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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
JANUARY 2024
The Parallels of a Past Hobby and My Present Career MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE
We often hear about people turning their favorite hobbies into “side gigs” or making money from them one way or another. Yet, isn’t the point of cherishing a hobby to do it just for the pleasure of it and nothing more? January is National Hobby Month and there’s one hobby in particular I miss partaking in just for the fun of it. National Hobby Month has given me a chance to look back at one of my favorite hobbies as a teen and how it could certainly have predicted my career today: woodworking. In high school, I was able to take woodworking classes and I went after it diligently for three years. I didn’t do it just because it seemed like an easy A. I genuinely loved woodworking and being able to build a piece of furniture each year with my own designs. I would always go for a unique design, like a parquet table with inlay square blocks, a circular rim, and a pedestal base. I loved picking out the right type of wood, choosing a particular shape, and deciding all the details of what I would do. Each year, they would pick the best in class, and I’m still proud of winning both in my junior and senior years. I still have the furniture I made and I hope to pass it on to my grandchildren someday. Unfortunately, when college came along, and I was busy jumping from engineering to medical school, I lost the time to practice woodworking. Yet, now that I look back at that hobby, I see that I undoubtedly chose a career path “Yet, now that I look back at that hobby, I see that I undoubtedly chose a career path not too far off from it! Both woodworking and eyelid surgery share a need for exactness and a plethora of other similarities.”
not too far off from it! Both woodworking and eyelid surgery share a need for exactness and a plethora of other similarities.
Just as I would have to decide on what wood types to use, like maple versus oak or softer woods versus harder woods, I have to do the same with tissues. Then, there is the grain of the wood and the alignment of these materials to ensure everything looks clean. The same applies to lining up tissues in eyelid surgery. Of course, safety being a priority in each area is undeniable. I need safety protection for both my patient’s eyes and my own during laser surgery. The overall goal is to be extremely safety conscious throughout any eyelid surgery. Back in my high school woodshop, we all had to wear safety goggles to prevent wood chips from flying too close to our eyes and had to take extra care to protect our fingers when moving close to a moving blade! Lastly, precision and accurate measurements are absolutely vital in both practices. My mantra of “measure twice and cut once” back in high school still stands strong today as a surgeon. I will always measure under a magnifying glass to get the most exact results. I’ll even remeasure my work again in the procedure room just to be sure. I know now that my early interest in woodworking was why I was attracted to eyelid surgery. After I retire from Eye Plastic Associates, I have every intention of returning to my past hobby and diving straight back into woodworking right where I left off.
I hope you can pick up an old hobby or start a new one this National Hobby Month. Hobbies make our lives even more fulfilling and well-rounded, so take your time and find a passion that has nothing to do with profit or career growth. Just do it for the fun of it.
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FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER 5 Proven Strategies for Cost-Effective Travel
Traveling can be an enriching and fulfilling experience, but it can also be costly. Many people dream of exploring new destinations, but financial constraints can be limiting. Fortunately, we’re here to share five practical tips to help you save money while enjoying your trip. PLAN AND BUDGET AHEAD. One of the most effective ways to save money is by planning and budgeting your trip in advance. Create a comprehensive budget that includes airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Having a budget lets you track your expenses and helps you avoid overspending. You can also take advantage of early bird rates for flights and hotels. CANCEL UNNECESSARY SUBSCRIPTIONS. Before you travel, review your monthly subscriptions like gym memberships, streaming services, or magazines you won’t use while you’re away. Temporarily canceling these subscriptions can free up extra cash for your travel fund. LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS. Keep an eye out for discounts, offers, and coupons that can help you save money on activities, dining, and shopping. Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer various deals that could be useful during your trip. These websites often provide discounted tickets to attractions, cheaper dining options, and even discounted rates for experiences like spa treatments or outdoor activities.
TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASONS. Traveling during off-peak seasons will save you money on flights, hotels, and activities. You also benefit from less crowded destinations and shorter queues for popular tourist attractions. This is a win-win for travelers seeking a budget- friendly and less-crowded travel experience. USE LOCAL GROCERY STORES AND PACK SNACKS. Another way to save money while you travel is by shopping at local grocery stores for snacks and meals rather than eating out for every meal. This gives you a taste of local businesses and culture. Packing snacks can also help you avoid buying overpriced food at airports or touristy areas. By implementing these tips into your travel planning and experience, you can stretch your dollar further without compromising the quality of your trip. Happy traveling!
Witness Linda’s Remarkable Transformation How Eyelid Surgery Gave Her a Fresh Outlook on Life
At first, Linda didn’t want to consider eyelid surgery. When it came to cosmetic procedures, she admitted, “I always thought it was an ego thing.” Then, macular degeneration and drooping lids began affecting her vision. Linda knew it was time to make a change when she could hardly see cars, especially from her left eye, due to her droopy upper eyelid skin. That’s when her doctor recommended Dr. Scott and his staff. Aside from her impaired vision, Linda also shared that her eyes were affecting her mental health. She is passionate about traveling and still has numerous places she wants to visit, but after looking in the mirror, she felt she had run out of time. Her drooping eyelids were making her look tired and older. Fixing her eyelids would keep her safe on the road and give Linda her future back. Fortunately, she felt comfortable at Eye Plastic Associates, and trusted Dr. Scott and his office staff. While Linda’s left eye was more severe, Dr. Scott insisted on performing surgery on both eyes to give the best result possible
and give her the change she needed to feel like herself again. She also decided to add laser resurfacing under her eyes to reduce the appearance of eye bags and enhance her new look. With the return of her clear vision and looking nothing like her age, Linda has booked a flight to the Azores in Portugal and is returning to her world trekking ways. Since she no longer looks tired all the time, she no longer feels tired all the time! As a result of her procedure, Linda has become more active, exercising and socializing. Linda has also returned to her passion for designing jewelry. She had her first trunk show in years just recently and received rave reviews. Her jewelry can even be found online! If you want to see some of her unique designs, head to DivasJewels.com .
