table of contents in every issue

FROM THE EDITORS 2

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX/WEB SITES 3

special sections
BEAUTY 5
DINING 6
FASHION /ACCESSORIES 9
DOLLARS AND SENSE 11
(FINANCIAL, INSURANCE, LEGAL and REAL ESTATE)
12 Selecting a Financial Advisor
Jan Jernigan, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
14 KeenanSuggs’ Personal Approach to Insurance
Makes a Difference
16 Why Do Women Make Great Real Estate Agents?
Lynwood Duke, Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors
GARDEN/LANDSCAPING 17
HEALTH CARE 19
20 Endometrial Ablation—
An Alternative to Hysterectomy
Megan K. Wright, Providence Hospitals
23 Vitamin D Deficiency
Albert E. Odom Jr., MD, Columbia Women’s Healthcare
25 Spring Into a New You
Jandrette Roe, MD, Midlands Medical Wellness Center
26 The Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Dr. Kimberlee Goode, Women’s Physicians Associates
27 Raise Your Hands! Options for Hand Rejuvenation
Ram Kalus, MD, Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas
28 Lexington Medical Center Celebrates Doula Month
HOME DÉCOR 30
PETS 33
SENIORS 35
36 Making Wise Insurance Investments for the Future
Shep Cutler, Cutler & Associates
39 Options in Caregiving
Mary Katherine Bagnal, MSW, CMC, CGC, Senior Matters
42 I’m Not Ready for a Retirement Community!
Heather Bachman, Wildewood Downs

SERVICES 43
44 Become a Cultural Heritage Tourist in Your Own Backyard
Latrice F. Williams, Historic Columbia Foundation
45 Time to Call a Plumber?
48 Turning a Greener Leaf
Rachel Case, Jim Hudson Lexus

Spring/Summer 2010 1

Volume VII, Number 2
Spring/Summer 2010
Ad Wise Marketing
Circulation: 30,000 Annually
15,000 per Bi-annual Edition
Managing Editor
and Operations:
Cathy Kline
Sales and Marketing:
Peggy Jacobs
Katie Evatt
Jen Elkins
Design and Cover Art:
Melissa Ligon
Copy Editor:
Victoria Reed
The Columbia Notebook
(What Women Want)
is published twice a year
by a division of:
Ad Wise Marketing
709 Woodrow St. PMB 319
Columbia, SC 29205
803.799.9922
info@thecolumbianotebook.com
www.thecolumbianotebook.com
Please contact The Columbia Notebook
for advertising rates or requests for
obtaining The Columbia Notebook.
Our circulation makes The Columbia
Notebook highly useful with its handy
size, sharp appearance and
comprehensive information.
©2010. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of this publication in part or
in whole may occur without written
permission from the publisher. Not for resale.
Every effort has been made to verify the
accuracy of all information. Please call ahead
to verify hours of operation and prices as
they may change due to economic factors.
Information included in this book is, to the best
of our knowledge, accurate and correct.
Neither Ad Wise Marketing nor any of the
advertisers assumes responsibility or liability for
incorrect, incomplete or inaccurate information.
All trademarks, registrations and brand names
should be taken as read.
2
from the editors
It’s easy enough to make a list of flaws
when you look at a culture such as
South Carolina’s. You could note our
propensity for making embarrassing
headlines, our infrastructural inade-
quacies and our shabby statistical
standings.
But the real wealth of our state
shows up clearly when you
consider the reasons most of us
wouldn’t live anywhere else.
…consider
Our values, with an emphasis on fami- the value of
ly and hospitality, should head this
column, followed by a strong sense of shopping
community and an ever-growing
diverse population of eclectic and tal-
where you
ented people, drawn here by the
potential opportunities that many of
live.
us are already realizing. There is room for change, room for
growth and room to be successful — that beautiful Carolina
blue sky is the limit. These are thoughts worth contemplating as
you lie on a beach towel or hike to a mountainside waterfall.
Supporting change, growth and success is a two-way street.
Every one of us gains when we choose to hire, contract with or
purchase from a local service provider or retailer. As hard as it can
be to resist those “big box” discount chains, surprisingly enough
local establishments can often compete price-wise and, almost
always, provide support that is convenient, warm-hearted and
directly connected back into the community in which we live.
So next time you’re tempted to use the Internet to source a
service or product, please also consider the value of shopping
where you live. We believe you may be pleasantly surprised; in
fact, our advertisers in The Columbia Notebook are noted for
their excellence, each one experienced first-hand by one of our
staff members. Their presence in these pages is a testimony to
the highest quality service or product.
Improving the local economy by supporting our advertisers is
one way we hope The Columbia Notebook makes a difference;
another is our idea to share some uncommon words pertinent
to each section of our magazine that complements and
enhances your cleverness in making good purchasing decisions.
They might even improve your Scrabble® score!
Welcome, Spring and Summer issue readers!
Cathy & Peggy
advertisers’ index/web sites
BEAUTY KeenanSuggs BowersElkins ..............11
keenansuggs.com
Straight As String/Marcy Price ............5
straightasstring.com Morgan Stanley
greenhair.salon.net Smith Barney ......................................BC
morganstanley.com
Vintage Salon........................................5
vintagesaloncolumbiasc.com Mungo Homes ....................................15
mungo.com
DINING Ouzts, Ouzts & Varn, PC......................13
Cantina 76 ............................................7 oovcpa.com
cantina76.com Rogers Townsend and Thomas..........15
Devine Foods ........................................8 rtt-law.com
Dianne’s on Devine ..............................7 Russell & Jeffcoat................................16
diannesondevine.com russellandjeffcoat.com
DiPrato’s ................................................7 Security Federal Trust ........................13
dipratos.com securityfederalbank.com
Garden Bistro ........................................6 www.CarolinaMortgage.sc ..............IBC
gardenbistrosc.com www.carolinamortgage.sc
Groucho’s Deli ......................................8 GARDEN/
grouchos.com LANDSCAPING
Hooligan’s..............................................8 Appletree Landscaping
Tombo Grille..........................................8 & Garden Center ................................18
tombogrille.com Blue Moon Landscaping ....................17
Villa Tronco............................................6 Forest Lake Gardens ..........................17
villatronco.com
Z Pizza....................................................7 H E A LT H C A R E
zpizza.com
Columbia Skin Clinic ..........................19
columbiaskinclinic.com
FA S H I O N /
ACCESSORIES Columbia Women’s Healthcare..........22
columbiawhc.com
Alderman Ford Antiques....................10
stores.ebay.com/Alderman-Ford Family Medicine Centers of SC ..........29
fmcofsc.com
Carolina Fine Jewelry ..........................9
carolinafinejewelry.com Fields Chiropractic..............................19
fieldschiro.com
DeLibel Boutique..................................9
Inspiring Fitness/Lori Lapin ..............29
Non(e)such ..........................................10
nonesuchltd.com Lexington Medical Center..................28
lexmed.com
Round Robin ......................................10
roundrobinondevine.com Medicine Mart Pharmacy ..................29
Midland’s Medical Wellness Center ..25
DOLLARS & SENSE midlandsmedwc.com
Harwood Financial Services ..............15 Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas ........27
harwoodfinancialservices.com plasticsurgerycarolina.com
The Hobbs Group ..............................13 Providence Women’s Health ..............21
hobbscpa.com providencehospitals.com
KeenanSuggs ......................................14 The Vein Clinic ....................................24
keenansuggs.com veincliniconline.com
continued on next page
3
 advertisers’ index/web sites continued

Women Physicians Associates ..........26 Jim Hudson Lexus..............................IFC

wpaobgyn.com
HOME DÉCOR
Dan’s Fan City......................................32
dansfancity.com
House of Frames
& Paintings Gallery ............................31
hofpgallery.com
Meeting Street Interiors ....................30
The Picture Place ................................30
Simply Interiors ..................................31
Paul D. Sloan Interiors ........................32
pdsinteriors.com
TropicAire............................................31
tropicaire.com
jimhudsonlexus.com
Kirk Contracting ................................46
kirkcontractingllc.com
Meetze Plumbing ..............................45
meetzeplumbing.com
Morganelli’s Party Store ....................46
Henry Patton Pool,
Fountain & Spa Services ....................43
Sincerely Yours, Inc. ............................46
sincerelyyoursinc.net
Upstairs Audio ....................................46
upstairsaudio.com
WineStyles ..........................................47
winestylesstore.com

PETS
Camp BowWow ..................................34
campbowwow.com
Four Paws Animal Clinic ....................33
fourpawsanimalclinic.com
Project Pet ..........................................34
projectpet.com
Pupcakes ............................................33
pupcakespetboutique.com

SENIORS
Bank of America ................................35
bankofamerica.com
In memory of
Cutler & Associates ............................37
cutlerassociates.com
In Home Matters, LLC ........................38
seniormatters.com
Jake,
Senior Matters ....................................41 my gentle
seniormatters.com giant.
Wildewood Downs..............................42
wildewood-downs.com

SERVICES
Crescendo Advertising ......................47
crescendoadv.com
Dutch Heating & Air Conditioning ....43
dutchheatingandair.com
March 1995–September 26, 2009
Historic Columbia Foundation ..........44
historiccolumbia.org

4
revivify: tr.v. To impart new life, energy or spirit to.

