Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Daufuskie Island, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Daufuskie Island, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - We’re hearing from Daufuskie Islanders after Beaufort County declared its ferry operator isn’t up to par.For months, Daufuskie residents have gone to Beaufort County leaders with their complaints. Those included lack of accessibility, people injuring themselves and even someone falling into the water when a boat ramp collapsed. Throughout that time, islanders say there wasn’t much action from the county.Now, the county has a new administrator, and new steps are being taken. A co...
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, S.C. (WTOC) - We’re hearing from Daufuskie Islanders after Beaufort County declared its ferry operator isn’t up to par.
For months, Daufuskie residents have gone to Beaufort County leaders with their complaints. Those included lack of accessibility, people injuring themselves and even someone falling into the water when a boat ramp collapsed. Throughout that time, islanders say there wasn’t much action from the county.
Now, the county has a new administrator, and new steps are being taken. A county statement issued yesterday said that “Collaborative efforts are ongoing between Lowcountry Ferry and Beaufort County to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.”
Daufuskie residents are happy to see action from the county.
“It is a positive move for the Daufuskie Island Community. The Daufuskie Island Ferry is our lifeline to the mainland. I overall see it as a positive response and I commend the Beaufort County Staff, especially Mr. Moore, our new county administrator,” said Kade Yaraborough, Chairman of Daufuskie Island Council.
Michael Moore, the new administrator that Yarborough is talking about started on July 1 and took quick action.
In the non-compliance statement, he says, “The well-being and satisfaction of our residents remain our top priority and Beaufort County is taking steps to address the contract requirement to have a second qualified vessel available for ferry service.” He continued, “Lowcountry Ferry is required to submit a plan for the County’s consideration in order to remedy the situation.”
Throughout its short history as the county’s ferry operator, Daufuskie Islanders criticized Lowcountry ferry, saying it lacked accessibility, people were injuring themselves and even noted the time someone fell into the water when a boat ramp collapsed.
“There was enough evidence and reports and outcry from the community as well as the Daufuskie Island council to say that they needed to do something about the problem before something bad happens or they become liable for something that they are responsible for.”
The last time the island council spoke with the ferry operator was three weeks ago, and they say they haven’t heard anything from Lowcountry Ferry after the announcement. WTOC reached out to Lowcountry ferry, and have yet to hear back.
Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.
At least 13 Daufuskie Island residents are prepared to file a federal complaint against Beaufort County over ongoing disability law violations on the Daufuskie Island ferry, according to Rebecca Fulmer of Disability Rights South Carolina.The complaint will mark the first legal action against Beaufort County regarding the ferry. It also highlights the county’s non-response to the group’s claims of Americans with Disabilities Act violations. In the three months since Disability Rights South Carolina first contacted Beaufort ...
At least 13 Daufuskie Island residents are prepared to file a federal complaint against Beaufort County over ongoing disability law violations on the Daufuskie Island ferry, according to Rebecca Fulmer of Disability Rights South Carolina.
The complaint will mark the first legal action against Beaufort County regarding the ferry. It also highlights the county’s non-response to the group’s claims of Americans with Disabilities Act violations. In the three months since Disability Rights South Carolina first contacted Beaufort County, the council, administrators and attorneys haven’t provided a “substantive response,” according to a June 27 letter from the nonprofit to the county. The letter also said Beaufort County omitted and redacted documents from Disability Rights South Carolina’s records requests without justification.
“At this point, our options have been narrowed to litigation,” Fulmer said.
Residents and tourists with disabilities have had issues getting on and off the boat since Beaufort County began contracting Lowcountry Ferry to run the public service in January 2024. From there, Disability Rights South Carolina became involved. The organization sent a series of five letters to the county council and administration notifying them of the ADA violations, asking for changes and requesting documents beginning on March 21. The organization sent a sixth letter on June 27 informing the county of planned legal action.
“We’re open to immediate talks if the county is considering or will consider rescinding its contract with Lowcountry Ferry,” Fulmer said. “And having an agreement with another ferry service that is safe and accessible.”
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Fulmer emphasized that publicly contracted services such as the ferry aren’t excluded from the ADA.
If the lawsuit is filed, it won’t be the only federal complaint against the county. Former county employee Lisa Lynch filed a federal lawsuit against Beaufort County on May 24 claiming sexual harassment related to her dealings with former Beaufort County Administrator Eric Greenway.
