The Good Stuff 8 & 9 Good News 10 - 12 Good Products For summer safety and summer fun
14 & 15
Good People
The Heart of the Hurricane
16 & 17
Good Adventures
Hot Weather, Cool Water!
24 & 25
Good Eating
Reinventing the Picnic Classics
Features TM
Addicted to Saving
Join Us Online!
Festive 4th of July Crafts Be sure to visit our website often to see what’s going on with: Hot Topics Good Events Good Causes Good Eating… and more Like us on Facebook for good stuff updates and new contests. Sign up for the E-GoodNewsletter. Contact us with your story ideas or event information. TampaBayGoodLiving.com
21
Liza Ford, founder of this ultra-savings website has tips for getting started with coupons.
22 & 23
Jessica Sykes goes red, white and blue for festive celebrations.
26 Ask the Dietician Staying Hydrated Without All the Sugar
Prescription Drug Abuse Alert Good Gardening with Jai
27
28 & 29
Master Organic Gardener Jai Hambly on butterfly gardening
30 & 31
Ten Brain Builders for Summer Fun Creative home games for stimulating brains and breaking boredom during the summer break by therapist Amy Perry
33 Be The Change 34 & 35
Financial Tips for the Graduate About the Cover As featured in “My Story,” Christian songwriter and singer, Julianna Zobrist and her husband Ben Zobrist of the Tampa Bay Rays. Photo was shot on a recent road trip. Photo by Eva Lempert Photography of Santa Ana, CA.
Prevent or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes With diabetes on the rise, natural medicine expert Mark Kaylor has sound advice
36
My Story by Jonathan Scheinman
38
My Story by Julianna Zobrist
4 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Publisher Light Shine Media Group, LLC
She’s a grand ol’ flag and long may she wave. Happy 4th of July and God Bless America!
Editor-in-Chief Pamela Settle
Contributing Writers Roberto Fernandez Liza Ford Jai Hambley Mark Kaylor Amy Perry Jonathan Scheinman Jessica Sykes Julianna Zobrist
Associate Publisher for Sales and Marketing Jennifer Harvey
Design and Layout Marcie Frieling
Cover Art Greg Harvey Website WP by Design
GoodLiving™ Magazine & TampaBayGoodLiving.com P.O. Box 1795 Oldsmar, Florida 34677 (727) 776-3656 info@goodlivingmag.com
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION advertising@goodlivingmag.com GoodLiving™ magazine is a publication of Light Shine Media Group, LLC and is distributed to readers at no charge to targeted locations in Pinellas, Hillsborough and southern Pasco Counties. It is available as a digital publication at TampaBayGooodLiving.com. All photographs, artwork, design and editorial are the sole property of GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC are not responsible for statements made by advertisers and writers for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Readers should verify the advertising information of the advertisers and all specials are valid to the expiration date set by the advertiser. GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC reserve the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. The views expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved.
...from the Editor Things are hot outside and hot with GoodLiving magazine as we continue to grow and make a positive impact on our readers and the community. Our summer issue digs into healthy living with an eye-opening article by Mark Kaylor on avoiding or reversing Type 2 Diabetes, an American epidemic because of our lifestyle. This time of year also means hurricane season, so we have a look at some agencies that work behind the scenes all year. These agencies need volunteers ahead of time to be trained. We encourage you to think how you would want to help during an emergency and get connected to the agency that does that job. We have fun with festive crafts and cool water adventures. Therapist and mom Amy Perry shares simple games parents can play with children to build their brains, especially when school is on break. Don’t miss our two “My Story” essays this month; they are quite special. Many thanks to Christian musician Julianna Zobrist for her willingness to share an encouraging word, daring others to live fully. If you’re not with us on Facebook yet, find us and like us. We have some very exciting things coming up and you won’t want to miss it. Have a good summer y’all!
Pamela Settle SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT This summer, two lucky teenage girls will win a fabulous makeover! The reveal will take place at the: Back-to-School Style Boot Camp for Girls Sponsored by GoodLiving magazine and stylist Wendi Braswell Makeover winners will spend the day with Wendi to get new hair, make-up, clothes, jewelry, spa treatments, style advice and fitness and nutrition coaching. Girls ages 12 to 17 are eligible to win and must have parental permission. Watch TampaBayGoodLiving.com and WendiBraswell.com for contest and event details.
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
5
news 2011 Healthiest Employers Awards
Working Women of Tampa Bay Celebrates Anniversary In just two short years, founder Jessica Rivelli has taken her vision and created the fastest growing networking organization in the Tampa Bay area. June marks the second anniversary for Working Women of Tampa Bay (WWTB) and its 550 women professionals and female entrepreneurs. Rivelli, a former television news producer, became an entrepreneur herself in 2009 when WWTB became official. Since then she has planned and executed more than 200 events and used her media savvy to harness the social media phenomenon to grow a fan base of over 6,000 local women on Facebook and 4,000 followers on Twitter. Her goal is to inspire and motivate women to follow their dreams. Along the way, she will continue to make a positive difference in the community. WWTB has raised thousands of dollars for Tampa Bay charities, including PACE Center for Girls, Eckerd Youth Alternative and Girls Inc. They host bi-monthly classes for small business owners to learn new strategies on how to market and grow their business. If you’d like to learn more about the organization, visit workingwomenoftampabay.com. BEFORE
AFTER
Who doesn’t want to work for a company that values health? The good guys in the business world will be recognized by The Tampa Bay Business Journal. They are holding their 2011 Healthiest Employers Awards for local companies that make wellness a reality for their employees and bottom lines. Categories for small, medium and large companies in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Hernando and Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Do you work for a company that deserves to be nominated? Submit nominations via online application by July 8, 2011 at healthiestemployers.com/events/tampa. Call Alyssa Rhoads at 813-342-2491 for additional information.
JWB Honors Barry Greer for Keeping Families Safe and Together The JWB Children’s Services Council awarded a CoopermanBogue KidsFirst Award to Barry Greer, Family Specialist with PEMHS (Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services). Greer is part of the Emergency Response and Family Reunification Team and his duties are centered on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children who are at risk of abuse and neglect. Nominated by supervisor, Greer was described as a true domestic violence advocate who stands as a positive male role model to mothers and their children who have been impacted by domestic violence. Four winners will be selected this year and in the Spring of 2012, the annual winner will be announced. The award is named for Leonard Cooperman and Judge Lincoln C. Bogue – two men who were instrumental in empowering Pinellas County voters to create the Juvenile Welfare Board. The award recognizes outstanding human services professionals for their work with Pinellas County children and families. To learn more, visit jwbpinellas.org/kidsfirst-awards.
Kitchen Makeover Helps Center Shine Staff from IKEA Tampa performed a $10,000 kitchen makeover for the childcare center at Dimples Playland (pictured left), from demolition to done. Along with fresh paint, there are new countertops, stainless steel appliances and cabinets.
8 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Dimples Playland provides quality, affordable childcare services to children ages six weeks to 12 years old, Monday through Friday, year round. The center is made possible through the Child Abuse Council; a countywide nonprofit that focuses on building stronger families in the Tampa Bay region though family education and child abuse prevention classes.
news
Dunedin Committee on Aging Honors Seniors The City of Dunedin Senior Hall of Fame announced its inductees for 2011. Tom and Alice Anderson were honored for their years of public and volunteer service. Mr. Anderson served as Mayor of Dunedin, and as a Florida State Representative. Additionally, he has made many significant contributions to the senior community. Mrs. Anderson served on the Mease Hospital Auxiliary and their board of directors for 14 years and as a volunteer committee chair for the City of Dunedin. Inductee John Wylde has been deeply involved in the life of the city through volunteer service, logging more than 13,700 hours of volunteer service with Dunedin Mease Hospital, the city board of finance, Dunedin North Rotary and the Rotary International Foundation. Each year the City of Dunedin’s Committee on Aging recognizes Dunedin residents, 75 or older, for significant community contributions. Their hope is to celebrate the art of aging successfully.