Marcy Price
10 years experience in Yuko
Japanese Straightening Systems
2000 Park Street | Suite 104
Columbia SC 29201
803.779.6288
Please call for a free consultation.

www.straightasstring.com
greenhairsalon.net

Featuring Yuko System products.

Spring/Summer 2010 5
 esculent: adj. Suitable for eating; edible.

6 Spring/Summer 2010
 DINING

Miss Martha Nelle’s a TAStE of

‘Down-Home’ Fruit Cobbler
This super-easy dessert can be made with
M e X I C O
with a unique Southern twist.
any fresh fruit: our wonderful peaches,
Join us for lunch, after-work margaritas or dinner.
blackberries or blueberries work Located at 2901-A Devine Street. Muy Bueno.
especially well. 803.708.6004 ~ www.cantina76.com
Put 1 qt of sweetened fruit and
1 stick of butter into a greased glass
casserole dish and heat until bubbly at
350 degrees.
In the meantime, sift together:
1 c sugar, 1 c flour and 1 T baking
powder (unless flour is self-rising, in
which case add only 1 tsp). Mix in
1 slightly beaten egg to the flour
mixture with a fork.
Crumble mixture over top of the
warmed fruit and butter, put back in
the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Enjoy with your favorite ice cream.

Spring/Summer 2010 7
 DINING

Eight Columbia
Locations:
BLYTHEWOOD ST. ANDREWS
Village at Blythewood 2009 Broad
Next to University Club River Road
730 University 803.750.3118
Village Dr.
803.754.4509 SPARKLEBERRY
CROSSING
FIVE POINTS Clemson &
611 Harden Street Sparkleberry
803.799.5708 By Putt Putt
803.419.6767
FOREST ACRES
4717 Forest Drive WEST COLUMBIA
803.790.0801 2265 Sunset Blvd.
803.796.7826
LEXINGTON
117-1/2
E. Main Street
803.356.8800
IRMO
800 Lake Murray
Boulevard, #2
803.749.4515
www.grouchos.com

It’s all
Greek to us.

Fresh-prepared food daily

To-go box lunches and
catering services available

Devine Foods
(803) 252-0356
2702 Devine Street Columbia, SC 29205

8 Spring/Summer 2010
lappet: n. A decorative flap or
loose fold on a garment; a flaplike structure

CAROLINA FINE JEWELRY

SERVING COLUMBIA SINCE 1974
Diamond Point • 8502-A Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC • 803.736.0415 • 803.736.0540

Spring/Summer 2010 9
 FASHION/ACCESSORIES

Bright, Punchy Color is IN

for Spring/Summer 2010
Whether it is a statement piece of jewelry,
an extraordinary bag, or a fabulous pair
of shoes, on-trend items will guarantee
you the perfect look for spring.
The 2010 Spring/Summer collections
were all about eye-catching colors and
prints. Out of all the collections shown, a
favorite of almost all designers was neon
highlighter yellow. Bold prints shown
were tribal, abstract geometric and digital
looking. So what do you accessorize with
all these bright colors and prints? More
intense colors!
Handbags for spring should be vivid but
simple enough that you will be able to
coordinate with other bright colors
and/or prints. Fuschia, orange, lime green,
anything goes. Punch up your wardrobe
with super-bright accessories and enjoy THE FORUM n 2800 DEVINE STREET
the season!
803.771.7610

Let our advertisers

know you saw them
in The Columbia
Notebook

10 Spring/Summer 2010
maven: n. A person who has
special knowledge or experience;
an expert

Spring/Summer 2010 11
 DOLL ARS & SENSE

Selecting a Financial Advisor

by Jan Jernigan, Vice President, Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Columbia SC
Telephone: (803) 251-3248

Many successful profes- A good financial

sionals don’t have the
time, information, or
It’s important advisor should
be a good teacher
know-how to effectively
manage their finances
and plan for the future.
that you find By gauging your current
level of financial knowl-
Finding someone to help
is very important, but the
someone with edge, your financial
advisor should explain
process can involve sig-
nificant risks. All too
often, we hear stories of
whom you feel options and choices in
language you under-
less-than-scrupulous
individuals who end up
taking advantage of
at ease. stand, while also sharing
new concepts that help
you think more dynami-
clients. To help you on your search, here are cally and proactively. Look for a financial
some essential guidelines for selecting a advisor who has a broad level of knowledge
financial advisor.
on a wide range of financially-related topics.
Find a financial advisor with Choose someone with a
whom you’re compatible good team in place
It’s important that you find someone with
Choose a financial advisor who can work with
whom you feel at ease. Open channels of
you and your network of specialists. The
communication are imperative. You should
financial advisor should be able to help you
feel comfortable enough to honestly share
coordinate the roles of your specialists such
your goals and long-term plans, not just your
as your CPA, trust and estate attorney, insur-
financial information. In order to consult with
ance professional and lending specialist.
you most effectively, your financial advisor
needs to fully understand and appreciate you, Your expectations
your situation and what you want for your
It’s important to take the time to assess the
future.
relationship you have with your current finan-
Make sure you can trust your cial advisor to determine if it is working for
you. Finding the right financial advisor can
financial advisor
make a dramatic difference in your future.
Any time that you involve someone else in
your personal affairs, you need to establish a For more information
level of trust. As you begin to work with your If you’d like to learn more, please write in
financial advisor, you should feel that you’re care of Jan Jernigan at 803-251-3248.
establishing mutual respect and commit-
This article is published for general information purposes
ment, as well as becoming more comfortable and is not an offer or a solicitation to sell or buy any secu-
with the solutions your financial advisor rities or commodities.
makes available to you. While you should
Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley
always be diligent about understanding and Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC.
monitoring your finances, the best financial GP09-01814P-Y05-09 J06/09
advisor-client relationships are those in which
both parties know each other well and work
together toward achieving the client’s stated
goals.

12 Spring/Summer 2010
 DOLL ARS & SENSE

DECISIONS PROTECTION RETIREMENT

Personal Service from

a Community Bank
With over 40 years of experience in Marty Ouzts, CPA
preserving and accumulating assets for
customers, the employees at Security Feder- Sherry N. Ouzts, CPA
al Trust can help build, manage and protect Charles Varn Jr., CPA/PFS
your wealth, for you and your loved ones. Andy Derajtys, CPA
We can also assist individuals who seek to Sherry Stark, EA
minimize taxes, wish to avoid Chris Render, CPA
probate or those who seek freedom from
the details of collecting income, managing Patricia Maynard
assets and paying bills.

