The February 2013 issue of Nature Coast Healthy Living

PLIGHT OF THE HONEYBEE // AFRICAN-AMERICAN READ-IN // HERNANDO COUNTY MAN LOSES BIG

These doctors know Florida by

heart Citrus Cardiology has been caring for Central Florida for over 30 years.

SEE OUR GATEFOLD FOR MORE INFORMATION

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ONLY OPEN-HEART

Surgery Hospital Another day, another breakthrough in beating heart disease.

Oak Hill Hospital’s board-certified medical and interventional cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons are beating heart disease with the most innovative, most sophisticated, most comprehensive technology and care, all backed by the added safety of Hernando’s only open-heart surgery hospital.

Hernando County’s…

• First Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI (Cardiac Catheterization) • First Advanced Certified Primary Stroke Center • Most Comprehensive Vascular Services • First Accredited Heart Failure Center • Most Comprehensive Cardiovascular Services When it’s time to make a choice about your heart care, INSIST on the Heart Institute at Oak Hill Hospital.

352-596-6632 Hernando x 352-628-6441 Citrus

Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd. (SR 50), Spring Hill, FL

For free cardiac information, physician referrals and other health information call our 24-hour Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-741-5120. In a heart emergency, call 911.

OakHillHospital.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Sean Cort

Kamini Desai, Ph.D.

Sean is an ordained minister, motivational speaker and author. He is an award-winning veteran with over twenty-five years of major-market radio, television, advertising, and marketing experience.

His life-changing self-help book is titled The Power of Perspective. Sean and his wife, Deborah, have three children: Chanel, Christian, and Aaron.

Kamini Desai, Ph.D., author of Life Lessons, Love Lessons, is an authority in the field of yoga psychology with twenty years’ experience providing personal development training. Her corporate clients include Sony, Kellogg, and Mars Confectionary.

She is a regular visitor and teacher at the Amrit Yoga Institute. Visit Kaminidesai.com.

Mary Ann DeSantis

Fred Hilton

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Mary Ann DeSantis began her career as a newspaper reporter and photographer before moving into public relations and marketing in Atlanta. She and her husband moved to Florida in 2000, and she began writing for Style publications in 2006. Her writings can be found at maryanndesantis.com

Fred Hilton spent thirty-six years as the chief public relations officer/spokesman for James Madison University in Virginia and ten years prior as a reporter and editor for The Roanoke Times in Roanoke, Virginia. He is now happily retired with his interior designer wife, Leta, their Cadillac Escalade golf cart, and their dog, Paris. (Yes, that makes her Paris Hilton).

Dave Ramsey

Chrisann Reid, LCSW

Dave Ramsey is a personal money management expert, a national radio personality, and best-selling author of The Total Money Makeover. Ramsey earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Tennessee. A frequent speaker around the country at large-scale live events, he has a nationally syndicated talk show, The Dave Ramsey Show.

Chrisann Reid is the owner and clinical director of Central Florida Counseling and Psychological Services, Inc. Chrisann earned her bachelor’s degree at James Madison University in Virginia, majoring in both psychology and social work. She earned her master’s degree in social work at Florida International University in Miami. She is a licensed psychotherapist who works with persons experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral problems. Visit her website at www.counseling-health.com.

Tanya Senseney

Jennifer Siem

Tanya Senseney has over fourteen years of experience saving money through couponing. She teaches others how to reduce their monthly grocery costs and also give back to the community. Her passion is helping others fulfill their needs. In addition to her workshops, Tanya is a syndicated columnist and radio talk show personality. Visit www.DivineDealDiva.com for more information.

Jennifer Siem is the adult member and wellness services director for the Hernando Branch of the YMCA of the Suncoast. She has been a resident of Hernando County for thirty years and has more than ten years’ experience in the fitness industry with a business background. She is a certified group exercise instructor and personal trainer with recognition, including Instructor of the Year 2007– 2009. Jennifer works to motivate others to reach their full potential and strengthen the community through her focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Ellen B. Wilcox, GEPC Ellen B. Wilcox is a graduate estate planning consultant. Educated at Gettysburg College, the University of Maryland in Paris, France, and Arizona State University, Ms. Wilcox brings more than thirty-three years of experience to her clients.

She is president and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, a full-service financial advisory company. Ms. Wilcox may be reached at 352.259.1547.

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www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2013

FEATURES

35 For the love of history and reading An annual tradition that promotes the importance of reading and celebrates Black History Month, the Citrus County African-American Read-In has grown in size and importance every year. It brings people from all walks of life together in one room where people can enjoy live entertainment and experience the powerful words and thoughts of some of the most influential black authors in American history for one brilliant Sunday afternoon. And this year is no exception.

30

Written by Shemir Wiles

PLIGHT OF THE HONEYBEE // AFRICAN-AMERICAN READ-IN // HERNANDO COUNTY MAN LOSES BIG

THE

PLIGHT

OF THE

[honey]BEE

All around the world honeybees are disappearing at an alarming rate. What is causing this mysterious disappearance and what can science do to correct the problem before it is too late? As nature’s most prolific pollinators vanish into thin air, what does it mean for food prices and the world’s food supply?

Written by Mary Ann DeSantis

These doctors know Florida by

heart Citrus Cardiology has been caring for Central Florida for over 30 years.

SEE OUR GATEFOLD FOR MORE INFORMATION

ON THE COVER

creative direction: Jamie Ezra Mark photographer: Fred Lopez photoshop: Josh Clark on cover: Left to right: Luis Delfin, M.D., FACC, Stephen Stark, M.D., FACC, Dennis Walker, M.D., Gisela Trigo, M.D., FACC, www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY

2013

47

IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Corner

10

Healthy Business

12

Community Matters

16

Medical Mysteries

20

S’motherhood

22

Calendar

60

Heart of the Community

62

55

12 Healthy Mind

Healthy Body

43

What makes women and men happy?

47

Will he become a successful loser?

44

Friendships and Relationships: You can’t live without them

51

Loving your exercise… partner

46

Think with confidence

54 Healthy Spirit 53

Mencouragement: Cleavage

54

The grass is always greener

55

The healthy diet for a happy marriage

Healthy Finance 57

Dave Says

58

I am about to be married. What financial changes should I expect?

59

Save money on Valentine’s Day

59 8 |

www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

Heart CARE DEDICATED

When it comes to outstanding cardiovascular care, trust your heart to Citrus Memorial Heart and Vascular Center. With nearly a decade of experience, our expert team of surgeons, physicians and nurses offer the most advanced expertise when you need it most, right here at home.

From advanced heart surgery such as coronary artery bypass (CABG) and heart valve repairs to the implantation of pacemakers and automatic defibrillators, Citrus Memorial is at the heart of it.

Our minimally invasive abdominal aneurysm surgery, carotid artery procedures and lung surgery techniques help in reducing the risks and complications associated with more traditional methods and promote improved healing that helps speed you back to normal daily living.

So when it comes to matters of the heart, coupled with our proven record for compassionate care and excellent outcomes, you can depend on Citrus County’s most comprehensive heart and vascular center. Learn more about us by visiting on-line at www.heartofcitrus.com.

PETER YUNG KIM, M.D. Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

C SURG E DIA RY

CAR

HERE WHEN YOU NEED CITRUS

HIGH3 EST RAYTED S TA

R Q U ALI

T

YOU’RE INVITED!

Heart Health Fair

Saturday, February 23, 2013 | 9 a.m.–Noon CITRUS MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE CENTER

7945 S. Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa

FREE SCREENINGS. SNACKS AND GIVEAWAYS.

502 West Highland Boulevard Inverness, Florida 34452 | 352-726-1551 | citrusmh.com | heartofcitrus.com

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

Wendell Husebo publisher wendell@amazing-mediagroup.com Lanny Husebo president lanny@amazing-mediagroup.com

“Bee” informed

Lynn Van Meter marketing representative lynn@amazing-mediagroup.com

Cathy Holland marketing representative cathy@amazing-mediagroup.com

Tanya Hinebaugh accounting tanya@amazing-mediagroup.com

AKERS MANAGEMENT GROUP

The older I get and the more I learn the more questions I have. For example, I just learned this month that bees are dying off in huge numbers.

Why are bees dying off? And is the reason they are dying off related to other questions I have about economics and bureaucracy?

Sure, in today’s western culture we have cures for diseases, and we have modern conveniences that humans just didn’t have two hundred years ago. These advances, we presume, make life more efficient. But in the complex web of society,

Bees play a large ecological role in our world. Perhaps these bees serve as the window to the soul of a bigger problem. we may have just created different inefficiencies and more government bureaucracy.

So I have some questions that I think are pertinent to this line of thought: Why does the government still subsidize farmers? Why is American healthcare so expensive, so slow, and so ineffective at healing individuals? Why do only a few food companies control the vast majority of America’s food supply? Why do

Americans average twelve prescription drugs per person? And, why are so many bees dying off so rapidly?

You may think bee mortality to be a small, insignificant problem compared to the other questions, but could the cause of bee mortality rates be an ineffective and inefficient government bureaucracy that wields extraordinary power?

Bees play a large ecological role in our world.

Perhaps these bees serve as the window to the soul of a bigger problem.

Let’s start asking intelligent questions. Let’s not let the status quo lull us into unhealthy living. If we all start paying attention, we’ll see that there are questions to ask. Then we can start looking for answers that lead to healthier living. Now that sounds sweeter than honey!

I encourage you to read the rest of this issue so that you can be informed about today’s ecological bee disaster. In addition, if you want to read more about modern industrial farming, government bureaucracy, and local farming, I suggest you read Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal by Joel Salatin. Believe me, agriculture has changed in the last sixty years. You’ll have answers to some of your questions, but then you’ll have more questions!

Until next time, stay healthy my friends,

www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

Kendra Akers vice president kendra@akersmediagroup.com Jim Gibson executive editor jim@akersmediagroup.com

Jamie Ezra Mark chief creative director jamie@akersmediagroup.com

Tiffany Roach managing editor tiffany@akersmediagroup.com

Steven J Codraro associate creative director steve@akersmediagroup.com

James Combs staff writer james@akersmediagroup.com

Cierra Chappell production manager cierra@akersmediagroup.com

Shemir Wiles copy editor/writer shemir@akersmediagroup.com

Josh Clark senior graphic designer josh@akersmediagroup.com

contributing writers Sean Cort Kamini Desai, Ph.D. Mary Ann DeSantis Fred Hilton Dave Ramsey Chrisann Reid, LCSW Tanya Senseney Jennifer Siem Ellen B. Wilcox, GEPC

Tina Morrison production director tina@akersmediagroup.com

Anthony Casto graphic designer anthony@akersmediagroup.com Fred Lopez chief photographer fred@akersmediagroup.com Heather Tootle office manager heather@akersmediagroup.com

Wendell Husebo + publisher

Comments or questions for our publisher? Please email wendell@naturecoasthealthyliving.com Our goal is to provide you with the best quality publication, so your feedback is vital.

10 |

Doug Akers president doug@akersmediagroup.com

Phone: 352.430.4004 | Fax: 352.787.5510 P.O. Box 491320 | Leesburg, FL 34749 www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com All contents are copyright © 2013 by Amazing Media Group, LLC. Any reproduction or use of content without written persmission is strictly prohibited under penalty of law. The contents of the Nature Coast Healthy Living Magazine are for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be an alternative to professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before starting a new diet or exercise program. The ideas and opinions contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Akers Media Group.

HEALTHY BUSINESS

BARBARA MANZI

One of the most successful businesses here on the Nature Coast is located in Brooksville! Manzi Metals, Inc. is located in the Hernando County Airport Industrial Park. Manzi Metals is a multimetals distributor and is a small, “disadvantaged minority” business. What is most unusual about Manzi Metals is that it is 100 percent owned and operated by a minority woman!

“Barbara is very detail-oriented and her leadership skills and determination have led the company to success year after year.”