Share your good news. Send stories to news@goodlivingmag.com
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
9
products
SUMMER SAFETY S TY T Y
Sea Squirts The second-leading cause of unintentional death for children is drowning. When it’s from a boat accident, 90% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Keep your child safe with protection that is comfortable to wear, fun for the child and easy for you to grab a fin and pull her to safety. Choose from shark, clownfish, dolphin or “killa” whale in either a life jacket ($69.95) or the swim assist vest ($59.95) to help with learning to swim. Opacove.com
Babiators Be stylin’ and safe with these aviator-style rubber sunglasses for babies and young children that are extremely durable and offer 100% UVA and UVB protection to protect young eyes. Safe to gnaw on (because they will) Babiators are made without BPA, phthalates and heavy metals. Offered in Black Ops Black, Rockstar Red, Blue Angels Blue and Princess Pink. $19.99 at Babiators.com
Blood Stop Summer scrapes and cuts have a new option. BloodSTOP gauze stops bleeding in less than one minute by adhering to the skin’s surface and creating pressure to seal and protect the wound. Painless to remove with water. It looks and feels like ordinary cotton gauze when dry but transforms into a gel once it comes in contact with blood. Available in drug stores or online. Lifescienceplus.com.
10 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Burn Jel and Unburn Two products to add to your first aid supplies to help with summer burns. Unburn is a Vitamin E-enriched, waterbased gel with 2.5% Lidocaine that works quickly to relieve the pain of sunburn, cool and soothe the skin and prevent peeling. $4.99 at waterjel.com. Burn Jel Plus is the leading emergency treatment for minor burns. The thick gel cools and soothes the pain of minor burn injuries. Contains Vitamin E, Tea Tree Oil and 2.5% Lidocaine to treat burns immediately and effectively. $9.99 at CVS.
products
SUMMER SU S UM U MME MER SAFETY SA S AFE A F FE ET E TY T Y Go-Caddy
Eco Lips
Keeping your water close by on a hot day is easy with the Go Caddy. Just the right size to hold a bottle of water, keys, cell phone and ID. Ideal for a day at a theme park, a walk with the kids, a trip to the gym or anywhere you go. Hangs easily by your side for hands free, no-fuss toting. Black, brown, red or pink. Durable and well made. Makes a great gift too. $19.99 at BVTProducts.com
If you’re going to put sun protection on your lips and face, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe. Eco Lips products are USDA Certified Organic and petroleum, cruelty and paraben free. They contain healing organic herbs and moisturizing organic vegetable oils. Their lip balms come in SPF 15 or 30. The Facestick offers SPF 30 that moisturizes too. Purchase locally at Vitamin World locations or at ecolips.com
Sunbow This sunscreen just for kids goes on pink, yellow or blue so moms can be sure to cover all the skin before it dries clear. Sunbow is free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. It applies with pump but doesn’t use aerosol so kids aren’t inhaling fumes. Sponge Bob, Dora or Diego adorn packaging. SPF 30. $9.99 at Sunbowsunscreen.com.
Earplugs Ears often get overlooked when planning for safety, but summer is full of loud sounds from boats, lawn mowers, fireworks, concerts, motorcycles and other recreational machines. Children and adults need to protect their hearing because once it’s gone it doesn’t come back. A local entrepreneur, Michael Reali, founded a company called dBPlugz™ that offers a wide range of custom-fit products for ear protection. They use the ear as the actual mold to generate a superior fit using medical grade silicone that is engineered to dampen loud sounds while still permitting conversation. Ideal for for anyone who is around noise for recreation or their work. They offer standard hearing protection, floatable swim Plugz, audio feed Plugz and snore Plugz.
Filtrete Water Station Staying hydrated in the summer heat is important for all ages. Cheaper than bottled water and more eco-friendly, this water station takes water from your tap and filters it into four, BPA-free reusable water bottles. Great for vacations, camping or at work when filtered water may be hard to find. Includes a three-month filter change indicator. Retails for $42.99
dBPlugz™ holds fitting events at local raceways and they have a process for mail order. For more information call (813) 335-5601 or visit dbplugz.com.
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
11
products Wrap-ems
Isoki Diaper Bags Choose from several contemporary designs for “parenting bags” that are more stylish than the typical diaper bag. Ideal for travel as well as everyday use. Versatile in that they are several bags in one and reversible, too. Coordinating changing pad, cooler for bottles and smaller satchel for quick trips are inside. Nice enough you’ll use it beyond the baby years. Bag shown is $189 at Isokidiaperbags.com
The mother of this invention is a local woman who wanted a top that would be comfortable and nice looking, while at the same time disguising imperfections. The result is her design for Wrap-ems and now she’s an entrepreneur. Perfect for casual wear, cruise attire, or as a cover up. Flatters every body. $34.99 at Wrapembym.com
The Unwinder Hammock Dolphin Bag and Glasses Sturdy yet lightweight, these brightlycolored totes can go everywhere this summer. Choose from a crab, alligator and shark for little boys and a dolphin, ladybug, and butterfly for little girls. Totes are designed to withstand water and easily remove sand. Match the tote to sunglasses and a bucket hat. $19.99 for bag and sand toys and $7.99 for glasses at StephenJosephGifts.com
Perfect for relaxing under a shady tree. Nicaraguan artisans hand knot these hammocks that are an essential component of Nicaraguan life. At the smallest huts or the most elaborate homes, neighbors will sit and visit from their hammock swing on the porch. A cotton carrying bag is included. The chair measures 60 inches long by 39 inches wide. $88 at tenthousandvillages.com
Second Base® Demi Camisoles Summer tops can reveal more than you want, so stay covered up, stay smooth and stay cool with the Second Base® demi cami. Unlike tank tops, they eliminate the bulk and wrinkles that come from layering. They are designed to be worn on top of the bra and under wrap dresses, low-cut tops, tank tops and shirts for extra coverage or to enhance the look. Made in the USA and available in a range of styles and colors. Comes in XS-XL with select styles in 1X to 3X. $38.00 at Neiman Marcus in Tampa.
12 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Talking Autograph Baseball® What’s more American than baseball and summer memories? You can capture both with the original Talking Autograph Baseball® which is a real Rawlings® baseball that records voices. Fans and teammates can use them to record and save personal messages. Get a favorite player to wish a happy birthday or have a grandparent record a special message for his all star. Opposite the recording mechanism is a photo holder to display a picture. $24.95 at Talkingautographbaseballs.com.
people EDITOR’S NOTE:
For this issue, we did something different. Instead of featuring the individual stories of Good People, we are featuring groups that may someday save your life, or at the very least, give you a drink of water when you really need one.
The Heart of the Hurricane Every year, the news media and local governments urge us to be prepared for hurricane season and every year, the majority of coastal residents do very little to heed the call. This distresses emergency managers because they know exactly what kind of death and damage will occur when, not if, a hurricane hits the Tampa Bay area. Behind the scenes, throughout the year, organizations are working with the latest information, technology and tools to make sure citizens are 1) educated about preparation, 2) can shelter or evacuate as efficiently as possible, 3) informed about impending weather, 4) surviving the storm and 5) able to recover from damage as quickly as possible. Together, the dedicated professionals and selfless volunteers form the heart of the hurricane, and we are so fortunate that this community has such a big heart.