803-739-6100
LOCAL: OUZTS, OUZTS
866-851-3000
TOLL FREE: & VARN, PC
C E R T I F I E D P U B L I C A C C O U N TA N T S
Trust services are offered through Security Federal Trust, a division of Security Federal Bank,
a subsidiary of Security Federal Corporation. Security Federal Trust is authorized by the
Office of Thrift Supervision to provide trust, investment and asset management services.
115 Atrium Way n Suite 110
Please consult your tax or legal
advisors before taking any action
Columbia, SC 29223 n 803.736.7855
that may have tax consequences. oovcpa.com

Spring/Summer 2010 13
 DOLL ARS & SENSE
KeenanSuggs’ Personal Approach to
Insurance Makes a Difference
Mary Kate’s daughter, Suzanne, a junior in college,
wrecked her car while on spring break at the beach
and was relying on her mother to “fix it.”
“Fortunately, Suzanne wasn’t hurt, just embar-
rassed. Thank goodness I had gone through
KeenanSuggs for Suzanne’s car insurance. At the
time, it was because of the good rates and expand-
ed coverage I could get through KeenanSuggs plus
the fact that they also cover my home and car. It
was only after Suzanne’s accident that I realized the
true value of having a local insurance company. It
really made a difference in getting this little disas-
ter sorted out,” explains Mary Kate.
That difference was personal service. KeenanSuggs
broker Gil Weathers took time to meet with Mary
Kate before selling her car insurance for her daugh-
ter. When he learned Suzanne went to college
out-of-state, he made sure the policy included cov-
erage for a rental car so she would never be
without transportation. Gil also made sure the
deductible was low without sacrificing coverage.
14 Spring/Summer 2010
“We’re an independent insurance agency and rep-
resent some 60 insurance carriers. This allows us to
shop for and negotiate the best coverage at low
rates. It is not uncommon for clients to get better
insurance through KeenanSuggs and save money,”
Gil says.
Mary Kate also appreciated the fact that whenever
she called KeenanSuggs, the phone was answered
by a person, not a machine, and she didn’t have to
push endless buttons or wait on hold to talk to her
customer service representative, Felicia Baker. “Feli-
cia was always accessible by phone and e-mail. She
made sure I had the paperwork I needed and that
my claim was processed quickly. KeenanSuggs
made it painless to ‘fix’ Suzanne’s car.”
For more information on KeenanSuggs, its
insurance solutions and people, visit or call
803.799.5533.

WEALTH ACCUMULATION n ESTATE PLANNING
RETIREMENT PLANNING n LIFE INSURANCE
(803) 736-2020
115 Atrium Way #101 n Columbia, SC 29223
harwoodfinancialservices.com
Securities Offered Through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC
Creating a Home Inventory — Just in Case
A home inventory can provide peace of
mind during an otherwise very stressful
time in your life.
Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance pro-
vides an allowance to replace your personal
belongings in the event of a loss, such as theft
or a fire. Without a home inventory, you’ll have
to rely on your memory to itemize your pos-
sessions, which can make it more difficult and
time-consuming to place a claim. It makes
sense to keep accurate records, updating
whenever appropriate (after a new, expensive
purchase or at least once a year) so that your
quality of life is not unduly affected by your
loss.
Begin by listing your possessions, room by
room, either on paper or in a computer file.
Describe each item, noting make and model
and where purchased. Sales receipts should
be stored with this list. Electronic equipment
and appliance listings should include the seri-
Spring/Summer 2010
DOLL ARS & SENSE
Help Protect
Yourself
and Your
Family
Angela Kirby has joined Rogers
Townsend & Thomas, PC as a
Shareholder and practices in the
areas of Estate Planning, Probate
and Elderlaw. Angela is a Certified
Specialist in Estate Planning and
Probate Law. She is a CPA and
former Associate Probate Judge.
View our additional services at
www.rtt-law.com.
al number. Itemizing your clothing can be
done by category and quantity, with special
reference to items that are particularly valu-
able, as well as receipts for their purchase.
The strongest support for a claim can be pro-
vided by videotaping the contents of your
home in a methodical manner. If videotaping
isn’t possible, then photographs should be
taken to provide greater detail for identifica-
tion or replacement value. Be sure to write on
the back of the photographs (or in a descriptive
file if digitally stored) the information corre-
sponding to the details noted on your list.
Importantly, the home inventory you have
created should be copied (paper or other
media) and stored somewhere other than
your own premises. Consider a safe deposit
box in your banking institution or even a
friend’s home, making sure you have relative-
ly easy access when updates are necessary.
15
 DOLL ARS & SENSE
Why Do Women Make Great
Real Estate Agents?
by Lynwood Duke, Director of Career Development for Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors
The typical answer is “because women like to look
at homes.” While I am sure there are many women
who enjoy looking at different homes, the more
appropriate answer is “because
women are the driving force
behind the purchases of new
Women make
homes.” Women make 91% of real
estate decisions in the U.S., and to 91% of real
whom do they relate best? A
woman — a woman who knows estate decisions
what is important to them.
Women real estate agents seem to
in the U.S.
have the unique ability to put
themselves in their buyers’ shoes and listen to
what buyers really want in a new home. According
to WRELDA (Women’s Real Estate & Lifestyle
Design Advisor), women consumers have specific,
unique differences, values and needs which make
them gravitate toward professionals who relate to
them. Think back to the last time you had an expe-
16 Spring/Summer 2010
rience with a professional who really pleased you.
How many of your girlfriends did you tell about it?
Women typically make more referrals, are more
loyal and want to tell all of their
friends about their experiences.
Women who desire to be in a
career that offers the flexibility and
freedom to set their own pace
enjoy the real estate profession.
The income earned directly
reflects their efforts and there is no
limit to what hard-working individ-
uals can earn. Women who are
motivated, goal-oriented and enjoy working with
people are very successful in the real estate busi-
ness. So whatever a woman’s idea of success is —
having a more flexible schedule, having no limit on
income or helping others find their perfect home
— it can be achieved with an exciting career in real
estate.
effloresce: v. To blossom; bloom

Irrigation Installation & Repairs

Sodding n Design/Install
Shrubbery & Trees
Outdoor Lighting
Pinestraw n Hardwood Mulch

1836 PINEVIEW ROAD

803.776.3838
Spring/Summer 2010 17
 GARDEN/L ANDSC APING
Large Tree & Shrub Sales Palms Statuary
Sod Flowers Pinestraw Mulches
Soil Amendments Rocks Flagstone Gifts
5466 OLD BUSH RIVER RD
Residential & Commercial 798-7679
Full-service Nursery 772-2773
Family Owned & Operated Since 1981 | Marolyn Smith, Owner
MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE A
20% DISCOUNT IN THE GARDEN CENTER!
4 MONTHLY
GARDENING
Checklist
APRIL
Plant hardy perennials such as delphiniums,
daylilies, peonies, coneflowers and others.
Amend flower and vegetable beds before
planting by incorporating decomposed
organic matter like compost, aged manure, or
peat moss into the soil.
Plant summer bulbs: gladiolus, caladiums,
cannas, anemones, ranunculus.
Fertilize lawns when water is available and
new growth is evident.
Apply chelated iron to iron-deficient shrubs
and trees that showed symptoms last year
when new leaves emerge.
Prune ornamental plants to remove dead,
diseased, damaged, or badly placed branches.
18
Spring/Summer 2010
MAY
Plant summer vegetables such as tomatoes,
peppers, melons and squash.
Release lady bugs and praying mantis in areas
with aphids.
Check clematis vines and tie up, if necessary.
Feed them as well.
Fertilize flowers before it gets too hot.
JUNE
If you may have a problem with white grubs,
apply Advanced Season-long Grub Control.
Stay ahead of weeds with broadleaf killers,
grass killers and non-specific Killz-AllTM.
JULY
Water consistently to avoid stressing lawn.
Spruce up flower beds by adding annuals to
fill mid-season “holes” in color.
Check for spider mites on roses. Treat now!
Remove withered flowers from perennials and
annuals (deadhead) to extend bloom and to
keep the plant looking good.
Yellow leaves with green veins usually mean
iron deficiency. Treat with chelated iron.
Feed perennials with Miracle GroTM twice
a month.
AUGUST
Water consistently to avoid stressing lawn.
Prune suckers from the base and trunk of trees.
Seed radishes, spinach and lettuce from
mid-August to mid-September for a fall crop.
Feed perennials.
Divide and replant irises and daylilies late in
the month.
SEPTEMBER
Plant pansies, mums and snapdragons for
fall color.
This is the best time of the year to start a lawn.
Sow a new lawn or lay sod.
Plant trees and shrubs. Cool temperature and
warm soil make the time ideal.
Lift and divide crowded perennials. Amend
soil with organic matter before replanting.
Plant bulbs from late September to
mid-November.
If the lawn hasn’t been fertilized recently,
feed in early September.
–from Brookfield Gardens website
spica: n. A bandage applied
in overlapping opposite spirals to immobilize a digit or limb
FREEDOM FROM BACK
AND NECK PAIN.
Chiropractic is a safe
alternative to traditional
medical treatments. Visit
our Web site for a complete
list of services offered.
Call today for an
appointment at one of
our two Columbia
locations.
PROVIDENCE NE HOSPITAL:
4732 Devine Street 114 Gateway
Columbia, SC 29209 Corporate Road, Suite 440
787-7050 Columbia, SC 29203
fieldschiro.com 865-4964
Spring/Summer 2010
The Midlands’ Premier Dermatology Specialists
Established 1970s
Specializing in ALLISON L. CASHMAN, MD
Cancer and
Diseases of the Skin JIM C. CHOW, MD
Laser Hair Removal ASHA P. JAMES, MD
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
RICHARD A. LAWS, MD
Botox | Chemical Peels
ANNA F. MCKIE, PA-C
Treatment of Leg Veins
Cosmetic Fillers APRIL M. MCNEILL, PA-C
Microdermabrasions WILLIAM R. MCWILLIAMS, MD
& Facials
Skin Care Products GRETA C. ZIMMERMAN, DO
COLUMBIA HARBISON CAMDEN
THREE RICHLAND 320 HARBISON BLVD. 1205 LYTTLETON ST.
MEDICAL PARK DR. SUITE 250 CAMDEN, SC
SUITE 500 COLUMBIA, SC 29020
COLUMBIA, SC 29203 29212
803.779.7316 803.781.6927 803.432.5783
www.ColumbiaSkinClinic.com
19
 HEALTH C ARE

