Signs You May Have A Shoulder Injury

You’ve been playing a little too much pickleball or bowling, holding babies or toddlers too long or carrying heavy groceries into the house. Now you have some aches and pains in your shoulder and it’s hard to sleep at night. A part of your shoulder called your rotator cuff might be to blame and, no, this injury doesn’t just happen to professional athletes.

Pushing Through Arthritis

Your body is a machine that gets put through its paces each and every day and your joints take the brunt of the workload. Thanks to hours of walking, carrying packages and babies, running, playing sports and standing, you might find that your joints — such as your knees, hips or neck – hurt and feel a little stiff. This could be osteoarthritis.

Local Doctor Offers Patient-Centered House Call Chiropractic Care in a Fully Mobile Clinic

ProMotion Chiropractic and Therapeutics – a mobile chiropractic clinic – is offering a new approach to chiropractic care. Although mobile chiropractic is not a new concept, there are currently no other self-contained mobile clinics in the Charleston area. Historically, in-home doctor visits accounted for nearly 40% of patient care until the 1970s, but from the 1980s through today, patients have found themselves fighting traffic, waiting for appointments and missing work to get to the doctor. Seeing an opportunity to address this vacancy, Greg implemented a fully mobile practice in order to allay current anxiety surrounding doctor visits and to address the changing infrastructure in the area. 

David M. Gilston Insurance Agency Assisting Clients in Affordable Care Act Enrollment

If you missed the opportunity to obtain affordable health insurance late last year, you now have another chance to protect yourself and your family members from the financial disaster that can accompany serious medical issues. President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order that established a special enrollment period for coverage under the Affordable Care Act. You can go to the trouble of signing up on your own, or you can enlist the help of a qualified insurance agent – which won’t cost you a thing.

Legends in Real Estate: Jana Bantz & Associates

Choosing a Realtor involves evaluating their local experience, knowledge of the market and professional approach as the top reasons why you should choose them to represent your interests when you buy or sell a home. Possibly a more important aspect of a Realtor is the relationships full-time professional Realtors nurture with their clients.

Urgent or Emergency? When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

Nobody wants to think about a medical emergency happening to them or their loved ones, but the fact is that illnesses and accidents can happen. If they do, your health – or the health of your loved one – shouldn’t wait. Be prepared by knowing now when you should get to the emergency room, what the medical staff can do for you and when the ER may not be the best place for your symptoms.

See the Christmas lights with Celebrate The Season in Moncks Corner

In its tenth year, Celebrate The Season was primed to fly past the $1-million mark in funds raised to support Berkeley County-area charitable organizations. With a plan developed specifically to keep volunteers and attendees safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the show will indeed go on, highlighted by the Holiday Lights Driving Tour, a mile-long beacon of brilliance that is expected to attract 30,000 visitors.

History 1989 – 2020

During the year 1988, the Berkeley County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse introduced the prevention concept. It became apparent if Prevention was to be accepted, it needed the input and support of Berkeley County citizens. The first countywide Prevention Board was established in 1989 with approximately 12 individuals representing various agencies and communities.

Sarah Beem State Farm a Dream Come True

When she visited the Summerville area, Sarah Beem saw the potential of its growth and wanted to be a part of it. Beem is originally from Greenville. She previously worked in property management and the equine show circuit for eight years, which she left to pursue starting her business. While living in Greenville she saw what happened to the city when BMW was established; Greenville became one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

I Have Pain In My Throat and My Voice Has Changed. Should I See A Doctor?

When someone gets emotional, it’s said that they have a lump in their throat. While that kind of lump is harmless, you may have a reason for concern if you actually see or feel a lump.  The symptoms of something more serious are not always obvious. They can mimic other diseases. But if you have a lingering sore throat, a sinus infection that won’t go away, neck pain, voice changes, breathing difficulties, coughing or trouble swallowing, all of these symptoms can be indicators of thyroid cancer.

