Inspire Health Magazine January/February 2020 by Family Resource Group

INSPIRE

LOUISIANA

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020

TEEN VAPING TOP 5 FOODS FOR HEART HEALTH

SUGAR

101 HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN

SYRUP & HEART DISEASE

p U t I e c i Sp With Chef Celeste

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contents JANUARY/FEBRUARY โ ช 2020

PALEO STRAWBERRY

SHORTCAKE

5 SUPER FOOD Green Tea

6 EDITOR'S LETTER No More Resolutions

8 NATURAL BEAUTY

Restore Thinning Hair with Biotin

10 EXERCISE

Refreshed Heart Health Easy Cardio Activating Exercises

12 HEALTHY BODY

Help Your Joints with Vitamin D

14 RECIPE

Cheesy Cheddar Cauliflower Rice

16 EAT FRESH

18 WELLNESS

Sugar 101: High Fructose Corn Syrup Increases the Risk of Heart Disease

20 COVER STORY

Spice it Up with Chef Celeste

22 PETS

A Pet to Love: Having a Pet Helps You to Live Longer

24 MIGHTY KIDS Teen Vaping

26 FEATURE

Transplant Games

28 HEALTHY DESTINATIONS

Best Wellness Retreats for Couples

30 RECIPE

Paleo Strawberry Shortcake

Top 5 Foods for Heart Health

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Transplant Games

SPICE IT UP WITH

CHEF CELESTE

super food Green tea and EGCG suppress inflammatory reactions in our bodies.

a e t n e e r G By Kristy Podruchny

Green tea has been an important part of Chinese and Japanese culture for a few thousand years and is highly coveted for its health benefits. Western medicine started investigating these benefits and is exploring green tea to see what it does to help human health.

ondering what makes green tea a super food? Green tea is a super food because of its high levels of antioxidants. Catechins are polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) present in green tea that are responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Caffeine also plays an important role in the health benefits found in green tea. Get ready for it—this is a mouthful. Green tea contains a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that has been studied for its anti-

inflammatory properties. A study conducted by the University of Shizuoka has shown that green tea and EGCG suppress inflammatory reactions in our bodies. Let’s not forget the magic green tea provides for heart health. A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry shows that EGCGs also help break down the plaque that can form in arteries. As you can imagine, our blood needs to circulate efficiently, and plaques can lead to coronary heart disease. Combined with green tea’s LDL cholesterol and triglyceride lowering benefits, this tea has proven itself to be an ally to your heart. Though its caffeine content is minimal, be mindful about how much you consume—especially if you know you’re sensitive to caffeine. Conflicting studies have the scientific community rethinking its stance on caffeine. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Psychological Anthropology showed that caffeine and an amino acid called l-theanine, present in green tea,

improve cognition and reduce anxiety. Coffee shops have made matcha a household name. Matcha is made from ground up green tea leaves and is known for its beautiful bright green color. It’s often made into lattes because the taste is less bitter than other types of green tea. Matcha contains high levels of chlorophyll, which helps transport oxygen and has been studied for its potential anticancer effects. There are many ways to enjoy this super food. Sip a cup of hot tea, enjoy it iced, try it in ice cream and lattes. When you buy powdered tea like matcha, you can sprinkle green tea and all of its benefits into any food including salad dressings and baked goods.Tea connoisseurs know there’s a difference in taste and texture depending on how the leaves were harvested, where they were grown and how it’s ground. Take care not to over cook your green tea—water temperature and steep time makes a difference in whether or not the polyphenols are available to do their job in your body. ■

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editor’s letter

No More Resolutions Anyone who is a regular at the gym knows that the gym in January is full of people who are working on their New Year’s resolution to get healthy and back into shape. I love that everyone starts off so gung ho, but by the end of January, they have moved onto new things. They try a better diet, cutting calories or carbs, or working out from home, yet it always fails. I always ask myself why? Is it too much at once? Does work or kids’ after-school schedules get in the way? Or, is it life in general? I know for me personally, it is how I attack each day. I was not so structured this time last year. I had every excuse not to exercise. The last three or so years have been really hard on our family, and just trying to make it through each day was good enough for me. I finally got tired of the excuses, and the way my clothes fit, so I started venturing outside of my comfort zone. I found an exercise class that I really enjoyed and looked forward to going to. After a few months of classes, I began to change eating habits. Fast forward to today, I am pushing these eating habits onto my family. You see, by doing these healthy lifestyle changes in stages, I was able to continue making healthy decisions. If you try to fit everything into the month of January, you are setting yourself up for failure. Whether you start with getting your eating under control or exercising more, take it one step at a time until you are ready for the next phase of your healthy life. This issue is filled with great features on healthy living. I had the privilege of attending the cover shoot with Chef Celeste, watching her prepare a few meals with fresh and colorful vegetables. She is an amazing woman who knows a lot about healthy eating! So this year, forget your New Year’s resolutions, and start thinking about your healthy life in stages. Go outside and do yard work or walk the neighborhood with your family, just don’t sit on the couch and expect things to change. You are more likely to achieve your goals in 2020 if you change your mindset in these ways.

