Marion Healthy Living October 2017

RELIABLE RESEARCH: THE FUTURE OF ALZHEIMER’S AND PARKINSON’S TREATMENT

The ball’s in your court

Most insurances accepted. We are ICANL and AAAHC accredited. All of our physicians have hospital privileges in Marion County. Full EHR capabilities and i n-house billing.

WE GET TO THE heart OF THE MATTER

Dr. Shafeeq Ahmed Dr. Siva Gummadi

Dr. Vijaya Koka

Dr. Jayanth Koneru

Dr. Hima Mikkilineni Dr. Jigar Patel Dr. Srisha Rao Dr. Prem Singh Dr. Paul Urban

When your health or the health of a family member matters most, the professionals at Cardiovascular Institute of Central Florida are here to help. OUR

Bridget Boynton, ARNP Eddice Companion , PA

Dianne McDonaldGraber, ARNP Matt Morgan, ARNP Theresa Owens, ARNP

Bridget Shannon

ARNP

Early detection is always the best defense against breast cancer. RAO soars above other providers by delivering the most advanced diagnostic services, including no-referral 3D mammography™ screening exams for up to 40% greater accuracy, as well as physician-referred services like breast MRI, ultrasound and same-day biopsy to vanquish questions without delay.

Call RAO to schedule a routine 3D mammography™ exam today, and be a HERO in your life story.

C ha m pi o n AGAINST

IN THE FIGHT

BREAST CANCER

As the Medical Director of Women’s Imaging Services, Dr. Amanda Aulls and her exceptionally qualified team make RAO a powerful ally in the quest for fast, accurate detection.

LIFE. SAVED.

“I was visiting the springs in Ocala when I was involved in a four car accident on HWY 27 near downtown. I was ejected from the car and landed on the pavement. A nurse from Ocala Regional Medical Center saw the accident, had her daughter call 911 and the nurse performed CPR on me. I came to Ocala Regional Medical Center as a trauma alert and went into surgery for hours. I was in the hospital for almost a month and the list of my injuries is so long but every single day is getting better. So many people at Ocala Regional supported me and worked diligently to maintain my vitals so I would survive. I feel very blessed and feel like I have a second chance at life.”

-Tommy, age 23

TAKING CARE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Ocala Regional Medical Center’s Level II Trauma Center has transformed care for critically injured patients in Marion County and beyond. Our experts are here 24/7, saving time and saving lives, giving patients like Tommy a second chance at life.

See Tommy’s full story and learn more about our Level II Trauma Center at OcalaHealthSystem.com/trauma

HEALTHY beat

› PAGE 6

TRENDS | NEWS | PEOPLE

By Laurel Gillum, JoAnn Guidry and Melissa Peterson

› 8 What to do this month.

› 10 A viral voice.

› 12 Business news and updates.

› 14 Butterfly bliss.

be

ON THE COVER:

big league fun

›  PAGE 26

Miss the childhood days of teaming up with friends in pursuit of sports glory? Plenty of possibilities are still out there. › By Brett Ballantini

hope on the horizon?

› PAGE 22

A new diabetes drug shows great promise for treating Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. › By Jim Gibson

fish tales › PAGE 32

We went in search of good fishing tales from Citrus County and were not disappointed. Their stories just may inspire you to grab a rod and hit the water. › By Cynthia McFarland

HEALTHY dose

› PAGE 15

INSIGHT | ADVICE | SOLUTIONS By Laurel

Gillum

› 16 Old problems, new ideas.

› 18 Medicare must-knows.

HEALTHY body

› PAGE 39

NUTRITION | FITNESS | BEAUTY

By Angelique Anacleto and Robin Fannon

› 40 Year of beauty: legs.

› 42 The sensational squash.

HEALTHY vibe

› PAGE 43

MIND | SPIRIT | FINANCE

By Angelique

Anacleto

and Laurel Gillum

› 44 Reading for relief.

› 46 Fall festivals and fairs.

on the cover photographer: John Jernigan

model: Brianna Castro

hair & makeup: Austin James Hair Studio

shot on location: AMF Galaxy East Lanes

ADVISORY BOARD

7-DAY GUEST PASS

Limit one per person. First-time guests only. Must be at least 18 years old. No other discounts can be used with this o er.

› Co-ed. 24-hour Club Access

› Reciprocity at all Anytime Fitness Clubs

Guest Name

Phone/Email

Referred By

Dates Valid

8585 SW HWY 200 Ocala, FL 34481 352-237-8335

› Secure, Clean Environment

› State-of-the-Art Equipment

HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE has brought together a group of medical experts and community leaders to serve on our advisory board and share their expertise and insight with our readers.

Craig Ackerman Public Information O cer

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN MARION COUNTY

Nicolas Blaser Vice President – Business Services O cer

BB&T

Mark Jank, M.D. Ophthalmology OCALA EYE

Brittney Marthaller Director, Marketing & Public Relations OCALA HEALTH

3930 SW 42nd Street Ocala, FL 34474 352-237-1848

3290 SE 58th Ave Ocala, FL 34480 352-624-7393

www.AnytimeFitness.com

Amanda Brown Director of Marketing and Communications RADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF OCALA, P.A.

Ashley Cauthen, M.D. Cosmetic And Clinical Dermatology MIDSTATE SKIN INSTITUTE

Kristina Donohue Mission Advancement Coordinator THE CENTERS

Derek Farr, D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon TWIN PALMS ORTHOPEDICS

Linda McKenna Director of Business Development SIGNATURE HOMENOW

Amy McLaughlin, APR, CPRC Director, Marketing & Communications

SEVEN RIVERS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Katie Myers, APR Director of Marketing and Public Relations CITRUS MEMORIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Navinderdeep Nijher, M.D. Plastic Surgery

OCALA PLASTIC SURGERY

Carmen M. Hernandez Health Education Program Manager

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Ashley Hersey Clinical Liaison

KINDRED HOSPITAL OCALA Michael Holloway, M.D. Physician-Directed Weight Management & Medical Aesthetics LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS MEDSPA

Chris Okonkwo, M.D. Pediatrics

CHILDREN’S HEALTH OF OCALA

Jayanti Panchal, M.D. Internal Medicine and Medical Weight Management

SUCCESS BY DESIGN

PUBLISHER

Kathy Johnson kathy@healthylivingmagazines.com

OFFICE/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Cynthia Brown art@healthylivingmagazines.com

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Karin Fabry-Cushenbery karin@healthylivingmagazines.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Melissa Peterson melissa@healthylivingmagazines.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Cealia Athanason cealia@ocalastyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Vianca Torres vianca@ocalastyle.com

FOOD & LIFESTYLE CONTRIBUTOR

Robin Fannon

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Angelique Anacleto

Brett Ballantini

Diane Bedard

Jim Gibson

Laurel Gillum

JoAnn Guidry

Bonnie Kretchik

Cynthia McFarland

Katie McPherson

Nick Steele

Sean Trapani

ART art@healthylivingmagazines.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessi Miller

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Kristy Taylor

Amber Laudicina

PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Jernigan

Sheila Hartley

Richard Rossetto 123rf.com

SALES DIRECTOR OF SALES

Dean Johnson deanjohnson@healthylivingmagazines.com

SALES MANAGER

Sharon Morgan

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Liza Fritz

Skip Linderman

Peggy Sue Munday

Cecilia Sarco

Lori Tani

Tammy Sontag

DISTRIBUTION

Dave Adams

Debra McQueen

Rick Shaw

the nose knows

The Marion County Sheri ’s O ce (MCSO) recently purchased 1,000 Scent Preservation Kits and plans to use them in conjunction with their Extra Special Person (ESP) program in an e ort to find missing people faster and bring them home safely with the help of a MCSO K9. The Scent Preservation Kits are composed of a sterile jar, pad and tamperproof tape. The scent is collected by rubbing the pad on the person’s underarm area and then sealing the pad in the jar to preserve the person’s scent. The kits can last six to 10 years and are especially encouraged for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, those with autism and young children. To sign up for the Scent Preservation Kit program, contact the Marion County Sheri ’s O ce Crisis Intervention Unit at (352) 732-9111.