The owner and president, Barbara Manzi, started the business twenty-three years ago, and she has ensured that the business continues to grow, despite many businesses struggling and failing over the past several years. Barbara is very detail-oriented and her leadership skills and determination have led the company to success year after year.

When you consider the fact she started Manzi Metals sitting at an $89 desk in a spare room in a rented home and through much hard work has built it into a highly respected multimillion dollar corporation, it is no wonder that she has gained so much admiration and attention! Barbara takes pride in the fact she started the company by herself and was responsible for everything from growing the company, locating a facility, designing the layout of the offices and shop floor, and even selecting the furniture and color schemes.

Manzi Metals ships internationally and provides metals based on custom orders from customers like Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Dresser Rand, the Department of Defense, NASA, and others. They can also provide small lots of metal to machine shops and other OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Satisfied cus-

12 |

www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

Minority business thrives in Hernando County tomers and a commitment to excellence are their highest priorities.

The business is built on integrity, honesty, and only the highest ethical standards.

Manzi Metals won the 2008 Nunn-Perry award from the Department of Defense (named after former Senator Sam Nunn and former Secretary of Defense William Perry). The walls in Manzi Metals are adorned with dozens of awards and certifications from numerous government agencies, organizations, and corporations.

The sales revenue for last year was double that of 2011, and this year’s sales are expected to be even better.

Manzi Metals is involved in the local community and is a member of many local and national organizations. The financial contribution to the local economy is significant, also. Through purchases of items from many local suppliers, the salaries paid to employees, taxes, and contributions, they are helping make the Nature Coast a better place to live.

Get back into the swing of things.

COMPREHENSIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT® INVERNESS 305 S. Line Ave. Inverness, FL 34452 352.344.4791

Appointment by Referral Only •Office Hours by Appointment

www.cfpain.com

NATURE COAST

ADVISORY BOARD GEORGE G. ANGELIADIS, ESQ., is a graduate of South Texas College of Law and has been an attorney in Hernando County since 1996. He is a partner with The Hogan Law Firm and practices in the areas of local government law, civil litigation, criminal defense, construction litigation, and personal injury. Angeliadis was previously appointed by the governor to serve on the Fifth Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee and donates his time to many local boards and organizations.

Visit www.hoganlawfirm.com for more information

THERESSA FOSTER owns West Central Solutions in Citrus County. Her company focuses on helping seniors make the right decisions when it comes to senior housing choices. Until recently, Theressa was a successful administrator at several local assisted-living communities.

ANNE BLACK is the community relations coordinator for HPH Hospice in Citrus County. She has 30 years experience as a health educator and community relations expert. Anne and her husband, Jerry, moved to Citrus County from St. Petersburg in 1989. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Inverness and Florida Public Relations Association. She is also on the board of the Senior Foundation of Citrus County and is chairman of the School Health Advisory Committee.

SCOTT GRIFFIN is Florida born, raised, and educated,

BONNIE CLARK is currently Associate Provost on the

MICHAEL D. HEARD is a partner of the Silverthorn

SONDRA LLOYD CRANFORD is the health education director for Central Florida Institute (CFI). She has more than 12 years of experience in medical and dental career training and 20 years of experience in the fitness and weight-loss industry. Sondra has a Master of Education from National Louis University, a Bachelor of Occupation Education and an associate degree in veterinarian technology. Sondra currently serves on the boards of directors for both WorkNet Pinellas and Pasco Hernando Workforce, along with several subcommittees.

LANNY HUSEBO is president and CEO of Husebo Advertising and Public Relations. Founded in 1962, the company is celebrating its 51st year in business. Lanny specializes in marketing and building medical practices through the use of traditional and social media. He is married with six children and four grandchildren. His son, Wendell, has joined the family business with a focus on Internet marketing.

PATRICIA CROWLEY, IOM has been a resident of Hernando County for 23 years. With more than 30 years experience in sales and business management, she joined the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce in the spring of 2000 and was promoted to president/ CEO in 2004. Patricia serves on the Oak Hill HospitalBoard of Directors, the Suncoast Trail Advisory Group, the Career Central Workforce Transition Committee, and is president elect of the Kiwanis Club of Brooksville.

NATALIE LEIBENSPERGER, D.O., FACOOG is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Her practice, “My Gynecologist,” is located on County Line Road in Spring Hill. In addition to the treatment of women’s health issues and obstetrics, Dr. Leibensperger is an advocate for the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence through medication or minimally invasive surgeries. mygyn.net.

Spring Hill campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College (PHCC). Prior to her appointment to the Spring Hill campus in November 2009, Bonnie held positions at PHCC as Dean of Arts and Sciences, Associate Dean, and Assistant Dean of Student Development. She has a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Gannon University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mercyhurst College. She is currently completing her doctoral studies at University of South Florida.

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www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

and draws from over a decade of experience in design and marketing. He is a graduate of the International Academy of Design & Technology Tampa and is currently director of marketing at Monster Transmission. Scott is an award-winning designer who has designed and marketed everything from environmental identities to community campaigns and digital experiences.

Country Club, LLC; president of the Florida Blueberry Festival, Inc.; director/ president of the Brooksville Vision Foundation; and the assistant ambassador of commerce and employment for the city of Brooksville. Prior to moving to Brooksville in 2001, Michael owned and operated the Island Print Company in Sanibel Island and Jerry Heard Enterprises, Inc., an industrial product importing company.

She also represented Gilligan O’Malley Sleepwear, Inc., in New York as a national account manager.

CARLA LOOPER is director of Sales for Florida Insurance Brokers of Central Florida. Carla is responsible for marketing and sales within her agency. She currently serves on the boards of the Nature Coast Human Resources Society, Business Assistance Committee, Hernando County Cancer Society and the local Kiwanis Club. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and reading.

JENNIFER SIEM is the adult member services and wellness director for the Hernando branch of the YMCA of the Suncoast. Jennifer is a wife and mother of three teenagers, as well as a certified personal trainer, cycling instructor, and group fitness instructor. Motivating others to lead healthier lives is the fuel that drives her passion for health and wellness.

KATIE LUCAS, public information officer for Nature

DENNIS WILFONG founded Innovative Technology, Inc. He received the 1988 Business of the Year Award, the 1989 Free Enterprise Award, the 1992 Businessperson of the Year Award, the 1996 Environmental Safety Award, the 1996 Business of the Year Award from the Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, and the 1996 Governor’s Award. Dr. Wilfong has assisted the development of business locally and has chaired the Business Development section of the Hernando County Summit.

He serves on various advisory boards for the county.

KATIE MEHL is the public relations coordinator for

LYNN VAN METER is the owner and CEO of Fiddlehead Marketing Advertising Public Relations, located in Spring Hill. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in public relations. In addition to meeting the needs of her clients, Lynn is actively involved in several non-profit groups, which include the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, and serves on the board of directors for the Florida Blueberry Festival and the Life Center.

MARY JO PAIGE is part of the marketing team at Oak Hill Hospital and has more than 20 years experience in the advertising agency business working for Young and Rubicam, Bozell Worldwide and ultimately becoming a principal in Ellis and Paige Advertising in Tampa. She has a Master of Science in advertising from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Science in business administration. She is a graduate of Leadership Hernando and Leadership Tampa Bay.

VINCE VANNI has devoted more than 35 years to creatively marketing a variety of products, programs, and organizations. He has a reputation for creativity, efficiency, and above all, effectiveness. He enjoys a lucrative practice and is consultant to some of this area’s leading businesses, medical practices, and public officials. In 2005, Vince was the recipient of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award and Chamber Service Award.

DOROTHY PERNU, APR, is the director of marketing and communications at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center with more than 20 years experience in health care marketing and planning. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from McGill University. Dorothy is the Chair of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce Business Women’s Alliance, serves on the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce board of directors, is a graduate of Leadership Citrus, is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association, and in 2010, received the Jean Grant Business Women’s Alliance award.

JOSH WOOTEN, a Florida native, has called Citrus

Coast EMS, has lived in Citrus County more than 21 years.

She is an active member in the community, working with several business and charitable organizations. Her background includes marketing, sales, public relations and graphic design, and she has worked in radio, television, and newspaper. Her duties at Nature Coast include working with other county emergency responders, dispersing public information, community outreach, and speaking engagements.

Citrus Memorial Health System. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in mass communications from the University of Central Florida. She is a member of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) and is acting president-elect for the Nature Coast Chapter of FPRA.

SAM SHRIEVES is the marketing president of

Capital City Bank for Hernando/Pasco. He started his banking career in Hernando County in 1978. Sam attended Pasco-Hernando Community College, graduated from the University of Florida School of Banking in 1986 and from the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University in 1991. He serves on the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Hernando County, Oak Hill Hospital Community Advisory Council, and the Hernando County Education Foundation.

County home for more than 25 years. He became president/ CEO of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce in March 2009. He served as county commissioner from 2000–04 and was a founder of Keep Citrus Beautiful. He served on the Citrus Memorial Health System Advisory Board and the Citrus County Stakeholder’s Advisory Group. As Chamber president, he is actively involved with the Citrus County Economic Development Council on a daily basis.

Our board is made up of a unique cross-section of business professionals who offer an exclusive blend of diverse viewpoints. Their distinct perspectives allow us to attain a clear picture of how to best serve the residents of Citrus and Hernando counties. Their input helps us create the best magazine possible — a custom fit — just for you and your health needs. www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

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COMMUNITY MATTERS

Keen Kiwanian The Kiwanis Club of Brooksville Ridge named Jim Fisher as its Kiwanian of the Year. This award is presented to a member who has demonstrated outstanding service to the club and to the community. Fisher was chosen because he exemplifies these traits.

He serves as club secretary, as well as the annual chairman of the Kiwanis pancake breakfast fundraiser. Fisher participates in all club events, takes roll at every meeting, and openly promotes the values of the club. He is the fourth winner of this award, following in the footsteps of Amy Gillis, Larke Woolever, and Rick Garrett.

Fisher enjoys being a Kiwanis member because he “wants to make a difference while meeting friends who have the same interests and values.”

Surgery of the future Brandon Regional Hospital recently performed its first single-site incision robotic surgery procedure to remove a gallbladder. Thanks to the latest breakthrough in minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery techniques, patients can now have their gallbladder removed in about the same amount of time as a lunch break and return home for dinner with minimal discomfort and less scarring.

Darshan Thakkar is among an elite group of surgeons to perform robotic-assisted gallbladder removal surgery. He says that one particular advantage about the robot at Brandon Regional Hospital is a high-definition 3-D camera and a panoramic zoom to enlarge pictures.

“Using single-site robotic assistance gallbladder surgery means we have to make one incision that is no smaller than an inch in length to successfully perform this procedure,” he says.

Reeling in new fishermen

Community Matters Sons of Italy The Nature Coast Lodge 2502 of the Order of the Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is forming the Italian-American Business Committee (IABC). The IABC is open to any member of the OSI A, not just members of Nature Coast Lodge 2502.

The mission of the IABC is to give back to the community by networking and promoting OSIA brothers and sisters. The committee will also promote social justice and encourage all positive aspects of Italian culture. The group also intends to be strong advocates for arts and culture in education.

For more information, contact Dennis McKenna at 352.584.7023.

Quite the innovator Chuck Nagel, radiation officer of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, received the HCA West Florida Division’s Innovators Award. Nagel submitted a financial impact idea that involves changing the ordering and consumption of radiopharmaceuticals in the nuclear medicine department.

The HCA Innovators Award is designed to help connect employees to the greater organization and reward them for innovative ideas that contribute to improvement at all levels.

The award promotes great ideas that often are not shared with colleagues.

Nagel received $1,000 along with the Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point Innovators Award and $2,500 along with the HCA West Florida Division’s Innovators Award.

He has the opportunity to receive an additional $10,000 if he is selected on the HCA corporate level.

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Instead of learning how to the play the latest video game perhaps it is time for your child to enjoy the outdoors, and learn how to fish. After all, Citrus and Hernando counties boast numerous lakes, rivers, and, of course, the Gulf of Mexico.

