and fears of major change, but just about anything can generate feelings of anxiety, and not all of them are harmful. However, if your anxiety stops you from doing something, it can hinder you almost every day.
in perspective. JAMA Internal Medicine published an article stating that practicing mindfulness can help ease feelings of anxiety, depression, and pain. You can meditate by following a guided meditation or silently sitting in a quiet area and breathing slowly. While meditating will be challenging at first, it will become easier with practice. FACE ANXIETY HEAD-ON Many people try to avoid anything that could make them feel anxious. While this method may make you feel short-term comfort, it can cause you to be more anxious about specific scenarios. The best strategy to overcome anxiety is to face it head-on. Although it will be uncomfortable and challenging, don’t let it stop you! The more you put yourself out there, the less anxious you’ll feel. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for! Please contact your health care provider if you’re worried about the anxious feelings you get. They can assist you with identifying your triggers, why anxiety is occurring, and methods you can use to reduce your symptoms.
In honor of May being National Anxiety Month, here are three ways to reduce your anxiety.
DAILY EXERCISE Physical activity can increase your self-confidence, improve your mood, help you relax, and lower anxiety symptoms. You don’t have to do anything significant — you can go for a walk, take a hike, conduct at-home workouts, go to the gym for at least 30 minutes, or participate in yoga or Pilates. MEDITATE Sometimes, taking a step back, focusing on your breathing, and letting your thoughts flow in one ear and out the other can help you put things
Gone Without a Trace Post-Cancer, Betty Looks Better Than Ever
Betty met Dr. Scott when her ophthalmologist became concerned about a mole on her lower eyelid. “He came highly recommended,” Betty emphasizes. “My doctor gave me three names but told me to try to book Dr. Scott first if I could.” She scheduled her first appointment with Dr. Scott to take a biopsy. The biopsy was “an uncomfortable situation,” Betty says, “because someone is working on your eye, but you can’t see it or feel it. But Dr. Scott was very calm and confident and talked to me throughout the whole procedure.” Unfortunately, the biopsy identified the mole as basal cell carcinoma. Dr. Scott referred her to an experienced Mohs surgeon to remove the cancerous cells. “The office set everything up,” Betty says. “I was very nervous, but I appreciated that Dr. Scott didn’t beat around the bush. Sometimes, doctors make things sound better, so you don’t worry, and you’re ultimately faced with a situation you’re unprepared for but Dr. Scott wasn’t like that at all.” After the Mohs surgeon removed the cancer, Dr. Scott’s team placed her under anesthesia to reconstruct the area. “He worked on that little area of my eye for two hours,” Betty says. “He’s so meticulous, and he said he was very pleased with the results.”
As for her recovery, Betty says, “The most uncomfortable thing was the eye patch because it literally covers half your face!” But Dr. Scott explained that the compression was a vital part of the healing process and advised her to keep it on as long as possible before her follow-up appointment.
“Dr. Scott is really funny,” Betty says. “He has a dry sense of humor. He said, ‘Don’t take the patch off and put it back on — I’ll be able to tell!’”
Roughly one month after having her stitches removed, Betty says, “I am so amazingly pleased with his work. All my family members and friends can’t believe how good it looks! Dr. Scott must be very talented to do all that work in such a tiny space.” But Dr. Scott wasn’t the only one who impressed her. “From the receptionist to the nurses and the surgical coordinator, everyone was so efficient, and they made it so easy. Everyone who supports Dr. Scott is equally professional. You couldn’t ask for a better experience, and I can’t recommend them enough.”