This story was originally published June 28, 2024, 8:50 AM.
August 02, 2024 1:01 PM
Did you know that the Palmetto State has its own state amphibian?South Carolina has an official amphibian that represents the Palmetto State and it is the only amphibian that is indigenous to the state.This famous amphibian is none other than the spotted salamander.“The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) was designated the official state amphibian of South Carolina in 1999 after a year-long campaign ...
Did you know that the Palmetto State has its own state amphibian?
South Carolina has an official amphibian that represents the Palmetto State and it is the only amphibian that is indigenous to the state.
This famous amphibian is none other than the spotted salamander.
“The spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) was designated the official state amphibian of South Carolina in 1999 after a year-long campaign by the third grade class at Woodlands Heights Elementary School in Spartanburg,” according to netstate.
At the time, third grade teacher, Lynn K. Burgess, and her 1997-1998 class were studying about South Carolina when they found that the state did not have an official state amphibian and decided to do something about it, according to netstate.
Following several attempts and some persistence by the group, on June 6, 1999 House Bill No. 3111 was approved by the South Carolina Legislature and on June 11, 1999, the legislation was signed by Governor Beasley making the spotted salamander the official state amphibian of South Carolina.
Aside from South Carolina, the Palmetto State shares its state amphibian with one other state: Ohio.
The spotted salamander can be hard to initially spot and can be recognized at first glance by its dark-colored exterior and the bright yellow or orange spots along its back. These creatures have two bright-yellow rows of spots beginning at their heads and continuing down the length of their bodies. Occasionally, it is possible that orange or yellow-orange spots may appear on the head, but this is more unlikely. The darker hues of the body generally range from a very dark blue to black, a dark gray or occasionally, brown. They can vary in size ranging from 5.5 to 9 inches in length, according to Sciway.
Regardless of reaching a fair size for a salamander and having brightly-colored spots, these amphibians can be quite difficult to spot.
Spotted salamanders generally spend a majority of their adult lives underground in burrows but can also be found beneath rotting logs or various fauna. For this reason, they aren’t frequently seen by people unless vegetation is being overturned. They tend to prefer deciduous forests with ponds containing a limited fish population.
These salamanders eat a variety of things which include insects, insect larvae, spiders, beetles, millipedes, snails, slugs, mollusks and large quantities of earthworms.
“They emerge from their subterranean hiding spots only at night to feed and during spring mating. They will actually travel long distances over land after a heavy rain to mate and lay their eggs in vernal pools and ponds,” according to National Geographic.
Spotted salamanders do produce poisonous skin secretions, which allow them to taste bad to predators. For a human, these skin secretions are more irritating and would not kill an adult or even a child, even if ingested. However, these secretions can kill a mouse, or other small rodent and can potentially make other small animals sick, according to Amphibian Planet.
However, while technically not poisonous to people, they have been known to carry Salmonella, which can be detrimental to any person to come in contact with one. Handling these creatures should be kept at a minimum. If handling is necessary, be sure to wash your hands promptly and practice good personal hygiene following the encounter.
Although these small creatures may be docile toward people, humans can pose a danger to them.
While exciting to see, the spotted salamander should not be handled by humans if at all possible. The amphibian’s skin has a sensitive, slimy coating, which, if removed through handling, could seriously harm the critter.
This story was originally published June 25, 2024, 6:00 AM.
The Island Packet
Sarah Claire McDonald is a Service Journalism Reporter for The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette. She specializes in writing audience-focused, unique, spotlight stories about people, places and occurrences in the Lowcountry. Originally from the Midwest, Sarah Claire studied news media, communications and English at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where she graduated in 2021.
Any time spent at the beach is sure to put you in a vacation state of mind. And while there are many important things to consider when planning a trip, blue waters and white sand beaches always earn bonus points. The good news is that if you're heading to South Carolina with family or friends this summer, the beaches are all truly mag...
Any time spent at the beach is sure to put you in a vacation state of mind. And while there are many important things to consider when planning a trip, blue waters and white sand beaches always earn bonus points. The good news is that if you're heading to South Carolina with family or friends this summer, the beaches are all truly magnificent so there's no wrong decision.
