Is pupil dilation still really needed during eye exams?

September 16, 2018

Q: My husband, who is diabetic, just had his annual eye exam and his doctor insisted on dilating his pupils. My eye doctor is using a new instrument to see inside my eyes without those drops. Which is better? A: We are often asked about this in our clinic also, but generally for diabetic patients we still prefer to use pupil-dilating eyedrops. This recommendation is true whether the patient is already on diabetic medications, has been told they are “borderline” or “pre-diabetic.” In fact, for all these stages of diabetes, our primary concern is the accurate diagnosis of ...

Hoot and Howl: local handmade artisan gifts and crafts shop

September 4, 2018

Although Hoot and Howl – an eclectic and charming shop on the corner of Walnut and Spruce streets in Morgantown – opened about a month ago, I only checked it out last week, and ended up stopping in four times since. The first time I visited, I left feeling excited; I wanted to tell all the makers I know to hurry in with their wares. The second time I visited, I left with all natural and handmade grapefruit scented silky smooth body butter. The third time I visited, I sat down and interviewed shop owner Stephanie Swaim and became even more fond of the shop. The fourth time I ...

Moving closer changes old to new

September 2, 2018

It was fun recalling local clothing enterprises…so much so that it should just as entertaining to look at eating places and how they followed, or led the way, for development of the region. For instance, this area once had more than 60 “restaurants and lunch rooms.” Some I remember, many I don’t. When the coal mines and glass factories were in full operation there were restaurants and beer gardens within walking distance. They had names that I don’t recall, such as the Hawk’s Nest on then Star City Road in Evansdale. Only one lunch room, Jimmy’s, was across from Men’s ...

Are you ready for the next disaster?

August 31, 2018

A year ago, the city of Houston was still covered in water, the remnants of the devastating Aug. 25 Hurricane Harvey. Today we are halfway through hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 1. So far, this year is shaping up to be much milder than 2017, other than Hawaii’s brush with Lane last week. That does not mean we should let our guard down, however. And the flooding that happened in Mannington in Marion County less than a month before Harvey illustrates that these types of disasters do hit close to home. When one does, will you be ready? That’s the hope of Monongalia ...

Andersen makes most of freshman year at Fairmont

August 28, 2018

Kaylee Andersen comes from an athletic family. So, it was only natural that she started playing sports at a pretty young age. “Along with soccer and gymnastics, I began playing T-ball at the age of 4, then continued into softball at the age of 8,” Andersen said. A Morgantown native, Andersen is a 2017 graduate of Morgantown High School. She is in her sophomore year at Fairmont State University, where she continues her softball career. Andersen earned a starting spot at centerfield as a freshman. She finished with 120 at bats, 26 runs, 33 hits, 11 RBI, and 27 strike outs. She had ...

Chiropractic licensure is an extensive process

August 26, 2018

Q: What are the educational requirements for a chiropractor to become licensed? A: Many people seem surprised to find out that the chiropractic education process is so extensive. I usually reply, “Whether you’re planning to become a chiropractor, medical doctor, or dentist, it takes four years of college followed by and additional 4-5 years of additional education (med school, dental school, chiropractic college) simply because there is that much to learn about the body to become a competent health care provider.” Hence, depending on the area of interest a person has in the ...