Why Joint Replacement is Better at a Surgery Center

Lowcountry Orthopaedics is a pioneer in performing same-day joint replacement surgery utilizing the most advanced robotic-arm assisted surgical technology. The first independent practice in the Lowcountry to develop this program in an outpatient surgery center setting, the Robotic Joint Replacement Program at Lowcountry Orthopaedics Outpatient Surgery Center allows patients to have total joint replacement surgery and return home the same day! Patients benefit by eliminating the need for hospital admission and can rehabilitate at home. 

When to See an Endocrinologist for Thyroid Disorders

Through the hormone it produces, the thyroid influences almost all of the important processes in your body, including breathing, heart rate, digestion and temperature. These systems fluctuate depending on the amount of thyroid hormone being secreted. Problems occur if the thyroid makes too much or too little hormone. When functioning improperly, the thyroid can cause a range of problems, including drastic changes to your weight, energy, digestion or mood.

COVID-19 Mobile Clinics Are Just One Way Fetter Health Care Network Is Meeting a Community Need

When the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact the United States, Fetter Health Care Network answered the call in the Lowcountry. With many uncertainties such as testing supplies, personal protective equipment or reimbursement rates, Fetter knew they needed to step up and serve their community. Since March 2020, Fetter has served over 13,600 patients across Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Fetter currently leads the model for COVID-19 mobile test clinics amongst Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC) in the state. “We understand the importance and need to reach vulnerable populations,” Fetter Chief Executive Officer Aretha Jones-Powers explained. “We are a safety net provider and we are here to serve all communities in our service areas.”

Lowcountry Women With Breast Cancer Share How To Find The Right Oncology Practice

Women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are faced with a myriad of decisions to make about their care. Treatment plans vary for each woman, depending greatly on stage, grade, type, pathology results, genetics, and more. A woman’s oncologist will remain a part of their long-range treatment plan long after the initial surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy is over. On average, women consider 2-3 oncologists before determining with whom to embark on their breast cancer journey.

When the Pain Just Won’t Go Away

Are you dealing with a crick in your neck that seems to linger forever? Do you wake up with shoulder discomfort that lasts throughout the day and sometimes disrupts your sleep in the middle of the night? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from these common issues, but there are ways to ease your pain.

From Humble Beginnings to a Haven for Caregivers: The ARK, Then and Now

Becoming a caregiver for a loved one is a role few are truly prepared for. It’s typically thrust upon people, who can quickly become overwhelmed. That was Peg Lahmeyer’s situation in 1990 when her father passed away, and she and her family became caregivers to her mother who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She had to quit her job, even with a toddler and a two teenagers at home.

Weighing In On Weight Loss

It seems to make sense that if you eat less food, you’ll lose weight. But that’s not necessarily the case, according to Dr. John B. Cleek, an internal medicine specialist with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners. Dr. Cleek points out that genetics are responsible for 50 to 70 percent of a person’s weight, but other factors contribute to what your bathroom scale tells you each morning. For example, if you don’t get enough sleep, your metabolism decreases and your appetite increases.

A Day at The ARK

Do you ever wonder what a day at The ARK looks like or what social respite means? Respite programs give family caregivers a much-needed break from the stress of round-the-clock caregiving. Our program is a social model program (it is not medical) that keeps loved ones with memory issues connected to their community through fellowship, meaningful activities and lots of fun that enhances their independence and self-esteem.

This Screening Can Truly Help Save Your Life

While everyone knows colonoscopies are not exactly the most pleasant procedure, getting screened for colon cancer is incredibly important — and can potentially save your life. “Many of the symptoms are silent, so many people will not have any major symptoms whatsoever,” says Dr. Jorge Lagares-Garcia of Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “Pain can be a late symptom of very advanced colorectal cancer.”

The Things Your Mother Never Told You About Menopause

Menopause is a natural, normal process, but for some women it can feel quite mysterious — because it’s something so few people discuss.
“I frequently hear, ‘Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?’ All of a sudden women can’t sleep, and they have no idea what’s going on,” says Dr. Elaine Eustis, with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners OB/GYN. “They see two or three doctors before they get to me. It’s surprising to me that more women don’t talk about this.”

