Take a look at our October newsletter!
The
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
OCTOBER 2023
How Music Transports Us Through Time THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES
The music industry has seen a lot of changes in my lifetime, but the introduction of the CD player on Oct. 1, 1982, had to be one of the biggest. On the surface, CDs aren’t very exciting, especially compared to today’s technology. But at that time, they were a revolution. The technology ultimately led to the end of cassette tapes, floppy disks, and VCRs. The most significant impact on my life was how CDs allowed me to bring music everywhere. I no longer needed a record player or had to tolerate the tangled tape and low sound quality of cassettes. This history got me thinking about how music has permeated my life and the way a single song can transport me to a specific moment. For example, I went skiing for the first time in eighth grade. It was freezing and the only place to find shelter from the cold was a tiny restaurant too small to be appropriately called a lodge. We ordered hot chocolate to warm up and put a quarter in the jukebox, selecting Elton John’s song “Crocodile
Any time we couldn’t see each other in person over the holiday season, we’d talk on the phone instead. I’d go into the minor operating room and crank up the song as loud as possible so we could listen to it together. It’s a beautiful memory that I cherish. Now, my son and I adore another version of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” by Rascal Flatts. I love that it has become our family’s special father/son holiday song. One final musical memory stands out. At some point during our wedding reception, the DJ was supposed to play the Eagles’ song “Love Will Keep Us Alive.” For whatever reason, that never happened. But as my wife and I drove to our hotel at the night's end, it began playing on the radio. We were traveling down a dark back road with no lights. I pulled the car over, put on the high beams, twisted the volume all the way up, and we got out and danced by the side of the road together. It was a beautiful, romantic experience, but we awoke the next day with so many mosquito
Rock.” So many years later, I remember that exact occasion every time I hear it play. A high school classmate, Fran, always had parties at her house, and a couple of classic ’70s songs always take me back to her front yard. Another memory from high school occurred while visiting colleges with my father. I was considering a variety of schools, including the Merchant Marine Academy. We’d just finished the tour and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” began playing on the car radio. It was an instrumental rendition by Percy Faith & His Orchestra that I’d never heard before, and I thought it was absolutely beautiful. My dad, who was a big music lover, sang, and had a Ph.D. in music therapy, was shocked that I was so taken with it, but it became our special song.
bites that it looked like we had chicken pox! We still jokingly call that track “the mosquito song.” Music profoundly affects our minds, bodies, and souls, and I hope that all of my patients have equally precious memories. The anniversary of the CD player is as good
an excuse as any to revisit and reflect on them with the people you love.
1
(703) 620-4300
AI-ENHANCED TRAVEL YOUR SECRET TO THE PERFECT ITINERARY
The feeling of excitement for an upcoming vacation can quickly turn into one of stress. After you purchase your ticket or plan your travel, you may feel so burnt out that scheduling day-to-day activities for said vacation feels impossible. Thankfully, helping you create an itinerary is where AI thrives.
that don't match what you want. AI, like ChatGPT, uses large language models (LLMs) to learn from the person interacting with it, so the back-and- forth of providing feedback helps it pinpoint your specific interests to give you better information. For example, you can provide this prompt: "Make me a travel itinerary for seven days in Rome with activities in less crowded areas that are accessible to elderly travelers."
SO, HOW DO YOU USE AI TO HELP YOU PLAN A TRIP? The first step is to craft a prompt that will get the best response possible. To do that, ask your preferred AI
platform questions in your native language. AI understands many languages, and your grammar and syntax when asking questions matter when looking for perfect results. The more grammatically accurate your sentence is, the more artificial intelligence can help you. Next, you need to be as specific as possible. Include all relevant information about your travel party when asking it to make plans for you, including if there are any kids, elderly travelers, pets, dietary restrictions, interests, or priorities because those factors will impact the results it gives you.
Finally, double-check any of the information AI gives you. Most platforms can only access information available before 2021, so certain attractions, restaurants, parks, or other itinerary items may not exist anymore.
WANT TO GIVE AI TRAVEL A GO? ChatGPT isn't the only site you can use to plan your itinerary! You can try any one of the following AI software specifically created for travel:
• • •
Tripnotes.ai
RoamAround.ai Curiosio.com
You should also tell the AI software when it misunderstands you or gives you results
Nina’s surgery with Dr. Scott was a long time coming. She avoided treatment for her inward-growing eyelashes for about 10 years, and most recently delaying surgery again when she gave birth to her daughter in 2020. But she finally decided to move forward earlier this year when she realized it would be a requirement for potential future Lasik surgery. “I’m so happy I went ahead with it,” Nina says. Her condition of trichiasis meant her eyelashes constantly brushed against her eye surface. “I wear contacts for most of the day, so I didn’t have an issue with itching or scratching. But when I would take my contacts out, I’d constantly be rubbing my eyes.” Nina found Dr. Scott through a recommendation from her regular optometrist. After an examination, he determined her upper lids were also drooping and needed a minor repair. “Dr. Scott was great,” she says. “He made it so easy. He took a few pictures, petitioned my insurance to cover it, and we scheduled surgery for March.” A Surgical Success Story How Nina Regained Comfort and Confidence
She reports an outstanding experience at the hospital. “The nurses who took care of me said, ‘You have a really great doctor,’” she remembers. “The surgery team made sure I was comfortable and explained everything step by step. It was a smooth and pleasant process.” Nina worked from home for two weeks while recovering, saying, “The pain was minimal. I used ice patches and took Tylenol.” The most significant inconveniences were difficulty looking at her computer for long periods “and being unable to wear makeup.” But the results were well worth the minor disruption in her routine. “Now I get to enjoy my glasses,” Nina says. “I like having different styles and own about six different pairs. I’m wearing them more often now, and I don’t find myself automatically gravitating toward contacts.” She also reports no scarring. “My eyes don’t even look like I had surgery,” she explains. “People who know I had it done said it looks so natural. I was concerned my eyes would bulge if we cut the lower eyelids, but it’s not an issue. My eyes look 15 years younger!” Overall, Nina reports appreciating Dr. Scott’s honesty and quality of care. “I would definitely refer people to Dr. Scott — even for cosmetic reasons,” she says. “I’m very happy with my results.”