Locally we have a COAD group (Community Organizations Active in Disasters) that has numerous agencies actively involved in preparing for disasters. Each organization has its own role and its own need for volunteers. The following is a partial list and the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the breadth of work being done year round.
The Red Cross Manages shelter sites, provides mobile and mass feeding, shortterm assistance or case management to those affected.
CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) The most grassroots way to help your community avoid chaos. Join your local CERT and get trained by professionals to be a leader in your neighborhood.
CERF (Christian Emergency Response Team)
The growing Christian Emergency Response Force is homebased out of Grace Family Church in Tampa. All members of CERF become CERT certified, but CERF’s mission is to equip the church body for acts of service in extreme conditions. The Hurricane Katrina and the recent tornadoes are still fresh in our key is coordination and everyone being uniformly trained, so that minds. Can you imagine that kind of destruction here? Do you really know what you would do? Our shrinking local governments volunteers in any part of the world can work with one another. will only be able to do so much, so citizens need become a part of Salvation Army the solution. We’ve seen news coverage of good people rescuing They mobilize mini armies of volunteers to do mobile feeding children, comforting the elderly or reuniting pets with owners. canteens at disaster sites, along with case management and Don’t wait. Connect today with any of these volunteer agencies hygiene units for showers. and faith organizations and ask how you can get involved.
Rotary International
The Tampa area will benefit from the fact that Rotary’s Shelter in a Box warehouse is a short drive away. In the event houses are uninhabitable, boxes containing a tent and supplies are delivered so a family can stay on their property.
Bay Area DART (Disaster Animal Response Team) is a team of volunteers that works with emergency responders, humane associations/shelters, and other disaster volunteers during a hurricane event. In addition to ongoing education, they staff pet-friendly shelters during storms.
Christian Contractors Association in Brooksville brings together building professionals who want to volunteer their skills.
Florida Crisis Consortium trains mental health professionals in post-event counseling.
14 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
people Medical Reserve Corps will take volunteers from nearly all health and medical fields to provide assistance when hospitals are overloaded.
Young Lawyers Bureau provides legal help in a long-term recovery situation with applications and insurance claims.
Ham Radio Operators are key to communication when everything else is inoperable. Tampa Bay has a highly active organization of trained volunteers ready to help spread the word.
Disaster Recovery Leadership Network coordinated by United Way of Tampa Bay created a comprehensive plan for area non-profits to communicate with one another after a storm so they can get services up and running as quickly as possible.
Faith organizations are widely known for their loving care of communities, but most people wouldn’t guess that behind the scenes they are highly trained and organized when it comes to disaster relief. They not only serve as some of the first volunteers on a scene, but they are cumulatively the largest supporter of long-term recovery efforts.
Southern Baptist Convention Member churches recruit volunteers who become trained in specialty areas for quick response including mobile feeding and crews to work on clearing roads and debris and more. Teams are ready to move before a storm even hits.
Presbyterian Church They have a network ready to transport and set up volunteer villages and temporary housing sites.
Business owners have a role in getting our communities back to normal after a storm. The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Commission has a tool for helping businesses develop continuity plans at FLDisaterKit.com. Saving your business starts with the good plan and it takes more than plywood on the windows.
Pinellas County residents have Tom Iovino to bring them the latest information from Pinellas County Government and the world of emergency management. His monthly Hurricane and Safety News E-Lert is free by signing up on at PinellasCounty.org/emergency. Also at PinellasCounty.org is information about a program called Host Homes. Everything you need to start this volunteer program is there except you. The goal is to match people who need to evacuate (especially those in mobile homes) with people who will shelter in their own home because they are in a non-evacuation zone. This works best for members within the same faith organization and is a caring way to provide comfortable shelter to elderly members so they needn’t sleep on a crowded gym floor. Anyone from any county or organization can utilize the materials to start a Host Home program.
7th Day Adventist Skilled in warehouse operations to move large quantities of supplies in and out of an affected area. Like forklifts and pallets? This is your group.
Church of the Brethren Taking care of children after a storm is important business for emergency workers and volunteers. This group specializes in the training, credentialing and support of child care workers.
Church of the Latter Day Saints Locally they have warehouses, equipment and volunteers for food banking.
Local media has online resources to help you with finding a checklist, knowing how to prepare your home and keeping up with breaking news when storms approach. Check out: - BayNews9.com for safety tips and links to your emergency operations center - ABCActionNews.com Hurricane Center for comprehensive resources - TBO.com for click and print articles - TampaBay.com for their hurricane guide
Info about our local COAD for Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties go to phpcoad.org. You can contact them to find out about programs, learn how you can volunteer or discover how your organization can get involved.
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
15
adventures
The heat is on and kids will be looking for ways to cool off. City parks close to you will have pools and family passes available to keep cool water affordable, so grab a group of friends and have an outing that’s sure to be big fun. If you want to venture from your own neighborhood to explore a new and different park, here are some pools and sprays parks that are worth the drive.
Kiwanis Sprayground in Dunedin If you haven’t been to this sprayground yet, you’re missing a colorful, action-packed play area that is ADA accessible and loads of laughs for kids. Within it’s 3000 sq. ft. non-skid area, kids can spray. gush, dump and pour water; dodge a crocodile that shoots water out of its mouth; circle the tumble buckets and dance in and out of the mushroom water shower cascading at the end of the park. “Nessie,” Dunedin’s own version of the Loch Ness Monster, is the center attraction with multiple sprays and a slide. Shade structures and benches within the fenced area. Nestled in a shaded park perfect for picnics. Free. Located in Highlander Park at 1937 Ed Eckert Drive in Dunedin. Photo courtesy of City of Dunedin
City of Tampa Tampa’s parks are the place to go for water fun with eight pools and five spray parks! We like the Cyrus Greene Pool that has handicap access, six swim lanes, splash pad with three water drops, floor sprays, two rain arches and a tube slide. There is no charge to use any of the pools for people with a current rec card during open swim time. For youth without a rec card it’s only $2 a visit. Go to TampaGov.net to find more information about the pools and aquatic programs in Tampa.
16 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Flick-n-Float Family Movies are every Friday night from June 24-July 29 at Largo’s Southwest Pool at 13120 Vonn Road in Largo. From 7:30 – 11: 30 p.m., your family and friends will enjoy free hot dogs, prize giveaways, and food from a featured restaurant sponsor, all while watching a popular movie on the big screen. Games and activities begin at 7:30 and all movies will begin at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.). Wristbands for Southwest Pool’s new 115 foot long inflatable water slide will be on sale for $5. Even admission is $4 per person with a Largo recreation card, $5 without. For more information call Southwest Pool at (727) 518-3126.
Highland Family Aquatic Center is a family friendly mini-waterpark providing a wide variety of fun play experiences for all ages. Check out what they have: - 214 foot corkscrew water slide (48 inch height restriction enforced) - 3-story speed slide (48 inch height restriction enforced) - Zero depth area with play structure and sprays - Double slide suitable for all ages (Must be able to swim without a life jacket) - Splashes Snack Bar (food and drinks are not allowed in except during parties with rental contracts) - Water basketball and volleyball - Largo umbrellas and shade structures - Bath houses and a family changing area Now that’s a lot of cool water activity for energetic and bored kids! And for a price more affordable than commercial water parks. 400 Highland Ave. in Largo. Go to Largo.com to get details on summer hours and fees.
