High Country FREE

Health&Fitness Magazine
Vol. 1, Iss. 1

Geri Miller
Hoops
for
Health
See
page 8
for more!

In this issue:
Get a Step Ahead of the Flu Havin a Blast in the Office Turning Back
Page 13
the Clock on Aging
Page 17
Page 27
Dr. Sullivan & Dr. Henson
Metabolic Testing
Managing Stress And the Peoples Choice
Page 8
Discover Deer Valley Award Goes To
Page 15 Page 5
Eat Well on the Run
Page 18 A Helping Hand in the
Rehab:
The Glenbridge Difference Battle to Quit Smoking
A Smile Can Make Your Day Page 20
Page 24
Page 23

Changing Lives Through Theres Hope for

Your Secret is Safe with Us Biological Medicine Varicose & Spider Veins
Page 6 Page 10 Page 7
Dr. Anagnos, FACS Dr. Ty Bell

The High Countrys Source for the Latest Health & Fitness News
2 Volume 1 Issue 1
www.HighCountryHealth.net 3

Welcome!
I t is with great pleasure that we introduce the 1st edition of High Country Health
& Fitness Magazine.
As some of you may remember, we created and published a newspaper version of
the Health & Fitness Magazine back in the late 90s when we owned the Mountain
Television Network, along with television interviews and features with the doctors
featured in the magazine. Weve been approached numerous times since to bring it
back, so here it is!
This magazine has exceeded our expectations! Inside youll find valuable informa-
tion on some of the finest medical practices and businesses the High Country has to
offer! You can also watch the High Country Health & Fitness Magazine TV show on
MTN18 each week, featuring many of the doctors and businesses in our magazine.
Along with over one hundred locations across our area, our magazine is available
online anytime at www.HighCountryHealth.net.
A special thank you goes out to Brad Gross and Carrie Eller of High Country Mar-
keting, LLC, local publishers of The Real Estate Book, who along with graphic de-
signer Sloane Wilson of Qwrk Design brought this magazine to life. Wed also like to
thank Stacey Gibson for all her hard work as well as Page Sauder of PS Marketing for
her contributions.
Since 1999, Baxter Marketing, Inc. has been serving the advertising needs of many
businesses in the North Carolina High Country and beyond and also handles the
day-to-day operations of one of the areas most popular websites, RealDealsNow.
Com, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. Were also an advertising agency,
handling the creative end of advertising campaigns for our clients, as well as ad buys
for television, radio, newspapers, magazines, web and more. Please let us know if we
can ever be of service to your business.
The next edition of High Country Health & Fitness Magazine will be published in
the fall and then quarterly in 2011. Please feel free to e-mail us at baxter@appal.net
or call us at (828) 263-8853 if you have suggestions or comments for the magazine
or if you would like to advertise in the next edition.
Our best to you!
Tim and Janice Baxter
To advertise please call:
(828) 263.8853
4 Volume 1 Issue 1
In this issue:
App District Health Department . . . . 13, 18, 28
App Regional Health System . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 16
Backyard Burgers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 25
Blue Ridge General Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . 11, 23
Blue Ridge Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 12, 21
Blue Ridge Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 17, 26
Deer Valley Racquet & Fitness Club . . . . . . 3, 15
Dr. Adam Hill Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Dr. Mayhew Adult & Child Orthodontist . . . . . 9
Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation . . . . . . 2, 24
Health & Wellness Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 19
Neighborhood Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Peppers Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Physicians Age Management . . . . . . . . . . 22, 27
Reed Orthodontics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Sanctuary Day Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 14
Tobacco Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 28
Total Vein Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 25
High Country Health & Fitness Magazine
is available online anytime at
www.HighCountryHealth.net
And be sure to watch us at various times
each week on
High Country Health & Fitness Magazine is
owned and operated by Baxter Marketing, Inc.
Reproduction of photographs, artwork, design,
and copy is prohibited without permission by
Baxter Marketing, Inc. Articles are advertorial
in nature. In most cases, information has been
provided and approved by the advertisers. The
advertisers, publishers, and Baxter Marketing, Inc.
are not responsible for misprints, typograhical
errors or misinformation. Copyright 2010.
If you are interested in publishing a similar
magazine in your area, please call us at
(828) 263-8853.
 And the Peoples Choice Award Goes To

T he people have spo-

ken! The Sanctuary
Day Spa has been cho-
Chances are you, or someone you know, has had a treatment
at The Sanctuary for therapeutic purposes, medical massage,
facials, manicures and pedicures, or simply for nurturing and
sen Best Spa in the healing. However, you may not know that The Sanctuarys skilled
Area above all of the staff will come to your home or place of lodging in the area and
spas in the High Coun- provide their services in the privacy of your surroundings. For a
try. Winning this honor Girls Night Out gathering at your home or a romantic night
from the people we take sharing a couples massage by candle light, the Sanctuary out-
care of everyday, while celebrating our 10th year, could not call program will make it a memorable time. They are also open
have been more rewarding. I am very proud of our exception- 7 days a week and many evenings for your convenience, and gift
al staff and their wide array of training and skills. said Debra cards for loved ones and special events are as easy as a phone
Grosswald, owner of The Sanctuary. call or visit online (www. sanctuaryinboone.com).
In our day-to-day busy lives, men and women The Sanctuary also offers medical massage for those
spend a great deal of time taking care of their you may not know who may be recovering from an injury or auto accident,
children, spouses, friends and co-workers. While that The Sanctuarys and the staff includes a number of therapists specifically
hopefully squeezing in enough time for a work- trained in medical massage. Massage used in conjunc-
skilled staff will come
out and trying to eat healthy on the run, many tion with physical therapy and/ or chiropractic care has
of us forget that being the best you can be for to your home or place been shown to have better results, and often in less time,
others starts with taking care of yourself. It is no of lodging in the area as the muscles remain relaxed to complement the ther-
longer considered just a luxury to maintain a and provide their apy and adjustments. Chiropractors and Physical Thera-
spa routine, as research has repeatedly demon- services in the privacy pists often work with Sanctuary therapists in their treat-
strated the importance of these treatments to ments and the professionals at The Sanctuary can help
of your surroundings.
reduce stress, relax and work wonders toward implement a program to ensure a successful recovery.
maintaining your physical and mental well-be- Whether for therapeutic help or simply relieving
ing. Massage and other spa treatments are just as important to stress and feeling rejuvenated, The Sanctuary is there
keep in your wellness plan as good nutrition, exercise and regu- to help with the areas largest array of healing mo-
lar medical check-ups. A relaxing, nurturing treatment at The dalities. In times like these, what greater invest-
Sanctuary is beneficial to your long term health and investing in ment can you make than your own health and
yourself by rejuvenating your mind, body & spirit will pay divi- wellbeing? Located behind Boone Mall in
dends in every aspect of a persons life. the Greenway Business Park, The Sanctu-
This year, The Sanctuary is celebrating 10 Years and 15,000 ary is easy to get to from anywhere in
Clients, as they have established themselves as a trusted the area, and a visit will certainly make
fixture in our community by providing clients with the con- a difference in your daily life.

