REMEMBER WHO WE ARE. WE ARE GIVERS.

JASON FUGATE creative director jason@akersmediagroup.com

VOLKAN ULGEN art director volkan@akersmediagroup.com

JOSH CLARK senior designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

MICHAEL GAULIN production director michael@akersmediagroup.com

FRED LOPEZ / chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS // PHOTOGRAPHERS FRED HILTON

SALES // MARKETING

TIM MCRAE / vice president of sales tim@akersmediagroup.com

DAVID COTÉ advertising executive david@akersmediagroup.com

SYLVIA DUCOTE advertising executive sylvia@akersmediagroup.com

As I write this letter, it has been just a few days after receiving the results of the presidential election. The news is filled with reports of riots, protests, citizens signing a petition to demolish the Electoral College, and death threats to the new president-elect. We all knew that no matter the results, half of our country was going to be disappointed, hurt, and angry. What we didn’t know is how violent the protest would be. No matter what your party affiliation is, or what your beliefs are, you have to ask yourself—how is this possible? Especially when we know the people in this country are historically very compassionate, loving, and giving.

In times of need, we band together and help each other. That is what has made this country so incredible and so revered by other nations. Thinking back to 9/11, you didn’t see differences being called to light. You saw a country come together to support each other and mourn together. During times of national disasters, such as Hurricanes Sandy and Matthew, you saw Americans give and help the victims of these terrible storms. During terrorist attacks like San Bernardino California and Orlando this past year, you didn’t see Americans fighting each other. You saw them loving each other and consoling each other.

MIKE STEGALL advertising executive mike@akersmediagroup.com

TINA MORRISON advertising executive tina@akersmediagroup.com

MELANIE MELVIN / director of client services melanie@akersmediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION

DEB MATLOCK / office manager deb@akersmediagroup.com

AUBREY AKERS / advertising coordinator aubrey@akersmediagroup.com

SHAENA CHASTAIN / receptionist shaena@akersmediagroup.com

DISTRIBUTION

SCOTT HEGG / distribution manager scott.hegg@akersmediagroup.com

I say, let’s not wait for times of disaster. We act now. We will always have differences between us, but we still have one thing in common—we are Americans, and we all love this country. There are ways to work together for the greater good, and to ensure that every American feels at home, accepted, and respected. We won’t accomplish this by fighting and continued divisiveness, or by pointing fingers and looking for the worst in each other.

This month’s issue “Healthy Giving” comes at a perfect time. It serves as a reminder that at the core, we are all good people. We support our less fortunate, and we lift each other up when we are down.

In this issue, you will find businesses that give to local charities and extraordinary people who have made it their life mission to help others. We are a community of individuals who care about their brothers and sisters and are happy to lend a hand to those in need.

I want to see more of this, especially now in a time of differences. Remember we are all Americans, and we all belong.

Merry Christmas,

Phone: 352.787.4112

Kendra Akers

WHY ‘WEIGHT’?

The year 2017 is almost here. Lake County residents, we know many of you are vowing to achieve lofty weight-loss goals. Don’t wait for the New Year to roll around. Beginning weight-loss efforts in December will make achieving your goals easier, and you’ll be more conscious of your calorie intake when attending countless Christmas parties. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

Exercise

People continue coming up with creative excuses as to why they cannot exercise. However, simply taking a 10-minute walk before work or taking an evening stroll around the neighborhood with a friend are good ways to incorporate exercise into your routine. Remember, exercise does not have to be tortuous.

Setanend

Set an end date for your goals and make them realistic

This way, you begin your weight-loss plan rather than putting it off.

Clean out your pantry

It would be wise to replace those Oreo cookies and potato chips with healthier options. Eliminating trigger foods from your home proves extremely beneficial.

Lose with a friend

There is certainly nothing wrong with having someone to keep you motivated and hold you accountable. Moreover, a friendly competition helps you stay the course.

Keep a food journal

This is very important because you have to know the foods that help you lose weight and those that make you gain. Be sure to include what, when, how much, and where you eat.

BABY ‘BOOMERS’

Employees of Leesburg Regional Medical Center’s maternity department recently completed a groundbreaking safety program sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

The program helps hospitals and clinicians reduce complications during and after childbirth, making care safer for both mothers and babies. AHRQ also recognized the efforts of LRMC’s labor and delivery team for its “Code Crimson” program, a new standardized process for managing patients who have obstetrical hemorrhage.

“LRMC is proud to provide excellent care to the mothers and babies in our community,” says Sandra Mullin, director of child health.