Splash Island Water Park at the TradeWinds Resort Everyone’s favorite St. Petersburg beach hotel now has its own 20,000 sq. ft. water park and playground floating in the Gulf of Mexico, just 60 feet off the resort’s sandy shoreline. If you loved the three-story High Tide Slide on the beach, you will flip over the new water features. Safety is a priority so certified lifeguards are on duty and all guests will be required to wear life jackets. Kids and adults can spend the entire day playing on the: - Summit Express: Includes a slide, climbing side and a bounce cave - Free Fall: Slightly smaller than the Summit, with a large enclosed splash zone for playing or relaxing - Super Tramp & The Rebound: Two large trampolines for bouncing and launching in the Gulf waters - Jungle Joey: Climbing fun, complete with mini-slide, climbing apex and ladder log - Rockit: Huge, inflatable island, with seating for four and room for more to rock and roll on the water - Revolution: In slide mode, guests climb to the top using three different routes; in rocker mode, it becomes a giant see-saw for up to 10 people
Summer Movie Schedule June 24- Water Horse with an Adventure Theme/Scavenger Hunt July 1- Jaws with a Beach/Luau Theme July 8- Despicable Me with a Science/Lab Theme July 15- How to Train Your Dragon with a Medieval Theme July 22- Nanny McPhee Returns with a Family Carnival Theme July 29- The Karate Kid with a Martial Arts Theme
- Island Rafts: Located in the free swim area, oversized rafts that can accommodate up to four for kicking back and relaxing in the Florida sun If you’re spending the day, don’t forget you also get the sandy white beach and restaurants on site at the TradeWinds for lunch. While the water park is open to the public, parking at hotel is only for registered guests. Open daily, weather permitting. Rates begins at $16 for hotel guests and $25 for non-guests. JustLetGo.com/Waterpark
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
17
Addicted to Saving by LIZA FORD
Have you ever gone to the grocery store needing just a few things and ended up walking out of the store with three bags and $100 receipt? That was me two years ago, and I knew something had to change. With careful research, some crash and burns and a lot of practice, I learned how to save at least 80% or more each time I do my grocery shopping. Little did I know this would turn into my full time job – helping other people save money – as I show thousands of readers each day to do exactly what I do at addictedtosaving.com. So how do you get started? Here are a couple easy tips that can get you headed in the right direction:
Print online coupons. Online coupons are awesome because you can pick and choose which coupons you want to print. Each day on my website, addictedtosaving.com, I highlight highvalue printables that will help you get those amazing deals like free Heinz ketchup or 10-cent Ronzoni pasta. Common Question-
Can I make photocopies? NO! Most often you can print two of each coupon but if you go to print a third coupon it will tell you your print limit has been reached. Photocopying coupons is fraudulent and may be punishable by hefty fines, so play by the rules so we all can continue to enjoy great deals.
Save your Sunday paper inserts. You never know when your coupon will be able to score you with dirt-cheap or even free items. By purchasing at least two papers, you can often maximize savings by using two coupons with one Buy One Get One (BOGO) deal. Even if you think you won’t purchase a particular brand or item, you will regret throwing away your coupons when fabric softener or yogurt goes on sale and you can get them for free! So, save coupons until they expire. (You can send your expired coupons to Addicted to Saving and I will mail them to a military base in Italy where the families can use them at their commissary.) Common Objection
If I don’t normally buy an item, why should I save the coupon for it? When you save all of your coupons, you can try new products and also take advantage of sales you might not have normally taken advantage of. And, if you purchase a product that you don’t like or use, you can always donate or give the item away.
Match a Sale with a Coupon. I say in my Addicted to Saving 101 seminars that “a sale is not a sale unless you have a coupon to go along with it and a coupon is not good unless the item is on sale.” How do you know what coupons to use with a sale? I do the work. Each week I give you the weekly ad AND coupon matchups for stores like Publix, Winn Dixie, Target, Sweetbay, CVS, and Walgreens. I do the hard work for you. All you need to do is find the sales you want to take advantage of and I tell you what corresponding coupons to use. You can even click on the items you wish to purchase and print your grocery list if you want. It’s that simple! These are the first few steps for getting started. Once you get your feet wet with couponing and experiencing the thrill of getting great deals, you will become addicted! Check out addictedtosaving.com or “like” Addicted to Saving on Facebook for up to the minute deals.
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
21
Festive
4th of July Crafts by JESSICA SYKES I confess that the 4th of July brings out the red, white, and blue in me. Yes, I consider myself very patriotic but there is just something about making an entire day all about these three colors that speaks to the organized, decorating junkie in me. A day devoted to a color scheme? I am so in. Nostalgia also plays a role as I remember childhood summers with backyard cookouts. Where I grew up in Maryland we would get bushels of crabs and eat them outside on the back porch. Casual fun with a whole lot of festive thrown in for some good memory making. With that in mind, I created these festive ideas to offer both a casual simplicity not limited to just the 4th of July. They are perfect for that family reunion, a summer party or just a simple get together.
Mason Jar “Sippy Cups” I love the idea of offering reusable mason jars at parties. It is both eco friendly and sweetly nostalgic of a time gone by. The simplest way to makes these reusable for one purpose is to drill a hole in the lid and reuse them. But I tend to use mason jars for various food purposes so I came up with an idea to make them temporary drinking glasses. You will need: 8 oz Ball mason jars Patriotic themed scrapbook paper Scissors Pencil X-acto/Craft knife 1. Trace the flat lid on your scrapbook paper and cut out using several different papers with the same color scheme. 2. Insert the paper inside the screw on lid which replaces the flat insert. Tighten the screw-on lid with the paper insert which will make the paper become taught within the lid. 3. Using your knife, make a tiny “X” where you want your straw to be and then insert your straw. You may need to cut your straw shorter to fit the smaller sized jar. 4. I would have some extra paper circles on hand for the little ones but these cute drinks are fun for the adults too!
22 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Red, White and Blue Bandanas I love the idea of using red, white, and blue bandanas for a July 4th celebration! Use them as napkins to wrap the silverware or to package favors or treats. Use one as a handy carry caddy tied around a very American apple pie. Just slip a server in between the knot with a cute chalkboard label tied with twine. Or how about embellishing your favorite flip flops with a flower for mom (right) and simple tied strips for the kids (left) to make? Use the flower as a fun pin too! The sky is the limit and all you need are simple bandanas which happen to cost me $1 each!
DIY Sparkler Cupcake Picks These adorable cupcake picks are so easy to make and they shout “Happy 4th of July!” Pop these cuties in a cupcake and you will be guaranteed a smile! You will need: 4 inch bamboo skewers Scissors Silver Crochet Thread (by Red Heart found at Walmart) 1. Take your metallic thread and wrap it around three fingers 40-50 times to create a loop. 2. Carefully slip it off your fingers and tie an extra piece of the thread over the middle of the loop and tie tightly a few times. 3. Using your scissors, cut the loops. Fluff it until you have what looks like a sparkler. 4, Insert your skewer through the middle after adding some hot glue and pop it in your cupcake!
Jessica is happily married and mom of two ridiculously cute daughters. A writer, versatile crafter, and amateur sewer, she writes a fun blog over at TwoShadesofPink.com sharing about her family, creativity, and her faith.
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
23
eating
Reinventing the Picnic Classics Summer picnics, especially for the 4th of July, inspire grilled hot dogs, burgers, salads, chips and soft drinks. The problem is that when we eat those classic picnic foods, we are filling ourselves up with stuff that’s not so good for us. The solution to that problem is fairly easy. Change where you buy the food, get products that have either reduced or eliminated the bad stuff and re-invent your recipes. Visit Earth Origins Markets in St. Petersburg or Palm Harbor to purchase these products and many more healthy alternatives.