LOUISIANA Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Amy Plaisance

Associate Publisher Brandon Foreman

Director of Operations Amy L. Foreman

Managing Editor Amanda Miller

Contributing Writers Amber Marie Arevalos Patricia F. Danflous Ann Jarema Dr. Bradley Nelson Kristy Podruchny

Senior Graphic Designer Melody Tauzin

Graphic Designer Destiny Alexander

Cover Photographer

Kleinpeter Photography

Account Executives Teri Hodges Savannah Ledet Gabrielle Theriot

Community Events Manager Laurie Acosta

Community Outreach Roxane Voorhies

Inspire Health Louisiana (January/February 2020) (Issue 6) Principal office: 11831 Wentling Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70816-6055. Printed in the U.S.A. For 24 hour service, use our website inspirehealthla.com. You can also call (225) 292-0032. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Help us inspire others! We want to know what inspires you to live healthy. You could be published in the next issue of Inspire Health Louisiana. Email us at editorial@inspirehealthLA.com.

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The information contained in Inspire Health Louisiana is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Inspire Health Louisiana for the advice of a health care professional. Family Resource Group Inc. and publishers of Inspire Health Louisiana do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Inspire Health Louisiana, and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Inspire Health Louisiana. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health Louisiana for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.

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natural beauty

Biotin

RESTORE THINNING HAIR

with

Kristy Podruchny

Thinning hair doesn’t have to be the norm for you. Hair “thinning” is actually hair loss. It’s important to know why your hair is falling out and what you can do to address the problem, but boosting your diet by adding foods with biotin, iodine, iron and selenium can help, too. Before you get overwhelmed with all of the supplements available out there, consider adding foods to your diet that will supply you with what you need to grow and keep more hair on your head instead of on your brush.

here are several reasons why you might be losing hair. The list includes chronic stress, over styling/ coloring, thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic alopecia. Taking a few natural steps to help your body and scalp can mean the difference between a full head of hair and a shower drain full of hair. Biotin is a B vitamin that is needed for healthy skin and hair. People with biotin deficiencies will lose hair and notice dry, scaly skin. Filling your plate with biotin-rich foods is the best way to supplement yourself to help

prevent or treat a biotin deficiency. Chicken liver tops the “foods with the most biotin” charts—though any liver will supply abundant biotin.Vegan or vegetarian? Not to worry.You can also find biotin in avocados and egg yolks. Luckily, biotin is stable, meaning you can cook away without the fear of losing any biotin in the process. Biotin supplements are widely available as well, but why not add some biotin to your plate? If your thyroid needs a little help, look to selenium and iodine—these two are friends to the thyroid gland and are essential to its functions. Foods rich in

lating Stimu lp with ca your sassage a m r grow ai e h lps h reasing c n by i flow to blood cles. lli hair fo

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selenium include biotin-rich liver and eggs as well as brazil nuts, sardines, shrimp and tuna. We’re diving right back into the sea for iodine. Seaweed supplies the highest levels of iodine we can consume, right next to cod and some yogurts. Many foods are enriched with iodine, too.

Iron deficiency can lead to hair thinning. Iron supplements can be tough on your digestive system and it’s easy to incorporate iron-rich foods into your diet.

Legumes, dark leafy greens, and spirulina will carry iron safely through your GI tract. Make a salad, throw plenty of colorful veggies in it and top it off with some shrimp or black beans. A healthy diet for thicker hair. After you’ve had your fill of healthy meals, try having a mini spa day at home with a luxurious scalp massage. Stimulating your scalp with a massage helps hair grow by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Use this time to get creative and relax. Light some candles, use fragrant oils for your massage and sip a cup of chamomile tea. Stress management and relaxation exercises will help your hair grow by allowing your “rest and digest” response do some regenerative work. Make self-care a priority and you’ll likely notice less hairs abandoning your head.