Photo by John Jernigan

SHOWCASE

Sponsored by Lady Jeweler

OCT. 18

5-8:30pm

COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

RESCHEDULED DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA

New

Hors d'oeuvres, dessert and wine tastings, plus more than 60 vendors offering the latest in wedding styles and trends

Door prize giveaways, including weekend getaways, high-end small appliances and smart home gadgets

First 50 brides will receive a gift bag filled with exclusive goodies

Get your tickets today by visiting ocalastyle.com. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door (cash only).

day by day

Fun events, helpful tips and monthly to-do’s for October

Chicken pot pie dinner Sign up for Barre class at Studio SC: Barre, Yoga, Fitness

Plan to attend Ocala Health’s diabetes support group tomorrow at 10:30am.

Core Workout

Clean fallen leaves out of gutters.

Columbus Day

Decorate for fall if you haven’t done so yet!

Start reading a new book and commit to finishing it.

Chair Yoga at Blissful Life Corporation (Every Wednesday at 10:30am)

”Are You Safe?” Ocala Health personal safety seminar*

Family game night

John Holmes Trail Run - 50K, 16M & 9M Southeast’s Oldest 50K Trail Run at Croom Park and Withlacoochee State Forest

”Mental Health and the Aging Population” Ocala Health Seminar*

Complete one to-do list item. Plan a trip to Coon Hollo in Micanopy.

Core Workout

2nd Annual YMCA of the Suncoast Youth Triathlon in Lecanto

Set aside some me-time. Get a mani or pedi.

Try a new recipe for dinner. Update the framed pictures around your house.

Core Workout

Pumpkin picking at The Pickin’ Patch in

Put finishing touches on any costumes. Clean out and organize under the bathroom sinks.

Jog for 20 minutes

Complete one to-do list item.

Disabled American Veteran 5K Run/ Walk at Baseline Road Trail Park YFA’S Run for New Beginnings 5K/1M at Hernando County Parks & Recreation

Sweep and mop under kitchen appliances.

Jog for 30 minutes

Change the air filters throughout the house. Complete one to-do list item.

Great American Cooter Festival at Liberty Park in Inverness (Through Oct. 29)

Harvest Hustle 5K/10K/Dualthlon at Silver Springs State Park

Visit the Ocala Arts Festival (Through the 29th).

Core Workout

Work on a fall craft with the kids. Stock up on candy.

Halloween

pumpkin pie

Yep, it’s time—bring on the pumpkin. Follow this recipe for the best pie you ever did have.

Jog for 40 minutes

1½ cups canned pure pumpkin

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup pure maple syrup (preferably Grade B)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1 9-inch baked pie crust sweetened whipped cream spiked with bourbon (optional; for serving)

Preheat oven to 350°F. › Whisk pumpkin and eggs in a medium bowl. › Add milk, maple syrup, flour, cinnamon, ginger and salt; whisk to blend well. › Pour filling into pie crust. › Bake pie until center is just set, 55-60 minutes. › Transfer to a wire rack; let cool. › Serve with whipped cream spiked with bourbon, if desired.

*To register for Ocala Health events, call (800) 530-1188 or visit OcalaHealthSystem.com

THE ENTIRE STAFF WAS AWESOME AND WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY FOR ME.

Colleen Scala Colon Cancer Patient

When it’s time for surgery, you can count on the team at Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital. Whether you have your surgery same-day or inpatient, our team is ready to care for you before, during and after. We want you to have the best surgical experience possible, so we make sure we’re providing a safe environment and guide you and your family through the process with care. With minimally invasive surgeries available, patients experience better results and quicker recovery. Some of our surgeries are also available with robotic-assisted technology.

Minimally Invasive Surgery at Ocala Health

Oncology

going viral

Microbiologist Dr. Greg Smith is the featured speaker Tuesday, November 7 for the Institute for Human & Machine Cognition’s Evening Lecture Series. And you won’t want to miss it!

Dr. Greg Smith went from learning to code a computer to studying a virus that recodes itself.

“When I was in elementary school, my father bought me an Apple II computer and told me to program my own games,” says Smith, an associate professor of microbiology-immunology at Chicagobased Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Programming that computer taught me to think in a logical, progressive way. And writing code that made the computer respond made me think about life’s code.”

Always interested in science, the next logical step was a career in microbiology.

“I wanted to learn what is the code making life work,” says Smith, who earned his post-doctoral degrees at Princeton University and earned his doctorate from Pennsylvania University. “The main focus of my graduate school work was initially microbes. At that time, I dismissed viruses as simple entities.”

But that changed when Smith attended a lecture on viruses given by Lynn Enquist, a

By JoAnn Guidry

Princeton University professor.

“Dr. Enquist asked the question of how do larger, more complex viruses get into our nervous system,” says Smith. “That’s when I realized that viruses are not simple entities but complex, highly adaptive ones. And that changed my career path.”

The main focus of Smith’s research is the three herpes viruses that get into our nervous system: herpes simplex I (cold sores), herpes simplex II (genital lesions) and varicella-zoster (chicken pox). The focus of his IHMC lecture will be: “What Are We Learning From A Virus That Reprograms Itself?”

“Viruses are small nanomachines that are genetically derived. They replicate and then disseminate,” says Smith. “The herpes virus evolved to get into the central nervous system. There, it goes dormant so your immune system won’t see it and attack it.”

Smith notes that “the herpes simplex I virus is so good at this deception that even though roughly 80 percent of the U.S.

population is infected with it, many people never even know it.” Stress can reactivate the herpes virus, and Smith says that “cold sores are the most common manifestation, but the virus can transmit into the eye, causing blindness, and into the brain, causing encephalitis.”

The herpes virus’ ability to adapt makes Smith’s research very challenging.

“Our bodies are not going to develop a way to protect us from the herpes virus,” says Smith. “So our research is focused on studying how to gather beneficial genetic information and develop a vaccine.”

Want To Go? › IHMC

EVENING LECTURE SERIES › Dr. Greg Smith, associate professor of microbiology-immunology › Tuesday, November 7, 6-7pm › (352) 387-3050 › ihmc.us

›

congrats, grads!

Oak Hill Hospital recently held its first commencement ceremony for its Graduate Medical Education program (GME) in internal medicine. All 10 graduates who began in 2014 were honored with graduation certificates presented by Dr. Salman Muddassir. Three of the graduating physicians will remain at Oak Hill Hospital, and an additional six will be practicing within 60 miles of Oak Hill Hospital.

“The fact that we have been able to retain nine out of the 10 residents in the state of Florida proves the success of our program in attracting and retaining highly qualified medical practitioners in the Tampa Bay area,” said Salman Muddassir, MD, the program’s director.

MEDICINE ON THE BRAIN

Ocala Neurosurgical Center (ONC) recently added neurosurgeon Jacob Freeman, MD, to its surgical team. ONC, which has been serving patients and referring physicians throughout Marion County and The Villages for more than two decades, delivers diagnoses and treatment of brain and spinal diseases and disorders, including brain tumor, spinal pain and stenosis, motions syndromes and other neurological issues.

“I chose ONC because the surgeons are of the highest character. They are known for both quality of care and surgical expertise,” says Dr. Freeman. “I’m able to add to ONC’s services and establish comprehensive, state-of-the-art tumor treatment here in Central Florida that will help deliver the best outcome to patients needing cranial operations.”

state-of-the-art care

In early August, Ocala Health expanded its minimally invasive surgery program with the addition of the da Vinci Xi® Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical. Ocala

Health’s use of the da Vinci Xi demonstrates the various surgical capabilities with this new technology, including general, gynecologic and urologic surgery. With real-time high definition, three-dimensional video and smaller, more versatile robotic arms, Ocala Health’s physicians and robotics team are able to provide a surgical experience with less pain, smaller incisions, less time in the hospital and quicker return to regular activities.

“We are dedicated to bringing the latest technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques to our community. With the addition of the da Vinci Xi system, our team facilitated surgeries for general surgery, gynecology and urology. The cases we’ve performed show the various capabilities of our physicians and our robotics team,” says Chad Christianson, Ocala Health CEO.

new to the team

Radiology Associates of Ocala (RAO) recently added another doctor to its team of board-certified radiologists. Diagnostic and vascular and interventional radiologist Jaime L. Abesada, MD, is RAO’s newest member, boosting the practice’s number of radiologists to 20.

“I’m proud to be part of the RAO team and grateful to have the opportunity to bring my experience to the local community,” Dr. Abesada says. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues and assisting patients with their ongoing health, comfort and vitality.”

Small Business Success

USDA Lending Department at CBC National Bank O ers More Opportunities for Business and Industry Loans

CBC National Bank announces the addition of its in-house USDA Business and Industry (B&I) Lending Department. This specialized department was created to better serve small business owners in acquiring funding, whether it be for a start-up business, to refinance current debt into better rates and terms, to purchase new equipment or to provide working capital. The creation of the USDA B&I Lending Department will work in conjunction with the bank’s already established Small Business Administration Lending Group to better serve small business owners.

USDA B&I loans are guaranteed loans by the United States Department of Agriculture; however, don’t be fooled into thinking the USDA only funds agricultural projects, as the program will fit the mold for virtually any business that is operating for profit. Another benefit of the program is the ability to provide financing for projects that sometimes do not qualify for Small Business Administration Loans, such as non-owner-occupied businesses, including strip malls and multi-use o ce complexes.

CBC National Bank’s USDA B&I Lending Department welcomes the addition of Richard Duncan, vice president of USDA Lending, and Michael Oppel, assistant vice president of USDA Lending, to the team. Richard and Michael are both industry veterans with a combined 15 years in the arena of USDA Business and Industry Lending. The newly created USDA Department will provide small businesses with yet another resource to satisfying their funding needs in addition to our conventional loans and Small Business Administration Loans. The USDA department will be a turnkey service center for customers to contact from loan origination

350-3503

through loan closing. No need for a USDA Service Provider or Packager, as all loans will be processed in-house, which allows for cost savings to be passed along to the customer.

USDA Business and Industry Loans are targeted at bolstering job retention and creation in rural communities while improving the overall economic climate in rural America. Some perks of the USDA B&I Program are:

› Competitive fixed and variable rates

› Up to 30-year, fully amortized loans—no more renewals, appraisals or balloon payments

› Minimum down payments

› Easy application process

› Quick turnaround times for closing

Mr. Duncan and Mr. Oppel are dedicated to helping the small business owner meet his or her financial needs in today’s versatile economy by structuring loans consistent with the business owner’s plans for a successful future.

If your business is paying an excessive interest rate or subject to frequent loan renewals, stop and give our USDA Lending Department a call today to discuss options that could put your business on track to a stronger bottom line.

RICHARD DUNCAN MICHAEL OPPEL VP, USDA Lending

the butterfly & the leaf

Master Gardener Pat Burns, who specializes in butterflies, set to speak at Sholom Park’s LEAF Series lecture on Friday, October 20.

›

By JoAnn Guidry

Butterflies have taken over Pat Burns’ retirement.

“When I retired almost two years ago, I had two main goals,” says Burns, a former registered nurse and health care consultant. “One to become a certified master gardener and two, to find a hobby that I could share with my grandchildren. My 5-year-old grandson, Bo, and I decided on creating a butterfly garden. We began educating ourselves on everything that had to do with butterflies.”

Concurrent with her butterfly education, Burns enrolled in and graduated from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services’ master gardener program. Through the Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Service, Burns volunteers her time as a master gardener to educate people on good gardening practices.

Burns, who not only now has a butterfly garden but also raises butterflies, says, “People are always interested in butterflies and how to attract them to their gardens.”

The latter will be the topic of Burns’ lecture as part of Sholom Park’s LEAF Series on Friday, October 20, from 10:30-11:30am. LEAF is an acronym for Learn-Explore-AppreciateFocus. Created in 2004, Sholom Park is a 44-acre botanical garden featuring meadows, woodlands and more than 250 species of plants and trees. For Sholom Park Director Robert Colen,

the LEAF Series fi ts right in with Sholom Park’s reason for being.

“Part of Sholom Park’s mission is to provide continuing environmental education and understanding about the intricacies of our ecosystem,” says Colen. “Through the LEAF Series, we wish to provide, free to the public, ongoing seminars and lectures. All LEAF talks will center around aspects of Sholom Park, nature and characteristics found in our environments and the great outdoors.”

Using Sholom Park’s butterfly garden as her podium, Burns will discuss common butterflies in Central Florida, butterfly life cycles, butterfly host and nectar plants, and raising butterflies.

“One of the most important things to know if you want to attract butterflies is to have a good mix of host and nectar plants,” says Burns. “Most people don’t know this and just focus on flowering (nectar) plants, but you have to have both for the butterflies to thrive.”

And Burns’ favorite butterfly?

“I love them all. I raise monarchs, black swallowtails, gulf fritillaries and zebra longwings,” says Burns. “But my favorite is the zebra longwing, which is Florida’s o cial state butterfly.”

› SHOLOM PARK LEAF SERIES › Friday, October 20, 10:30-11:30am › No admission charge › Sholom Park › 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala › (352) 873-0848, ext. 7650 › sholompark.org

Want to go?

“One of the most important things to know if you want to attract butterflies is to have a good mix of host and nectar plants”

saving your butt

It’s possible that you or a loved one may su er from dead butt syndrome. And yes, it’s a real thing. Dead butt syndrome develops when the gluteus medius—one of the three main muscles in the buttock—stops firing correctly. Far from an unreasonable illness, this can happen if you spend too long slouched in a chair, or perhaps you’ve skipped the glute exercises one too many days in a row. If these practices start to become habit, though, your butt muscles will eventually deteriorate and become weak. We don’t know about you, but we like healthy butts (and we cannot lie).

Check out these tips that will save your butt:

› Take frequent breaks from your chair throughout the day.

› Add squats, bridges and lying-down leg lifts to your daily exercise routine.

› Choose activities that promote moving around rather than sitting.

medical myths

Put away the spoon-full of sugar. Turns out this busted myth doesn’t help the medicine go down after all.

› By Laurel Gillum

Parenting guidelines are not the same as they once were. In fact, many of the so-called nifty medical practices your grandparents swore by, according to a new study by the Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New York, are outdated. See if you can correctly answer true or false to these common medical misconceptions.

true or false?

YOU SHOULD DRINK

AT LEAST EIGHT GLASSES OF WATER A DAY.

False. In 1945, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council said adults should take in about 2.5 liters of water a day, or eight glasses. It was overlooked, however, that most of the 2.5 liters comes from food sources, including fruits and vegetables. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other liquid throughout your day.

true or false? PUTTING ICE ON A MINOR BURN IS A GOOD FIRST-AID REMEDY. False. Putting ice on a burn can cause frostbite and damage the skin. For relief from minor burns to the skin, try running cool water over the area.

true or false? ICE BATHS CAN BE USED TO BRING DOWN A VERY HIGH FEVER. False. Babies or children should never be put in ice baths as they can pose a hypothermia risk.

true or false?

BUTTER IS A GOOD FIRST-AID REMEDY FOR MINOR BURNS. False. Putting butter on a burn can make it harder for the wound to cool. This causes more damage from the retained heat. The best way to release heat from the skin is with cool water.

true or false?

Babies get fevers when they are teething.

true or false? SCRAPES AND CUTS HEAL BETTER IF THEY REMAIN COVERED WITH A BANDAGE.

True. The best way to protect and heal cuts and scrapes is to cover the wound with a thin layer of antibacterial ointment and a bandage.

true or false?

THE BEST SLEEPING POSITION FOR NEWBORNS AND INFANTS IS ON THEIR SIDE.

False. Babies should sleep on their backs. An incorrect sleeping position is a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year of age.

False. This medical myth can potentially pose a high threat to newborns and infants. Parents shouldn’t write o a baby’s fever as teething. Research has not shown a strong relationship between teething and high body temperatures. Always contact your child’s doctor if the fever is high, lasts several days or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Melissa Singleton, PA-C

Dr. Christina Mitchell

Dr. Ashley Cauthen

Katie Keel, ARNP-C

Stacey Klingbeil, PAC

managing medicare

The most important consideration regarding Medicare is who actually qualifies. Turning 65 is the most obvious way to be eligible for Medicare. If you are under 65 and have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for more than 24 months, in most cases, you will also qualify for Medicare. This is also known as the two-year waiting period. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare at the beginning of the 25th month that you receive a Social Security Disability Insurance check.

Time to get things in order for the new year—open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7, 2017 for plans starting January 1, 2018.

› By Laurel Gillum

If you are not 65 years of age, you will want to remember that the state- and federally run ACA marketplaces for individual health insurance plans begin open enrollment two weeks after Medicare open enrollment begins and runs until December 15. These two events—Medicare’s open enrollment and the ACA marketplaces’ open enrollment—are not to be confused. People with Medicare do not need to enroll in the health insurance marketplace. Also keep in mind that you have three months before your birth month and three months after your birth month to enroll in Medicare. Open enrollment is for those who have followed this guideline.

For those with Medicare, during open enrollment you can:

› Do nothing and keep your current Medicare medical and drug coverage as is.

› Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan from Original Medicare.

› Switch to Original Medicare from a Medicare Advantage plan.

› Change Medicare Advantage plans.

› Change Part D prescription drug plans, sign up for a drug plan if you don’t have one now or drop drug coverage.

New Stu To Know

For those Medicare veterans out there, the previous information is old news. Here are some recent changes to Medicare that you will want to brush up on. Rookies, this is for you, too!

PART B PREMIUMS. For most Medicare part B enrollees, the average $109/month Part B premium in 2017 increased by roughly 4 percent from the $104.90/ month they paid in 2016.

PART B DEDUCTIBLE. Rather than the $166 deductible in 2016, the deductible climbed to $183 in 2017.

PART A PREMIUMS, DEDUCTIBLE AND COINSURANCE ALL INCREASED IN 2017.

DECREASING PREMIUMS. Medicare Advantage’s premium averaged $31.40/ month in 2017—a decrease of about 4 percent from 2016.

PART D PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that the average Part D deductible increased by 7 percent in 2017.

Learn more › VISIT medicare.gov FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Wonder Women, Unite In the Fight to Beat Breast Cancer!

RAO is proud to have a dedicated team of superheroes in the battle against breast cancer, led by RAO’s Medical Director of Women’s Imaging Services, Board-Certified radiologist, Dr. Amanda Aulls. Although RAO’s Early Detection Defenders may not have the flash and spectacle of the conventional superhero, they compose a powerful league of allies every bit as valiant in their dedication to saving lives.

When caught before it has had a chance to spread, breast cancer has a 93 percent survival rate, making early detection the best defense against this sneaky, silent foe. RAO has made it our mission to make early detection possible for more women than ever before. RAO remains a local leader in diagnostic and interventional radiology services by being a forerunner in the latest state-of-the-art technologies and procedures, and its Women’s Imaging Center and TimberRidge Imaging Center devote particular emphasis to early breast cancer detection in a professional, comforting and empathetic environment.

“As a woman doctor, I contribute a unique understanding to women’s diagnostic care,” says Dr. Aulls. “After all, I’ve had screening mammograms, so I can talk about them as more than a service or statistic but also as a firsthand experience. A screening 3-D mammography™ exam at RAO delivers the highest level of accuracy, takes only a few minutes and is performed with the utmost kindness, empathy and respect.”

Never a practice to stay with old or outdated technologies, RAO continually researches and incorporates the latest advances in diagnostic care. RAO was among the first regional providers to o er 3-D mammography™ exams, also called tomosynthesis, which produce multiple images of breast tissue from varying angles in the same amount of time, for dramatically superior imaging. Because it provides greater detail of tiny abnormalities, it is especially useful when examining the estimated 47 percent of women with dense breast tissue. Not only is it up to 40 percent better at discovering invasive breast cancer, 3-D mammography™ technology produces far fewer false positive results.

“Enhanced accuracy means fewer supplementary exams and reduced patient anxiety,” says Dr. Aulls. “It is the gold standard of mammography, making it RAO’s present standard of care.”

Adding to overall accuracy is RAO’s commitment to quality control.

“Our radiology team reads all imaging results in-house, instead of sending them out to a third party like a lot of practices,” says Dr. Aulls. “We can’t trust outsiders to have our level of experience, skill and specialized training. This is especially true when something suspicious shows up in a screening mammogram. Those images need to be reviewed by a radiologist who specializes in breast imaging and can engage in a direct conversation with a patient’s doctor.”

When something questionable does show up in a diagnostic mammogram or a patient presents with a lump or other symptom, that patient’s doctor can order a biopsy up until 3pm that same day, for fast answers, quick action and reduced anxiety. RAO applies the same commitment to all of its women’s imaging services and is in the process of upgrading its diagnostic technologies this year, including acquiring the latest in stereotactic breast biopsy and DEXA bone density scanning.

When you’re looking for an experienced and trusted ally in the fight against breast cancer, visit RAO’s Women’s Imaging Services at womensimagingocala.com or contact the dedicated team at (352) 671-4300.

“As a woman doctor, I contribute a unique understanding to women’s diagnostic care.”

› Dr. Aulls

Primary Care With An Integrative Twist

Patient Centered Healthcare & Wellness takes a compassionate, integrative approach.

Dr. Cindy Grow ARNP, DNP, owner and founder of Patient Centered Healthcare & Wellness, is the architect behind this twist on primary care. Not only does her practice make quality health care accessible to everyone, but it takes a personal approach. Cindy believes in developing relationships with patients and developing a proactive treatment plan over a reactive one. With primary care and a holistic focus, Cindy has brought the best of both traditional and integrative medicine to her private practice.

“I really believe health care needs to be personalized for each patient. There is no one size fits all when it comes to a person’s health and wellness,” Cindy says.

Cindy met her partner Georgia Gonzalez, MSN, ARNP several years ago. They both share a love of helping others, enjoy the investigative aspect of ailments and chronic disease management and guide patients in learning to take control of their health.

Dr. Cindy Grow ARNP, DNP

Shortly after, Georgia joined her team, and they developed memberships to provide comprehensive and a ordable health care.

“We’ve always both had a passion for finding out the why,” Georgia says. They assess each patient’s risk for disease and look for the root cause of illness, rather than just treating symptoms.

Membership Benefits

PCH Wellness now o ers membership options for individuals, couples and families, whether insured or uninsured. They also o er self-pay visits for non-members, but the benefits of membership cater to those with high-deductibles or no insurance coverage.

Because the price of insurance can be high for the services many patients seek, PCH Wellness o ers an a ordable and comprehensive alternative to meet your health care needs.

PCH Wellness o ers everything from primary care services, weight loss management and aesthetic services to family planning, men’s and women’s health care, health coaching and chronic disease prevention and management. If a patient needs something ordered outside of the practice, PCH Wellness o ers wholesale pricing on labs and diagnostic services ordered. This includes imaging services and labs outside of the routine wellness panels o ered in the membership.

How do they do it? They keep a low overhead and manage the practice e ciently to ensure they can spend quality time with each patient.

“Our practice is very patient centered, and our patients will always get the time they need at the o ce,” Cindy says. “They’re not going to come to the o ce and feel rushed. We believe in taking all the time required to fully assess each patient.” Cindy and Georgia find ways to help their patients meet their health goals and maximize their wellness.

For members, all primary care services are provided—including exams, physicals, wellness exams, follow-up appointments, sick visits, referrals, labs, diagnostic testing and imaging procedures— along with access to virtual visits through their online portal. Non-members enjoy the same quality care on a self-pay basis, and patients do not need to be insured to become members.

An Integrative Approach

As nurse practitioners, Cindy and Georgia o er the same quality care physicians do but with an integrative twist. The training for nurses is di erent than physician training. Cindy and Georgia are focused on mind, body and spirit wellness. This means identifying a patient’s genetic risk and helping them adopt lifestyle changes, as well as develop a treatment plan that focuses on prevention and management of chronic disease.

“Integrative is really where we’re just taking a combination of conventional medicine practices with alternative therapies and personalize a plan of care for the patient,” Cindy explains.

Whether you have insurance or not, PCHWellness is the primary care practice for you and your family. Moreover, the primary care membership options, which are free from insurance constraints, provide the health care value you deserve. PCH Wellness provides comprehensive, quality care to meet the needs of families, with a compassionate patient focus.

