Take a look at our June newsletter!
The
Monthly
Renewal
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
JUNE 2022
Dad passed away almost 10 years ago, but I still think about him often. This Father’s Day, I want to share some of the memories I cherish most. HOW I REMEMBER DAD A Father’s Love When I was growing up, I loved playing any sport, and my Dad loved to be involved. He was always trying to help me improve, and he coached my youth football team. Once in the football huddle, he announced we were to run a double reverse. In the simplest terms, that means the ball gets handed off by the quarterback to the first running back, then the ball is handed off again to second running back going in the opposite direction. This is attempted to totally confuse the defense as to who has the ball and which way should they pursue the ball carrier. Unfortunately, Dad had a habit of getting a little too loud in our huddle. The other team heard the play and was preparing to shut it down. The quarterback realized this and did the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in football. He acted like he was handing the ball to me but kept it on his hip. I pretended I had the ball and mimed passing it off to the second running back. As the other team prepared to tackle him, the quarterback ran down the sidelines and scored a touchdown. Everyone thought my dad did that on purpose, but in reality, his overexcitement presented an opportunity for the quarterback to do something brilliant. When we weren’t playing sports, Dad expected all of us to help around the house, and he always had a project going. As soon as my brothers and sisters got started, he would always have to go to the store to “get some nails” — and then be gone for hours. It was a running joke that it was his way of getting out of work, but when he was there, I was trained in the use of a multitude of tools. The result was that I became proficient with a chainsaw by age 10. I wouldn’t have let my own kids climb trees and cut down branches like I did, but I learned hard work, and I still love woodworking and outdoor projects to this day. Dad also imparted a great love of music. He used to sing in a professional group before getting married and having kids, but he never stopped singing at any family gatherings. He decided he wanted to give back to the community and ultimately spent 30 years visiting nursing homes to sing on the weekends. It was incredible to see how the residents would respond. Many of them needed to use walkers or canes, but when Dad started singing classic songs they knew from their youth, they’d get up and start dancing. The effect was so noticeable
that he decided it was worth scientific study. In his 70s, my Dad got a Ph.D. in musical therapy for seniors. It was a good lesson in passion. He taught me how to find something I love, stick with it, then use my skill to benefit other people. Now, I did not get my dad’s gift of song. I remember trying to sing to my daughter when she was about 2 years old, and she would respond, “Daddy, no sing!” But he did pass along a love of the great American songbook. I love the standards from the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. (If you’re curious, I suggest streaming Steve Tyrell’s album “A New Standard.”) Sadly, my Dad died from metastatic cancer about ten years ago. On the last night that I was with him, I brought my phone and some speakers, and I played all of his favorite songs. I listened with him until about 1 or 2 in the morning. He passed away later that morning. It was a terrible loss, but I feel fortunate we could experience that final moment of connection. One of the things I’m most grateful for is how much Dad supported my growth in sports. He was at almost all of my sporting events, home and away. In fact, the other kids would sometimes ask if he had a job! Having him there was always something special. After I completed a good play in football or won a big race in track, I still remember whipping my head around to see my dad’s reaction. With a grin on my face, I’d be thinking, “Did you catch that?” and I would light up when I saw that he did.
My wife and I both wanted to replicate that experience for our children. Over the years, seeing their heads turn to look at me or my wife after doing something they were proud of has always filled us with emotion. Dad taught me that it’s a blessing to be there for your kids — and that the effects on them will last a lifetime. Thanks, Dad!
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3 Ways to Protect Your Skin From the Sun Time for Safe Summer Fun
It’s time for fun in the sun! Whether you’re heading out to the beach or lake, catching a ballgame, hosting a barbecue, or taking a boat tour, it’s important to protect your skin to avoid sun damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans develops skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old, and every hour, two people die of skin cancer nationally. The risk of skin cancer is severe — it’s not just one sunburn. Having five or more sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of developing skin cancer.
and reminds everyone to remember their feet if they are exposed!