Citrus County Parks and Recreation is teaming up with the Florida Fish and Wildlife and offering a kid’s fishing clinic on February 23rd from 9a.m. to 2p.m.

Children will learn about environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills, and safety. This is a catchand-release event, and each child will receive a free fishing rod and tackle box. Pre-registration is required.

For more information, visit citruscountyparks.com or fishfloridatag.org.

www.f l oridablu eberryfestival. o rg

COMMUNITY MATTERS

Sweet awards for Citrus Spine surgery and general surgery at Citrus Memorial hospital are not only in the top ten percent in the nation but have risen to be among the echelon of the top 100 hospitals nationwide, according to a report from HealthGrades, the leading provider of information to help consumers make an informed decision about a physician or hospital.

Other notable Health Grades recognitions for Citrus Memorial include: • • • • •

Five-star recipient for treatment of stroke four years in a row.

Recipient of HealthGrades’ General Surgery Excellence award two years in a row.

Five-star recipient for treatment of pulmonary embolism two years in a row.

Five-star recipient for spine surgery eight years in a row.

Five-star recipient for treatment of sepsis four years in a row.

As good as gold A step in the right direction

Community Matters

Citrus Memorial Health System officially welcomed William R. Brown, D.P.M., to its active medical staff. Dr. Brown currently practices at Inverness Surgical Association, which is located at 403 West Highland Boulevard in Inverness.

Dr. Brown completed podiatric surgical residencies at both Kaiser Foundation Hospital in California and Richmond Heights General Hospital in Ohio. In addition to being a skilled podiatric surgeon, he specializes in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedic and Primary Podiatric Medicine.

A healthy living alternative

Regional Medical Center Bayonet and Oak Hill Hospital received the American Heart Association’s Start! Fit-Friendly Company Gold Award. The award recognizes companies throughout the country that demonstrate progressive leadership by making the health and wellness of their employees a priority.

The hospitals promote a culture of wellness at the worksite by offering physical activities and healthy eating options for employees. In addition, they embrace at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and culture.

Dr. Maria Scunziano-Singh offer seminars twice a month educating the public concerning the benefits of natural, holistic medicine.

With topics such as how to live a gluten-free life, diabetes prevention, and weight loss, Dr. Scunziano-Singh aims to educate others concerning disease prevention through good eating habits and living a healthier lifestyle.

The seminars are the first and third Thursday of the month at 5:30p.m. at Access Healthcare, 5350 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.

There is no need to RSVP. For more information, call 352.686.8230.

The heart of the matter February is American Heart Month. Let us remember the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following tips to prevent or fight heart disease: • • • • • • • 18 |

www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

Choose lean meats and skinless poultry, and prepare them without added saturated or trans fat.

Select fat-free, one-percent fat, and low-fat dairy products.

Minimize the amount of foods you consume that are high in dietary cholesterol. Try eating less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol each day.

Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.

Try eating more foods that are low in sodium.

Drink alcohol in moderation.

Watch those portion sizes.

Let us handle the details 352.746.6855

505 E. Hartford Street, Hernando, FL 34442

catering@citrushills.com

• • • •

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• • • •

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| 19

MEDICAL MYSTERIES

Can you literally be scared to death?

WRITTEN BY FRED HILTON // PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANTHONY CASTO

Being frightened was never high on my list of favorite things to do.

When I was a little kid, one of the first movies I ever saw was The Wizard of Oz. Unfortunately, the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys scared the beejeebers out me. When they came on the screen, I would duck down behind the seats in front of me until they were gone. I assumed the same position later in multiple Disney movies when the witch du jour appeared. I also avoid tall buildings, hairy spiders, and angry possums.

I stay away from roller coasters and other scary rides, too. When we first took our kids to Disney World, it was good old mom who took the boys on Space Mountain, not me. I stood guard outside to protect everyone in case some flying monkeys showed up.

Still, I survived these multiple frights and have avoided being scared to death. The worrisome thing is that you actually can be scared to death.

When asked by Scientific American if you can be scared to death, Dr. Martin A. Samuels’ answer was emphatic: “Absolutely, no question about it.” Dr. Samuels is chairman of the neurology department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and he said that a scare triggers a fight-or-flight response in humans that causes the release of adrenaline. In large amounts, adrenaline can damage internal organs — including the heart. “In most cases, it is probably ventricular fibrillation that causes these sudden deaths from fear,” Dr. Samuels says. Ventricular fibrillations cause the lower chambers of the heart to vibrate in a way that hampers their ability to deliver blood to the body.

While you can conceivably die from a big scare, it would most likely be “someone with a preexisting condition, a weak heart, or an aneurysm in the brain,” says Brian J. Hurlbut, who teaches psychology at Southern Connecticut State University.

There have actually been cases when criminals were charged with murder because their victims died from heart attacks. In 2009, a 21-yearold man was sentenced to life in prison after a 79-year-old North Carolina grandmother died of a heart attack when she found the man hiding in her house after his failed bank robbery.

Chances are still pretty good that you will be safe when various scary things appear or go bump in the night. However, to be safe, if somebody shows up at your door dressed like a flying monkey, you might want to hide behind the door.

SOURCES: Can a person be scared to death? by Coco Ballantyne in Scientific American http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=scared-to-death-heart-attack: In rare cases, people can be scared to death by Marjorie Cortez, KSL.com http:// www.ksl.com/?nid=960&sid=17877799: “Can you really be scared to death?” by William Weir, Phys.org; http://phys.org/news/2010-11-death.html (Accessed August 30, 2012)

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| 21

S’MOTHERHOOD

The stuff

little boys are made of WRITTEN BY TIFFANY ROACH

A booby-holder. This was apparently the consensus the matching pair of four-year-old boys in the back of a red Target cart came to when they were asked what their mom might like for Valentine’s Day. It was not hard for me to picture the scene as my husband recounted it to me later that evening. I could picture the boys with the seemingly perpetual lines of chocolate coating the creased corners of their mouths, their golden hair “spiked” every which way after they insisted on styling it with cream cheese that morning.

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I could picture the serious deliberation on their faces when my husband asked them, “What should we get your Mom for Valentine’s Day?” “A tractor!”

“A tool set!”

“A Buzz Lightyear shooting gun!”

These were just a sampling of the initial gift-brilliance they came up with.

“Those sound like fun things you might like, but let’s think of some things Mommy might like,” my weathered and oh-so-wise husband suggested as he slowly pushed them through the aisle of Star Wars toys.

At this, I could picture the boys’ atypical quietness as they collectively moved their attention from light sabers and gave a Valentine’s gift “Mommy might like” some consideration. I had no problem at all envisioning the florescent lighting of the store, or when my one son turned to his brother and asked victoriously, “Hey! I know! What are those things that hold Mommy’s boobies?” And without missing a beat, I could imagine my other son matter-of-factly informing him, “Those things that hold Mommy’s boobies — they are called ‘boobyholders.’” I could picture my husband’s unsuccessful attempt to stifle a smile, which I envisioned as a mixture of fatherly pride and boyish sheepishness. I could picture my sons’ combined excitement and hear their voices elevate to a deafening pitch far exceeding that of the intercom of the store — or a jet engine — as they proudly announced their perfected gift idea to their father and everyone else in North America. “A booby-holder! Mommy really, really, really needs a new boobyholder!”

Four years ago, I was inwardly relieved when the sonographer pointed out the “apps for boys” two-thirds of the babies I carried so proudly displayed across the screen. Having grown up with brothers, I felt like I had a

“A booby-holder! Mommy really, really, really, needs a new booby-holder!” standing of loyalty. Little boys are made up of the hearts of men in little bodies.

And little boys are made up of the stuff that can transform just one sticky kiss, just one “I love you, Mommy,” into a currency that can somehow fill your soul in places that take your breath away.

I know that the stuff which makes up little boys is the same stuff that will one day turn them into men — the kind of men like the one sitting across from me with a twinkle of boyish excitement in his eye as he watches me unwrap a Valentine’s Day gift — a gift that I know with certainty is — a booby holder.

PHOTOS © SHUTTERSTOCK

good handle on the frogs and snails and puppy dog tails that little boys are made of, and quite frankly, it was the prospect of ingredients like sugar and spice and everything nice that seemed awfully vague and had me more than a little worried.

However, what I now know after a few years of parenting boys — beside the fact I could seriously reap the benefits of an anti-anxiety prescription — is that there are quite a few more things that make up little boys. For example, besides puppy dog tails, little boys seem to be made of broken arms or blood-gushing abrasions requiring stitches at 5:03p.m. on Friday evenings, which coincidentally is the exact moment the automated answering service at the pediatrician’s office is turned on.

Little boys are made up of farts that are apparently always hysterically funny — especially if performed in a bathtub with an unsuspecting sister. Little boys are made up of collections of Hot Wheels, shriveled worms, an affinity for matches, and questions like, “Mommy, is my penis made out of glass or plastic?”

Little boys are made up of an uncanny ability to locate anything containing an engine within a hundred mile radius and an uncanny inability to locate the place in the toilet bowl where pee should land. Little boys are made up of a repertoire of sound effects with only one volume setting — loud. And the moments of quiet that comprise little boys mean it is probably a good idea to get the fire department on the line.

Little boys are made up of a raw honesty: “Mommy, I don’t want you to be the boss because I want to be the BOSS!”— a stance on life that, while challenging, at least leaves no ambiguity as to where he stands on the topic.

Little boys are made up of the very best intentions that often go awry — a pancake breakfast in bed for mom that ends up in the pillows, a love note written in permanent marker on dry wall, or a gift in the form of the neighbor’s prize-winning rose buds.

They are full of energy, curiosity, and an innate under-

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| 23

Mental, Physical, Spiritual, and Financial Health.

for sneak peek previews of the magazine, announcements, and behind the scenes photo shoots.

NATURE COAST

MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE www.ocalaice.com

in our hearts Our ICE staff share a few of their patient stories that touched their hearts ADVERTISEMENT

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Touching our hearts

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utting-edge technology, patient-centered care, state-of-the-art facilities, and education concerning every aspect of their treatment are what patients can expect when they visit The Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence. Dr. Qamar and his staff do more than just practice medicine. They conduct specialized testing and perform life-saving procedures — and new patients quickly learn what established patients already know — they take pride in building lasting relationships with each and every patient. Throughout the years, Dr. Qamar and his staff feel fortunate to have had the pleasure to cross the paths and touch the lives of those who make up the heart of their practice — the patients. With February being American Heart Month, the staff at ICE wanted to take time to share some of the moments and people who have made such a difference in their HEARTS.

Way to go, Joe! “I’ve been with Dr. Qamar for eleven and a half years, and I think I have known Joseph Del Quaglio for nine of those years. Joe is always happy and smiling.

If there is a wait, he never complains. He tells everyone how great we are.

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Caring for Coop “In the past few months, Mrs. Robin Coop has been seen several times to have echocardiograms performed. She is battling breast cancer and comes to our office to evaluate her ejection fraction, which can be diminished by chemotherapy. She always has a positive attitude through-

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I see her, she has a smile on her face, and it reminds me to cherish every moment of the day.”

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The picture of health “I am the patient liaison for ICE and have been with Dr. Qamar for many years. It is very hard for me to pick just one patient that touches my heart because they all do. I have had the privilege to help take care of so many people through the years, and I enjoy every minute of it.

Edward Boozer is so kind and sweet and always shows me pictures of his beautiful grandchildren. He and his wife are a pleasure, and I enjoy seeing them every time they come in.”

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Big Jim “I met Jimmy through another patient of ours who suffered a terrible stroke and was completely immobile. Jimmy took complete care of him for many years. My father has had a stroke, and I know how difficult that can be. Most family members in this situation wouldn’t be able to handle such a difficult task, but Jimmy did it with dignity and class with no thought of reward or praise. Our friend passed away recently, and it broke my heart. With all the horrible things going on in the world,

it’s good to know there are people like Jimmy who give you hope that there are still plenty of good people in the world.”

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Plight of the Honeybees THE

PLIGHT

OF THE

[honey]BEE WRITTEN BY MARY ANN DESANTIS

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Plight of the Honeybees

H

oneybees do more than just produce the “nectar of the gods.” They also pollinate more than one-third of the world’s crops, but bees are disappearing at an alarming rate. Rising food costs are only the tip of the beehive; completely losing foods we love is a real possibility.

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— Bill Rhodes

In February, a bee convention of sorts will converge in California’s Central Valley when almond flowers are ready for pollination.

Almond growers will pay top dollar — anywhere from $140 to $200 per hive — to have bees trucked in from all over the U.S. and Canada because there are simply not enough honeybees in the area to do the job.

“The almond growers need a million hives to pollinate the trees, but there are only about two million hives in this country,” says local honey producer Bill Rhodes whose hives will be among those in California. “And if things continue the way they have been, we won’t even have that many in the near future.

hives. Although no one knows what causes CCD for sure, many scientists and beekeepers suspect pesticides play a significant role by causing bees to become disoriented or impaired so they cannot find their way back to their hives. The chemicals are also thought to weaken the bees’ immune systems, which make them susceptible to viruses and parasites, which cause them to die.

“The pesticide clothianidin is agriculture’s Deep Water Horizon.

America’s farmland is awash in questionable chemicals as surely as the shorelines of the Gulf Coast were awash in crude oil — and for many of the same reasons,” says Tom Theobald, a founding member of the Boulder County Beekeepers Association and a concerned beekeeper in Niwot, Colorado. “I was struck by the lax oversight leading up to the Gulf disaster and the parallel to what has been occurring in the beekeeping world for several years.”

Theobald says that clothianidin and a number of other pesticides in the neonicotinoids family become incorporated into the system of the plant when the seed germinates. In May 2008, two-thirds of the bee colonies in the BadenWurttemberg region of Germany were killed, and the damage was traced to the pesticide produced by the German corporation Bayer.

Within two weeks, Germany banned clothianidin on corn and several other crops, although Bayer described it as a “rare event.”

Two years later, however, the rare event was repeated in Indiana when dust near corn fields treated with clothianidin was stirred up during

a dry spring. Purdue University researchers found high levels of clothianidin in dead bees and incoming pollen.

American inaction Unlike Germany, the U.S. has not banned the use of such pesticides, much to the chagrin of beekeepers like Rhodes and Theobald. Both have written numerous letters to legislators and the Environmental Protection Agency. Theobald also blogs about the honeybee crisis and the EPA’s slow response.

“I’m not an alarmist, but the more I see and read what these pesticides can do, I think this could be the greatest ecological disaster of our time,” says Theobald.

“Agricultural technologies have sterilized some of the richest farmland in the world.”

Going up against government agencies and international chemical companies has been a stinging reality for beekeepers. The chemical companies themselves often fund the research that studies the effects their products have on the environment. Theobald says the EPA has been in a bunker when it comes to standing up to billion-dollar corporations and lags far behind foreign regulators in other countries.

France, Italy, and Germany banned neonicotinoids and bees rebounded within a few years. Theobald has been monitoring hearings in England that were coming to a close in late December to see if clothianidin would be banned there as well.

The EPA says it is reviewing the pesticides, but the process can take

Plight of the Honeybees Where have all our bees gone?

Rhodes is one of a growing number of honey producers and beekeepers who have watched their bees disappear in steadily increasing numbers.

The Apiary Inspectors of America and the federal government’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) estimate that the U.S. lost more than a third of its honeybee colonies in the winter of 2010. This is an increase from overall losses of twenty-nine percent in 2009 and similar to the 2008 numbers when nearly thirty-six percent of honeybee colonies disappeared. Although poor weather and genetically weak colonies are partly to blame, many researchers and beekeepers fear that a phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is causing worker bees to simply leave the

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SOURCES: “Do We Have a Pesticide Blowout,” by Tom Theobald, Bee Culture Magazine, July 2010]: Researchers: Honeybee deaths linked to seed insecticide exposure; http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/research/2012/story-print-deploy-layout_1_17333_17333.html: Program Highlights - Current as of April 2012 - Overview of the Registration Review Program; http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/registration_review/highlights.htm; Bee Basics; http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5306468.pdf; 2009 Has the Worst Honey Crop on Record; http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/blogs/bees/honey-beekeeping-47102806; Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments and Honey Bee Health; http://www.extension.org/pages/65034/neonicotinoid-seed-treatments-and-honey-bee-health (Accessed December 14, 2012)

“People don’t realize that a third of everything they eat is pollinated by bees and the collapse of the honeybee population is a major threat to crops.”

years, and that is time beekeepers say they can’t afford to lose.

Theobald believes that, at the most, the industry is only one or two years away from disaster.

What can be done?

“The only hope is that all of us — and not just beekeepers — keep hammering away at these corporations and the government.

People have to become involved or otherwise it’s just ‘shut up and eat your pesticides’,” says Theobald.

“People don’t realize that a third of everything they eat is pollinated by bees and the collapse of the honeybee population is a major threat to crops,” says Rhodes, “But the bees have nowhere to go where they aren’t susceptible.”

“So many things are being put into the ground, it’s scary,” he adds. “Systemic pesticides come up through the plants and roots, and it only takes a little to affect bees and destroy hives. Imagine what those chemicals are doing to our bodies over a period of time.”

Rhodes first noticed in 2004 that his hives seemed smaller, yet he wasn’t finding any dead bees.

In 2005, it happened again, and he lost 4,500 hives, but 2008 was the worst year: he lost 7,200 hives out of 9,000. Losing 6,000 hives last year may not seem as bad, but CCD is still a major concern because bees aren’t producing as much honey.

“A cold winter or too much rain hurts you,” explains Rhodes, “but Colony Collapse Disorder will kill you.”

The implications are extremely serious for not only beekeepers but also for the agriculture industry and for consumers.

crop pollination, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and that includes most fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Even coffee, soy beans, cotton, and clovers — like alfalfa — are all dependent on honeybee pollination to increase yields.

Some crops, like almonds, are entirely dependent on honeybee pollination. The National Honey Board says that without honeybees, there would be no almonds at all. Blueberries, apples, avocados, cherries, cranberries, and sunflowers are ninety percent dependent on honeybee pollination. Without honeybees, these products would become scarce and outrageously expensive.

If bee losses continue at the thirty-three percent rate seen in 2010, the economic viability of the bee pollination industry will be threatened. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says honeybees would not disappear entirely, but the cost of honeybee pollination services would rise, and those increased costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher food costs. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the regulatory agency responsible for protecting Florida’s apiary industry, says that without bee pollination one-third of the food in Florida would disappear.

Privately funded environmentalists in the recent LinkTV documentary Earth Focus say only three crops that don’t rely on bee pollination — rice, wheat, and corn — would survive.

ARS researchers also concluded that continued losses of the 2010 magnitude will make it hard for commercial honey producers to have economically sustainable businesses. And that is something that worries Rhodes, one of Florida’s largest commercial honey producers.

THE LOCAL EFFECTS OF BEE LOSS In 2005, Bill Rhodes produced 2,600 drums of honey annually. By 2011, his numbers dropped to 1,200 drums, and he estimates it will be less than 1,100 for 2012. Even the healthy bees that return to their hives are simply not making the quantities of honey they once did Rhodes began his business as a one-man operation in the early 1970s after he returned home following a two-year playing career in the Canadian Football League.

“I got interested in the bee business through a friend,” says the former Florida State University lineman. “I started with fifty hives, and before I knew it, I had 400.”

Today, he has anywhere between 8,000 and 10,000 hives and fifteen employees. Honey production fluctuates wildly from year to year because of weather and a variety of factors, including CCD. And sending his hives to other states is not without risks and costs. Trucking costs can easily top $150,000 to ship hives to California, South Dakota, and other honey-producing states.

To offset high expenses and declining bee populations, many honey packers blend local products with inferior foreign honeys or syrups.

And adulterated honey scares Rhodes more than bee stings. He says that much of the honey from India, Vietnam, Malaysia, and especially China often contains carcinogens and antibiotics.

“Importers are going after local packers to add foreign honey to local labels,” Rhodes says. “They can sell it for less than $1.20 cents a pound, whereas pure local honey goes for over $2 a pound.”

Americans consume nearly 360 million pounds of honey per year, but just 161 million pounds were produced domestically in 2009, according to the USDA. The market is ripe for importers and for producers who are tempted to cut pure honey with additives that are far less expensive to produce.

Rhodes is well-known in the industry for his fight against “funny honey,” products masquerading as the real deal but are really substandard blends of rice syrup or other additives.

“Bill was instrumental in helping Florida become the first state in the nation in 2009 to set industry standards,” says Doug McGinnis, co-owner of Tropical Blossom Honey Company in Edgewater. “He is passionate about making sure honey is pure, and we need more beekeepers like him.”

Plight of the Honeybees

The importance of bees Flowering plants require insects for pollination, and honeybees are by far the most effective.

In fact, they are responsible for approximately 75 percent of insect

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Florida’s Standard of Identity for Honey defines what honey must contain in order to be sold in Florida.

California, Wisconsin, and North Carolina have since established their own standards, and similar efforts have been proposed in at least twelve other states, including North and South Dakota, the nation’s largest producers of honey. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing a petition seeking a national honey standard, something that Florida’s honey producers say is long overdue.

When Rhodes isn’t writing letters or making phone calls about funny honey or harmful pesticides, he is busy making the golden nectar of the gods. And, indeed, his locally produced honeys are a taste of heaven.

“Although Bill is a large producer, he pays attention to the little details that go into producing honey,” says McGinnis, who has sold Rhodes Honey at Tropical Blossom for more than twenty years. “He knows what he’s doing, and he always brings us a superior product because he puts so much care into his hives.

Rhodes says the process of honey production should begin with healthy bees and in hives that aren’t overcrowded. The “super” boxes that cover the hives have room for ten frames, but the beekeepers use nine or less so that the bees have more room. When the honeycombs on the frames are full, they are removed and taken to the “honey barn” for processing. Each frame yields about five pounds of honey. The honey is slightly warmed, just enough to separate the honey from the wax. Raw honey is one of the purest foods on the table so it should never be cooked or overheated, according to both beekeepers.

A centrifuge further separates the wax and honey.

The wax is placed in molds that form forty-pound “cakes” — a byproduct that has its own market among candle makers and cosmetic manufacturers — and the honey is barreled.

Despite the dire news about the disappearance of the honeybee, Rhodes is passionate about the industry and his craft. While he is not giving up his fight against “funny honey” or the big companies that produce pesticides, he is spending more time making the honey the way he thinks it should be done.

“I’m going soon to visit some orange groves myself and take soil samples,” he says. “I want to put my bees in places where pesticides can’t harm them.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SAVE THE HONEYBEE: Plant bee flowers and a pollinator friendly habitat. To find a list of pollinators and for a free planting guide, visit http://pollinator.org/guides.

Reduce or eliminate pesticide use. If you must spray, do it at night when bees are least active.

Support efforts to help bees stand on their own six feet. Donate to the Foundation for the Preservation of Honeybees, which researches Colony Collapse Disorder, at http://honeybeepreservation.org.

Start a hive. Amateur beekeepers say it is a rewarding and relaxing hobby and you get rewarded sweetly with honey. And if you are a gardener, the benefits are even greater: your fruit and vegetable production will be enhanced.

Begin at www.bees-online.com. The best time to begin a hive is April and May, according to experts.

Plight of the Honeybees Buy local honey. The best way to obtain the purest honey is to know your source, and buy from local beekeepers.

Keep abreast of news about the honey industry and honeybees at www.truesourcehoney.com and www.honey.com.

Learn more at Earth Focus - Episode 44: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cguW1MB9zM [www.linktv.org/earthfocus]

“I’m not an alarmist, but the more I see and read what these pesticides can do, I think this could be the greatest ecological disaster of our time.”

