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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
NOVEMBER 2022
A HIGHER CALLING Why My Family Celebrates Our Saints
On Nov. 1, many Christians worldwide will celebrate All Saints’ Day. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, All Saints’ Day is observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The holiday is dedicated to all saints, both remembered and forgotten by history, particularly those without a designated feast day. But throughout the year, our family celebrates several saints individually — particularly the ones who bear our names. Christians typically receive their patron saint when they are baptized. Each year my family likes to celebrate our particular saint’s feast day. Of course, not everyone has a patron saint whose name is the same as your first name. I thought this would be my path, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn there was a Saint Kevin whose feast day is on June 3. Kevin of Glendalough was named Cóemgen in Old Irish, meaning “of noble birth,” which I get a kick out of. Saint Kevin’s life is not particularly well documented. Purportedly, he was born in the year 498 and died in 618. That’s quite a long life, but people say he made it to 120 years old by fasting and praying. When Saint Kevin was a baby, his family did not have much money. Legend has it that a white cow appeared at his parent’s door every morning and evening, and they used the milk from the cow to feed him. During his early adult years, Saint Kevin lived as a hermit with only birds and animals as companions. Kevin was renowned for being close to nature. Folklore says that he held out his hand for a blackbird, who proceeded to make a nest. Kevin is said to have stayed still, protecting the bird until her eggs hatched. He eventually attracted disciples, who came to him in droves for guidance, and later founded a monastery in Glendalough, Ireland.
You can visit his chapel and his home, and even an area referred to as Kevin’s Bed, in Glendalough today. Calling Kevin’s Bed a cave is a bit too grand — it’s a man-made carving in the rock face (see the picture above) that is too small for even an adult to stand. Kevin must have used it only for sleeping, hence its’ name. His approach there each night would have been treacherous along the rocks and near the water, and its’ precarious location means no one should attempt to reach it in modern times. You can, however, view it from afar. Each of my family members commemorates their saint’s day with prayer and remembrance, and we typically share a meal to celebrate. But more than anything, our saint’s day is a time to contemplate our higher purpose. We can’t all dedicate our lives to solitude and prayer, but we can make our existence have a deeper meaning. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily minutiae, but it’s nice to have a reminder that our existence may have a greater calling.
We’re supposed to dedicate our lives to making things better for our family, friends, and other community members we encounter — including, for me,
patients. Practicing your faith includes how you interact with and care for other people. I’m no saint, but I can work every day to be a better person. That’s what celebrating Kevin of Glendalough inspires me to remember.
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Winter is almost here, and as the weather gets colder, many people use it as an excuse to stay inside and on the couch. But if you don’t want to wonder what happened to your fitness goals when spring comes around, now is the time to start preparing. Here’s what you need to know to comfortably enjoy outdoor exercise in low temperatures. First, there’s good news: Your chance of frostbite in 5 degree F weather is less than 5%. So, outdoor exercise is perfectly safe most days of the year. Just stay inside when there’s a particularly nasty wind chill and don’t exercise on icy surfaces. But while you probably won’t be hurt by outdoor winter exercise, there’s no denying it can be unpleasant if you aren’t prepared. One school of thought suggests there’s no bad weather, only poorly chosen clothing. So, if you want to exercise outdoors in the winter, you must set yourself up for success with the proper gear. Dress in layers and put them on in the correct order. Opt for a moisture-wicking material as your bottom layer, then add a warm insulating layer, followed by a wind and water-resistant jacket on top. Remove items as you get warmer so you don’t trap sweat. Also, remember the wool socks, gloves, and hat. Another way to keep yourself comfortable during an outdoor workout is to warm up longer before beginning. Exercise in cold weather makes strains and sprains more likely, and a warmup will keep you safer. Plus, the additional movement before heading outdoors will help the temperature change feel less jarring. You’ll want to protect your skin from the harsh air. One of the best ways to do that is by staying hydrated. Though it sounds obvious, many people feel less thirsty when exercising in the cold and don’t drink enough water. Also, moisturize regularly and protect your nostrils and lips from the wind with petroleum jelly or Carmex. Finally, don’t forget the sunscreen — if skiers can get a sunburn, so can you!
