Saratoga Family Spring 2020 Complimentary
the
Summer Camp Issue!
Brought to you by
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Welcome to
Saratoga Family Magazine Chris Vallone Bushee Creative Director/Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com (518) 581-2480 ext. 201
Saratoga Family Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty General Manager Robin Mitchell
A sure sign that Spring is here, and Summer is on the way…
This is our SUMMER CAMP GUIDE issue! With twelve different camps to choose from – everything from science to clay art – you and your kids will have a ball going through this section (starts on page 8-19)! Speaking of sharing this issue with your children…
We have an organization on page 26 that would love your help as well as your kids', all kinds of good habits that they should learn early (eating healthy and cleaning their room? Yes, of course!!) and a great story of a family who took “family time” to a whole new level!
If you’re like me and consider the family pet, well, part of the family, please see page 38 and consider letting us meet your pet. Whether it’s a dog, a cat, a horse, a llama, maybe a pot belly pig… you get the idea, we want to meet them! We’ll be posting product shots of things your animals (and you!) will love and answering all your questions. Don’t forget…
When done on this side, flip this over and check out Healthy Saratoga magazine! Thank you to our readers -and our advertisers- who allow us to provide this informative magazine free of charge, to the thousands of people that read each issue! Please mention us by name when visiting their businesses.
Love, Chris
Creative Director / Managing Editor Chris Vallone Bushee Magazine Designer Marisa Scirocco Advertising Designer Christian Apicella Advertising Sales Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Contributing Writers Anne Gordon Susan Halstead Megin Potter Theresa St. John Jordana Turcotte Diane Whitten Photographers Mallory Cail Intern: Jessica Pavia
Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Saratoga Family is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2020, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper
Cover photos provided by (Clockwise from left) Camp Lttle Notch (see pg. 8), Camp Invention (see pg. 9), Saratoga Ninja Lab (see pg. 12) and Saratoga Independent School (see pg. 11). 4 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Spring 2020
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Summer Camps!
20 Meet the DeConno Five 24 Nearsightedness in children 26 James Welch Continues to Give Back 30 Adirondack Center Stage 32 Teaching Mindful Eating 34 Taking Great Pics 36 Mother / Daughter Trips 38 The Pet Pages 40 (the real!) Birds of Prey 42 Jordana Turcotte Organizes your Kids! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com SPRING 2020 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 5
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744 Sly Pond Road, Fort Ann, NY (518) 793-9700 info@camplittlenotch.org
Camp Little Notch (CLN) is an independent summer camp and outdoor center located within the Adirondack Park in Fort Ann, New York. We offer 4 weeks of summer programs for girls, 1 week of summer programs for boys, and year-round events like as open camping for the community. Situated on 443 acres of pristine wilderness with an 80-acre private lake, Camp Little Notch offers the perfect setting for outdoor adventure, personal growth, new friendships, and community building, and provides an authentic wilderness experience. What makes Camp Little Notch unique? CLN provides campers the freedom to create a self-determined experience. We offer the opportunity to live in harmony with nature, explore the woods and creeks, and practice low-impact camping in a beautiful wilderness setting. Camp Little Notch is a place where everyone can belong, offering an authentic, unplugged wilderness experience for anyone that steps foot on our grounds.
Camp Crafters: Campers learn useful and fun outdoor skills like how to build different types of fires and shelters, cook over the fire, lash a table, and so much more! Adventure Challenge: Adventure Challenge campers work as a team on a progression of ropes course elements to help develop confidence, build self-esteem, problem-solve with a team, and assist in understanding group dynamics while working toward a common goal. Wanderers: Wanderers go on a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip in the Adirondack mountains. Campers work as a group to choose a route into the mountains and plan, pack, and carry everything needed for the adventure.
This year, summer camp runs from June 28 to July 31, 2020. Our first session is for boys 9-15 only, with 2 possible programs they can register for; Mash-Up and Wild About Outdoors.
Waterbugs: Waterbugs spend lots of time swimming, boating, and creek walking, in addition to participating in other traditional camp activities.
Mash-Up: The perfect session for boys who want to experience traditional Camp Little Notch activities like swimming, boating, camp crafting, hiking, studying ecology, archery, and making s’mores around the campfire. Wild About Outdoors: WAO is all about learning and practicing outdoor survival skills. Learn how to set up a tent, start a fire with one match, and catch a fish.
Outdoor Survival: Outdoor Survival campers work together to master fire building and outdoor cooking, and learning to build a shelter; they then put their skills to good use on an overnight challenge.
Sessions Two to Seven are for girls. Girls 7-17 can sign up for the following programs; Dabblers, Adventure Challenge, Camp Crafters, Wanderers, Ropes Extravaganza, Waterbugs, Eco Artists, Outdoor Survival, Kayak, Paddle & Sail. Different programs are offered for different weeks. Dabblers: Dabblers is perfect for girls who want to experience traditional Camp Little Notch activities like swimming, boating, camp crafting, hiking, studying ecology, and making s’mores around the campfire.
Ropes Extravaganza: Continue building teamwork and problemsolving skills on exciting high ropes elements. Includes a trip to a neighboring ropes course. Prerequisite: Adventure Challenge. Eco Artists: Learn about Adirondack plants and wildlife while exploring the trails, creeks, and terrain of CLN. Get hands-on experience in STEM topics such as the water cycle, climate change, and forest management. Kayak, Paddle & Sail: Practice your skills and learn some new ones in our kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, and canoes. After campers have mastered their skills, we will take a kayak trip offsite!
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www.invent.org/camp 800-968-4332
CAMP INVENTION: A HIGH-ENERGY, HANDS-ON STEM CAMP WHERE CREATIVITY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS! Camp Invention® is the nationally acclaimed, nonprofit summer enrichment program created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) for kindergarteners through 6th graders. At Camp Invention, children are presented with opportunities to collaborate and explore STEM concepts through fun, hands-on challenges designed to build confidence, persistence and creative problem-solving skills. Since 1990, this one-of-a-kind program has been helping children unlock their potential to become creators, innovators and entrepreneurs. Each year, Camp Invention offers an all-new experience that is directly influenced by world-changing inventors, our NIHF Inductees.
Thinking Project™. Local educators will lead this action-packed program featuring imaginative activities that inspire children to ask questions, overcome obstacles and develop persistence. Not only does Camp Invention offer a high-energy summer experience, but it provides proven benefits, like greater creativity and interest in STEM subjects, that can last a lifetime. The program also positively impacts instructors who are dedicated to preparing students for the future. If your child is entering grades 7-9, they can get involved at a Camp Invention location in a whole new way. Through our Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program, they can help guide campers through STEM activities, encouraging creativity and hands-on fun while building their leadership and goal-setting skills.
With our 2020 program, Elevate, children will have fun controlling their very own flight simulation robot and launching rockets and hand-copters in Camp Invention Flight Lab™, protecting the Earth’s ecosystems in Rescue Squad™, designing the ultimate sports complex in Camp Invention Champions™ and learning the value of their biggest ideas in Design
Camp Invention locations can be found nationwide, including in your area. Visit www.invent.org/ camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code CIFUN25 to save $25 (expires 3/31/20) or CIFUN15 to save $15 (expires 5/12/10). Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention T-shirt. Availability is limited, so secure your spot today!
Secure your spot and save today at
invent.org/save
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167 Hayes Rd, Schuylerville · (518) 581-CLAY (2529) info@saratogaclayarts.org · www.saratogaclayarts.org
SARATOGA CLAY ARTS CENTER KIDS&CLAY SUMMER FUN UNPLUG & GET DIRTY! School’s out, summer’s here, it’s time to ramp up the fun at Saratoga Clay Arts Center! Summer 2020 brings an exciting series of clay programs for ages 6-16, taught by professional local artists/ teachers and ranging in themes and techniques. Camps are open to all skill levels, beginning and up. Pinch pots, slab projects, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing techniques come together to provide each student with exciting new experiences, new skills and their clay creations to take home to use and share with friends and family. What could be better than playing with clay all summer?! Come unplug, make art, and make friends. Choose from 14 themed half-day week-long summer camps, with the option to put morning and afternoon camps together for a full day experience! Classes run July 6 – August 28. Come for one week or all seven. WEEK 1 - JULY 6-10 AM – Around the World in Clay PM – Wheel Boot Camp WEEK 2 - JULY 13-17 AM – Wheel Boot Camp PM – Ice Cream, You Scream
WEEK 3 - JULY 27-31 AM – Clay Castles PM – Wheel Boot Camp
WEEK 4 - AUGUST 3-7 AM – Wheel Boot Camp PM – Table for Two
WEEK 5 - AUGUST 10-14 AM – Monster Mania PM – Wheel Boot Camp
WEEK 6 - AUGUST 17-21 AM – Under the Sea PM – Wheel & Raku
WEEK 7 - AUGUST 24-28 AM – Clay Critters PM – Wheel Boot Camp
Visit Saratoga Clay Arts Center’s website at www. saratogaclayarts.org for more details on programs, registration dates, fee details, and while you are there, take some time to check out the rest of their site see all that is happening at the center.
Register TODAY for some messy, exhilarating, creative fun this summer!
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459 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs www.siskids.org • 518-583-0841
SUMMER CAMP 2020 (JULY 6 - AUGUST 21) Whether exploring the past or designing the future, the Summer enrichment experience at Saratoga Independent School is sure to engage and excite children ages 3 to 12 years old. Our morning program themes change from week to week, with topics for all interests. Campers will spend time with a variety of teachers, including STEM, PE, and Art, all while experiencing theme-based exploration. Our camp staff is fully committed to providing a nurturing, respectful, and exciting summer for your child. Afternoon sessions are available if you would like to extend camp to a full day. The afternoon sessions will be multi-age and less structured than our morning sessions. We will offer water play, outdoor activities, and a variety of other opportunities for personal expression. Our Emerging Community Leaders Program is perfect for campers ages 9 – 12. Being a leader is more than just good communication and organizational skills. It means stretching yourself, facing challenges, and having a positive impact on your community and the issues you care about. This full-day option is an incredible opportunity to build teamwork, problem solving, and leadership skills. In the mornings, the campers will follow our weekly themes and volunteer in our day camp classrooms. Responsibilities may include running a PE game or setting up a craft station for preschoolers. In the afternoon, each student will design an action plan for a cause that is close to his/her heart. Children have raised
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money for animal shelters, food banks, and even beautified our school garden. Each plan is as unique as the person creating it. Guidance will be offered throughout to ensure the success of each project and the passion of the designer. A two-week commitment for the Emerging Community Leaders Program is encouraged, but not required. Weekly Themes Week 1 – The Science of Sound and Movement (July 6 – 10) Week 2 – Budding Builders; Tinkering with Simple Machines (July 13-17) Week 3 – What’s the Matter? Exploring Solids, Liquids, and Gases (July 20 – 24) Week 4 – Here on Earth – What can YOU do to make the world a better place? (July 27 – 31) Week 5 – Lost in Space (August 3 – 7) Week 6 – Wild Weather Around the World (August 10 – 14) Week 7 – Sustainability: How can we make a difference every day? (Aug.17 – 21) Visit our Website for more information on our weekly themes and to register for camp. www.siskids.org/programs Make this a summer to remember at Saratoga Independent School!
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9 Stonebreak Road, Malta 518-289-5942 www.saratoganinjalab.com
TRAIN LIKE A NINJA...WHERE FITNESS IS ALWAY FUN! Swing, Climb, Leap and Soar your way into summer while building selfconfidence and learning skills that will last a lifetime. As one of our Ninjas, your child can expect our skilled coaches to guide them through increasingly challenging obstacles, resulting in increased strength and stamina. Ninja Lab Summer Camps run Monday through Friday in one-week, halfday sessions. Ninja Campers can choose between the morning session (9:00am-12:00pm) or afternoon session (1:00pm-4:00pm) or choose a full day option.
Age-appropriate drills will always be used, with a heightened emphasis on skill and long-term athlete development. Class ratio is 8-1 (8 campers to 1 coach), and all our coaches at The Ninja Lab are CPR certified and background screened. Make sure your ninja gets a good night’s sleep, because every child will be engaged, moving, smiling and coming home tired! Register online at SaratogaNinjaLab.com, or call the Lab with questions: 518-289-5942.
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St. Clement’s School 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs (518) 587-3550 Ext: 2300 www.SaratogaRec.com
CAMP SARADAC is a summer Day Camp for children ages 5-12. For over 75 years Camp Saradac hasoffered exciting field trips, creative recreational and educational programs, intriguing arts & crafts, andweekly visits to the beach or pool. Camp activities are designed to promote fun, fitness, and growth. Oursummer camp will run Monday, June 29 – Friday, August 21 2020. We are excited to bring Camp Saradac back to the Rec Center located at 15 Vanderbilt Ave in Saratoga Springs, NY. Please visit our website www.SaratogaRec.com to view more information, download a camp handbook, and learn how toregister for camp online! See you this summer!
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The Saratoga Independent School 459 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 310-801-5642 info@saratogafilmacademy.com
THE SARATOGA FILM ACADEMY SUMMER CAMPS 2020 What is The Saratoga Film Academy? The Saratoga Film Academy provides a hands-on, project based learning experience in video and narrative film production for students 8-18 years old. This dynamic learning experience uses Hollywood insider knowledge on how to develop students’ technical skills to assist them in expressing their artistic voices. Who is appropriate for The Saratoga Film Academy? Any child or teen who has an interest in stories, movies, media technologies, andperformance art will find a new passion in filmmaking. The courses are designed to meet the students where they are at developmentally, learn through experience, and cater to all skill levels. Whether an individual is just beginning or on the verge of winning an Oscar, students will find the classes exciting, challenging, and intellectually rewarding. Why consider film camp this summer? A combination of professional experiences informs the design of the classes to engage and enrich the student experience. All classes are helmed by SFA’s founder, filmmaker, writer, and teacher Jon Dorflinger who has six years of Hollywood experience and is a NYS certified English Language Arts Teacher. He is currently employed by Proctor’s as their Media Arts teacher at Ballston Spa High School
where he has taught filmmaking or the last 4 years. He combines his expertise of teaching and filmmaking into SFA to develop a pedagogy that excites and engages students of all ages. SFA film students produce their projects like Hollywood filmmakers. They learn the production processes of writing/development, preproduction, production, and post production. Producing film projects promotes life-long skills such as project management, strategic planning, communication, and creative problem solving. What camps are offered this summer? After a hiatus in 2019, SFA is entering its 4th summer with a variety of classes suitable students 8-18 years old. The following camps will be offered this summer: “Visual Storytelling” for ages 8-10, “Filmmaker’s Lab” for ages 11-13, and the “Short Film Challenge” for ages 14-18. How do I sign up? Visit us at www.saratogafilmacademy.com to complete registration for all summer camps online. Feel free to check out previous films produced through the academy, and to learn more about SFA and each summer camps.
For additional questions or inquiries please email info@ saratogafilmacademy.com or call (310) 801-5642.
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Greenfield Elementary School (518) 428-2267 • www.greenfieldny.org
GREENFIELD SUMMER CAMP OFFERS AFFORDABLE, ENRICHING MORNING SUMMER FUN GREENFIELD, NY – For more than 25 years, the Town of Greenfield has offered families a traditional summer camp experience reminiscent of the kind you remember as a child: one with lots of open space, room to play with peers and chock full of good, old fashioned summer camp fun. The camp runs for five weeks, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and will provide children with summer memories and fresh air that is sure to make them sleep well at night. More than 200 children attended camp last year. Camp takes place at the beautiful Greenfield Elementary School, which is located just five miles north of Saratoga Springs in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Camp features an 8:1 camper/counselor ratio with more than 30 exuberant teenage camp counselors, most of whom live in Greenfield and once attended camp themselves. All counselors are American Red Cross certified. Students ages 5 through 14 are welcome and are grouped by age. Campers are provided with plenty of organized and free play on the popular Greenfield Elementary playground and beautiful rural property. Daily activities take place both in and outside the Greenfield Elementary School. Children enjoy daily art projects and organized gym time with dodge ball, parachute play, limbo, Tae Kwon Do and more. Camp also features themed events like “Super Hero Day” and “Hat Day,” as well as magicians and other special guests.
