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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
FEBRUARY 2024
REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL PATIENT RECOGNITION WEEK Helping Hands and Heartfelt Thanks
Patients are a healthcare provider’s main priority. Everything we do is to improve a patient’s quality of life. To celebrate and remind providers of their needs, National Patient Recognition Week is from Feb. 1 through 7. This week is meant to encourage all healthcare providers to emphasize patient care and empathy. Patients should always be the focus. While any doctor is treating a patient, sometimes their concerns can be overshadowed by only emphasizing the diagnosis. This is always wrong and can come at the expense of the patient’s well-being. All providers should keep patient care at the forefront and constantly remind themselves that they’re at the center of the healthcare universe. We’re not just eliminating viruses, repairing bodies, or analyzing tests — we’re helping human beings. John O’Malley, a healthcare service worker, first proposed Patient Recognition Week. He suggested that providers redouble their efforts to protect their patient’s needs. O’Malley wanted to create a holiday to remind every provider that patient care matters and promote a culture emphasizing the humanity of healthcare. This humanity is often ignored. Some providers fail to respect their patient’s needs during treatment. For example, noisy nurse stations commonly cause sleep interruptions, while poor bedside manners create unnecessary unease and distress. Some providers don’t excel at informing patients about the nuances of treatment. National Patient Recognition Week is an opportunity to remind all providers to recommit to healthcare. At Eye Plastics Associates, we don’t need an honorary week to remember the importance of our patients. We owe everything to our patients and do everything we can to make them feel safe, confident, and informed. We strive to provide an environment that caters perfectly to patient needs, and a place you would feel comfortable enough to recommend to your family. We don’t force any calls to enter a phone tree; every call goes right to our staff. We don’t like pushing seven buttons just to talk to a physician’s office, and we don’t want that for you either. A personal touch in an uncertain setting like healthcare can mean a lot, so we do our best.
Another priority is to keep patients educated on their diagnosis and treatment plan. We understand that surgery can be scary. Unless you’re a doctor with years of training, it’s hard to know why and how any operation works. This often causes uncertainty in our patients. The only way to get patients out of the dark is by enlightening them.
“At Eye Plastic Associates, we don’t need an honorary week to remember the importance of our patients.”
We explain everything in detail for every operation, no matter how complex or nuanced. We encourage every question and even offer to answer questions outside of an appointment. There are no stupid questions, especially in healthcare. Many of our patients have anxiety, either in general or about surgery. If any patient is anxious, we encourage them to let us know. We can work something out and strive to give everyone the best possible experience.
I want patients to love coming to our office. When they leave after a procedure, I want them to say, “That wasn’t as bad as I thought.” Healthcare doesn’t have to be scary, and it’s up to healthcare providers to ensure patients feel heard and assuage their anxieties. National Patient Recognition Week is a year-round effort for Eye Plastic Associates.
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EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER Discovering Europe’s Overlooked Beauties
LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA This small but vibrant city is a blend of Baroque and Art Nouveau styles with a touch of modernity. The Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hilltop, offers panoramic views of the city, and Tivoli Park is a green oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. RHODES, GREECE One of the most southern islands of Greece, Rhodes is home to fascinating history and picturesque beaches. The Old Town is a one-of- a-kind blend of Hellenic Greece and the knights and castles of the Middle Ages. To make sure you don’t miss any of the stunning beach views, you can hire a skipper from Mandraki Port to take you around the entire island. Europe’s lesser-known sites offer a unique blend of charm, history, and culture. Each place, with its own distinct personality, tells a story that enriches the tapestry of European heritage. So, the next time you plan a European adventure, consider veering off the beaten path to explore one of these hidden wonders.
Europe, with its rich tapestry of cultures, history, and landscapes, offers many different experiences for travelers. From the cobblestone streets of quaint villages to the bustling avenues of cities, the continent beckons with a blend of the old and new. Places like London, Paris, and Berlin are all hugely popular, but these four hidden gems deserve recognition despite being often overshadowed by their more famous counterparts. GHENT, BELGIUM This medieval city is a treasure trove of history, with its well-preserved architecture and charming
canals. The Gravensteen Castle, a stone sentinel standing since the Middle Ages, offers a glimpse into Ghent’s storied past. Art lovers can appreciate the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, an iconic piece of religious art housed in St. Bavo’s Cathedral. PORTO, PORTUGAL Known for its port wine and stunning Douro River views, Porto captivates with its colorful buildings and intricate azulejos (ceramic tiles). The Livraria Lello bookstore, with its spiraling staircase and ornate woodwork, seems straight out of a fairy tale and is a must-visit for bibliophiles.
Patient Spotlight: Cynthia
Hi, my name is Cynthia. I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disease that, among other things, can cause your eyes to bulge and widen. I met Dr. Scott 20 years ago, but he immediately told me to see an endocrinologist to get to the root of the issue. In 2020, I saw an eye doctor because my left eye was getting smaller. That’s not only an aesthetic issue, but a health issue. It impacted my vision, made me tired, and dried my eye. Suffice it to say, I needed help as soon as possible. My eye doctor recommended Dr. Scott, and I’m glad she did. I couldn’t have asked for a better surgeon. He did everything he could to make me feel comfortable and at ease, explaining every part of the process in detail. He even assured me that I could call him anytime if I had any questions. Every surgery is scary, but having a doctor who keeps you informed helps a lot.
