Plastic Surgery is more than cosmetic
By Nate Gartrell
Imagine how it would feel to go through the unbelievable trauma of being shot in the head, miraculously surviving, then looking into the mirror and seeing a face you don’t fully recognize. That’s what happened to one local man last year, who sought out local plastic surgeon Barbara Persons, MD FACS with the seemingly impossible task of repairing severe damage to his face and skull.
However, in the ensuing weeks, Dr. Persons, of Persons Plastic Surgery in Lafayette, helped the man through a transformation that those who witnessed it say rendered the scar invisible. “With Dr. Persons’ amazing care, attention to detail, and truly remarkable skills as a surgeon, the patient no longer has to look in the mirror and see the constant reminder of the violence he encountered,” Trisha Camero said, a spokeswoman for the private practice. “His friends even said they cannot believe he had a gunshot wound to the face!”
Dr. Persons truly understands the gravity of such a scenario, as she’s been through something similar herself, and it’s what inspired the reconstructive and cosmetic surgery business. It happened in December 1992, when Dr. Persons was in medical school. She was driving to meet friends for a ski trip, a celebratory trip as they’d recently finished a semester, when a semi-truck plowed into her car. It was a horrible crash, and she was seriously injured. She ended up needing 14 reconstructive surgeries to fully recover. “Dr. Persons saw firsthand the transformative ability a plastic surgeon had … That’s what started it all,” Trisha said. “After that, she wanted to dedicate her life to making sure everyone feels like themselves again. It’s her passion.”
After completing medical school and serving two years on the US Public Health Service Corps—where she helped provide healthcare services on a Navajo reservation that was mostly without electricity and water—Dr. Persons decided to pursue the same field that had helped restore her life to normalcy after a tragedy. “My mom’s a nurse, and I’ve known a lot of doctors. [Persons] is the most caring doctor I’ve ever encountered, and she’s got an amazing team behind her,” Trisha said. “She really stands out from the rest; she loves to teach others, she’s really compassionate, and she has a kind heart.”
Nowadays, Persons heads her own practice in Lafayette, the city where she grew up and went to school. Over the past 20 years, she has provided care for thousands over and made a name for herself. Her practice specializes in facelifts, necklifts, tummy tucks, breast augmentations, scar revisions, so-called “mommy makeovers,” as well as non-surgical procedures like botox, laser hair removal, vein treatment, and dermal fillers. “We have so much to offer, and it’s really organized; we offer different procedures on different days,” Trisha said.
Dr. Persons and her staff make sure to keep up with the latest technological advancements, which constantly change, so the best bet is to check the practice’s website for a full list of services. “She really gets excited about new technology, whether it makes the patient more comfortable, or helps perform the procedure better or more efficiently, she’s on top of it,” Trisha said.
This year, like last year, Persons Plastic Surgery won a Local Happenings Local’s Choice Award in the healthcare category for Contra Costa County. The awards are decided by our readers voting for their favorites, and Persons has won several times, a sign of the practice’s sterling reputation among those familiar with it. “We would like to sincerely thank our 6,000+ patients in the Bay Area for their continued support, encouragement, and loyalty,” Dr. Persons said in response to the latest award. “Our patients are all amazing people with amazing hearts and have shown unbelievable gratitude to our staff over the years.”
During the holiday season, Persons Plastic Surgery celebrated with a party and by temporarily knocking down its prices, significantly. If you missed that sale don’t worry, the practice offers seasonal discounts throughout the year and they already have something for spring in the works. Persons Plastic Surgery also offer patients interest-free payment plans for those who can’t pay everything upfront. “You should see how much people love and appreciate her, not just as a doctor, but as a person as well,” Trisha said. “She has been doing this for over 20 years, and she still gets really excited about everything she does. It’s amazing to see.”
Persons Plastic Surgery is open five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 911 Moraga Road #205 in Lafayette. For additional information, like a full list of services or to schedule a consultation, visit www.personsplasticsurgery.com, email info@personsplasticsurgery.com, or call (925) 283-8811.