STAYING ACTIVE IN COLD WEATHER Come Out and Play
A PATIENT’S PARENTS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE SPECIAL NEEDS, SPECIAL APPROACH
When Robert developed a large growth near his tear duct, his parents were understandably concerned. Pam and Robert Sr. took their 28-year-old son, who has Down’s syndrome, to an optometrist who put Robert on eyedrops. But when the growth came back, the optometrist provided referrals to several ophthalmologists. At first, Robert’s parents weren’t sure Eye Plastic Associates was right for their son, assuming the practice focused on cosmetic work. They reconsidered after reviewing Dr. Scott’s education and reviews, and Pam said their faith was rewarded during that first visit. “Everyone in the office was really nice and helpful, interested in Robert, and very patient,” she says. “Because of his Down’s syndrome, he needs things explained to him a little bit more.” “You need a novel approach,” Robert Sr. added, “because just saying ‘open your eyes’ or ‘please look to the left’ doesn’t work for our son. He doesn’t understand all the requests, and you have to encourage him differently.” Additionally, “Robert is a bit of a challenge,” his father says, “and many doctors get easily frustrated with him, but Dr. Scott and his staff were extremely patient. There was no frustration or agitation in their voices or approach.”
During their first visit, Dr. Scott explained that Robert’s growth was on the eye, not the eyelid like they’d thought. That was “absolutely terrifying,” Pam says, “because you don’t want someone to cut into your kid’s eyeball!” But she says Dr. Scott was reassuring throughout the entire process. “He didn’t mind any of my questions, and I never felt rushed or concerned about him listening to me,” Pam remembers. Robert’s parents appreciated that Dr. Scott arranged for both of them to be at the hospital for the surgery, and he explained the procedure and recovery time in detail. Throughout the process, he was also mindful of Robert’s medical conditions, including Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, and celiac disease. “Because of Dr. Scott, Robert is alive and well and has two eyes he can use to see,” Pam says. “As a parent of a special needs child, it’s not easy to find a doctor who can relate well to them and really gain our trust,” Pam adds, “but Dr. Scott and his whole staff did a great job.”
Robert Sr. agrees. “I’m so glad we chose Dr. Scott,” he says, “because he was the perfect fit for our son.”
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Know the Signs of Sleep Apnea BARELY BREATHING
Fortunately, there are other signs and symptoms to watch out for, including morning headaches, irritability, chronic daytime sleepiness, impaired concentration, frequent nighttime urination, depression, gastroesophageal reflux, large neck size. MDCalc.com and StopBang.ca/osa/screening.php offer a STOP-BANG test, which can assess your risk of sleep apnea. It is a quick questionnaire, and anyone with a score of 3 or higher should discuss the condition with their doctor. Surprisingly, your eyes may also carry a physical marker of sleep apnea. It’s called floppy eye syndrome, and about 30% of people with sleep apnea have it. Alternatively, if you are diagnosed with floppy eyelid syndrome you have over a 90% chance of having obstructive sleep apnea. Floppy eyelid syndrome patients have lost the elastin fibers in the tarsal plate that makes the otherwise rigid backbone of the upper eyelid rubbery in consistency. Additionally, your upper eyelid lashes tend to hang in a downward direction especially on the outside corner of the upper eyelids. Floppy eyelid syndrome
patients can also have an associated chronic conjunctivitis caused by the eyelid flipping over from pressure on the pillow while sleeping. If you have a floppy eye syndrome, a high STOP- BANG score, or experience other sleep apnea symptoms, you should promptly schedule a visit with your doctor. They may enroll you in a sleep study to confirm a diagnosis and prescribe a CPAP machine as treatment. A CPAP machine is a device you wear while sleeping. It maintains a low positive pressure level at all times to keep your airway from closing, allowing you to sleep safely through the night. In addition to CPAP machines, there are now several other alternatives for treating obstructive sleep apnea. After receiving treatment, people with sleep apnea generally report better moods, more alertness, improved memory, and reduced fatigue. Don’t let fear get the better of you. Talk to your doctor about potential sleep apnea to live longer and improve your quality of life.
