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The Expert: Robert W. Haley | The Estate & Elder Law Center of Central Virginia, PLLC
Protecting Your Assets from Long-Term Care Costs

“You mean to tell me we don’t have to lose everything to pay for long-term care?”
Families facing long-term care decisions often share the same concern: how to secure quality care without losing everything they’ve worked for. The reality is, without proper planning, long-term care costs can quickly drain a lifetime of savings. But there are often more options available than people realize. Here are three of the most common questions:

1. “How will we pay for long-term care?”
The cost of long-term care can exceed $100,000 per year, making it one of the greatest financial risks families face. Many assume they must “spend down” their life savings, but that’s not always the case. With the right legal strategies, it may be possible to cover care costs while preserving a significant portion of your assets. Planning ahead offers the most protection, but even in crisis situations, options may still be available.

2. “When should we start planning to protect our assets?”
The best time to plan is long before care is needed. Many asset protection strategies involve a five-year look-back period, meaning early planning can make a significant difference in what you’re able to preserve.

It’s also never too early to start. Even younger families benefit from having basic estate planning in place, ensuring children are protected and decisions are clearly outlined if something unexpected happens. These plans aren’t permanent; they can and should be updated over time as your financial situation and goals evolve.

3. “How do we protect our assets while covering these costs?”
This is where experienced guidance makes the greatest difference. Without a plan, long-term care expenses can quickly deplete savings and put your home at risk. However, strategies such as asset protection trusts and other legal planning techniques may help preserve what you’ve worked so hard to build. The key is acting early and working with a professional who understands how to navigate these complex rules.

Planning ahead gives families more control, more options, and greater peace of mind. Even in urgent situations, there are often steps that can be taken to protect what matters most.

The Estate & Elder Law Center of Central Virginia, PLLC
810 Main Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504
(3rd Floor of the Truist Building)
(855) 608-0177
VaElderLaw.com
Location also in Danville, VA

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The Expert: Ben Ferry, MD | Collaborative Health Sports Medicine

Do you have to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?
No. While we do work with local teams and athletes, you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from sports medicine. We evaluate and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions across all ages and activity levels. Your “sport” might be gardening, walking, or staying active day-to-day — if pain is impacting your quality of life, seeing a sports medicine doctor may help.

What kinds of everyday aches and pains are commonly treated?
We treat both acute injuries and chronic conditions, with or without a clear cause. Common examples include knee pain from arthritis or meniscus issues, ankle sprains, and back pain from everyday activities like yardwork.

Additional conditions include: Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee), Rotator cuff tendinitis / shoulder bursitis, Hip tendinitis / bursitis, Osteoarthritis (hip, knee, shoulder), Hand and wrist conditions (trigger finger, carpal tunnel), Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and Concussions and post-concussion syndrome.

What treatment options are typically used?
We focus first on non-surgical care. This may include home exercise programs, physical therapy, bracing, and medications. In some cases, injections such as cortisone or steroid can reduce pain and inflammation to support recovery. We may also use regenerative medicine treatments like prolotherapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate healing.

Diagnostics may include X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI. X-ray and ultrasound are available in-office to complement a thorough physical exam. MRIs are used when more detailed imaging is needed or when symptoms are not improving with conservative care.

“I’m not injured, but exercise causes pain. Can you help?”
Yes. We can identify the source of pain, assess movement patterns, and guide training adjustments. We also help patients safely return to activity while working toward their fitness goals and reducing injury risk.

“I think I have a concussion. Why see sports medicine?”
Concussions, a form of mild traumatic brain injury, are commonly treated in sports medicine and can result from everyday incidents like falls or car accidents. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

While many concussions improve with time, guided care is important. We take an active recovery approach, helping patients return to work, school, and daily life safely and efficiently, moving beyond the outdated advice of complete rest.

If you develop worsening symptoms — such as repeated vomiting, severe headache, confusion, weakness, seizure, or trouble waking — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

He provides sideline coverage for the Liberty University Division I and club sports athletics teams and enjoys working with students and residents through his role with the Liberty University College of Medicine.

Collaborative Health
Sports Medicine
2321 Wards Road*
Lynchburg, VA 24502
*Will be relocating to the Collaborative Healthplex in May of 2026 – 800 Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

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The Expert: Debi Farley | Acupuncture Works, LLC

What is Alpha-Gal?
Alpha Gal is an allergy to the sugar molecule galactose-a-1,3-galactose that is found in all 4 limbed mammals, except humans and old world apes. All foods have proteins, fats, and carbs. Alpha Gal is the carb in the meat. This classifies Alpha Gal as a food allergy just like peanuts, shrimp, soy…

What is the test for Alpha Gal?
A blood test checking for antibodies to alpha gal. This test is often listed as IGE Blood Panel for galactose-a-1, 3-galactose. This test will often list beef, pork, lamb and alpha gal with separate reference numbers and a total alpha gal number. You are considered positive for these antibodies if the number is above .10.

What does the test mean?
Your body has built up an army to fight something that it thinks is harmful. These are the antibodies. It doesn’t mean the army is fighting.

The test doesn’t tell you when, how, what, and/or the severity of the reaction. It also doesn’t tell you that you can react below the number.

Many tests also include a paragraph explaining why you might have a false positive, false negative and that the test is not to be used for diagnosis and you should consult with your physician for a complete diagnosis.

The test is a guideline to be used to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Does SAAT change the bloodwork?
No.

How Does SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) treat the allergy?
It basically turns off/blocks/desensitizes the body so that it doesn’t recognize the allergy being harmful. When you receive allergy shots, you are building up a tolerance that turns off/blocks/desensitizes the body from the allergen.

Does Acupuncture work the same way as SAAT for Alpha Gal?
No, traditional acupuncture is working with the body’s immune system to reduce the allergy response. SAAT is desensitizing the body to a specific allergen.

It is Debi’s mission to partner with her patients to help them live their best life possible.

Acupuncture Works, LLC
114 Duncraig Dr. (Wyndhurst)
Lynchburg VA 24502
434-237-0302
www.AcupunctureWorksLLCLynchburg.com

Not sure where to go for your oral health or dental treatments in the Lynchburg area?

Look no further than the experts referenced in our Area Dental Guide. From braces for your kids to the dental professionals you want in your corner when there’s an issue, we have you covered.

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The Expert: Debi Farley | Acupuncture Works, LLC

What is Alpha-Gal Allergy ? 
Alpha Gal Allergy is an allergy to the sugar molecule galactose-a-1,3-galactose that is found in all 4 limbed mammals, except humans and Old World Apes. You are allergic to this sugar and all mammal meats and their products including milk, dairy, protein powders, medications… 

What is the treatment for Alpha-Gal? 
The Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) is a highly effective treatment for any allergy. It is currently the only effective treatment available for Alpha-Gal. SAAT turns the positive allergy response to a negative response. 

Is SAAT the same as using acupuncture?  
No, it is not the same as acupuncture. It is based in French Auricular Medicine and the works of Dr. Paul Nogier and Dr. Nader Soliman.  Studies have shown SAAT to be more effective than these treatments.

Why does SAAT not work for some people?  
There are many reasons, the most common is that you are reacting to something for which you’ve not yet been treated. Example: Natural ingredients in bacon. 

Why does Alpha Gal still show up in blood work after the treatment? 
Blood work does not tell you if, when, what, or how you will react if you consume mammal meat. No allergy treatment will change your blood work. 

Alpha Gal is the only food allergy that an allergist may tell you, it is okay to try after a few years if your numbers are lower. They do not do this with a peanut or shrimp allergy. Have you ever wondered why? 

If I get bit by another tick, will my Alpha Gal symptoms return? 
The signal for the positive allergy response to Alpha Gal has been turned off. If you do
have symptoms, it is most likely an allergy to something else. But you can always be
checked to see.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

With over 20 years of experience as an Acupuncturist, Debi Farley is board certified by the National Certification Commission (NCCAOM), licensed by the State of Virginia as a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) and licensed in Florida as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine. She is certified in Chinese Auricular Therapy, the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) and Auricular Medicine, she is Lynchburg’s expert on treating the Alpha Gal food allergy as well as diseases the tick may give you.  