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HOW TO CHOOSE AN EYELID SURGEON 8 STEPS TO FIND THE RIGHT DOCTOR
6 you’re happy with the surgeon’s approach to lifting or removing eyelid skin and see where the incisions will be placed. No. 6: Discuss anesthesia options and determine where the surgeon would perform your procedure. Ensure you’re comfortable with the sedation method and research the facility to ensure they also have good reviews. No. 7: Understand the cost and time commitment. Never go into surgery without understanding what you’ll pay and whether there will be follow-up appointment fees. No. 8: Trust your instincts! Remember, this is your face. Never let anyone pressure you into a decision. You should feel entirely comfortable with the surgeon you choose. If they haven’t effectively gained your trust, find another provider. 7
3 No. 3: Read reviews online. How other patients feel about their experience and results will help you decide which surgeons may be worth pursuing and which to avoid. No. 4: Schedule a consultation to review your goals and ask questions. Remember you are not locked into the first surgeon you see — you have the right to shop around. During the consultation, you should analyze the surgeon’s ability to communicate effectively, build rapport, and address your concerns. No. 5: Review before and after photographs of the procedure you need. No two faces are the same, so these photographs cannot definitively predict your results. But they can help you understand whether 4 should also have continued on to be fellowship trained in eyelid plastic and reconstructive surgery.
People deeply cherish their eyesight and personal appearance, so they’re often anxious after learning they need eyelid surgery. The procedure will affect how they see and look for years to come. How can they be sure of the outcome? There are no certainties in life, but finding an eyelid surgeon you trust is crucial. A skilled eyelid surgeon can answer your questions, alleviate your fears, and make you feel comfortable about your choice to pursue surgery. Here are eight things you should do before selecting your surgeon. No. 1: Ask for referrals from your primary eye doctor. They likely have trusted partners they’ve worked with for years and can give you a great starting point.
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No. 2: Research the surgeon’s credentials to ensure they are board certified in ophthalmology. They
GINGER PORK STIR-FRY Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 cup orange juice • 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp canola oil • 1 small onion, sliced • 1/4 lb fresh snow peas • 1/2 sweet red pepper, julienned • Cooked rice • Green onion, chopped (optional) • Sesame seeds (optional)
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us four referrals this month!
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 tsp ground ginger • 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips
DIRECTIONS
“No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.” –Yoda
1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until smooth; set aside. 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, stir-fry pork in oil until lightly browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove pork and add onion, peas, and red pepper. Cook until crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in orange juice mixture and pork. Bring to a boil, and then cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds, if desired.
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
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Why Dr. Scott Loves ‘Star Wars’
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Anxiety Can Be Overcome
‘Amazingly Pleased’: A Patient Shares Her Story
Finding the Right Eyelid Surgeon
Ginger Pork Stir-Fry
The Mysteriously Missing Metric System
Pirates Stole Our Metric System WHY AMERICA NEVER CHANGED TO KILOS AND GRAMS
Pirates, that’s right, pirates stopped America from changing to the metric system. While they can’t take all the blame, they steal a good chunk of it. There was a specific time in history when America did consider taking up the metric system. But pirates intercepted the standards, and America has refused to change its measuring system ever since. Way back when America was still a new country, there was no regulated measuring system throughout the states. Each territory was using some bizarre system that stayed only within state lines. For example, people were using Roman measurements, Dutch systems, and British systems dating back to King Henry VII. In 1789, Thomas Jefferson decided that some order needed to be in place. A lover of all things French, Jefferson admired the metric system’s logic and principle. He asked the French to help the U.S. transition to the metric system, and they were kind enough to send scientist Joseph Dombey.
3 inches in height and width, weighing precisely 1 kilogram. The second was
another copper object, but this time a rod estimated to be a meter in length. These simple trinkets would have eased us into the metric system. Except, we never received them. In fact, Dombey never set foot in America.
Unfortunately, storm winds blew his ship off course and into the pirate-filled Caribbean. The pirates hijacked his boat and held him captive, hoping to use him for ransom. In a tragic turn of events, Dombey died in that pirate prison before any ransom money could be sent. The pirates then auctioned off everything Dombey had on his boat, metric measuring tools included. So, you can thank the pirates for all the painstaking work we have to go through when using metric-based recipes. Why Americans never swapped systems after 1789 is still a mystery!
Dombey boarded a ship and set sail for America with two items pivotal to our measuring system change. The first gadget was a copper cylinder
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