2 EyePlasticMD.com
RESTORE RADIANT SKIN WITH CHEMICAL PEELS
No one can turn back time, but we can make its effects on our appearance a little kinder. One of the effective and least invasive options is a chemical peel, which removes the top layers of facial skin to provide a more youthful, radiant glow. Those who enjoy the results can incorporate them into their regular beauty maintenance routine. Chemical peels can be light, medium, or deep. Dr. Scott almost always recommends light or medium peels because deep peels have increased risks and extended recovery periods. By contrast, the light and medium versions are incredibly safe. Peels help reduce clogged pores, the appearance of wrinkles, and improve uneven skin tones. After the skin heals and the top layers of the skin have been removed, many also find their skin care products work more effectively. While chemical peels can be one-and-done treatments, light and medium procedures work best as a series. Dr. Scott recommends waiting 4–6 weeks between peels, and a patient may need two or three to get the best effect. Then, they can move into maintenance mode with quarterly or bi-annual peels.
prior to the procedure. Patients may also need to temporarily stop acne medications before their chemical peels.
For those who want a more aggressive approach, Dr. Scott recommends microdermabrasion one or two weeks before a chemical peel. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation procedure that has no recovery time and will allow the chemical peel to have a more robust effect. Combining the two treatments can produce incredible results while being much less invasive than laser resurfacing. After a chemical peel, there is minimal downtime; most patients recover fully within a week, but the aftercare is one of the most crucial parts of the procedure. Patients should never scratch or pick at the peeling skin but allow it to fall off on its own. They should also use the supplied special skin care products during the recovery. If your skin could use the rejuvenation of a chemical peel or microdermabrasion, call Eye Plastic Associates to schedule an appointment today. Dr. Scott will tailor a treatment plan to your unique goals and needs so you can feel and look your best.
Most people require little preparation before a chemical peel. Patients should avoid heavy sun exposure, along with waxing or other facial procedures for about 10 days
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
INGREDIENTS
• • • •
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• • • • •
3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us five referrals this month!
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz package) semi- sweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. 4. To creamed mixture, add eggs one at a time, beating until blended. 5. Gradually beat in flour mixture. 6. Stir in chocolate chips. 7. Arrange dough in rounded teaspoonfuls on ungreased baking sheets. 8. Bake 8–10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; move to wire racks to cool completely.
“Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand.” –Stevie Wonder
3 (703) 620-4300
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
1
Dr. Scott’s Musical Time Capsule
2 2 3 3 4
Personalized Vacations With AI
How Eyelid Surgery Transformed Nina's Look and Life
Discover the Magic of Chemical Peels
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step Into 536: ‘The Worst Year to Be Alive’
3 REASONS 536 WAS THE WORST YEAR IN HUMAN HISTORY
When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, it poured so much dust into the sky that the sun over Eastern Washington went dark. Ash drifted overhead, traveling into neighboring Idaho and forcing temperatures down by as much as 15 degrees F. Locals spent a few weeks scared and shivering under dull skies. They had no way of knowing it, but they were experiencing a tiny fraction of the horror humans felt back in 536 — a time that Harvard University historian Michael McCormick once called “the worst year to be alive.”
Although 536 was arguably the worst year, things didn’t get better for more than a decade. In fact, they got worse in some areas! In 541, the Plague of Justinian — the first bubonic plague pandemic — appeared in Egypt and spread through Europe, killing roughly one-third of the continent's population. For decades, archaeologists and historians have puzzled over the tipping point in 536. “What went wrong,” they wondered, “to make the sun go dark and trigger snow in summer?” It was a head-scratcher until 2018. That year, researchers finally solved the mystery with help from, of all things, a Swiss glacier! The glacial ice was riddled with volcanic glass. Further study revealed enormous volcanic eruptions in 536, 540, and 547 likely caused “The Dark Ages.” It wasn’t just metaphorically dark — it was literally dark thanks to ash blotting out the sun and coating people’s homes, skin, and clothing. Scientists have traced the 540 eruption to Ilopango, a volcano in El Salvador that’s currently inactive, but they’re still hunting for the source of the 536 eruption. As we write this, volcanoes in Iceland and Alaska are the most likely candidates.
For decades, the year 536 was a historical mystery. Records showed that it was a terrible time, stricken by the triple threat of:
1.
Unexplained, unending darkness Unseasonably frigid weather
2. 3.
Crop failures and famines
Those horrors and the economic and political instability they brought ravaged the globe from Ireland to China.
We’ve already survived a pandemic this century, so for everyone’s sake, let’s hope both regions stay quiet until at least 2100. We all deserve a break!
4
EyePlasticMD.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator