January '18 by Cabarrus Magazine

JANUARY 2018

The Opioid Epidemic:

Cabarrus Business:

Hooked

On the Go

Sleep:

Crime Stoppers:

Early to Bed, Early to Rise?

Naturopathy: First Do No Harm

The Bethel UMC Case

Calendar of Events: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening

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Word on the Street January 2018 Volume 18 n Issue 1 President Pam Tolen

Managing Editor/Art Direction Kim Cassell Advertising Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle Contributing Writers Amanda Buck with Emily Evans Kim Cassell Contributing Photographers The Carolina Thread Trail City of Concord Michelle Drains

Cabarrus Magazine is published by: Comfort Publishing Inc. 296 Church Street N., Hidden Plaza Concord, NC 28025 For editorial inquiries, call 704-7437498 or email them to Kim Cassell at kcassellcabarrusmagazine.com. For advertising inquiries, call Jason Huddle at 704-907-7847 or Kimberly Brouillette at 704305-7599. Visit us at www.cabarrusmagazine.com. All rights reserved. ©2017, Comfort Publishing Inc., 296 Church Street N., Concord, NC 28025. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are trademarks of their respective companies. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Cabarrus Magazine or Comfort Publishing Inc.

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Rachel Fesko

Publisher Jason Huddle

Happy New Year and welcome to 2018! This month also begins our 18th year of producing this publication for this community, and we cannot thank you – our readers – enough for your continued support over these many years. Having said all that, January is a time when we typically reflect on ourselves and resolve to do better in the new year. In this issue, we focus on our collective health, as a community. For instance, did you know that Cabarrus County is a hotbed in the ongoing opioid epidemic that is ravaging our country? We sat down with Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) and Concord Police Chief Gary Gacek to get their thoughts on countywide solutions, we well as where the addiction is stemming from and how the public can be educated. We also look at sleep, a valuable resource for health. Breakthroughs in medicine and dentistry are providing help to those with sleep disorders. And on a holistic level, naturopathy is assisting those looking to de-stress while eating better and managing weight. So take a moment to put your feet up and read this month’s edition – but only for a moment. We have work to do, together, to become a more healthy and vibrant community. Given what we’re doing already, I’d say we’re well on our way! Happy New Year!

Jason Huddle

This Issue... Live Well 6

The Opioid Epidemic: Hooked

Paw Prints: Cabarrusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Adoptable Dogs

Sleep: Early to Bed, Early to Rise?

Naturopathy: First Do No Harm

Crime Stoppers: The Bethel UMC Case

Cabarrus Business: On the Go

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening: January Events Calendar

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By Kim Cassell

The Opioid Epidemic: Hooked CABARRUS COUNTY HAS BECOME USED TO BEING PUT “ON THE MAP” FOR POSITIVE REASONS LIKE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, LOW UNEMPLOYMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE. NOW IT’S FOR OPIOID MISUSE.

In August 2017, Cabarrus County won the unprestigious title of having the highest number of opioid overdoses in one month, as documented by Emergency Medical Services (EMS): 81. Nine of the 81 died. The question begs, “When did this happen?” When did a class of drugs ignore all boundaries – socioeconomic, gender, age, education – in such numbers to be termed an epidemic? First, let’s identify what we’re talking about. Opioids include both the illegal drug heroin as well as prescription pain relievers like codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine and oxycodone. The National Institute of Health (NIH) says the drugs act by “attaching to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found on nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract and other organs in the body. When these drugs attach to their receptors, they reduce the perception of pain and can produce a sense of well-being; however, they can also produce drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea and constipation.” The Department of Health & Human Services released numbers for 2014 – more than 240 million prescriptions were written for opioids in the U.S. that year. Meant to address the needs of the estimated 100 million-plus individuals suffering from chronic pain like neck and back pain and osteoarthritis, there are factors that have led to their abuse. One is medication sharing.

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In August 2017, Cabarrus County had the highest number of opioid overdoses in North Carolina.

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Tough to Swallow • Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. – there were 52,404 lethal drug overdoses in 2015. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with 20,101 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 12,990 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2015. • In 2012, 259 million prescriptions were written for opioids, more than enough to give every American adult their own bottle of pills. • In 2014, 94 percent of respondents in a survey of people in treatment for opioid addiction said they chose to use heroin because prescription opioids were “far more expensive and harder to obtain.” • In 2015, 20.5 million Americans 12 or older had a substance use disorder – 2 million for prescription pain relievers, 591,000 for heroin. • In 2015, 276,000 adolescents were current nonmedical users of pain relievers, with 122,000 having an addiction to prescription pain relievers. An estimated 21,000 adolescents had used heroin in the past year, and an estimated 5,000 were current heroin users. Additionally, an estimated 6,000 adolescents had a heroin use disorder in 2014. • Four in five new heroin users started out misusing prescription painkillers; an estimated 23 percent of individuals who use heroin develop opioid addiction. • People often share their unused pain relievers, unaware of the dangers of nonmedical opioid use. Most adolescents who misuse prescription pain relievers are given them for free by a friend or relative. • The prescribing rates for prescription opioids among adolescents and young adults nearly doubled from 1994 to 2007. • Women are more likely to have chronic pain, be prescribed prescription pain relievers, be given higher doses and use them for longer time periods than men. Women may become dependent on prescription pain relievers more quickly than men. Source: American Society of Addiction Medicine

Those who don’t finish a prescription give the remaining pills to a friend or family member experiencing pain. Maybe they don’t have medical insurance so they haven’t seen a medical professional or they’re in a tough spot financially. “It’s hard to tell someone they’re doing the wrong thing, but they may be providing medications to a person that has prescription abuse problems,” Marcella Beam, executive director of Healthy Cabarrus at Cabarrus Health Alliance, says. “What does a heroin

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user look like? I tell people ‘me.’ So often, people have an image of what a user looks like. If your medications are in your medicine cabinet, purse, car, bedside drawer, they can be taken. People who rob pharmacies have likely exhausted family and friends.” Beam and her colleague stay focused on state statistics for opioid abuse. The North Carolina Disease Event Tracking and Epidemiologic Collection Tool (NC DETECT) serves as their public health surveillance device. It reported 646 opioid overdose visits

In 2014, more than 240 million prescriptions were written for opioids in the U.S.

to Emergency Departments in August 2017 compared to 419 in August 2016. “The state monitors Emergency Department (ED) admissions through a program called NC DETECT, and that is monitored by the Department of Human Services. We can check that in real time. They do an aggregated report each month with county rate admissions to EDs,” Beam explains. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says, “The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include methadone, oxycodone (such as OxyContin®) and hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®).” In 2001, believe it or not, pain became the fifth vital sign – a medical standard after it was decided that pain was being undertreated. “Pain is subjective, though,” Beam adds. “It then becomes a snowball effect. Doctors are prescribing opioids as a response to the pain question and people stay on pain medications for a long time.” She also answers the “when” question. “I think it’s being talked about now because there’s such a prevalence of heroin. Painkillers could be hidden from peers, co-workers, etc. What’s happened over time is that people are being cut off (from prescriptions). That’s where that transition to heroin comes in.” Concord Police Chief Gary Gacek has been on the job since July 2015.

He came to Concord from Milwaukee, WI, where he commanded several divisions within its Police Department. Like his constituents across Cabarrus County, he’s also passionate about the opioid epidemic. “It starts with the overprescribing of very potent opioids,” he says. “People become addicted to these drugs, but they’re very expensive so there’s a black market. Now factor heroin into the equation. It’s a similar high, but it can be accessed cheaper and it’s a more potent alternative.” The potency is coming from heroin being laced with synthetic drugs that include morphine and – more recently – fentanyl. And it’s a killer. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. “Fentanyl was originally synthesized as a powerful analgesic (pain reliever), and it is still used medically to treat severe pain following surgery or for chronic pain in people who are opioid-tolerant so other painkillers aren’t effective,” NIDA says. To make matters worse, Carfentanil started showing up in heroin in September 2016. A synthetic opioid, its original use was as an elephant sedative. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl. More Emergency Room physicians and nurses are calling this heroin cocktail “one and done.” While lacing heroin makes it more

potent and addictive, users have no Chief Gacek says, “Our officers idea what they’re buying. The mixture have naloxone (a medication that of ingredients from batch to batch is reverses an opioid overdose) with inconsistent at best, deadly at worst. them all the time. I’m not aware of any The potency of heroin may mean administration of that drug to save a more profits for the dealers, but it life because by the time we’re assessing also means it could the situation, EMS be laced with about and Fire have shown any type of toxin and up. Our officers the risk of overdose actually carry it more is widespread. This for exposure to presents itself to firstsynthetics, to adminresponders like our ister to themselves. local EMS and police We’re responding to departments. every overdose call. Cabarrus EMS Even if it’s an EMS answered 521 call, we’re getting the substance abuse follow-up call. complaint calls in “When we talk 2016; overdoses about how deadly Concord Police Chief Gary Gacek numbered 163. They these synthetics are, answered 780 complaint calls from we have to look at who’s handling January through November of 2017; them. It’s a part of our officers’ overdoses numbered 551. This drastic jobs, but it can become airborne or increase has impacted EMS in operating ingested. There’s such heavy lacing costs, call volume, responder safety and that accidentally moving it or the wind Emergency Department patients. blowing means it can be breathed in.”

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The potency of today’s heroin is coming from it being laced with synthetics that include morphine and – more recently – fentanyl.

In September, Cabarrus County Government and Cabarrus Health Alliance held a County Leadership Forum on Opioid Abuse. Firstresponders, law enforcement, elected officials and medical outlets from all over the county attended. Recognizing current resources to combat the opioid crisis, the group held a brainstorming session. The

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results were to come up with “more outreach and education to the public, diversion courts to address lowlevel drug crime, and peer support,” according to Cabarrus County. Beam explains the resources offered by CHA. “We have a drugfree community grant to work on prevention. In July 2016, we implemented a syringe exchange

program. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, people can bring in dirty syringes and we’ll dispose of them and provide them clean ones. To counter communicable diseases, we send them to our clinic for testing. “We have medication take-back events. All our local pharmacies participate on the same day. We’re educating youth. For example, a teenager gets her wisdom teeth pulled. She thinks she needs to finish her pain medications because she’s always had to finish her antibiotics. “We have a standing order for naloxone so you don’t need a prescription. Naloxone is very accessible. We have kits available free of charge. It provides access to a lifesaving medication.” “We’re partnering with Cabarrus Health Alliance (CHA) and Cabarrus County Schools to target 8th and 9th graders,” Chief Gacek adds. “Those between the ages of 13 and 16 begin experimenting. The D.A.R.E. program may not necessarily cover this. We’ve

had two community conversations in Cabarrus County schools so far: at Concord High and Jay M. Robinson. In a city of 90,000, we’re not filling up auditoriums to educate the public and community.” While trying to educate the public, the Concord Police Department is also going after the dealers. “In September, we arrested 18 death peddlers; that’s what I like to call them. Eighty-eight charges were brought against them. The numbers of overdoses have decreased since then. Is it an unmistakable coincidence?” “It was called Operation Gray,” Beam adds. It was the arrest of high-level dealers. Did that limit access to heroin? There were 45 overdoses in September, 21 in October. Why? “EMS started doing their own heat map for opiate overdoses that they’re responding to and where they’re responding. You’d think it might be along the I-85 corridor but it’s not. It’s right down the middle of the county.”

On a positive note, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has signed the Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention or STOP Act into law. Targeted at reducing the numbers of prescriptions written, it allows doctors to prescribe no more than a five-day supply of opioids, rather than the customary 30-day. In addition, doctors writing prescriptions have to turn them in to the state electronically. At this point, this only applies to new prescriptions and doesn’t impact cancer patients and those being treated for chronic pain. Chief Gacek says it’s time to take the gloves off. “We have to have an honest conversation. People think, ‘They (drugs) don’t affect me or my son or daughter,’ but they have a full medicine cabinet. It could be the straight-A student or the star of the football team. Users can’t willpower their way out of addiction. Get your medications out of the house! Use the least amount as necessary (of a prescription). This is the gateway drug to death.” n

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Give Me Shelter THERE ARE SEVERAL ANIMAL RESCUES IN CABARRUS COUNTY, USUALLY PAST CAPACITY, FILLED WITH ADOPTABLE DOGS, CATS AND MORE!

The saying goes, “People that say money can’t buy you happiness have never paid an adoption fee.” These are the faces of the abandoned, neglected and abused, and they’re looking for that second chance. If you’re looking for a furry family member, please consider pet adoption. Meet ERNIE, a two-year-old, 40-pound mix of who-knows-what. In foster care, he loves exercise, squeaky toys, canine and feline playmates, and lots of cuddles. He takes daily medication for anxiety since new situations scare him and he’s not too sure about riding in a car. He has not been around kids and may knock little ones down, so it’s best he live with older kids. Ernie is house-trained, sleeps in a crate at night as long as it’s near his people, and has received basic obedience. He needs a six-foot fence in his back yard. We know there’s someone out there that would be the perfect fit for sweet Ernie! Cabarrus Pets Society P.O. Box 5042, Concord, NC 28027 704-786-7729 petpals@cabarruspets.com www.cabarruspets.com

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SIERRA, a one-year-old Hound mix, needs a patient home that will understand and work with her being timid around people she doesn’t know. Her foster family has found that putting her on a leash helps her quiet down. Sierra loves to play, is affectionate with her family, likes cats and dogs, and loves riding in a car. To make an appointment to meet this pretty girl, please send an email to CabarrusHumaneSociety@gmail.com or call 704-784-7387, option 0.

Humane Society of Concord & Greater Cabarrus County Ruth’s Memorial Shelter 2010 Wilshire Court, Concord 704-784-7387 www.cabarrushumanesociety.org

CASSIE is a six- to seven-year-old Dachshund. This sweet girl is people friendly, housetrained and does well with other dogs, but she’s been dealt a bad hand. Cassie has medical issues that have gone unchecked, and now she needs surgery. While she is up-to-date on vaccines and is scheduled to be spayed, she will also need to have a tumor removed and a hernia repaired. With all the blood work that has to be done ahead of time, as well as the cost of the surgery (about $600), Mt. Pleasant Animal Rescue is welcoming donations. Then cute Cassie will be ready for her forever home. Mt. Pleasant Animal Rescue P. O. Box 1076, Mt. Pleasant 980-439-6505 mtpleasantanimalrescue@aol.com

Headline

By Jason Mortimer

Sponsored by Cannon Pharmacy

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By Kim Cassell

Sleep:

Early to Bed, Early to Rise? AS KIDS, WE DREADED THE HOUR WHEN OUR PARENTS SAID WE HAD TO GO TO BED. AS ADULTS, WE RELISH SLEEP AFTER A TOUGH DAY. Sleep is as important to our overall physical health as eating and exercising. Getting enough sleep aids in combatting illnesses while also helping us function more capably. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says, “During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. While you’re sleeping, your brain is preparing for the next day. It’s forming new pathways to help you learn and remember information. Studies also show that sleep deficiency alters activity in some parts of the brain. If you’re sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. Sleep deficiency also has been linked to depression, suicide and risk-taking behavior.” “Poor sleep health is a common problem, with 25 percent of U.S. adults reporting insufficient sleep or rest at least 15 out of every 30 days,” the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion adds. “The odds of being a short sleeper (less than six hours a night) in the United States have increased significantly over the past 30 years. Competition between sleep schedules, employment and lifestyle is a recent trend.”