“I really believe health care needs to be personalized for each patient. There is no one size fits all when it comes to a person’s health and wellness.” — Dr. Cindy Grow

Georgia Gonzalez, MSN, ARNP

A new diabetes drug shows great promise for treating Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

By Jim Gibson

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease can be devastating. Both these neurodegenerative diseases involve the death of vital brain cells, and at the present time, neither has a known cure. Even the cause for either disease is unknown, but the end result is the same: progressive loss of physical and mental capabilities and eventual death.

These diseases have many di erences but also have some basic similarities that have led researchers to seek a common treatment for both diseases. But the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases has made this a daunting task. Much like the search for a cure to cancer, researchers have cast a wide net, looking for answers in virtually every branch of science while leaving no stone unturned. The pharmaceutical industry, using vital research from each of these branches, is investing billions of dollars into the search for a cure.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a nonfatal progressive neurological illness caused by the death of dopamine-producing brain cells. Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that carries “messages” between di erent parts of the brain, ensuring smooth, controlled muscle movement. As the dopamine-producing brain cells die, there is less dopamine in the brain and smooth muscle movement diminishes. The disease is characterized by tremors, sti ness and slowing of all physical movement. Many people with Parkinson’s also develop cognitive disorders, such as dementia as the disease progresses.

Researchers have no idea what causes the dopamine-producing brain cells to begin dying, and they have no idea how to stop them from continuing to die once the process starts. No present treatment can

halt or even slow the progression of the disease.

Presently, the primary treatment for Parkinson’s is the oral medication L-DOPA, or levodopa. Levodopa is turned into dopamine once it enters the brain, thereby replenishing diminished dopamine levels. The problem is that levodopa therapy is fraught with side e ects, one of which is dyskinesia. Dyskinesia is the abnormal and involuntary movements many times seen in Parkinson’s patients.

What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a fatal neurological illness caused by the formation of proteinbased plaques and tangles in the brain that leads to overall cell death and brain shrinkage. Here, cell death is widespread and not confined to just dopamineproducing neurons. The cause of the formation of these protein-based plaques and tangles is not known.

Scientists believe that clusters of tangles inhibit messaging between neural cells and, in many instances, triggers inflammation, which then causes the body’s own immune system to kill the disabled brain cells.

Whereas Parkinson’s a ects motor activity first and then may lead to cognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s a ects cognitive status first and then leads to motor skill degeneration. Present treatment involves drugs that boost the presence of neurotransmitters in the brain. This type of treatment may slow the symptomatic progression of the disease but cannot stop the disease itself.

Seeking A Cure: Multi-Targeted Therapeutics

It is standard practice in the pharmaceutical industry for companies to test drugs created to treat certain specific diseases in an e ort to determine if they might also be of benefit in preventing or curing other diseases. This is called multi-targeted therapeutics, and in some instances, this practice has been highly successful. One drug that immediately comes to mind is the

erectile dysfunction drug Viagra that was initially produced by Pfizer to help treat cardiovascular disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Today, Viagra is used to treat both hypertension and erectile dysfunction successfully and is one of Pfizer’s top-selling drugs.

Recently, a drug developed by Metabolic Solutions Development Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to treat type 2 diabetes has proven that it too may very well have alternative uses. Early research has shown that the drug MSDC-1060, a next generation insulin sensitizer, could either be, or lead to, a potential cure for both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

How It Works

MSDC-0160 inhibits the activity of a protein named mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC). This protein’s function is to carry the molecule pyruvate into the mitochondria of each cell in the body. Once inside the mitochondria, pyruvate is turned into glucose, which is then used to power the cell.

MPC also has many other functions, one of which is to help control mTOR, a substance that controls cell growth and metabolism. Researchers believe that an overabundance of mTOR activity in Parkinson’s patients leads to a lack of communication between neurons and is one of the primary causes of cell dysfunction and many of the disease’s symptoms. As MSDC-1060 lowers the activity level of MPC, it concomitantly lowers the activity level of mTOR, and the end result is increased neural communication and a lessening of Parkinson’s symptoms.

MSDC-0160 therapy may also aid in the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Researchers have found that an over activity of mTOR is a definite causative agent of this type of dyskinesia and believe

induced dyskinesia, and clinical trials are now being undertaken to determine the e ectiveness for actual Parkinson’s patients. If trials prove the drug to be e ective, then Parkinson’s treatment with levodopa would be greatly enhanced.

MSDC-0160 also helps treat neurodegenerative diseases in another way. An abundance of pyruvate, which is digested by the cell, means an abundance of cell waste. This waste is usually taken care of by the body in a natural process called autophagy. In Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients, autophagy is greatly diminished and waste materials collect, adversely a ecting overall cell health and encouraging inflammation. Research shows that autophagy increases as mTOR activity decreases, so when MSDC-1060 inhibits MPC activity (and thereby decreases mTOR activity), it helps increase autophagy and aids cells in getting rid of unwanted waste materials naturally. Reduced inflammation in the brain reduces the body’s immune response and, therefore, reduces cell death.

MSDC-0160 also has the ability to “protect” neural cells against genetic or environmental damage. In the laboratory, dopamine-producing cells are protected when the drug is introduced and they no longer continue to die in Parkinson’s preclinical models. The brain cells a ected by the plaques and tangles in Alzheimer’s patients are also protected. This could be the most important aspect of the drug’s possible ability to aid in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s—it may have the ability to slow or even stop cell death.

disease. A multi-center, 12-week, phase 2 trial conducted by Metabolic Solutions and coordinated by Medpace showed very promising results in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. During the study, patients received an oral, once-a-day dose of the medication, with “no safety concerns” noted. Blood sugar levels were lowered significantly, and further study is underway.

As for Alzheimer’s tests, they show that MSDC-0160 possibly has the ability to help the ailing brain maintain glucose levels in certain areas of the brain that would normally diminish as the disease advances. Further studies are scheduled.

Pre-clinical evidence for the use of MSDC-0160 to be a major player in the fight against Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s is promising. MSDC-0160 seems to have the ability to improve communication between neural cells, assist in the natural removal of cellular waste, lower mTOR levels (which should decrease levodopa-induced dyskinesia) and has the ability to protect neural cells from genetic or environmental damage. These results are now being used to design studies that will determine if this drug, or this class of drugs, might just be, or lead to, the eventual cure for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Sources: alz.org, mayoclinic.org, msdrx.com, onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Brianna Castro

Miss the childhood days of teaming up with friends in pursuit of sports glory? Plenty of possibilities are still out there.

BY BRETT BALLANTINI • • • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN JERNIGAN

When most of the country is packing up balls and bats and racquets for the winter, Florida athletes lick their lips in anticipation of some of the most temperate outdoor sports weather of the year. And you can’t beat the variety of sports found in Central Florida. Here’s a primer on the games available to you in the months ahead.

Hannah Brookins at AMF Galaxy East

Avid disc golf player Michael Tracy

Lucy Jeong, ping pong pro

Fish Fish

Ta es

Ta es

By Cynthia McFarland

Ask anglers why they fish and be prepared for myriad answers. For many, it’s the challenge. For others, it’s relaxation, escape from everyday life, peace and quiet, their version of “church on the water.”

We went in search of good fishing tales from Citrus County and were not disappointed. Their stories just may inspire you to grab a rod and hit the water.

You Had Me At Pompano

Fishing has always been a passion for Danniella (“Yella”) Gutierrez, but she never expected it would introduce her to the love of her life.

A native of Manhattan, Yella, 28, grew up fi shing for river trout in the mountains of upstate New York, but nothing prepared her for the thrill of saltwater fi shing she discovered after moving to Citrus County nine years ago.

Lacking a boat, but eager to fi sh o shore, she decided a kayak would get her out on the water. Her fi rst kayak was a blow-up model, but she’s defi nitely advanced from that. She joined the Nature Coast Lady Anglers and, through that group, met fi shing guide Brian Stau er, who became a mentor. (After fi shing with Brian, she entered her fi rst

kayak fi shing tournament and won fi rst place in redfi sh out of more than 60 other anglers.)

“After fi shing with Brian for a while, I spent a lot of time perfecting the use of artifi cial lures; I got pretty good at using a Rip ‘n Slash by Unfair Lures,” says Yella.

“I was posting pictures on Facebook and Instagram, and Chris Vecsey saw them. Chris is a pro sta er for Unfair Lures, chosen to promote the company. He liked the idea that I was a girl using the same lures he was using.”

