Stay Healthy

THE MIRACLE OF MAGGIE MAINE, THIS YEAR’S HEART BALL HONOREE.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and, for many families, the busiest. Holiday parties. Shopping for gifts. Spreading peace and good cheer.

It’s easy to get swept up in the tinsel and twinkling lights, but the Maine family always makes sure their daughter, Maggie, is right in the middle of the action.

MATURE STUDENTS SATISFY THEIR CURIOSITY AT OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s fall term course catalog offers more than 50 pages of opportunities. For those who like learning for learning’s sake, opening it and reading through its full-color pages feels like shopping spree.

OLLI, at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, is part of the Bernard Osher Foundation’s nationwide network of adult learning programs. At USCB, it offers educational programs for people in the Lowcountry ages 50 and older — a fast-growing population in Beaufort County. The institute’s membership is 1,400 and counting; over three semesters last year, more than 410 courses focused on topics ranging from science, history, art, computers, literature and health. Lois McCue, the chairwoman of the Hilton Head Island curriculum committee, said OLLI offers classes in about 20 categories, all taught by volunteers.

AN ALZHEIMER’S DIAGNOSIS CAN BE DEVASTATING FOR BOTH PATIENTS AND FAMILIES ALIKE.

When Cathy Gustafson returns home after painting or coloring at Memory Matters’ day program, she is eager to show off her creations to husband, Ron. Ron, who’s been with Cathy since they were 14, always admires the artwork, happy to see her smile and enjoy herself.

Inwardly, though, his heart breaks anew for both of them.

COMBAT HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN BY TRAINING TOGETHER FOR A RACE

Every Thanksgiving, the average person consumes 3,000 calories and, as a nation, we collectively consume 736 million pounds of turkey, 50 million pumpkin pies and 40 million green bean casseroles. Thankfully, Thanksgiving is more than just an all-you-can-eat bingefest. It is a special time to celebrate friends and family — and a great way to do that is to train together and complete the annual Turkey Trot 5K (that’s 3.2 miles), sponsored by the Island Rec Center. In just three short weeks, you and your loved ones can be race ready. Here’s how:

HURRICANE MATTHEW AND TROPICAL STORM IRMA CHANGED THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE. THEY ALSO CHANGED LOCAL PEOPLE.

While there were no fatalities and only a few injuries on Hilton Head Island directly caused by Matthew and Irma, there were other lasting effects.

A year after Matthew, Dr. Patrick Snowman, who works in the emergency room at Hilton Head Hospital, is still on the frontline of the hurricane fallout. The problem? Trees. Hurricane cleanup is dangerous business.

NEW THERAPIES HELP PATIENTS TARGET THEIR TREATMENTS.

Breast cancer treatment has come a long way over the years. New procedures and therapies have helped extend patients’ lives while also improving their quality of life.

Dr. Howard Zaren — a surgical oncologist with St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital, the medical director of the hospital’s Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion, and the principal investigator for the National Cancer Institute’s Georgia Community Oncology Research Program — has been treating breast cancer patients for the past 43 years and says he has seen tremendous developments in the fight against the disease.

Mothers often proudly proclaim that they would do anything for their children. For some parents, that declaration of love is a matter of life and death. For both Lois Richardson and Kelly Ruhlin, that demonstration of love went above and beyond baking their kids’ favorite snacks or picking out the best birthday gifts. Richardson and Ruhlin each donated a kidney to their sons in a procedure known as a “living transplant.”

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HEALTHY SMILE AND FREQUENT VISITS TO THE DENTIST MIGHT BE YOUR DIET.

When it comes to the health of your teeth, you really are what you eat.

Oral health is one of the first areas to decline when your diet is less than ideal, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

The difference between a healthy smile and frequent visits to the dentist might be your diet. If you’re trying to protect your teeth and gums, choose wisely when it comes to food and beverages. Everyone knows sugary foods, such as candy and soda, contribute to tooth decay, but here are some less obvious guidelines for what to eat and drink — and what to avoid — for good oral health:

A COSMETIC DENTIST CAN HELP MAKE YOU MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR SMILE.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Practicing good oral health habits to maintain teeth and gums in top condition can actually help prevent certain diseases.

It’s important to see a dentist twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. They will help with tartar control, cavity prevention and keeping an overall healthy mouth. They serve as your first line of defense and will be able to help guide you toward good habits.