“Every kid dreams of summer camp,” said Rebecca Sewell, Town of Greenfield Recreation Director. “We pack as much fun as we can into a five-week program to offer our kids the chance to enjoy summer days with community friends without costing as much as a family vacation.” The Town of Greenfield is home to 8,000 residents and spans more than 41,000 acres of land, including Brookhaven Golf Course in Porter Corners. The Summer Recreation Camp is just one of many programs and events held throughout the year.
DATES: June 29 - July 31, 2020 TIMES: 9 a.m. to Noon, Monday - Friday (except for extended field trips) LOCATION: Greenfield Elementary School, 3180 Rte. 9N, Greenfield Center TRANSPORTATION: There will be transportation provided for field trips only. EASY DROP OFF! TO REGISTER: Registration begins March 2 for Greenfield residents and
April 1 for everyone else. It will end on May 31 or at capacity. Camp forms and fees can be found at www.greenfieldny.org or by calling 518-893-7432 x307. Town of Greenfield residents receive a discount, but camp is open to all surrounding communities.
Optional field trips are also part of the fun, often taking children to such places as area museums, the Saratoga County Fair, movie theaters, bowling alleys, baseball games and more.
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10 Lewis Drive, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-9455 or (518) 587-1939 Ext: 605 info@townofwilton.com
ABOUT SUMMER CAMP Wilton Recreation offers summer camp for children entering grades 1 through 9, for 7 weeks. It is a place where “kids can be kids,” as they learn and grow through social interaction with their peers, as well as with their counselors. Our qualified staff consists of high school students, (many of whom are former campers), college students, as well as professionals. Supervisors oversee daily activities, while specialists oversee group on-site activities. Certified lifeguards travel with the campers to oversee water activities. Our program offers a variety of on-site activities each day. Some of these activities include sports, field events, as well as arts and crafts. For those wishing to add offsite (trips) to their summer camp program, we offer bowling, roller-skating, and much more. There is a “special trip of the week.” These trips offer age appropriate fun for everyone. As per State Health Department regulations, the camp provides certified lifeguards that travel with the groups. These lifeguards supervise the swimmers in conjunction with the State Park Lifeguards and facility usage lifeguards. All campers registered for trips are swim tested. Campers are then partnered with a fellow camper who has the same swimming ability. Once paired, campers swim near their partners. Once waterside, camp staff conduct buddy checks every 15 minutes (campers leave the water and report to their counselors). All staff stand in and around water during swimming activities to assist with supervision Refund policy- No refund or credits will be granted.
GENERAL INFORMATION PROGRAMS On Site Campers participating in our On-Site activities will remain at Gavin Park for the day except when campers participate in supervised walks to off-site activities. Daily activities include crafts, sports, playground activities, and much more. Creative minds keep our campers entertained throughout the day.
AGE GROUPINGS Pioneers (Grades 1-2) are our youngest campers who are entering grades 1-2. Pioneers are placed into groups with no more than six campers per counselor. Blazers (Grades 3-4) are those entering grades 3-4. Blazers are placed into groups with no more than seven campers per counselor. Trail Seekers (Grades 5-6) are those entering grades 5-6. Trail seekers are placed into groups with no more than eight campers per counselor. Trackers (Grades 7-9) are those campers entering grades 7-9. Trackers are placed into groups with no more than ten campers per counselor.
EXTENDED CARE Extended care will be offered daily from 8:00 am - 9:00 am and 3 pm 5:30 pm. Pre-registration is required. Busing is NOT available for those participating in extended care. Extended care activities are limited to movies, playground, game room, free play in the gym, simple crafts and may not be offered every day. Based on availability, only available for those in camp. (See registration form for details)
BUSING Busing is available for Wilton Residents for an additional fee. Actual pick up/drop off points will be determined once all campers are registered. Pick up/drop off locations are not “home pick up & drop offs,” but will be within developments, etc. (unless there are no other pickup/drop offs within the area, or a road is deemed unsafe by SSCS Transportation). Campers should be at their pick-up point at least 10 minutes prior to pick up. Those entering first grade will NOT be dropped off in the PM unless a parent/guardian or other designated responsible person is at the pickup location to meet the child. Riding the bus is a privilege. All bus rules that apply during the school year will be adhered to during the summer program. • CAMPERS RIDING BUSES MUST RIDE BUSES DAILY. • NO REFUNDS IF BUS PRIVILEGES ARE REVOKED.
Trips Campers participating in Trips will enjoy swimming at least two days per week and three off site activities per week, which may include bowling, skating, etc. Only one special trip per week is planned which will include visits to museums and other area attractions. Campers have the option to stay On Site for the day with parent authorization. Based on availability.
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Waldorf High School 122 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs summercamp@waldorfsaratoga.org 518-584-7643 x21
WALDORF SCHOOL OF SARATOGA SPRINGS 2020 SUMMER PROGRAM JUNE 29-AUGUST 21 The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is asking you to leap, invent, and learn with us! We live in a historical community that not only has beautiful architecture but also hiking/walking trails across the Adirondacks waiting to be explored. Our faculty have many diverse talents that will inspire our campers each day, through play and creativity, to discover that the world is full of possibilities! We are looking to come together for eight weeks this summer by inviting youths from ages 3yrs-13yrs to attend our camp. The activities will be led by faculty of the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. In the mornings we will congregate in the play yard and start our day, outside rain or shine. After our first morning activity we will break up into three age groups: Ages 3-6, Ages 7-9, Ages 10-13. The camp hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm. ‘Before Care’ is available from 7:30am-9:00am and ‘After Care’ is available from 3:00pm6:00pm. Our summer camp headquarters will be at our Lower School building, located at 62 York Avenue. Each week will feature a different theme. Activities will include: Art (drawing, painting, coloring, photography, building, and woodworking), Creative Writing (storytelling, short plays, poetry), Agricultural Awareness (visiting farms, gardening, sustainability awareness), and Nature Activities (hiking, forging, fishing, tracking, games, water play, and swimming).
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REGISTER TODAY summercamp@waldorfsaratoga.org EARLY REGISTRATION DISCOUNT Enroll before March 15 for this special offer! Feb-March 15th: $250 per week March 15th-June 1st: $300 per week June 1st-August 21st: $350 per week (Additional fees for before and after care)
Established in 1981 with a preschool, and eventually expanding through high school in 1997, The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs provides rich and unique education to our community as the only pre-K through 12 independent school in Saratoga County. By offering a developmentally aligned curriculum that educates the whole student, the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs graduates global citizens with a curiosity about the world. Knowing how children learn at various phases of their development allows us to meet them where they are—from the active, play-based years of early childhood and the interdisciplinary and sensory rich elementary years to the teen years full of yearning for meaning in their lives and developing a socially responsible sense of citizenship and character.
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SF
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Photo by Christopher Massa
Summer Sports Camps Join us this Summer at Skidmore!
BASKETBALL BASEBALL FIELD HOCKEY LACROSSE ROWING SOCCER SOFTBALL SWIMMING VOLLEYBALL
Skidmore College also offers a wide array of Summer Sports Camps from July through August for children of all ages. Children learn the concept of teamwork while acquiring the necessary skills for his or her sport of choice. Adults, novice or experienced, can participate in a rowing program offered throughout the spring, summer and fall at the Boat House located on beautiful Fish Creek. All other programs are held on the Skidmore Campus at the Sports and Recreation Center and/or the adjacent fields. FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO REGISTER:
518.580.8061 www.skidmore.edu/summer_sports/
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High-Fiving the Summit
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“In family relationships, love is really spelled T.I.M.E.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Reaping the Benefits of Family Hiking WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED
P
romoting quality time – especially with family – is more than just the ‘in thing’ to do these days. Unplugging, taking a break from social media to step outside, enjoy the fresh air and interact with each other has become more sought after than ever before.
Just ask Dave and Jessica DeConno, young parents of three sons who love fitness as much – if not more – than they do. DeConno’s interest in physical activity includes things like spinning inside, cycling outside, marathons, skiing, swimming, and hiking – to name a few. “Kids are capable of so much more than we give them credit for,” Dave says, smiling at me over our shared snack of cheese and crackers in the living room of their cozy home. “We’ve never hesitated to include the children on our hikes – the boys have grown up appreciating the beauty of nature because of that.” Avery, their youngest, interrupts. “I’m four,” he says. “Two weeks ago, I was only three, but we still hiked seven miles up this big mountain. Ok, dad carried me for one mile – but I did the rest of the hike myself!” I’m not sure I believe him. Jess looks me in the eye, tells me it’s true. You’ve got to be kidding. “Sometimes there’s a melt-down, I’m not going to lie,” she admits. “Hiking is a challenge. It’s taught us to be patient, for sure. Dave and I do what we can to help when it happens. We encourage them, play games together, look for landmarks, talk about their day at school. Any distraction – even for a few minutes – helps to refocus and get going again.”
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Kaden is a handsome 15-year-old who loves to hike with his parents. He takes photos along the way, editing them to share with friends and family later. “My first hike was when I was two. Dad carried me most of the way in his backpack. I love the early morning car rides, spending time as a family, enjoying the outdoors, and each other. Everything about hiking makes me feel good.” Logan is seven. “I’m happy when we finally make it to the top of the mountain,” he grins. “The views are beautiful. We run around, rest a little, then eat a sandwich before we turn back. It’s cool.” Even their dog, Summit, loves to hike. He’s in most of the family’s pictures and videos. “I love climbing the fire towers best.” Avery pipes in. “You’re not afraid of heights?” I ask him – a lot of people older than him are. He giggles. “Not anymore.” Dave and Jess do a good deal of research before they leave for a hike. They use apps like ‘AllTrails’ or ‘Adirondack Net’ to see how each one is rated – easy, moderate, or hard. They also check to see how long the hike is, the condition of the trails, and what the weather’s going to be like, so they can dress appropriately. At the end of the day, families that spend time together are a healthier, happier, stronger unit. “Start with a short hike,” Dave says. “ Then discuss what everyone liked or didn’t like about it.” “Research is important,” Mama Bear tells me. “Start planning your next outing as soon as you can. Keep everyone excited. Before you know it, hiking will be something the entire family looks forward to. We wouldn’t trade it for the world.” 22 | SARATOGA FAMILY | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
GREAT SNACKS FOR HIKING * Fun fruits * Gummy bears * Grapes * Apples * Cucumbers * Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches * Wraps * Granola bars * Plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need * Juice boxes * Trail mix * For their pup; Summit * Collapsible bowl * Kibble * Treats * Snacks the boys drop * Plenty of water – more than you think he’ll need
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Nearsightedness: A REAL CHILDREN’S HEALTH CONCERN WRITTEN BY SUSAN HALSTEAD, ABOC, FNAO
Nearsightedness
(myopia) is a common vision condition diagnosed during a basic eye exam. For those who are nearsighted, objects that are farther away appear blurry. Myopia is caused by genetics, as well as other environmental factors. For instance, staring at any object for too long can cause the eye to elongate — it’s this elongation that leads to myopia. Activities conducted at close range, such as reading, computer work and use of smartphones also increase the incidence of myopia. Myopia may lead to a list of some serious short and long term vision problems including: impaired ability to learn, glaucoma, premature cataracts and retinal detachment. Orthokeratology uses specially designed contact lenses that are worn overnight to manage myopia. When the contacts are removed in the morning, children can see clearly without the use of glasses or daytime contacts. Using these lenses are comparable to wearing a retainer for teeth. The lenses gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, unlike Lasik this is a temporary non-surgical change. The child continues lens wear until they stop growing and then if left out for a period of weeks or days, their vision will revert back to what it was when they started the program as opposed to progressing into higher myopia. In the US the prevalence of myopia has increased 66% since 1971 and the American Optometric Association has officially declared that myopia has reached epidemic proportions among children in this country. Myopia usually begins in childhood at school age (6 years and onward) and can worsen until early adult years. Traditional treatment meant upping the prescription year after year as the child became increasingly more myopic and therefore at greater risk of future eye disease.
Ortho-k lenses aim to stop or slow the progression of myopia in kids to prevent or reduce the risk of eye disease. Ortho-k was approved over 10 years ago in the United States and has been in use for much longer in Asian countries where the prevalence of myopia has been typically much higher than in the United States. Successful fitting entails very high tech topographical mapping of the child’s corneas and then working with a sophisticated software program to custom design each lens individually. Other options for myopia control include daily disposable contact lenses and anti-fatigue glasses designed especially to manage myopia in children. If your child displays one or more of the following habits he or she should be evaluated for myopia. • Persistent squinting • Needs to move closer to see • Holds books close while reading • Seems to be unaware of distant object • Excessive blinking • Rubs eyes frequently Be sure to ask your eye doctor if they are certified in orthokeratology if your child’s myopia is progressing. Susan Halstead is a nationally and New York State Licensed Optician and owner of Family Vision Care Center at 205 Lake Avenue. Susan can be reached for comments or questions via email: Susan@FamilyVisionCareCenter.com or text or call (518)584-6111. SF
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Sweet Dreams
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
“Kids get to see that not all kids have what they have. If you show them this when they’re little, they approach life in a whole different way. They have a different perspective,” -Gail Welter.
“It’s a little thing, but it’s kind of enormous,” said Mike Rowe during one of the most-watched episodes of the Facebook series he hosts, “Returning the Favor.” The program, now in its fourth season, recognizes people across the country who are doing charitable work in their communities. It changed the life of local resident James Welch, who has in-turn changed the lives of many more.
Making the Beds After retiring from serving as a combat medic in the Army National Guard for 26 years, Welch was looking for a way to continue giving back to the community. That’s when he watched an episode of “Returning the Favor” about an organization based in Idaho called Sleep in Heavenly Peace that builds beds for children in need. In awe of all the good this group was doing, Welch decided he wanted to be a part of it and within a year had started a chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Mechanicville. Beginning with a grant from the All Over Albany Foundation, at their first build, Welch and a team of volunteers made four beds. In 2019, they supplied 205 beds to local children in need.
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Each bed is made of pine lumber, can be stacked to create bunkbeds, and is dipped in vinegar to ward off bedbugs. In addition to the frame, Sleep in Heavenly Peace provides a twin-size mattress, pillows, sheets and a comforter to each child. Welch currently has 160 requests for beds and more come in every day.
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The Sleep Advantage Getting a good night’s sleep is a basic human need that too often goes unmet. At least once a month, Welch, who works as a full-time truck driver, drives a trailer of tools and supplies to the location where a company or an individual has sponsored a build (as there is no permanent location for Sleep in Heavenly Peace to work out of). Volunteers of all ages then spend the day building under the supervision of those trained in the process. “You can have zero experience. That’s fine. You can never have touched a tool in your life and we’ll show you how. Not only can you go from not ever having used a saw to using one, but we’ll teach you how to be pretty proficient at it by the time you’re done for the day,” said Welch. Some of the most rewarding experiences are when children who’ve volunteered to make the beds also help deliver them, he said. Often, the kids receiving them want to assemble them, too. “They have a blast with it! When we leave, they have the biggest smiles on their faces.”