After all, you deserve it.

fidence that they will receive the most professional, relaxing
and personal spa experience from their highly skilled staff. The
team includes a group of fifteen people with a combined ex-
perience of over 50 years in spa therapy treatments. Keeping
prices reasonable has allowed people to visit The Sanctuary
while keeping an eye on their budget.

The Sanctuary Day Spa

643-B Greenway Dr. Boone, NC (828) 268.0003 www.sanctuaryinboone.com

www.HighCountryHealth.net 5
Your Secret is Safe with Us
W ouldnt it be great to walk in to work and have your
co-workers wondering what you did to look so much
younger? Did you get a lot of sleep, have a relaxing getaway or
While many of us in our
younger years always
said, I will NEVER have
find the fountain of youth? Theyd be surprised to know that plastic surgery; I will
you had a Weekend Facelift at Blue Ridge Plastic Surgery and grow old gracefully, did
your secret is safe with us!! not realize that would
include sagging jowls
The Weekend Facelift is Set up your and loose neck skin.
a modification of the S-lift
developed in the 1990s. Dr. consultation today Fortunately, you have
an excellent resource
Anagnos makes a small inci- and see what little for a minimally invasive
sion from behind the tragus
of the ear to the back of the it takes to have your Weekend Facelift with
Board Certified Dr. Da-
earlobe. Through this inci- friends staring and mon Anagnos at Blue
sion, he tightens the under-
wondering what Ridge Plastic Surgery in Boone. Set up your consultation today
you did over the and see what little it takes to have your friends staring and
wondering what you did over the weekend!!
weekend!! Blue Ridge Plastic Surgery is also home to The Skin Care Center,
staffed by a licensed aesthetician with 26 years of experience.
lying muscle and re- The Skin Care Center offers a full range of services and prod-
moves excess skin from ucts, like the Obagi system, including facials, peels, derma-
the jowl and neck ar- planing, waxing, tinting and manual lymph drainage.
eas. Since there is such Another one of the many areas Dr. Anagnos specializes in is
a small area of disrup- Skin Cancer Excision and Reconstruction. The need for this
tion to tissue, the re- type of surgeon is great as many of us grew up lying out in
covery is much quicker the sun. If we only knew then what we know now!! Subse-
than other facelift pro- quently, the diagnosis of skin cancer is continually increasing.
cedures and the results Complete removal is the primary treatment for most skin can-
are amazing!! This is cers and that can be quite invasive. What may often look like
not the O-purse string a very small area of affected tissue on the surface of the skin,
procedure that many non-plastic surgeons use and is adver- can reveal a very large and deep area in need of reconstruction
tised on TV as the Lifestyle Lift. once uncovered. Having the skill and training of Dr. Anagnos
Dr. Anagnos, FACS, Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive for reconstruction insures the best possibility of healing and
Surgeon, has years of experience with this procedure on men minimal scarring.
and women in the High Country and may well have performed Blue Ridge Plastic Surgery is located at 141 Doctors Drive in
it on one of your friends or co-workers. Have you seen anyone Boone and is dedicated to providing the highest standard of
looking exceptionally younger lately?? surgical and patient care. Dr. Anagnos is Board Certified in
Plastic Surgery, Hand and Microsurgery, and General Surgery.
His practice is home to his private accredited OR Suite creat-
ing a comfortable, relaxing environment for his patients. For
more information regarding any of these and the many other
specialty procedures Dr. Anagnos performs, please visit their
website at www.blueridgeplasticsurgery.net.