Chris, who lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, suggested to Brian that the three of them go out fi shing together.

“Last April, we went to Ozello; it was still dark when we paddled out,” Yella remembers. “I was nervous out of my mind; here was this professional who was also really attractive. I couldn’t even look him in the eye, and I wasn’t doing well when we started fi shing.”

As the morning wore on, Yella’s nerves settled down. She and Chris talked while they fished, but she was mortified that she’d caught only a baby trout.

Heading back in, the trio stopped at some exposed oyster bars and started fishing there.

“I got a pretty good tug on my line, and as I was reeling it in, Chris saw it was a good-sized pompano and said he’d never caught one here,” says Yella.

She and Chris exchanged numbers that day and started dating. The couple will be married on March 10, 2018. (Fittingly, the company owner of the Unfair Lures will attend their wedding.)

As for Yella, she credits their first outing—and catching that big silver fish— with launching their romance.

“Chris likes to say, ‘I had him at pompano,’” she laughs.

Goin’ For The Big One

“I’ve been fishing ever since I could walk and hold a rod when my dad put one in my hand. He’s a fisherman and so is my grandfather,” says Ryan Schulz, 18, of Inverness.

An avid freshwater angler, Ryan would prefer to fish seven days a week, but his full-time job and attending Marion County Technical College at night have cut fishing down to about three days a week for now.

“A lot of people say, ‘A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work,’ and that’s true!” laughs Ryan.

Ever since his dad, Je , caught an 11-pound bass, Ryan’s goal has been to best that.

“Bass don’t get that big by being dumb. A lot of the big ones have been caught and released before, so they’re even more wary and harder to catch,” says Ryan, who releases his fish almost every time.

Ryan enjoys kayak fishing on the Withlacoochee River, as well as Lake Henderson and Lake Hernando, but also fishes from the shoreline. His biggest largemouth bass to date was the 9.4 pounder he caught in Cooter Pond in Inverness last April.

“My friend Chris and I were fishing the culvert pipe where the water runs out of the retention pond; we do ‘rockpaper-scissors’ to see who gets to pitch first,” says Ryan, who won that day. “When you’re by the shore, there are often a lot of weed mats, and if there’s a

log out there, that’s even better, because the fish have more cover.”

The guys were “flipping and pitching,” with Ryan using a “Sweet Beaver” artificial lure on a weighted 65-pound braid line. Ryan was glad to have won the chance to go first, as fish reaction time was incredibly fast that day.

“It was in no more than 2 feet of water, and as soon as the lure went through the weed mat, the fish hit,” says Ryan. “It’s about getting lucky, but it also takes skill to fish these weed mats because you can’t see the fish under there.

“This bass had probably been spawning; they’re hungry afterward because they don’t eat while spawning,” says Ryan, explaining that the bigger bass are usually always females.

Weighed and photographed, the big fish was then released.

“I still haven’t caught one over 10 pounds, and that motivates me every day,” says Ryan. “Freshwater fish might not be as hard-fighting as saltwater fish, but it’s a lot harder to catch a 10-pound bass than a 20-pound snook.”

Stormy Success

As any good angler knows, weather plays a key role in fishing success. As Tropical Storm Cindy churned her way through the Gulf of Mexico this June, Brian Stau er hit the water.

As owner and guide of Fishhead Kayak Charters, Brian regularly takes clients out kayak fishing along the Nature Coast, from Homosassa all the way up to Steinhatchee. Fishing since he was a boy, Brian has called Citrus County home since 1982.

“Watching the track of Cindy, I knew the fishing would be good because of the change in barometer and wind direction,” says Brian. “Fish don’t like being out in rough, dirty water; they hightail it for the backwaters.

I had a four- to five-hour window before the winds picked up to 25 mph and higher and the rain started, so I decided to go out.”

At about 5:15am on the morning of June 7, Brian launched from Mason Creek in Homosassa, headed for the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, known by locals as “The Chazz.”

‘A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.’

‘A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.’

After 30 minutes of paddling in darkness lit only by his headlamp, Brian reached one of his favorite spots, ready to fish at sunrise. The creek o Mason was flooded and cloudy from silt, but the backwaters were tranquil, thanks to the nearby islands blocking the winds.

“Because of the coastal flood watch, the water was higher and moving faster than normal, so the fish were more aggressive. The conditions were perfect for throwing topwater,” explains Brian, who fishes strictly with artificial lures. That morning he was using a Zara Spook Jr., a topwater lure by Heddon.

“The fishing action was instantly on fire. I caught a fine slot snook about 30 inches long on my third cast,” he notes. “I released it and continued fishing, catching another big snook, a redfish and some smaller snook over the next five hours.”

Heading home when the rain and lightning chased him in, Brian paddled back, with the redfish on ice for dinner.

“I wouldn’t take a client out in those conditions, but that was a ‘Bri day’ for me,” he says.

Brian loves teaching others and giving them the skills to pursue the sport. He especially likes helping people find their own peace out on the water.

Riding Out The Storm

Paul Piscopo of Homosassa recently turned 51, and he’s been fishing as long as he can remember. As a kid growing up in New York, it wasn’t unusual for him to play hooky from school, but he’d always get caught when his mother went into the garage and saw his fishing poles were missing.

Since moving to Florida in late 1999, Paul has been fishing Citrus County and Gulf waters. He particularly enjoys inshore saltwater fishing, often using a Gheenoe, which is a long, flat- bottomed motorized canoe, a little over 15 feet long and about 36 inches wide.

“I have a boat, too, but for the last four years, I’ve found myself in the Gheenoe more than anything,” says Paul. “I can go

where kayakers go but get there quicker because I’m under power.”

Although he’ll occasionally keep a fish to eat, Paul says the vast majority of the time he does “CPR,” which stands for “catch, photograph, release.”

When asked to relate a fishing story, Paul laughs. “Every time we go out fishing, there’s always a story,” he smiles.

Sometimes those stories involve a storm.

One Sunday in August, Paul, along with two friends, Pamela Wirth and Ruben Salazar, who’d come up from Tampa, left North Pirate’s Point in Ozello at daybreak. The friends were both in kayaks, while Paul was in his Gheenoe. He scouted out a good spot where he’d seen some tarpon rolling.

“One of my friends caught a Jack Crevalle, which is a pretty underrated sport fish because they fight really well,” recalls Paul, who had anchored on an oyster bar and was having good luck catching snook. Overall the fishing was decent—not stellar but still a good day on the water.

When heading out that morning, the three friends knew there was only a 30 percent chance of rain, so they were a bit surprised when the storm blew in the way it did.

“We had radar to stay abreast of what was coming, and when you’re on the water, you have a good line of sight,” says Paul.

They were too far out to beat the storm back to their launching point, so they decided to take cover on the north side

“It’s hard to explain if you’re not into fishing, but it’s a form of solace, somewhere both my mind and body can go.”

“It’s hard to explain if you’re not into fishing, but it’s a form of solace, somewhere both my mind and body can go.”

of a mangrove island and hunker down. Fishing rods act as lightning conductors, so the trio laid their rods down in their crafts and held onto the closest tall branches at the water’s edge.

“It got pretty gnarly; you always know weather on the water can change in a minute, but that qualifies as the worst storm I’ve been caught in to date in my Gheenoe,” says Paul. “The wind reversed and started coming in from the northeast, so we definitely picked the wrong side of the island. There were gusts of 35mph and higher; the winds actually stood up the mangroves and bent them over. There was nothing we could do but hold on and ride it out.”

It took about 30 minutes for the howling winds and driving rains to move through the area, but Paul admits it felt a lot longer than half an hour.

That particular outing might have ended with three very soggy, weather-battered anglers, but it did nothing to dampen their passion for fishing.

“It’s hard to explain if you’re not into fishing, but it’s a form of solace, somewhere both my mind and body can go,” says Paul. “I take it seriously and like the challenge; I also like learning about the species I’m trying to catch.”

She Picks The Spot

A mutual love of fishing was one of the interests Teri Hines shared with TJ Adams when the couple met in the spring of 2016, and it continues to be a favorite way to spend time together.