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Kids are Our Future “Kids get to see that not all kids have what they have. If you show them this when they’re little, they approach life in a whole different way. They have a different perspective,” said Gail Welter. She first learned about Sleep in Heavenly Peace when Saratoga socialite Michelle Riggi posted that she was sponsoring a build on her Facebook page. Thinking that it would make a good article for her online blog, “Life as I See It,” Welter was immediately moved to help. Not only has she donated $350 to build a bunkbed, but she’s started collecting donations from others. Her goal is to be able to collect $2100 – enough to sponsor a build. “The group is just really amazing. I love that the money stays right here in the community. This is really changing lives. I like how concrete it is. Everybody that I’ve talked to has said, ‘I want to do a build!” It’s kind-of a fun thing to do, it’s a great team-building fundraiser - I just like everything about it,” she said.
An Awakening Fulfilling requests for beds is based on location, not determined by income. “Income is not always relevant. You never know what the circumstances are that determine someone’s need for something like this,” said Welter. Applications describe a variety of reasons why kids need a bed, said Welch. One example is a mother who escaped an abusive situation with her children. “She broke the cycle of abuse but she lost everything when she left. We helped her by making bunkbeds. She was so energetic and so positive. Then, we decided to adopt her kids for Christmas, so they would have some presents, too. It was simple, basic stuff that they asked for. Something as simple as food is something that some people just don’t have,” said Welch. Because working more than a 17-mile radius from the 12118-zip code is prohibitive, satellite groups are already popping up so more people in need can be helped. In addition to financial assistance, volunteers and donations of mattresses and bedding are always needed. For more information, find Sleep in Heavenly Peace on Facebook @SHPMechanicville. SF
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A Dramatic exp e r i e nc e WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
“The power of art can break the shackles that bind and divide human beings.” -Daisaku Ikeda
The world can be a scary place when you’re a kid. To navigate successfully through it, developing confidence, problem-solving and communication skills is vital. The kids in the Adirondack Center Stage theater workshops are learning that it can be fun, too.
ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE Since 2008, Adirondack Center Stage has been providing children in Northern Saratoga County the chance to put on a play.
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“They’ve got to work very diligently together – give each other time and give each other space. It becomes like a family. They’re giving each other encouragement and support. We give them challenges to meet and every year they just exceed our expectations by how they support each other and grow,” said Adirondack Center Stage Producer Kendra Schieber. At this 5-week summer camp, children work with professionals to learn how to act, sing, dance, and work backstage while simultaneously learning how important things like empathy, trust, and cooperation really are. When asked what they learned most during camp, one participant responded, “that you never know what kind of similarities you’ll find in someone you don’t know.”
STEALING THE SHOW In every show the Adirondack Center Stage puts on, there’s always a lot going on behind the scenes. For many of the children, their favorite thing about camp is the people they meet and the new friends they make. Approximately a third of participants are returning students. Each year, in addition to putting on their own play, the cast also attends a show by the Saratoga Shakespeare Company in Congress Park. Building their social skills while increasing kids’ exposure to literature and the arts is an opportunity that Adirondack Center Stage makes available to everyone.
“We never turn a child away for any reason,” said Schieber. Grants, fundraising events, donations, and program ad sales combine with registration fees, concession and ticket sales revenue to pay for the program, which also offers financial aid to those in need. Adirondack Center Stage is an annual recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) community grant distributed by the non-profit Saratoga Arts organization.
ONE HOT TICKET The themes of fear, awe, and freedom will be explored this year when Adirondack Center Stage puts on their summer presentation of Ronald Dahl’s “Matilda”. A play that touches on the many complexities of childhood, the musical includes impressive dance numbers on a fun playground set. “There are great pieces the audience is going to love and the characters are going to blow their socks off!” said Schieber. Adirondack Center Stage rehearsals are usually between four and five hours, Monday – Friday. An open audition and registration will be held April 24th & 25th. Registration fee for the 5-week summer camp is $175. Performances of “Matilda” will be held in the Corinth High School Auditorium, 105 Oak Street, on July 31st & Aug. 1st at 7 p.m. and on Aug. 2nd at 2 p.m. For more information, find them on Facebook @AdirondackCenterStage. SF
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Teaching Mindful Eating to Children WRITTEN BY DIANE WHITTEN, MS
NUTRITION EDUCATOR, CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SARATOGA COUNTY
C
hildren are naturally curious, so teaching mindful eating is a natural fit. Being a mindful eater means paying attention to the food you’re eating and why you’re eating, among other aspects of the meal. If you want your children to grow up knowing where their food comes from, teach them to be mindful of the food they eat. To cultivate a conscious awareness of the food children are eating you can present it as a game. Kids will do anything, if you make a game out of it! You can start simply by pausing at the beginning of a meal, perhaps to recite a blessing or another acknowledgement of the food your family is about to eat. A simple statement such as, “I am grateful for the food I am about to eat,” can suffice. Smaller children can be asked about the color of foods and the name of foods that might be unfamiliar to them. A conversation might go like this… Adult: How did this food on your plate or the milk in your glass get there? Child: Mommy or Daddy put it there. Adult: Where did we get it from? Child: The grocery store. Adult: How did it get to the grocery store? Child: Someone brought it there in a truck. Adult: Where did the truck driver get it from? Child: The farm! Older children can be asked questions like: Does the produce grow on top of the ground, under the ground, on a vine, bush or on a tree? What part of the plant are we eating: the seed, root, stem, leaf or fruit? Who took care of the animals whose meat or milk you’re eating or drinking? Where was the food grown/raised, and how far did it travel? Did the food go directly from the farm to the market, or was it processed somewhere along the way? What kind of climate does the food grow best in?
You can see how this can continue through the whole meal, so go ahead and eat while you continue this game digging deeper and deeper into the origin of the food. This can lead to compassion for the farmer who worked so hard to pick the vegetables they nurtured through the growing season, or the dairy farmer who cares for his cows 365 days a year. To further your children’s knowledge of where their food comes from, take them to the grocery store or, better yet, the farmers’ market where you can talk to the farmer, or invest in Community Supported Agriculture by purchasing a CSA share. Pitney Meadows Community Farm in the city of Saratoga Springs is offering a pick-your-own CSA which is a perfect way to connect children with their food, including where, how, and when it’s grown and picked. Visit PitneyMeadowsCommunityFarm.org/csa for more information. Bring your children to meet some dairy farmers and their cows at Sundae on the Farm this Father’s Day at Clear Echo Farm in Schuylerville. Visit CCEsaratoga.org for details about this free, family friendly event. Through this game of food awareness and mindful eating, your whole family will find appreciation of the food that’s been prepared and placed before them. Eating together as a family is a valuable part of a daily routine, and this game can bring fun and education to every meal! SF
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How to Get Kid Pics that are
on
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ing stunning, t
of ch i l d re n .
ur es
pi
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6
a Work of Art le e im
ss
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY MALLORY CAIL
W
ith cameras in our phones, it’s easy to get about a zillion pictures of our kids. In this crowded arena, taking a picture that makes a statement and stands out from the crowd is a real work of art. Professional fine art photographer Mallory Cail’s signature portraits have a classic look that captures the wonder and joy of childhood. “My photos are simple and have a timeless quality. I really want the sole focus to be your kid,” said Cail.
Realizing she wanted to have frame-worthy photos of her three boys (the youngest is three, and the twins are seven years old) she attended workshops held by Noelle Mirabella, a leading photographer in the field, and developed a fine art style that has a consistent beauty and magic all its own.
Here, she shares some of her tips on how you too, can take your photography to the next level.
1.
LIGHT IT RIGHT. “Lighting is a huge, huge deal, especially with fine art portraits. You want the lighting to be nice and soft. It takes years of practice to know where to place the child so the light is flattering,” said Cail. At her Johnsonville home studio, she uses lights and reflectors to achieve the right look. She’s also scouted out nearby fields, ponds and parks that are ideal for an outdoor shoot.
2.
KEEP IT SHORT. In an initial meeting, she discusses with clients what their vision is and arranges all the details before the day of the shoot. “We have very quick sessions – about 15 to 25 minutes. That’s about the attention span of a little kid,” she said.
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3.
CHOOSE COMPLIMENTARY COLORS. Cail knows clothing can be distracting to the viewer, which is why she provides a classic, coordinating wardrobe for babies, children and preteens to wear in her photographs. The solid colors compliment the background for a more visually appealing image that will be a treasured investment in any time period. “Seeing a picture like this, you really wouldn’t know what decade to put it in,” said Cail.
4.
DON’T DIRECT. PROMPT & STAND BACK. Instead of directing and instructing children’s poses, Cail gives them something new – a simple toy, or a natural object, and captures their normal movements and expressions. “I prompt them by asking questions. In doing that, they will act in a natural way,” she said. Then, she stands 30 feet back (if they’re outdoors) and zooms in. “That way I’m not disturbing them and they are allowed to just be kids and play,” said Cail.
5.
EDIT. While she doesn’t change the photos she’s taken, Cail does highly edit them afterwards to adjust the contrast and remove any stray bits of peanut butter and jelly that may be hiding out on their cheeks. The finished images are then printed in Italy on heirloom quality, museum-grade paper so they can be hung and loved for years to come.
6.
WHEN PATIENCE & PRACTICE AREN’T ENOUGH HIRE A PROFESSIONAL. For inspiration, go to mallorycailportraiturellc on Instagram. Interested in booking a session? Weekends fill up quickly, so visit MalloryCail.com today. SF
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The New Trend in Wellness...
Mother/Daughter Travel It’s true, just ask the Harvard Medical School whose recent studies show that taking a trip with your Mother and/or Daughter once a year can help relieve stress, improve immune responses, decrease the chances of heart disease and much more.
WRITTEN BY ANNE GORDON, OWNER, LEISURE TRAVEL ADVISOR, LIVE LIFE TRAVEL, LLC WWW.LIVELIFETRAVEL.WORLD
W
e recently had the pleasure of planning such a trip for local resident, Erin McCarthy-Dates and her mother Joan. This past November, they traveled to Italy together!
Here’s what they had to say about their trip… 10-NIGHT ITINERARY: ROME > FLORENCE > VENICE
Anne: Was it hard deciding where in Italy to go and what to do? Erin: No, you planned everything (laughing)!
A: What were the greatest challenges during your time together? E: Being away from my 2 kids and husband (and work) for 2 weeks created anxiety before I left, but it all worked out. ATTENTION ALL WOMEN: As it turns out, we can take vacations and the world (our jobs, our families) doesn’t stop without us. It’s a very important thing for all women to do. A: Travel tips for other Mother/Daughter Travel Duos?
I would have never had the time or energy to do any of it, which is why we wanted to work with an Italy specialist.
E: Having private tours with a guide were invaluable. We were able to learn so much more about a place and its history than we would have been able to do on our own. Consider going in the "low season.” It is less expensive, less crowded and you miss the heat of summer. Most importantly, leave the planning to a professional, I could have NEVER planned a trip like this as well.
A: What was your favorite part of the trip?
A: What was it like being there during the flooding in Venice?
E: I loved the day excursion to Siena in Tuscany from Florence. It was the quintessential Italian location for me, and the food tour was amazing. The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica were also fascinating and especially meaningful for my mother.
E: It was actually their "aqua alta,” so they expect flooding twice per day during November, and then the levels recede to normal. Obviously, this was much more than usual, and I don't want to minimize the damage that citizens, businesses, and historic sites experienced, however, I was struck by how the Venetians really just got on with it. They all have rubber wading boots, and all of us tourists bought disposable galosha-style boots to fit right over our own shoes. Saint Mark's square was like a big swimming pool at times, and we can say we were there for it!
I joked that we could do whatever Mother wanted, but of course you set up separate phone calls with each of us to make sure you knew what both of us wanted and took both of our preferences into account.
A: How do you think this trip affected your relationship with your mother? E: This trip was a great bonding experience! It was nice to have time just the two of us, without the usual chaos that the rest of the family or a group can bring. I was struck by how many friends, family and even acquaintances mentioned how cool it was that we were doing this. Many people spoke about missing their own mom, and wishing they had 2 weeks back with her. Others said they realize we won't have our loved ones with us forever, and how it's important to appreciate them while we still have them here. It helped realize what a gift it was to have this opportunity together.
A: Are you planning to travel again with your mother, just the two of you? E: I could see us going somewhere domestically for a shorter duration and possibly including my daughter for a women's family retreat of sorts. Ooh, I might be on to something there! A: Has it inspired you to travel more with your own daughter and family in general and if so, what’s up next for Erin? E: We have already started thinking about a family trip with the kids to the UK in 2021 and a couples only trip with my husband to Iceland, so yes, I’m definitely looking forward to a lot more travel and very excited about it. SF
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We want to see your pets!
Please email your pet pics (with their names and owners) to cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com to be featured in future issues! Please put PET PAGE in the subject line : ) (or a paw print) PS… This cuddly cutie with me is my Southern Belle Rescue, Lacey. (We thought we were adopting a border collie / lab mix, but at her “Happy First Birthday!” vet visit, we learned (not surprisingly!) that she is a wolfhound / lab mix – yes, she can put her paws on my shoulders, while I’m standing!) Lacey loves rope toys, taking walks around town and meeting new friends at the dog park!
Meet Walter Perry
When our son adopted Walter from the humane society in Daytona Beach Florida he was to be company for his then current dog, Rogue. After moving back to New York after college and living with us, Walter took a strong liking to my wife Barbara. As time went on, he spent more and more time with us. Somehow over the years, we grew closer and closer to him, and when our son moved back to Florida to pursue his career, the decision had to be made if Walter moved south or stayed with us. We all voted he stayed with us! We can't imagine life without Walter in it, as he is a great companion, a wonderful traveler and part of the family. - Randall Perry
PET Q&A Q: My pets become nervous when I take them to the vet. Is there anything I can do to alleviate their stress? A: Absolutely! First, ensure your pet is comfortable with travel. For cats, this often means conditioning them to accept a carrier instead of hiding from it. Keeping the carrier out and open in living areas, feeding near or inside, and hiding catnip inside is a great start. Pheromones, such as Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats have been proven to have a calming effect in stressful situations. Spray them on the bedding inside the carrier or, for dogs, on a bandana. Our pets absorb our stress, so you’ll want to behave calmly and avoid rushing. Try to leave a bit early, allowing extra time. Be sure to bring along an assortment of high value food rewards and toys your pet especially likes. Discover what your individual pet gets excited over and provide it in the parking lot, when entering the hospital, and in the waiting/ exam rooms. Bring their favorite interactive toys and play with them while waiting and ask if you can wait in an exam room if the waiting room is a trigger for your pet. If you think nausea or anxiety during travel is an issue for your pet, ask your veterinarian about medications that can alleviate those problems. Lastly, enlist the help of a veterinary hospital that has Fear Free certified doctors and staff. At Springs Family Veterinary Hospital, our staff is highly committed to preventing and alleviating the fear, anxiety, and stress that can often accompany even routine medical care!
Jenny, Caralee, and Tina... From rescue pups to four pawed Saratoga Socialites!
www.SpringsFamilyVet.com
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Our featured Shop Dog is #DapperDutch from TOGA HERITAGE!
and he suggests...
A TOGA HERITAGE Signature Pet Collection (…inspired by me, Dutch!)
Custom designed products of fine goods for your furry family member including the European Porcelain Collection, Collar and Leash sets and Playful Signs! TOGA HERITAGE 398 Broadway, Downtown Saratoga TOGAHERITAGE.COM
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GUARDIANS of the Sky WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED
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From high above us, they listen for their prey, swooping and soaring in elegant lines through the sky, focused on their next meal. Some birds – even owls - will fly right into your vehicle looking for a meal.
Naturally Wild
Whether in need of rehabilitation due to an accident, habitat loss, disease, or unintentionally ingesting poisonous substances, we can thank people like wildlife rehabilitator Trish Marki for their safe return.
“We have a very close bond. He talks to me. He can sense when I’m near,” she said.
Marki has been caring for animals for as long as she can remember. “I always had animals. I had everything from mice to horses,” she said.
