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The
Monthly
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • www.eyeplasticmd.com
AUGUST 2021
The Dog Days of Summer The History of the Phrase and My Favorite Canines
I’m always fascinated to learn where common expressions originate. You’ve probably heard of “the dog days of summer,” those hot days when we all want to lay around and nap like a dog. But that expression comes from a canine constellation spotted back in Roman times. Sirius — the dog star — is one of the brightest stars visible from anywhere on Earth during the summer months. It’s part of the constellation Canis Major, the great dog. When Sirius lined up with the sun in early July through the middle of August, the Romans thought it created additional heat, making those summer months even hotter — and the dog days expression was born. It makes me think of some of my favorite canine companions as well. Dogs have long been an important part of my life. I was in third grade when we got our first dog, a blonde German shepherd- golden retriever mix. A man who claimed to be Bing Crosby’s brother was selling a puppy. The backstory for this dog intrigued my father, a huge Bing Crosby fan and an avid singer himself. Because of this “connection” to my father’s favorite crooner, we took the dog home and named him Crosby. Crosby was unbelievably adorable and loyal and the ideal family dog. Wherever we were, that’s where he wanted to be. One of his weak spots, though, was the couch in our family room. He knew he wasn’t supposed to get up on it, so after everyone went to bed and the house was quiet, up he nestled into the couch for a good night’s rest. In the morning and at the first sounds of someone coming downstairs, down he’d come with a thump. He would lie back down on the floor acting innocent without knowing that the adjacent large, round, warm, furry dent in the couch gave away his nightly habit every time. When he got older,
his hearing was affected, so we now had to gently wake him from his sleep. He’d look startled, but in his sweet eyes would appear the question: “Is it time for me to get off the couch?” Crosby was also a fierce defender of the household. He just didn’t always knowwhat he was protecting us against. Each time the doorbell rang, he’d run to the door barking. When we’d open the door to greet the person, he’d rush past them, still barking, courageously confronting our empty front yard. After a moment, he’d trot back by the visitor and into the house, proud for having “scared away the intruder.” In addition to Crosby, we raised two guide dogs for a year at a time to try and give them a loving home for their first year before they would head off for their formal training. In a household with six kids, we laughed and wondered how the complete lack of discipline and craziness in the dogs’ surroundings could properly prepare them for service. But it worked. Though it was very hard to say goodbye to each of them, we were blessed to later get an opportunity to observe one of them in training, from across the street, and marveled at howwell “our dog” was now safely negotiating intersections and protecting the trainer from obstacles. Lois, one of our guide dogs, was trained to go down and pick up our newspaper from the end of the driveway. I guess we got a little too excited in our praise after she first accomplished this new trick because the next morning, she proceeded to gather up all the newspapers from the neighborhood. In embarrassment, my poor mother, still dressed in her nightgown, had to quickly rush up and down our street returning all the newspapers before our neighbors noticed.
Ten years ago, it was fun to bring another furry friend into my family. My wife and I wanted a Havanese dog. They can range from 8–15 pounds, and we were set on getting a larger, tan-colored male. When the breeder asked what we were looking for, we gave her those characteristics but also shared we wanted a dog who liked to play and would not be afraid of people or lots of activity happening around them. She told us she had a dog with the physical characteristics we wanted, but he was scared of his own shadow. Instead, she recommended we consider an 8-pound female who would eventually turn completely gray. Because this female dog was said to be playful and a lover of people, my wife and children went to meet her and all the puppies in the litter. It turned out that friendly girl dog did steal their hearts. We named her Zaika, which means little rabbit in Russian. So, the “wrong” dog became the perfect dog for our family. A lot of people have adopted dogs or cats in the last year, and this appears to be a result of long hours spent working at home during lockdown. Having pets around made isolation more bearable. It always feels good to be greeted like you’ve been gone for months even when you just returned from a quick grocery run. Studies have also determined that real physical and mental health benefits come from having companion animals. They help lower our stress levels and boost our immune systems.