Endometrial Ablation
An Alternative to Hysterectomy
by Megan K. Wright, Providence Hospitals

Painful and prolonged periods are more than an Dr. Addy thinks endometrial ablation provides
inconvenience; they can directly interfere with some patients a viable alternative to hysterecto-
your quality of life. In some my. He says, “The main
cases heavy bleeding may be advantage of an endometrial
so severe and relentless that
daily activities are interrupted
Endometrial ablation is the speed of
recovery. Whereas a hys-
and anemia may develop. If
you suffer from menorrhagia, a
ablation is a terectomy requires several
weeks of recovery, an abla-
condition that
extremely heavy menstrual
causes
procedure that tion usually requires a few
days at most.”
periods or bleeding between
periods, you should talk to permanently He stresses that an endome-
trial ablation is not a
your physician about endome-
trial ablation. removes a thin procedure for everyone and
says, “If there are uterine
Endometrial ablation is a pro-
cedure that permanently
tissue layer of the abnormalities such as
fibroids (benign tumors), the
removes a thin tissue layer of
the lining of the uterus, also
lining of the procedure may be less effec-
tive. As well, no ablation
known as the endometrium, to
stop or reduce excessive or
uterus…to stop or should be performed with-
out a thorough attempt to
abnormal bleeding. Usually
performed on women for
reduce excessive find a proper cause for the
bleeding.” Polyps or cancer
whom childbearing is com-
plete, endometrial ablation
or abnormal of the endometrium or
uterus can sometimes be
may be an alternative to hav-
ing a hysterectomy, a bleeding. responsible for excessive
bleeding, deeming an abla-
procedure in which the entire tion ineffective.
uterus is removed.
Dr. Addy says, “At Providence Women’s Health, we
At Providence Women’s Health, located on the Prov- pride ourselves on working with each patient to
idence Hospital Northeast campus, Dr. Douglas determine what may be the best treatment for
Addy, who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, their individual problem.”
has been performing endometrial ablations for the
past eight years. He says, “I prefer to use electrosur- Interested in learning more about endometrial
gical and balloon endometrial ablation procedures ablation? Schedule an appointment with a
because they are safe, quick, effective and offer a Providence Women’s Health physician by calling
fairly painless and swift recovery.” Providence Health Connect toll-free, 24 hours
a day, at 877.256.5381 or visit
Electrosurgical endometrial ablation (NovaSure®) www.providencehospitals.com.com.
uses radio frequency (RF) energy to permanently
remove the lining of the uterus, which reduces or
eliminates future bleeding. During balloon thera-
py endometrial ablation, a balloon at the end of a
catheter is inserted into the uterus and filled with
fluid, which is then heated to the point that the
endometrial tissues are eroded away.

20 Spring/Summer 2010
 HEALTH C ARE

Spring/Summer 2010 21
 HEALTH C ARE

22 Spring/Summer 2010
 HEALTH C ARE

Vitamin D Deficiency
Albert E. Odom, Jr., MD, Columbia Women’s Healthcare

In recent years there has been

renewed interest in Vitamin D. Its role
in skeletal health has long been rec-
ognized but we have come to realize
that this vitamin plays an ever-present
role in the function of essentially all
major organ systems. There is evi-
dence that the clinical manifestations
of a vitamin D deficiency state may
also vary across the lifespan. This is
particularly apparent for women. In
premenopausal women, the primary
manifestations of vitamin D deficien-
cy are osteoporosis and an increased
risk of breast and colon cancer. In
postmenopausal women, a further
increase occurs in the expression of
these malignancies and in bone loss.
In addition, muscle weakness, postur-
al instability, falls, osteoporotic
fractures, cognitive impairment, depression and, D. So an elderly person on multiple drugs may be
ultimately, the frailty syndrome become expres- at increased risk for the deficiency state. Due to
sions of the deficiency state. the effects of age, the decline in estrogen levels,
and a decline in kidney function there is an
Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D exists increase in resistance to vitamin D. Menopause
in two forms; the plant source, D2 (ergocalciferol) represents an important transition in vitamin D
and animal source, D3 (cholecalciferol). These are requirements because of the dependence of vita-
ingested from the diet including fish, fish oils, egg min D function on estrogen.
yolks, and in fortified dairy and grain products.
However, the major source of vitamin D is vitamin Breast and colon cancers are the leading causes of
D3 synthesized in the skin upon exposure to the mortality in pre- and early menopausal women.
ultraviolet-B light. Vitamin D undergoes several Multiple observational studies have implicated
changes in the body to produce the biologically vitamin D deficiency as a major risk factor in the
active form of the vitamin, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin expression of these malignancies. In a study of the
D. The production of this active form of vitamin D participants in the Women’s Health Initiative,
is regulated by the parathyroid gland. Sunlight those women with very low baseline serum vita-
exposure is limited by clothing and sunscreens. In min D had 2.5 times the risk of colorectal cancer
a study of young health professionals, 32% were as did women with very high baseline vitamin D.
found to be vitamin D deficient. Darker skin pig- Observational studies also show an inverse asso-
mentation reduces skin synthesis of vitamin D3; ciation with increased breast density, a risk factor
as a result, African Americans and dark-skinned for breast cancer.
Asians are at increased risk for vitamin D deficien-
Other diseases have been shown to be associated
cy, particularly in the more northern latitudes.
with low levels of vitamin D. Rheumatoid arthritis
Aging affects multiple steps in the metabolism of
and inflammatory bowel disease have been asso-
vitamin D beginning with the reduced efficiency
ciated with low levels of vitamin D. This past
in the vitamin’s synthesis by aging skin upon
decade has seen an increasing awareness of the
exposure to UVB radiation. Consequently, the
role of inflammation in a cause of vascular disease
older adult requires approximately three times
and there is some data that support the associa-
the duration of exposure as the younger adult to
tion of vitamin D deficiency with cardiovascular
generate the same amount of vitamin D. Certain
disease.
drugs also accelerate the metabolism of vitamin Continued on next page

Spring/Summer 2010 23
 HEALTH C ARE
Continued from page 23
A study completed earlier this year reported that
African Americans are 38% more likely to die from
cardiovascular causes than non-Hispanic whites
and researchers concluded that this excess was
related to their lower vitamin D levels. These find-
ings suggest but do not prove that low vitamin D
raises cardiovascular risk. Hypertension and
obesity have been associated with vitamin D
deficiency. Research also suggests that vitamin D
may play a role in the prevention and treatment
of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Although multiple factors likely contribute to the
postmenopausal syndromes of osteoporosis,
muscle weakness, falls, osteoporotic fractures,
depressed mood, cognitive impairment and
dementia the vitamin D deficiency state might
play a role. Vitamin D has long been recognized
as a critical factor in the maintenance of normal
bone. Supplementation with vitamin D slows the
rate of bone loss and increases bone mineral den-
sity. There is now compelling evidence that
vitamin D therapy, when combined with ade-
quate calcium intake, can dramatically reduce the
incidence of falls in the frail elderly population.
24 Spring/Summer 2010
Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as
a major health issue, particularly for women.
Because of the dependency of vitamin D on estro-
gen, postmenopausal women are more
susceptible to the deficiency state. However,
because of lifestyle changes resulting in limited
sunlight exposure, premenopausal women are
also vulnerable. In premenopausal women, the
consequences are increased risk of breast and
colon cancers, and bone loss. In postmenopausal
women, deficiency is exacerbated by the loss of
estrogen and age-related changes in the vitamin
D synthesis and response. The result is a further
increased risk of malignancy, bone loss, hyperten-
sion, diabetes, depression, falls and osteoporotic
fractures. Evidence is mounting that the deficien-
cy state may affect other systems, including the
vascular system and the brain, manifested by cog-
nitive impairment and dementia, and frailty.
Additional research is needed to demonstrate the
efficacy of treatment in the latter.