Up Close Encounters Then, 15 years ago, Marki found a grey-horned owl with a clenched foot. She applied for it to become an educational bird, and named her Virginia. She’s among a family of raptors that Marki takes to schools, nonprofit groups, and wildlife events as part of the Silent Wings Raptor Rehab and Education program of the Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York. Conducting approximately 200 programs each year, she travels as far as Princeton University with her birds (which include owls, hawks, a falcon and a raven). “Working with these magnificent creatures is an honor, I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do it every day and I only hope that I can inspire others to take an interest in them, as well as other wildlife, through our encounters.”
Understanding Animals Working with these impressive birds takes a unique combination of compassion, knowledge, intuitiveness, and bravery. Marki has been injured many times while learning how to care for these animals. Some, like the Red-Tailed Hawk, can be territorial, becoming quite vocal when a stranger approaches. The barred owl has a forceful grip, but it’s the eagle’s talons that are the strongest and possibly the most dangerous. Fed a menu of frozen mice, rats, or chicks once a day in the late afternoon, food can also be used as an incentive to train some of the birds. For others, instead of food, motivation comes in another form. “While hawks and falcons can be trained using food as an enticement, most owls would rather starve than do “tricks” for a “treat.” They are just not as food motivated. I have developed an understanding with Wyatt and he will happily fly above a crowded room of onlookers and head straight for his perch,” said Marki.
Wyatt, an Eurasian Eagle Owl, came to Marki 10 years ago when he was young, so he’s “imprinted,” meaning that he identifies with her as his caretaker.
Owls like these cannot be released into the wild, but the other birds that Marki helps to rehabilitate have been. “In an effort to not imprint birds that will be returned to the wild we are careful to just feed them, and handle them as little as possible. We’ll put a mirror or a feather duster in their enclosure for them to nestle up against if we don’t have more than one, or an adult to foster them. Being wild is inherent in them, and it comes out,” she said. Protecting Birds of Prey Through the work of wildlife rehabilitators like Marki, the banning of the pesticide DDT in the 1970s, and raising awareness in the public, eagles are no longer listed as an endangered species. There are still a number of challenges when it comes to keeping these birds soaring however, including the misconception that large raptors will snatch up babies or small children. “There was a video on the internet of an eagle picking up a baby – it was fabricated. It doesn’t happen,” said Marki. Learning more about these amazing animals is vital to their survival.
In Case of Emergency To preserve the numbers of all kinds of beautiful birds in our skies, it’s important that you know what to do if you come across a sick or injured bird. If you find a raptor in distress and unable to fly, place a box over it, weigh it down with a rock and wait for a wildlife expert to arrive. For help locally, call the North Country Wild Care Hotline at 518-964-6740. To report a wildlife emergency anywhere in the country, visit Animal Help Now at ahnow.org. SF Mark Your Calendar: The 10th Annual Raptor Fest will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Old Schuylerville Road, in Greenwich on May 16th & 17th. For more information on scheduling a program with the live birds of prey for your group, go to SilentWingsRaptors.org
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TEACHING
LIMITS
Kids thrive on limits.
Setting limits for your kids is so important and helpful. Early on, there are some principles on “stuff” related to limits that kids should be taught. Constant enforcement dialog will be necessary until they master these limit rules.
The most important limit is that you can’t own EVERYTHING.
Kids want and then they want some more. If stuff is constantly coming in with nothing going out, soon their space(s) will be unusable. It isn’t possible for everything to stay forever. One easy tip to manage the stuff limit is to do the one in – one out rule. Kids should have to part with something they own when something new comes in. This is a critical analysis tool they will use forever. Find a charity that you both like so there is a clear second use for the item – this helps with being ok with the purge. Have an “out the door” bin to place the item in and deal with it when the bin is full.
Another limit to teach is that Mom/Dad/Grandma/Grandpa do not have money trees.
They aren’t entitled to a new item every time they enter a store. Everything they want to get or do has a monetary value associated with it. Choosing to spend $20 on that toy means that you can’t go to the movies that night. Setting up chores with allowances will get them involved (yay!) but also give them money to choose what they want to spend that limited amount on. It gets real quite fast when they physically have the money in their hand and have to hand it over for the item. Prioritizing purchases and asks will give them proper perspective on the cost of items.
WRITTEN BY JORDANA TURCOTTE
TO KIDS
Space limitation matters.
They have a bedroom and maybe a playroom; their stuff needs to fit comfortably in there while maintaining function. It is a shared home, they can’t take over every room with their stuff. If there is a tiny path from the door to the bed, that most likely means too much stuff. If all the clothing they own doesn’t fit in the closet and drawers; that is a problem. As a professional organizer, I see too much stuff all the time. It is always a stuff problem, not a space problem.
Lastly, the limit of time.
Everything they choose to be part of has a time associated with it. Sports have practices and games and travel to and from. School has not only the day of, but homework after. Lessons mean lesson time and practice and travel to and from. Kids most definitely need time to decompress and be kids with a healthy balance of activities that lets them maintain school and their health. Every time they ask to join something, you should lay out on the calendar to see what that means for the current commitments. This helps us as parents too, to decide if we can physically manage getting them there and back! Saying “yes” to the new activity means saying “no” to something else or compromising the success of other things. This is a tricky limit for most adults to master as well! As they get older, question them on everything they are doing and make sure they still want to be doing it - the soccer they have done since they were 3 may not be how they want to spend their time anymore. These limits will help kids manage acquisition and maintenance of their items, understand true wants and how everything has a cost associated with it. They can’t have it all and do it all without a cost. SF
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ONTRIBUTOR
DEB CZECH
Deb Czech writes frequently about recreation, food, and Saratoga area events. She is the owner and marketing strategist at Miles Ahead Communications and a licensed plant-based diet instructor and coach at Planted Platter.
Saratoga Family
RICHARD FRANK
Richard Frank, Owner of Four Seasons Natural Foods since 1990. Spends his time working at the business, working as a volunteer at the Waldorf School, working at home with his family, working at getting exercise, working at eating right, working at relaxing and being peaceful, working at getting a good night sleep and working and failing at not being too dull.
ANNE GORDON
Anne Gordon is the owner of Live Life Travel, which is the only Virtuoso, Luxury Full Service Travel Planning Agency in Saratoga Springs, NY. They specialize in Honeymoons, Family Travel, Destination Weddings and Luxury Cruise. Anne is a devout travel enthusiast herself with a genuine passion for helping others make their travel dreams come true. To get more info on your next vacation, email Anne today: anne@livelifetravel.world. To find out more about Live Life Travel: www.livelifetravel.world
MEGIN POTTER
Megin is an expressive writer and artist with work published in books, newspapers, corporate communications, and online. A resident of the region for over 20 years, she continues to discover anew the interesting people, places, and products it has to offer. As a mother to her active young son, she is inspired to explore even more.
THERESA ST. JOHN
Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now. She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and online venues. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states "was a trip of a lifetime." She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to six rescued dogs, two chinchillas, and a bird. Life is good.
ANN HAUPRICH
JORDANA TURCOTTE
IAN KLEPETAR
DIANE WHITTEN MS
When not writing magazine articles that warm hearts, lift spirits and tickle funny bones, Ann Hauprich keeps busy preserving the past and present for future generations at Legacies Unlimited in Ballston Spa. The historic upstate village where the author’s family settled half a century ago will be commemorated in her sixth book in 2020. To learn more, visit AnnHauprich.US and LegaciesUnlimited.com.
Ian Klepetar loves climbing trees, skiing, and launching programs and concepts that inspire and move the masses. He has lived a nomadic lifestyle while he works to bring Bicycle Benefits and related initiatives to cities across the US. Author, runner and jigsaw puzzle aficionado. Make every day the best day.
Jordana Turcotte is a lifelong New Yorker and a Saratoga County resident since graduating from RPI. After staying at home for a bit with her children (now 10 and 8), she decided on the “rest of her life job” as Professional Organizer. Starting Simply You in 2008 fulfills a passion for organizing. When she isn’t organizing, you’ll find her volunteering at her kids’ school, being Mommy chauffeur or hanging out with her two rescue dogs.
Diane Whitten is a food and nutrition educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County where she has worked for the past 20 years. Her classes focus on healthy eating and cooking, plus food preservation. Her nutrition radio spots can be heard on STAR Radio. Diane has a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University and a masters’ degree in Education from the College of St. Rose.
HEALTHY SARATOGA
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com SPRING 2020 | SARATOGA FAMILY | 43
Healthy Saratoga Spring 2020 Complimentary
Detoxify • Eat More Veggies Walk • Run • Hike • Bike Inspiring Stories • Healthy Recipes ...and Great Advice! Brought to you by
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Welcome to
Healthy Saratoga... the magazine From The Editor
OWNER/PUBLISHER Chad Beatty
Chris Vallone Bushee • Creative Director/Managing Editor cBushee@SaratogaPublishing.com • (518) 581-2480 ext. 201
Happy Spring! I must laugh at that since it’s snowing as I write this, but even us northerners know that Spring can’t be too far off!! And speaking of spring… It’s time for those of us who hibernate to get back outside! I’m happy to announce… I’ll be doing my first marathon this year (or at least that’s what the photos I post on Facebook will look like – lol – see page 6 for all the details and try to join me!) – should be a fun afternoon! Luckily, I have the best contributors (see the last page of the Family side, 43) for a listing for both sides of the magazine) that bring me the greatest topics. Every page of this spring issue of Healthy Saratoga is informative – and I hope you agree! We not only have new recipes for you to try, but advice on how to eat healthier, (who else but Rich from Four Seasons could make seaweed look so yummy!), ways to detox your life and the most inspirational stories and organizations you should know about - Spring is looking good! Don’t forget… when you’re done reading this side, flip the magazine over and check out Saratoga Family, the area’s only multi-generational print magazine. Thank you to all our advertisers (who allow us to provide this informative magazine - free of charge - to the thousands of people that read each issue!) - please mention us by name when visiting their businesses. As always… I love hearing from you, stay in touch and stay healthy, Saratoga!
Love, Chris
Cover photo; Scotties Stampede 5K and Wellness Expo, 2019 See story on page 28 for this year's event
HEALTHY SARATOGA GENERAL MANAGER Robin Mitchell
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Chris Vallone Bushee
MAGAZINE DESIGNER Marisa Scirocco
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Christian Apicella
ADVERTISING SALES Jim Daley Cindy Durfey
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emma Aliwalas Barb Biagioli Crystal Cobert-Giddens Deb Czech Richard Frank Barbara Glaser Joel Goodman Ann Hauprich Ian Klepetar John Madden Jessica Pavia Megin Potter Todd Shimkus Theresa St. John
INTERN Jessica Pavia
PHOTOGRAPHERS Pattie Garrett Julianne Lewis Jessica Pavia SupersourceMedia.com
PUBLISHED BY
Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 | fax: (518) 581-2487
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com Healthy Saratoga is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2020, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper
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SPRING 2020 6 April Fools Day Walk, Run & Networking Mixer 7 Meet Dr. Mike Halstead 10 Because Laughing Matters 12 Eat the Rainbow 14 Veggies from the Sea 18 Boost your immunity 21 Live the NO ‘TOX life 24 Transportation for Everyone 25 The Scenic Route Guiding Service 28 Scotties Stampede’s 5K and Wellness Expo 29 Featured Road Races 30 Meet Laura Snyder 33 #CalhounStrong 36 What to know before heading out to urgent care 38 Educating women on pelvic floor wellness topics 40 C.R.E.A.T.E.’s Community Studio
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APRIL FOOLS'’DAY WALK, RUN & NETWORKING MIXER IS APRIL 1ST
WRITTEN BY TODD SHIMKUS, PRESIDENT OF THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, you have a chance to complete your first ever marathon. Or perhaps to win a 5K or secure a personal best in a one mile sprint. You decide! After all it is April Fools’ Day. It’s called the April Fools’ Day Walk, Run and Networking Mixer. It’s organized by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. It takes place at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Registration and networking is inside the hotel. The start and finish line as well as the course is along the trails in the park. The proceeds from this event support the Chamber’s Healthy Saratoga movement. This movement is designed to ensure Saratoga County is always one of the healthiest places to live. Now while this is a Healthy Saratoga event, the name and date of the event suggests a few shenanigans are in play. And they are. Sure we setup a finish line. Sure we will designate a 1 mile, a 2 mile and a 3 mile course on the trails within the park. Yes, we will have shirts for all runners and trophies and medals. We even have a winner’s stand. But no one is timing you. No one is recording how far you walk or run. That is entirely up to you. And so is reporting to your friends and family how great you did. Using white boards and markers we provide, participants are encouraged to write down how far they ran and how fast. Grab a trophy or a medal and jump up on the winner’s stand. Hold the trophy or a medal in the air and beam with the pride of victory.
We will help you record each of your “achievements” in photos. You’ll be able to share these “achievements” on social media with all of your friends and family. Now, please note we’re not fooling about the networking. With more than 100 participants last year, the networking was really good. The food provided by the Gideon Putnam was both healthy and delicious. And what people drank ranged from water, to soda, to adult beverages - - after the race of course - - depending on what they wanted. Many participants did walk. A good number of ran. We do encourage everyone to participate in a healthy way. Everyone will run through the Finish line at the start where we will again take photos. More proof of each participant’s “victory” on this momentous day. The 2020 April Fools’ Walk, Run and Networking Mixer will be our second annual event. Registration and networking starts at 4:30 p.m. The “race” starts at 5:05 p.m. It finishes whenever you do. This event works best if you attend with friends or co-workers. That way you can take group photos at the finish line or on the winner’s stand. The cost to participate is just $500 per person…. April Fools. It’s just $25! You can register under Chamber Events at saratoga.org. Registration is open right now. Everyone will get a race shirt. Everyone will get a photo at the finish line. What you do at the event is up to you. What you tell people you did is the really fun part. Here’s my prediction. I will run my second marathon this April 1, 2020, and do so, running faster than Susan Halstead.
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THE KEYS TO VICTORY WHEN FACING A HEALTH CHALLENGE
WRITTEN BY TODD SHIMKUS, PRESIDENT OF THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE kicked off its 6th Annual Health and Wellness Week, on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, by introducing the community to Dr. Mike Halstead.
His favorite race of the year is the SOS Triathlon, in the Shawangunk Mountains, in Ulster County, NY. But this is not your normal triathlon. Instead, the following are the 8 stages of this competition:
The brother of Jeff Halstead, a music teacher at the Saratoga Springs High School, Mike Halstead is an accomplished triathlete. He’s also a two-time cancer survivor and a person living every day with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord.
STAGE 1 is a 30 mile bike ride.
His MS was first diagnosed in the summer of 2012. He woke up one morning with tingling and numbness in his feet. Over the next week, this spread to his legs which caused him to see his doctor where a battery of tests confirmed he had MS. “Everybody’s different. Every medical challenge is different. What worked for me won’t always work for everyone. With medical challenges, I think you need a team to help you,” says Halstead. “You also need to make sure you understand your condition and what you can do as much as possible.” For Halstead, he’s taking the most advanced medication allowed for MS patients and he undergoes treatment every six months. He says this means there are two days every year that “really suck” but after that, the symptoms are controlled. This means he can compete in as many as 10 triathlons per year. He says he can complete a triathlon in nine and a half to eleven hours. He’s also done two Ironman competitions in Hawaii and an off-road version of the Ironman twice as well. When prompted by his brother, he admitted that he won a triathlon just last year on Cape Cod. What makes this more amazing is that he has battled cancer twice as well. The first time was in 2016 when he noticed a lump on his shin. Two months after this was successfully removed, he found a lump near his groin which had spread to his lymph node. He traveled to Dana Farber and Sloan Kettering concerned that the cancer had spread to his brain. “Two weeks after the first dose of chemo, I saw it working. That made it a lot easier. I saw my full time job at that point was to get better. I took medication. I slept 8 hours a day. I received psychotherapy and went to a support group. I did everything I could to survive.”