— Tom Theobald 34 |

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So long… and thanks for all the pollen!

FOR THE LOVE OF HISTORY and reading WRITTEN BY SHEMIR WILES

Sit back and open your mind to the raw, unapologetic truth of Maya Angelou; the eloquent, philosophical enlightenment of Ralph Waldo Ellison; the smooth and powerful socialconsciousness of Langston Hughes; or the heartfelt yet uncompromising works of Nikki Giovanni.

Eclecticism is the word. Like a jazz musician who creates his own style out of the styles around him, I play by ear.

Ralph Waldo Ellison

The variety of black poetry and prose can almost feel endless, and with so many stories to tell, there is no denying the immense impact black authors have had on the literary fabric of the United States. For nearly forty years, Black History Month has always served as an annual observance that casts a spotlight on the achievements and contributions of black Americans by encouraging the study of black historical figures and culture. But more than twenty years ago, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) decided to

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create an event that not only noted blacks’ involvement in shaping America’s history but promoted literacy and the importance of reading among children and adults. Thus, the African-American Read-In was born.

The Citrus County African-American Read-In has been a February tradition for six years. It is the brainchild of Sylvia Wilson, a member of the Friends of the Central Ridge Library and a member of the library system’s advisory board. Karen Slaska, who organizes the event every year, says Wilson noted Gainesville and Ocala

held similar events every year so she felt it was more than necessary that Citrus have a read-in, as well. “She placed the bug in the library director’s ear, and just kept pushing for it until he finally gave in,” Slaska says and laughs.

The event grew from humble beginnings.

Slaska remembers the first year when approximately 150 people gathered inside the old courtroom on the second floor of the Citrus County Historical Courthouse.

“The first year was pretty neat. It was much smaller than it is now. It had more of a

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.

Maya Angelou

homey feeling; we didn’t have all the perks we have now like the professionally made programs and a variety of entertainment,” she says.

But what has remained a mainstay for the program is the teamwork between the Citrus County Library System, the Citrus County School District, the Citrus County Historical Society, and the College of Central Florida (CF). Representatives from these groups come together every year to plan a read-in that is bigger and better than the last.

This year, Slaska is proud to have the

Afro-American Club of Citrus County join the partnership. It is her hope that having more community groups involved can help move the program from being dependent on local government funding since every year it seems budgets become smaller and production costs rise.

In the years since the inaugural event in 2007, the event has expanded, quickly outgrowing its venue at the old courthouse and has been hosted at CF for the last two years. Some 250 people packed the Learning and Conference Center last year;

many were repeat attendees while others, who stood pleasantly surprised, admitted to being first-timers. “A lot of people who came last year and said it was their first time attending told me they wished they would have known about the event sooner because they would have been coming every year,” Slaska says.

The orators who perform the selected readings range from regular, everyday citizens to elected officials and school principals. Last year’s favorites, Edwin and Bonita Martin, will return to read a Brer Possum

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We write because we believe the human spirit cannot be tamed and should not be trained.

Nikki Giovanni

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An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose.

Langston Hughes

story. The readings themselves also vary.

Some may be political and spiritual in their message while others are more comedic and family-focused. Slaska said there has also been more of a push to incorporate lesserknown works and local authors into the mix of standard black literature readings.

“Of course we will probably still have Maya Angelou readings, but this year we want to include some newer authors like Tony Dungy and those who aren’t as well-known like Elizabeth Alexander or Nikki Grimes,” Slaska says.

This year will also feature live entertainment. The Jazz trio of Sally Smith, Jim Davis, and Ted Stauffer are returning to kick off the afternoon. Attendees can also expect special performances from a local step team and the Lecanto High School drama club.

Plus, Crystal Wilson will be leading the audience in singing Lift Every Voice and Sing.

And as always, the Friends of the Citrus County Library System will be doing book giveaways to spread the message of literacy. “We have to encourage people

to keep reading and promote the written word,” Slaska says. “A literate society is an empowered society, and we have to see what others are thinking to build empathy, knowledge, and power. It is what makes the world richer.”

The Citrus County African-American Read-in will take place 2:30–4:30p.m.

Sunday, February 24th, at the College of Central Florida’s Learning and Conference Center, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, in Lecanto.

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HEALTHY MIND What makes women and men happy?

When it comes to the pursuit of happiness, are men and women really all that different? When asked what makes them happy — this is what men and women had to say:

What makes a woman happy?

Chocolate An empty dishwasher Watching your child succeed Knowing she is adored New shoes Girlfriends A good book A good night’s sleep The ocean The feeling of working hard and accomplishing a goal Sunshine Learning something new

PHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

What makes a man happy?

Feeling loved Knowing his family’s needs are met each day Watching his children grow, but especially hearing them laugh Feeling needed A close friend Warm days and cool nights Being appreciated at work A thunderstorm Knowing where each tool is located in his shop Standing at the foot of a mountain A long nap in the sun, knowing all is well A good hamburger

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HEALTHY MIND

Friendships and Relationships: You can’t live without them WRITTEN BY CHRISANN REID, LCSW

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HEALTHY MIND

one above. They may subconsciously feel a personal investment in the outcome, sending objectivity right out the window!

Regarding spouses, we play so many different roles in the lives of our spouses — such as wife, husband, financial planner, household manager, chief cook, and bottle washer (you get the idea) — that the ability to be objective can also be complicated. Great friends are ones that we can let see both our good and bad selves and know they will not judge us because they are not as personally impacted and therefore have a different investment than a family member or spouse.

There is also the concept of different friends from different places for different reasons. This is perfectly fine and, in fact, necessary. Friends are such an important part of our support system for our very complex lives. You may have work friends, neighborhood friends, friends who are the parents of your children’s friends, spouses of your spouse’s friends, etc. Friends at work may congratulate you on a project, which they know you put a great deal of effort into, in a way a social or neighbor friend would not understand or appreciate. On the other hand, a neighbor friend may be the only one you can talk to about a work friend who has accused you of being disloyal. Most importantly, work friendships can be a tricky thing. Remember the idea of balance of power and how that could impact “true friendships”? In other words, don’t try to become best buds with your boss!

Keep in mind that some friendships simply do not work. Sometimes one person has a greater need to be dependent on a friend. You will be able to detect this because the friendship will start to feel entirely too draining. Conversely, other friends have a need to be too helpful, ultimately smothering you.

Healthy friendships are a two-way street. At times, friends motivate us to be better, and other times, we motivate them. Healthy friends provide a mirror that lets us continuously reflect upon our own thoughts and behaviors. They keep us in check with real-

ity, as well as with who we are and who we are becoming. The bottom line is, friends and positive relationships help us to keep a healthy and positive balance in our lives!

Healthy friends provide a mirror that lets us continuously reflect upon our own thoughts and behaviors. They keep us in check with reality, as well as with who we are and who we are becoming.

NOTE TO SENIORS: I cannot stress enough the importance of staying connected as we age. Isolation can lead to depression, which can lead to despair and hopelessness. As you think of retirement, think of being somewhere that encourages you to stay connected. Look to be somewhere that provides a multitude of resources to stay connected and develop friendships in an ongoing way. Unfortunately, as we age we can lose friends who have been lifelong, near-and-dear friends. While grieving the loss of someone close is a normal part of life, you want to be in an environment filled with other resources for comfort. It is crucial to your longevity. I have heard from many that one of the most difficult aspects of a long, healthy life is seeing most of your closest friends leave this world. If you are one of the lucky ones who get to inhabit this life longer than others — stay connected!

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PHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

WE HAVE ALL HEARD THE EXPRESSION that a dog is man’s best friend. Dogs are loyal, trustworthy, nonjudgmental, and stand by your side unconditionally. While these are excellent qualities and ones we would admire in a friend, remember that the relationship between a dog and its owner is based on an inequity of power — based on the fact you are able to train your dog with all the qualities you love because you hold all the power. I do not recommend you start a friendship in the same way. If a friendship does start this way, I suggest you reconsider how positive that relationship is.

Good, strong, reliable friendships are vital to our lives. Friendships and relationships keep us connected to the world. They help us keep a realistic perspective in life. In counseling, when we assess risk factors affecting a person’s ability to cope with a traumatic or stressful event, we always look at their primary support system, which includes friends and family.

Little or no friends and family can indicate a higher risk of a poor recovery.

So why are good friends and relationships so important? Friends give us a sounding board; a place to either gain confirmation of a thought, feeling, or idea or a reason to re-evaluate them. Let’s face it, a good friend is someone who is willing to listen to you vent about who did what to whom and why you just had to blah, blah, blah… and then either congratulate you for finally stepping up or look at you as though your nose has just fallen off your face and say, “What were you thinking?”

You may ask, “Why not just let a family member or spouse fulfill this role?” I would offer that these too are equally important relationships in your life; however, they come from different perspectives and often there is baggage or history that can get in the way, complicating their good intentions. For instance, a mother, sister, or spouse hearing the above story may respond with, “You always do that! You take things the wrong way and then you overreact.” Family has obviously been with you your whole life and may have personal experience with situations similar to the

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HEALTHY MIND

Photos © Shutterstock.com

Think with confidence ARE YOU CONFIDENT? Men seem to wear confidence with ease, while women struggle in and out of confidence like a jacket that is three sizes too small. Maybe this is because confidence — along with assertiveness — has historically not been viewed as a very feminine quality. Only in the last fifty years with the women’s movement has a place for the confident woman been made. So maybe women just aren’t as practiced at confidence, or perhaps confidence is a quality that doesn’t come as naturally to the female gender. But could it be we just don’t have a good definition for what confidence is?

How can women be confident without being seen as the office Queen of Hearts (off with their heads!) or the carpool-line New Jersey Desperate Housewife?

BE THOUGHTFUL: Sometimes we get so caught up in being “right,” we stop listening to what others have to say. Remember, there is more than a single way to a solution and the goal is not to get there first. Stop, listen, and think through what others have to say before you push or argue for your own method or agenda.

You’ll be wiser for it, and you’ll make more friends along the way.

HAVE COURAGE: There are times when you may not have the concrete facts to back up your intuition, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speak up.

Oftentimes a woman will dismiss her “gut” feeling, not giving it the same value as prior experience or empirical data. Don’t be afraid to speak up. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging your intuition: “My intuition tells me we should include the document in the presentation.” Don’t let 46 |

your fear that others will discount your thoughts hold you back from offering them. On another note, don’t be afraid to be wrong — or admit it. A confident person can admit when she has made a mistake, or defer to someone who has the answer when she does not.

FOSTER CURIOSITY: You’ve

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heard the adage all your life: “You are never too old to learn.” People who are confident are not just willing to learn, but enthusiastic about learning. Consider teenage boys and driving. If you asked a teenage boy about to get his license if he is a good driver, he would (in all likelihood) confidently

reply with “yes.” Now, he may or may not be a good driver, but why would he be so confident in his ability? He’s confident because he is beyond excited about learning to drive. Ask questions and have a mind and spirit willing (and excited) to learn new things.

Where the rubber meets the road, women win Ladies, you may want to rethink your position as co-pilot next time you are driving with your man — at least when it comes time to park. A recent United Kingdom study conducted by National Car Parks Ltd. (NCP) found women are superior to men when it comes to parking. The monthlong study included 2,500 drivers and determined a score for the driver based on “various aspects of parking including technique, accuracy, and time taken.” The results are sure to put a dent in the male ego with women scoring an average of 13.4 out of 20, while men scored 12.3.

The study indicated that women were more efficient at finding parking spaces, while men drove at faster speeds, missing open parking spots. Also, more than half the women — although they took longer to park (on average twenty-one seconds, versus men who took sixteen seconds) — were able to position their cars centrally in the parking spot, while only a quarter of the men were able to line up the car in the space.

All of this begs the question, why aren’t more women employed by valet parking agencies?