Hot Dogs Who doesn’t love a delicious hot dog right off the grill before settling in to watch the fireworks show? You’ve played all day and some protein is a good idea. Pop an Applegate Organic Hotdog into your bun. They have no antibiotics, no fillers, no nitrites are made with grass-fed beef. Many people are seeing the benefits to reducing gluten in their everyday diets, even if they don’t have an allergy. But that doesn’t mean your hot dog needs to go without a wrapper; find multi-grain gluten free buns. Dress you dog with organic condiments from Woodstock Farms. They have mustard, ketchup and relish.
24 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
eating Burgers If you’re not quite up to veggie burgers, you can still healthy up your burger fix with ground Chicken sliders in one of Rudi’s Organic Potato Slider Buns. Or purchase grass-fed ground beef patties.
Chips A picnic isn’t a picnic without chips and there a number of healthy choices. Kettle brand makes several flavors of all-natural chips or if you’re doing salsa, pick Garden of Eatin’ tortilla chips.
Dessert Stonyfield Organic has nonfat frozen yogurt bar on a stick. Dark chocolate frozen yogurt dipped in organic dark chocolate would make a nice treat on a hot day.
Refreshing Drinks Steaz brand teas come in white, green or black teas with various flavors. Individually packaged for convenient travel.
Salad Pasta salads are a familiar dish on the picnic table. Make with glutenfree pasta choices and add beans for protein for a healthier version.
Multi Bean & Pasta Summer Salad Ingredients
1 box uncooked Deboles Penne Pasta 1 can (4-1/2 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained 2 celery ribs, sliced 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced 1 can Westbrae Red beans 1 can Westbrae Pinto beans 1 can Westbrae Salad beans 1/2 cup Spectrum Mayonnaise 1/2 cup cubed Monterey Jack cheese 1/2 cup cubed Colby-Monterey Jack cheese 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing 2 tablespoons Spectrum white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons Hain sea salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Cook penne according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Add to bean mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon. Yield: 10 servings
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
25
...ASK THE DIETICIAN With Sarah Krieger, MPH, RD, LD/N Now that summer is in full swing, we need to make sure that ourselves, our children and our parents are staying hydrated. Aside from water, most of our options are packed with high fructose corn syrup, sugar, caffeine or artificial sweeteners. Let’s find out what we should we avoid and how we can make better choices. Q: Let’s start with boxes and pouches aimed at children because we like their convenience. What do we need to know about them, which ones are better and how do we get kids to drink more water? The best choices for the boxes are either 100% juice or low-fat milk (regular or flavored). Both contain vital nutrients that kids need for growing and maintaining health (vitamin C, D, calcium, protein, antioxidants, phytochemicals). Even though they both contain calories, if the juice is consumed once a day and whole fruit eaten the rest of the day and 2-3 servings of milk or other dairy (or soy) is appropriate. Any other box or pouch contains added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Water also comes in 8 ounce or larger disposable containers, but kids seem to like the stainless steel refillable bottles for water as long as the bottle has a cool design. This is good news because they drink more water and keep the bottle with them at camps or out on the town! Q: Moving to the older kids: sports drinks, caffeine drinks and sodas are very popular. Why are these not good choices and how can we motivate them toward healthier choices? Sports drinks, sodas and those with caffeine usually do not provide any positive source of nutrition. Added sugars are common and even if the drink is “diet” with zero calories, it still can contain caffeine. Caffeine for kids is just another reason they may not be getting the sleep they need. Sleep-deprived kids are more likely to be overweight and are more likely to skip breakfast. And for kids who are not overweight, but drink more than one sugary drink a day are not getting any nutrition and are creating a habit of drinking the sweetened drinks that will most likely become a life-long issue (future weight gain) if they don’t cut back or stop drinking them at a younger age. If the family at home is drinking these beverages, then of course it is easier for the kids to drink them too. So if everyone in the family switches to water, nonfat milk and unsweetened tea most of the time, then it is easier for the kids to do also.
26 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Q: Avoiding sugar and calories, adults turn to sugar-free sodas, juices and flavored powders, but those pose some serious health risks for those who consume these “diet” drinks exclusively. How much water do they need instead and what are some other refreshing options for caloriecounting adults? Because we are in the summer season, we are more likely to lose fluids from our bodies. The ideal way to see if we are hydrated enough is to check the color of the urine: if it is a pale or almost clear color, hydration is adequate. We need more water on days we are outside or exercising heavily. So for this reason, some people do need more than 64 ounces a day. All fluids count towards our fluid needs, but the less calories, the better from beverages. Cold, filtered water can taste great on its own or with a sprig of fresh mint (my favorite). Some people like a slice of lemon, but lime, orange or grapefruit can be a nice change. Also, making a batch of iced tea from herbal tea bags really hits the spot when we are over heated and need extra fluids. Sarah Krieger is a Registered Dietitian and Spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association from St Petersburg, FL. She is a mom to three children and a professional nutritional consultant. Visit her website at SarahKrieger.com.
Prescription Drug Abuse Alert Studies show that more teens start using drugs during the summer months, while unsupervised and with more free time. - They are unsupervised, bored and have more free time, especially in the distressed economy when jobs are hard to come by. - 70% of teens who abuse Rx drugs get them from family and friends. - 68% of households do not properly secure their Rx medications. - Studies show that unmonitored kids are four times more likely to engage in substance abuse. - Rx drug abuse is the fastest growing substance abuse for ages 12 to 17.
Tips for parents: Safeguard all medicines by monitoring quantities and controlling access. Remove drugs from your medicine cabinet and lock them up. Even if you don’t have children, protect other visitors to your home. Warn your youngsters that prescription drugs can be just as dangerous, addictive, and lethal as street drugs. Studies show that teens dangerously view prescription drugs as “safer” to abuse than illicit drugs. Properly dispose of old or expired medicines in the trash. Hide or mix them with cat litter or coffee grounds before throwing them away. Be aware of local trends. Do you know kids are having pill parties where pills are dumped in a bowl and kids swallow a hand full of whatever they get? Do you know they are snorting bath salts for a high? For more information or to get involved, go to pinellascoalition.com Go to TampaBayGoodLiving.com to get the link to the Lock Your Meds information kit.
Good Gardening
with Jai By Jai Hambley
Invite Butterflies Into Your Yard! Summer time is a great time to attract butterflies and other winged insects to add delightful colors, motions and sounds to your garden. They will also pollinate your fruit trees and vegetable plants. Note, you cannot get fruits and vegetables like papayas, squash, tomatoes, peppers, etc., without insects to pollinate them. Here in Florida we have over 180 types of butterflies that we can enjoy. Butterflies have 4 different life stages: egg; larva or caterpillar; pupa, chrysalis or cocoon; and adult. In order to attract butterflies you need to plant two different types of plants. First, host plants that are plants the butterfly will lay her eggs on and that the caterpillars will eat. Second, nectar plants which have flowers with sweet liquid in them to feed the butterflies. When the caterpillars are growing and eating the plants you can watch them get larger and larger and then they spin a cocoon where they turn from a caterpillar into a butterfly. This is a fascinating cycle to watch and a great science project for you and the kids.
It’s actually easy to attract butterflies to your garden.