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STAGE 2 is a 4.5 mile run. STAGE 3 is a 1.1 mile swim across Lake Awosting. STAGE 4 is a 5.5 mile run. STAGE 5 is a half mile swim. STAGE 6 is an 8 mile run. STAGE 7 is a half mile swim. And Stage 8 is a .7 mile run up the short but steady climb to the finish… a “Skytop” tower and the Survivor Line. He competed in the SOS Triathlon two weeks before he began chemotherapy. NBC Sports produced a segment about him competing in this race, with MS and while fighting cancer. Two of his fellow athletes competed with him, sporting shirts and temporary tattoos that read “Dr. Mike’s Fan Club.” “This is a very popular race. It’s unique. It sells out in 6 minutes. I’m not going to miss it again,” declared Halstead. “Competing in this race turned out to be great training for me in my medical battles. Things always go wrong. So you have to have confidence in your training and a positive attitude. Even when things were really bleak, I kept thinking like I would in a race, that it can’t be this bad.” Halstead sold his Veterinary practice and now works at the practice 2 or 3 days per week. His diet is low in saturated fats with no red meat. Reducing stress and saturated fats is an important part of his battle with MS. He also continues to run, bike and swim often times with groups of people who are also training for upcoming events and competitions. Halstead says in spite of the MS and the Cancer, that he still has the same goal he’s had for 30 years. He wants to be the oldest person ever to do the Ironman. No one in the audience doubted will achieve this goal.
SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 7
THE MOTHER TERESA CANCER AWARENESS FUND ANNUAL
NIGHT OF HOPE UNDER THE STARS Proceeds to benefit The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund
Friday, March 27, 2020 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant, 500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
"We cannot all do great things but we can do small things with great love." The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund was founded in 2017 (by Terra Maddalone-Ristau and her parents, Joyce and Hank Maddalone) when funds were donated via GoFundMe for Joyce to assist her with expenses related to her cancer treatment. After much discussion, it was agreed upon that Joyce would utilize some of the funds for her out-of-pocket expenses and the rest would be donated to other cancer patients in the community who were facing hardship due to their treatment. “The night will be full of Fun and Surprises as your Special Host for the Evening, Dr. Benita Zahn (CoAnchor of News Channel 13 Live at 4 and Live at 6 and health reporter) guides you through the festivities of music and dancing with award winning, Capital District Maddalone Entertainment's DJ Nick. There will also be a Live Auction with Guest Auctioneer, LeGrande Serras who will employ his special gift for communication (and some shameless prodding!) to get you to raise your paddle in effort to win items up for bid. The evening will consist of Hearty Appetizer Stations, a Mystery Gift Room & Wine Pull, Silly Snaps Mirror Wall Photo Booth, We Do Fondue Chocolate Fountains, Scavenger Hunt, Silent Auction, Bourbon Tasting with Top Shelf Wine and Spirits plus an exciting demo and performance by S'Daga Sun Tribe” says Executive Director, Terra Maddalone-Ristau. “This event is so much more than the money; it is about sharing with those in our very own community who need us at such a difficult time in their lives that we are here for them, that they are not alone and
that we as a community do care. As Mother Teresa said, "We cannot all do great things but we can do small things with great love." This is the philosophy that my parents raised us with; Faith, Family and Community, that we are put in this earth to reach out to others and be a light when there is darkness.” Joyce continues her battle with cancer while Hank lost his fight to liver cancer in the Spring of 2019. Yet, the spirit of giving continues through The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund as it was confirmed the morning of Hank's passing when three patients sent in applications for assistance. Terra knew that was her father's way of saying, "Carry on the legacy of helping others." Ticket Information: General Admission $120 (Cash Bar) VIP $160 (Open Bar & Special Drawing) To Order Tickets: Eventbrite.com/e/a-night-of-hope-under-thestars-gala-tickets-87553762661 or visit MTCAF.org (Events/Fundraisers) For more information, make a donation or participate in the event as a volunteer, contact Terra MaddaloneRistau at 518-429-9097 or Terra@mtcaf.org The Mother Teresa Cancer Awareness Fund is a 501c3 Non-profit Organization that assists those with cancer in the Capital District, N.Y. with their out of pocket expenses due to treatment.
8 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 9
t e s e J th r fo ealth... H it of
In the days before “Google” became a verb, we at The HUMOR Project were delighted to receive 50,000 calls and letters a year from folks around the world interested in the positive, HEALTHY power of humor. Since then, we have received thousands of emails containing humorous goodies that we include in our free Laughing Matters e-mail newsletter. Here is a taste:
John Madden offers some of his fun food-for-thought:
I have learned to spell hors d'oeuvres, which grates on many people's nerves. (Anonymous) If it takes a lot of words to say what you have to say, give it more thought. (Dennis Roth)
Prejudice is being down on something that you're not up on. (Anonymous)
Egotism: usually just a case of mistaken nonentity. (Barbara Stanwyck)
Plato is a bore. (Friedrich Nietzsche) My attitude has always been, if you fall flat on your face, at least you're moving forward. (Richard Branson)
A thesaurus is Love is a grave mental disease. (Plato) Millions long for immortality who don't know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon. (Susan Ertz)
great.
Re-marry? No! Fool around, sure! I'm the luckiest old lady on two feet. (Betty White, age 96)
There's no other When you're single you word for it. just have to consult with (Ross Smith) yourself, and I'm always agreeing with me. (Bill Maher) "Life is a laboratory. Let's have more labor and less Three things in human oratory." life are important: (Sign in an the first is to be kind. aerospace The second is to be kind. research lab) And the third is to be kind. (Mr. Rogers)
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Emma Aliwalas is an M.D. who found the following Murphy's Real Laws to be humorous/humerus: A day without sunshine is like, well, night.
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
Despite the cost of living, it still remains popular.
Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and used against you.
The 50-50-90 rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong. It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would still try to pass them.
You can't have everything. Where would you put it?
Our dear friend Barbara Glaser is great and sent along the following: If you boil a funny bone it becomes a laughing stock. That's humerus!
Readers, if you have anything that tickles your funny bone, you can send it in an email to Joel@HumorProject.com so that we can share it in future issues. We have all heard the expression, “Misery loves company.” Actually, laughter loves company even more! Laughter is a healthy way to add years to your life… and life to your years! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Eat the Rainbow
for Better Health WRITTEN BY BY DEB CZECH, OWNER, PLANTED PLATTER
It’s a common cooking adage
that we eat first with our eyes: we build excitement for the meal by creating a beautiful presentation of the food. If that’s true, what could be more appealing than having the colors of the rainbow on our plates? “Eat the rainbow” has become popular advice to encourage people to put numerous fruits and vegetables on their plates every day. This not only makes for a colorful presentation, but it also means that a wide range of vitamins, minerals, immunity boosters and cancer-fighting antioxidants are present in the meal. Further, by encouraging a rainbow, which requires multiple colors, it’s possible that the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat will increase overall, adding fiber to your diet and filling you up faster. This, in turn, may reduce the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol taken in via animal-based foods such as meat, poultry, fish/seafood, dairy and eggs. Such an increase in dietary fiber and reduction in animal-based food are both positive steps towards reducing one’s risk of certain forms of cancer. Cancer-fighting compounds such as antioxidants, mainly found in fruits and vegetables, assist in halting free-radical damage in the body, which can otherwise lead to cancer development. Fruits and vegetables are rich in protective compounds and immune-boosting nutrients such as betacarotene, lycopene, vitamin C, and zinc.
THE NUTRITION RAINBOW: Reference: Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, www.pcrm.org.
RED Tomatoes, watermelon, guava The antioxidant lycopene is associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer
orange Carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, mangos, pumpkins Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that supports the immune system
It is important to be generous with a variety of vegetables and fruits as you plan your meals. Studies have demonstrated the ability of diets rich in vegetables and fruits to boost immunity and to reduce the likelihood that cancer will develop in the first place. Enjoy a colorful, scrumptious, immune-boosting meal as often as you can. What does each color of the rainbow provide and what are some of the common and more exotic options for your plate? Let’s take a closer look... 12 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
yellow/orange Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, papayas, peaches Vitamin C and flavonoids inhibit tumor cell growth and detoxify harmful substances
green/white Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower Indoles and lutein eliminate excess estrogen and carcinogens, which can help to fight breast cancer
blue Blueberries, purple grapes, plums Anthocyanins destroy free radicals
GREEN Spinach, kale, collards, other greens Folate builds healthy cells and genetic material
white/green Garlic, onions, chives, asparagus Allyl sulfides destroy cancer cells, reduce cell division, support immune systems
red/purple Grapes, berries, plums Resveratrol may suppress estrogen activity
brown Whole grains and legumes (beans, lentils, pulses) Fiber from whole grains removes carcinogens from the body
Does the color brown in this rainbow surprise you? While you don’t see brown in rainbows in the sky, it’s important to eat whole grains and legumes to add fiber to one’s diet along with the energy-boosting power of complex carbohydrates and plant protein. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
MAKE IT A MEAL It’s easy to make a simple meal of many of the above fruits and vegetables by combining them with whole grains or beans in a bowl with herbs and seasonings, slicing them thinly and putting in a sandwich with hummus, or rolling them into a tortilla or wrap. More ideas: morning oatmeal topped with a few colors of berries and chopped fruit; a colorful “rainbow” sandwich and piece of fruit for lunch; and a loaded salad at dinner – these are all easy ways to add vibrant colors and healthy nutrients to your day.
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Eat Your (Sea) Vegetables! WRITTEN BY RICHARD FRANK OF FOUR SEASONS PHOTOS PROVIDED
Lately, we hear a lot about the importance of
eating vegetables. This isn’t particularly new--remember a generation or two ago, (all!) children were told that there would be no dessert until they ate all the vegetables on their plates. (Why exactly this coercive practice seems to have faded in the last 1/2 century is beyond the scope of this article!) But now, nearly all nutrition experts, no matter their overall bent, understand and recommend that vegetables help promote healthy body and blood composition. When most people think of vegetables, they think cultivated land vegetables from kale and carrots to beets and spinach. But, let us discuss the cousins to these famous and loved veggies--those that never sprouted legs and crawled on land--those who still live and thrive in the sea. Somehow maligned as weeds (it must have been the carrot lobby), they have now been rebranded in the last decades, earning their rightful place as vegetables too--Sea Vegetables!
land and some say they will continue to do their job filtering in your body, pulling out toxins and cleansing your internal ecosystem. Most of them contain good quantities of trace minerals and many with alginic acid, known to help dissolve fats and toxic metals in the intestines. The sea, and the nutrients in the sea give them their nutrient density, even perhaps to superfood status, surpassing many land vegetables. So, let’s look at a few of the most popular versions readily available:
For centuries, in coastal communities throughout the world, people have been taking advantage of the ocean’s version of plant nutrition; foraging, collecting and harvesting seaweeds, I mean sea vegetables. Traditional societies in India, Americas, Russia, the Mediterranean, China, Japan and Pacific islands, the Celts and Vikings, all have a history of consuming and benefitting from a diverse array of sea vegetables. Yes, the distasteful and annoying clumps of slimy or dried matter that bother you as you walk on the beach (where are the industrial tractor-pulled rakes when you need them!) or freaking you out as they brush up against you as you swim in the surf (something bit me!) are the exact things of which we are speaking. Except-it’s context. Those versions are similar to what’s left over on the fields after the harvest as remnants, before they become mulch. These plants, growing and thriving beautifully in their living context, are a different matter. Unlike land vegetables that get most of their nutrients from the soil via root systems, most sea vegetables are anchored to the ground, but grown and are nourished by the sea water and the aqueous nutrients therein. To grow and survive, they filter sea water through their membranes. So, when you consume them, you receive nourishment from the energies of the sea, not from 14 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Arame:
Hijiki:
Known in the West as sea oak, arame from Japan is full of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A and B, iodine and trace minerals. Arame comes cut into tiny strips and has a sweet, mild flavor--a big favorite in our cafe. Like hijiki, this sea vegetable expands 4-5 times when soaked, so plan accordingly when making.
From Asian waters, this is the real deal-- black, hearty, thick and pungent. Like a dark beer--those that appreciate it, can’t get enough. Hijiki is full of calcium (way more than milk by the way!), iron, protein and vitamin A.
Nori: Known as nori in Japan and laver in British Isles and US this is probably the best known and most consumed sea vegetables due to its mild taste and great utility. It is easily molded into the shape of thin wraps, the ones we know and love in Japanese cuisine to make rolls and strips. High in protein and trace minerals, nori can also be made into a condiment to be enjoyed with vegetables or rice. Nori also contains vitamins A, B and C, phosphorus and iron. And now, there are many delicious nori snacks available as ready to eat snacks!
Kombu: From Japan, with western kelp cousins wrack and tangle, this sea vegetable is often added to beans or rice when cooking to increase digestibility (aka less gas, dude!). It’s also used to make traditional stock or “dashi” because it’s high in glutamic acid, the natural cousin of the less reputable MSG. Kombu is high in vitamins A and B, iodine and calcium. Add a strip to your cooking to get the benefit of this wonderful plant.
Wakame: Often seen floating in tiny pieces in miso soup, this pleasing vegetable packs a lot of protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A, B and C and phosphorus. Its western cousin is Alaria and can be used interchangeably. Wakame is easy to add to a variety of dishes.
Dulse: From the North Atlantic, dulse's red color makes it a nice addition to salads and other land vegetables. Known as dillisk in Ireland, sol in Iceland and waterleaf in Scotland, most of dulse available comes from Canadian waters and back in the day, sailors were known to use it as chew like tobacco. Containing calcium, iron and iodine, dulse’s distinctive taste can quickly become a favorite at the dinner table. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 15
Easy Miso Soup with Wakame great for lunch, or anytime 1 medium onion, diced 2 carrots, chopped or sliced 1 C cauliflower in small pieces 1 C kale, shredded 1 piece wakame seaweed, soaked and then cut up into course chunks 4 C water 1/4 C chickpea or favorite miso (add more or less possible to taste) 1 T toasted sesame oil 1 t sea salt • In soup pot, sauté onion and carrots in oil and salt for approximately 5 minutes and in cauliflower and continue to sauté another 5 minutes until carrots and onions are soft. • Add water and bring to boil. Then turn down, add in kale and wakame and simmer for 5 minutes. • Add a little broth to miso to thin and then add mixture into the pot. •Simmer for a few minutes and serve.
Cucumber Dulse Salad: Ingredients:
Directions:
1 TBS diced organic dulse, soaked briefly and chopped into bits 2 medium cucumbers, cut into 1/2 moons, peeled and deseeded 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup red bell peppers, diced 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil 1 TBS rice vinegar 1 TBS soy sauce, or to taste Optional: red chili flakes to taste
• Whisk liquid ingredients together in a bowl. • Combine vegetables into bowl, toss with dressing and serve. Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Arame with Onions and Carrots 1 oz. dried arame 1 TBS toasted sesame oil 1 large onion, diced 2 carrots, cut into match sticks 1 cup water 2 TBS tamari soy sauce 1 tsp sea salt Rinse and drain arame, then let it soak in water for 5 minutes while you continue to work. You can use the soaking water to cook or for a milder flavor, drain away and use fresh water. Put oil into sauté pan and heat on medium, add onions and salt, sauté for 2 minutes. Add carrots and arame (and water if drained.) Let simmer for 15 minutes. Add more water if evaporated. Add tamari and cook for a few minutes. Stir and serve.