Blue Ridge Plastic Surgery

141 Doctors Dr. Boone, NC (828) 268.0082 www.blueridgeplasticsurgery.net

6 Volume 1 Issue 1
Theres Help for Varicose & Spider Veins

Dr. Joseph Ty Bell started Total Vein Care in Boone in 2005. What
prompted him to begin the practice centered around the need to
deliver state-of-the-art vein care to the High Country. Due to inheriting the
gene for varicose veins, Dr. Bell developed his own varicose vein (VV) prob-
lem. Like most varicose sufferers, his VV just became more and more symp-
tomatic with daily pain and swelling, so he sought out an evaluation and
treatment by a modern vein specialist. Wide awake with just his leg numbed,
he watched his own curative VV laser procedure being
done. Since Bell had extensive surgical and procedural
Patients walk background, he then decided to learn the field of mod-
out of the office ern vein medicine (called Phlebology). He is now board
certified by the American Board of Phlebology.
about an hour Since 2005, he has evaluated and treated hundreds of
afterward area patients, performing close to 2000 endovenous la-
ser ablation procedures (and supplemental minor surgi-
with the cal procedures often needed in conjunction with laser)
to eradicate the VV problem. Endovenous laser abla-
vein problem tion is a superb advancement in VV treatment that is
remedied. much less invasive, safely performed in the office using
only local anesthesia, has minimal associated post-op
pain, and typically only requires 2 days off work after the
procedure. Patients walk out of the office about an hour afterward with the
vein problem remedied. And when it heals, it also is very pleasing cosmeti-
cally, usually without any scarring. Scarring, nerve injuries, long recovery
time, and high recurrence rate were annoying problems with the old vein
stripping procedure.
Health insurance companies and Medicare will pay for a VV evaluation and
usually treatment. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), a very annoying problem
that often impairs sleep, is definitely associated with vein disease of the
legs, even without visible VV. The venous ultrasound performed at the ini-
tial visit determines the presence/severity of the vein problem and is neces-
sary to formulate a surgical plan.
The other component of Dr. Bells vein practice is treating cosmetically un-
sightly spider veins (SV) of the legs. Unlike VV, injection methods are still
preferred over laser to treat SV. He offers any interested person a free con-
sultation to discuss treatment options available and a general idea of cost
and time involved. For more information visit www.TVCBoone.com.

Total Vein Care

141 Doctors Dr. Boone, NC (828) 265.1345 www.TVCBoone.com

www.HighCountryHealth.net 7
Metabolic Testing Managing Stress
W hen thinking about stress, it is important to know your
body does not distinguish between physical or psycho-
logical stress. Whether youre stressed about finances, family or
psychologically. In addition to the feelings she felt herself, she
is much more healthy and resilient while managing the stress
she continues to live with, absent the ill effects unmanaged
work, your body reacts just as strongly as if you were facing a life stress will most likely have over time.
or death situation. If your stress level is elevated often and for While Geri has continued her workout routine, which includes
extended periods of time, your body begins to go in to stress hula hooping, along with her Wellness Center personal trainer,
mode more easily and has a harder time shutting it down. Long Michael Darling, she experienced another life changing re-
term exposure to stress can lead to serious health problems. sult after participating in Metabolic Testing at the Wellness
Chronic stress affects nearly every system in your body and Center in January. The metabolic testing provided her with a
can raise your blood pressure, suppress your immune system, greater understanding of what her body
increase the risk of heart attack needs to efficiently burn the calories she
or stroke, contribute to infertil- takes in. Michael was able to format her
ity, speed up the aging process, workout into an efficient, focused pro-
cause problems with sleep, con- gram giving her a specific plan for each
tribute to obesity, exacerbate day of the week. For instance, Thursday is
skin conditions and even re-wire her recovery day and Friday she is to get in
your brain over time increasing to zones 2 and 3 for maximum use of her
your risk of suffering from anxi- caloric intake.
ety and/or depression.
Zones 2 and 3, recovery
Knowing all of this, if you were day what does all of that
to be told that your current life- Metabolic Testing Helps you to:
mean? These are the inten-
style could lead to any and/or all Achieve real fitness results
sities of her workout level
of the issues just mentioned, but Know your unique metabolic profile that she can easily follow
there was a way to help you avoid suffering from any and Establish your personal road map with an affordable heart
maybe all of them would you follow the plan? If it also re- for better health, fitness and athletic rate monitor. Geri is able
sulted in you looking better, feeling better, losing weight, performance
to get her heart rate to a
being stronger mentally and physically and improved your Track your progress certain level for a certain
health overall would you be more enticed? Well, lucky for Take it to the Next Level amount of time during
you, there is such a plan. each workout to maximize
Trying to conquer the effects of stress is something that 55 year her efforts every day. It would be best described as getting a
old Geri Miller has struggled with firsthand. About 5 years ago prescription for your workout that indicates exactly how long,
Geri experienced a huge influx of stress that was wreaking havoc how hard and how often for YOUR body.
on her mentally and physically, along with being the cause of un- While many may think that metabolic testing is only for su-
wanted weight gain. While she had always tried to maintain some preme athletes, Geri Miller firmly disagrees. She is an average
sort of workout routine, she found it very easy to talk herself out 55 year old in need of stress management in her life along with
of it or put it off until tomorrow. Geris struggles with manag- wanting to lose weight and feel better. With metabolic testing
ing stress are not unlike many others in that she has a very busy she has been able to shorten her workout, using her calories in
schedule, travels a lot with her job and was not making good the most efficient way, resulting in a healthier, stronger, more
nutritional choices. Prior to this increased stress in her life, she resilient body and immune system and the weight loss she
had been a 6 day a week jogger, but was not able to manage her was hoping to achieve as well.
stress with that alone.
Metabolic Testing is available to both members and non-
About 5 years ago Geri and her husband joined the Paul Broyhill members of the Paul Broyhill Wellness Center, located on Boone
Wellness Center in Boone and began working with a personal Heights Drive in Boone. For more information, or to schedule
trainer 3 days a week and on her own for 3 additional days. Geri your metabolic test call 828-266-1060, visit www.apprhs.org/
and her husband joined the Wellness Center for general health wellnesscenter or like Watauga Medical Center Wellness Center
& well-being, but Geri describes her results as, a life changing on Facebook to view a video about metabolic testing.
experience mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and

Paul Broyhill Wellness Center

Boone Heights Dr. Boone, NC (828) 266.1060 www.apprhs.org/wellnesscenter

8 Volume 1 Issue 1
www.HighCountryHealth.net 9
Changing Lives Through Biological Medicine
Health & Wellness Initiatives
For years I experienced low energy and depression, not wanting to get out of bed in the morning.
I had no desire to be part of family activities, had heart palpitations, could not stabilize my blood sugar and I had con-
stant bloating and diarrhea. At times felt I would just give up. I was diagnosed with depression, hormone imbalance,
diabetes, and hypothyroidism. Conventional tests were taken and medication given, but itjust wasnt working. My first
visit to Health and Wellness Initiatives was 1 hours, and felt I was really treated as an individual, like someone finally
listened to me, and heard me. I am now walking every day, my energy is up, I enjoy family activities, my blood sugar is
stable, my depression is 90% improved and I feel like living again.
Mimi in Boone, NC