It is Debi’s mission to partner with her patients to help them live their best life possible.

Acupuncture Works, LLC 
114 Duncraig Dr. (Wyndhurst), Lynchburg VA 24502
434-237-0302
www.AcupunctureWorks LLCLynchburg.com

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The Expert: Dr. Mason Bates | Bates Family Orthodontics

I thought orthodontists just straighten teeth, what is “smile design?”
In the digital age that we live in, where selfies, FaceTime, and zoom meetings abound, our smiles are often the first thing that others notice. “Smile design” refers to the thorough analysis of the position and anatomy of your teeth relative to your facial esthetics. This includes the width of your smile, the position of your upper teeth in relation to your lips, dental and facial midlines, tooth shape/proportions, gum levels, and relationship of your jaws, in addition to the alignment of your teeth and how they fit together (your “bite”). Dr. Bates uses this outside-in approach to orthodontic treatment to create a personalized treatment plan that ensures you not only have wellaligned (“straight”) teeth and a healthy, functional bite, but also a beautiful smile that projects confidence, joy, and personability.

Other than improving esthetics, what are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Aligning your teeth and correcting your bite can lead to significant improvements in your overall dental health, function of your teeth, and prevention of long-term issues such as excessive tooth wear, periodontal issues, and jaw joint problems.

I was told I would need braces, can I do Invisalign instead?
Invisalign clear aligners are simply another tool that orthodontists use to apply controlled forces to your teeth to accomplish desired tooth movements. Though there are some instances where he does prefer braces, Dr. Bates is able to treat even complex cases with Invisalign.

What is the average length of treatment?
The average length of comprehensive treatment with Invisalign at our practice is 14-18 months, with appointments typically every 12 weeks. Minor touch ups with Invisalign average 3-6 months, sometimes even shorter. The average length of comprehensive treatment with braces at our practice is 20-22 months, with appointments every 6-8 weeks.

At what age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have an orthodontic exam at, or around, age 7. Most often no intervention will be recommended at this age and your child will be placed on yearly observation. If indicated however, early intervention (Phase I) often reduces the likelihood of more complicated treatment in the future, such as extraction of permanent teeth or the need for surgical procedures.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Dr. Mason Bates is a board certified orthodontist with extensive training in all areas of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign and braces for all ages, jaw surgery interdisciplinary care, and craniofacial syndromes.
Dr. Bates and his team pride themselves on designing confident, beautiful smiles while also building lasting relationships that allow them to love, serve, empower, and impact their patients and community.
Outside the office, Dr. Bates maintains a strong commitment to ministry, mentorship, and giving back to our local community.

Bates Family Orthodontics
1925 Thomson Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
434-846-4014
BatesFamilyOrtho.com

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Ask the Expert on an Alternative Practice for Primary Care

THE EXPERT:
Phyllis C. Everett MSN, APRN, AOCN, NP-C, Sapient Health Services

Why do people come to you to be their primary care provider over other practices?
They come to us because they are tired of “big box” medicine that is focused more on production than people. People want to be heard. We have one-hour new patient visits, and 30 min follow-up visits to help explore the whole person and their needs at any given time, physical and emotional.

What type of specialty services do you offer?
Our diagnostic services are more in depth than the typical primary care practice with a combination of laboratory testing and genetics that set us apart. This includes advanced cardiovascular and nutritional testing, microbiome testing using GI Map stool tests and pharmacogenomic testing with a mouth swab to identify issues affecting medication management. We strive to find the root of the problem and not just treat a symptom. We also provide limited psychiatric counseling via telehealth and hope to expand mental health services in the coming year.