Spring Into a New You!
by Jandrette Rhoe, MD
Spring is the time of year when we think of
renewal and freshness. The snow has melted. The
ground is reawakening. The flowers are bloom-
ing and the birds are singing. But how does that
apply to each of us? What will you renew? What
will it take to renew you to be able to be the best
person that you can be? Have you been suffering
from mood swings, hot flashes, difficulty sleep-
ing, poor sex drive, vaginal dryness, fatigue,
weight gain, depression, anxiety, muscle loss, or
difficulty concentrating? My challenge to
women is that maybe, just maybe, it is time to
renew you.
How can I “renew me”? For many women, bio-
identical hormone replacement is a wonderful
option that helps with symptoms of menopause.
BHRT pellets are compounded forms of estrogen
and testosterone. These are plant-derived and
typically cause fewer side effects. While there are
many forms of BHRT — including pills, creams
and sublingual forms — most experts in bio-
Spring/Summer 2010
HEALTH C ARE
identical hormone replacement prefer pellets
because they last for several months and ensure
that hormones are slowly released in a more
physiological manner at levels that correspond
to those of the body when a woman is at her
prime. This helps to eliminate the roller-coaster
effect or the up-and-down feelings when hor-
mones wear off with other routes of
administration.
Do you know a woman who is suffering from
menopause symptoms and wants her quality of
life to be better? Even better, are you that woman
who wants her life back? Then share this infor-
mation with someone you love or care about.
Jandrette Rhoe, MD has been trained in the
evaluation and management of bio-identical
hormone replacement. For more information,
go to midlandsmedwc.com or call
803.223.9328 to schedule your
appointment today.
25
 HEALTH C ARE

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

by Dr. Kimberlee Goode, Women’s Physicians Associates

HPV is the cause of more than 70% of cervical can-

cers and over 90% of genital warts in the U.S. HPV is
spread by direct skin-to-skin sexual contact involv-
ing the genital area.
HPV infection is extremely common. Three out of
every four men and women who have been sexu-
ally active will have an HPV infection in their
lifetime. Most HPV infections can be cleared by the
immune system and go away without treatment.
Decreasing risk of HPV infection and cervical can-
cer includes abstinence from sexual contact,
limiting number of sexual partners, cessation of
smoking, using condoms, regular Pap smears and
vaccination.
Women can be tested for HPV, cervical cancer and
abnormal cervical cells through a Pap smear. A Pap
smear can usually detect HPV infection and abnor-
mal cervical cells before a cancer develops. A
woman should receive a Pap smear annually begin-
ning at age 21.
Expecting moms count on us
There are vaccines against HPV available. The most for extras like 4-D ultrasound,
common is a 3-dose series for females and males easy online refills, a lending
ages 9–26. Vaccines are most effective when given
library and more. We offer
prior to the onset of sexual activity but are still ben-
women a lifetime of care
eficial to those who are already sexually active. The
vaccine does not treat past or current HPV infec- from annual exams and treat-
tion, only provides protection against future ment for uterine problems to
infection, and does not prevent all cases of HPV laser services and bone density
infection, cancer or genital warts. scans. As Columbia’s only ob/gyn
group practice entirely staffed by
HPV vaccination is considered safe. It is not a sub- women for women, we know
stitution for regular Pap smears. Vaccination is something other practices
recommended by the American College of Obste- don’t… what women want.
tricians and Gynecologists and the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices. Please con-
sult your physician for more information on HPV.

References
ACOG Practice Bulletin Number 61,
Human Papillomavirus, April 2005.
ACOG Practice Bulletin Number 45,
Cervical Cytology Screening, August 2003.
ACOG Committee Opinion Number 344,
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, September 2006.

26 Spring/Summer 2010

Raise Your Hands!
Options for Hand Rejuvenation
When we think about aging, we don’t necessarily
think about our hands. Nevertheless, a thin, wrinkled
skin layer over the dorsum of the hand which
reveals the underlying tendons and veins can be
bothersome to many, since it is often associated
with the elderly. The reasons these changes occur
include the loss of subcutaneous fat as a natural
part of the aging process, along with other skin
changes associated with aging, such as gradual loss
of elastin and collagen. Furthermore, age spots or
“liver spots” can appear like large freckles and
detract from a smooth uniform color.
What can be done?
The approach to hand rejuvenation addresses both
the changes in the skin and the changes beneath
the skin. On the outside, IPL (Intense Pulse Light)
therapy can be helpful in reducing the appearance
of age spots. Several treatments may be required
but these are done in the office setting and are
essentially painless. The options for improving the
thickness of the underlying deeper subcutaneous
layer include fat grafting (taking one’s own fat from
Spring/Summer 2010
HEALTH C ARE
by Ram Kalus, MD
the tummy or buttocks and re-
injecting it), but this requires
an operating room setting and
anesthesia. A far more attrac-
tive option is the injection of
filler (similar to those used in
the face or lips). The most
effective filler for hand rejuve-
nation is Radiesse®; usually
BEFORE
one to two syringes may be
required for each hand, with
the effect lasting up to two
years. These injections can be
performed at the same time as
IPL therapy and one treatment
alone may have dramatic
results. The patient seen at left
AFTER had Radiesse® injections only,
without IPL for her age spots.
For more information, visit
plasticsurgerycarolina.com or contact Plastic
urgery of the Carolinas at 803.733.5881 to
schedule a consultation.
27
 HEALTH C ARE
Lexington Medical Center Celebrates Doula Month
What is a Doula?
Doula (Greek, pronounced “doo-lah”) means
“women helping women.” In ancient Greece,
pregnant women relied on their most trusted
servant for physical and emotional support dur-
ing labor and delivery. These women were called
doulas. Today’s professionally trained doulas
serve in much the same capacity, providing com-
fort, reassurance and pain management
assistance to women in labor. They are with their
patients from the moment labor begins until the
baby is born.
Lexington Medical Center has adopted the doula
philosophy and now has their own doula pro-
grams (Birthing Assistant and Beyond Birth),
some of the first hospital-based doula programs
in the country. Its doulas have undergone specif-
ic training to assist pregnant women and
newborns. The doula programs at Lexington
Medical Center are based on the highest stan-
dards of care as set by DONA International— the
largest and most respected doula association in
the world.
“A doula provides emotional and physical sup-
port to women during labor and delivery at no
28 Spring/Summer 2010
charge to the family. It is an elective service pro-
vided by the hospital,” said Dianne Pound, doula
at Lexington Medical Center for more than 11
years. “We can provide information and answer
questions for the parents-to-be and keep them
more comfortable, allowing new families to
enjoy this experience and remember it more
positively.” Pound has participated in more than
900 births.
Lexington Medical Center’s doulas are skilled not
only in the physiology of birth and the emotion-
al needs of women in labor, but also in
facilitating communication between parents-to-
be. They are also trained to prepare birth plans
and to inform parents about the options for birth
and delivery. Lexington Medical Center also
offers a Doula Postpartum Program: Beyond
Birth. Postpartum doulas, while helping the new
family at home, bring much-needed confidence
to new moms by offering postpartum care such
as breastfeeding support and advice, newborn
care and assistance with household duties.
If you would like to request a doula, please call
Lexington Medical Center at 803.791.2631.
 HEALTH C ARE

Midtown Family Medicine

931-0100 1910 Gregg Street
Family Medicine Corner of Richland & Gregg streets
Centers of Woodhill Family Medicine
South Carolina, P.A. 783-4433 813 Leesburg Road
At Leesburg Road Exit of I-77
Bhavesh R. Amin, M.D. John F. Mattei, D.C., M.D. Springwood Lake Family Practice
Pamela I. Brown, M.D. David C. Morris, M.D. 788-7884 1721 Horseshoe Drive
Near Two Notch Road Exit of I-20
William H. Crigler, M.D. Stephen F. Serbin, M.D.
Rice Creek Family Medicine
Tamera D. Crowe, M.D. Peter J. Stahl, M.D.
227-7777 300 Rice Meadow Way
David C. Fisher, M.D. Stephen M. Tuel, M.D. At corner of Hardscrabble Road
Stacy J. Gajewski, M.D. G. Jack Walters, M.D. Saluda Pointe Family Medicine
Patrice L. High, D.O. Carol S. Berry, F.N.P. 239-1600 3630 Sunset Boulevard
Anil J. Kudchadkar, M.D. Jennifer R. Turner, PA-C Between I-26 and I-20 Exits

Visit our Web site: www.FMCofSC.com HOURS BY APPOINTMENT

The first rule of first aid:

STAY CALM.
Next assess whether the
situation is life- or limb-threatening.
If so, call 911. If not, start
with the basics: For a cut that’s
bleeding, apply pressure. For a burn,
use ice. For a twisted ankle or sprain,
apply ice for the first
24 hours, then switch to heat.