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CDC estimates that 50 million to 70 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep disorder.

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Sleep Medicine Locations Sleep studies help to diagnose a patient’s inability to get quality sleep.

Carolinas HealthCare System Sleep Medicine - Concord 431 Copperfield Boulevard N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-403-9300 Carolinas Sleep Specialists 920 Copperfield Boulevard N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-707-4120 Gringas Sleep Medicine 248 LePhillip Court N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-944-0562 Mark Reiff, MD 5641 Poplar Tent Road, #101 Concord, NC 28027 704-782-1955 Sleep Medicine Services 130-D Lake Concord Road N.E. Concord, NC 28025 704-403-3000

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) advises how much quality sleep each of us should strive for. Infants should get 12 to 17 hours of sleep per 24 hours; children, nine to 12 hours; teens, eight to 10 hours; and adults, at least seven. Poor quality sleep can skew these numbers and occurs when a person wakes up multiple times during the night and doesn’t feel rested the next morning. Sleep disorders are often the root cause. British writer and composer, Anthony Burgess, said, “Laugh and the world laughs with you; snore and you sleep alone.” It’s funny, but it’s not. CDC estimates that 50 million to 70 million adults in the U.S. have a sleep disorder, and snoring is a prominent symptom. Poor sleep can stem from insomnia, restless legs syndrome (RLS) and narcolepsy. The most common form of Snoring Sleep-disordered Breathing (SDB) is obstructive sleep apnea.

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Insomnia is defined as “the inability to obtain sufficient sleep, difficulty in falling or staying asleep, sleeplessness. RLS is a disorder characterized by an unpleasant tickling or twitching sensation in the leg muscles when sitting or lying down, which is relieved only by moving the legs. Narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness and intermittent, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. And obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain – and the rest of the body – may not get enough oxygen.” Some 20 to 40 percent of adults are affected by SBD, which raises the incidence of stroke or death two to three times when untreated. It also obviously adds up to lost sleep. This is called sleep debt and some try to combat it by napping. “Some people nap as a way to deal with sleepiness. Naps may provide a short-term boost in alertness and performance; however, napping doesn’t

provide all of the other benefits of night-time sleep. Thus, you can’t really make up for lost sleep,” the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services says. In addition, sleeping when you usually don’t affects your physical sleep-wake rhythm. The CDC recommends we “go to bed at the same time each night and rise at the same time each morning; avoid large meals before bedtime; avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime; and avoid nicotine.” Unfortunately, there are those who work swing shift hours or are on call as part of their job. Quality sleep can be a challenge but untreated SDB like obstructive sleep apnea is dangerous. Untreated OSA may cause high blood pressure or make an already existing condition worse. WebMD says, “When you wake up often during the night, your body gets stressed. That makes your hormone systems go into overdrive, which boosts your blood pressure levels. Also, the level of oxygen in your blood drops when you can’t breathe well, which may add to the problem. “People with OSA are more likely

to have heart attacks. The causes may be low oxygen or the stress of waking up often. Strokes and atrial fibrillation – a fast, fluttering heartbeat – are also linked with the condition. Sleep apnea disrupts how your body takes in oxygen, which makes it hard for your brain to control how blood flows in your arteries and the brain itself. “Sleep apnea is common among people with type 2 diabetes – 80 percent or more of them may have OSA. Obesity raises a person’s risk for both disorders. Although studies haven’t shown a cause-and-effect link between sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes, not getting enough shut-eye can keep your body from using insulin properly, which leads to diabetes. “Extra pounds raise your chances of getting sleep apnea, and the condition also makes it harder to slim down. When you’re overweight, you can have fatty deposits in your neck that block breathing at night. On the flip side, sleep apnea can make your body release more of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you crave carbs and sweets. And when you’re tired all the time, you might not be able to turn the food you eat into energy as efficiently, which can lead to weight gain.” If you’re having trouble sleeping, the CDC recommends writing in a sleep diary for two weeks. Document how many hours you sleep each night, whether or not you wake up rested each morning and if you find yourself getting sleepy during the day. The next step is to see a doctor with your results. He or she may enroll you in a sleep study. WebMD identifies the four types typically utilized today. All are polysomnograms (PSGs) that electronically record and transmit physical activities that take place while you sleep. The data is then analyzed for a diagnosis. “Diagnostic overnight PSG is general monitoring of sleep and a variety of body functions during sleep, including breathing patterns, oxygen levels in the blood, heart