So, looking to spice it up--try some plants from the other 2/3 of the planet--the ocean. Most are easy to love right away. Some do take a little bit of an acquired taste, but with such a good source of nutrition, it’s almost medicine. There are many other nice options not listed here and dried mixes of “seaweed” salad are available with a handsome variety of sea vegetables. At our cafe, we commonly serve several sea vegetables--hardcore hijiki among them. Some years ago, I noticed one of our regulars eating his food with a fork in one hand and a 1/2 eaten chocolate chip cookie in the other. I asked him about it. He said that he doesn’t care for the taste of hijiki, but knows how good it is for him, so he alternates bites...one bite of seaweed, followed soon after by a bite of cookie! Fortunately, while certain foods are medicine, many people enjoy sea vegetables for their flavor in addition to their nutrients. References: A Kushi, Complete Guide to Macrobiotic Cooking; East West Journal Shopper’s Guide to Natural Foods; P and B Bradford, Cooking with Sea Vegetables. G Mateljan, World's Healthiest Foods.
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SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 17
Immune Health:
Foods that Fight Illness WRITTEN BY BARB BIAGIOLI PHOTOS BY PATTIE GARRETT
A
s we round the corner on the midway mark of the winter equinox it’s just about that time when I feel myself shriveling up, withering and waiting for the sun to appear and breathe life back into my bones. Succumbing to the reality that winter is going to be around a bit longer, I am trying to embrace the cold, quiet and grayness and sink into the stillness of silence, relish the slow a bit longer and spend time cooking with nourishing foods that will sustain me till spring. Gathering what I can find at the local farmers’ market and searching for inspiration to keep trudging through, I’ve conjured up a few recipes that are loaded with immune boosting foods – all things warming, nourishing and good for the weary winter soul.
SICKNESS IN THE SEASON It’s no coincidence that we see an uptick of cold and flu viruses at this time of year. But the flu is “not just a season” – it can also be the result of a comprised immune system, due to unhealthy lifestyle practices, such as, an increase in sugar consumption, lack of vitamin D and fresh air, compromised sleep patterns, poor food choices, and of course, exposure, just to name a few - all of which make it increasingly difficult as winter wears on, for your body to fight off invading illness. Your diet greatly influences your immune system's ability to do its job. If you are consuming a diet high in sugar and processed foods, your immune system will suffer. A modern Standard American Diet or a diet of the Western world is associated with a weakened immune system and characterized by the consumption of highly inflammatory heavy foods, including high levels of animal foods, animal derived saturated fats, sugars, processed foods, artificial ingredients, and salt - a diet that is low in plant derived fibers - which conversely, are positively associated with a healthy gut microbiome and optimally functioning immune system. There are so many wonderful foods, spices and herbs that you can include in your daily regimen to boost your immune system and optimize your body’s natural defense against bacteria and viruses that are circulating at the time of year (and all year long!). Many seasonal foods are inherently immune-boosting foods -intended to promote a healthy immune system- during a season when we are more likely to engage in indulgent, sedentary and reclusive behavior. A plant-based diet of whole real foods - vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains - can strengthen the immune system. Consuming a diet that is full of plant based foods, boosts T cells - which are important to the immune system because they are responsible for eradicating cancer cells, scanning the body for foreign germs and pathogens, destroying infected cells, activating additional immune cells, and keeping a database for germs that they’ve encountered across decades.
POWER UP WITH PLANTS When you consume a predominantly plant forward approach to your plate, your intake of carotenoids and flavonoids increases. Why is this important? Increasing your intake of foods that contain carotenoids and flavonoids boosts your immune health and T cell health, because these antioxidants have antiviral, antibacterial properties and work systemically to protect the immune system. Foods that are inherently high in antioxidants are anti-inflammatory and subsequently, immune boosting foods too. Foods that are high in these antioxidants are colorful - spanning the shades of the rainbow. • blueberries
• sweet potato
• broccoli
• citrus
• beets
• lemon
• celery
• ginger
• garlic
• cinnamon
• kale
• turmeric
• mushrooms
• garlic
• spinach Eating seasonally can be difficult at this time of year. While sensible, the Northeast has limitations and crop yields aren’t gifting us with those dark leafy greens, juicy ripe red tomatoes and fresh bursting berries our bellies are so fond of. The produce at the grocery store is picked over, wrinkled, too ripe or not ripe enough – just a few of the many reasons to shop at your local farmers’ market year round – where you can find nutrient dense foods local to your climate, optimal for immune function during the winter season. No matter how you currently choose to feed yourself and your family, prioritizing nourishing and nutrient-dense foods will promote happier and healthier homes. Focusing on foods, spices and herbs that are anti-inflammatory in nature and immune boosting in property, while simultaneously reducing stress, unhealthy behaviors and practices, and eliminating disease provoking foods, will reduce your risk of acquiring cold and flu viruses this season. Eating a plethora of plant foods will encourage physical strength, restful sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, healthy digestion, strong immune systems and ideal microbiomes.
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Mushroom Miso Ramen Soup Mushrooms carry a heavy dose of healing compounds. From fighting cancer to managing stress and warding off winter illness, mushrooms are great to include in your seasonal soups and stews to boost your immune system.
Instructions
Ingredients 2 tbsp coconut oil 8 green onion, chopped * 1 yellow onion, chopped * 8 garlic cloves, minced * 6 inch cube ginger, peeled and minced 1 oz cremini mushrooms 1 oz moringa mushrooms * 2 quarts vegetable broth (low sodium) 2 cup water 4 tbsp tamari sauce (low sodium) 3 tbsp brown rice miso paste 4 packs brown rice ramen noodles 4 bok choy, chopped * 1 tsp sesame oil, drizzle for garnish 1 green onion, garnish
3. Next, add the cremini and moringa mushrooms and cook down for another 2-4 minutes.
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot on low heat. 2. Add the green onion, yellow onion, garlic, and ginger and sautĂŠ for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the vegetable broth, water, tamari, and miso and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover for 10 minutes. 5. Bring the pot back to a boil and add the ramen noodles. Cook until soft, about 3-5 minutes. You may leave the noodles in the broth or remove them with tongs and set aside (they will absorb a significant amount of liquid if left in the broth. You may also forgo the noodles entirely and simply enjoy the mushroom miso soup and broth). 6. In a separate saucepan or pot, steam the bok choy. 7. To serve, place the ramen noodles in a bowl and pour or ladle the broth over top. Add the bok choy to the top with a sprinkle of green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for garnish. Turn the page for one more recipe from the Farmers' Market
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SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 19
Ginger Tea Tonic Similar to a Switchel, this tonic is great to keep around and consume regularly, particularly first thing in the morning. Very easily made at home, it comes together quickly and keeps for a few days. Great for boosting your immune system and cleansing the liver. . Ingredients 4 slices ginger, peel removed 4 cups water 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 lemons 1 tbsp raw honey *
Instructions 1. Place the ginger in one cup of water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Let cool and set aside. 2. In a quart mason jar, pour the apple cider vinegar, juice from the lemons and raw honey. Stir until mixed through. 3. Once the ginger water has cooled, pour into the quart mason jar. Store in the fridge for up to one week. Intended to be enjoyed cold or room temperature. Note: Allowing the ginger water to cool is a crucial step. You do not want to add the hot water to the apple cider vinegar and the raw honey as it will kill its beneficial properties. *Note: denotes ingredient available at the Saratoga Farmer’s Market
20  | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
No
‘Tox Life WRITTEN BY CRYSTAL COBERT-GIDDENS, LE, INHC - OWNER OF FACES ON BEEKMAN STREET PHOTOS PROVIDED
NEW decade, healthy, NEW you!
Declutter, exercise, eat your veggies, drink more water, be better, buy less. Get to the farmers’ market, find yoga, eliminate all chemicals and preservatives, plant a garden, forest bathe (yes, it’s a thing) and while you’re at it… Document all the fun you’re having being your best self AND share it on Instagram! 2019 was a tough year for many of us. Working too many hours, not sleeping nearly enough, and life was more than a little stressful. There are only so many hours in a day and try as I may, I can’t always push myself to do everything I know I should do. Take living a “No ‘Tox Life.” I can sit here and think of twenty things that could use detoxifying in your life and I don’t even know you. How? I can think of over fifty things in my own life that could use detoxifying, and I’ve been working on living this lifestyle a long time. The problem is that this trend of minimalism has its own issue of “clutter shaming.” It’s become cool
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and chic to eliminate what we don’t use but the process has become very stressful and “judgey.” I’m sure this wasn’t the intent, but it’s happened. I called a closet guru a couple of years ago to help me declutter my closet and help me find, and perfect, “my style.” I got so stressed about her coming to my house, that I decluttered it myself. I’m sure I donated things I should have kept and kept things I should have donated. Honestly, I canceled the appointment because I didn’t want to bump into her while I’m poking around Marshall’s, and have her throw me that look that says, “We just got rid of 4 black sweaters, what do you think you’re doing?” Not that she would, but in my imagination she would, and that’s just as bad as really doing it. I can tell you this: Detoxifying is Personal. Out of those fifty things I should do, only a few are important to me now, today. I’ve vowed to work on a few this year, and a few more next year. I had to break it up into categories first, and then chose the ones that mattered most, let’s go…
SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 21
#
1
DEtox Your Space:
Your space is a huge category. Your space can be your house, your workspace, your car, your garage, your yard. Let’s start in the house, specifically the bathroom. Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers. First look for expiration dates on all your products and medications. Medications can be taken to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. Body wash, toothpaste, hair care etc. need to be thrown out if they have expired.
Now pull out all your cleaning supplies. Yes, they go bad too. Empty containers should be thrown away and replaced with glass containers. I really like the companies that specialize in chemical free, refillable cleaning formulas. I’ve switched us to all glass, refillable bottles, and we seem to spend less money on cleaning supplies and there seems to be much less duplication and waste. It’s also better for the environment and for everyone in your home.
#
#
2
Detox Your Spirit:
Try to get outside often. Walk your dog or offer to walk a neighbor or friend’s dog. Walk on the beach or the bank of a river. Walk along a trail or hike in the woods. Smell the trees, flowers, the vegetation and the fresh air. Take a swim or paddle in a kayak. Find a winter sport you enjoy. A little sun is important for your physical health and the endorphin rush you get from being outside is important for your mental health. So, take pictures and look at the sky. Breathe deeply and listen to some music and sing…yes, sing. Dance while you’re at it and be silly. Laugh at yourself and let go. Laughter cleanses our spirit and reminds our hearts to be playful and free.
3
Detox Your Skin:
This is a big one because our skin is our largest organ and its primary function is to act as a barrier. Did you know our skin is waterproof? Its job is to protect us from bacteria and microorganisms and environmental stressors like radiation and harmful chemicals. Think about this for a moment: Our skin tries to protect our body (internal organs) from harmful chemicals… why are so many skincare products filled with unhealthy chemicals and preservatives? If our bodies need protection from the outside world, and we constantly cover our skin with chemical-laden skincare and makeup, then aren’t we making it more difficult for our skin to do its job?
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We live in a time where our food has been compromised by chemical fertilizers, polluted water, depleted soil and drug resistant microorganisms. Our water supply has been contaminated by pollution, medical waste, chemical run off. The air we breathe has been poisoned by fossil fuels and we are losing trees at an alarming rate, which has damaged our ozone layer, making it even more difficult to protect lungs and our skin. Our clothes are mass produced, synthetic and covered in chemicals. We can’t survive without our chemical, carcinogenic sweeteners in our coffee and soda. We love our lash lifts (think perm solution) and lash extensions and think nothing of soaking our fingers in pure acetone for 40 minutes every two weeks to keep our nails looking shiny and camera ready. The world is literally beating up our bodies on a daily basis and then we slather our chemical sunscreens and preservative filled moisturizers all over our faces and bodies. Why? To soothe our dry, compromised, sensitive and acneic skin. We think nothing of the fact that we can’t pronounce most of the ingredients on the label and yet we question why everyone is getting so sick? Toss your antiperspirant that’s full of aluminum and switch to a healthy, non-chemical brand. Get rid of your baby products if they are full of artificial ingredients, chemicals and preservatives. Use sulfate free shampoos and find brands that are trying to be socially responsible. Read the ingredient labels on your makeup. There are cleaner/safer brands available locally. Decipher the ingredient list on your cleanser and your moisturizer…you’re going to be shocked at what you’ve been using. Find a facial and body care line that guarantees it’s non GMO, has an organic certification like ECO Cert or COSMOS Cert and nourishes your skin that is trying so hard to protect you. Toss your chemical sunscreen and find one that uses safe, healthy ingredients and doesn’t harm our oceans and kill our coral reefs.
Where do you start?
Start with your skin. Then, you can detox your home, your car, your office. You can work on detoxing your relationships and feeding your spirit. Practice unplugging from social media every once in a while. Watch less TV and spend more time outside. Play. Laugh. It’s a process, but you can do it. Your body will thank you.
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SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 23
T r a n s p o rtat i o n
for Everyone WRITTEN BY IAN KLEPETAR
This quarterly column is about TRANSPORTATION in Saratoga and hopefully, will provide food for thought.
W
e must recognize that most of us have a predisposition to car-centric thinking when it comes to transportation.
Just like screen time, most of us are over the hundreds of hours each year that we spend sitting in a car. As a society, we want out. We have seen our bellies get bigger, our blood pressure rise, and it’s no wonder… the percentage of people riding bicycles is a mere .5% in this area.
Enter BIKATOGA – if you haven’t heard of us, please keep reading. Their volunteers fix up and give bicycles to children, facilitate an “earn-a-bike program” and want a more bikeable and walkable city. Isn’t that what we all would like? Unfortunately, there is a space conflict that exists in a place called “the road.” When you get in a car, you don’t have to pull up maps and ask others where they recommend driving it -you just go. The world is yours; you drive it wherever your heart desires. Though when considering where to ride a bicycle, some serious thought is required. All roads are occupied by cars at one time or another, and where there are cars, there is potential conflict. Unlike motorists, bicycle riders and pedestrians do not have metal cages to protect them. Helmets, yes; cages, no. Everything stated above represents irrefutable fact. It’s only considered “political” because individuals disagree about whether this reality constitutes a “problem” and what solutions (if any) should be pursued to remedy it.
Many argue that we need to build more trails to solve this problem; that is “cars over here, bicycle riders and pedestrians over there.” There is little dispute we need to build more of them. However, what if we already had all the trails we wanted, and they went EVERYWHERE we wanted to go?! Why would we need more? Sure, this is the public roadway system we are talking about. Yes, everyone owns it. Some are stuck on the idea that public roads were built specifically for them, just like we would claim ownership to a stick that we found in the woods or a jungle gym that we climbed upon in a public park. The truth of the matter is that roads predate the automobile and for some time, bicycles and horse drawn carriages were the only users.Roads are public goods; we all own them, we all pay for them and we are all entitled to use them to get where we need to go. However, we need to better address how to properly manage roads so EVERYONE who wants to use them can do so safely, whether they are interested in hopping on a bicycle, jumping in the car or using the heal-toe combo to get around. We can work locally to create a healthy and balanced transportation network that works for all of us. This quarterly column will focus on inexpensive changes we can do in our area to create a transportation system that works for us all. Hope to see you in the next edition of Healthy Saratoga!
24 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
The Scenic Route Guiding Services When Health and Wellness Cover Body, Mind,
“The best view comes after the hardest climb” ~ Author Unknown
WRITTEN BY THERESA ST. JOHN PHOTOS PROVIDED
T
o say that Sarah Bacon is a ‘tough cookie’ would be an understatement. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when she was six years old, Sarah might have decided to sit on the bench for much of her life. No one would have blamed her.
Luckily, her parents, doctors, and friends didn’t allow her to use the debilitating diagnosis as an excuse. Instead, they encouraged her to do anything and everything possible to stay a few steps ahead of it.
