Take a look at our October newsletter!
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
OCTOBER 2022
Is any night of the year more fun than Halloween? Not when you’re a kid! I’ve always loved the holiday and have many fond memories, starting from a young age. Remembering Old Halloween Adventures A BAG OF TRICKS Peter Ryan and I were inseparable elementary school friends in White Plains, New York. My family once went on a monthlong vacation, and Peter was waiting for us on his bike when we returned. He was so excited to see me that he jumped off his bike and it went straight up into the air after hitting a big rock as he came over to hug me! Of course, this was definitely the friend that you had to go with for trick-or- treating . We were so proud of making our own costumes and we thought we had the most creative, best-looking outfits in town. Looking at the photographs as an adult, I can’t quite imagine what we were thinking. We looked less like masters of disguise and more like a comedy of errors! My family moved to Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, but it wasn’t very far, and Peter and I were able to continue our adventures. I am happy to say that to this day we have remained good friends. I remember my mom wanted to be fair to the younger kids and prevent us from gorging on chocolate, so she instituted a rule where we all had to put our trick-or-treat haul in a communal pot that she’d divvy up as she saw fit. Naturally, this didn’t sit well with the older kids who could put more work into their trick-or-treating. My siblings and I had to get a little craftier with our candy during this period. We devised a plan that involved tying a string on something in our bedrooms and tossing it out the window. Once we had almost finished trick-or-treating, we’d attach our bags in the yard and run back into the house, claiming we needed to grab something. We’d pull the candy up, hide all the best treats under our mattresses, lower the bag back down, then “finish” trick-or- treating. When we brought our hauls to Mom, they consisted of Jujubes and candy apples. She was always amazed we got so little! I’ll also never forget one woman in our Woodcliff Lake neighborhood. Every year, she had a box in front of her house with a sign that said, “Please take one.” But no matter how early we got there, all the candy was always gone. We were furious at the other kids who had selfishly stolen it for themselves.
One year, we decided to swing by her house after school. We hung out across the street and waited. Eventually, she placed the box on her porch, got in her car, and drove away. We ran straight over — and found an empty box! We supposed it was her way of ensuring her house wasn’t egged while also not shelling out for candy. Many years later, my love of Halloween transferred over to my children. I’ll never forget the year they made their own costumes. Alecia was Princess Leia from Star Wars, and Nicholas converted a trash can to make himself look like R2D2! We had a wonderful tradition where a neighborhood family would always have a gathering at their house before trick-or-treating. The kids and parents would get together, have a chance to view everyone’s costumes, and snap some photos. My kids always loved that little meet-and-greet, and I hope they’ll be inclined to do something similar when they have their own children. After all, reliving your childhood through your kids’ Halloween adventures is one of the perks of being a parent.
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3 PLACES TO TRAVEL THIS SEASON Fall in Love With the Scenery!
Fall is the perfect time to plan a scenic vacation. You can find lower prices and fewer crowds at many popular destinations right now. Best of all, the views are incredible. From the changing colors of leaves to sunsets and mountains — a picture-perfect getaway awaits you! Here are three popular destinations to fall in love with this season. 1. ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Everyone can find something to enjoy in the mountains of the Carolinas. You can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike the Appalachian Trail for breathtaking views of mountains and sunsets. For history fans, get lost at the Biltmore Estate and learn more about the Vanderbilts. If you’re a fan of the nightlife, Asheville is known as Beer City USA, with more than 30 breweries and over 100 local brews. 2. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING The wildlife in Yellowstone is active in the fall, so you’ll get a chance to see bison, elk, and eagles during your stay. You may even observe bears preparing for hibernation. If you love to be outdoors during the
cooler months, then you will love biking, fishing, and hiking here during the fall. However, be aware that some roads will close for the winter in mid-October, so review park information ahead of time for accessibility. 3. SEDONA, ARIZONA It may be too hot to visit Arizona during the summer, but the fall months are perfect because the temperatures drop somewhat. If you love to see trees bursting with colorful leaves, hike the Baldwin Trail and Cookstove Trail. Sycamore, oak, and maple trees will shade you with their colorful canopies. Also, each year, the city holds a Day of the Dead celebration you can attend at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village in late October. These are only three of the many breathtaking destinations you can visit this season. For more locations, go to TravelAndLeisure.com/ trip-ideas/fall-vacations/best-fall-vacations. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip now, and don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the picture-perfect views!
DR. SCOTT HELPS A PATIENT KEEP DOING WHAT HE LOVES DON’T STOP THE MUSIC
Thomas Lee reports always having long eyelashes. But as he got older, they began to obstruct his vision, hanging down over the middle of his eye. His ophthalmologist recommended he see Dr. Scott — a move Thomas remembers as “refreshing because I had no idea that something could be done.” Dr. Scott diagnosed Thomas with ptosis, a condition where the eyelid droops. He also explained that Thomas’ eyelids hadn’t been closing all the way and were drying out his eyes. Dr. Scott then explained he could perform surgery to correct both problems, and the pair agreed to approach treatment on one eye at a time. Instead of being nervous before his procedures, Thomas says, “I was excited by the notion that this is something Dr. Scott does all the time.” Dr. Scott
also made Thomas feel relaxed by keeping him informed. “He explained exactly what he planned to do,” Thomas remembers, “and he was very articulate and knowledgeable about everything. Dr. Scott also had a great personality; you just got the sense that you were in good hands.” After the procedure, Thomas said, “I was expecting pain, but there was none whatsoever.” He is now seeing better and reports being “delighted by the results.” He also notes that he may have lost a wrinkle or two under his eyes, an outcome he calls “a bonus.” Thomas needs excellent vision to read music, which he has been performing all his life. He was a United States Marine Band member and played for six U.S. presidents, beginning with Lyndon B. Johnson and ending with George H.W. Bush.