Some patients may get fitted with a CPAP to combat obstructive sleep apnea.

rhythms and limb movements. “Diagnostic daytime multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) is used to diagnose narcolepsy and to measure the degree of daytime sleepiness. It measures how quickly you fall asleep in quiet situations during the day. It also monitors how quickly and how often you enter REM sleep (rapid eye movement…when we vividly dream). “Two-night evaluation PSG and CPAP titration: On the first night, you’ll have general monitoring and diagnostic evaluation. If sleep apnea is discovered, you’ll come back for a second night to determine the right air pressure for CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment. It delivers air into your airways through a specially designed nasal mask. “Split-night PSG with CPAP titration is done when moderate or severe sleep apnea has been discovered or strongly suspected during the first part of the

night’s study. The second half of the night is used to determine the CPAP pressure needed to offset apnea.” Sleep study patients are given a private room with a monitoring station nearby. Electrodes are attached to their head, face and body for analysis. Of course, treatment depends on diagnosis. If OSA is discovered, your physician may fit you with a CPAP. A mask is attached to a machine by a hose that aids in breathing. And some manufacturers are introducing the micro CPAP – a small, cordless CPAP device. There are also effective dental sleep appliances, nerve stimulators and surgery. While this may sound intimidating, the alternatives are worse. If you’re not catching enough ZZZs, contact one of the sources for sleep medicine here in Cabarrus County for an answer. Have a good night! n

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Naturopathic medicine centers around providing the body with the tools to keep itself healthy.

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By Kim Cassell

Naturopathy: First Do No Harm “THE DOCTOR OF THE FUTURE WILL GIVE NO MEDICINE, BUT WILL INSTRUCT HIS PATIENTS IN CARE OF THE HUMAN FRAME, IN DIET AND IN THE CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF DISEASE.” - THOMAS EDISON

Let’s preface this article by saying that, as individuals, how we approach our own health and well-being is a choice. Naturopathy can be defined as “a system or method of treating disease that employs no surgery or synthetic drugs, but uses special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, etc., to assist the natural healing processes.” Naturopathic medicine centers around providing the body with the tools to keep itself healthy – finding a root cause for symptoms, not just treating them. Practitioners believe that the body has its own healing abilities. Then incorporating lifestyle changes yields the best outcome. Oftentimes, diet and exercise are the core of those changes, but the practice involves the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Michelle Drains, N.D., M.S., is owner and founder of Riverbirch Holistic Health on Church Street in Concord. As a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), she studied counseling, nutrition, exercise therapeutics, homeopathy, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy and physical therapies in addition to certain medical sciences. “I was raised in a family that was pretty natural-minded,” she says. “I was always interested in herbs, trying different things with my mother. But, in my youth, I didn’t know what I could do to make it a career. I thought I’d be a farmer, then I got a book from a friend about naturopathy.” Her clients include those needing help with weight management, allergies/food sensitivities, chronic fatigue, diabetes, autoimmune disorder, women’s health, heart disease and gastrointestinal complaints, among others. “Usually, my first step is to sit down and talk with a client...90 minutes to two hours,” Drains explains. “A lot of it is history, diet, mental health, hobbies, is there a support system at home, stress at home. What kind of foods do they crave. We’ll talk about a wellness plan, specific recommendations. It’s a lifestyle change.

Michelle Drains is naturopathic doctor, classical homeopath and botanist.

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It is expected that North Carolina will pass state licensure legislation for naturopathic doctors.

You didn’t get that way overnight. You never want to push the body for what it’s not ready for. “The power of the environment impacts our health – the quality of food we eat, how much we’re exercising outside. It’s not so much about foods to avoid, but foods to eat more of. And what foods offer what you may already take in a supplement. If we have to do any types of supplements we’ll look at that, but taking too many is an issue. They’re supposed to help support what we’re doing.” Gardening can target both the nutritional aspect of naturopathy as well as exercise. “With gardening, if you have joint issues, get some easy plants you can work with,” Drains advises. “A tower garden is hydroponic and can be used indoors or out. It’s very simple, do-it-yourself and you don’t have to bend over. You grow it in the tower and pick it. Children can get involved too.” Drains can provide a list of local retailers where her clients can find the foods she recommends at the best price. “What’s local is incredibly important,” she says. She also stresses exercising outside,