As a nurse practitioner, do you have a physician working with you?
Because of my 18 years of experience and the current state licensure requirements, I am no longer required to practice with a physician. I have what is called an autonomous license. That does not mean we do not work with our area physicians to provide care, in fact, we often refer patients for specialty care depending on the complexity of their problems. We’re also fortunate to have nurse practitioner colleagues who work in most specialties in the city of Lynchburg and surrounding areas with whom we communicate regularly for help on a variety of disorders.

Do you see children in your clinic?
My education was focused on the adult population and the age limit for children based on my certification is 13 years of age and older. We are looking forward to adding an additional provider to our Big Island location in 2024 that can see children of all ages as well as adults.

What other types of care do you provide that are unique and would attract new patients?
Because of my background in performing home visits and hospice care, I’m comfortable providing home visits. There are patients who have limited physical mobility who need care at home and so we provide that service. I go to homes myself and I also have recently hired a registered nurse who is also comfortable with home visits. In coordination with her, I can perform a telehealth visit from any location to see and hear the patient and coordinate their care. We also contract with a mobile phlebotomist to go out to the home to draw labs prior to appointments to reduce the need for patient travel.

Are you still planning to build a new location in the Huddleston area?
As some of you remember, we were donated a piece of land for the purpose of building a permanent location for the patients of the former clinic known as Huddleston Health and Wellness. We have not given up on this project but there have been many roadblocks that have occurred along the way that have delayed getting a building put on the property in Lynch station. We have not been deterred in our plan to see this happen. We continue relationships with our patients in that area through them coming to our clinic in Big Island, providing home visits and telehealth.

Do you take insurance?
Yes, we take Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurance. We welcome the people that other practices limit due to poor reimbursement of their services. We are committed to caring for those who need and want the care we provide. We also have financial assistance plans for those that are uninsured.

ABOUT THE EXPERT:
Phyllis C. Everett is a nurse practitioner certified in adult primary care and oncology. She has an interest in genetics and has completed additional studies in pharmacogenetics. She is the executive director and adult nurse practitioner at Sapient Health Services and has served in rural, central Virginia since September 2017. She provides services in her clinic in Big Island, VA in addition to in-home and telehealth visits.
She received a diploma RN at Norfolk General Hospital School of Professional Nursing in 1979, a BS in Nursing with a Minor in Psychology at UNC-Greensboro in 1983 and her MS in Nursing Administration also at UNC-G in 1988.
She earned two post-masters certificates at Duke, Nursing Informatics in 1997 and Adult Nurse Practitioner with a focus in Primary Care/ Oncology in 2005. After graduation with her NP certificate, she worked in outpatient oncology in Lynchburg from 2005-2016 when she began her own practice. She has also worked part-time performing Medicare wellness exams and as a hospice provider.
Phyllis is published, and her original research has been presented in poster presentations at the national and state level. She is a speaker on a variety of topics related to her practice and certifications and has been invited to present at multiple venues around the country. Phyllis was president of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) from 2012-2014 and was awarded the Distinguished NP Award at the VCNP annual meeting in March 2016.
Sapient Health Services-Big Island was awarded the Small Business of the Year award in September 2021 from the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce.

Sapient Health Services
10961 Lee Jackson Highway
Big Island, VA 24526
434-299-5029 • Fax: 540-297-6048
Email: sapientoffice@protonmail.com
www.sapienthealthservices.com

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Ask the Expert on Long Term Insurance

THE EXPERT:
Donna Fore, Mutual of Omaha

Why is long-term case insurance important?
You probably know someone who has required long term care services. Or, maybe you’ve been a caregiver yourself. Either way, you may wonder how you’ll handle your own long term care needs should they arise. Will your family take care of you? Will you be able to stay in your home? How will the need for care impact your retirement funds? It’s hard to think of becoming chronically ill and needing long term care, but it’s estimated that nearly 70 percent of people over age 65 will require long term care services – for an average of three years. And, 20 percent of those individuals will need care for more than five years. (US Department of Health and Human Services Study)

What is long-term case insurance?
A customized plan to cover costs associated with getting the help you need to do the things you’ve always been able to do for yourself, such as: fixing meals, driving, cleaning the house, and shopping; as well as many personal care services like taking your medications, walking, eating, bathing/ showering, and dressing.

