Take a look at our June newsletter!
The
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
JUNE 2024
I still vividly remember the battered yellow-orange tent, stubbornly resisting every attempt to disassemble it because of its steel umbrella frame. Despite its quirks and weight, it became our sanctuary in nature’s wild elements — ah, the joys of camping. From a young age, my father instilled a love for the wilderness in me by taking our family on camping trips every summer. We celebrate the Great Outdoors Month in June as nature blooms into its full beauty. This month holds a special place in my heart, and my childhood memories of camping have shaped who I am today. Mornings in the wilderness always had a unique charm — the crisp morning air filled us with energy for the coming day of adventures. The simple joys of cooking outdoors, the warmth of the campfire, and the camaraderie shared over meals created lasting bonds. And when night fell, we were beaten by the day’s endless adventures and ready to rest. Even though we were sleeping on the ground, it didn’t matter because nature surrounded us and we were at peace. My love for the outdoors was deepened when I met my wife, who shares my passion for the great outdoors. Together, we have gone on countless adventures, from camping nearby to exploring the untamed beauty of Switzerland. Our family outings evolved into annual traditions when our children came along, each bringing a new place for us to discover together. Our home state holds many unique natural wonders, from breathtaking state parks to pristine preserves. Virginia has embraced the spirit of the Great Outdoors Month, promoting many outdoor activities for all ages. Whether you enjoy hiking along scenic trails, cycling through lush landscapes, or casting your fishing line into a body of water, there’s no shortage of opportunities to commune with nature. The significance of this month extends beyond personal endeavors. In recent years, Congress has officially designated June as the Great Outdoors Month, solidifying its place in our lives. It is a time for communities to come together to appreciate nature’s bountiful gifts and partake in its many activities. UNLEASH YOUR INNER EXPLORER THIS JUNE Let’s Get Wild
“The simple joys of cooking outdoors,
the warmth of the campfire, and the camaraderie shared over meals created lasting bonds.”
For me, skiing has always been a cherished hobby; it is a thrill that connects me to the great outdoors. But since I recently underwent surgery on my knee, it has been challenging to get back out there. However, I know that in time, I will make a long-awaited comeback to one of my favorite sports. In the meantime, I find joy in the rhythm of bike rides, discovering new trails to embark on. As we bask in the beauty of June and the summer months ahead, let us submerge
ourselves in the wonders of nature with open arms and an open mind about the benefits it can offer us. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through a park or an adrenaline-fueled excursion, the great outdoors calls our name to explore and immerse ourselves in the earth’s natural beauty; seize this opportunity to create lasting memories for you and those you love. Let your mind and body find rebirth and gratitude in fresh air!
1
(703) 620-4300
EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER
OFF THE RADAR
HIDDEN GEM VACATION DESTINATIONS
CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK If you have ever felt envious of the prospectors who made their riches during the California Gold Rush, then pay a visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, where you can discover your own hidden gems! You can discover rare rocks and minerals in a massive field birthed by volcanic activity, including diamonds, amethysts, garnets, and quartz. The best part? Anything you find, you can keep! Seekers have found more than 35,000 diamonds at the park since it opened in 1972, and with some luck, you could add a few more to that tally!
Are you tired of visiting hyped-up vacation destinations or getting lost in a big city or crowded national park? If so, consider a holiday at a less congested, more laid-back locale. These hidden gems offer beautiful views and exciting excursions — all without the headaches that come with vacationing to big-name destinations!
PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK Make an excursion to Pinnacles in California to enjoy the splendor of nature without having to share space with millions of tourists. With over 30 miles of hiking trails crisscrossing rocky hills and river-strewn caverns, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for memorable adventure. Despite its wondrous views, Pinnacles was named the 15th least-visited national park in 2023, with just over 340,000 annual visitors.
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK Make your way to Oregon and dive into the deepest lake in the country! Crater Lake National Park’s namesake was formed when a volcanic eruption triggered a mountain to come apart in spectacular fashion. You can stay at plenty of campsites and find excellent fishing in the lake’s pristine and seemingly bottomless water. If you are a fan of hiking, fishing, or breathtaking views, then Crater Lake is for you.
A TRANSFORMATION THROUGH EYELID SURGERY In the Spotlight: Frances Callaway
When my eye doctor referred me to a new office due to my droopy eyelids, I was unsure what to expect. I had been experiencing squinting and monovision, with one eye often closed. The doctor they referred me to was charming and took the time to explain everything; this doctor was Dr. Kevin Scott of Eye Plastic Associates. He exceeded my expectations in every way. Undergoing this experience was genuinely transformative; the care and comfort I experienced made all the difference in the world. During my initial consultation, he took pictures of my eyes, clearly showing my issue. He described the procedure and the expected outcomes, which helped alleviate some of my concerns. I had visited my original eye doctor to renew my contacts, and the referral surprised me. Although I was nervous and not trying to change my physical appearance, my primary goal was to improve my eyesight and ensure both eyes looked the same. The procedure was scheduled and I followed the pre-operation instructions carefully.