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not inside at a gym. “If you don’t like to be around too many people, or where it’s crowded and loud, walk around the greenway or in your back yard,” she says. “People can suffer from the winter blues, so we come up with strategies to get out in the environment, get sunlight, better air quality. Being physical outside gives the best benefit.” As a graduate of the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, Drains completed a fouryear post-baccalaureate doctoral program approved by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. While naturopathic doctors are able to perform minor procedures like natural childbirth, removing cysts and stitching up wounds, legislation for licensure in North Carolina has yet to pass. This means that Drains cannot act as a primary care physician, accept medical insurance as payment, prescribe or administer Schedule IV, V and unclassified prescription drugs or perform major surgery. And because Carolinas HealthCare System and Novant Health are the largest medical networks in North Carolina, they’re going to work with

their own in-network specialists. “I usually get referrals by wordof-mouth or a client that got great results,” Drains says. Last March, naturopathic doctors from across the state gathered in Raleigh to promote a Naturopathic Doctors Certification bill that would establish “educational, board certification and continuing education standards which are consistent with established national standards. The bill will increase citizens’ access to safe and effective alternatives in healthcare, improve public safety in seeking out these alternatives, and decrease healthcare costs through a strong focus on preventative medicine and the utilization of natural, low-cost therapies,” according to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). As of this writing, 20 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have passed legislation. AANP says, “In these states, N.D.s practice as independent primary care general practitioners, with the ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions, perform physical exams and order laboratory testing.” This doesn’t sit at all well with some in the science-based medical community who are voicing their anger and concerns over what they see as dangerous naturopathic treatments and doctors. Additionally, there’s a fear that patients with serious conditions will not get proper medical attention. WebMD offers some sage advice. “Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or are thinking about combining one with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to rely only on an alternative therapy. Don’t use it for an emergency or issue that requires a visit to the hospital, like major surgery. Nor should it be used in place of conventional medicine for serious conditions like cancer and heart disease.”

The University of Maryland Medical Center adds, “Be sure to let your medical doctor (M.D.) know about any naturopathic treatment, and let your N.D. know about any conventional medications you are taking. Some treatments can interact with each other, and your healthcare practitioners will be better able to treat you if they know every therapy you are using. “Make sure that your doctor approves any major changes in your diet so they don’t undermine your health (especially in the very young, the elderly and those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes).” More and more people are looking at holistic approaches to physical ailments, and naturopathy is viewed as a viable option for those who have not found relief through traditional medicine. It may also be used in conjunction with a science-based medical approach to achieve optimum results. Do your homework when choosing any physician and make sure you’re comfortable with their recommendations.

recently – falls under the naturopathy umbrella. The practice suggests that our natural environment helps balance us, and there is a variety of different exercises that fall under the ecotherapy classification, according to goodtherapy.org: • Nature meditation: This meditation takes place in a natural setting, such as a park, and is sometimes done as a group therapy. • Horticultural therapy: The use of plants and garden-related activities can be used to promote well-being.

• Animal-assisted therapy: One or more animals is introduced into the healing process. Some studies have demonstrated that petting or playing with a dog, for example, reduces aggression and agitation in some populations. • Physical exercise in a natural environment: This can include activities such as walking, jogging, cycling or doing yoga in a park. • Involvement in conservation activities: The act of restoring or conserving the natural environment

Ecotherapy With today’s technologies, it’s a given that the human race spends more time indoors than ever; estimates range from 80 to 99 percent. It’s even been given a name: nature deficit disorder. So, what if getting back outside can aid those suffering from mental health issues like depression or anxiety? Ecotherapy – which has been garnering more attention in the media

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Ecotherapy in Mt. Pleasant: The Buffalo Creek Preserve Trail is part of the Carolina Thread Trail.

can assist in creating a sense of purpose and hopefulness. In ecotherapy, our senses take over; the sounds of nature – birds, water – as well as smell and sight are found to reduce stress. The environment operates on its own clock and we’re forced to slow down to its pace. “There’s a pulse and rhythm in nature, and when you start to

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observe it and take it in, you find that everything takes time. Change is not immediate. It’s a process,” Dr. Joseph Mercola, a Chicago-based physician and advocate of natural medicine, says. “With ‘lightning speed’ Internet and 24/7 connectivity, we tend to forget this. We get so used to instant results and immediate gratification. You could say observing nature leads to greater tolerance for slowness, otherwise known as patience.” Research has also shown that while walking is good for both body and mind, doing so in a natural setting reduces negative emotions more effectively. Walking in a mall doesn’t produce the benefits that walking outside in nature does. In Great Britain, a study conducted by Mind stated, “A nature walk reduced symptoms of depression in 71 percent of participants, compared to only 45 percent of those who took a walk through a shopping center.” Other studies have shown that being able to see nature – from a window or in photographs – also serves to produce positive effects in people. “For example, in a study conducted by Roger Ulrich, a prominent researcher in this field, heart surgery patients in intensive care units were able to reduce their anxiety and need for pain medication by viewing pictures depicting trees and water,”