SEEK OUT THE SHADE. No matter the activity, try to limit your exposure to the sun — you’ll be cooler, too! Look for trees, pavilions, and shelters. When these options aren’t available, create your own shade by wearing a hat and toting along an umbrella. WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. Whenever possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. UV protective clothing is best for maximum protection. Don’t forget about your eyes — UV sunglasses are important for your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Just because sunglasses appear dark does not mean they protect against UV rays! This summer, be sure to have fun but don’t forget to protect your skin from sunburns, possible skin cancer, and early signs of aging due to damage from sun exposure! Lather up!
Here are some surefire ways to avoid a pesky, painful, and potentially harmful sunburn.
ALWAYS CHECK: DID YOU APPLY (AND REAPPLY) SUNSCREEN? Apply sunscreen, and then reapply after going in the water or a few hours later. According to the National Cancer Institute, only about 30% of women and less than 15% of men regularly apply sunscreen, which leaves them vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays. The National Cancer Institute recommends using an SPF of at least 15
MARLA SHARES HER SURGERY EXPERIENCE A PIECE OF CAKE
When we caught up with Dr. Scott’s patient, Marla, about 12 weeks had passed since her surgery, and she’d just returned from a cruise. Before visiting Eye Plastic Associates, she had been experiencing problems with her peripheral vision due to droopy upper eyelids. Now, she’s seeing better than ever and enjoying life. Marla visited Dr. Scott for an upper lid blepharoplasty at the recommendation of her retina specialist. During her consultation, she had concerns about her lower eyelids as well, and Dr. Scott recommended a lower lid blepharoplasty and fractional laser skin resurfacing to reduce signs of aging. “One of my girlfriends had her upper lids done years ago,” Marla says. “She told me, ‘The first week isn’t fun, the second week is better, and on the third week, you change your Facebook picture!’” Due to preexisting eye conditions and adding on the lower eyelid surgery, Marla’s recovery has been a little slower. She is still experiencing a small amount of numbness in her right upper eyelid, “but I can feel it getting better every day,” she says. And she is definitely enjoying the benefits of her surgery.
“People can’t sneak up on my right side anymore,” Marla notes, “and I’m seeing a lot better.” The cosmetic effects have also been welcome. “Every one of my girlfriends has told me it looks so good,” she says. “And while I don’t know if it’s actually true, I feel like my eyelashes have gotten longer!” Marla retired from her job as a federal officer about five years ago, but before that, she also had careers in law, telecommunications, and food. Today, she runs her own cheesecake business. “Dr. Scott’s office has ordered from me, which is nice,” she says. She also has two adult children and “an amazing daughter-in-law.” She enjoys spending time with all of them and raising her two puppies. When asked about her experience with Eye Plastic Associates, Marla says, “Dr. Scott is probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He brings everything down to your level and doesn’t talk above your head.” She also has high praise for office manager Dawn, who she calls “phenomenal.”
“The office staff was all great,” she says. “No question was dumb — they are happy to do whatever it takes to make you feel better.”
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ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH IODINE? According to Many Experts, Probably Not
I’m in the business of eyes. But I recently reread a tremendous book about our whole-body health, and it contains information I think everyone should know. It’s called “The Iodine Crisis: What You Don’t Know About Iodine Can Wreck Your Life” by Lynne Farrow. In truth, most of us don’t know much about iodine, other than it’s that stuff they put in salt. It turns out that iodized table salt is a very inconsistent source of iodine since the iodine starts to evaporate out of the table salt container as soon as it is opened. That’s a problem because humans need iodine to survive, but we can’t produce it. Traditionally, experts have seen iodine as important for thyroid health; without it, your thyroid will enlarge, and you’ll form a goiter. So-called experts decided our thyroid gland needs 150 micrograms of iodine each day, and as a result, it became the recommended daily dose. Unfortunately, research has since found that amount to be woefully inadequate. Your thyroid gland uses only 1% of the total iodine needed by the body on a daily basis. Skin, breasts, prostates, and other body parts also need this element to remain healthy. Iodine deficiency is particularly dangerous because it is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and prostate cancer. Studies have shown that most individuals are taking in 50% less iodine when compared to the early 1970s.