He performed ptosis surgery on my left eye and fixed it perfectly. It felt and looked great. The surgery went so well that I didn’t need the pain medicine he prescribed me. Three years later, my right eye started getting smaller too! Dr. Scott also fixed that one, and now my eyes are exactly how I want them. My face has symmetry and I never feel the tiredness I used to feel. I now have a job that requires me to stare at the computer all day and my eyes are getting through the day just fine. I don’t have that fatigue I used to have and my eyes don’t have that strain. I highly recommend Dr. Scott and Eye Plastic Associates. I always felt secure in my decision and educated about my diagnosis. If I have any more issues, you can bet I’ll be going back to see Dr. Scott.
– Cynthia
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Focus on Quality of Life, Not Quantity of Life How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions
Exercise: Regular exercise is crucial for any healthy lifestyle. Not only is it beneficial for the body, but it’s good for the mind — regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia by 28%. A recent study showed that just 11 minutes of exercise each day can help people avoid an early death, and help prevent heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Sleep: While research isn’t clear yet on how much sleep quality affects cancer risk, some evidence suggests that poor sleep quality increases cancer risk. It also impacts overall mind and body health, so getting enough sleep is vital. Low Alcohol: Generally, excess alcohol is detrimental to your health. It damages the liver, adds calories, and can cause high blood pressure. It’s important to moderate alcohol intake if you want to assist your body’s healthspan.
We seldom focus on healthspan, but it’s just as vital as lifespan. The average lifespan in the U.S. is 77.5 years, according to the WHO. Meanwhile, the average healthspan is 66 years. That’s an 11- year gap! We need to focus more on improving the quality of our last decades, not just how many years we have left. The best way is through education and knowing where you should focus. The biggest threats to healthspan are heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Here are a few lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk. Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet. Emphasize plants, especially leafy greens and unprocessed foods. Opt for white meats like chicken and fish over red meat like beef and pork. Instead of rich desserts, satiate your sugar cravings with fresh fruits. In general, remember the best foods have just one ingredient.
While these take significant effort, they result in a longer life and healthspan. There are no downsides to eating better, exercising more, and better quality sleep. You’ll feel much better with a clear mind and active body throughout the day. If you want to learn more about improving your healthspan, read Outlive: The Science And Art Of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD. This book is my favorite book on longevity!
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
INGREDIENTS
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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2 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ground coriander
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1 onion, diced
1 tsp paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp minced ginger 1 tsp ground cumin
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes 1 14-oz can tomato sauce 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and paprika in the slow cooker. 2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. 4. When the chicken is done cooking, stir in the Greek yogurt. 5. Serve over rice or with naan and enjoy!
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us six referrals this month!
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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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Our Commitment to Patient Care
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Exploring Europe’s Hidden Gems
Meet Cynthia
Living Better, Not Just Longer
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Our Ancestors Were Weird!
ANCIENT BREWS TO GHOSTLY WINNERS! UNLOCK HISTORY’S STRANGEST SECRETS
RACING TO THE GRAVE One of the most astonishing stories in sports history involves jockey Frank Hayes. In a 1923 horse race at Belmont Park, New York, Hayes achieved victory from beyond the grave. Suffering a fatal heart attack mid-race, he miraculously remained in the saddle, and his horse, Sweet Kiss, crossed the finish line in first place. This extraordinary event remains the sole known instance in sports where a participant posthumously claimed the gold medal. A SMOKING MONKEY Looking to the East, North Korea’s Pyongyang Zoo featured another oddity in 2016: Azalea, a smoking chimpanzee. Trained to ignite and puff on cigarettes, this chimpanzee was a peculiar draw for visitors. In sparking controversy over animal rights, Azalea illustrates the bizarre and often questionable ways humans have historically interacted with animals. These stories demonstrate that the annals of history are not just repositories of conventional wisdom and significant events but also a collection of the bizarre, the unusual, and the extraordinary. These peculiar tales help us gain a more nuanced and colorful understanding of our collective past, shedding light on the complexity and eccentricity of our history.
History is more than just a chronicle of battles and treaties; it’s a rich tapestry woven with odd and almost unbelievable events that can mystify us now. A dive into the quirky corners of the past can reveal historical anomalies, including ancient beverages and victories from beyond the grave. Besides entertaining us, our history shows our ancestors as multifaceted, creative, and peculiar as we are today.
THE FIRST BEER In ancient Sumeria, people were not just trailblazers in writing and architecture but also avid brewers. Archaeologists unearthed a 5,000-year-old Sumerian tablet depicting individuals consuming a beer-like substance through reed straws from a shared bowl. This ancient concoction, possibly the earliest known beer recipe, underscores the longstanding human passion for alcohol and communal gatherings.
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