Ultimately, we can tell Linda went through a complete metamorphosis and gained a new, vibrant energy. We are delighted to be a part of that!
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How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions PAINFUL BUMPS OR PAINLESS LUMPS?
Two eye conditions often confused due to their similar presentation are chalazion and styes. While both involve eyelid inflammation and even have similar treatments, their causes are quite different.
on the eyelid. A chalazion is almost like a balloon under the skin. These lumps are typically larger than styes, and oftentimes those who get a chalazion are more likely to develop another. Potential causes for recurring chalazion include skin conditions like acne rosacea or other systemic conditions like diabetes. Treatment for a stye often involves warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid to encourage drainage of the pus and promote healing. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is significant. Chalazions, however, require a slightly different approach. Warm compresses are beneficial for easing any mild discomfort and aiding drainage, but they may need more time to resolve. Persistent cases might necessitate medical/surgical intervention, such as steroid injections or an incision and drainage performed by a professional. Additionally, Dr. Scott typically recommends improving your oil intake and consuming more omega 3 oils (fish oil) and less omega 6 oils (canola oil, sunflower, safflower soy, sesame, and corn oils). You can often find omega 6 oils in your favorite grocery store salad dressings. If you experience persistent chalazions, consulting with an eye care professional will help you manage this condition. Our team can provide tailored guidance, perform procedures to expedite the healing process, and help prevent future chalazions with cleansers like Avenova Eyelid Spray or Ocusoft Lid Scrub.
A stye, also known as a hordeolum, occurs when an oil gland at the base of an eyelash or close to the lashline becomes infected. This infection results in a painful red bump on the eyelid, often accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Styes can
be external, forming along the lashline, or internal, developing inside the eyelid. Meanwhile, a chalazion is not caused by an infection but by the blockage of an oil gland. When the gland is obstructed, the oil it produces accumulates within the eyelid itself, typically causing a painless, firm lump
The new year is all about new and fresh beginnings. So, why not start the year with a quick, refreshing meal that is both flavorful and nutritious? BELL PEPPER SANDWICH Inspired by HungryHobby.net
INGREDIENTS
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1 medium bell pepper, any color 2–3 tbsp cream cheese
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1 1/2 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us four referrals this month!
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1/2 small cucumber, cut into 6–8 thin slices 2 tbsp guacamole or a few slices of avocado
1 tsp whole-grain mustard 2 oz ham (or other deli meat), thinly sliced
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Dash of salt and pepper
“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” –St. Francis of Assisi
DIRECTIONS
1. On a cutting board, remove the stem of the bell pepper with a sharp knife. Cut the pepper in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds. 2. Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board and spread cream cheese inside each half. Spread whole-grain mustard on top of the cream cheese. 3. Layer your deli meat, cheese, cucumbers, and guacamole on each bell pepper half. Add a dash of salt and pepper, then combine both halves and serve!
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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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My Teen Woodworking Passion That Shaped My Career
2 2 3 3 4
Innovative Ideas to Cut Your Vacation Costs
Linda’s Journey from Drooping Lids to New Adventures Abroad
The Difference Between a Stye and a Chalazion
Bell Pepper Sandwich
Mayan ‘Model’ Looks
What Did Mayans Consider to Be ‘Model’ Looks?
Beauty and fashion trends come and go throughout the years, with some — such as matte makeup, fringe, and ripped jeans — even making comebacks in recent years. The ancient Mayans also sought to be beautiful, but their practices were different compared to modern standards, as they were willing to completely change their bodies to conform to their beauty standards. A smile is a universal expression of happiness, which was also true in Mayan culture. However, the difference came with what you saw when they smiled, as Mayans enjoyed shaping and filing their teeth to sharp points. They then drilled holes through the center of their teeth to insert gems. Tattoos were also considered stylish among Mayans, but they weren’t like modern tattoos. The big difference in their skin designs was that they were achieved by actually carving into the skin to create 3D wounds. Hair accessories were big during Mayan times — really big. It wasn’t unusual for women to construct large, elaborate headdresses adorned with precious metals and gems and shaped to honor local animals. Another Mayan beauty standard relates to one of their prized crops: corn. It is said that Mayans correlated beauty with face and head structures that were long and narrow, much like an ear of corn. To accomplish that, Mayan families bound the heads of their infant children between two boards while the skull was growing to achieve an extended cranial shape that would last the child’s whole life.
Eyes are a universal source of beauty, but the Mayans thought the ultimate set of beautiful eyes were crossed eyes. To create crossed eyes, they put a band around the heads of children with a bead suspended right in front of their eyes. They continued this until the children were permanently cross-eyed.
Noses were also a central sign of beauty among Mayans, and for them, the bigger the better. A large, hooked nose symbolized their bird-like gods and was so important to them that they added specially designed artificial nose bridges that were often multicolored and decorated with gems. Beauty is influenced by cultural values, and the Mayans invested a lot of time, energy, and creativity to achieve their vision of beauty,
Stucco head of K’inich Janaab Pakal I (603–683 AD), king of Palenque. National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City.
even if that vastly differs from today’s standards.
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