M imi is just one of numerous patients who have seen in-

credible improvements in their health through Health
and Wellness Initiativesa new Biological Medicine clinic in
Banner Elk, NC. Although relatively new to this country, Bio-
logical Medicine has been practiced for over 25 years in Eu-
rope. Believing that all disease has a definable and many times
treatable root cause and that symptoms are but signs that the
bodys regulation is out of sync, Biological Medicine uses so-
phisticated testing techniques to uncover causes and design
non-invasive therapies. A visit to Health and Wellness Initiatives
is an eyeopening and often life-changing experience as their
staff walks the patient through the importance of identifying
and removing toxic burdens affecting the terrain of the body.
Clients are educated in nutrition, pleomorphisms, life-style
changes and the relevance of mind body and sprit synergy.
HWI introduces the concept that all humans are dynamic and
all organs have the capability to rebuild themselves during
their lifetime.
Employing Biological Medicine practices, Health and Wellness
Initiatives has had successes in treating many chronic condi-
tions including dramatically improving the quality of life for
cancer patients. Just ask Rick Peters from Hickory. His moth-
er, Gloria, endured a 40 year battle with cancer which had
reached a point where traditional cancer therapies were in-
effective. This battle had left her with colon, liver and intes-
tinal metastasis as well as anemia, low energy, poor elimina-
tion and no appetite. Nevertheless, she wanted to continue
to fight and wanted a program that could cleanse all the
toxins and chemicals that had been put in her body over the
years through chemotherapy and radiation. In treating Gloria,
Health and Wellness initiated an individually designed proto-
col encompassing many European therapies. Per her son Rick,
My mother was referred to Health and Wellness Initiatives to
begin therapy to help rebuild her immune function and give
her quality life after her 5th bout with cancer. The clinic came
highly recommended as we were told one of the practitioners
had trained in Europe in immune enhancement post cancer.
When we visited the clinic, the program and practitioner were
everything we had been hoping for.My mother went through
many cancer therapies at some of the finest cancer clinics in
the country.Nowhere was she treated as well or received the
care, compassion and attention she received at HWI. We were
not given doom and gloom nor were we given false hope. We
were given the guarantee my mother would have quality of
life and that was exactly what she wanted. My wife and I were
given quality of time, free of pain and full of love and laugh-
ter with my mom. Toward the end, she was admitted to Frye
Medical Center through the ER where the on call physician, Dr.
David Lowry, stated he could not believe how well my mom
had done as he had never seen a case where the patient was in
such good overall condition with such a catastrophic diagno-
sis. He asked us who had been treating her, and stated it was
REMARKABLE!!!
Health and Wellness Initiatives is indeed changing lives through
Biological Medicine. See how this unique clinic can improve qual-
ity of life and overall well-being as well as help patients discover
vital, vibrant good health at any age by visiting their website at
www.healthandwellnessinitiatives.com or calling today.

Health & Wellness Initiatives

Azalea Dr. Banner Elk, NC (828) 265.7058 www.HealthandWellnessInitiatives.com

10 Volume 1 Issue 1
A Smile Can Make Your Day
O ne of the most important ways to express yourself is through your
smile. At Blue Ridge General Dentistry (BRGD), it is the goal of the doc-
tors and staff to make you feel comfortable with your smile in every situa-
tion. They strive to provide the highest quality of dental care in a comfort-
able and compassionate environment.
Established in 1979, Dr. Michael Taylor opened the doors of BRGD with the
purpose of providing the community with quality and affordable dental
work. Dr. Taylor graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill and has practiced for over 30 years in the high country.
At BRGD, patients feel at ease because their relationships are based upon
the trust they have for the doctors. Patients know that they will receive the Dr. Michael Taylor Dr. Larry Cook
best dental care along with only necessary treatments that will help them achieve a lifetime of excellent oral health. As a prac-
tice, BRGD understands that, during these harsh economic times, it can be financially difficult to maintain proper oral health.
However, they are dedicated to providing excellent dental care at a reasonable cost. BRGD accepts most dental insurances and
offers a wide range of payment options including: check, cash, and all major credit cards. They also participate with the financ-
ing company Care Credit who offers personalized payment plans.
Open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, BRGD is one of the few dental practices in the area open on Fridays with available
appointment times for emergency visits. Daily services range from preventive maintenance and cleanings to all phases of re-
storative treatment including: extractions, root canals, porcelain crowns, partials, and dentures.