Here is a list of some butterflies and their host plants. Add some of these to your garden and you can have a yard full of beautiful butterflies to enjoy. Monarch The monarch butterfly is one of the most common butterflies in our area. The host plant for these butterflies is milkweed, so make sure that you include it in your butterfly garden.
Swallowtail There are lots of different swallowtail butterflies, including the black swallowtail which lays its eggs on the herbs dill, fennel, rue and parsley, the pipevine and polydamus swallowtails which use Dutchman’s pipevine to lay their eggs and the giant swallowtail which lays its eggs on citrus. These butterflies come in many different mixes of black and yellow and are beautiful.
Sulphurs These fast-flying yellow butterflies range from pale yellow to yellow with beautiful orange colors in their wings. They lay their eggs on plants in the senna and cassia family. These large shrubs or small trees can be used as a centerpiece for a butterfly garden.
Zebra Longwing The state butterfly of Florida, this butterfly hangs out in shady areas under trees or large shrubs. It lays its eggs on passionvine planted in the shade.
Gulf Fritillary A butterfly that is orange with white speckling that flutters fast and high in sunny areas and lays its eggs on passion vine planted in the sun.
These are the most common butterflies in our area, but they aren’t the only ones. There are actually hundreds of butterflies that call our area home.
28 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Tips For Designing Your Butterfly Garden
Choose a mix of sun and shade with both nectar plants and host plants. Butterfly bushes are great for attracting butterflies and they look and smell similar to lilacs and bloom most of the year. Plant one in the middle of an area at least 4 feet wide and plant three penta (which also bloom most of the year) and three milkweed around it about 1 - 2 feet away from the bush. Add some fennel, dill, rue and/or parsley. Butterflies will love this combination. You want to pick plants that bloom for long periods of time to ensure you have nectar as much of the year as possible for the butterflies. Otherwise, you can plant many different types of flowers as long as there is always something blooming to feed your friends. Plant them in clusters for more color. There are many nectar plants: including daisies, Porterweed, Coral Honeysuckle, Tropical Sage, Butterfly Bush, Mexican Heather, Firecracker Plant, Mexican Petunia, and Plumbago. They will also attract bees which will help pollinate your other plants. Enjoy watching the butterflies! NOTE: Do not use pesticides in or near your butterfly garden as they kill all insects including the good guys!
COME AND SEE BEAUTIFUL EDIBLE GARDENS! Back in the early part of the century many people grew their own food. During the wars people had victory gardens. In the 60’s life became easier and people started buying prepared foods. Many people now are so far removed from the farms that many young people don’t even know where food really comes from. Fortunately, more people are now choosing to grow their own organic edible gardens and it looks like this trend is here to stay. Jai welcomes everyone to come to her organic edible gardens for a tour. You will be served organic iced tea made with fresh garden herbs. As you walk through the gardens, you will see and learn about many unusual fruit trees such as the Strawberry Tree, Moringa, Brazilian Cherry, Jack Fruit, Paw Paw, Barbados Cherry and Cherry of the Rio Grand. You will smell and taste various fruits as well as many different herbs such as fennel, stevia, lemon balm, Mexican Cilantro, Texas Tarragon, sorrel and more. The tour emphasizes several plants that thrive in the hot summer heat like True Hibiscus, False Hibiscus, Melokia, African Spinach, Florida Cranberry as well as many herbs, eggplant, peppers and pineapples. Whether you need inspiration or instruction, we welcome you to come for a garden tour on Saturdays from 10 - 2 and during the week by appointment.
For more information, go to OrganicLivingForAll.com. I invite you to come tour our gardens and attend one of our workshops. We will teach you everything you need to know to grow your food. You can be eating fresh food within months if you begin now. What are you waiting for?
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
29
Ten Brain-Building Games for Summer Fun By AMY PERRY
When I reminisce about childhood, I remember having fun with my next door neighbor named Mimi. Climbing trees, exploring the brook and falling in the mud are pieces of my summer adventures. Today, life is different. Our kids are bombarded by the latest Wii game and life in general is just more complicated than it used to be. So with summer break upon us, I have compiled ten ideas for brain-building games that parents can do during the summer break that fall within my favorite philosophy as a mom, Keep It Super Simple, a.k.a., K.I.S.S.
As a therapist and owner of a pediatric clinic, you’d think my kids would have the coolest toys at home. The truth, according to my children, is that all the other kids have better toys. So over time, I’ve learned that simply buying more toys doesn’t keep kids busy and learning. It does, however, create the need for a larger bag for donations to Goodwill. These activities require very little in terms of supplies. They are fun and will work to improve your children’s developmental skills over the summer months. Make these ideas your own. Let your creativity run wild!
1. A house scavenger hunt Come up with a list of items from your house. You know what’s in your house. In my house, we collect Matchbox cars, Lego’s, dress-up clothes, and balls. I have the kids find a specific color Matchbox car, five green Lego’s, dress-up as a community helper, and get the largest ball you can find in the house. This improves categorizing, counting, colors, dressing skills and size relationship.
2. Create artwork to improve the lungs Get a straw, paper plate and food coloring. Put a dab of food coloring on a plate and blow through the straw. Put several colors down and watch the colors mix together. This improves lung capacity. Also, eyes converge as you blow through the straw, so now you are improving attention span and vision strength.
3. Pseudo-soccer Use a ping pong ball or craft puff ball on the floor. Set-up “goals” using any two objects on each side of the room. Get on the ground and commando crawl or move as a snake toward the ball. Blow the ball to the goal without using hands. Long, extended breaths provide the best control and will improve lung capacity. Also, moving on your hands, forearms and belly will help build core, scapular and neck strength needed for reading, writing, and visual motor activities.
30 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
4. Guess the animal Create obstacles around the room and have fun moving over, around, through, under and between the obstacles as an animal of choice: bear, crab, snake, kangaroo, frog, lizard, lion, giraffe, monkey or opossum. Make noises or not; you make the rules. Work on positions while building strength as you maintain the posture of the animal. Have the kids imitate the animal or follow the leader around the room.
5. Flashlight fort games A flashlight is one of my favorite toys to give as a present for a preschooler. I giggle when I buy an industrial flashlight in the hardware department, only to wrap it in Elmo wrapping paper for a four-year old’s birthday party. Usually within the month, the child’s mother tells me the flashlight was the favorite gift! Again, the K.I.S.S. philosophy! Back to the game. Make a fort in the house using sheets or beach towels. Drape the linen of choice over a table or several chairs and take flashlights into your secret fort. Use the light beam to draw letters, numbers or shapes on the fort walls. Spell words or learn your phone number and address. Take turns drawing with the light and have the child guess the drawing. Take a break and generate laughter by playing flashlight tag with the lights.
7. Fast naming game Collect ten items around the room and put them in a line on the floor. March, clap, jump or bounce while sitting on an exercise ball to a consistent beat. While moving, kids name each item in order on the floor. Change the order. Add clapping to the syllables. If your child messes up the name or beat, just keep going. Repeat the activity without correcting your child. The brain is an instrument that usually will self correct when given the opportunity.
9. Playdo games You can use store bought, but I like to make homemade Kool-Aid playdo and let the kids pick their flavor. It smells good and we keep it in the fridge so it’s nice and cold to “wake up” fingers and hands and improve body awareness. Although the Kool-Aid playdo smells delicious, the strong salty taste is less desirable. Keep one playdo as is but then give others texture by adding sand and rice for new feelings to explore. It also adds resistance for your hands which will improve fine motor strength and dexterity. You can also add items such as coins, plastic animals and pegs and have the child find the hidden toys. Increase the challenge by blindfolding your child with a bandana while he searches for the missing treasures. This activity improves fine motor skills for writing, cutting, buttoning and opening containers. WARNING: items placed in the playdo can be a choking hazard and sand is not a good thing to eat.
