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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
SEPTEMBER 2024
When I think about World Tourism Day, my mind wanders to all the places I’ve been and the ones still on my bucket list. If I could pack my bags and go anywhere right now, I would undoubtedly return to a place that left a lasting mark on me: Cinque Terre. Located on the rugged northwestern coast of Italy, this collection of five picturesque villages — Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — holds a special place in my heart. I first visited Cinque Terre about eight years ago when my son was 14 years old and was selected to be on an international baseball team. This team, made up of young players from Northern Virginia, traveled to Italy to compete against older Italian teams. As a proud father, I was thrilled to accompany him on this journey. We explored many iconic cities — Florence, Rome, Pisa, Tuscany — but it was Cinque Terre that took my breath away. The name Cinque Terre translates to “Five Lands,” and each of these villages is like a postcard brought to life. Vernazza stands out most in my memory. I remember the moment vividly: my son and I hiked up a steep trail, and as we descended, we were greeted by a panoramic view of Vernazza, its brightly colored houses clinging to the hillside, with an adjacent beautiful ocean cove. It was as if time had stopped, and all the stress and worries of life melted away in that instant. But Cinque Terre is more than just a pretty coastline. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, savor the unique flavors of Ligurian cuisine, and connect with the people who call this region home. I recall a meal we had in Vernazza — fresh seafood, local wine, and the company of fellow travelers made it an experience I’ll never forget. The Italian Wonderland Calling Me Back CINQUE TERRE
As much as I enjoyed that trip with my son, a part of me longs to return with my entire family. My wife and daughter didn’t get to join us on that adventure, and I want them to see and feel what I did. There’s something magical about standing on the edge of those cliffs, looking out at the endless horizon, and realizing just how vast and beautiful the world is. World Tourism Day is about more than celebrating travel; it’s about understanding its power. The world often feels divided, and traveling allows us to bridge the gaps and see that, despite our differences, we share a common human experience. When I visited Cinque Terre, I didn’t just see a stunning landscape — I experienced the warmth and hospitality of the people, the rich history embedded in every cobblestone street, and the joy of discovering something new alongside my son.
So, if I could go anywhere on World Tourism Day, I’d return to Cinque Terre. Not just to relive those cherished memories but to create new ones with my whole
family. I’d hike those trails again, marvel at the colorful boats bobbing in the harbors, and sit down to another unforgettable meal, knowing that this time, we are all sharing in the magic of this extraordinary place. Travel opens our hearts and minds, and Cinque Terre is the perfect reminder of why we should never stop exploring.
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EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER DISCOVER 2024’S TOP TROPICAL GETAWAYS Jet-Set to Paradise NOURISHMENT FOR THE MIND Dietary Tips to Combat Anxiety
MORE OF THESE, PLEASE Enough about things to cut out of your diet; how about things we can eat to make ourselves feel better? Berries contain antioxidants, which can aid in combating stress and depression.
Our diets can affect our mood and health, but no one food or drink provides instant, long-lasting relief for anxiety symptoms. As awesome as it would be to say, “I think I’m feeling anxious. Pass me that popcorn chicken, stat,” the truth is that removing certain foods and drinks from your diet can help calm your anxiety. So, if you’re after a more peaceful mood, here are some ingredients to avoid and include to achieve the best result! AVOID ALCOHOL We’ve all heard it, but alcohol is not the solution to your problems. Although ingesting alcoholic beverages can result in short-term relief, the long-term effects are anything but helpful. Alcohol can make getting to sleep more difficult and lead to an overall worsened mood as it leaves your system. In fact, alcohol is a depressant and can make your anxiety much worse. CUT BACK ON CAFFEINE Millions of people rely on coffee to start their day. However, caffeine — a core component of coffee — can make you feel nervous and fidgety if ingested in large quantities. If you suffer from jitters in the morning, it might be time to taper your caffeine intake.
Complex carbohydrates in oatmeal, breads, and quinoa can help increase the serotonin in your brain, resulting in a calming effect over time. If you like fish, try out salmon. It contains vitamin D, which helps produce dopamine and
serotonin, easing anxiety symptoms. Now you have the right ingredients for a successful, calming diet!
SEEING CLEARLY AGAIN MY EXPERIENCE WITH EYE PLASTIC ASSOCIATES
“When you live an active life at 80, every detail matters. For me, those details include skiing through trees at high speeds and leading kayak trips on rivers with low-hanging branches. But as my upper eyelids grew heavier with age, my ability to safely enjoy these activities diminished. My retina doctor, aware of my lifestyle, saw the problem right away. ‘Bob,’ he said, ‘it’s better to find those branches with your eyes, not your head.’
“The procedure took about three and a half hours. Dr. Scott was thorough, and his team was fantastic. The recovery, however, was tough. For someone used to regular exercise, the two weeks of minimal activity felt like a lifetime. It took several more weeks to get the all-clear to resume my full workout routine. But the results were worth the wait. “My vertical peripheral vision is now terrific — exactly what I needed to get back to skiing and kayaking. While I’m not particularly concerned with my appearance at 80, friends commented that I looked ten years younger after the surgery. That’s a nice bonus, but for me, the real reward is being able to spot low-hanging branches before they become a problem. Returning to the activities I love has been a joy, and I owe it all to Dr. Scott and his incredible team. Their skill and care have given me back the clarity and confidence I need to continue my adventures safely. If anyone needs eyelid surgery, I can’t imagine a better place to go than Eye Plastic Associates.”