Continued on page 23

www.HighCountryHealth.net 11
12 Volume 1 Issue 1
Get a Step Ahead of Flu
M any of us listened closely as we tried to remind ourselves
and our loved ones simple steps to avoid H1N1 Flu. We
told our family members and children to cover their cough
and sneeze, wash their hands, and to get vaccinated. Every
year it seems we hear more about how H1N1 Flu, seasonal
flu, and other types of flu that are expected to affect us and
our communities. While all of these key prevention steps are
invaluable, there is one key way we can build our immunity
before the next usual peak of flu season arrives: move more.
The benefits of exercise have been circulating
for years. While we know it helps us achieve and Eat Smart,
maintain a healthy weight, there are clear links
to the benefits of regular, moderate exercise Move More and
and protection for our immune system. Making
time for more physical activity is one of the eas- Stay One Step
iest, least expensive and most effective ways to
strengthen your immune system giving you an- Ahead of
other line of defense against the flu and other
germs floating around us all of the time.
the Flu!
In John J. Rateys book, Spark The Revolutionary New Science
of Exercise and the Brain, he cites boosting the immune system
directly as one of the ways exercise keeps you going. Stress
and age depress the immune response, and exercise strength-
ens it directly in two important ways. He goes on to identify
these two ways as rallying the immune systems antibodies
and lymphocytes and activating cells that fix damaged tissue.
He concludes the segment by stating, Exercise brings the im-
mune system back into equilibrium so it can stop inflamma-
tion and combat disease.
As a result of the numerous studies confirming the correlation of
exercise and a healthy immune system, as well as the countless
Watauga, Ashe & Alleghany Counties, NC (828) 264.4995 www.apphealth.com
other benefits
exercise provides,
North Carolina
formed the Prevention
Task Force which devel-
oped the Eat Smart, Move
More NC Plan. The mission of Eat
Smart, Move More NC is to reverse the rising tide of obesi-
ty and chronic disease among North Carolinians by helping
them to eat smart, move more and achieve
a healthy weight.
Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are
among the leading causes of preventable
death in North Carolina. Knowing this should
really move exercise to the top of your to
do list to help keep disease treatment off of
the list. Put yourself back on your priority list
by making time to get more activity. Take a
walk break at lunch, get out of bed 30 min-
utes earlier to get it knocked out before your
day begins, or spend time after work doing your favorite activ-
ity with friends, coworkers, or family. Even moderate exercise,
30 minutes on most days of the week, can boost your immune
system, helping to fight off the flu and other communicable
disease as well as providing a defense from the preventable
ones such as heart disease and diabetes. Our kids need to
move more too, and this time of year is a great time to incorpo-
rate regular family activity time into your routine. Learn more
about eating smart and moving more where you live, learn,
earn, play and pray at www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com.
A tremendous resource in our area for learning more about
exercise and your immune system is the Appalachian District
Health Department, with locations in Ashe, Alleghany and Wa-
tauga Counties. The staff are eager to help you design a pro-
gram to bring to your worksite, school, church, or group to
promote healthy living as well as keep you up-to-date about
staying vaccinated against H1N1 flu, seasonal flu, and other
diseases. To find the location nearest you contact them via
phone at the District Office 828.264.4995 or visit them online
at www.apphealth.com.
Appalachian District Health Department
www.HighCountryHealth.net 13
14 Volume 1 Issue 1
Discover Deer Valley . . .
One Of Boones Best Kept Secrets !
C ome discover one of North Carolinas premier tennis, fitness, and family recreation facilities, Deer Valley Racquet & Fitness
Club, located right here in the city of Boone! Deer Valley is the family fun and fitness destination in Boone. As a year-round
private club with 6 outdoor and 3 indoor tennis courts, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, cardio, nautilus, and free
weight equipment rooms, fitness classes, indoor basketball, racquetball, and even a disk golf course, this place offers something
for just about everyone!
Among the most popular features of the club are the indoor and outdoor heated
swimming pools. The outdoor pools, which include both a full-size pool and a wad-
ing pool for the little ones, are open from late May to early October and are a great
place to hang out with the kids or just work on your summer tan. The indoor pool,
which is open all year round, is a fun family option during those long winter months
when outside activities can be pretty limited. The club now offers a Summer Pool
membership option, for both families and individuals, in addition to their regular and
seasonal Tennis and Pool & Fitness membership alternatives.
If a workout is what youre looking for, over the last year, new club operators Craig &
Cynthia Carlson and Richard & Shari Evans have greatly expanded the clubs offer-
ing, bringing in instructors to teach classes in Yoga, Pilates, and Cardio Camp, as well
as a Cardio Tennis clinic every Friday morning. More classes are on the way, along
with new equipment like the clubs 3 new spin bikes. Personal training and nutrition
counseling are also available as is child care for those who need it.
The club employs a full-time tennis professional, Aaron Petersen, as well as two
assistant pros, and offers an extensive tennis program, from individual and group
instruction to a full calendar of clinics, socials, and tour-
naments, as well as plenty of singles and doubles playing Deer Valley
opportunities. For those who harbor a more competitive streak, the club sponsors dozens of USTA is truly a
teams each year, plus a full calendar of interclub matches against other clubs located in and around
the high country. Junior tennis is especially big at Deer Valley. With junior clinics available 4 or 5 days multi-sport,
a week, the club offers instruction from age 5 on up, from beginner to advanced levels, and is actively year-round,
involved in developing the next generation of high school and college level players.
family
The on-site Deer Valley Sports Shop is a fully stocked tennis and fitness pro shop, offering clothing,
equipment, and accessories, as well as racquet stringing and consultation services from the clubs entertainment
Master Racquet Technician. With its comprehensive tennis & fitness facilities and programs, swim- and fitness
ming, racquetball, basketball, ping-pong, billiards, disk golf, and much more, Deer Valley is truly a
multi-sport, year-round, family entertainment and fitness complex, offering both Individual and Fam- complex
ily memberships to the residents of Watauga County and beyond!