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Spring/Summer 2010 29
 tachism: n. A French
school of art originating in
the 1950s, characterized
by irregular splotches of
color applied haphazardly
to the canvas

30 Spring/Summer 2010
 HOME DÉCOR

Be sure to let our advertisers know you

saw their ad in The Columbia Notebook.

Spring/Summer 2010 31
 HOME DÉCOR

803.733.1704 • 1012 GERVAIS ST. • WWW.PDSINTERIORS.COM

“The knowledge one gains

in undertaking a major
home-improvement project
is inevitably the knowledge
one ought to have had
“Quiet Quality Fans Since 1979”
before attempting it in the
275 Harbison Boulevard
first place.” Columbia, SC 29212
–DAVID OWEN, in Sheetrock & Shellac: A 803.781.3267
Thinking Person’s Guide to Home Improvement www.dansfancity.com
(Simon and Schuster, $25)

STEP 1 Mask ceilings, baseboards, and trim with painter’s tape. Paint the wall with your desired
basecoat color and allow to dry completely (minimum 4 hours or overnight). This will be the color
that shows through the cracks. TIP: Pour glaze mixture into a paint tray or plastic liner for easier dipping.
STEP 2 With a brush or roller, apply an even coat of Illusions® Faux Finish Crackle Medium. Allow to
dry until it’s no longer tacky — about two to four hours. (Don’t wait longer than 4 hours before
applying topcoat.)
STEP 3 Apply a topcoat of a second color, being careful to paint in one direction. Do not overlap
your strokes, as this will cause the paint to lift off. Within minutes, the topcoat will begin to crack,
exposing random cracks of the basecoat color beneath. TIP: Roll on a thin topcoat for small, fine
cracks. For more pronounced cracking, apply a heavier topcoat with a brush.
OPTIONAL TECHNIQUE
Don’t stop with your walls. Crackle also works well on furniture, frames, accent pieces and trim.
After allowing the topcoat to dry at least 72 hours, you may want to protect these items with a coat
of WoodClassics® Oil Polyurethane or Fastdry Oil Varnish. Keep in mind that they will slightly alter
the color.

32 Spring/Summer 2010
hallux: n. The innermost or
first digit on the hind foot of certain mammals (dewclaw)

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pupcakespetboutique.com

Spring/Summer 2010 33
 PETS

I rescued a human today. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to
Her eyes met mine as she assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel
walked down the corridor door opened and her smile was so bright that I
peering apprehensively into instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise
the kennels. I felt her need to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by
instantly and knew I had to her side. I would promise to do everything I could
help her. I wagged my tail, to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
not too exuberantly, so she I was so fortunate that she came down my corri-
wouldn’t be afraid. dor. So many more are out there who haven’t
As she stopped at my ken- walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.
nel I blocked her view from At least I could save one.
a little accident I had in the I rescued a human today. –Anonymous
back of my cage. I didn’t
want her to know that I hadn't been walked
today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too
busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of
them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she
wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the
future to look forward to and want to make a dif-
ference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy
sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of
my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gen-
tle fingertips caressed my neck; she was
desperate for companionship.

34 Spring/Summer 2010
agnate: adj. Related on the male
side; coming from a common source, akin

There were 36.3 million people 65+

in 2004. Estimates are that in 2050,
the over 65 population will be
86.7 million

43% of people 65+ in South Carolina

have some type of disability

47% of the population 85+ have a

disability that prevents them from
leaving their home

52% of grandparents in South

Carolina have grandchildren living
with them (more than 25% of these
grandparents are the sole caregiver
for their grandchildren)

A person who was 65 in 2003 can

expect to live to be 83.4
From the U.S. Census Bureau and
www.seniormatters.com

Spring/Summer 2010 35
 SENIORS

Making Wise Insurance

Investments for the Future
by Shep Cutler, Cutler & Associates

Today’s senior is faced with many choices when
making decisions regarding healthcare and long-
term financial needs.
As you plan for your retirement, you should consid-
er the amount of income you will need to maintain
your lifestyle. In addition, you will want to consider
health care coverage for those expenses not cov-
ered by Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and Part B
(doctors’ expenses and other related medical fees).
You may also wish to consider additional Medicare
supplement insurance, life insurance, critical illness
and long-term care insurance.
A Medicare Supplement policy is a senior health
insurance sold by private companies to expand
health coverage for seniors where the Original
Medicare Plan coverage falls short, such as co-pays
and deductibles for doctor visits, hospitalization
and other medical services. Seniors pay a monthly
premium but have few additional out-of-pocket
expenses.
Medicare Advantage Plans are health plan
options which are subsidized by the government
to provide additional health coverage to Medicare
Part A & Part B. Medicare Advantage Plans include
HMOs, PPOs, PFFS and Medicare Special Needs
Plans. Generally, Medicare Advantage Plans have lit-
tle or no monthly premium. Instead, seniors pay
co-payments for doctor visits, hospitalization and
prescription drug coverage.
Final Expense insurance, also known as “burial” or
“funeral” insurance, is a life policy with a low face
value from $2,000 to $50,000 that you can pur-
chase once you reach the age of 50. Policyholders
can name the beneficiary who would make the
claim and receive money upon the policyholder’s
death for using the money to carry out the policy-
holder’s wishes.
Senior Health insurance provides supplemental
benefits such as cancer insurance, heart/stroke
insurance and hospital indemnity insurance. The
benefits are paid directly to you in order to provide
benefits and lessen financial strain.
Cutler & Associates
Always a people person, Shepherd “Shep” Cutler
learned the value of hard work selling sodas at the
ballparks in Los Angeles. When his family moved
to South Carolina in 1956, he took a part-time job
marketing hospital insurance while attending col-
lege. He was immediately successful and decided
to make this a full-time career.
Two years later, he and his father Lester Cutler
founded what is now Cutler & Associates. This was
the beginning of an organization that today is
licensed in all 50 states and enjoys great national
prominence. As he likes to tell it, they started their
business selling insurance “door-to-door and
store-to-store.”
Shep Cutler has received many national honors
including being recognized as Man of the Year by
Pioneer/Conseco. He was also highlighted in Sen-
ior Market Advisor, appearing on the cover.
Shep and his lovely wife Joni were married in 1972
and today the Cutlers continue to be pillars of the
community. Through the Cutler Foundation, the
couple has given generously to many charitable,
cultural and education organizations throughout
South Carolina and beyond.
Cutler & Associates is one of the oldest and largest
insurance marketing organizations in the nation,
an agency which focuses on the needs of the Sen-
ior and “Baby Boomer” population while
partnering with National Insurance Carriers. If you
have questions, we have the answers. Cutler &
Associates welcomes the opportunity to review
your current coverage, assess your needs and
ensure you are protected from financial strain.
Based on more than 50 years’ experience, we are
proud of our record of service and growth.
Through our network of marketing professionals
and their general agents, we are committed to
providing exclusive, competitive and innovative
insurance products to seniors throughout the
country.
Call us at 803.782.6249 or visit us on the Web
at cutlerassociates.com.

36 Spring/Summer 2010
 SENIORS

Spring/Summer 2010 37
 SENIORS

38 Spring/Summer 2010
 SENIORS

Options in Caregiving
by Mary Katherine Bagnal, MSW, CMC, CGC

Although there are a variety of options available when choosing a non-medical home care company,
there are also a variety of important factors to consider as well. Allowing someone new into your
home may raise a few questions such as who will this person be and how do you determine they are
qualified and safe to have in your home for your purpose. Think of the questions you would want to
ask that person if they were in your home to care for yourself or a loved one. The importance of hav-
ing someone you feel comfortable around and can trust, not only in your home but with your loved
one, is top priority. Not only does this person need to be trained and experienced in providing home
care services, this individual needs to be able to adjust to others’ schedules, routines, specific needs
and overall activities of daily living.

Important questions you should
ask on behalf of yourself or
your loved ones
n As I age, what types of doctors will I need
to see regularly and what will I need to
know before I go see the doctor?
n How will I get to the doctor when I can no
longer drive myself?
n If I can no longer live in my house, where
would I live and how would I go about
finding the right place?
n What is the difference between home
health, hospice and non-medical home
care services, and who coordinates these
services?
n How would I know if the person providing
care for me or my loved one is someone I
can trust?
n Who will be with me from hospitalization
through rehabilitation?
n Who will I be able to turn to for advice and
assistance with my medical needs?
n Who will be my advocate?
A professional geriatric care manager is the
answer. What is a professional geriatric care man-
ager? The National Association of Professional
Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM) site,
www.caremanager.com, is a great place to start
finding answers for the future.
Geriatric care managers are invaluable as we age
and find ourselves facing issues and concerns that
directly affect our quality of life.
A professional geriatric care manager can assist
you before a medical emergency takes place by
creating a care plan that clearly addresses your
desires, and what you want now and in the future.
Professional geriatric care managers can advocate
for their client in the hospital, rehabilitation facili-
ty, skilled nursing facility, and at home with
support for a health care provider. A geriatric care
manager can guide you through the maze of facil-
ities or providers, and advocate for quality
assurance and continuity of care. As a knowledge-
able agent well-qualified to communicate with
other medical professionals regarding the care
plan, your geriatric care manager can advise you
as to how the plan will benefit you and support
you during and after a change in your life plan.
A list of tasks by a care manager may include: ini-
tial assessment; development of a care plan; and
communication between different medical
providers, doctors, home health, non-medical,
long-term care insurance providers, federal and
state providers of aging services, legal and finan-
cial counsel, facility administrators, social workers
and other disciplines, and relatives who may not
live close by who have a legal responsibility for
your care.
We understand the challenging transition of hav-
ing a new individual in the home to provide care.
In Home Matters, LLC is a division of Senior Mat-
ters Extended Services, LLC, a provider of
Professional Geriatric Care Management services
across the state of South Carolina for more than 12
years. In 2006, In Home Matters was created to
meet the needs of consumers looking for a com-
pany that provided non-medical services
combining the support and leadership of a case
management group with a proven record of qual-
ity care.
Continued on next page

Spring/Summer 2010 39
 SENIORS
Continued from page 39
The service training and experience of a compan-
ion/caregiver is extremely important, as well as
the individual’s personality and ability to be trust-
ed. In Home Matters was the first non-medical
companion/caregiver service in the Midlands area
to perform a comprehensive national background
check on all of its employees. Our extensive
process looks into each applicant’s history which
includes criminal, financial and motor vehicle vio-
lations across the country. This guarantees that
our employees cannot commit a crime in one
state, relocate to South Carolina and work for our
company. Prior to employment, each applicant
must submit to a background check, a drug
screening and a current copy of a PPD (check for
active Tuberculosis). Each year we retest our
employees for Tuberculosis. During their employ-
ment with In Home Matters, the companions/
caregivers attend various service-delivery training
sessions. These training sessions address safety
and care issues, and any changes in Federal or
state regulations in hospitals, assisted living and
skilled licensed facilities. We hire employees who
are either Certified Nursing Assistants or individu-
als with experience in companion services.
In Home Matters companions/caregivers are val-
ued employees who receive extensive support
from the company. In Home Matters employees
are treated like family members who are caring for
several loved ones at a time. In order to provide
continuous quality of care when appropriate, our
employees work together and communicate with
one another regarding any changes in the client’s
condition and care needs.
In Home Matters companions/caregivers provide
service in one’s home setting, skilled nursing facil-
ities, assisted living communities, and hospitals. All
40 Spring/Summer 2010
of our employees are provided ID badges and
clothing that promotes professionalism.
The In Home Matters team works together from
day one to properly assess the current status of all
new clients and develop a care plan that address-
es the needs and desires, whenever possible, of
the client.
We strive to assist our clients in maintaining as
much independence as possible. We take our job
seriously, working closely with the clients and their
family to match their needs and preferences with
the ideal companion/caregiver so that every inter-
action and transition is a good experience.
All Senior Matters Extended Services employees
are keenly aware of our clients’ right to self-deter-
mination and privacy, and value each individual’s
approach to retaining or gaining independence,
but would never compromise someone’s safety
and/or quality of life.
Quality of life and safety are the two most impor-
tant components to a sound care plan. Our
mission is to promote safety and quality of life
while providing peace of mind to our clients and
their family members.
Mary Katherine Bagnal, MSW, CMC, CGC created
a company 12 years ago to provide professional
geriatric care management to the Midlands of
South Carolina. Currently, Senior Matters
Extended Services works with clients across the
state and in bordering states. Senior Matters
Extended Services has two registered nurses and
a master’s level social worker, certified in case
management and certified as a legal guardian,
one of four in the state of South Carolina.
 SENIORS

Spring/Summer 2010 41
 SENIORS

I’m Not Ready for a Retirement Community!

by Heather Bachman, Wildewood Downs

When is the right time to have a conversation
with your parents about moving to a senior liv-
ing community?
Many families fear having this seemingly difficult
conversation. It represents an enormous change for
everyone involved. How do you suggest to a parent
that they may be better off ‘somewhere else?’ And
how difficult is it for your parent to face leaving the
family home?
The only way to work through these feelings of fear
is to talk about it. This can be hard, but it is far bet-
ter than avoiding it. Once it is clear you are acting
out of love, the dialogue gets easier.
Any decision about senior living should include the
entire family. These conversations require a leader
(one who starts the dialogue); usually the person
who most favors the change should be appointed.
It’s best when everything is ‘put on the table’ —
including support, finances, timing, choices.
Once you decide to explore senior living alterna-
tives, the first consideration is geographic. Exactly
where is the right place to live? Once you establish
this, everything else starts to come into focus. The
next issue is all about services. Is someone needed
to cook meals? Administer medication? Is a more
social lifestyle desired? The third consideration is
financial. Consider things such as savings, your
estate and family needs. Finally, there’s comfort.
What feels like home? There is a lifestyle for every
taste.
Postponing planning to move into a retirement
community may considerably reduce available
options. Last-minute decision making may only
qualify a parent for assisted living or a more
dependent setting than desired.
Make a choice about a retirement community
while your loved one (or you) are in reasonably
good health, so you can determine and arrange the
lifestyle and options that suit your family best.

Originally from Long Island (Ed) & England (Rosemary)

Married 56 years; raised three sons, all successful
business owners
Enjoy pasta night & putt-putt golf at Wildewood Downs
Best thing about Wildewood Downs:
“We were able to build a home
the way we wanted it; it made
sense financially and
had the best staff and
amenities of any
community we
looked at.”