“He referred me to Dr. Scott at Eye Plastic Associates, a surgeon with a stellar reputation. I’d heard great things about Dr. Scott from my retina doctor, my regular eye doctor, and even the staff where I get my eyeglasses. Everyone I spoke to praised him highly, which gave me the confidence I needed to proceed with the surgery.
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How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions Facing an Eyelid Tumor? OUR PROCEDURE MAKES IT SIMPLE
Walking into a doctor’s office with an eyelid growth can be nerve-wracking. Whether it’s a benign bump, a stye, or something more concerning (like a potential tumor), the uncertainty of what lies ahead is enough to make anyone anxious. At Eye Plastic Associates, our goal is to make this experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible, ensuring you leave our office thinking, “That was easier than I thought.” When you arrive for your first visit, we’ll start with the basics: A detailed history to gather your information, followed by a thorough eye examination. This initial exam is crucial as it helps us understand the overall health of your eyes while we focus on the specific issue at hand. If you’re dealing with a growth on your eyelid, we’ll carefully assess it, using tools like loupes and a slit lamp for a detailed look. Most of the time, we can diagnose the growth by sight alone. However, in about 5% of cases, we may need to send a tissue sample to pathology to confirm a definitive diagnosis. Once we clearly understand the nature of the growth, we’ll discuss the next steps with you.
supported, then we’ll start with a numbing eye drop. After that, we’ll administer a small amount of lidocaine to numb the area completely — don’t worry, it feels just like your eyelid went to the dentist. During the procedure, we’ll take every precaution to keep you comfortable. A small drape covers the area we’re working on, and a special clamp may be used to minimize any bleeding. Most of the time, you can keep your eyes closed while we work. Once the growth is removed, we’ll observe the area to ensure everything looks good before sitting you up. This is usually the end of the road for benign growths or styes — you just need to apply drops or ointment to aid the healing process. If the growth turns out to be skin cancer, we’ll work closely with a specialized dermatologist, referred to as a Mohs surgeon, to remove the rest of the tumor, followed by reconstructive work performed the same day to help restore your eyelid’s function and appearance. At Eye Plastic Associates, we aim to make your experience as stress-free as possible. By walking you through each step and providing top-notch care, we hope to turn a potentially daunting procedure into something manageable and, ultimately, easier than you expected.
If a minor procedure is needed, we’ll move you to our minor procedure room, designed with your comfort in mind. You’ll lie flat with your head well-
Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com
INGREDIENTS
• • • •
2 apples
• • • • •
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 fennel bulb
2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
8 raw, flavored sausages 2 red onions cut into wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tsp honey
2–3 oz dry white wine
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Cut apples into six wedges and slice off any core, leaving the skin on. Place in a roasting pan. 3. Slice fennel in half and remove the core. Chop and add to pan along with sausages and onion wedges. 4. Using a pestle and mortar, break up fennel seeds and sprinkle over the pan. Add oregano. 5. Next, drizzle oil, honey, and wine over the ingredients, then toss all together. 6. Roast for 40 minutes, tossing occasionally until sausages are golden and fruit and veggies are tender.
“Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” –Ibn Battuta
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
1
The Mesmerizing Destination I Can’t Resist
2
Foods to Embrace and Avoid to Calm Your Anxiety
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From Blurred Vision to Bold Adventures
Eyelid Tumor? We Make It Easy!
Baked Sausage With Apples and Fennel
The Evolution of Work: Bizarre Jobs That Time Forgot
CAREERS YOU’LL BE GLAD ARE EXTINCT Unmasking Some of History’s Worst Jobs
DRIPPING MEN Do you use the fat drippings from your roasts to make gravies or fry other foods? Since this liquid gold can add flavor to any dish, there was once an entire profession built around it. A dripping man back in Victorian England would go to homes and businesses to collect their fat to sell to the public. CHILDBED LINEN WAREHOUSE KEEPERS For much of history, women gave birth at home, not in a hospital. So, it’s not surprising that an industry arose during the 19th century to cater to this. According to an 1842 book of trades, there was a job for supplying, collecting, and cleaning bed linens specifically for birth.
HONEY DIPPERS, TOSHERS, AND PUREFINDERS In 19th century England, the country had recently seen an enormous boom in the population, and most of the available housing lacked flush toilets or sinks with running water. This meant more sewage found its way into the city streets — giving rise to three jobs we no longer see today. Honey dippers collected waste from homes, toshers scavenged sewers for valuable items to sell, and purefinders collected dog poop (to be used in the process of tanning leathers). The next time you get a case of “the Mondays” and question whether or not you like your job, consider this: Would you rather be crushing and boiling snails for 10 days instead? Probably not! Still, which jobs of our era will be considered weird history in the future?
Occupations reflect the times: Jobs we have today didn’t exist years ago, and vice versa. Many past careers weren’t glamorous, and some are the worst professions in history. Let’s look at four foul jobs that no longer exist (and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it). PURPLE DYE MAKERS Dyeing clothes is so ordinary today that it’s hard to imagine a world where certain pigments are rare, but this was especially true for purple in generations past. Back in ancient times (first century CE), the hue of the royals was made by crushing thousands of snails, extracting their glands, and then heating the material in a pot full of brine for 10 days in an incredibly odorous process!
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