She learned how to listen to her body. When she needed to rest, she rested. When she could push herself harder, she did. “I was determined to enjoy as much of life as I possibly could,” she tells me while we’re out together one day. “My doctor stressed that keeping active would help. I took those words to heart when I was a kid – I still live by them.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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10 essential items every hiker needs 1
MAPS/COMPASS Learn how to use them both before you go. Cell phone apps should be secondary.
2 3
SUNSCREEN
4
ILLUMINATION Most calls after dark are due to no headlamps
INSULATION Jacket/ hat/scarf/ gloves/ rain shell/ socks/ base layers. Be aware that temps can drop, the weather can change in a moment’s notice. Think about what you would need if you had an unplanned night in the woods.
5 6 7
FIRST AID/ REPELLENT
8
NUTRITION Pack an assortment of snacks, protein, salty foods, fruit pouches, high-calorie foods
9 10
REPAIR KIT/ TOOLS/ DUCT TAPE FIRE KIT Research the area ahead of time to be sure you can legally light a fire
HYDRATION/ FILTERS EMERGENCY SHELTER For more information about Sarah’s business, or to have her plan a hike with you, go to AdventureWithTheScenicRoute.com or @theScenicRouteGuiding
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When Sarah was 20, friends from college asked if she wanted to go hiking and camping in the mountains. She’d hiked before – mostly flat trails. “I thought it was going to be an easy hike, my first 46’r, a fun time away for the weekend with people I knew.” I watch as she taps her fingertips on the table between us. We’re drinking – what else – coffee at a café in town. “I brought blue suede fashion boots, white sweatpants, and a heavy sweatshirt for this outing,” Sarah shakes her head laughing, then turns stone-cold sober. “For goodness sake – It was October – which meant there was ice at the top. My boots had no traction, I wasn’t wearing layers – oh, I could go on and on here, but I won’t. I will tell you that I did everything wrong. Our guide did everything wrong.”
leaving no trace when out in the woods,” Sarah explains. “We’re leaving the mountains to our children and our grandchildren. Things – like respecting wildlife, being considerate of other visitors, staying on marked trails, disposing of waste in a proper manner, making certain we’re lighting campfires in appropriate areas, are just a few of the things we all need to be doing.” Today, Sarah hikes whenever she has the chance. She’s covered mountains and fire towers in the Catskills, Adirondacks, New York,
Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire areas. Her shortest hike was one mile, while her longest was 54 miles in 24 hours. Quite a feat! Her company – The Scenic Route Guiding Services, aims to help people hike all levels – in a smart, responsible way. “We tailor our adventures to folks in the best of health and folks with some challenges. We hope everyone will spend more time out in the fresh air and sunshine. We’d love to be part of their journey.” “Carry as little as possible, but choose that little with care.” ~ Earl Shaffer
The group hiked Mt. Colden, but their guide brought them up the Trap Dike – something never advised for beginner hikers. The route is discouraged by the DEC, who suggest it only be attempted by the most experienced hikers out there. “None of us were prepared for the mountain, which made it dangerous. There were moments I was fearful of dying.” When the group made it back to camp, Sarah felt she might never hike a mountain again. In 2001, after her son Owen was born, her psoriatic arthritis came back with a vengeance. Crippled with pain from the disease, Sarah was unable to do much of anything. While she rested and tried to recover, the young mother did some research on Cascade and Porter mountains. She discovered that planning the hike was almost as fun as taking to the mountain trails, that being prepared as a hiker was tantamount to a successful outing. “No wonder I hated Colton,” She laughs, her hazel eyes sparkling. “It was enlightening to read about nature, the environment, the importance of each hiker saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 27
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS! Saturday, April 4th will kick-off with the Scotties Stampede 5k Walk/Run, followed immediately by the Wellness Expo. The expo is free for individuals and families. We are very excited to announce the Ballston Spa Central School District’s Wellness Day is returning! For years, the school district has coordinated two successful health and wellness events: the annual Wellness Expo that historically attracts over 500 attendees (and over 50 vendors!) and the Scotties Stampede 5k Walk/Run Fundraiser that benefits the Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation in Education Fund and attracts over 200 runners and walkers. Combining the events into a Wellness Day worked well in 2019 and we are excited to build upon the success for 2020! The school district will host both the Scotties Stampede 5k Walk/Run and Wellness Expo on Saturday, April 4, 2020 as part of the district’s Wellness Day! Both events encourage families in the community to participate in healthy and active lifestyles and learn about local wellness organizations.
The day will kick-off with the Scotties Stampede 5k Walk/ Run, followed immediately by the Wellness Expo. The expo is free for individuals and families. Financially, the Scotties Stampede 5k will continue to support the Ballston Spa Partnership for Innovation in Education Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. This field of interest fund is used to support the various innovative and mission-related programs throughout the district that include: Community Literacy Campaign, Sponsor-A-Scholar, Scotties BackPack Program, STEM, Robotics, and Clean Technologies & Sustainable Industries Early College High School. Over 50 partners from business and industry, higher education, non-profit organizations and government agencies currently support the Partnership Fund. Visit the race website at ScottiesStampede.org For additional information or to sponsors this event, please contact Kelly Delaney-Elliott, Coordinator of Development, kelliott@bscsd.org or (518) 884-7195 x 1369. The actual value of a race entry is $20.00. Any contribution in excess of this amount may be tax deductible
28 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
FEATURED ROAD RACES
SPRING 2020 13th ANNUAL FURRY FUN RUN, A RUN/WALK FOR PEOPLE AND DOGS!
SATURDAY APRIL 18TH
This great fundraiser to benefit Peppertree Rescue will take place at the Warming Hut off the scenic Avenue of the Pines in Saratoga State Park on Saturday April 18th! The Furry Fun Run was the first 5k in the area to welcome dogs on a certified 5K course, and it is a do-not-miss event! If you are not up for running, we welcome walkers too! Day-of-registration is $35 so do not forget to register early. The first 50 people to register can opt to receive a free run t-shirt thanks to our sponsors, and if you collect $100 or more in donations for Peppertree Rescue, then your registration fee can be refunded the day of the run. Prizes will be awarded to the first three women, men and dogs to cross the finish line, as well as the top three fundraisers. This event will be chip timed by Green Leaf Racing. Packet pick up and race day registration will run from 8:00 am to 8:45 am on race day at the Warming Hut; the race will start promptly at 9:15 am. Proceeds of this event go to benefit the dogs of Peppertree Rescue. Peppertree Rescue is a volunteer run organization dedicated to helping dogs of good temperament – we do not discriminate based on breed, age or health.
8TH ANNUAL BACON HILL BONANZA SATURDAY APRIL 25, 2020
A Family Friendly Race that takes pride in creating a competitive, yet friendly atmosphere on a beautiful course in the countryside of Saratoga County featuring homemade pies and cookies for 5-Year increment male and female age group winners. We are excited to announce that we are part of the 2020 USATF Adirondack Grand Prix Race Series, and also the Saratoga Stryders Grand Prix Series!! This beautiful course winds through scenic farm country in Bacon Hill. *** The 10K course will no longer be using Peck Lane. To replace it, there will be an out & back heading north on Stonebridge Road during the first half mile of the race - mostly flat....one less hill!! This race will have chip timing & scoring by Green Leaf Racing. The 5K is on a paved road which will be closed to traffic. The 10K has some hills and includes portions that are on dirt roads (not a trail-type run, just an unpaved surface.) saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
The first 300 registered participants for either the 5K or the 10K receive a T-Shirt. Additional family members registering for the 5k/10k receive $5 off! (Does not apply to fun run). Overall male and female winners for both races receive a Prize Basket including a Homemade Pie, Bacon, Milk, Eggs, other local gifts and gift certificates. The first-place male & female winners for age group divisions (5 year increments from 14 and under to 80+) receive a homemade pie! The apples are donated by a local orchard, Saratoga Apple. 2nd & 3rd place age group finishers receive homemade cookies. All runners receive a cup of King's chocolate milk, homemade goodies and fruit at the finish line! Be sure to check out the Amazing Bonanza Raffle!! It includes race entries, gift certificates to restaurants, home-made pie, carrot cake and more! One free ticket to every participant. Tickets can also be purchased on site at registration Friday night before the race as well as Race Day. Thanks to the support of this race for the first six years, (along with other fundraisers and the generosity of friends and family of our church), the church steeple and renovation project is paid for in full! This year's proceeds will once again benefit the Bacon Hill Church Repair Fund, with 10% going to a local charity. Due to insurance reasons, NO Dogs Allowed - sorry! This is a great race for a great cause with some of the friendliest volunteers you will ever meet!!
THE MEMORIAL DUATHLON & 5K MAY 24, 2020
Come join us on May 24, 2020 for the 16th annual Memorial Duathlon & 5K. Held every year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, this event is an incredibly important fundraiser for the Saratoga Springs Lions Club. The event, staged at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, brings out competitors looking for an early season duathlon, as well as those just looking for a fun run/walk to start their day. Awards are given for top finishers in many categories for both the Duathlon and 5K. There is free food, drink and event t-shirts for all participants. It’s a great course and cause with proceeds going to help the Lions Club fund their mission. We also acknowledge our fallen heroes and honor our vets through our Save A Vet Program. To register visit: RunSignUp.com/Race/NY/ SaratogaSprings/TheSaratogaSpringsLionsDuathlon.
SPRING 202 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | 29
How Laura Snyder became a HEALER . . . in every sense of the worD WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM
Laura Snyder’s wardrobe does NOT include any t-shirts imprinted with the words “I help bodies – and spirits – grow stronger in broken places.”
But perhaps it should! On the one hand are the multitudes -- many recovering from debilitating accidents and/or orthopedic surgeries -- Snyder has assisted during her 26 years as a Physical Therapist (PT). The array of braces, canes, crutches, walkers and wheelchairs she has seen supporting new arrivals at LaMarco Physical Therapy, PC in Saratoga Springs could easily fill a prop room for a major motion picture about Lourdes. But one needn’t rely upon faith to believe healings are taking place as painstakingly achieved restorative progress can typically be seen in improved flexibility and mobility. Sometimes it can also be measured (quite literally by degrees) and/or documented via medical imaging devices. On the other hand, are those who seek out Snyder’s services as a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner (HTCP). Although the “breaks” and “blockages” that lead such souls to her private practice are rarely the kind that show up on x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs, the suffering linked to them is very real indeed. Whether mourning a personal loss or battling post-operative pains, Snyder can genuinely empathize as she strives to holistically restore balance and harmony in the human energy system, placing the client in a position to self-heal. The therapeutic scents and sounds that fill the sanctuary where Healing Touch sessions unfold contrast sharply with the sweat and tears that occasionally accompany PT sessions during which temporary pain must be endured in the interest of long-term fitness and function. Those who protest PT regimens with arguments like ‘It’s easy for you … you don’t know what I’m going through’ would, in fact, be hard-pressed to find another health care provider whose medical history includes a broken jaw, a knee that required an orthopedic surgery and several abdominal operations. 30 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
“The first real test of how tough I was came at age 21 when I broke my jaw in two places while playing soccer during my senior year at Springfield College in Massachusetts,” recalls Snyder. “It took six months for my jaw to fully recover, starting with having my mouth wired shut for eight weeks with hardware that resembled a horseshoe with hooks and wires as well as 30 or so rubber bands that pulled the jaw in the direction necessary to realign it at the front and sides. All nourishment came via a liquid diet.” Although she had been an athlete her whole life and suffered her share of sports injuries, the broken jaw was different. “I often say it was far more painful to repair the broken jaw than to break it,” muses Snyder, who succeeded in earning degrees in Health Fitness/Athletic Training from Springfield in 1986 before receiving her Physical Therapy degree from Russell Sage in 1993. It was while recovering from her broken jaw that Snyder first resolved to test a theory she had, about selfdirected pain control and healing. “They couldn’t put me under anesthesia while wiring my mouth shut and so 30-something injections were administered during the process. Now THAT was torture! When the time came to cut the wires and remove the braces, I
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resolved to use the power of my own mind to get through the procedure without any numbing injections. I put myself into a meditative state and visualized a positive outcome.” Memories of that experience ultimately catapulted Snyder to her current two-pronged career path. “Being a Physical Therapist and a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner may seem worlds apart, but both involve helping people heal,” muses Snyder, who has long modeled the truth of adages like “Doing a good deed is a good feeling.” “I feel fortunate both in my work at LaMarco, PC (on Geyser Road in Ballston Spa) and in my private practice (in the former Benedict
Memorial Hospital on nearby Rowland Street) to feel as if I’m doing good deeds all day long,” she beams. And while she’d never wish to endure “the second test of how tough I was” a second time, Snyder believes the anguish she endured just prior to and following the births of her now college-aged sons, Garrett and Kason, strengthened her own powers of self-healing and the empathy she has for others. “Although I’m a very private person, I’m also intuitive by nature and I do occasionally share lessons learned from my own personal health challenges with clients when I feel they may be helped by the experience,” reflects Snyder.
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How meeting Sister Rita Jean DuBrey changed Laura's life... It was a desire to spend as much time as possible with sons Garrett and Kason during their pre-school years that led devoted mom Laura Snyder to limit her hours as a Physical Therapist to part-time. But after both lads became full-time students, Snyder decided to respond to a newspaper ad seeking Healing Touch Buddies for breast cancer survivors to be trained by Sister Rita Jean DuBrey, RN, MSN, HTCP/I at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam.
This includes not only the broken jaw, but also a series of abdominal surgeries she endured and the resulting sometimes debilitating “Phantom Pains” that lingered during the years when her sons were preschoolers. (One needn’t suffer the amputation of a limb to experience such suffering, as nerves severed during accidents and/or during surgical procedures, often continue to perceive the pain and send related messages to the brain.) “It was during the 1990s that I learned to appreciate with certainty that no two individuals experience pain in precisely the same way and that no two patients can ever be treated in precisely the same way. Perhaps most important, I also discovered through my own wellness journey that if a pain is real to a patient, then it is real enough to require the attention of a health care practitioner, even if the source of the pain isn’t visible. The most important thing is to listen, really listen.” Snyder awards credit to schoolteacher husband Rick (with whom she tied the knot three decades ago) and her parents Jeanne and Vic Ferrante (both now retired educators), with being the wind beneath her wings. The support of these family members also proved to be a blessing following an orthopedic surgery in 2008. By this time, Snyder had added the initials HTCP to her credentials. Both vocational paths served Snyder well while preparing her body, mind and spirit for – and following – the orthopedic surgery, which entailed weeks of long and arduous PT sessions, to repair and restore function of her right knee. “It was a very complicated procedure that involved significant reconstruction --including the need for needing two new ligaments. It definitely helped that I was able to apply what I’d learned in Healing Touch to help open up the energy flow in my knee to foster acceptance of the new ligaments. Healing Touch also helped me cope with surgical swelling and pain. Even so, it sometimes seemed like I’d been walking on crutches forever. And nothing but PT would ensure total restoration of function. This was when I sometimes had to remind myself: ‘Just because you’re in pain doesn’t mean you have to be a pain.’ I really had to practice what I’d been preaching!” To learn more, please email Laura at bspa.healingtouch@gmail.com.
“Even as a child, I’d known I wanted to go into some kind of medical healing profession, but in hindsight I think I was too busy caring for my kids to really think about how I might pursue a related vocation. After meeting Sister Rita Jean and learning everything I could about how to become a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner (HTCP), I resolved to do just that. Once I started the program in 2005, it felt like I’d been doing it my whole life.” After three years of attending classes, studying and mentorship experiences in addition to her part-time PT position at LaMarco Physical Therapy, Snyder was ready to open a private practice. A major beneficiary of some of her earliest Healing Touch treatments was her beloved brother James Ferrante, who passed away at age 49 in January 2012. “Jim’s prolonged and valiant battle with kidney disease ultimately involved dialysis and multiple surgeries, including two valve replacements and a partial artificial heart. Although there were many times when I felt helpless to medically assist him, I could always provide comfort and relief through energy healing. Jim’s wellness journey was a tremendous inspiration for me to earn my Healing Touch certification; you might say I take him with me in every treatment because our experiences together left an indelible impression on my mind and spirit,” reflects Snyder. “I’ve since worked with many patients who are struggling with major health challenges and it warms my heart when they tell me that Healing Touch can give them what medicine alone cannot.” Those too infirm to travel to the peaceful Rowland Street practice Snyder now shares with Christina Slade, PT, HTCP, CCA, may book house calls. In addition, many a Healing Touch treatment has taken place in Saratoga County hospitals and Hospice/ palliative settings.