Deer Valley Racquet & Fitness Club

507 Bamboo Rd. Boone, NC (828) 262.3337 www.DeerValleyClub.com

www.HighCountryHealth.net 15
16 Volume 1 Issue 1
Havin a Blast in the Office
M aybe that is the draw the newest optometrist in town,
Dr. Chad Henson, had to be a part of Blue Ridge Vision. It
could also have been that he and Dr. Sullivan are both alumni
of the University of Alabama, Birmingham or it could be the
fact that Blue Ridge Vision just doesnt feel like a Dr.s office,
said Dr. Henson himself.
You see, Dr. Henson grew up here, he went to Valle Crucis El-
ementary and is a graduate of Watauga High School, and youll
find that a lot of people from around here enjoy putting a twist
in the way things might normally be done. Eclectic would be
a good way to describe Blue Ridge Vision as they provide the
most professional medical care for the eyes in a fun, funky at-
mosphere.
Dr. Henson says, (He) really likes working with peo-
ple and has always been interested in health care.
He spent some time during his college years travel-
ing with World Camp and his brother Baker to Africa The owners of Blue Ridge Vision, Dr.
and Honduras providing HIV education to children in Sullivan, OD and his wife, Heidi, have
impoverished areas. As an optometrist, Dr. Henson is definitely lived up to the mission of
able to fulfill his dream of helping people while also their office. With their sincere care for
managing to forgo the often stuffy traditional dr.s of- their patients has created an environ-
fice atmosphere. ment where every patient is given the
most thorough medical attention and
In addition to providing a non-conventional experi-
still have a blast in the office. Their of-
ence for your professional eye exam, Blue Ridge Vi-
fice is home to the latest technology in
sion also offers their customers an amazing selection
eye care and fun, professional service
of eye glass frames including some styles that are
is the top priority.
exclusive to their office. In their opinion, your eye
glasses should reflect a part of your personality and In addition to prescription glasses,
be worn as an accessory, just like a necklace or a belt. While sunglasses and contact lenses, the services offered at Blue
they will definitely help you show your style with your frame Ridge Vision include; complete eye exams, laser vision consul-
selection, when it comes time for the lenses, the utmost pro- tation, protective eye wear, and on-site optical lab, free adjust-
fessionalism comes in to play to make sure that not only do ment and fittings and absolutely the coolest frame selection in
look great in your glasses, but they provide the best and most town! Heidi travels all over the world collecting the best frames
comfortable vision assistance, completing the package. from the most amazing designers in addition to a full selection
of more traditional frames.
The designer frames are often showcased in Trunk Shows that
Heidi hosts in the office. Patients and customers are able to
preview new lines of frames before they are available any-
where else. The input from customers at these shows is how
Heidi selects the frames to carry in the store.
So if you are looking for a fun experience with a not-so-typical-
ly fun eye exam and a selection of stylish, unique frames to top
it off then Blue Ridge Vision is the place for you!

Blue Ridge Vision

Boone Mall Boone, NC (828) 264.2020 www.BlueRidgeVision.com

www.HighCountryHealth.net 17
Eat well On the Run!!
And the Peoples Choice for Best Burger in the High Country goes to Back Yard Burgers!! (AGAIN!!)
Back Yard This is an honor that Back Yard Burgers has received more than once along with winning chili cook-offs
and receiving many other accolades. This continues to be the course for Back Yard Burgers because
Burgers is more Back Yard Burgers is more than just a restaurant or business, it is a family affair the Prewitt family
than just a takes great pride in and are involved in the day to day operations to insure your meal and experience
restaurant or at Back Yard Burgers is top notch!
True, grilled burgers are what made Back Yard Burgers so popular with burger choices up to 2/3 of a
business, it is a pound to fill the hungriest appetites. Add to that chicken, all-beef hot dogs, fries, baked potatoes,
family affair salads, soups, chili, milkshakes and fresh-baked cobblers and you are sure to please everyone.
For those of you trying (ever so desperately) to manage a busy schedule and watch your weight at
the same time, Back Yard Burgers is the choice for you! For those of you using the points system for managing and/or losing
weight, here are some good choices Grilled Chicken Sandwich (7) points, Veggie Burger (8)
points, Grilled Chicken Salad (4) points, Chili (4) points, Side Salad (0) points and you can
top it all off with an a la carte ice cream with only (4) points.
For over 18 years Back Yard Burgers has been offering great food, served fast with good
for you options too!! Items such as the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Veggie Burger
have been long time favorites of those looking for smarter options on the run.
Back Yard Burgers
Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC (828) 265.2798
For catering or large deliveries visit www.familyonlyinc.com