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Coligny Beach on Hilton Head Island is where you should head for the bluest waters. Hilton Head is famous for its beaches, so it’s no surprise that the waters here are extra beautiful. While a good amount of Hilton Head is home to high-end resorts with private beach access, Coligny Beach is open free to the public, which makes it one of the most popular places on the island. Read on to learn more about this spectacular spot.
The sand on Hilton Head Island is bright white, blissfully soft, and very fine, and the water is shallow, especially at low tide. Both of these qualities can make the water appear sparkling blue. When the ocean is relatively calm and shallow, there is also less plankton, sand, particles, and other materials constantly churning in the waves, which gives the water a clearer appearance.
There’s a scientific reason as well, of course. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this phenomenon occurs when light passes through water and absorbs colors in the red part of the light spectrum, leaving colors on the blue end of the color spectrum.
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Coligny Beach, the most popular public beach on Hilton Head Island, is a local favorite for more than its aquamarine waters. It’s easy to access, thanks to a beautifully designed park that includes a pathway and boardwalk that leads you straight onto the sand.
The Coligny Beach Park also has lots of amenities too: gazebos with swings, a fountain with synchronized jets, seating areas (including rocking chairs), beach matting for wheelchair access, outdoor showers, and a free parking area. The Breeze, which is Hilton Head's free public trolley, makes stops as well. (Just be sure to check the seasonal schedule.) It’s truly a beach that everyone can appreciate—for the magical color of the ocean, and more.
This Beach Has The Clearest Water—And Whitest Sand—In North Carolina
Nearly 25 years ago on an island off the Savannah River, Stewart Yarborough struck a fossil fanatic’s proverbial gold.A good friend had asked the Daufuskie native to go bottle-hunting – digging up the equivalent of a collector’s antique glass treasure buried in South Carolina land. Up and down the shore, ardently searching, they instead inadvertently found relics with tales millions of years old.Fossilized shark teeth were peppered among gritty sand. Some were a deeper blue-gray, others more jagged. While his ...
Nearly 25 years ago on an island off the Savannah River, Stewart Yarborough struck a fossil fanatic’s proverbial gold.
A good friend had asked the Daufuskie native to go bottle-hunting – digging up the equivalent of a collector’s antique glass treasure buried in South Carolina land. Up and down the shore, ardently searching, they instead inadvertently found relics with tales millions of years old.
Fossilized shark teeth were peppered among gritty sand. Some were a deeper blue-gray, others more jagged. While his trips blur, it was his first or second when he plucked up a megalodon tooth belonging to a long-extinct prehistoric predator that most recently swam offshore 3.6 million years ago and weighed more than a Boeing-737. It was a visceral piece of proof that Yarborough couldn’t believe.
He was hooked.
Back then, he’d use any excuse to slip away from the humdrum and onto a quest for shark teeth. A masonry contractor at the time, Yarborough said the itch was so great that he’d skip work.
It’s far different now. Over two decades have passed. He’s found more than tens of thousands of shark teeth. And he and his son, Kade, have turned his penchant to the public. Since 2021, the Daufuskie Transit owner has chartered small groups to scope out shark teeth along the Savannah River.
“We basically just honed our skills to where, you know, we’re killing it,” Yarborough said.
Can he guarantee shark teeth for each charter? Yes. Hundreds. Is there a trick to finding megalodon teeth along the state’s coast? Sort of. There’s logic to the craft, sure, but tides and storms can be the more unpredictable factors when it comes to washed-up shark teeth on South Carolina and Georgia’s southeast coasts.
The main logic is straightforward: Dredging of the Savannah River. When the river is dredged to maintain its depth for cargo ships, “slurry,” as Yarborough calls it, is pumped from the bottom of the river and onto the shore.
“We search along the islands where they dump all that slurry,” he said. “Within that slurry that erodes from the bank, you get the shark’s teeth.”
Which islands are hot spots? He’s not telling.
The Yarboroughs’ success is wide and varied. An average charter finds between 150 and 250 teeth in one trip. The longest measured 9 inches. A lucky charter uncovered eight megalodon teeth in a day.
After a group finishes up their excursion, they splay out the teeth onto a plastic cutting board and help customers identify their finds. In the past three years, the dredges of the Savannah River have also turned up fossilized alligator and crocodile teeth, talons, and prehistoric horse teeth.
But for the shark-tooth finding fiends, the one-day stockpile is tough to beat: 355.
This story was originally published May 20, 2024, 8:00 AM.
August 06, 2024 10:22 AM
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