From there, Thomas became involved in musicians’ unions. He ultimately served as president of the American Federation of Musicians, the largest musicians’ union in the world. Though he is now self-employed, Thomas notes, “My vision is really important in terms of reading contracts and the other documents that come to me. Any small deviation is noticeable immediately.” He’s grateful for Dr. Scott’s efforts in improving his eyesight. Thomas even called Dr. Scott’s office after seeing him named a top doctor of the year by Northern Virginia Magazine. “I told his staff that I understood why he was named one of the top doctors — and that to be a top doctor, you must have a top-notch team,” Thomas remembers. “The entire office should enjoy the designation because it confirms just how good they are and how well they work together.”
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THERE’S MORE TO CHOLESTEROL The Numbers You Might Not Know
We all know high cholesterol has the potential of increasing our risk of heart attack and stroke. Those who regularly see their doctor also probably get routine tests to determine their HDL (“good cholesterol”) and LDL (“bad cholesterol”). But did you know there might be more to the story? HDL and LDL are lipoproteins and carry cholesterol through our bloodstream. However, there are other lipoproteins that many doctors don’t request on routine blood panels. It’s problematic because those numbers tell us things HDL and LDL alone can’t. As a result, some people incorrectly believe that since their cholesterol is at a healthy level, they don’t have to worry about hardening of the arteries.
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is another important lipoprotein to measure. Multiple studies have shown that apoB levels provide a more accurate prediction for who is (and is not) at risk for heart disease and stroke. Unfortunately, not all doctors have adapted to ordering this test as a routine. While LDL cholesterol levels are felt by the American Heart Association to be a reliable indicator for most people, there are cases where LDL is within a normal range but apoB levels are high. People then have heart attacks or strokes while thinking they are perfectly healthy. Fortunately, there are treatments and medications that can reduce your apoB and thereby reduce this risk. The catch is, you need to know your apoB is elevated. So, I recommend that you do your own research about apoB so you are comfortable requesting this test the next time you go in to see your internist or cardiologist. If they have already checked your apoB in the past and it was normal, that is great, but it can go up or down over time so a repeat test might be helpful to confirm that it is still normal.
Lipoprotein (a) (known as LP(a) or “LP little a”) is another lipoprotein that can predict the risk for cardiovascular disease. Your level of LP(a) is genetically determined and roughly static throughout a lifetime. Depending on the study you reference, LP(a) is elevated in 10 to 20% of the population., and you can have a high LP(a) but have low LDL cholesterol and even a low apoB. For example, professional tennis player Arthur Ashe was in great shape but had a heart attack at age 36. He had a high level of LP(a). Unfortunately, there are no FDA approved treatments to lower LP(a). As a result, many doctors don’t order the test. But requesting it will provide peace of mind if your LP(a) is normal. Also, if you do have high LP(a), your doctor can help you maximally reduce your controllable risk factors, thereby lowering the overall danger of a heart attack or a stroke. Consider asking about these tests — the knowledge could be powerful and might save your life.
Cholesterol Basics: • HDL • LDL • … ?
CREAMY PARMESAN ORECCHIETTE
Inspired by PinchOfYum.com
INGREDIENTS For pasta: • 16 oz orecchiette • 3 cups cubed butternut squash • 3 cups broccolini • Olive oil • Salt, to taste • Ground black pepper, to taste • Pumpkin seeds
For sauce: • 3 tbsp butter • 2 cloves garlic • 1–2 tsp fresh minced thyme • 3 tbsp flour • 2–3 cups chicken broth • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese • Lemon juice, to taste • Salt, to taste
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us seven referrals this month!
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook orecchiette according to package directions. 2. On two baking sheets, place veggies. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400 F for 20–30 minutes until tender. 3. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and thyme, then sauté until soft. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Pour in the chicken broth 1/2 cup at a time, whisking to incorporate. Finish with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and salt. 4. Toss everything together. Top generously with pumpkin seeds and Parmesan cheese.
All of the dust and cobwebs in my house just became decorations. Thanks, Halloween!
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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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Dr. Scott’s Childhood Halloween Hijinks
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3 Picture-Perfect Fall Destinations
How Surgery Improved a Musician’s Life
The Complete Picture on Your Cholesterol
Creamy Parmesan Orecchiette
4 Tips for Being More Mindful
EMBRACING THE POWER OF NOW 4 TIPS FOR PRACTICING MINDFULNESS
SLOW DOWN. Try savoring the process of a task, even if it isn’t your favorite thing to do. Paying deliberate attention to your daily actions and activities, like doing the dishes or even folding laundry, promotes healthy focus and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed.
Have you ever sat down to eat a bowl of ice cream, then looked down a minute or two later to notice you only have one bite left? What about reaching your destination in the car and not recalling one thing about the entire trip? With the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s tough to be present 100% of the time, but we shouldn’t let our minds go on autopilot. Not only can this be a safety hazard, but it may also impact important relationships and reduce our enjoyment and satisfaction.
GET MOVING.
Incorporating exercise and movement into your daily routine helps you to become aware of your body’s sensations. You’ll be more appreciative of how your body responds to different stimuli and movements, and this trains you to be more aware of yourself.
With busy schedules and long to-do lists, how can we be more mindful? Here are four tips to help you embrace the power of now!
USE THE POWER OF MEDITATION. You don’t need to meditate for a long time, and it certainly doesn’t require special poses or guidance. But taking just five minutes out of your day to focus on your breathing and clear your mind counts as meditation. It can help you to be more aware, present, and productive, especially in times of stress.
PRACTICE MINDFUL EATING. Do you always eat in front of the television or computer? Try eating without distractions, dine in good company, or pay closer attention to flavors and textures of the meal — it’s good for both your body and soul!
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