I hope you and your furry friends enjoy these final dog days of summer.
—Dr. Kevin Scott
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(703) 620-4300
Do you get SAD? We’re talking about seasonal affective disorder, which affects 1%–10% of the population depending on the state you live in. Symptoms of SAD are similar to symptoms of depression, but unlike chronic depression, which can occur at any time, people with SAD only experience symptoms during a certain time of year, usually winter. SAD has been strongly linked with shorter days and less sun — although summertime SAD can result from long days that make sleep difficult, resulting in irritability and mood swings. In most cases, however, winter is the problem season, likely due to a link between less sun and a vitamin D deficiency. Depression is one common symptom of vitamin D deficiency, especially in patients who aren’t prone to depression due to other circumstances. Unfortunately, very few foods are good sources of vitamin D. The best source is sunlight itself. There are a few ways to combat wintertime SAD. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is important, as is an exercise routine and healthy diet. As mentioned, it’s hard to find vitamin D in foods, but milk and other food products are often intentionally enriched with it during processing. The most common solution, however, is taking a vitamin D supplement, which can be purchased over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores. It is commonly recommended for people living in places with harsher winters, and although there are negative side effects if taken in excess, a regular daily dose of vitamin D is a healthy way to ensure you have the right levels in your system. This month is the perfect time to begin that process. Vitamin D can take several months to build up to effective levels in our bodies. It may be the hottest time of the year in many places, but it’s also the ideal time to start fighting SAD early!
Start Taking Vitamin D Now, Before the Sun Goes Away Fight SAD Early!
PRESENTING HER BEST SELF EVERY DAY ELIZABETH’S SUCCESS STORY
When Elizabeth Lewis became interested in doing an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, or an upper eyelid lift, she was very nervous about whom to trust but knew she needed a change. “I felt like I didn’t look my best,” she shared with us in an interview. “I looked tired and [as if] my years were more advanced than I felt they should look.” That’s when Elizabeth found Dr. Scott back in 2019, after doing a lot of online research. Although she was also interested in adjusting her lower eyelids, she decided to take things one step at a time. “I was nervous about going in, as I think anyone would be, because it’s my face — I’d never done anything like that before.” But it didn’t take long for her to trust Eye Plastic Associates. “I really felt very comfortable and reassured by Dr. Scott and his surgical coordinator, Dawn. I just felt like I was in excellent hands,” she added cheerfully. After the first procedure in 2019, she was beyond impressed — the results exceeded her expectations in every way.
“His practice is so unique. If I had to latch onto just one [aspect], it’s how holistically they approach their clients,” Elizabeth says. “It’s not just a symptom. Whether they’re treating a cosmetic or a real eyesight-compromising condition, they look at the whole person. It was evident from day one.” It didn’t take too long before Elizabeth came back to treat her lower eyelids. “I thought the second procedure was going to be anti-climatic [compared to] the first, but it was just as exciting, if not even more so.” Her favorite part of the results? “It was so natural. It wasn’t anything shocking, and I think that’s one of the biggest worries people have when they go in for plastic surgery: ‘Am I still going to look like me?’ [But] that’s exactly what happened. I still look like myself. I just look like myself on my best day, every day — and that’s what [Dr. Scott] gave me.” Thanks so much, Elizabeth, for being such a fabulous patient! You’re always a pleasure to have in the office, and we’re so glad you love your results as much as we love having you as a patient.