Nate Gartrell grew up in Benicia, studied journalism in college, and has written for a handful of media outlets since age 15. He aspires to visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums and to hit the trifecta at the horse track.
By Gail Feinberg, DO
Influenza, Flu, H3N2, H1N1…what exactly are we talking about?
We are talking about a very contagious illness caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause a mild illness, however at times it can lead to death, which is why doctors and other healthcare professionals stress getting a flu vaccine each year.
People who have the flu have SUDDEN onset of fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and body aches, headache and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common in young children, and not everyone with flu will have a fever. The sudden nature of these symptoms is what distinguishes it from a bad cold, for example.
The flu spreads mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes. People with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins, and the time from when a person is exposed to flu virus and infected to when symptoms begin is about 1 to 4 days, with an average of about 2 days.
Anyone can get the flu, and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children. Complications are numerous and can include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
No, the flu vaccine DOES NOT give you the flu. You are NOT getting a shot with a live flu virus in it. It CAN give you a runny nose and make you feel a bit run down for a day or two, and you may have a low fever and some body aches. The best time to get your flu shot is 4-6 weeks before the peak flu season, so usually October, however you can still get protection even as late as December/January if you get the flu shot then.
Every year new flu vaccine is created to protect against the 3 or 4 flu viruses that are most likely to spread during the next flu season. As the virus is constantly changing, the vaccine changes every year, and it is important, therefore to get a flu shot EVERY year. In some years like this, certain flu viruses may not appear and spread until later in the flu season, and this makes it difficult to prepare a vaccine in time for total prevention of the flu. We have noted that this year the vaccine has not been as effective as in years past. HOWEVER, there is still ample protection to be given, so it is important to get the flu shot if you have not received one already.
It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other viral or bacterial causes of respiratory illnesses on the basis of symptoms alone. There are tests available to diagnose flu. If you get to your doctor within the first 2 days of symptoms, antiviral drugs can be prescribed which can lessen the symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1-2 days, and, most importantly, prevent serious flu complications like pneumonia. General antibiotics will NOT help with the flu.
In summary – get your flu shot every year – even if it is not 100% the right virus protection combination, it will help your body fight the serious complications of the flu. Make sure you cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands frequently if you do have symptoms, and see your healthcare worker early if you suspect you may have the flu.
Gail Feinberg, DO, is the Chair of the Primary Care Department at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Our 2018 winners…
All of our winners have been selected by you, our dedicated readers. You have helped not only to vote for them, but you nominated them as well. Cheers to you, and thank you for voting! If your favorite did not win, stop into these local businesses to discover why they did.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Animal / Pet Activity Winners
[/vc_column_text][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519617563893-a27f3aa8-1433-3″ taxonomies=”492″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Business Services Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519617951118-8d77191f-0e7a-10″ taxonomies=”493″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Children’s Activities Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618062547-1da9f77d-6efa-6″ taxonomies=”494″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Customer Service Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618143088-850fae48-e5ff-6″ taxonomies=”495″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Event/Festivals Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618213383-c0047c8f-0256-3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Golf Courses Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618257619-0ade421b-3c75-2″ taxonomies=”497″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Health Care Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618327502-70c829bb-7fc9-9″ taxonomies=”503″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Humanitarian Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618396624-5e985c53-9e00-3″ taxonomies=”499″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Personal Service Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618449116-1027d8e2-51cb-4″ taxonomies=”500″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Realtor Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618530400-d93e7675-2970-2″ taxonomies=”501″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Restaurant Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618636292-6c918cce-defa-3″ taxonomies=”502″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Retailers Winners
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1519618693593-c0caa664-fd00-4″ taxonomies=”504″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
St. Helena Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena and Calistoga
“The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.” This mission statement is the creed that which The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Helena and Calistoga, Inc. has been following for almost 28 years. The Club offers after-school and summer programming for children and teens. The Club is incorporated as a non-profit organization and governed by a community-based Board of Directors.
The Boys and Girls Clubs serve over 3,000 children and teens (total youth served) in their Club sites and programs in the after-school hours, and all summer long. Their programs are safe, fun, accessible, affordable, guidance oriented, and staff supervised.
