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MARCH 2023
Saint Patrick is arguably one of the most famous saints of all time, and St. Patrick’s Day, on March 17, has become the most widely observed saint’s feast day worldwide. Most now consider it a secular holiday, and Saint Patrick has become synonymous with wearing green and celebrating all things Irish. THE TRUE HISTORY OF ST. PATRICK’S DAY A Green Machine
So, it may be surprising to learn that Saint Patrick isn’t technically a saint, wasn’t from Ireland, and his original name wasn’t even Patrick!
Maewyn Succat was born in Britain in the late 4th to early 5th century. He came from a wealthy family and was kidnapped at 16 years of age by Irish raiders who took him to Ireland. Maewyn was enslaved for several years and primarily lived and worked in solitude. During that time, he found solace in his childhood religion and became a devout Christian. After hearing God’s voice in a dream, Maewyn escaped from his enslavers and returned to Britain. He became a priest and took on the name Patrick along the way. He then felt called upon by God a second time to return to Ireland, this time as a missionary. Only a small number of Christians were in Ireland at that time, and Patrick played a pivotal role in spreading the religion throughout the country. Unlike previous missionaries who had encouraged the Irish to abandon their nature-based pagan beliefs, Patrick incorporated them into Christian celebrations. His popularity eventually led to larger-than-life myths. It’s worth noting he could not have driven snakes from Ireland as legend states, as snakes did not even live there! Despite bringing Christianity to the Irish masses, Patrick was never canonized as a saint. It wasn’t because he was undeserving, but instead, there was just no formal canonization process at the time. But Irish Christians considered him a saint and began calling him one. Saint Patrick is believed to have died on March 17, 461 A.D., which has been commemorated ever since as his feast day. St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious holiday and did not begin to take the form we know today until more than 1,000 years later — in America. Homesick Irish soldiers stationed in New York City staged the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1772. The event was a hit and quickly spread around the nation.
Interestingly enough, early St. Patrick’s Day revelers were more likely to wear blue than green. Blue was associated with Saint Patrick and ironically enough, green was thought to symbolize bad luck until Irish soldiers first wore the color in 1798. Over time, people believed wearing green would render them invisible to leprechauns, so the little creatures would go pinch someone else. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations grew in size over the years, with Chicago first dyeing its river green in 1962. And while St. Patrick’s Day is famously associated with drinking in most countries, it was a religious holiday in Ireland. All pubs were closed on that day until 1970. However you celebrate the day, and whether or not you have Irish heritage, I wish you a happy St. Patrick’s Day. Even if you don’t wear the customary green, there’s always something to celebrate. Motivational speaker Carlos Wallace
once said, “When you realize tomorrow is never promised, every ‘today’ is cherished. Embrace this special day with gratitude, hope, love, and joy.” It’s a motto I try to live by on St. Patrick’s Day and every day of the year.
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Soak Up the Sunshine Vitamin HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D
With spring on the horizon, we all will be able to get outdoors a little more and soak up some sun — and extra vitamin D! Bring on the picnics, pool days, hiking, sports activities, and leisurely walks through the park!
and depression. To ensure that you support your mental health, step outside and get some happy, feel-good rays! IT’S POSSIBLY LINKED TO WEIGHT LOSS. While it’s not fully proven that vitamin D helps with weight loss, many studies have found links between vitamin D supplements and shedding a few pounds. In one study, one group of people taking vitamin D and calcium supplements lost more weight than another group taking placebos. IT PREVENTS AND HELPS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS. Not only is vitamin D proven to lower a person’s chances of getting this horrible disease, but for those who already have it, it can also reduce symptoms or slow down the disease’s progression. This spring, be sure to get outdoors and soak up some vitamin D; however, don’t forget to protect your skin, too! To avoid overexposure, only about 10–15 minutes a day of unprotected sun is recommended.
Let’s take a look at the many benefits this vitamin provides for our bodies.
IT BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. Vitamin D helps your body fight off sickness. In fact, it’s been proven that deficiencies in vitamin D are connected to an increased possibility of developing infections and autoimmune diseases such as the flu, heart disease, and diabetes. IT COUNTERS OSTEOPOROSIS. Osteoporosis, a loss in bone mass, is common as we get older. However, vitamin D is one of the key players in helping to slow down bone loss and prevent or treat osteoporosis so we can maintain a healthy skeletal system. IT REDUCES THE RISKS OF DEPRESSION. Studies have shown that those who are deficient in vitamin D become more prone to mood disorders
A CHALAZION PATIENT REVIEWS DR. SCOTT ‘Thorough, Professional, Compassionate’
Susan was preparing for cataract surgery when another problem upended her plans. “I was seeing an ophthalmologist who is very well-respected and well- known,” she says, “and I had what I thought was a stye in my eye.” Her doctor determined surgery could not go forward. “He said, ‘We have to wait,’” she remembers, “and he told me the best person to see is Dr. Scott.” The growth near Susan’s eye was a chalazion. “It’s a gland that’s blocked,” she explains. “The oil hardens, and you have to surgically excise it by going into the lid and draining it.” Unfortunately, the chalazion was not a one-time occurrence. “Dr. Scott says some people are just predisposed to it,” Susan says. “I think I hold the record for the number Dr. Scott has treated. We’re up to about 8 or 10.” Due to the recurring problem, Susan has seen Dr. Scott and his staff for approximately five years. “I want to give a shout-out to Dawn,” she says. “When she answers the phone, I know she’s going to take care of me. She will get me in because she knows how horrible chalazion pain can be. There’s nobody else like her.”