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DID YOU KNOW THEY ARE LINKED? Floppy Eyelid Syndrome and Sleep Apnea
Have you heard of floppy eyelid syndrome (FES)? We see patients every week who are affected by it. Even though it can lead
protecting the eye, and that exposure can lead to itchiness, irritation, discharge, or an infection. Another telltale sign of FES is if your eyelashes are droopy or hang down at a strange angle. The floppy eyelid does not maintain the proper orientation of the lashes along with the chronic pressure from the pillow, while sleeping, redirects the lashes. THE LINK BETWEEN FES AND SLEEP APNEA Studies have shown a strong correlation between those who have FES and obstructive sleep apnea. One recent study found that 90% of participants who had FES also had obstructive sleep apnea, which puts them at a higher risk of a stroke, heart attack, cancer, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dementia. Sleep apnea also leads to chronic fatigue, which puts you at a greater risk of falling asleep while driving and other dangers.
Both FES and obstructive sleep apnea are underdiagnosed. FES can be treated with an ointment or the use of a protective eye covering while you sleep. If Dr. Scott diagnoses you with FES, he’ll also recommend that you contact your internist to schedule a sleep study to check for sleep apnea and learn about potential treatments. It can be hard to know if you have apnea, but if your significant other tells you that you snore loudly or stop breathing, this is a strong and dangerous sign. If you’d like to do a self-assessment to evaluate your risk of sleep apnea, you can visit StopBang.ca/osa/screening.php. If you have concerns about FES, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott by calling (703) 620-4300 or visiting EyePlasticMD.com/request-an-appointment.
to chronic irritation of the eyes, conjunctivitis, and dryness, there’s an even more concerning aspect of FES: It’s strongly correlated with a condition called obstructive sleep apnea.
FLOPPY EYE SYNDROME SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Characterized by upper and lower eyelids that become loose and rubbery, FES causes the upper eyelids to flip over easily, especially while sleeping. If your lid is flipping over while you sleep, it’s not
Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)
Inspired by BonAppetit.com
Bon Appétit magazine calls tomato and watermelon “soul mates,” and they’re right! This surprising gourmet salad will be a hit at your next barbecue.
A referral is the highest compliment our patients can give! Welcome to our new patients and thank you for the five referrals this month! Do you know someone who might need Dr. Scott’s care? Pass this newsletter along to them!
INGREDIENTS
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1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed
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4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp turmeric 1/4 cup coconut oil
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Sea salt, to taste
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.” –George Eliot, a.k.a. Mary Ann Evans
DIRECTIONS
1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool. 2. Combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • www.eyeplasticmd.com
Inside This Issue
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Dog Days of Summer
2 2 3 3 4
Fight SAD Early!
Elizabeth’s Success Story
Floppy Eyelid Syndrome and Sleep Apnea
Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)
Going Back to School Later in Life
Stay Sharp as You Age By Going Back to School
Scientists have found that the human brain changes with age — neurons fire more slowly, for example, and short-term memory recall can be more challenging — but that we often underestimate our capacity to continue learning as we grow older. Negative stereotypes about aging can reinforce these beliefs. However, new research is showing that older adults who’ve committed to immersive study of a new subject show brain function akin to someone 30 years younger. This goes beyond the tired advice to do a crossword puzzle or work a sudoku puzzle every day. The participants in this research study were learning entirely new-to-them subjects, like how to speak a foreign language, use a new piece of technology, or make art.
Learning Institute at the University
of Washington (UW). UW’s program offers a full course schedule on
subjects in the arts, sciences, and current events taught by qualified faculty and provided at an affordable rate. There are over 100 such programs at universities across the U.S.
Have a longtime dream to write children’s books? UC San Diego Extension has a certificate program for that! If you’re looking to dive into a single subject or perhaps you’d like to continue working in retirement or shift gears later in your career, certificate programs are a great option. No previous education is required. Most certificate programs are open to all, typically run for less than a year, and easily accommodate part-time learners.
Convinced of the benefits but not sure where to turn to learn? Try these two sources.
Most colleges are designed with the traditional, 20-something college student in mind, which may not appeal or be a great fit for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond. But many universities are starting to cater to an older crowd with lifelong learning programs. One example is the Osher Lifelong
Celebrate your years of hard-earned wisdom but commit to keeping your brain young by going back to school this fall.
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