So Much More Than Running: Race For The ARK Turns 20

“Runners take your mark”. It has evolved every year for nearly two decades, but to Peg Lahmeyer, the scene never gets old. Listening to the horn and watching the mass of runners surge from the starting line remains emotional for the executive director of The ARK of South Carolina. Because each of the competitors is there to support the organization’s mission of helping local families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

5 Signs that Something is Wrong with Your Pet

Although they don’t speak the same language, animals are excellent communicators. As pet owners, we just have to learn how to listen. However, even the most attentive person can overlook early signs of illness, especially because they may often be mistaken for normal signs of aging.

Understanding Weight Loss Surgery

Everyone knows losing weight—and keeping it off long-term—can be challenging, especially for obese individuals who need to lose significant amounts of weight. For many people, bariatric surgery can be a great option that doesn’t just help you lose weight but helps you maintain lifelong health and a better quality of life. “Bariatric surgery is becoming the gold standard for the treatment of people with morbid obesity and the medical problems related to it,” says Dr. Bryan Thomas, who specializes in bariatric and general surgery at Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “The goal is for you to reach a healthy weight and then maintain that weight for the rest of your life.”

Give Hope for a Home — Donate to Your Local Habitat This Season

The holiday season is a great time to reflect on the bounty of our lives. And when it comes to making the warm, fuzzy feeling last as long as possible, giving back to the community is the way to make it happen. The Dorchester County Habitat for Humanity is gearing up for another year of The Angel Tree Program, a special way to ensure neighbors in our area have hope for a home. According to Resource Development and Marketing Director Moriah Hollander, donations to Dorchester Habitat throughout this holiday season are a gift that keeps on giving.

Celebrate the Season is Back

Santee Cooper’s Celebrate the Season, the monthlong charitable holiday festival, is back with all the splendor and cheer guests have come to expect. Presented by Berkeley Electric Cooperative, the colorful Holiday Lights Driving Tour and accompanying Weekend Holiday Fairs are affordable, wholesome fun for the entire family.

Through the eyes of a caregiver, ‘making life the best as it can be

When Ernie Blaylock and his wife Silvia moved back to Dorchester to care for his mom, it was the fulfillment of a vow.
“We promised Dad we would take care of them and the property when the time came.”
That time arrived two years ago when Silvia and Ernie relocated from Oklahoma to Dorchester to care for his mother, Augustine Blaylock, and oversee the property that is his family’s legacy.

4 Signs You Should See a Doctor for a Breast Cancer Screening

It’s imperative for women to make sure they’re maintaining good breast health. While women can’t control their genetics or a family history of breast cancer, what they CAN control is seeking proper medical treatment and screenings. If you are age 40 or older, you should be seeing a healthcare provider for routine screening mammograms, says Dr. Susanne Bradford, an OB/GYN with Roper St. Francis Physician Partners.

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Place to Board Your Beloved Pet

As much as you’d like to, taking your beloved pet with you everywhere you go isn’t always possible. Whether it’s for an out-of-town business trip or family vacation, a safe and reliable pet boarding facility may be the best option for your pet’s wellbeing and your piece of mind. Some of the same things you would look for in a veterinary clinic will still hold true when searching for a kennel, but there are also some others to consider.

5 Reasons Funerals Are Important

“When words are inadequate, we turn to ritual.” Since the earliest days of humanity, across civilizations and cultures, humans have honored their dead with some kind of ritual. The ritual persists into modernity, and for good reason: funerals serve a very important purpose, according to Parks Funeral Home, a third-generation business in Summerville. Consider all the reasons […]

Restoring Hope: 5 Ways Shopping at a ReStore Supports Your Community

The changing season always inspires us to change up things in our lives and in our homes. Now that the weather is cooling off just a bit, it can make us think about shopping for cozy new items that reflect our tastes. The good news is, there’s a way to breathe fresh air into your household decor without breaking the bank – and while feeling great about giving back to your own community.