subsequently stripped from flour and replaced with bromine — even though bromine is now considered toxic and is banned in some countries. You can still find iodized salt if you look for it, but as mentioned before, iodine dissipates over time, meaning
that the “iodized salt” sitting in your cupboard for months or years has almost no appreciable iodine. And all that bromine that we consume blocks our iodine receptors and prevents the iodine from getting to the critical tissues in the body. So, what can you do? There are a tremendous number of iodine supplements on the market, but the two most common are Lugol’s 2% or 5% solution and Iodoral 12.5mg or 50mg tablets. My wife, Tala, and I each take Iodoral 12.5 mg because it’s easier on the stomach. People who begin taking iodine supplements can see improvement in many conditions, including but not limited to allergies, brain fog, menstrual irregularities, fibrocystic breast disease, weight gain, depression, hearing loss, and prostate disease. For more information, pick up Lynne Farrow’s book or visit BreastCancerChoices.org and click on the “Iodine” tab at the top. Also, a great review of common myths about iodine can be found by searching online for “Busting the Iodine Myths” by David Brownstein. As always, don’t forget to first consult your doctor before starting any new supplement(s). It is extremely important to note that some forms of iodine, like tincture of iodine and Betadine (povidone-iodine), are toxic if taken by mouth. We only get one body, so stay safe and protect your health! Grilled Corn and Ricotta Dip Inspired by Saveur.com
In the mid 1970s, iodine that had been used medicinally for over one hundred years was labeled dangerous for the thyroid if given in higher dosages. Iodine was
A referral is the highest compliment our patients can give!
Welcome to our new patients, and thank you for the four referrals this month! Do you know someone who might need Dr. Scott’s care? Pass this newsletter along to them!
This dip tastes great with bread, crostini, or crackers and will be a hit at any summer gathering.
INGREDIENTS
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6 ears of corn
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Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated 2 tbsp unsalted butter, diced Chives and scallions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups ricotta
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour 2 tbsp thyme, finely chopped
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DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. 2. In a large grill pan on high heat, cook the corn until charred on all sides. Let cool, then cut the kernels from the cob. 3. In a food processor or blender, purée two-thirds of the kernels with the cream, ricotta, flour, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in remaining whole kernels. 4. Pour into an 8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, and dot with butter. Bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours, until bubbly. 5. Garnish with chives and scallions before serving.
“Dad, your guiding hand will be on my shoulder forever .”
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
1
Dr. Scott Remembers His Father
2 2 3 3 4
Summer Skin Protection
A Patient Shares Her Experience
Insufficient Iodine Can Endanger Your Health
Grilled Corn and Ricotta Dip
3 Dreamy Northeastern Hiking Trails
Get Your Hiking Boots On! 3 DREAMY TRAILS IN THE NORTHEAST
Want to feel like you’ve stepped into a lush dream? You don’t need to travel too far to experience truly stunning outdoor adventures. The U.S. has plenty within our borders! Here are just a few, located in our Northeastern states. NO. 1: WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST, NEW HAMPSHIRE If you want to visit an enchanted forest, look no further than White Mountain National Forest! Whether you want to hike its various mountain ranges to spy some gorgeous views, wind through an endless sea of trees, or spot a plethora of unique local fauna and flora, this beautiful national forest has a trail for everyone. You can even hike the Appalachian Trail to walk a mile in our American ancestors’ shoes. NO. 2: STEPSTONE FALLS (BEN UTTER TRAIL), RHODE ISLAND If you’re in Rhode Island, especially in spring, you won’t want to miss this perfect trail. Follow this walk along a picturesque river and you’ll see fabulous slabs, cascades, woods, and much more. Unlike the popular — and often busy — White Mountain trails, this one is relatively quiet with its narrow foot path.
It’s also a gentle walk, being mostly flat with some alternating, gentle ups and downs. It’s a great walk for all ages.
NO. 3: CAMEL’S HUMP TRAIL, VERMONT As the third highest peak in the state, Camel’s Hump Trail offers unbeatable views in nearly every direction. It’s easy to reach the trailhead, as it’s just off Camel’s Hump Road with a small parking area for visitors. It’s very convenient, but make sure to arrive early in warmer months and on weekends — the road is not an option for parking. The trail offers stunning views of Vermont because of the high elevation, but it may be challenging if you’re afraid of heights. The last part of the trail is quite steep, but once you reach the peak, you’ll see an incredible 360-degree view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can even see Canada!
If you want to live out your outdoor dreams, these are excellent places to start! Give them a try!
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