The recovery process was smoother than I anticipated. I had the procedure done on a Wednesday and felt significantly better by Saturday. I diligently applied cold compresses and ice to my face, which minimized the bruising and helped me with the healing process. The slight bruising that I did get faded quickly. The results were fantastic! My eyes were open for the first time in a long while and I could see clearly with more light entering my vision. I could not be happier with the outcome; the entire experience satisfied me. Dr. Scott’s genuine care, professionalism, and supportive staff made the process comfortable and reassuring. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone facing similar issues. His expertise and my positive experience truly set him apart from the rest. Thank you, Dr. Scott! –Frances Callaway
2 EyePlasticMD.com
How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions
A WRINKLE-FREE FUTURE THE RIGHT TIME FOR BOTOX
Have you heard of the debate surrounding the appropriate age to begin these treatments? It is suggested that individuals should start Botox treatments in their mid-20s to 30s, depending on their facial structure. The logic is that if they start early, they can delay the formation of deep lines. However, if you wait until you already have noticeable lines, the effects of Botox may serve to keep these lines at bay. Currently, there is limited research focusing explicitly on the long-term benefits of preventative Botox. One notable study followed twin sisters over 13 years, during which one twin received Botox treatment to the forehead region and glabellar area (between the brows) 2–3 times per year and the other twin only had two treatments in total over those 13 years. The treated twin had dramatically fewer lines in both of these areas when compared to her twin sister. Even if you are genetically predisposed to developing facial lines due to family history and similar facial aging, it is essential to weigh the risks before starting botox treatments at a young age. The risk of side effects, such as droopiness of the brow or eyelid is present with each Botox injection. Additionally, it becomes expensive to treat the face with Botox 2, 3 or 4 times a year starting in your 20s. Therefore, Dr. Scott currently recommends waiting until you have some visible lines before beginning treatment. This approach not only addresses existing lines but also helps mitigate the appearance of additional
lines as we grow older. The
frequency of Botox injections can vary from twice up to 4 times a year depending upon your goals.
It is essential to note that overtreatment can lead to subtle but noticeable changes in facial structure, where individuals might look different without being able to pinpoint why. This can be avoided by starting
Botox treatments only when visible lines are present and not overdoing these treatments. The overuse of Botox can sometimes result in an unnaturally smooth or expressionless appearance. Botox, like other cosmetic treatments, plays a role in the broader strategy of skincare, which includes protecting the skin from sun damage and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Until more comprehensive studies are conducted on the long-term effects and benefits of preventative Botox, it is wise to approach this early treatment with caution.
GRILLED RED CURRY BEEF SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE Inspired by StarTribune.com
BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
INGREDIENTS
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us six referrals this month!
•
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
• • •
1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper Salt and pepper, to taste
• •
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Place sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine. 3. Arrange the sweet potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. 4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
“The mountains are calling. Don’t let it go to voicemail.”
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
Get Excited for Great Outdoors Month
2 2 3 3 4
Perfect Spots for a Laid-Back Holiday
Frances’ Journey to Clear Vision
Preventive Botox 101
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
The Appeal and Evolution of Scrabble
EXPLORING THE RICH HISTORY OF SCRABBLE
In 1931, the Great Depression — the worst economic crisis in American history — had thoroughly dampened the country’s spirit. Amidst the crisis, Alfred M. Butts, an out-of-work New York architect, decided to create a game to take his mind off the economy. Aspiring to develop a classic to join the ranks of other timeless card and board games, Butts came up with the idea for a board-and-tile game he non- committedly named “Criss Cross,” which we now know as Scrabble. THE ARCHITECT’S PLAN At its core, Scrabble was inspired by crossword puzzles and always featured the iconic lettered tiles, each with separate quantities and point values. Butts determined the point values by surfing through his collection of local newspapers and counting how often each letter appeared. To prevent players from creating too many cheap plurals, he included only four “S” tiles in each box and assigned the letter a measly 1 point. Butts was eager to share his idea with the world, but the world was not as eager to receive it. He pitched the game to several publishers and retailers, but all rejected it. Butts had to retail it on a small scale, and the game did not
become the surefire hit he expected it to be. It wasn’t until fellow New Yorker James Brunot discovered the game that things changed for the better. Brunot offered to mass-produce the game and, in exchange, would provide Butts with a portion of the profits, which Butts happily agreed to. BRUNOT’S BARGAIN As soon as Brunot secured the rights to the game, he began making significant changes to it. These included redesigning the board, its color, players’ starting position, and the location of various score multiplier tiles. But his most important contribution was changing its name to Scrabble! The owner of Macy’s then discovered the game and offered to carry it in his stores. Brunot went from creating 12 copies of the game an hour when he first acquired the rights to 2,000 sets per week by 1952. By 1954, millions of copies were sold. Today, the game has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold over 100 million copies. People play the game worldwide, in tournaments and living rooms alike, and it has allowed millions to share in the joy initially envisioned by a down- on-his-luck architect in a time when hope was a distant prospect.
4
EyePlasticMD.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator