hickorylivingsept14

HICKORY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2014 1

Living the Good Life

Complimentary

September 2014

Hickory's Leading Vein Treatment Clinic

THE CENTER FORADVANCEDVEIN CARE

2 HICKORY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2014

Mailing Address - 1670 E. Broad Street, Suite #195 Statesville, NC 28625 828-464-4060E-mail - [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSKristie Darling • Meredith Collins

Kathy Wheeler

COVER PHOTOGRAPHYShane Greene Photography

COVER STORYThe Center For Advanced Vein Care

Editorial Stock photography, unless otherwise noted,

is from ThinkStock.

September 2014Living the Good Life


LIVNG

I from the publisherWelcome to the September issue.Summer is slowly winding down, and with the arrival of September we usually get cooler weather and lower humidity...the perfect time to attend outdoor events and fall festivals! Be sure to check our calendar of events to find out what is happening in this busy month.

We are so fortunate here in North Carolina to be blessed with four distinct seasons, with each one offering something beautiful and unique. Fall provides yet another opportunity to see Mother Nature's awesome beauty in the changing of the leaves.

The new school year can be challenging in the beginning, but hopefully the first few weeks have gone smoothly for your family and you have settled into a routine. After summer vacation, I'm sure the hardest part was getting students to bed on time and up the next morning. Here's hoping for a successful year with all A's for students and a stress-free time for teachers and parents.

Thank you for reading the September issue of Hickory Living Magazine!

Find Hickory Living Magazine on Facebook.http://twitter.com/HickoryLiving

W W W . H I C K O R Y L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIVINGLIVINGHickory

Myron T. GoughPublisher, Hickory Living

Hickory Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Hickory Living assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Myron T. GoughPublisher/[email protected](828) 464-4060

Kathy WheelerArt Director/[email protected](828) 238-3224

Bob [email protected](336) 686-7271

Linda B. [email protected](704) 657-0237

Heather [email protected](704) 962-8080

“Uncle” Jim [email protected](980) 722-2861


Find Hickory Living Magazine on Facebook.http://twitter.com/HickoryLiving


September 2014LIVNG

I content

8 • September Ushers In A New Season

12 • The Center For Advanced Vein Care Hickory's Leading Vein Treatment Clinic

18 • Vitality Anti-Aging Center & Medical Spa Where Health And Beauty Meet

22 • September Events

25 • What's Cooking?! Game Day Recipes25

22 18entertainment | food | local business


September ushers in the fall season. It usually hosts the perfect

weather for those end-of-summer events and seasonal to-do-

lists.

In preparation for the colder months ahead, some home main-

tenance is in order. Consider checking off the following list

early in the season. It is better to schedule professionals earlier

when they have time to be thorough, rather than later when

they are extremely busy.

1. Tune up your heating system. If you are looking for a heat-

ing and air company, try 72 Degrees, one of our advertisers.

2. Check your roof for any damage and make necessary

repairs.

3. Caulk around windows and doors.

4. Contact a chimney sweep to clean your chimney.

5. If you enjoy burning wood in your fireplace, purchase a

load of wood and store it on a rack, off the ground. This

allows for better air circulation and prevents it from draw-

ing moisture from the ground. Don't place the rack too

close to your home to avoid pests, and cover the top of the

woodpile with a tarp to protect it from the rain.

Save cleaning the gutters and downspouts until after the

leaves fall, usually around Thanksgiving. Also, storing out-

door furniture can wait until temperatures drop, and it is too

cold to enjoy using them. Unless you have frost-proof faucets,

draining exterior faucets and storing water hoses will be on the

to-do-list for October.

According to Bruce Hartsell at Killian's Hardware, if you didn't

apply a grub control in August, it is still okay to apply through

the middle of September. Also, mid-September is the time to

plug, overseed, and apply a slow release starter fertilizer. Bruce

recommends checking the pH of your lawn and applying lime

if needed. You want your lawn’s pH between 6.5 and 7. If you

have fescue grass, fertilize mid-September and mid-November.

Toward the end of September is a good time to plant trees,

shrubs and perennials, divide and transplant spring perenni-

als, and plant pansies and mums.

Whew, it sounds like a lot of work! Before I start on my list, I

think I will visit one of the festivals listed on page 22. After all,

I have the whole month of September to complete these tasks.

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!

September

Ushers In A New Season

© KatarzynaBialasiewicz | iStock | Thinkstock

By Kathy Wheeler


LIVI cover storyGN

Photos:On the cover–Aaron D. Thompson, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. owner of The Center for Advanced Vein Care

Pictured–The Center's team–clockwise: Dr. Thompson;Ruth Powell, certified medical assistant; Judy Smith, medical office assistant; Mary Vinson, office manager



Hickory’s Leading Vein Treatment ClinicBy Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

“Typically, when a patient comes to see me, they are ready to be

treated,” Dr. Aaron Thompson explained as he shared informa-

tion about his practice. “Often, they have had varicose veins for

several years, perhaps with symptoms, maybe not. They may

be distressed because they haven’t been comfortable wearing

shorts, or they’ve been told their legs don’t look normal.” Dr.

Thompson’s private practice is The Center for Advanced Vein

Care in Hickory. Venous disease treatment has come a long way

in the last 20 years. Patients will feel better and look much bet-

ter with today’s minimally invasive, advanced technologies that

help patients enjoy activities without the pain and disfigurement

of vein disorders, such as varicose and spider veins.

Dr. Thompson combines the knowledge he has gained through

years of study and experience focused on surgery and treating

diseases of the veins. He uses the most advanced technologies

available to help each and every patient feel good about his or

her body image and enjoy a life free of pain due to disorders of

the venous system. With a professional medical team on hand in

the Center, he employs specific vein treatment techniques and

equipment to treat the various vein disorders he sees. A person-

alized treatment plan is recommended for each patient’s unique


Photos: Above, left–Dr. Thompson discusses venous anatomy of the lower extremity during a patient consultation.

Right–Dr. Thompson, using ultrasound, performs a venous procedure in the office.

condition. Dr. Thompson has successfully treated thousands

of patients suffering from disorders of the veins.

NOT YOUR FATHER’S VEIN TREATMENT

“Up until about 15 years ago, treatment for varicose veins

consisted of vein stripping, which meant hospital admission

and general anesthesia,” Dr. Thompson explained. “An inci-

sion was made in the ankle and in the groin, and a catheter

was inserted up the entire length of the leg. The up-to-date,

minimally invasive techniques that I use are virtually pain-

free and are performed in my office. Typically, patients have

little or no bruising, swelling, or pain. They walk in and

walk out and can often return to work that day. I rarely pre-

scribe anything stronger than over-the-counter medication

like Tylenol or Advil.”


Venous disease causes the internal walls

of the leg veins to deteriorate. The small

vein valves become defective and don’t

function properly. When this happens,

either in the deep or superficial vein

system, blood begins to flow backwards

and gravity sends blood toward the

ankles. This is called reflux. To com-

pensate for this increase in pressure,

Mother Nature distends or enlarges the

veins, which causes the problems. Vari-

cose vein symptoms include enlarged,

visible veins, usually in the lower legs,

pain and fatigue in the legs, swollen

ankles and calves, burning, itching or

discolored skin, and leg ulcers. In less

severe cases, thin, discolored vessels–

spider veins–may be the only symptom.

If you have severe varicose veins, you

have increased chances of developing

deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT may

cause sudden, severe leg swelling. It is a

serious condition that requires immedi-

ate medical attention.

Spider veins are often primarily a cos-

metic concern, but varicose veins can

be painful, disfiguring and debilitating.

Without treatment, they can become

ulcerated and at risk for dangerous

infection. Early, effective treatment,

before complications occur, is recom-

mended.

Diagnostic tools have improved, as

well. After a brief physical exam and

history, a duplex ultrasound exam that

requires little more than passing a hand-

held ultrasound transducer over skin

that has had gel applied will be done.

This 10-minute exam gives an im-

age that allows measurement of reflux

times, the time it takes for the blood to

flow in the right direction.

STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENTS

After a diagnosis is made, Dr. Thomp-

son may recommend one of several cut-

ting-edge, minimally invasive treatment

options. These include sclerotherapy,

ablation and laser treatment. For small,

peripheral veins, foam sclerotherapy

may be performed. Medication mixed

with air forms foam that is painlessly

injected in the vein and causes correc-

tion in blood flow. Ablation uses a thin,

flexible catheter inserted into a vein

in the leg. Tiny electrodes at the tip of

the catheter heat the walls of the vein

and destroy it. Similarly, laser treat-

ment sends out laser energy or radio

frequency energy that kills the diseased

portion of the vein, and the vein closes

off. Dr. Thompson also treats venous

wounds, stasis dermatitis and deep vein

thrombosis.

Photos: Right–Before and after photos are actual patient photos provided by The Center for Advanced Vein Care. • Before and after endovenous

ablation for varicose veins• Before and after treatment

for spider veins of the legs• Hands-before and after sclerotherapy

Photos:Left–Dr. Thompson performs a duplex ultrasound exam


Dr. Aaron Thompson, Jr.3513 Graystone Place • Conover

828.322.8485www.hickoryvein.com

Photos:Left–Dr. Thompson reviews a patient caseAbove–Judy Smith completes the patient interaction with a smile.

PREVENTION

“It’s hard to predict who will develop

varicose veins,” Dr. Thompson said.

“Risk factors include a family history of

varicose veins; more women than men

develop them and pregnancy can cause

varicose veins to develop; and age–peo-

ple over 50 tend to be more susceptible.

Obese people and workers who spend

long hours standing, like teachers,

nurses, and flight attendants, are more

predisposed to develop the condition.”

Walking is a good activity for everyone,

and it can help keep the calf muscles

working properly and, hopefully, lessen

the possibility of vein disorders. Com-

pression stockings are worn for several

weeks after treatment and may be rec-

ommended beyond that at various levels

of use, such as while on your feet for

long periods at work, or while shopping

or on long car or plane rides.

Research has shown that venous disease

costs Americans more than two million

lost workdays and an annual expense of

$1.4 billion for treatment. Without treat-

ment, varicose veins will not go away,

and more likely will progress and wors-

en over time. When this happens, such

as in the case of severe varicose veins,

the deep vein system may also become

damaged and ineffective. Dr. Thompson

offers periodic free screening with his

recommendation for any further tests

needed, and a treatment plan that will

reduce or remove blemishes and bulging

veins, improve your health and enhance

your appearance.

A PROFESSIONAL TEAM

“One night I had an epiphany!” Dr.

Thompson said with a smile. “I realized

that patients were having to travel to

Charlotte for vein treatment; there was

no one performing these procedures

here in the Hickory area. I knew I had to

open this clinic.” As a general surgeon,

Dr. Thompson had a lot of experience

treating venous disease. He opened the

vein center in 2001. His dedicated team

of medical professionals is the heart of

the practice. Together, they make certain

that patients are seen quickly, treated

with courtesy and respect, and experi-

ence satisfactory, effective health care.

Dr. Thompson earned his bachelor of

arts at the University of Virginia and his

doctor of medicine at the University of

Virginia School of Medicine. He com-

pleted his internship and residency at


the University of Medicine and Dentistry

of New Jersey.

Dr. Thompson’s staff includes his certi-

fied medical assistant, Ruth Powell. Ruth

takes patient histories, begins an initial

exam, injects spider veins and assists

with procedures. Receptionist Judy

Smith takes calls, schedules appoint-

ments, and makes sure your questions

are routed to the right person. Mary

Katherine Vinson is office manager,

responsible for keeping everything run-

ning smoothly. She can answer insurance

or other billing questions.

If you have questions or concerns about

varicose veins, spider veins, or symp-

toms you may be experiencing, call The

Center for Advanced Vein Care. Taking

care of your health earlier, not later, is

always the best decision. Let Dr. Thomp-

son and his team keep you healthy,

comfortable and more attractive.


Total health involves many measure-ments of ourselves, not just inside our body but also our outward appearance. Vitality Anti-Aging Center & Medical Spa is the area’s first full service, anti-ag-ing center and medical spa. “Our whole focus is total health,” Physician Assistant Grace McLaurin said. “We want our patients to look great on the outside and feel well on the inside. It’s an integrated approach to medicine.”

In order to provide the best total care for patients, the practice is constantly growing and adding the newest tech-nologies. “We are always adding new products,” Grace explained. “All our aesthetic treatments are medical grade products, and our supplements all have scientific testing behind them. We want our patients to know they can feel safe and comfortable with everything we have to offer.”

A few of the newest procedures added include Liposonix, Fraxel, and Hydra-Facial.

Liposonix is a high intensity, focused ultrasound that destroys fat cells. It is helpful for someone who is close to their ideal size and needs an extra boost to get there. It is FDA approved for use on the abdomen and flanks. In a one-hour treatment, people can lose one inch, which is the equivalent of one pant size. “We have had a 100% response rate with Liposonix,” Grace said. “We believe so much in this treatment that as long as people maintain their size for 12 weeks, we will do another treatment for free.”

Vitality has also added Fraxel, which is used to treat melisma (hormonal darkening of the skin), deep lines, scars, and stretch marks. Physicians around the world have used Fraxel to treat more than 800,000 patients. It fits into any lifestyle, is non-invasive, and provides a real change you just can’t get from lo-tions and creams.

Written by Meredith Collins | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Photos: Left–Owners Grace

McLaurin, PA-C, and

Todd Hinceman, NP

Below–They review

plans for the new

Vitality Anti-Aging

Center at Moretz Mills

scheduled to open this

fall.

Anti-Aging Center &Medical Spa:

Where Health and Beauty Meet


HydraFacial is a resurfacing procedure that thoroughly cares for your skin, providing cleansing, exfoliation, extrac-tion, and hydration. It is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that delivers instant results with no discomfort or downtime. It specifically targets skin issues like sun damage, blackheads and whiteheads, enlarged pores, acne, brown spots, uneven skin tone, and early aging fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitality also provides cosmetics focused on skin care, and they have expanded

recently to add the jane iredale skin care makeup line.

The primary care division of Vitality has also recently grown. Medical Director Dr. Charles McKaraher is board certi-fied with years of experience working in Hickory. In addition to regular primary care, Dr. McKaraher focuses on hor-mone treatments and weight loss.

Vitality’s mission to help people feel their best is exemplified in their partner-ship with the nonprofit organization,

Through Healing Eyes, which helps breast cancer patients undergoing treat-ment. Vitality offers patient services such as acupuncture, MediCupping, massage, and facials at no cost. More exciting times for Vitality are coming in October as they prepare to expand into a larger office in the more convenient Moretz Mills area!

www.vitalitymedicalspa.com828-322-1498

Photos: Left–Vitality is excited

to relaunch jane iredale

THE SKIN CARE

MAKEUP line. Come

see the latest that jane

iredale has to offer while

enjoying promotional

specials.

22 HICKORY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 201422 HICKORY LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2014

SEPTEMBER

EVENTS Enjoy!Summer is almost over. Get out and enjoy a few final summer concerts and festivals before the season ends. It is a perfect time to gather with friends and family for an out-door evening of fun. The Hickory Community Theatre will start their new season this month. Check them out online or visit the box office to purchase your season passes.

September 5-6, 11-14 & 18-21Hickory Community Theatre30 3rd Street NW, HickoryThursdays 7:30PM • Friday & Satur-days 8PM • Sundays 2:30PMDisney's The Little MermaidCheck website for ticket information. hickorytheatre.org

September 5Hickory Alive • City Hall Parking Lot 6PM - 10PM • Xerockxwww.facebook.com/HickoryAlive

September 6, 13, 20 & 27Farmers Market • Under the Sails Downtown Hickory Music from 10:30AM - 1PMSeptember 6: Cory KinalSeptember 13: Santiago's String Qrt September 20: Kevin Lee SmithSeptember 27: Ben Pleasant & Violin Friendwww.downtownhickory.com

September 5 & 6 33rd Annual Historic Morganton Festival • Downtown MorgantonFriday 3PM - 11PM • Saturday 9AM - 10PM • Crafts, Music, Food and Kid/Teen Zone • No pets please • Rain or Shinewww.morgantonfest.org

September 5, 12, 19 & 26 Family Friday Nights in ValdeseConcerts held at the Town of Valdese parking lot next to Wells Fargo on Main Street • 7PM - 10PMSeptember 5: The ExtraordinairesSeptember 12: Carson HillSeptember 19: Sound BarrierSeptember 26: Shakedown townofvaldese.com

September 5Statesville's Friday After FiveW. Broad Street, StatesvilleFood & beverage vendors • Bring a lawn chair • No coolers or pets5:30PM - 8:30PMPart Time Blues Bandwww.downtownstatesvillenc.org

September 5-6Catawba Valley Music Revival Mu-sic & Art Festival • 5799 Coot Wil-liams Road, Cherryville, NC • Main stage bands begin at 2PM daily • Art Village opens at 10AM • Food on site • Free parking and camping

• Bring a lawn chair • Rain or shine • Visit website for ticket information.CatawbaValleyMusicRevival.com

September 27Viewmont Street Strut • Hwy 127, Hickory • Visit businesses in the Viewmont area for sidewalk sales, entertainment, in-store events, food and drink. Shuttle service available.www.viewmontstreetstrut.com

September 5, 12, 19 & 26Music On The LawnThe Inn at Ragged Gardens, 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock • Free Concert • Cash bar and lawn menu are available • No pets, coolers, or outside food allowed • Bring a lawn chair • 5:30PM - 8:30PMSeptember 5: Supa TightSeptember 12: Klee & MikeSeptember 19: Soul BenefactorSeptember 26: Harris Brotherswww.ragged-gardens.com

September 12 & 20Shelton Vineyards286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson, NCSeptember 12 – National Conven-tion of Vintage Triumph Register • Free admission • 10AM - 6PMSeptember 20 – Liquid Pleasure Concert • 5PM - 8PM • Visit website for ticket pricing and concert poli-cies • www.sheltonvineyards.com



Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip

2 packages cream cheese6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts1 bottle Texas Pete wing sauce1 8 oz. package shredded cheddar cheese1 8 oz. package shredded mozzarella cheese1 container blue cheese2 tablespoons butter

Directions1. Slow cook chicken in a crock pot with 1/2 cup of wing sauce and but-ter on low for approximately 6 hours or until chicken will easily shred.2. Preheat oven to 350°. 3. Shred chicken and mix with the rest of the wing sauce.4. Spread the 2 packages of cream cheese over the bottom of a 13" X 9" baking dish. Add shredded chicken. Layer the mozzarella, cheddar and blue cheese.5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. It will be bubbly and crispy around the edges. Serve hot with tortilla chips, carrot chips and celery.

Quick Chili Beans1 pound ground beef1 teaspoon of vegetable oil½ sweet onion chopped2 tablespoons of chili powder1 15 oz. can of dark red kidney beans1 15 oz. can of light red kidney beans1 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes1 27 oz. can of diced tomatoes Salt to taste

Directions1. Chop onion and sauté in a skillet with oil.2. Add one pound of ground beef. Season with a little salt and 1/2 tablespoon of chili powder. Fry until done. Drain excess fat.3. Combine canned tomatoes, kidney beans, beef and onions and chili powder in a large pot. Salt to taste. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.4. Serve with grated cheese, sour cream and saltines.

Chili and Cheese NachosA bag of your favorite tortilla chipsShredded mild cheddar cheeseSliced jalapeñosChili beans from above recipeSour creamGuacamole Directions1. Place a single layer of chips on a non-stick cookie sheet. Using a slotted spoon, top chips with chili beans. Add sliced jala-peños and shredded cheese to taste.2. Broil in oven until cheese melts.3. Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.

What's Cooking?!Game Day Recipes

Photos © bhofack2 | © The LionRoar | iStock | Thinkstock

hickorylivingsept14

Documents

good life4 hickory living

hickory livinghickory

perfect time

stressfree time

perfect weather

fall season

c o mlivinglivinghickorymyron

comhickorylivingw w