goodtherapy.org says. “Another researcher, Rachel Kaplan, also found that office workers who had a view of nature from a window reported higher job and life satisfaction than those who did not have such a view.” With regard to children, “Studies have shown that children who live in buildings with a nearby green space may have a greater capacity for paying attention, delaying gratification and inhibiting impulses than children who live in buildings surrounded by concrete,” according to goodtherapy. org. “Children who have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) display fewer symptoms after spending time in a green environment than when they spend time indoors or in non-green outdoor environments.” Today, more medical practitioners are utilizing ecotherapy – or nature therapy or green therapy – as an alternative or addition to medication. Patients are prescribed a certain amount of time/days over the course of each week in which they are to get outside. “The take-home message here is that spending time in nature can have profound benefits for your physical and psychological health. In fact, nature deficits may even be at the heart of many people’s anxiety and general malcontent – they just don’t know it. Indoor living has become such a norm, many give no thought to the fact they haven’t been more than a few feet away from concrete in weeks, months or even years,” Dr. Mercola says. “The key is to be proactive. You have to actually plan your escapes – schedule nature time into your calendar as you would any other important activity. If your free time is limited, you may need to get creative.” Cabarrus County offers a number of parks perfect for those prescribed ecotherapy – or not. Visit websites cabarruscounty.us, kannapolisnc.gov, harrisburgnc.org or carolinathread trailmap.org to find one near you. n

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CSM Productions Earns Spot in 50 Top Event Companies List For the 12th year in a row, CSM Production was named to Special Events magazine’s 50 Top Event Companies list. The 16th annual roundup features 50 top event agencies from around the world along with insight on leadership, revenue forecasts and trend predictions. CSM Production has built a strong portfolio of clients that have included Fortune 500 companies such as Wells Fargo, Lowe’s, Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Ford and major sports entities including the United States Olympic Committee, Rugby World Cup Sevens, NASCAR, IndyCar, NBC Sports, FOX Sports and NBA and NFL teams. With 85 employees, the organization produces approximately 300 events a year. Over the course of three decades, CSM Production has produced events in 41 states plus the District of Columbia and Canada.

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On the Go

Cabarrus County Welcomes New Human Services Director She started as a child support clerk more than two decades ago, and now Karen Calhoun will lead Cabarrus County Human Services. Prior to coming to Cabarrus, Calhoun worked with social services departments in Burke and Gaston counties and with the State as a consultant. She brings a simple philosophy to her new role, saying, “We’re Karen Calhoun human services, and it’s about people...and meeting their needs as best as we can based on the programs and services we provide. I have been involved in that for 22-and-a-half years and am very passionate about serving the public to the best of our ability.” Keeping up with the oft-changing state mandates can be a challenge, but Calhoun believes the connections made during her tenure with the State will help with that process. When she worked as a business liaison with the N.C. Department of Human Services, her territory included Cabarrus County, so she already knows the area, she says. “The community involvement here is incredible,” Calhoun says, adding that she looks forward to continuing building relationships with partner agencies because “We as a social services department cannot do it all, and having those partners with us is critical to our success.” Calhoun replaces William “Ben” Rose, who recently became the social services director in Durham County. The Cabarrus County human services director oversees about 325 employees across five divisions: child support, transportation, child welfare, adult and aging, and economic services.

Intimidators Expand Front Office Staff Kannapolis Intimidators President Brian Radle has started to expand the team’s forces as they prepare and build toward the future. He has brought on former Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment experts, Ben Knapple and Spencer Severs, to join the front office staff. Knapple has been hired as the vicepresident of corporate partnerships after a long history of success in sports marketing Ben Knapple and sales. He will be leading the development of corporate partnerships by growing and refining the team’s relationships on both local and national levels. “I’m more than excited to have joined the great team Brian is building and am looking forward to making our sales and partnerships force bigger and better than ever,” he says. Spencer Severs has been brought on board to work under Knapple in the role of account manager after spending one Spencer Severs year as a marketing coordinator with Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment. Previously, Severs interned with Charlotte Motor Speedway, the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, and the Worcester Tornadoes. The team has already begun putting together multi-year agreements getting partners locked in for the 2020 debut of a new downtown ballpark. The Kannapolis Intimidators open the 2018 season on April 5 at Intimidators Stadium, supported by Carolinas Healthcare System, against the Lakewood BlueClaws. Season tickets and 10-game Flex Packs are now available. Call F&M Bank Box Office at 704-932-3267 or visit intimidatorsbaseball.com to purchase.

Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza to Open New Concord Location Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza announces it will open a new location in Concord at 8915 Christenbury Parkway. Blaze Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” that features an interactive open-kitchen format that allows guests to customize one of the menu’s signature pizzas or create their own, choosing from a wide selection of carefully sourced, high-quality ingredients – all for around $8. The generously-sized 11inch pizzas are then sent to a blazing hot open-flame oven – the centerpiece of the restaurant – where dedicated pizzasmiths ensure that the thin-crust pies are fast-fire’d and ready to eat in just 180 seconds. Each restaurant makes its own dough from scratch using a recipe developed by critically-acclaimed Executive Chef Bradford Kent, which requires a 24-hour fermentation period to produce his signature light-as-air, crisp crust. For pizza fans with specific dietary needs, Blaze Pizza offers gluten-free dough and vegan cheese. The Concord restaurant will also feature a selection of wine and local craft beer. “At Blaze Pizza, we’re all about creating a unique and engaging dining experience where guests can enjoy artisanal pizza that’s both fast and affordable,” Jim Mizes, president & COO of Blaze Pizza, says. “The authenticity of our food, plus a service culture that genuinely focuses on the happiness of our guests and crew, have been key to our popularity and expansion.” Owned by Carolinas Restaurant Holdings, this will be the group's third Blaze Pizza location in the Charlotte area and fourth in North Carolina.