The priority outcome for the children is the development of a moral compass, academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. They provide high-yield activities (“fun with a purpose”) and targeted programs, encouraging their members to “deepen the impact” through regular daily attendance and program participation.
1420 Tainter St., St. Helena, CA. 94574, (707) 963-8944, www.bgcshc.org
St. Paul’s Community Meal
Every Wednesday for the past 19 years, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Benicia has served between 125-150 hot, healthy meals to anyone who walks through their doors between 4:30 and 6 p.m. This is possible because of a great group of dedicated volunteers from St. Paul’s, members of Heritage Presbyterian Church, Benicia Kiwanis Club and donations from the community. Everyone is welcome for dinner. While not solving the homeless or hunger crisis that every city faces, it helps those that are the most vulnerable in their communities.
120 East J St., Benicia, CA. 94510, (707) 745-0307, www.stpaulsbenicia.org
Budd MacKenzie Trust in Education
Earning the award for best humanitarian is no easy feat. Now in its 15th year, Trust in Education has been providing educational, economic, and healthcare assistance to Afghan families. Thus far, they’ve distributed 8,000 solar cookers to families living in refugee camps, built two bridges over a stream where a young girl had previously lost her life trying to cross, established 10 computer libraries … the list goes on. They built their first school of 120 students in Afghanistan in 2005, and they have since gone on to support classes in 10 villages that helped educate more than 1,250 children in 2010. Currently, they’re focused on finding sponsors for as many underprivileged youth as possible. This all began when Budd MacKenzie, an ordinary citizen, decided to make a difference. His journey is described in his book Off the Couch: Into the War for Hearts and Minds, available on Amazon. For additional details on what they’re all about, and why Afghanistan is their area of focus, visit their website.
985 Moraga Road, Ste. 207, Lafayette, CA. 94549, (925) 299-2010, www.trustineducation.org
Cole’s Chop House
Cole’s Chop House opened its doors in March 2000 under the leadership of Greg and Beth Cole. After 16 successful years, Greg and Beth sold Cole’s to long-time employee Eric Keffer and his wife Heather. Cole’s Chop House continues the tradition of “Napa Valley’s Favorite Steak House.”
Cole’s Chop House is a “Classic American Steakhouse,” located in historic downtown Napa. The menu features 21-day, dry–aged, U.S.D.A.-certified prime steaks, Midwestern cornfed black angus beef, formula-fed veal, New Zealand lamb, and fresh seafood. They offer an extensive wine list emphasizing wines from the local area and across the globe, classic cocktails, and intriguing bourbon and whiskey selections. In fact, Cole’s is nationally recognized as a “Great Bourbon Bar of America” with a selection of over 175 hand-selected bourbons.
This award-winning restaurant offers the best in customer service, always. It is consistently at the forefront of community outreach and volunteerism, as everyone there is a proud Napa Valley resident.
1122 Main St., Napa, CA. 94559, (707) 224-6328, www.coleschophouse.com
Edward Jones
Everyone needs a little advice from time to time, and that is what Ken Casper CFP® Financial Advisor specializes in. Since 2001, Ken has been working diligently to help individuals and businesses navigate their finances. Ken, his Senior Branch Office Administrator Lisa Schelble, and Branch Office Administrator Chris Simonson, provide their clients with great customer service.
Edward Jones has also been recognized nationally by J.D. Power and Associates, April 2015, “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full-Service Brokerage Firms” and their prestigious President’s Award in 2016 for its commitment to excellence in customer service. In J.D. Power’s 40-year history, only 11 companies have received the award. In 2015, Forbes recognized Edward Jones as the highest ranking financial services firm in their first-ever rank of best employers. Also, 2017 Fortune Magazine, for the 18th year, named Edward Jones as one of the best companies to work for.
Sit down with Ken and learn why they have developed such a loyal group of clients.
555 First St., Benicia, CA. 94510, (707) 745-8133, www.edwardjones.com/ken-casper
Casper, Ken-11/30/17-202203