Is Permanent Birth Control Right for You?

From pills to implants and everything in between, there are a wide variety of birth control options available. However, most methods are temporary – meaning you can start or discontinue use at any time. For women who know they do not want to have children or are confident they are finished having children, permanent birth control may be the solution.

Is It Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?

Sponsored by: Roper St. Francis HealthcareCharleston’s summers are no joke. The high temperatures combined with the high humidity can be potentially dangerous if you don’t pay attention to your body. Whether mowing the grass, playing at the beach or even working in the blistering sun, it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and […]

25 Years of Homes and Hope in the Lowcountry

Once upon a time in 1993, a passionate group of local volunteers felt called to take on the important task of helping their neighbors. That group eventually became the Dorchester Habitat for Humanity, and their mission still rings true in 2018 –“Putting God’s Love Into Action by Bringing People Together Building Homes and Hope.”

In-Home Care For Seniors: What Types of Services Are Available?

Searching for the best care options for an aging loved one might seem like a daunting decision, but it doesn’t have to be. According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to more than double to over 98 million by 2060. Thankfully, so has the wide range of in-home care options for taking care of seniors.

4 Ways to Get Ahead on Spring Cleaning This Year

Winter is almost over! Even those of us who appreciate winter for its better characteristics (like the excuse to eat comfort food or cozy up next to the fire) are secretly ready to get everything cleaned out and organized. Between Christmas, snow days and tax paperwork, the task can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to!

5 Facts and Fictions About Dorchester Habitat for Humanity

We’ve all heard about the great work Habitat for Humanity does for communities around the world. But how much do you actually know about the organization?

For example, did you know that there’s a Habitat affiliate right here in Dorchester County? Since 1993, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity has been “Building Homes and Hope” with the help of an inspiring community of volunteers. Here are a few other facts and fictions you should know about our local Habitat for Humanity chapter.

Know Where to Drop Off Your Unused Prescription Drugs and Opiates

Open any medicine cabinet in this country and you’re likely to find one or two unused prescriptions. We’re given a drug for a tooth extraction, but need to use only one or two pills. Or we have minor surgery but use only half the medication.

What happens to all these leftovers? Some are flushed down the toilet. Others are thrown in the trash. Many continue to accumulate in the medicine cabinet.

5 Reasons to Attend Santee Cooper’s Celebrate The Season in 2017

It’s time to get festive again for the holidays, and Santee Cooper’s Celebrate the Season, presented by Berkeley Electric Cooperative, is the perfect occasion to do just that. Located in Moncks Corner and serving everyone in Berkeley County and beyond, this annual holiday festival goes on throughout the entire month of December and involves must-sees for the entire family.

Do You Have Glaucoma — and Not Know It?

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of preventable blindness in the world. More than four million Americans have glaucoma, but according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only half of these individuals know they have the disease. Here’s what you need to know about glaucoma, its symptoms and treatment options. What causes glaucoma? Glaucoma occurs […]

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Balance?

Q:  What symptoms and risks are most commonly associated with “bad balance”? A:  Good balance is often taken for granted.  Most people don’t find it difficult to walk across a gravel driveway, transition from walking on a sidewalk to grass, or get out of bed in the middle of the night without stumbling.  However, with […]

How School Athletics Benefit Students

Sports may be a fun way for kids to get active, but athletic programs can also positively impact student development. “We’ve seen firsthand how athletics develop our students’ leadership and character capabilities,” says Eric Denton, headmaster at St. John’s Christian Academy, a private K3-12 school in Moncks Corner, S.C. “They also encourage good sportsmanship and […]

5 Ways Local Students Are Giving Back This Year

In addition to academics, students at St. John’s Christian Academy in Moncks Corner are engaged in several initiatives to give back both locally and across the globe.Community service is engrained into classroom and extracurricular activities at the school, says Dr. Eric Denton, headmaster at the school, which serves students grades K-12. Students can build valuable […]