6. Volcano Fill a bucket with soap and water. For blowing bubbles, a straw will do, but I prefer using a long, clear tube from Home Depot that I get in several widths. Wash them first in the dishwasher. Let kids pick their tube of choice and have fun blowing through the tube to make the bubbles rise. Long, deep breaths are needed for optimal results. Before long, the volcano will erupt over the side. Everyone can take those bubbles in the palm of their hands to blow them into the air. (This is messy so you may want to do this outside or on a patio.) See how many times you can blow the bubbles in the air between two people. Breath control and deep breathing techniques are important calming strategies for test taking or calming a child down at bedtime.
8. Multi-tasking ball games Use a ball to kick, bounce or throw back and forth. When you get the ball, say an item in a sequence, such as the alphabet, numbers from one to 50, months of the year, days of the week or colors of the rainbow. If you master that activity, have one person count while another says the alphabet. Switch positions and do it again. It is important to do the activity to a beat. The goal is be successful with multi-tasking. You can add activities to challenge balance and coordination to further stimulate brain development. Don’t get frustrated because is meant to be a brain teasing activity.
10. Shaving cream fun
Get a cheap can of shaving cream. Find a mirror or bathtub wall that needs cleaning. Have your child sit in front of it, and you sit behind your child. Squirt the shaving cream onto wall choice. Use your finger to draw a shape, number, or letter on your child’s back and then have the child draw what he feels on the back. The child must draw and identify the choice shape, letter or number. Switch places and you draw in the shaving cream. Points are tallied by correctly identifying the drawing. This improves fine motor and visual motor skills. At the end of the game, use a paper towel or small rag in each hand and move across the surface: up, down and right to left (reading direction) to clean up. Do figure eights or play race cars, but the arm must move against the resistance as it cleans up the shaving cream to improve arm strength while learning spatial relations and following directions. Amy Perry is a wife and mother of three, energetic boys in Clearwater, FL. She owns Foundations Therapy, a pediatric occupational, physical, and speech-language therapy clinic in Countryside. At the clinic, she works as a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in Sensory Processing Disorder. Her hobbies are park hopping with the family, swimming in the pool, and finding hidden treasures at garage sales.
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
31
Financial Tips for the Graduate By Roberto Fernandez
Academic Chair, College of Business St. Petersburg College
Many high schools do not provide their students with instruction or guidance in money management and personal finance. As a student headed to college and looking ahead to the journey of life, it is important to learn some basic financial strategies that will help you have a more successful college experience and life in general.
Good Financial Habits: - Question your important purchases. Buy only what you need and wait for what you want. - Set limits on entertainment. - Start saving. The younger you start the better. Use the magic of compound interest in your favor.
Manage your Credit Wisely - Learn about credit worthiness and credit scores. - Pay your bills on time and credit cards before the due date to avoid interest charges. - Get a credit card only when you are confident you can manage your credit. - Use your credit cards only when you absolutely need them. Learn to manage your money with cash first.
Buying a Car - The best choice here is to delay the purchase of one as much as you can. - Carpooling is a great and inexpensive practice. - Use the Internet to find the best car deals. Shop for the best car insurance. Let companies compete for your business. - Do your numbers before heading to buy. Know what you can afford and stick to it.
In College - Try to avoid buying new books at all cost. Rent them or buy used. Check E-bay, Amazon or Chegg for great deals. - Take advantage of college activities, free movie festivals and events. Make good use of your student ID for discounts. - Study hard. If you fail a class that is required for your degree, you will pay for it again, wasting time and money. - Don’t go overboard with student loans. Make sure your planned career pays enough for you to afford your monthly debt payments. Plan ahead and be realistic before you borrow. Know that student loans cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, so be wise!
Be the Change
Prevent or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes By MARK KAYLOR
Somewhere back in my college days, I remember a professor saying that some anthropologists had theorized that each culture develops diseases that are particular to that community. I don’t know if this is actually true or not, but if you look at the relationship between diabetes, and its related conditions, and our modern culture it certainly seems to be a perfect example of this theory. Clearly, diabetes is very much a sign, or symptom, of our times and the way we live. On top of this diabetic epidemic we have an even greater range of disorders and imbalances, from cardiovascular disease to cancer, and even aging, that arise out of a related condition known as insulin resistance. Simply put, insulin resistance occurs when cells throughout the body lose their sensitivity to insulin primarily due to the constant bombardment that results from our incessant consumption of refined sugars and carbohydrates. This results in chronic high blood sugar that in turn causes the pancreas to produce more insulin, thereby further decreasing the cell’s responsiveness to insulin. Thus a cycle is created where an imbalance creates another imbalance creating another imbalance and round and round. When there is a chronic high blood sugar level and insufficient insulin production this is called type-2 diabetes; when high blood sugar exists with chronic high insulin levels, this is called metabolic syndrome. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. In a study comparing benefits of diabetic drugs to lifestyle modifications in pre-diabetic patients, the lifestyle group, after almost three years, showed almost twice the benefits of the drug group.
It’s All About the Food The most difficult element to swallow (pun intended) about diabetes is that, for the vast majority, it is very preventable and often readily treatable with the appropriate changes to our lifestyle and diet. An unhealthy diabetic diet is simply too much of the wrong foods with not enough of the right foods and nutrients. Did you know that if you eat the Standard American Diet (aptly referred to as SAD) you are almost 50% more likely to be either pre-diabetic or full-blown diabetic? This deserves repeating one more time, 50% more likely!
34 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
So what is a healthy diet? The two most important points are: one, eat whole foods, especially vegetables; and two, eliminate processed sugars and refined carbohydrates. I am convinced that if we all followed these two simple guidelines, then the incidences of most chronic diseases, including diabetes, would dramatically decrease. Some dietary no-no’s include: eliminating the soda (even diet), high fructose corn syrup and fried foods; limit Omega 6 consumption while increasing Omega 3’s; and avoid MSG. Other dietary suggestions include: eat regular meals, consume some proteins at every meal; if you eat red meat, make sure it is grass fed; and take time to enjoy your meals. Some foods of particular value for diabetics to include in their diet are legumes, berries (in reasonable amounts), nuts, olives, onions, garlic and both kinds of artichokes. And if you are a “numbers” person try to eat low on the Glycemic Load scale. (You can find many GL food listings on the Internet.) The other side of the coin to restricting carbohydrates/sugars is eating a high fiber diet. When it comes to blood sugar issues, enough cannot be said about fiber consumption; the benefits include slowing blood sugar rise, cardiovascular benefits, reducing appetite and helping remove excess by iron that could damage pancreatic cells.
Stress & Exercise The advice no one wants to hear is that exercise is an essential element in maintaining or re-establishing healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. Physical activity directly impacts sugar metabolism, increases insulin sensitivity and contributes to cardiovascular health all of which have been confirmed in numerous studies.
Stress is a major player in virtually every chronic disease and the same goes for diabetes. Several reports have shown that it is much more difficult to balance sugar and insulin levels when under higher levels of stress. Further evidence also suggests that chronically high stress levels are linked to an increased risk of type-2 diabetes. We also know that the stress hormone, cortisol, raises blood sugar levels and when blood sugar is too low the body secretes more cortisol in order to raise blood sugar levels. Two of my favorite anti-stress remedies are exercise and a tonic herb from India called Ashwaganda. This remedy is known as an adaptogen, so named because it helps the body to adapt, especially to stressful situations. Ashwaganda may help balance blood sugar, increase energy and boost immune functioning as well.