The ‘NCP parking coefficient,’ how the sexes fared: ACTIVITY Appropriate space finding speed Good or very good ‘pre-parking pose’ Reverse into space Forward into space Speed of maneuver Reposition shuffle Central finish TOTAL CO-EFFICIENT (MAX 20)

MEN 64% 53% 28% 72% 16 seconds 29% 25% 12.3

Source: http://www.ncp.co.uk/documents/pressrelease/ncp-parking-survey.pdf

WOMEN 92% 77% 39% 61% 21 seconds 56% 53% 13.4

HEALTHY BODY Will he become a successful loser?

WRITTEN BY JAMES COMBS

KEITH JARMAN IS LIVING LARGE THESE DAYS — and it is all because he has made the decision to downsize.

Since committing to embark on a lifestyle change in early December, it took him just a little more than one month to shave twentysix pounds off his 425-pound frame.

Although he faces a long road ahead to reach his target weight of 240 pounds, he refuses to let small bumps derail his efforts.

“Losing weight and making important lifestyle changes are something I take very seriously,” he says. “I have many people supporting me and encouraging me, and I would feel bad if I let them down. I certainly do not want to let myself down.”

HEALTHY BODY

THE SKINNY ON KEITH For many people, battling obesity begins in childhood and continues throughout adulthood. That was hardly the case with Jarman. While growing up in Spring Hill, he was always an active child who participated in numerous sports. He eventually grew 6 feet 7 inches tall and became the star center of the Springstead High School basketball team.

His hoop skills caught the eyes of college recruiters, and he landed a full scholarship to play basketball at Newberry College in South Carolina.

“Unfortunately, I broke my foot during my freshman year and returned home to attend community college and work in a grocery store,” he says.

The injury ended his basketball career.

With no more games, no more practices, and no reasons to work out, he began focusing more on his career and married life and less on his health. Throughout his adult life, he would go through periods where he would lose weight and then quickly gain it all back.

For instance, during 2006 and 2007, he slimmed down from 350 pounds to 250 48 |

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pounds. But that success was short-lived.

That summer, he started a business, AME International, which specializes in making tirechanging tools and equipment. His company has flourished, exceeding the projected sales budget each year and today employs more than twenty people.

However, Jarman readily admits that the company’s success came at the expense of his health. “Building this company was a labor of love for me,” he says. “I started this company at the beginning of an economic downturn and felt it needed my full attention. I never took time to golf, fish, go to the gym, or exercise. I would also travel for my company three to four months out of the year and ate unhealthy food on the run.”

For Jarman, losing weight simply wasn’t a priority.

“To be honest, my weight never bothered me too much because I am very big boned and carry 400 pounds as well as you can possibly carry it,” he says. “Also, I never experienced any aches or pains that most

overweight people have to deal with.

Climbing stairs could be challenging, but other than that, I never felt any adverse effects from being obese.”

Over time, though, he began noticing that his weight slowly climbed higher and higher — until he maxed out at 425 pounds. At 39 years of age, he realizes the situation must be addressed.

“I went from 360 to 370 to 380 and eventually all the way to 425,” he says. “I asked myself, ‘When is this going to end?’

There comes a point when enough is enough.

I have a wife and three children and want to be there for them. I know for the sake of my family and business I am worth more above ground than below ground. I needed to make a change.”

TIME TO LIGHTEN UP Unlike past attempts, Jarman vows his latest uphill battle to lose weight will not ultimately become a downhill slide. He also realizes there is no magic pill or surgery to

HEALTHY BODY

“They have provided me with the necessary knowledge and guidance to help me make wise choices throughout my lifetime,” he says. “Because I possess this knowledge, there is no excuse why I cannot continue living a healthy lifestyle long after I am finished working with Sandra and Jenn.” solve his weight problem; instead, he is relying on proper nutrition and exercise.

He has sought the help of nutritionist Sandra Koulourides, who has helped him change his diet tremendously. Fast food, pizza, and sweets have been replaced with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. In-between meals, Jarman snacks on organic peanut butter, apples, and Greek yogurt.

Thus far, he has avoided the urge to occasionally cheat. He also keeps a log of everything that enters his mouth.

“With each meal, I try to balance carbs, lean protein, and healthy fats,” he says. “I find that having a log is effective because I know the nutritionist is going to review it, and I really do not feel like explaining why I ate something bad!”

Those words are certainly music to the ears of Koulourides, a nutritionist for more than twenty years who currently owns a Birmingham-based company, Fuel Plus Fitness. She has little doubt that Jarman will meet or exceed his lofty goals. “I provide him with knowledge, tools, tips, and techniques,” she says. “The rest is up to him. I absolutely love his attitude. He is extremely motivated and has that fire burning inside him to become healthy. In fact, his energy level is so high that he motivates me.”

While his food selection has improved, his physical activity level has also increased thanks to Jennifer Siem, adult member and wellness services director at the YMCA of the Suncoast. She and her team of trainers — Staci Moss, Natalie Crosby, Maureen Marchand, Jeremy Othouse, Kathy Kissell, and Tracey Anthony — work with Jarman three times per week. They have introduced him to treadmills, elliptical machines, strength-training machines, and cardio workouts. Sometimes, he even finds himself performing push-ups outside on concrete parking stops. On days when he is not in the gym, he walks 2.5 miles around his neighborhood.

“We are all impressed with his ability, and everyone thought he would do far less than he actually has been able to do — all starting with day one,” Siem says.

When Jarman traveled to New York City and Philadelphia on a recent business trip, Siem provided with him important travel workout tips.

“I showed him some workouts he could perform inside his hotel room and also told him to walk the streets of New York City and go up as many flights of stairs as he could. When he was in Philadelphia, he sent me a video via phone of himself walking up the stairs while singing the tune to Rocky,” Siem says.

Receiving professional advice on nutrition and exercise has helped shed light — and weight — on topics Jarman knew little about. And he admits that without expert guidance, he would

likely face a slim chance of achieving and maintaining his health goals.

“They have provided me with the necessary knowledge and guidance to help me make wise choices throughout my lifetime,” he says. “Because I possess this knowledge, there is no excuse why I cannot continue living a healthy lifestyle long after I am finished working with Sandra and Jenn.”

Jarman also thanks his family for their unwavering support.

That includes Kelly, his wife of seventeen years, and three children: Kelsey, 15; Riley, 13; and Jacy, 8. They accompany him on walks around the neighborhood and also purchase health food for him while grocery shopping.

His lovely family is his main motivation to become healthy, and Jarman realizes that his weight loss will be their gain.

“My wife and children mean the world to me,” he says, “and I want to be around to love and support them as long as possible.”

HEALTHY BODY

“Keith impressed me from day one with his physicalabilityinrelation to his size. Regarding his internal health, he is an exception to the rule, also. Most people at his weight are pre-diabetic, hypertensive, and on the edge of cardiovascular collapse.”

— Certified Trainer Jennifer Siem

KEITH’S STATS

Starting weight: 425 pounds

NORMAL RANGE 198–242 pounds

Body Mass Index: 47.98

19–25

Total Cholesterol: 225

0–129

LDL (Bad cholesterol): 132

0–100

Triglycerides: 230

0–150 Source: Cholesterol & Triglycerides Health Center; http://www.webmd.com/ cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-numbers: What is a Healthy Weight?; http://www.rush.edu/rumc/page-1108048103230.html: BMI Charts; http://www.bmicharts.org/bmi-charts/bmi-chart-men/ (Accessed January 18,2013)

Nature Coast Healthy Living Magazine will provide periodic updates to track Keith’s weight and overall progress. We encourage everyone to follow him on this life-changing journey. Who knows? His story may provide the perfect recipe for you to embark on your own weight-loss adventure.

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HEALTHY BODY

Loving your exercise… partner

Abs and Back WRITTEN BY JENNIFER SIEM

It is February, and the independent motivation that sparked your healthy eating and exercise habits in January may be in need of a spark! Exercise with your partner has benefits beyond improving your physical health. Couples find they reach their goals together without sacrificing quality time. Sharing a common interest also keeps that quality time exciting.

There are endless combinations of ideas for exercise. To provide balance for both partners’ exercise preferences, take turns coming up with ideas.

Motivate one another through praise, which will help you both stay committed.

Sharing this experience will create a deeper bond while having fun and show your partner that you care.

Having respect for yourself and pride proves that you want to be around for them for a long time. And finally, exercise produces chemicals that evoke feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and increase libido! Plan for your next date night to start with a workout!

Try this predate night workout that will help you leave the days’ stress behind and look forward to time together!

Walk or jog for thirty minutes to catch up on your day and get the conversation and blood flowing. This can be done inside on a treadmill or outdoors.

HEALTHY BODY

• • • • • • •

Resistance Band Back Rows-set of 20 High Five Plank with Pushup-set of 20 Single Arm Back Row (double band)-set of 10 right and left Pushup To Side Plank (hands touch at top)-set of 20 Medicine Ball Ab Toss-20 Straight Leg Throw Down-20 Oblique Bicycle Crunch (soles of shoes together)-20

This workout can be modified by doing any of the following: Reducing repetitions.

Decreasing the resistance by using less weight.

Dropping to knees for pushups.

Keeping legs bent on throw down.

Remember to stretch together before heading home to get cleaned up for the date!

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HEALTHY SPIRIT Mencouragement:

PHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cleavage NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, I am going to start this message with a quote from the Bible. (Boy that changed the direction you thought this article was going, didn’t it?) Okay, even if you aren’t a religious man, keep reading because whatever our religious beliefs — all of us — have mothers.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Okay, let’s forget the fact this is scripture and just look at it strictly from a man’s point of view. This scripture basically means this: Okay, you have lived with your mother these eighteen or twenty years (which really can be anywhere from eighteen to thirty-five in today’s society. Trust me, as a father I know this one well) and she has fed you; been your alarm clock; picked up after you; washed and dried forty tons of your clothing; done your homework (or term papers); driven you to Timbuktu for baseball, soccer, and basketball practice; nursed you through 500 colds and seven bouts of the flu (both ends); buried two dogs, a hamster, and twenty-two gerbils; and helped you get over four and a half girlfriends.

Now you have another woman you love as much, or more, than mom. (In fact, many psychiatrists will tell you this woman you have married is really just a younger version of her.) It is now time you must leave mom and devote yourself to your wife.

Look back at the scripture — the key words here are leave and cleave.

Leave mom, cleave to wife.

Many men have two problems with this: They either don’t leave and cleave or they just think the new wife is here to take mom’s place.

First, leave and cleave doesn’t mean to forsake your mother; it just means you have entered a new stage in your life and it involves you and your new wife — one flesh. Mom is still there, but the new voice in your life has

now become the most important voice in your life. (And the one to heed). A wise mother knows when to back up and let her son start his new life, but if your mom is a little different, then you need to take the initiative and let her gently but firmly know your wife is now your new partner in life. Let her know the decisions involving your future and your future children’s future will be made with your wife and your wife alone.

Second, your wife is not just a continuation of living with your mother. She is not there to baby you through life. In all fairness, your first impression of a woman’s role in life is that of your mother taking care of your every need, so you come by this viewpoint honestly. However, you now need to mature and see women in their true role — as an equal partner who is there to share a new life with you. Remember, she has dreams, aspirations, and needs that aren’t totally wrapped up in making sure you have clean underwear.

Leave and cleave.

“First, leave and cleave doesn’t mean to forsake your mother; it just means you have entered a new stage in your life and it involves you and your new wife — one flesh.”

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the grass is always greener WRITTEN BY KAMINI DESAI, PH.D.

WE ALL KNOW THE SAYING: “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” I believe this common ideology is actually a deep insight into the strengths and pitfalls of human nature.

Most of us have goals and use the “grass is greener” mentality to achieve them. We decide what “greener pastures” look like, and we devote our resources to bringing that image to fruition. Goals are a necessary and important part of fulfilling one’s potential in life, and in this way, looking to greener pastures to determine those aims is healthy and useful.

But sometimes, we become so focused on the other side of the fence, we dismiss where we are now. In comparison to the picture we have created of greener pastures to come, we become unhappy with the life we have.