They’d already been dating for awhile when TJ bought a new boat, a 16-foot Sea Ark flats boat, in August 2016. Teri, who prefers saltwater fishing, and TJ, who likes both salt and fresh, appreciate that the boat allows them to go into very shallow water. On this particular day, they were launching from Crystal River and heading into Gulf waters.

“TJ knows I like to pick the spot to fish, and he likes to give me the bragging rights,” says Teri, who happened to be red hot on picking the spot that day.

“We were in the Gulf, not far out from Sandy Hook in the mangroves, and from the first cast, we were catching redfish one right after the other,” recalls Teri, adding that they were using Cajun Thunder popping corks and live shrimp. “We just happened to come on a school of them.”

As members of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) they were also fishing for the CCA Star Tournament. The CCA releases tagged redfish all across Atlantic and Gulf waters, so participating anglers must photograph a tagged fish if they catch one in order to enter the tournament contest to win prizes.

“It’s really rare to get one that’s tagged, and we didn’t, but that’s always the hope when we go fishing during Star Tournament time,” says Teri. “But we were still taking pictures of each fish, and that can be quite the task when you are catching fish back to back. TJ was reeling in another one, and I was stuck taking another picture. Now our joke is that I pick where they are in order for us to catch any,” she laughs.

As their fishing bonanza continued, the couple realized black storm clouds were rolling their way.

“We weren’t far from the ramp, and we were having such a great time, we didn’t want to give up our day,” says Teri. “Luckily, the storm moved away from us, and we continued to catch fish.” Learn

“TJ knows I like to pick the spot to fish, and he likes to give me the bragging rights.”

“TJ knows I like to pick the spot to fish, and he likes to give me the bragging rights.”

To schedule an appointment, call 352-794-3872.

Photo by John Jernigan

step right up

Keep gams taut, toned and poweredup along your personal journey.

› By Angelique Anacleto

“Keep moving” might be life’s most relevant meme. And your spectacularly engineered legs literally propel you from one adventure to the next. Considering October is the most popular month for marathons, ponder these tidbits during your autumn walkabout.

fashion risk

Just say no to skinny jeans? At least steer clear of squatting in them for hours. A 35-yearold Australian woman’s tight jeans produced ankle and toe weakness, swelling and nerve damage, rendering her unable to walk for several days. Note to hipsters: Watch out for numbness or tingling. Talk about style under pressure!

vein stance

Moving each day keeps varicose veins at bay. And with ongoing debates over standing desk benefits, Dr. Ravi Sharma of Premier Vein Center in Homosassa says standing desks can encourage employees to keep moving and prevent unsightly or painful varicose veins.

› “Prolonged sitting or standing puts stress on legs’ one-way vein valves,” Sharma says. “It would probably be better to stand because you’d remember to take some quick breaks, go for a walk or do calf raises. Those who have standing desks have told me,

reminders via Fitbit or Apple watches.

› Desk sitters can also rely on fidgeting, performing squats, stretching and standing while making phone calls or reading paperwork.

pin-feriority complex

Quit obsessing over Instagram thigh gaps! These body anomalies are due to genetically wider pelvic bones or an inability to accumulate fat or muscle on thighs. Achieving this “thinspirational”

look through excessive weight loss could end up sacrificing desirable muscle. And surgically creating a thigh gap is near impossible.

get on up

Walking and running benefits are enormous. Either boosts blood to brain, regenerates overall bone density for postmenopausal women, reduces knee and hip osteoarthritis, minimizes saddlebags, improves mood, fosters artistic thought, increases energy, stabilizes blood sugar and burns calories.

Start by downloading active.com’s Couch to 5K Running App. Then, test your mettle by checking out runningintheusa.com, active. com or runnersworld.com for upcoming races for various ages, abilities and entertaining themes.

blurred beauty

For flawless stems, mask unwanted blemishes, veins or tattoos with camouflaging makeup by Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs spray or lotion ($15), Kat Von D Lock It Concealer ($25) or Dermablend Leg and Body Cover ($33).

Standing desks can encourage employees to keep moving and prevent unsightly or painful varicose veins.

seasonal squash

While squash is a delicious, savory and versatile vegetable, did you know that it also has tremendous health benefits?

› Photos and Recipes by Robin

Fannon

Packed with significant amounts of vitamins A, B6, C and E and loaded with minerals like potassium, magnesium, manganese and calcium, the health benefits of squash are plenty. Wrap this all up in a pretty, antioxidant-filled package and tie it with a bow of fiber, folate and carotenoids and you truly have one of nature’s greatest gifts. Here are three simple and delicious recipes each using a di erent type of winter squash—may they have a strong supporting role on your fall menus this year.

Butternut Squash Soup

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 onion chopped

1 large stalk of celery chopped

1 large carrot chopped

2 medium potato, peeled and cubed

1 (32oz) container of chicken stock (for a vegan version use vegetable stock)

1 medium butternut squash - cut in half, seasoned and roasted optional garnishes for serving: sour cream, fresh sage, toasted pecans or croutons.

Preheat oven to 400°F. › Half the squash lengthwise, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast face down until soft. › Scoop out the flesh, and set aside. › Sauté vegetables in butter until translucent; add squash and broth, and bring to a boil. › Reduce to simmer and cook for at least 1 hour. › Carefully purée in batches in a blender or food processor, adding broth of needed. › Warm puréed soup, and garnish as desired.

Cinnamon Spiced Roasted Acorn Squash

1 medium acorn squash, seeded and sliced into 3/4-inch thick slices

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

sea salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400°F. › Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. › Combine all ingredients, and coat squash slices evenly. › Arrange on baking sheet, and roast for 20 minutes.

Robin Fannon is a New York culinary school trained-chef and a successful party planner with decades of experience. You can visit her popular blog at rsvprobin.com for healthy recipes, party tips and lifestyle articles. Or check her out on Facebook or Instagram.

rsvprobin.com

Spaghetti Squash with Butter, Toasted Pecans and Sage

1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise, seeded, drizzled with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.

1⁄4 cup toasted pecans (lightly toasted or sautéed to bring out flavor and natural oils)

2 tablespoon chopped sage

1 tablespoon of unsalted butter salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Roast spaghetti squash face down until soft. › Scrape out flesh of the roasted squash with a fork into a bowl, reserving the shells. › Combine squash, butter, sage and pecans, and mix well. › Scoop this mixture back into the reserved squash shells. › Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

a picture’s worth a thousand memories

How would you describe your love? Romantic, happy, forever? A 5x7 photograph? Scientists have recently found that images of your loved one—and the memories associated with them—can help keep nostalgic memories feeling fresh far into the future. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family revealed that couples with children spend far less time together than couples with no children. According to the study, however, your brain stimulates the release of happy chemicals like dopamine when you see someone you really love. Fortunately, for us busy parents out there, pictures of loved ones also do the trick. Just don’t forget to set aside a night now and then for some quality time together! In the meantime, say “cheese!”

healing

Raise your EQ! Bibliotherapy prescribes emotional rehab through reading. ›

By Angelique Anacleto

Take two books, and call back in the morning. If the deluge of social media tends to alienate with “perfect” photoshopped images, then reading quality lit massages your psyche during life’s soul-crushing struggles, from bullying to divorce, addictions to dementia. Unlike watching a movie depiction, bibliotherapy requires readers to intimately relate to characters or internalize narratives, resulting in stress relief, increased empathy, inspired problem-solving and goal-setting.

Bibliotherapy dates back through ancient history, from Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses to father of psychology Sigmund Freud. In 1916, the term joined medical lexicon, and prescribing books to soldiers served a vital support e ort during World War I. Although not a comprehensive treatment guided by medical or psychiatric professionals, it’s recognized as a proven dimension to healing. Experts debate the e ectiveness of fiction versus non-fiction material, but validate bibliotherapy as a positive first step toward cultivating self-awareness and verbalizing issues.

Today’s bibliotherapy bookworms tout tomes to provide tailored insight into

personal challenges, ages or backgrounds. For children, specific guidepost books can address self-reliance or puberty’s confounding social dilemmas (a la Judy Blume texts). Even Alzheimer’s readers can reduce stress, stay mentally nimble and feel nurtured, thereby encouraging participation and thinking for themselves.