Supplemental Help While dietary and lifestyle changes are the most important and effective elements in preventing and reversing diabetes there are several supplements that may assist in this process. Make sure you are getting enough of these in your diet and/or through supplementation. The number one supplement is probably chromium: it improves insulin receptor function, facilitates sugars uptake into cells, and plays a major role in insulin’s action. In addition, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B complex, manganese, and omega-3 fats with high DHA and added GLA are vital nutrients to maintaining healthy balance, nursing and protecting the body, reducing diabetic related disorders, and helping the body operate at its optimal level. Several critical antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol, Turmeric and Green tea, have an array of benefits going beyond protecting the body from the free radicals arising from high blood sugar and helping to curb insulin resistance.
One in three Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime . A new kid on the block in helping to reduce blood sugar and insulin levels is a recently discovered component of the Maitake mushroom called SX fraction. Laboratory and clinical studies confirm the efficacy of SX fraction’s use with diabetics. Evidence that SX fraction is helping to overcome insulin resistance is seen in its cardiovascular benefits: lowering total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, HbA1c, and raising HDL with moderate weight loss. Please remember, supplements are just that, supplements. They are not meant to take the place of dietary and lifestyle changes, nor are they here to allow us to “cheat” more. These supplements are best used to enhance and complement the changes.
Be the Change Ironically, even though type 2 diabetes is very treatable, this epidemic shows no sign of letting up. One in three Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Fat may also soon become the norm, and sooner than you think. A report out of John Hopkins University predicts by 2015, 75% of US adults will be overweight and 41% will be obese. And “adultonset diabetes,” as type-2 was once known, is now occurring in younger and younger adolescents. This is not the legacy that our children and our grandchildren deserve. Interestingly, the diet, lifestyle and supplement suggestions for preventing or reversing diabetes are, in general, great guidelines for maximizing our own health and vitality regardless of whether or not we have diabetic issues. So what if we decided, each and every one of us, to make the changes and live the lifestyle and diet, making ourselves a positive example of radiant health? Don’t we owe it to our children? Don’t we owe it to ourselves?
Mark J. Kaylor is a holistic health practitioner and lecturer who integrates herbs, nutrition, naturopathy and various traditional healing modalities in his practice.
GoodLiving /Volume II, Issue 3
35
My Story by JONATHAN SCHEINMAN
So to answer the question, if my life would be better with or without Olivia, I need only walk into her room each morning to see that glowing, brilliant smile. I cannot imagine my life without her pure and transcendent inner beauty. She has transformed my idea of what it means to be a father. Our family has grown stronger, and through our faith, we have overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through all the turmoil, our daughter Hailey has grown into an amazing, caring and intelligent little girl. Her empathy for and understanding of her sister and other children with disabilities is remarkable. It is a true gift we could not otherwise have given to her. Despite the difficulties in communicating, Hailey and Olivia have an extraordinarily powerful bond that many twins share. As one of Olivia’s biggest supporters, Hailey asked Allison how she could help raise money for her sister’s expensive intensive therapy sessions. Since Hailey has a passion for art, Allison suggested she sell her paintings and jewelry. Hailey immediately set out to create some masterpieces which they auctioned on eBay and “Art by Hailey” was born.
I once thought the role of a father meant raising your kids to be the best they can be, to give them all the opportunities to succeed in life and to support your family in whatever way necessary. What I discovered when my twin daughters were born is that the responsibilities of a father are so much more. Hailey was born first and was perfectly healthy. Olivia arrived an hour later, and soon after, began having seizures. After several turbulent years, Olivia’s diagnosis was determined to be multifocal, partial epilepsy caused by a general brain malformation. She has been through a multitude of hospital stays including two for major brain surgeries. Both put extreme emotional and physical stress on our family and my relationship with my wife Allison, causing me to frequently ask the question, “Would my life be better with or without Olivia?” An odd question to consider regarding your own child, but as a father with a daughter who has numerous disabilities, it was unavoidable. Our idea of normal had been twisted and completely turned upside down.
As a father, I could not be more proud of my daughters. They inspire me to never back down in the face of fear but to forge ahead with courage and determination. It would have been easy to have given up and fade into the background like so many fathers of disabled children do. But I chose, using a sports analogy, to stay in the game. This is my team and I contribute each and every day. No one person should have to craft the winning strategy from which the entire family will benefit. Will Olivia ever play a sport? Probably not. But in the sport of life, Olivia consistently gives her best. She is a true winner as is each Now at six-and-a-half years old, Olivia still takes four and every child fighting against unthinkable odds. I will be there medications each day in order to control her seizures. She is every step of the way for all of her victories, no matter how big globally developmentally delayed both physically and mentally. or small they are. She has an arduous feeding and medication regimen and numerous doctors and physical therapy appointments. For more information about Olivia’s inspirational story or “Art by Hailey,” please visit LivysHope.com.
36 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
Dare
to Live Fully By JULIANNA ZOBRIST
One of the most common questions I receive as the wife of a professional baseball player, recording artist/performer, mother of a two year old and now a six-month pregnant woman is, “How do you balance everything in your life?” My typical response with a smile and a short laugh, is “Let me know if you figure out what that means!” Balance is not a word frequently used in our household. Our schedule is constantly changing, we know Southwest flight attendants by name and our son, Zion, often says, “We’re home!” when we pull up to a hotel. Growing up in a family of eight where my father was a pastor and my mom cooked every meal, I was used to the comfort of routine and consistency. So the crazy lifestyle Ben and I have is a big change for me. We live in Tennessee for four months out of the year during the baseball off-season; Port Charlotte, Florida for a month and a half during spring training; and then in Tampa Bay for the regular season. Out of the six baseball months, we are on the road for half of them. On top of the baseball world, I am a musician. I write all of my own music, fly to Nashville to record, and often perform at festivals, churches and schools throughout the year. Needless to say, there aren’t very many home-cooked meals coming from this mama! At first, the ugly little monster of “comparison” kept me from just letting go and loving our life. I was always trying to fit us into what I thought was the good, American, even “Christian” way of living. But the more I compared, the more bitter and discontent I became.
38 GoodLiving / Volume II, Issue 3
I soon found out that I can spend these years trying to obtain “balance” to have a very normal, predictable life with one home, no traveling and home-cooked meals every night, or I can spend these years not only being content, but loving the life God has entrusted our family with and enjoying it! The truth is that for many, a life of routine works beautifully and I am sometimes jealous of that! But that wasn’t the life God handed my family. So instead of trying to make it into what I thought it should be, I dared myself to live fully right where I am! I recently attended a funeral, and as heartbreaking as it is to lose someone you love, I think God uses those moments to graciously give us a dose of perspective. One day this life will be over…what did I spend it doing? What kind of legacy will I leave with my family and friends and people that I randomly meet at a baseball game or one of my shows? I pray that my children aren’t left only being able to say that their Mom loved them and provided for them. But that they saw that God so radically permeated me that I lived this life fearlessly and was not a slave to what others said was the way to live. I want to live a life that loves the Gospel of Christ, a life that teaches my children how to be bold. I want to live a life where I don’t expect me to be perfect, but one that holds onto the Grace and Forgiveness and Redemption given to me. I want to live a life that shows my daughter how to love her husband like they are newlyweds forever and a life that seizes the crazy moments and makes them fun. I want to live a life that shows my children and others watching, how to live fully…not simply how to be balanced.