18 Volume 1 Issue 1
www.HighCountryHealth.net 19
A Helping Hand in the Battle to Quit Smoking
T he Northwest Tobacco Prevention Coalition, a part of the Appa-
lachian District Health Department, covers Alleghany, Ashe,
Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes counties. Its goal is to eliminate sec-
ondhand smoke, promote cessation and prevent youth initiation.
Tobacco use is the number one preventable cause of death in
North Carolina and the United States. Almost 14,000 North Car-
olinians die each year from tobacco use. Total health care costs
from smoking equal $2.46 billion; the portion covered by the
states Medicaid program (paid for by our taxes) is $769 million.
North Carolina has a great resource for people who want to quit.
The NC toll-free Quitline is free, available 24 hours, 7 days a
week and provides individual counseling for anyone who wants
to participate in the program. Those ready to quit are assigned
a quit coach and enrolled in a program. They receive encour-
agement, tips on quitting and the information about cessation
aids. Counselors can provide medication information for further
exploration with the callers healthcare provider. The Quitline
is a valuable resource, both for those ready to quit and those
thinking about quitting.
Another helpful option is nicotine replacement therapy. Most
types may be purchased over the counter, while others are
available by prescription. Studies have shown that tobacco us-
ers using a combination of medication and support double their
chances of quitting.
An important focus of the Coalition is to eliminate secondhand
smoke. The conclusive scientific evidence indicates there is no
risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It costs North
Carolinians approximately $289 million in healthcare costs. This
figure does not consider lost productivity, impact on quality of
life, long-term care and disability services.
Fortunately, last year an historic piece of legislation was passed
by our General Assembly. House Bill 2 prohibits smoking in all
bars and restaurants in North Carolina, with very few excep-
tions. This bill became effective January 2, 2010 and has been a
highly successful initiative.
In 2007 an Air Quality Monitoring Study was conducted in 16
Watauga County restaurants smoke free, those with designat-
ed smoking areas and those allowing smoking anywhere. Air
quality was recorded using a machine that measures suspend-
ed particulate matter containing the hazardous substances in
secondhand smoke. In 2010, the same restaurants previously
allowing smoking were re-monitored to compare air quality.
The results were striking, as evidenced by the graph in the next
column (the maximum safe level of PM 2.5 exposure is 35):
Northwest Tobacco Prevention Coalition
Alleghany, Ashe, Caldwell, Watauga & Wilkes Counties, NC (828) 264.4995 www.apphealth.com
20 Volume 1 Issue 1
Comparison of Overall Air Quality
Pre-HB2 vs. Post-HB2 Levels in Watauga County Restaurants
250.0
210.5
200.0
150.0
PM 2.5
100.0
50.0
8.1
0.0
Pre Law Post Law
Jack Pepper, owner of Peppers Restaurant in Boone, says, As a
restaurant owner, I am thrilled that smoking is now prohibited in
restaurants and bars. My restaurant was one of the first in Boone
to go smokefree over 20 years ago. I did not suffer a loss of busi-
ness because of that decision, and I am glad to see the playing
field is now leveled among the competition.
Higher tobacco taxes is a proven way to encourage quitting,
reduce tobacco consumption and prevent youth from starting.
Estimates indicate that every 10% price increase reduces overall
cigarette consumption by about 4%, and reduces youth con-
sumption by 7%.
North Carolina has the 6th lowest excise tax in the nation, cur-
rently at 45 cents, compared to the national average of $1.42 per
pack of cigarettes.
North Carolina would benefit from a $1 cigarette tax increase
by keeping 83,700 children from becoming addicted. 51,700
current adult smokers would quit and over 40,000 lives would
be saved from premature smoking-related death. It would also
bring in almost $327 million in revenue.
The Coalition and its Coordinator, Teri VanDyke, continue the
difficult work of cessation and secondhand smoke elimination.
In the eight years I have worked in this position, great strides
have been made on all fronts of tobacco issues. However, much
is left to be done, and with continued efforts we are confident
that tobacco use will continue to decrease
and that secondhand smoke will eventually
be eliminated from all public places.
For more information about this program,
please contact Teri at 828-264-4995 or teriv@
apphealth.com.
www.HighCountryHealth.net 21
22 Volume 1 Issue 1
A Smile Can Make Your Day
Continued from page 11

O ne of the goals of BRGD is to educate patients about proper oral health care techniques
so patients can attain and maintain the smile they desire. Having a beautiful smile greatly
improves your self-confidence which provides the foundation to your social and professional
Before

lifestyle. If at-home treatments are not as effective as you like, BRGD provides multiple cosmetic
options to resolve the areas you worry about. Cosmetic dental procedures can help correct many
problems including: stained teeth caused by smoking and coffee, missing teeth from accidents
or a build up to fix a chipped tooth. After

The following is a brief overview of the most common cosmetic procedures and their benefit:
Whitening:
Customized trays are filled with a whitening gel and worn in
the mouth for as little as one hour per day. In as little as one
week, this process can erase most stains from coffee drinking
and tobacco use, as well as, tooth yellowing associated with
aging, producing a brilliant, bright white smile. This technique
is much more cost effective than other light-whitening, in of-
fice treatments.
Bonding:
A treatment for chipped, cracked, gapped, discolored or oddly
shaped teeth. A dental material, composite resin, is a tooth-
colored material that is applied directly to the enamel of teeth
and shaped to correct the patients aesthetic concern.
Composite Resin:
The composite resin material is used to replace old amal-
gam, or silver colored, fillings. The old filling is removed and
replaced with the tooth colored resin, making your fillings
virtually invisible.
Porcelain Laminates:
Customized, wafer-thin veneers (also called porcelain lami-
nates) are cemented directly onto the front of the tooth. These
are used to correct chipped teeth, narrow gaps between teeth
or cover discolored teeth that have not responded well to whit-
ening. The result reflects a natural appearance that covers any
irregularities or aesthetic concerns.
Porcelain Crowns:
For teeth that are chipped, cracked, badly decayed or other-
wise weakened. Porcelain crowns maintain the aesthetic ap-
pearance of teeth by covering the entire visible surface of the
tooth, while adding significant reinforcement and protection
to the tooth. Porcelain crowns are extremely naturally looking;
virtually indistinguishable from other teeth, making them an
ideal choice for visible teeth.
Porcelain Fixed Bridges:
When a tooth or several teeth are missing, patients may ex-
perience difficulty chewing and speaking, dental shifts or
an undesirable sunken facial appearance. A porcelain fixed
bridge is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing
teeth cemented or otherwise attached to the abutment teeth.
Porcelain fixed bridges can improve chewing and aesthetic
appearance, restoring the smile with a more permanent solu-
tion the dentures.
Implants:
When a tooth or several teeth are missing, implants can be
surgically placed and covered with a porcelain implant crown.
BRGD has been performing implant procedures for over 20
years and implant restorations have evolved to become much
more cost-effective. In many cases, implants are a better long-
term restoration choice than conventional porcelain bridges.

Blue Ridge General Dentistry is constantly seeking new and updated dental equipment and procedures. They are dedicated to mak-
ing sure their patients have an enjoyable experience in a relaxed environment. If you would like to improve your teeth, your smile
or your overall dental health, BRGD can discuss all of your treatment needs. For more information on these options or an evaluation
to see what options would work best for you, contact Blue Ridge General Dentistry for an appointment with Dr. Michael Taylor or
Dr. Larry Cook by calling 828-264-3333 or visiting www.brgd.com.