As for Dr. Scott, Susan says, “He’s really good at educating patients.” Susan is a self-professed “gym rat,” so it’s crucial to keep her eyelids clear of excess sweat and oil. “I now apply sprays and wipes that Dr. Scott has recommended to try and keep the chalazions at bay.” After experiencing so many, Susan has a sense of humor about her chalazions. “I had a big one right after Christmas one year,” she remembers, “so large it had a white head on it like a pimple. The kids in our family were screaming, ‘Oh my God, it’s going to pop!’” she laughs. “I was walking around with one eye open, and I thought it was hilarious that they were all freaked out by this huge thing.” Susan professes that she can’t say enough good things about Dr. Scott. “Just the fact that a peer recommended him speaks volumes to me,” she says. “He’s got a good bedside manner. He’s very thorough, very professional, and very compassionate. He really wants to help reduce any pain and mitigate the problem.”
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COURAGE UNDER FIRE THE TRUE STORY BEHIND JAN. 6
The world watched with fear and anxiety while rioters attacked the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. While the entire event was broadcast live on network television, cable news, and social media, most Americans still don’t truly understand what happened that day. A new book by Steven Sund called “Courage Under Fire: Under Siege and Outnumbered 58 to 1 on January 6” helps us fill in those gaps. Steven Sund was the United States Capitol Police Chief on that fateful day. He and his force have attracted a lot of criticism for their response on Jan. 6. Politicians and pundits have accused Capitol Police of being unprepared or even complicit in the Capitol’s breach. But outside of a few isolated incidents of poor judgment and impropriety, the men and women of the Capitol Police served our nation with extreme bravery and honor. “Courage Under Fire” reveals that Chief Sund requested National Guard support for the Capitol on Jan. 3 but was rejected by the decision-
making body to avoid “the optics” of having national guard troops around the capital. Sund dives into the minutiae of his fight to receive backup in preparation for Jan. 6 and how his hands were tied. Ultimately, Sund’s force was outnumbered by rioters 58 to 1 — but they still managed to prevent the Capitol breach for 80 minutes. The day of the attack, he was further stymied getting emergency National Guard support due to internal delays from the House Sergeant at Arms and subsequently another long delay from the Pentagon. Chief Sund details these behind-the- scenes back and forth, during which Sund begged for backup but was rebuffed for hours. Through the efforts of Chief Sund, the Capitol Police received additional support from numerous other law enforcement agencies from DC, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and eventually the National guard. After what they endured, I find it remarkable these
dedicated professionals were able to work together to clear rioters and secure the building in time for voting to resume just eight hours later. Reading this book, I learned many other fascinating and disturbing details about Jan. 6. It’s not a lighthearted read, but I couldn’t recommend it more strongly. No matter how you feel about the events of that day, this book will enlighten you with insider details of how it all unfolded. I think it should be required reading for all Americans.
Classic Cabbage Rolls
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS
• 1 medium head cabbage • 1 1/2 cups chopped onion, divided • 1 tbsp butter • 2 14.5-oz cans Italian stewed tomatoes • 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
• 1 cup cooked rice • 1/4 cup ketchup • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 lb lean (90%) ground beef • 1/4 lb Italian sausage
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us eight referrals this month!
DIRECTIONS
1. In a Dutch oven, cook cabbage in boiling water for 10 minutes; drain. Rinse in cold water; drain. Remove 8 large outer leaves; set aside. 2. In a large saucepan, sauté 1 cup onion in butter. Add tomatoes, garlic, brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. In a large bowl, combine rice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and remaining onion and salt. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture and mix. 4. Remove thick vein from cabbage leaves for easier rolling. Place 1/2 cup meat mixture on each leaf; fold in sides. Starting at an unfolded edge, roll leaf to completely enclose filling. Place rolls seam side down in a skillet. Top with sauce. 5. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cook 20 minutes longer or until a thermometer inserted reads 160 F.
“For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way: Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.” –Irish Blessing
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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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The Real Saint Patrick
2 2 3 3 4
Want a Vitamin Boost?
Why Susan Recommends Dr. Scott
Making Sense of Recent History
Classic Cabbage Rolls
A Viral Workout That Actually Works!
A WORKOUT TREND THAT’S HERE TO STAY THE POWER OF 12-3-30
BENEFITS OF THE 12-3-30 EXERCISE One reason this workout is gaining so much traction on the internet is because of the benefits. The first benefit users love is that this exercise gives you almost all of the same aerobic perks as running without the high impact on joints (thanks to that 12% incline!).
Workout fads come and go, but the benefit of aerobic exercise has never gone away. Right now, a popular exercise trend called the 12-3-30 Workout is circulating the internet. The thing is, this fad actually works, and fitness professionals are giving this exercise the green light.
So, what is it, and why is it so good for you?
The second benefit the 12-3-30 Workout offers is endurance. Walking uphill instead of on a flat terrain causes us to activate more muscles, while 30 minutes of exercise forces us to remain at a high- intensity level for longer. This ultimately forces our bodies to acclimate to rigorous movement, which improves our health. Like any other workout, the 12-3-30 is also great for weight loss, regulating blood sugar, and improving cardiovascular health. But it’s also important to remember that no one exercise should be your only source of movement. Consider adding the 12-3-30 exercise to your weekly rotation, or use it to follow your weight training or other strength exercises for the best results.
12-3-30 EXPLAINED The 12-3-30 Workout is pretty simple once you understand what the numbers stand for! Each number in the name correlates to a part of the exercise performed on a treadmill. Twelve percent is the incline you set the treadmill to, 3 mph is the speed at which you walk, and 30 minutes is the amount of time you walk. That’s it!
These three numbers create the ideal circumstances in which your body has the
resistance to utilize its muscles while also moving fast enough to increase heart rate and reap aerobic benefits. And 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is the ideal exercise to ensure your heart, body, and mind stay healthy.
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