42 Spring/Summer 2010
farrago: n. An assortment, medley; a conglomeration

POOL, FOUNTAIN & SPA SERVICES

HENRY PATTON
Certified Pool Operator
Winterizing
Balancing
Repairs
Maintenance DUTCH
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Pool Openings
Equipment
Supplies
Cleaning SALES & INSTALLATION
We Service All
Makes and Models
230 Ermine Road
Call anytime: 252-4405 West Columbia, SC 29170
SERVING METRO COLUMBIA 794-0318
Spring/Summer 2010 43
 SERVICES
Become a Cultural Heritage Tourist in
Your Own Backyard
Imagine picnics with your family in the heart of your
city’s historic garden district or taking a tour of your
downtown historic businesses while stopping for
happy hour appetizers and drinks. You can become a
cultural heritage tourist in your city by participating
in such inexpensive pastime adventures as these.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s defini-
tion of cultural heritage tourism is “traveling to
experience the places and activities that authenti-
cally represent the stories of people of the past and
present. It includes historic, cultural and natural
resources.”
South Carolina’s capital city offers cultural heritage
tourism experiences for diverse audiences year
round but kicks off the spring and summer seasons
with a variety of outdoor programs. The city has a
rich heritage that many may not know about, so it’s
the perfect opportunity to bring family and friends
together for a fun learning experience.
Historic Columbia Foundation provides visitors with
historic garden sites including the Seibels House &
Photo courtesy of Lucas Brown,
Kickstand Studios
These elegant and historic properties are all
available for your next special event:
THE BIG APPLE
THE SEIBELS HOUSE & GARDEN
THE GROUNDS OF THE ROBERT MILLS HOUSE
THE GROUNDS OF THE
HAMPTON-PRESTON MANSION
For rental fees, viewing, reservations and additional
information, call Historic Columbia Foundation
at 803.252.7742, ext. 22.
www.HistoricColumbia.org
44 Spring/Summer 2010
by Latrice F. Williams
Garden and the Robert Mills House & Grounds. Both
offer an array of historic and seasonal plants and
beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy guided tours of the historic Vista district each
Friday from April 9–May 21 during Happy Hour His-
tory. These tours feature information on the history
and architecture of former industrial buildings
which now house restaurants and art galleries. There
are stops along the way for happy hour specials.
Since Historic Columbia Foundation began its his-
toric cemetery tours several years ago, the program
has become increasingly popular. These guided
moonlight tours of Elmwood Cemetery feature
interesting details about the lives, deaths and burials
of 19th-century leaders and their families.
Historic Columbia Foundation also offers monthly
programs for toddlers, daily house tours, specialty
tours, summer camps, and an African-American
Heritage Sites Tour. Plan your cultural heritage
tourism experience today by visiting or calling
803.252.1770.
Enjoy the timeless elegance of Columbia’s historic properties.
John E. Powell Photography

Meetze ad
Time to Call a Plumber?
With phones ringing, e-mails to be answered, chil-
dren waiting to be shuttled to carpools, you don’t
want to spend the time or money on a plumber.
That is, until the day you wake up with that long to-
do list and your water heater is leaking, the
dripdripdrip of your faucet has kept you up all night
or your toilet isn’t… well, you get the idea.
No one ever wants to call a plumber, or any
service professional for that matter, until absolute-
ly forced to.
“We aim to make calling the plumber as pain free as
possible,” says Kevin Meetze, the second-generation
owner of Meetze Plumbing. “We have a 24-hour
emergency response team, but we try to talk
through each plumbing problem with our cus-
tomers and see if it can wait until the morning to
provide the best value.”
Meetze says that when his Master Plumbers arrive at
your house, they come with fully stocked trucks.
“There’s nothing more frustrating than having a
plumber come into your home, only to have to take
a break to go pick up a part,” says Meetze.
Spring/Summer 2010
SERVICES
Meetze plumbers also pride themselves on keeping
your home clean and picking up after themselves.
They even wear booties over their work boots to
eliminate any chance of leaving muddy footprints in
your home.
And in an industry long-dominated by men, the
company has two full-time female plumbers. “Many
of our female clients just feel comfortable having a
woman in their homes. Our plumbers never try to
sell you more than you need, and often clients just
tell us that they trust the experience of our female
plumbers,” says Meetze.
With over 30 years’ serving clients when they most
need plumbing expertise, Meetze Plumbing knows
that their reputation is on the line with every phone
call they receive and, if you have a plumbing ques-
tion that can be solved over the phone, Meetze can
help at no charge to you.
And for those overachievers who do manage to fly
through their to-do lists every day, visit
meetzeplumbing.com to check out the latest in
tankless water heater technology, which saves your
family money while saving energy.
45
 SERVICES

DLP, LCD or plasma TV?

1080i or 1080p?
HDMI, component or
composite video connects?
At Upstairs Audio and Video, our 35 years of
experience will help you make the right decision
when it comes to choosing everything from a
new hi-definition TV to proper speaker wire.
And of course, we’ll be happy to professionally
install your components regardless of
where you bought them.
746 Harden Street n Columbia, SC 29205
803.256.EARS n In business since 1972

Lots of people want to

ride with you in the limo,
but what you want is
someone who will take
the bus with you when
the limo breaks down.
–Oprah Winfrey

46 Spring/Summer 2010
 SERVICES

HERE’S A GOOD IDEA!

Create a
Desk-Drawer
Stain-Removal Kit
Next time your lunch hour leads
to splattered soy sauce, erase the
evidence with this kit. Using a
Clorox Bleach Pen for whites and
a Tide to Go pen for colors, you’ll
promptly mitigate most mishaps.
Place a Shout Wipe in your hand-
bag for on-the-go messes, and
for a coffee explosion instead of
a spill, keep a classic white T-shirt
in your desk drawer so you
can change your shirt—if not
your luck!

When you need it done right,

call a woman. Or two.
Liane Baly and Melissa Ligon own Crescendo Advertising, a
full-service agency based in downtown Columbia. We’re small, but that
just allows us to give our clients lots of personal attention.
While we pride ourselves on beautiful print materials and
excellent client service, we can handle anything from grand
openings and special events to full-spectrum media campaigns.
Give us a shout at 803.343-5007 to learn more.

LOCATED IN THE NEWLY RENOVATED 701 WHALEY BUILDING

701 Whaley St. Studio 211 | Columbia, SC 29201 | 803.343.5007 | crescendoadv.com

Spring/Summer 2010 47
 SERVICES
Turning a Greener Leaf
by Rachel Case, Jim Hudson Lexus
As we usher in another fabulous spring
season, many of us find ourselves pausing every
now and again to appreciate the earthly beauty
that abounds. If you’re a mom
like me, these rejuvenating
junctures of gratitude often
inspire a sense of maternal
Luxury hybrid
duty. While setting my spring-
time sights, I find myself
vehicles are
wanting to invest in a greener
world for the welfare of my lit- sumptuously
tle ones. And so I ask myself,“Is
there anything I can do now
that will benefit my darling
swanky all while
tykes’ days ahead?” The
answer, simply put, is,
staying super
“Absolutely!”
In recognizing Earth for the
ultra-low on
breathtakingly precious plan-
et that she is, I’m committing
emissions.
to care for her more tenderly.
Doing so will not only guarantee my babes a
better place to live, it will teach them better,
more benevolent living.
The order sounds fretfully tall, but I’ve found a
soothingly savvy way to fill the eco-bill while not
totally immolating my indulgent instincts. It’s
called the luxury hybrid vehicle. Yes, girls, there
exists a heart-pounding pack of vehicular power,
performance and technology to thrill both the
lover-of-all- things-posh and the preservationist
in you.
Luxury hybrid vehicles are sumptuously swanky
all while staying super ultra-low on emissions.
But there’s more. Hold down the seats of your
sundresses, ladies, these sets of wheels can go
fast — up to 438-horsepower fast!
But, you may be wondering, how does a hybrid
vehicle, opulent or otherwise, operate?
First, the vehicle reduces the amount of gasoline
used to power the engine and replaces it with
electricity. Gasoline is a nonrenewable resource,
meaning there’s a strict limit our gallant globe
hast to offer before she’s all out. Not to mention
gasoline goes right through our engines up into
48 Spring/Summer 2010
the air to create all sorts of harmful effects. Elec-
tricity, on the other hand, is a perpetual resource.
We can use as much as our hearts desire, how-
ever extravagant those
desires may be.
So, with me in a hybrid, what
naturally follows is less of my
dirtying up the air with the
essential running of errands
around and about the city, as
well as my pocketing the extra
cash I save on gas. Waste not,
want not, I say!
To state it exactly, then, a
hybrid is a masterly amalga-
mation of two power sources
(gasoline and electricity) to
fashion the supreme fusion of
form, function and, in the case
of the luxury hybrid vehicles,
fabulousness. Luxury hybrids are just as plush as
their non-hybrid counterparts; just as strapping,
safe and stunningly stylish and, ever-important-
ly, they take a superbly low toll on the
environment.
I don’t know about the rest of you mindful
mamas out there, but the fresh spring air has me
feeling hep to helping the Great Mother her-
self… if not for my own sake, than for the future
happiness of my sweet Hanley and Madeline.
And for this glamorously tireless parental task, I
choose the luxury hybrid vehicle.
Jim Hudson Lexus offers quality, luxury hybrid
vehicles, backed by the best-trained staff in
the automotive industry for your peace of
mind. Call us at (803) 754-9500 for your next
auto-shopping event, and discover what it’s
like to receive excellent service from the
moment you enter the showroom.