More people are aware of obstructive sleep apnea than ever, but while about 25% of the U.S. population above 30 years of age has it, experts estimate only 15% of people with the condition have been diagnosed. That’s terrible news for our country’s health and safety. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in a person’s throat become too relaxed. The tongue blocks a portion of the airway, making breathing difficult. People with sleep apnea wake up for short periods throughout the night to reopen their airways, and without proper treatment they have increased risks of heart disease, including heart attacks and atrial fibrillation. They also have an increased risk of a stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, hypertension, and some forms of cancer. But most people with OSA don’t remember waking up and only become aware of the problem when a spouse or partner mentions it.
Roasted Pork Loin With Apples
Inspired by MomFoodie.com
INGREDIENTS • 4 lbs pork loin • 2 tsp garlic powder • 2 tsp salt, divided • 1 tsp black pepper
• 8 apples • 2 red onions • 3 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tsp cinnamon • 3 tbsp butter, softened
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us five referrals this month!
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, season pork loin with garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper, then cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. 2. Preheat oven to 425 F. 3. Slice apples and onions, then chop garlic cloves. Season with brown sugar, olive oil, remaining salt, and cinnamon. 4. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place a layer of apples and onions in the pan, put pork loin on top, then place remaining apples and onions around it. 5. Break butter into small pieces and place them on the pork loin and apples. Place dish in oven and let it bake for 15 minutes. 6. Reduce the heat to 350 F, then continue to bake for 60 minutes. 7. Remove dish and stir apples and onions. 8. Increase heat to 450 F, put dish in oven, and roast for an additional 8–10 minutes.
“I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” –Nelson Mandela
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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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Behaving a Little More Saintly
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Getting Outdoors Despite the Cold
Treatment for a Special Needs Patient
Sleep Apnea and Your Eyes
Roasted Pork Loin With Apples
A Healthy Way to Manage Intrusive Thoughts
Why Do I Constantly Think About This? HOW TO MANAGE INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS
Many people deal with unwelcome, intrusive thoughts every day. We’ve all experienced unwanted images or notions racing through our minds, and it can be difficult to concentrate on what we need to be doing. These thoughts can also trigger feelings of anxiety, worry, and shame. But know you’re not alone — some estimate that 6 million Americans are affected, so many can empathize with what you’re going through. Here is some good advice about intrusive thoughts and how to manage them in a healthy way. WHAT ARE INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS? Intrusive thoughts are unwanted ideas that occur without warning at any time, often triggered by stress or anxiety, or even short-term biological factors, like hormone shifts. They can come in many forms, and people often worry about what they mean, so naturally, they try to control or stop the ideas altogether. But trying to prohibit these thoughts can make them more persistent. WHAT CAN YOU DO? Instead of pushing these thoughts out of your mind, acknowledge that they are intrusive concepts and allow them to linger. Understand they will pass, but prepare yourself for other unwanted thoughts. Most importantly, push through and continue to complete your tasks and errands when the thoughts occur.
If you try to control, suppress, question, act, or engage with intrusive thoughts, you’ll likely be even more fixated on them. You’ll feel more in control if you allow them to pass through your brain instead of trying to avoid and ignore them. Intrusive thoughts can feel distressing, but allowing them to freely enter and exit your mind will provide you with ease — even if it doesn’t seem that way. However, if intrusive ideas persist and continually impair your ability to work or do things you enjoy, seek information from a mental health professional. You’re never alone
in your struggles, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
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