Blue Ridge General Dentistry

870 State Farm Rd. Boone, NC (828) 264.3333 www.brgd.com

www.HighCountryHealth.net 23
Rehab: The Glenbridge Difference
M eet Maria Pruitt, DPT, a physical therapist at Glenbridge Health & Reha-
bilitation. She stands apart from most in her field as she is the only PhD
in the area doing rehabilitation.
Her education includes attending Appalachian State University for her under-
graduate studies, graduating, working in the workforce for a few years and then
going back to get her Masters at Winston-Salem State and then her Doctorate
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
When asked why she picked this kind of work, her response was thoughtful. I
wanted to be able to influence how a person was able to live by making their
quality of life better so I chose physical therapy to help them improve in areas that
they could have a better quality of life.
Maria explained that Glenbridge
Health & Rehabilitation offers a lot of
different therapy services. They include physical therapy, occupational therapy and
speech therapy. She said, Physical therapy sees patients 7 days a week for those
who are appropriate for that high of intensity. She went on to say that Glenbridge
has a caring nursing staff, and a very clean and nice facility.
Some of the physical therapy services include stroke rehabilitation, orthopedic
programs, fracture and joint replacement therapy, neurological intervention,
prosthetic management, and functional mobility programs.
Marias staff consists of physical therapy assistants whom
are highly qualified, supportive, charismatic, and they work
to help you achieve your personal best.
The process when someone comes to Glenbridge for reha-
I wanted to bilitation is simple.

be able to influence
how a person was able
to live by making
their quality of life
better so I chose
physical therapy to
help them improve in
areas that they
The patient is admitted to the facility and the therapists pre-
pare an evaluation of the patient. Each patient is different
and the therapy programs are tailored to meet their specific
needs and goals. Maria proudly said,
Glenbridge has many therapy success stories.
Glenbridge now has the total body exercise machine, the
NUSTEP, backed by scientific research. Maria explained
that this piece of equipment imitates the walking pattern; the arm swings, the leg mo-
tions and it works on the reciprocal gait pattern. In addition, they have the electrical
stimulation unit that helps control pain, re-educate the muscles to start working again
as a functional unit and it can help with edema (swelling), and much more.

could have a better Different than in years past, rehabilitation patients are able to get personal attention;
they dont need to travel to Hickory, Winston-Salem or Charlotte anymore to get the
quality of life. type of therapy services that is offered locally.

Maria laughed and said, We love having you at Glenbridge, but ultimately most
peoples goal is to get back home Home is where the heart is!

Glenbridge Health & Rehabilitation

211 Milton Heirs Rd. Boone, NC (828) 264.6720 www.Glenbridge.org

24 Volume 1 Issue 1
www.HighCountryHealth.net 25
26 Volume 1 Issue 1
Dr. Bell Is Turning Back the Clock on Aging
J oseph Ty Bell, M.D. is no newcomer to Boone. In addition to being the High Countrys most expe-
rienced vein specialist, his roots are in family medicine residency training, and he worked for years
in emergency medicine at area hospitals. In both family and emergency medicine, he recognized a
glaring common denominator: The need for a proactive, preventive approach for optimized health
that was lost amid the disease-focused traditional system waiting to intervene when diseases like high
blood pressure, coronary disease, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer were already present.
He became more and more troubled by what he consistently witnessed.
Bell says, For years in primary care and then emergency medicine, I was treating patients in the tradi-
tional western medicine model. I knew something was missing just writing yet another prescription to
treat disease, yet all the while patients were becoming more unhealthy at younger and younger age.
Instead of truly modifying or preventing disease, in essence, I have just been applying a relatively ineffective small band-aid to combat the
very large gaping wound that is unhealthy aging.
He became intrigued with the field of age management medicine (AMM) at the suggestion of a respected
internal medicine colleague. After attending his first AMM meeting, he came away astounded at the amount Im 47 years
of scientific data presented that he was never previously exposed to in med- old, and in just a
ical school or other medical education meetings. Since that first AMM
meeting, he has now amassed over 160 hours in AMM continuing very few weeks
education, including 60 hours most recently last fall at Cene-
genics Medical Institute. Cenegenics has the longest track
on my prescribed
record and largest patient base and proven treatment program, I began
protocols, having treated over 20,000 patients since
1997. 10% of those patients are physicians or their to look/feel/
immediate families. function like I did
Using a comprehensive in-depth multiple hour eval-
uation that is much more detailed and multifaceted
in my 30s.
than any usual general health evaluation, Dr. Bell
can uncover a patients health strengths and weaknesses. In essence, I can pinpoint
exactly in what areas a patient is falling off the healthy aging curve compared to their
peers, and use that data to customize an age management program to regain and
maintain healthier, more youthful living while minimizing age and lifestyle-related
disease risk. A patients prescribed program will involve a four pronged approach:
nutrition, exercise, natural supplementation, and hormone optimization.
As for hormone replacement: In recent years it has gotten a bad rap, mostly due to
flawed disseminated information from the Womens Health Initiative study and from
unmonitored doping of some hormones by professional athletes/bodybuilders. Bell
explains, Bio-identical physiologic hormone optimization for men and women
is a critical piece of a successful age management plan, but not the only piece.
Physicians Age Management uses a team evaluation/treatment approach, with
the team consisting of the patient, Dr. Bell, a doctor of pharmacology who is an
expert in natural supplements/bio-identical hormones, and an exercise/nutri-
tion counselor who trains Olympic caliber bicyclists. And a patient on this program
has ongoing monitoring to assure safe, optimum results.
Bell fully admits he is a patient himself: Whats good for the goose is good for the gander.
Im 47 years old, and in just a very few weeks on my prescribed program, I began to look/feel/
function like I did in my 30s. Plus, my internal body/fitness re-testing confirms I am success-
fully turning back the clock. It is important to understand that the program is not boot camp
type torture, and easily incorporated in to a busy lifestyle. The only prerequisite for a patient is
a realization that they need to more proactively address their health (or lack of it). I want
to work with the willing! the doctor emphatically exclaims.
No Medicare or Health Insurance accepted

Physicians Age Management

Boone: (828) 264.4181 Asheville: (828) 367.3488 www.physiciansagemgmt.com

www.HighCountryHealth.net 27
28 Volume 1 Issue 1