Essentially, in the name of being happy, we become unhappy.

I suggest it is only by virtue of comparison that we become dissatisfied with what we have. Instead of allowing ourselves, our family, our careers to be as they are, we compare them to our picture of how they could or should be. Our husband or wife may be just fine — until we compare our spouse to our ideal picture. Our career might be moving along nicely, but suddenly it looks insignificant when compared with the achievements of a co-worker.

In other words, most of the time nothing is really wrong with our lives — everything is just fine — until we compare. This, I believe, is the downside of the “grass is greener” mentality. If not attentive, we can quickly find ourselves on one side of the fence, unhappy until we can get to the other side. And if we never arrive, that means we may spend a lifetime dismissing the lives we have, postponing our happiness in the hopes that one day our fantasies will come true.

And, should we make it to the other side of the fence, the most curious thing 54 |

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often happens. After a few hours, days or months, we may once again look to the next pasture just out of our reach. And off we go in search of the next thing. We convince ourselves that “this time” it will work. This time, when we get what we want, we’ll stop struggling and striving.

We’ll finally let ourselves relax and enjoy.

But for many of us, that day never comes.

We find ourselves always running and never arriving.

Should we have goals? I think we are built to have them. But there are two ways to pursue them. We can choose to be miserable with what we have until we get what we want, or we can enjoy the lives we have now, while moving towards our goals. We can choose to be tense and anxious, not allowing ourselves to relax until we achieve our objectives, or we can allow ourselves to lighten up and take pleasure in life along the way.

Why does this matter? Because fulfillment can only happen in the present moment. We can think about a meal, but we can only enjoy it when we are eating it. We can think about love, but that thought gives us a feeling now. Life can only be felt here, not there. If we have trained ourselves to separate from the present in favor of a brighter future, when the future becomes the present we won’t be able to enjoy it. We will be too busy looking to the other side of the fence. We will be training ourselves to miss the one place where we can actually experience the happiness we are searching for.

What is the answer? Learn to fully enjoy the side of the fence you are on.

Appreciate yourself as you are, your life as it is, your family as it is. With that appreciation for what you have, fulfill all the goals, dreams and aspirations you have. If you reach them, you will have taught yourself how to enjoy them.

If you do not, you will still be left with appreciation for the life you have lived.

PHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

the strenghs and pitfalls of human nature

The healthy diet for a happy marriage WRITTEN BY SEAN CORT

WITH ALL THE TYPICAL STRESSORS ON THE AVERAGE ADULT, maintaining a healthy body is only half of the challenge and obligation we face today. Marriages in this country are under what is seemingly a systematic attack that comes from all areas in life. Marriages take on the stress of the economy by way of under- and unemployment, growing parental obligations, personal apathy, spiritual dissatisfaction, and temptation.

Marriage is the only commitment we make to another person for life. Just as our bodies require good treatment and regular attention, so should our marriage. Here are some clear and personally challenging aspects of care that can greatly compliment this commitment and lifelong partnership.

retaliation; otherwise, prepare to live with a lie. By learning to embrace the truth about yourself, your spouse, and your marriage — you will never be betrayed or surprised.

COMMUNICATION This is the most important part of any healthy partnership. Some prefer love as number one, but I respectfully submit that love is an emotion.

Emotions can change from moment to moment. But clear communication is a non-negotiable. If you keep your partner guessing and in the dark, you open the door for a battery of questions and suspicions to sneak in the back door of your relationship. Lack of communication is as frustrating as trying to operate a life-saving defibrillator with instructions in a foreign language. Share what’s going on in your heart in the same kind and respectful manner you wish your spouse would share with you.

PATIENCE It comes in all forms. Sometimes patience is shown in a smile and a tender touch when you really want to yell and accuse. Patience is a virtue we must also show not only our spouse, but also ourselves. There may be times when you want your partner to “cut to the chase” and there is no chase. Instead there may just be a slow carriage ride in the country. It’s your spouse’s marriage, too, and your spouse deserves to feel that way.

LOVE Why is love last on the list, you ask? Love is actually displayed in the first four items, but with strategic specificity. The best kind of love is the type you grow into and stretch to fit two people comfortably. True love tastes best when savored slowly over a period of time. Love is wonderful at first, but truly appreciated when it lasts.

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PHOTO © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

HONESTY Truth has a way of healing its own wounds. Don’t just expect honesty — give honesty. Don’t just want honesty — accept honesty.

As the quote made famous by Jack Nicholson states, most of us “can’t handle the truth.” Always welcome the truth from your spouse without

FORGIVE Choosing not to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Resentment and unforgiveness are toxins that can slowly kill you and your marriage. The ultimate show of love is forgiveness. Do it quickly and unconditionally. In order to move forward you may have to forgive even if an apology was not offered. Despite your spiritual orientation, forgiveness is at the core of your ultimate fulfillment.

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It is not new news that blueberries are good for you and that they contain antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and free radicals. However, these mighty little berries do much more to improve our health. They help to: UÊÊ «À ÛiÊÛ Ã ° UÊÊ > ViÊ i ÀÞ° UÊÊ-Ì «ÊÕÀ >ÀÞÊÌÀ>VÌÊ viVÌ Ã° UÊÊ,iÛiÀÃiÊ>}i Ài >Ìi`Ê`iV }Ê Ê Ì ÀÊà ð UÊÊ,i`ÕViÊLi ÞÊv>Ì° UÊÊ } ÌÊ i>ÀÌÊ` Ãi>Ãi° UÊÊ `ÊÜ Ì Ê` }iÃÌ Ê> `Ê V ÃÌ «>Ì ° UÊÊ L ÌÊViÀÌ> Ê `ÃÊ vÊV> ViÀ° UÊÊ,i}Õ >ÌiÊL `ÊÃÕ}>Àð UÊÊ,i«> ÀÊ ÕÃVÕ >ÀÊ`> >}iÊ`ÕiÊÌ ÊÊ ÛiÀ ÞÊÌ>Ý }ÊiÝiÀV Ãi°

Blueberries are harvest right here in Florida in the months of March, April and May. You can purchase them at your local groceries. This article is brought to you by The Florida Blueberry Growers Association and Florida’s Blueberry Local Farmers.

Packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, antioxidants, and fiber these mighty blue berries are a standout fruit in the xÊ Ê >ÞÊ/ iÊ

ÀÊ 7>ÞÊ ÒÊ v ÀÊ iÌÌiÀÊ i> Ì program, sponsored by Produce for Better Health Foundation, the nation’s largest public-private nutrition education initiative. (Source: www.oregonblueberry.com/health)

memory that can occur with again,” noted he nationwide publication. Furthermore, among all the popular fresh fruits and vegetables, *ÀiÛi Ì Ê >}>â i identified blueberries as the number one fruit in total antioxidant power. Moreover, the tannins they contain help prevent urinary tract infections.

The George Mateljan Foundation, is a not-for-profit organization with no commercial interests or advertising, and a new force for change to help make a healthier you and a healthier world. Within their newsletter, 7 À `½ÃÊ i> Ì iÃÌÊ `Ã] it states that their research would suggest that three (3) cups of fruit per day is needed to provide the optimum health benefits.

Then there is belly fat. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center suggests that blueberries may help reduce belly fat and the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome in rats. Certainly more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.

*ÀiÛi Ì Ê >}>â i endorses blueberries. “Recent studies even suggest that blueberries may actually reverse the decline in

/ iÊ iÀ V> Ê ÃÌ ÌÕÌiÊ v ÀÊ > ViÀÊÊ ,iÃi>ÀV says it best, “Blueberries have a rock star reputation among fruits because they contain high levels of phytochemicals, ADVERTISEMENT

particularly anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are also a pigment and are responsible for the berries’ intense blue color.” Phytochemicals are chemicals found in fruits, vegetables and plants that give them color, taste and smell. However, phytochemicals also serve as protective, disease-fighting compounds.

Under study is whether or not the phytochemical or the interactions of all the food components that provide the health benefits from these berries is still being studied.

What is known is that in addition to cancer preventing benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables, blueberries add vital nutrients, color, sweetness and flavor to your plate.

HEALTHY FINANCE

PHOTO PROVIDED

DAVE SAYS

Dear Dave,

Dear Dave,

Why do you recommend paying off your debts from smallest to largest when doing the debt snowball?

I borrowed money from my parents and paid it back over time, but now the relationship has become very difficult and strained. How can I fix this?

— Mike

DEAR MIKE, This is a really good question! A lot of people wonder the very same thing when I bring up the subject of the debt snowball.

Many folks think paying off the debt with highest interest rate first is the best approach. This seems to make sense mathematically, but I realized a long time ago if those people could do math, they would not be drowning in debt in the first place!

Debt is not a mathematical problem; it is a behavior problem. I am convinced that personal finance is eighty percent behavior and only twenty percent head knowledge.

The reason the debt snowball pays off debt from smallest to largest — even though it may be mathematically incorrect — is that modifying your behavior and inspiring your desire to get out of debt is more important than the math. Your probability of becoming wealthy has more to do with your behavior than your financial sophistication or academic pedigree. Besides, I am a practical application kind of guy — not a theory guy. That is why my way actually gets people out of debt when lots of other practices fail.

When you pay off a small debt, it means you have experienced success, and that gives you hope. Then, you move on to the next larger debt. When you pay that one off — and you have wiped out two debts — it really energizes you. At that point, you start to believe in yourself and that you are on the road to becoming debt-free!

— Claudia

DEAR CLAUDIA, If you paid them back, especially if it happened slowly or intermittently over time, there is really not a lot you can do if they choose to hold a grudge over the situation.

Generally speaking though, it just takes a little time to heal these kinds of things. My guess is they will become more and more forgiving as time goes by now that they have been paid back.

I am sorry you have to go through this, but I hope you have learned a valuable lesson in the process. Someone who lends money to a loved one has their heart — not their head — in the right place. It is okay to give money as a gift sometimes, but loaning money to or borrowing from someone you know will usually lead to broken hearts and broken wallets.

The borrower is always slave to the lender, Claudia. Besides, holiday dinners taste better when friends or relatives don’t owe each other money. Eating with your master is not nearly as much fun as eating with your family!

– DAVE

– DAVE

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HEALTHY FINANCE

I am about to be married.

What financial changes should I expect?

WRITTEN BY ELLEN B. WILCOX, GEPC

EXPECT MANY, AND BE SURE TO GET ANSWERS BEFORE THE CEREMONY. It is statistically true that more marriages encounter roadblocks due to financial difference than for any other single reason. Be prepared to compromise, but not give in! Here are some general guidelines:

1.

2.

Establish an agreed upon method of using money from both spouses to cover such necessary items as mortgage, ordinary groceries, utilities, taxes, transportation, etc. I usually suggest a “his, hers, and ours” checking account. Your local bank can help with this.

3.

Grant each other a measure of cash under the heading of sole and separate property. If he spends his on three new golf clubs and she spends

“Be prepared to compromise, but not ‘give in!’” hers on three new pairs of shoes, leave it there! No questions asked, and no comments made! (And no borrowing against next month either!)

4.

Establish rules for large-scale spending using a dollar limit for identifying a large expenditure. Think new car, home remodel, extended vacation, fancy groceries, clothing, or household items.

comfortable. If, and when, children are added to the household, it is a good idea to go back to step one above!

For those previously married, the guidelines are the same.

Remember that a marriage is the joining of two individuals, not the subordination of either one!

5.

Set a time to review and discuss financial matters on a regular basis, perhaps monthly at first and then quarterly as financial issues become more

Ellen B Wilcox is a Graduate Estate Planning Consultant and a Registered Principal with, and offers securities through, LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Ms Wilcox is President and CEO of Wilcox Wealth Management, in Lady Lake, FL, which is not affiliated with LPL. She may be reached at Ellen@EllenWilcox.com or www.ellenwilcox.com .

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PHOTOS © SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

I urge my young clients to spend some time exploring each other’s attitudes about money and spending.