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Mt. Pleasant Welcomes 73 & Main Restaurant With much anticipation, 73 & Main celebrated its grand opening last month. The vision of Dr. Allen Dobson, the former Mt. Pleasant Hosiery Mill building has been fully restored, now a restaurant, pub and event space. “We wanted to preserve the history of this building and provide this region with a comfortable place to get a great steak, fresh seafood, as well as a casual place to watch Dr. Allen Dobson cuts the grand opening ribbon of his newest venture: 73 & Main a game enjoying a cold beer and a burger," in Mt. Pleasant. Dobson says. Local officials on hand for the ribbon-cutting were enthusiastic about how the new restaurant will benefit the surround region. “We’re thrilled to see local dining options expand and another historic building restored in Cabarrus County,” Donna Carpenter, president and CEO of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau, says. “The opening of 73 & Main will provide visitors with a taste of Cabarrus through both the food and the storied location.” “We are so pleased to welcome 73 & Main to our Chamber family and this growing business community. This destination restaurant will combine the charm, history and hospitality of Mt. Pleasant with the best in cuisine and service, creating a wonderful dining experience for our local community and visitors," Barbi Jones, CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber, adds. 73 & Main is open for dinner daily at 5:00pm. After January 1, the restaurant will also be open for lunch. To learn more or to make a reservation, visit 73andmain.com or call 704-436-2050.

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences Adds Two New Options in 2018 Beginning this month, Cabarrus College is adding two new options in its academic programs that focus on the health sciences. New to the Louise Harkey School of Nursing, is the Clinical Research Certificate Program. This online certificate program is for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree. The certificate can be earned in two consecutive semesters, or six to eight months. Graduates of the program can be eligible for National Certification as a certified clinical research coordinator by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) after successful completion of the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Certification exam. Also new in 2018, the Medical Assistant diploma program will begin offering an online hybrid program where the lab component is held on the Charlotte campus of Carolinas College of Health Sciences. For students closer to Charlotte, this program allows the student to earn their diploma in Medial Assistant in only one year. Students of this program may also take advantage of Carolina HealthCare System’s Educational Loan Forgiveness Program, worth $5,000. For more information, contact the Office of Recruitment at 704-403-1556. For more information on all academic programs offered at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, visit cabarruscollege.edu..

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New Loop the Loop Routes Added for 2018 Loop the Loop, the fun walking, running or biking routes in downtown Kannapolis are expanding. The City has expanded the loops to include routes at A.L. Brown High, Woodrow Wilson, Shady Brook, Jackson Park, Fred Wilson and Carver schools. “We are excited to be able to expand the Loop the Loop Program to include the schools. Using a REACH grant from the Cabarrus Health Alliance and working in collaboration with the schools, this is an opportunity to bring the loops to our local neighborhoods. It is a wonderful addition to our Discover a Healthy Life initiative,” commented Director of Communications Annette Privette Keller. Loop the Loop was launched last year by the City to encourage walking, running and biking using one-half-mile, one-mile and two-mile The Loop the Loop program has expanded to routes. More Kannapolis schools. than 500 people signed up in 2017 to be eligible for prizes by meeting mileage goals. Route distances are designated by different colors. Signage and sidewalk markers aid you as you complete the loops around the city. Once again, the City will offer prizes to those who participate. The goal, if you choose to track your mileage, is for you to complete 150 miles by the end of 2018. At the end of each quarter, you are eligible to earn prizes. The program is open to everyone and is free. Get started today. It’s easy. Register online, download a map of all the routes and track your miles by visiting kannapolisnc.gov/ looptheloop. n

Don’t Get Stranded on the Sideline of Life While traveling on the road to good health, an unexpected illness or diagnosis can leave one feeling stranded on the sideline of life. Feelings can range from fear, uncertainty and even denial. While physicians and pharmacists are there to help explain what is happening to the physical body and how medication can help, patients can still be overwhelmed by how a physical diagnosis can completely change their relationships and interactions with the world around them. Emily Evans, a social worker with Cannon Pharmacy, understands that a person’s physical body is just one aspect that can be affected by a new diagnosis. Other areas that can experience strain include mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, relational and recreational. All of these areas need attention to bring about improved health and lead to a balanced and well-rounded treatment plan. When faced with a new diagnosis, there is often a temptation to retreat and isolate from others; however, science has shown there is a profound link between one’s physical health and mental health. Those who take the time and energy to care for their whole selves – not just the physical area that is ailing them – can see better outcomes and improved quality of life. There are numerous resources and services available in the community to help meet needs and alleviate stress in all areas of life. Sometimes the journey to better health and well-being starts with just asking for directions. If you are feeling lost in the wake of news about a new diagnosis, and are unsure

of where to turn next, consider talking to a patient advocate, social worker, senior advisor or others that can help you locate resources.

By Amanda Buck with Emily Evans