What is the value of having long-term case insurance?
A long-term case insurance plan is designed to help you pay for these types of diverse long term care services, whether the assistance is temporary or permanent. It can help protect your retirement funds and other assets by providing a readily accessible source of funds earmarked to take care of you.

How does a long-term case insurance policy work?
When you begin to lose the ability to do some of your Activities of Daily Living (walking, dressing, bathing, eating, getting in or out of bed/chair, etc.), a licensed health care practitioner will evaluate your needs and certify you are chronically ill and need help. At that point, you receive long term care benefits from your plan.

Who needs long-term case insurance?
Anyone who wishes to remain in their home as long as possible and wants to avoid entering a facility. People who value staying close to family and friends and want to continue enjoying those relationships. Anyone who worked hard to save for retirement and doesn’t want to spend their life’s savings on long term care.

How do you start receiving your long-term care benefits?
When we meet and design your custom plan, you will select an elimination period during which time your long-term care services are your responsibility. This period is variable and can be as short as a few months, depending upon your needs. After your elimination period is over, your plan covers long term care, whether at home or a facility.

How do I determine my needs?
We will meet together and review your lifestyle, age, your state/location for care, your family, health, plans for the future, the average amount spent for long term care in your area, the cost of inflation regarding long term care, your budget, and other important factors. The benefits of owning Mutual of Omaha long-term case insurance: Mutual of Omaha provides a customized plan for ensuring that you obtain the right level of long term care services at your preferred location, whether at home or in a facility. Our plans include a Cash Benefit option – it allows you to pay a portion of the policy’s benefit just for home health care. Call me today, I can definitely help you and your family!

ABOUT THE EXPERT:
Donna is a retired military officer, serving 30 years at senior levels of the military. A survivor of 9-11 at The Pentagon, she understands that life can change quickly.
A hard-working veteran of two overseas combat operations, she is dedicated to serving her country, church, and community. She has extensive experience with helping people to protect family, income, property, and businesses due to a sudden disability or death. Some of the products/services she can provide are: Life insurance, Medicare plans, Long term care coverage, Financial strategies, Employee benefit plans, Business planning, Key employee insurance, Buy-sell arrangements, Estate planning, Disability insurance, Critical illness plans, Supplemental retirement funds, Annuities, and more.

Donna Fore – Mutual of Omaha
4005 Electric Road, Floor 3,
Roanoke, VA 24018
Office: 434-665-1434
Cell: 434-665-1434
donna.fore@mutualofomaha.com
agents.mutualofomaha.com/agents/va/roanoke/donna-fore

Not sure where to go for your oral health or dental treatments? Look no further than the experts referenced in our Area Dental Guide. From braces for your kids to the dental professionals you want in your corner when there’s an issue, we have you covered.

From mountaintop yoga to back porch gardening, here’s a look at how some of you are incorporating fitness and nutrition into your lives. Share your wellness moments with us on Instagram by using the hashtag #BeWellLynchburg!

Hannah went running after a long week and wrote: “I’m gonna be a bit biased here and say Lynchburg has the best trails to run on! They are so beautiful!” We agree with you, Hannah!

In May, Adam Hopkins enjoyed a “beautiful day for a hike up with friends to Sharp Top Mountain.” The view from the Bedford County apex made him say… #itsagoodlife.

Some serious girl power shown by Align Athletics in this photo with the caption: “What are you missing out on for fear of looking dumb or trying new things that look intimidating?”

Emily Paulsen and her husband are “testing out” their green thumbs with these back porch “cuties.” Her goal: #pleasedontdie. Best of luck to you, Emily!

Yoga teacher Shelby struck this pose on top of Cole Mountain in the George Washington National Forest. (Read more about that hike on page 15.) Follow her on Instagram at shelby.nc and see other cool moves in picturesque places.