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A Perfect Match WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY SUPERSOURCEMEDIA.COM
IN 2017, Jim Calhoun had no idea he was about to embark on a life-changing journey. He was an outgoing guy who just liked to have a good time. THE FIRST DOWN For 15 years, Calhoun worked full-time as a Human Resources Assistant at St. Peter’s Health Partners, while helping to build bathrooms, porches and decks in his spare time. He loved music, being outdoors, and trying out different craft beers. He was taking it easy that Labor Day weekend. He was vacationing with his family at their New Jersey lake house, but his father had just passed away two weeks prior and he wasn’t feeling the greatest. Falling asleep at 5 p.m. that evening, he woke at 11 p.m. and went to the bathroom. While washing his hands, he blacked out and hit his head on the granite countertop. It was only a small cut, but his face was badly bruised. At the hospital, blood tests revealed that Calhoun had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. “I couldn’t believe it. I felt normal,” he said. THE GREATEST GIFT Jim Calhoun’s life changed overnight. “My focus was beating it and starting the process to get through it,” he said. Because he was 44 years old at the time he was diagnosed, in addition to chemotherapy treatments, doctors told him he was also going to need a bone marrow transplant. His name was put on the Be the Match national marrow registry. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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There was a 30-percent chance of finding a suitable donor match. Over the next year, Calhoun was in and out of the hospital often, contracted pneumonia, and was battling fevers of 106 to 108 degrees. “My birthday is on Christmas and by that point I thought I just couldn’t fight anymore,” he said. Not long after that, he got a text message saying he had a donor match. “I called everybody I could think of, I was so excited!” A MATCH MADE IN MARROW Admitted to the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Care Center on January 26th, 2018, Calhoun spent three days getting high doses of radiation before his relatively painless transplantation procedure. A year later, he was able to meet his donor. “I was pacing around the house for two hours before I could call him. Once I did, it was like I’d known him forever,” said Calhoun. Christian Montano lost several people close to him to cancer, so when the football team he was on at Brown University all decided to signup to be on the registry, he did too. That simple cheek swab revealed that he matched all 12 genes for transplant compatibility with Calhoun. Extracting the marrow from his pelvis was much harder. The doctors told him afterwards that being a football player made it so tough to get through his muscles. Their drill had worn blisters into their hands. Still, he was in and out of the hospital in a day. Unfortunately, the fire alarm at his hotel went off that night and he had to walk down seven flights of stairs to get out. “Christian said it was the worst pain he’d been in, in his entire life,” recalled Calhoun. CELEBRATING SURVIVAL The following year, when Calhoun and his family reached the gate at Montano’s Connecticut home for a “Celebration of Life” party, he had to turn around.
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“I left for a little while to collect my thoughts. I was so nervous. Inside, I was crying like a baby. I could never thank him enough for saving my life and making it so that I could spend more time with my wife and children,” said Calhoun. Now an offensive lineman with Tulane University, Montano is a soft-spoken, humble, kind, generous kid, said Calhoun. Montano’s family began referring to Calhoun as “Uncle Jimmy” and his parents call him “son.” IN THIS TOGETHER It’s friendship that has made Calhoun’s more than two-year journey through cancer manageable. His niece, Magen Whalen, held a community fundraiser, and local businesses and organizations have pitched in to help Calhoun pay for medical bills and travel expenses. Teaming up with others, he’s held several successful blood and marrow donor drives. He’s also reached out to other adult patients with support. “I try to help who I can to make them feel better and stay positive,” he said. Calhoun’s immune system is still compromised, so other illnesses continue to crop up, but he is trying to stay active and hopes to be able to work again soon. “You have to ask yourself, ‘Do I sit here and wait for the cancer to come back or keep on living?” To offer financial help, donations are being accepted at any Adirondack Trust bank branch to the #CalhounStrong account.
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KNOW Before You Go Important note: for a potentially life-threatening medical issue, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.
What type of diagnostic testing is available onsite?
ew urgent care facilities are opening up everywhere, it seems, partly due to consumer demand, and partly to relieve pressure off of busy emergency departments, allowing them to meet critical care needs.
Urgent care clinics may send out or have limited onsite labs and other diagnostics. Urgent care centers tied to a hospital can administer fluids and medicines intravenously (IVs) and have onsite laboratory and advanced imaging service, such as a CT scan for abdominal pain. These services can be done during your visit, so you don’t have to leave to go to a separate location.
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What consumers often don’t realize is one urgent care is not necessarily like the other. Life- or limb-threatening conditions should always go to the closest emergency department, but almost anything else can be seen in an urgent care. Urgent care services tend to fall into three categories:
Who will I see? Almost all urgent care facilities rely upon highly qualified and well-trained advanced practice providers such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. An urgent care clinic is staffed with advanced practice providers. At hospital-tied urgent cares, a physician is either in the facility or available for consult.
• Primary care with extended walk-in hours; • Urgent care centers directly tied to a hospital; • Urgent care walk-in clinics for basic care. “The most common urgent cares are these three. In an ideal world, if you can see your primary care provider, you should,” says Julie Sipperly, site director, Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care – Wilton and Wilton Medical Arts. Sipperly recommends researching and choosing your urgent care before you need it. Here are some questions that will help you choose the right urgent care for you and your family:
Julie Sipperly, site director, Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care – Wilton and Wilton Medical Arts.
Are you directly associated with a hospital? Some urgent cares are independently operated. Some are associated with a local hospital without a direct tie. Without that direct hospital support, clinics can provide basic urgent care for minor illnesses and injuries. An urgent care center directly tied to a hospital can treat more serious illnesses and injuries because they often share emergency doctors and have access to hospital resources, such as shared electronic medical records and specialists. These facilities can treat minor and moderately severe illnesses and trauma for non-life-threatening conditions such as broken bones or deep lacerations.
“When you walk into Urgent Care at Wilton, you are really walking into Saratoga Hospital,” says Sipperly. “Malta Med Emergent Care has two health partners, Albany Med and Saratoga Hospital. Our physicians and advanced practice providers are specifically trained in emergency medicine and rotate between Saratoga Hospital’s Emergency Department, Malta Med Emergent Care, and our Saratoga Hospital Urgent Cares in Wilton and Queensbury.”
Sipperly also recommends asking if they offer reservations. “Some places offer online reservations, but if you can, it’s a good idea to call. That way, if you are reporting symptoms such as dizziness, you can talk to a nurse in case it might be more serious and in need of immediate attention. Conversation is a pretty important part of the process.” Learn more about Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care services at SaratogaHospital.org/urgent-care.
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POP, SUI and UUI …oh my! Educating female patients about once taboo pelvic floor wellness topics is a rewarding part of NP Jeanne Ann Dahl’s urogynecology practice. WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTO PROVIDED
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urse Practitioner Jeanne Ann Dahl says the once taboo topic of female incontinence was just starting to “come out of the closet” when she responded to a recruitment ad for a pioneering practice devoted to urogynecology in 2001. “My credentials at the time included 15 years as an NP in the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. Those early career experiences helped open my eyes to many of the myths and stigmas that had for untold generations been associated with pelvic floor disorders, including pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI),” reflects Dahl. “I was encouraged to discover that the importance of educating women about such quality- of-life health issues was finally coming into the light.” As print ads and TV commercials featuring sleek bladder protection pads and stylish disposable incontinence panties began to circulate, patients were increasingly expressing a desire to learn more about causes of -and treatment options for – urogynecologic issues. Recognizing the ever-increasing need for related health care services, Dahl ultimately decided to devote her practice to this subspecialty. Widely praised for having a bedside manner that is at once charming and disarming, Dahl says her own three offspring (who range in age from 24 to 31) often tell her how lucky she is to have a career she finds so fulfilling. “It is so gratifying to put my experience and knowledge to use helping suffering women to improve the quality of their lives. I am very fortunate to work with two highly trained, compassionate urogynecologists, Dr. Erin Crosby and Dr. Katherine Husk, at Albany Medical Center and in AMC’s satellite offices in Clifton Park, Delmar, Latham and Malta,” says Dahl. “It is an honor to assist Drs. Crosby and Husk in educating and
caring for women who are affected with pelvic floor disorders that their own mothers and grandmothers at best whispered about.” “POP is the dropping of the pelvic organs caused by loss of normal support of the vagina. Although most women have no symptoms, some will experience a bulge or vaginal pressure, discomfort with intercourse, urinary symptoms, difficulty moving their bowels, low back discomfort or vaginal bleeding. Early detection is useful as conservative treatment options can relieve symptoms and even halt progression. As POP progresses, reconstructive surgery may become necessary,” notes Dahl. (Please see “POP Culture 101: It’s not what you think!” at AnnHauprich.us/POP-Culture-101_PelvicOrgan-Prolapse.html.) “It saddens me when a woman delays seeking an examination until non-surgical treatments are no longer adequate,” laments Dahl. “The earlier a patient’s symptoms can be diagnosed, the better her chances of benefitting from non-surgical interventions. For example, says Dahl, although the use of pessaries (see Q & A) was first documented by ancient Egyptians, many of today’s females remain blissfully ignorant about what these devices are until they are diagnosed with a condition that requires treatment to correct or reduce POP or SUI. “My own expertise regarding the use of pessaries to improve the quality of women’s lives, and in many cases, to prevent or delay pelvic floor surgeries, has increased significantly over the past decade,” she notes. Somewhere along the line, Dahl’s AMC co-workers began referring to her as The Pessary Queen. And while that regal title wasn’t one Dahl dreamed of acquiring as a little girl, the vivacious NP now embraces the moniker with pride.
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Q: What are the three common pelvic floor conditions that lead females to your examination rooms? Are there common risk factors for developing such maladies? A: We provide comprehensive treatment for all pelvic floor and bladder dysfunction, but pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) would be the three most common conditions. Risk factors for POP are increasing age, pregnancy and childbirth, chronic constipation, chronic cough, heavy lifting, obesity, family history and previous surgery. For SUI: Gender, pregnancy and childbirth, age, obesity and/or pelvic floor surgery. For UUI: Gender, age and/or certain bladder conditions. (Not all causes are known.) Q: Is a female ever too young – or too old – to seek a consultation? A: We see patients of all ages, as incontinence and POP can affect a woman at any stage, however, the prevalence increases as we age. Therefore, we tend to see more post-menopausal women as compared to younger women. But I want women to know they are NEVER too old to seek treatment. Q: What is the greatest misconception patients have about involuntary urine leakage? A: The most common misconception about urinary incontinence is that nothing can be done about it and they should just live with it. While current treatments can be quite effective and even curative, certain treatment options will only lessen incontinence for some, but this too can improve life quality. Q: Could you elaborate on some of the treatment options that are now available? A: There are a number of non-surgical treatment options for POP and incontinence, all of which we offer in our practice. Common to both would be lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, local estrogen use, pelvic floor physical therapy, and pessary use. We often refer patients for pelvic floor physical therapy, a highly effective treatment by specially trained therapists for pelvic floor dysfunction.
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For urinary urgency, frequency, and urgency incontinence we offer pharmacologic treatment, BOTOX and PTNS -- an essentially painless outpatient nerve stimulation series of treatments. Q: What is a pessary and how does such a treatment option benefit a patient? A: A pessary is a mechanical device made of medical grade silicone (like a diaphragm) inserted in the vagina to help correct or reduce POP or SUI. Pessaries are highly effective treatment options for prolapse and incontinence. In fact, a properly fitted pessary often makes it possible to avoid or delay surgery. There are now more than 20 different types of pessaries available and almost 85 per cent of women can be successfully fitted with such a device. Each pessary requires a specialized fitting, and, in our practice, I most often provide this service. I have been fitting pessaries for almost 18 years and it is very gratifying to help relieve women of bothersome pelvic floor and bladder symptoms. Ideally the patient cannot feel her pessary, and she is taught to manage the device herself with regular medical follow-ups. If a patient is unable to manage the pessary herself, she will visit me regularly for maintenance and follow-up care. Q: Do prospective patients need to secure a referral to book a consultation with your practice? If not, how may they directly book appointments with you? A: A formal referral is not necessary, however, records from the primary care provider or gynecologist are very useful and certainly any previous treatment records are required. Once the patient has secured transfer of these records, she can call our main scheduling number. A mixed blessing has been that as we get the word out about treatment options for urinary incontinence and POP, the demand for services increases. Once a women decides to seek treatment she naturally hopes to be seen quickly so we make every effort to schedule appointments as expeditiously as possible. To learn more, call 518.262.4942.
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When People D0Art Together: Inside C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studio
WRITTEN BY JESSICA PAVIA PHOTOS BY JULIANNE LEWIS, JESSICA PAVIA
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, three young girls are hard at work shaping clay pots in the C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studio. They sat equidistant around a U-shaped table and the instructor, Jen Horn, stands in the center, digging through a box of ceramics tools. They are homeschooling students there for the Healing Art Hour. Homeschool Art runs from 10-11:30. Healing Art Hour is 12-1:30pm and is an open studio format that Horn runs every Wednesday. Heather Hutchison, Julie Lewis, and Aili Lopez — C.R.E.A.T.E. founders and three-fourths of the operations staff — sit in front of a wall saturated with local art. But, in all honesty, each wall is a creative work of art. C.R.E.A.T.E. opened in Saratoga and Schenectady in 2017. The non-profit provides wellness activities and expressive art instruction to the public, with a focus on underserved communities and people with mental health needs After two years downtown, C.R.E.A.T.E. outgrew their space, moving in with Living Resources, which provides fine art instruction to students with disabilities, on Beekman Street. They now have ten regular instructors, with Horn being one of the steady adjuncts. “Aili and I met because we’re both art therapists,” said Hutchison. “The first time we met we started talking about this — about creating some sort of healing art space, community art studio where people from the public could come.” Lewis, who used to be a public-school teacher, was searching and asking around for local art therapists out of pure interest, finding it an under-utilized resource. One fateful day, she connected with Lopez. It is important to note, however, that C.R.E.A.T.E. does not currently provide art therapy services, but plans to one day, and has their roots there. “Because we come at it from an art therapy perspective, we have a very different standpoint than a paint-and-sip studio,” said Lopez. “We’re more process oriented; it’s not necessarily about what the person makes, but the process of making it visual.” An example would be someone creating a drawing in response to a traumatic incident that happened to them. After the piece is finished, the artist can tear it up and glue it back together, making an entirely new thing. Besides the activities and classes done on Beekman St., C.R.E.A.T.E. also does “suitcase programs” where they go to places like the Saratoga Springs Public Library or the Healing Springs Recovery Community Center. Lewis often works with Saratoga’s Project Lift, run by the Franklin Community Center, which offers free after-school programming. It is through grants from places like The Kimberly Beth Kennedy Family Foundation in Saratoga that make this possible. More general donations from the public help fund materials and programming hours. According to the bio, interest continues to grow as the community gains a greater understanding of what the space is about. “We’re there to do art together,” said Lewis. “Some [emotional] issues may come up — or maybe there’s targeted classes — but it’s not the purpose; it’s maybe a by product of what happens when people do art together.” 40 | HEALTHY SARATOGA | SPRING 2020 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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