There are some good quizzes available that can help with this. It’s not necessary, nor even likely, that both spouses will be totally in sync, but widely divergent patterns spell trouble at the outset. In twenty-eight years as a financial advisor, I have always been able to identify one spouse as more conservative than the other, relatively speaking of course.

HEALTHY FINANCE

Save money on Valentine’s Day WRITTEN BY TANYA SENSENEY

VALENTINE’S DAY IS UPON US, but so are the first of the Christmas credit card bills. Many couples decide to save money and not do very much to celebrate Valentine’s Day because they overspent on Christmas. This year we are finding new ways to save and, believe it or not, you really can save on Valentine’s Day, also. With a little frugal creativity, you can have a romantic and enjoyable time with your main squeeze.

FLOWERS: If you were to buy the flowers in a flower shop, you could easily spend $60 or more. This year, check out Publix, Wal-Mart, and WinnDixie for your fresh flowers. You will easily spend less by getting the flowers and vase yourself. Publix has a dozen roses during Valentine’s priced around $25 to $30. If you want the flowers delivered, try ProFlowers.com or check with your florist for special offers. It can never hurt to ask for a better deal.

SWEETS: Chocolates and sweets are a staple for Valentine’s Day. A heartshaped box of chocolates can cost you a pretty penny. Get your candy before the big day. Check out CVS and Walgreens for great deals on candy. The price will be much less if you get the candy two weeks prior or even earlier. If you wait until the week of Valentine’s Day, the price will be higher. You can also find coupons to

match up with a sale on candy for savvy savings or get creative with candy from the dollar store. Try pouring candy hearts into a vase or heart-themed container with a love note. This will cost you under $10 when shopping at the Dollar General Store.

DATE NIGHT: This year, Valentine’s Day falls on Thursday. Try going out during the weekend or on a different day to celebrate. The wait-times will be much less at restaurants if you go out on a different day. Check out Restaurants.com for a dinner gift certificate this year. You can get a $25 gift certificate to the restaurant of your choice for only $2 to $3. My husband and I use this for all of our date nights.

If baby-sitting is an issue, then trade out baby-sitting with another couple.

Other simple ways to make your Valentine’s Day perfect for less: • • • •

Give a hand-written love note.

Send e-cards instead of paper cards.

Make a homemade Valentine.

(Check out Jo-Anne’s and Michael’s craft store for ideas.)

Have a picnic at home with your main squeeze.

Check out www.DivineDealDiva.com for more ways to save this Valentine’s Day.

• Did you know the first box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868? (I love Cadbury chocolates.)

• 73 percent of consumers buying for Valentine’s Day are men.

• Over100 million stem roses will be delivered between February 10 and14 this year.

Source: Facts About Love; http://www.sheknows.com/holidays-and-seasons/articles/807655/fun-facts-about-valentine-s-day

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It's time to establish a relationship with

YOUR DOCTOR We specialize in treating common medical conditions such as:

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Calendar FEBRUARY 2013 Best Friend Fest (February 2)

Want a new furry, four-legged pal? Look no further. This second annual pet adoption extravaganza will include pet rescues, groomers, veterinarians, food, face painting, and a silent auction to benefit Citrus County Animal Services’ special needs fund. Bring pet food for the needy, and you will be entered into a drawing for a prize! Sponsored

by Citrus County Animal Services and the Citrus County Chronicle. For more information, call 352.746.8400.

Flatlanders Challenge (February 2)

Get your adrenaline pumping and your legs moving during this annual running event. There will be 5K and 10K races with runners receiving custom awards for the top three finishers in each division. The King of the Hill award will be presented to the top male or female to run that last hill (1/3 mile) the fastest! Start time: 8a.m. in historic downtown Brooksville. For more information, visit www.flatlanderschallenge.com or call 352.585.6244.

5196 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL

Tee Off for Tourette (February 2)

352.263.2831

Mariner Village East Plaza, next to Hungry Howie's

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Medicare and most insurances accepted • Call for an appointment today

Help make a difference in the lives of children and adults and their families who suffer with the debilitating effects of Tourette Syndrome by participating in the first Tee Off for Tourette Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Plantation on Crystal River in Crystal River. Registration begins at 8a.m.; shotgun start at 9a.m. Proceeds benefit TSA of Florida. For more information, visit www.teeoffforts.com or contact Gary D’Amico at 352.527.2938.

Jazz at the Lakes (February 2)

Show your support for the Crescent Community Clinic and honor Hernando County nurses during this evening of dinner and dancing at the Glen Lakes Clubhouse. Tickets cost $30 and are available at the Crescent Community Clinic, 5244 Commercial Way, Spring Hill. For more information, call 352.650.9006.

Cattle Baron’s Ball (February 9)

WWJB

Mark your calendar for this can’t-miss fundraiser. The American Cancer Society’s popular Cattle Baron’s Ball will take place at the Citrus Springs Community Center at 6p.m. This year’s “Kickin’ Up a Cure” event will feature food by Texas Cattle Company, live and silent auctions, games, and other special events. Tickets are $150 per person. Contact Mary Pericht at 352.726.8772 for more information.

Purple Heart Ceremony (February 16)

wwjb.com | 352.796.7469 60 |

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The Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776, Military Order of the Purple Heart, cordially invites veterans and the public to this annual event, which commemorates the proud legacy of the Purple Heart and recognizes Citrus County’s wounded and fallen heroes. Held at the Crystal River National Guard Armory, 8551 W. Venable St., the ceremony begins at 11a.m. Call 352.637.3265 or 352.382.3847 or email info@ citruspurpleheart.org for more info.

Ozello Chili Cook-Off and Craft Show (February 16)

Treat your taste buds to some of the best chili Citrus County has to offer during this chili cook-off and craft show in scenic Ozello. The day starts at 9a.m. with the craft show, followed up with the chili cook-off at 11a.m. Attendees can either taste the chili or purchase the chili dinner for $5. Presented by the Ozello Civic Association at 14095 W. Ozello Trail, Crystal River. Call 352.563.6557 for more information.

Spring Parade of Homes (February 16–24)

Tour some of the finest homes built by Citrus and Hernando County homebuilders. Upon visiting any of the model home entries, expect to see an array of colors, textures, fabrics, styles, furniture, appliances, electronics technology, outdoor living and landscaping. For more information and an interactive map, please visit www.citrusparadeofhomes.com or call 352.746.9028.

Spring Greek Festival (February 22–24)

Do you love spanakopita? Or adore sweet, flaky baklava? Then bring a hearty appetite to the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church’s semiannual Greek festival. Enjoy the tastes, traditions, and sounds of Greece without leaving the country. Each day the party beings at 11a.m. The church is located at 4705 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway in Lecanto. More info: Call 352.527.0766.

WXJB

Tune in for Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Todd Schnitt and many more!

www.wxjbfm.com 352.796.7469

Spring Fling Craft Show (February 23)

Check out booth after booth inside the Crystal River National Guard Armory of crafters with a wide variety of items such as: stained-glass art, decoratively painted items, ceramics, floral arrangements, hand-crafted greeting cards, and jewelry. Each crafter will donate an item to be raffled off every half-hour. Refreshments will be available for purchase. The show benefits Habitat for Humanity of Citrus County. Free parking and free admission. For additional information, call 352.249.7012.

Festival of Art (February 23–24)

Delight in a day of fine art and crafts at the scenic Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The Spring Hill Art League’s annual show will also feature photography, jewelry, and glass and country crafts. The weekend includes strolling musicians, children’s activities, and food vendors, plus all of the state park fun such as the mermaid shows, river cruise tour, and animal shows. Adults: $8; Children ages 7 to 12: $4; Children age 6 and under: Free. For more info, call 352.398.1532 or 352.346.7428 or visit www.springhillartleague.com.

Cooking for a Cause (February 24)

Prep your taste buds as local restaurants face off in a “Top Chef”-style competition at the Crystal River Mall. For just $25 a ticket, come sample the fare, enjoy live entertainment, and buy tickets for fabulous chance auction items all to benefit Jessie’s Place, Citrus County’s children advocacy center. Wear cocktail attire. The event is from 6–9p.m. For more info, call 352.270.8814.

Productions Commercials

WYKE

Presentations Documentaries Video Brochures Internet Video

Seize the opportunity!

352-527-2341 www.naturecoasthealthyliving.com

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HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Happy Holidays PHOTOS BY WENDELL HUSEBO

12/20/12

‘Twas the season for holiday cheer and festive fun. Those who attended the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party got in the holiday spirit while enjoying food, music, and friends. The event was held at Capital City Bank in Spring Hill.

01 02 03

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

Pat and Harlan Rumioin with Dianne and Sam Shrieves Sam Shrieves and Tammy Brinker H. Paul Douglas Tom Chikodroff, Sam Shrieves, and Jesse Bevins Lana Patterson and Sam Shrieves Barbara Manzi and Sam Shrieves Sam Shrieves with Andrew and Jamie Blake

04 05

07

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06

HEALTHY HEARTS ARE HAPPIEST February is American Heart Month, and at WKH < ZH¾UH IRU KHDOWK\ OLYLQJ :H žQG WKDW healthy hearts are the happiest, and we keep people healthy and happy every day.

YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST Hernando County Branch 1300 Mariner Blvd.

Spring Hill, FL 34609

352-688-9622 ymcasuncoast.org

JOIN TODAY Bring this ad to the Hernando County Y in the month of February, and receive a free Y T-Shirt!

YMCA MISSION: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Custom-made, fresh sandwiches, salads and ďŹ&#x201A;atbreads made right before your eyes. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;healthyâ&#x20AC;? alternative to fast food. www.subway.com

BEVERLY HILLS 4089 N. Lecanto Hwy. 352.746.0057

CRYSTAL RIVER 723 NE Hwy. 19 352.795.2416

BROOKSVILLE 11373 Cortez Blvd.

352.596.5505 19438 Cortez Blvd.

352.799.7047 13078 Cortez Blvd.

352.596.8261 31807 Cortez Blvd.

352.754.1100

9481 S. Suncoast Blvd.

352.621.7829

14308 Spring Hill Dr. 352.799.8878

6748 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy. 352.564.8300

INVERNESS 97 S. Pine Ave 352.344.8996

11218 Springhill Dr. 352.686.0910

1801 NW Hwy. 19 #509 352.795.9792

2639 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy. 352.637.0800

DUNNELLON 11150 N. Williams St. #102 352.489.1120

SPRING HILL 4144 Mariner Blvd.

Unit No. A 104 352.684.9565

HOMOSASSA 3756 S. Suncoast Blvd.

352.628.6822

ZEPHYRHILLS 6512 Gall Blvd.

813.788.9677

5394 Spring Hill Dr. 352.686.0992

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HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Breaking ground PHOTOS BY WENDELL HUSEBO

1/9/13

In January, HPH Hospice broke ground on a 15,000-square-foot care center next to the Lecanto Surgery Center. The $5 million, state-of-the-art facility will provide short-term care for residents, regardless of a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to pay. It is slated to open in the winter of 2014.

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05

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02 03 04 05 06

Jayson Roa, Tom Barb, Richard Floyd, John Siefert, Josh Wooten, and Steve Emerson Ray Dick, Eva Allen, Brad Ruben, and Davis McGrew Doris Graska and Anne Black Wendy Hall and Robin Kocher Tom Barb and Lanny Husebo Dorothy Pernu and Theressa Foster

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26th Annual

FLORAL CITY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2013 2 days of family fun!!

More than 100 craft booths, great food, live entertainment, kids area, Strawberry Princess Pageant, strawberry flats and famous STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES!

March 2 9-5 March 3 9-4 Admission $3 under 12 FREE Park at Citrus County Fairgrounds $1 shuttle into FLORAL PARK

Friday, March 1 celebrate BERRIES, BREW & BARBEQUE from 5-10 p.m. with nationally known bluesman and gumbo chef Bill “the sauce boss” Wharton! www.floralcitystrawberryfestival.com

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