Greetings. Since I last wrote, the Southeast has been hit with two horrible natural disasters with hurricanes Helene and Milton, whose destruction was unfathomable. The outpouring of help from private citizens, companies and churches have been heartwarming, but I fear the struggles for those in western North Carolina will continue for quite some time.
These storms always have unexpected consequences and effects often extend well beyond the immediately affected area. For instance, one of the biggest suppliers of iv fluids to the entire country is Baxter, and the plant that distributes the fluids has been damaged by the storm in NC. Roper actually cancelled some elective surgeries initially due to shortages. Currently, surgeries are being performed as scheduled, but fluid conservation policies remain in effect.
We are currently facing turbulence in another area, and that is politics. Voting has begun in South Carolina, so get out and vote, regardless of your candidate of choice! I had the opportunity to visit Monticello a couple of weekends ago, and I have to admit, it was a very inspirational experience. I have attached some photos I took. It hit me while I was there how young our country actually is. When I learned American history in grade school and high school, the 17 and 1800's seem like an eternity ago. But now that I am personally over half a century old, I have a different perspective!
Putting aside all of the political vitriol out there, Monticello served as reminders to our civic duty to vote and how fortunate we are to live in the USA! Patriotism also came over me while shopping at the At Home store in North Charleston yesterday. The store is in the flight path of the Joint Air Base planes, which were out in full force this weekend. Did you know that Charleston hosts one of the largest fleets of C17 planes in the US military? Pretty impressive!
We are also fortunate to live in a country with incredible physicians and nurses dedicated to caring for those with breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I apologize for not giving attention to this important topic earlier in the month, either in a blog or an IG post, but I can't impress enough the importance of yearly screening exams. I also want to give a shout out to all of those courageous women who have battles and are currently battling breast cancer. As current recommendations are steering women more towards breast conservation surgery as opposed to mastectomies, less women are seeking plastic surgery reconstruction after treatment, so it is not as much of a focal point of my practice as compared to years past. And hopefully, we will have a cure in the not too distant future!
On a lighter tone, this week is also Halloween. I have to admit, Halloween, along with Valentine's Day are my least favorite holidays. I have put some pumpkins out, but I am much more looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas. And yes, I have to admit, I was looking at Christmas decorations at the At Home store, lol! But I don't was to be a party pooper for all of you who love Halloween. As our own little Trick or Treat specials, we are offering a free Skinvive syringe with any purchase of a CO2 laser treatment. And we are continuing our laser hair removal special through the end of the month! And of course, I've added a classic 80's song because Kelly and I are suckers for '80's music. I thought the creepy moon vibe was apropos for Halloween!
'Til Next Time,
Heidi Williams
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