According to Dr. Michael J. Morejon, a Boca Raton psychiatrist, “Characters can be learning vessels from which we learn how to better deal with and respond to our own real life experiences. This can lead to the development of new coping methods that we may have not previously considered without the help of a novel.”

Jenny Ransone, Children’s Division Manager of the Marion County Public Library System, also attests to how literature constructs a conversational framework between children and adults. “Books o er caregivers the opportunity to talk about handling emotions even when they are negative or just plain hard,” says Ransone. “They help children develop empathy, kindness and acceptance of self and others, and can provide a constant source of support throughout their lives.”

THE BOOK STARTS HERE ››

Where to begin?

Tap your local book whisperer (aka knowledgeable librarian) for selecting volumes beyond predictable bestseller or popular author lists.

BOOK WEBSITES: Algorithms o er recommendations based on your chosen subject.

Marion County Public Library System: hip.marioncountyfl.org

Citrus County Library System: citruslibraries.org amazon.com whatshouldireadnext.com

The School of Life – London (theschooloflife.com/london) Bibliotherapists devise handpicked reading lists based

on a 50-minute remote session via phone or Skype for $125.

For compendiums on curative book titles, check The Novel Cure or The Story Cure (for children) by Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin.

festive festivals

Arguably, the second most anticipated aspect of the fall season—right behind pumpkin spice lattes, of course—are fall festivals.

Gather up the family and hit the farms, craft shows, pumpkin patches and corn mazes every weekend until December!

citrus county

FALL CORN MAZE

Sept. 31-Nov. 5, times vary

Sweetfields Farm, Masaryktown

Get lost (and then found again) in a fun corn maze by locating clues at various checkpoints. Meet new animal friends, and pick your favorite pumpkin out of the picking patch to bring home. sweetfieldsfarm.com

2017 HERNANDO UNTAPPED: CRAFT BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL

Oct. 6, 6pm-10pm

American Aviation Flight Academy, Brooksville

One of the most talked about craft beer and wine festivals in the Tampa Bay region, this year’s festival will feature a live performance by Lost and Found and Soul Circus Cowboys. General admission is $35 per person and includes a complimentary tasting glass, unlimited samplings of beer and wine, plus entertainment. VIP admission is $60 per person, and designated driver admission is $10. hernandochamber.com

30TH ANNUAL SCARECROW FEST

Oct. 14, 10am-4pm

Historic Downtown Crystal River

This annual make-your-own-scarecrow event is one you don’t want to miss out on this fall season. theshoppeso eritagevillage.com

By Laurel GIllum

4TH ANNUAL CAMPING WITH THE BLUES! MUSIC FESTIVAL

Oct. 20-22, times vary Sertoma Youth Ranch, Brooksville

Camp out to your favorite blues music all weekend at this pet-friendly family event. Memphis Rub Band, Heather Gillis Band, Levee Town Band and more are all part of this year’s lineup. Plus a Camper’s Acoustic Jam Session will kick o the festivities each night—BYOI (bring your own instrument)! campingwiththeblues.com

GREAT AMERICAN COOTER FESTIVAL

Oct. 27-Oct. 29

Liberty Park, Inverness

51ST ANNUAL SAN ANTONIO RATTLESNAKE FESTIVAL AND RUN

Oct. 21-22, Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 11am-4pm Rotary Club, San Antonio

The annual Rattlesnake Festival & Run is a family-friendly, outdoor festival featuring live snake and reptile shows and wooden gopher tortoise races, a variety of entertainment and live music, handmade arts and crafts vendors, children’s games and crafts, pony rides, farm animals and an old-time pioneer village. There will also be inflatable fun houses, a rock climbing wall and, new this year, mechanical bull rides. rattlesnakefestival.com

This three-day music festival kicks o Friday with fi reworks, an exclusive Swamp Party VIP area and great rock ‘n’ roll from the Woodstock-era to the present. New this year, festivalgoers will fi nd food trucks, a wide array of vendors, carnival rides, water show spectaculars and a Cooter Zombie Run. Plus, check out the talent show, Cooterween Halloween Costume Contest and more. cooterfestival.com

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Photo courtesy of Coon Hollo

Photo courtesy of Rattlesnake Festival

FESTIVAL OF ARTS

Nov. 4: 9:30am-4:30pm, Nov. 5: 9:30am-4pm

Downtown Courthouse Square, Inverness

This two-day juried art show features over 100 artists and crafters featuring photography, oils, watercolors, sculptures, jewelry and more. This show transforms the streets of historic downtown Inverness into a magical land of fine art, live music and craftsmanship. invernessfestivalofthearts.com

LAKE HERNANDO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Nov. 11, 9am-5pm

Lake Hernando Park, Hernando

Find yourself anywhere from 10 to 20 coworkers, friends or family members to join you in this exciting boat race. If you participated last year and just want to watch this time around—enjoy live music, arts and crafts, food and drinks, and a play area just for kids. lakehernandodragonboatfestival.com

marion county

7TH ANNUAL CORN MAZE FESTIVAL

Sept. 29-Nov. 5, times vary

Timberline Farm, Belleview

Stop by the farm this fall where the entire family can enjoy music, pony rides, face painting, food and craft vendors, made complete with some good ol’ country charm. timberlinefarm.net

COON HOLLO CORN MAZE

Oct. 6-Nov. 5, Friday: 4pm-Dusk, Saturday: 10am-Dusk, Sunday: 12pm-Dusk

Micanopy

What’s fall without a visit to Coon Hollo? Are we right? From pig racing to country carousels—no doubt one trip will not be enough. coonhollocornmaze.com

7TH ANNUAL OCALA PUMPKIN RUN AND CAR SHOW

Oct. 27-29, Friday and Saturday: 8am-4pm

Sunday: 8am-3pm

Castro Farms, Ocala

Classic cars, family activities, BMX stunts, motocross tricks, fall festivities—oh my! Don’t be the only one in Ocala not to check out this popular event. ocalapumpkinrun.com

43RD ANNUAL MICANOPY FALL FESTIVAL

Oct. 28-29, Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 9am-4pm

Cholokka Boulevard, Micanopy

Along with the 200-plus displays of arts and crafts, there are many other attractions and family-friendly happenings. Check out the main stage for a variety of performances throughout the festival. micanopyfallfestival.org

FAFO’S 51ST ANNUAL OCALA ARTS FESTIVAL

Oct. 28-29, 9am-5pm

Downtown Ocala

Panel judges bring in a minimum of 155 artists from all over the country to showcase their artwork and compete for prizes worth thousands of dollars. Everything from paintings and photography to sculpture and outdoor art is included. Plus, there will be a student art tent, live music and kid-friendly events. fafo.org

THE PICKIN’ PATCH

Through Oct. 29, Friday: 3pm-7pm, Saturday: 10am-7pm, Sunday: 12pm-7pm

Dunnellon

Pop in and pick the prettiest pumpkin straight from the patch! Plus enjoy hay rides, a corn maze, hay fort and more. New this year, join the patch every Saturday from 11:30am-3pm and Sundays from 1-4pm for live bluegrass music from some of Florida’s best bluegrass bands. Admission is $5 per person, and children 3 and under are free. dunnellonpumpkinpatch.com

HARVEST FEST MUSIC AND FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

Nov. 11, 1-10pm

Tuscawilla Park, Ocala

Ocala’s biggest music festival is here once again—bigger and better than ever. Multiple stages and bands will be performing all day long. There will also be food trucks, fine arts, crafts, sales and nonprofit vendors. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item. feeldowntownlive.com

DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL AND ART SHOW

Nov. 11-12, Saturday: 10am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm

Downtown Gainesville

The streets of historic downtown Gainesville, from city hall to the Hippodrome State Theatre, will be transformed into a celebration of art and creativity complete with live music, performing arts and a spectacular array of food. gainesvilledowntownartfest.org

mcintosh 1890s festival

Oct. 21, 8am-5pm

Van Ness Park, McIntosh

friendsofmcintosh.org

Unfortunately, time machines are not an option. The city of McIntosh, however, has come up with the next best thing! Take a step back into the late 1800s as more than 280 art, craft and antique vendors fill the streets during this small-town festival.

Photo courtesy of McIntosh 1890s Festival

Photo courtesy of The Pickin’ Patch

Carrol Dillon-Smith Administrator/Owner

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