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exercise

REFRESHED HEART HEALTH

EASY CARDIO ACTIVATING EXERCISES

IT SEEMS TO BE A GOOD TIME OF YEAR TO ENCOURAGE US ALL THAT LOVING OUR HEARTS OVER THE COURSE OF OUR LIFETIMES HELPS US LIVE LONGER AND BETTER AS WE STAY IN SHAPE OR IMPROVE THE SHAPE WE’RE IN! LET’S LOOK AT SOME RELATIVELY GENTLE CARDIO-ACTIVATING EXERCISES THAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME, WHEN TRAVELING OR AT THE GYM. ADDING THESE LOWER IMPACT AND EASY CARDIO EXERCISES MAY BE MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE THAN YOU THINK, AND YOU CAN WORK YOUR WAY UP INCREMENTALLY OVER TIME! CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU BEGIN A SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT SORT OF EXERCISE, AND WARM UP YOUR MUSCLES BEFORE YOU START.

GENTLE SKIPPIN’ TO YOUR LOU



With a preferably imaginary jump rope, and with your core engaged, alternate between the balls of your feet in rhythmic motion, and circling hands with elbows around waist height, pretend like you’re skipping rope.

 Try for one minute, and increase time as comfortable.

MARCHING SLIDE

 With

your core engaged, lift one knee to a comfortable height while raising the right-angled hand on the opposite side.

 In a smooth motion, tran-

sition from the position to bring the lifted knee to the side of the body, placing the foot on the ground in a slight bend and a side lunge.

Gentle Skippin’ to Your Lou

 Return to standing position.  Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 with the other leg and arm. (Try 6-10 reps.)

HIP SWISH RHYTHM

 With one foot in front of the oth-

Marchin g Slide

er, and elbows bent, swing arms back and forth, frontward and backward while swinging hips side to side for 30-90 seconds. Feet and legs do not change position.

 A lternate feet positions, and repeat step 1 for 30-90 seconds. Add weights as desired.

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Hip Swish Rhythm

SLOW-TOWN DROP AND RISE

 On your back on the floor

and with your core engaged, and keeping lower back pressed into the floor, inhale over 4-5 seconds, slowly lifting both straightened legs perpendicular to the ground.

 Exhale over 5-7 seconds,

slowly lowering legs back to floor.

 Repeat steps 1 and 2. (Try 6-10 reps.) You can place an exercise ball or throw pillow between your feet for added control.

Slow-Town Drop and Rise

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healthy body

HELP YOUR JOINTS WITH By Ann Jarema WHEN NATURAL LIGHT COMES INTO CONTACT WITH OUR SKIN, IT KICK STARTS THE BODY’S NATURAL PRODUCTION OF VITAMIN D. AND WHY DOES THAT MATTER?

itamin D is an essential ingredient to our health. It protects us from inflammation, lowers our blood pressure, helps keep our muscles strong, improves the function of our brain, and could protect against cancer. If you’re not getting enough vitamin D, you are not alone. Over half of the world’s population does not get enough sun. As a result of this, many of us are actually deficient in having the vitamin. The best way to increase your vitamin D, if exposure to the sun isn’t an option, is through a few particular foods. Salmon, herring and sardines, cod

liver oil, tuna, oysters, shrimp, egg yolks, and mushrooms all contain healthy amounts of vitamin D. Of these options, the oily fish, fish liver oil, and egg yolks are your best option as they contain vitamin D3 which is more powerful than vitamin D2 (which you find in other sources, including fortified food items such as milk and orange juice). If you aren’t a fish, egg, or mushroom lover, then you may need to seek other ways to increase your vitamin D intake. According to the US Institute of Medicine, your daily intake of vitamin D should be approximately 400-800 international units

oil, and Oily fish, fish liver r best option as they egg yolks are you D3 which is more contain Vitamin min D2 powerful than Vita

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(IU), which is equal to 10-20 micrograms. If you have little exposure to the sun or are already experiencing a vitamin D deficiency, you will likely need even more. The most beneficial way for you to get your daily dose of vitamin D is by spending time in the sun. Adequate sun exposure is challenging for many people to achieve. Work, academic obligations, and geographical constraints can hinder the best of intentions. Even with regular exposure to the sun, it is not uncommon to find that it is still not enough. Increasing concerns about skin

cancer from sun damage presents a higher risk for some and may prevent typical sun exposure. If you believe you are not getting enough vitamin D, a supplement may be in order. A great place to start is by having a conversation with your physician about your specific risk factors. Your doctor can help you to put together a specific and personalized plan that will ensure that your vitamin levels get to a healthy level in the easiest way possible. When you correct your vitamin D levels, you will likely notice a very positive change in your mood and bodily function. So why wait? Making some dietary and activity level changes now will help you reap the most long-term benefits.

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13 13

recipe

Servings: 4

CHEESY CHEDDAR

r e w o l f i l u Ca Rice C By Amber Marie Arevalos

auliflower is a keto dieter's go-to “carb.” Since cauliflower is very low in carbohydrates and very versatile, it is great for replacing rice, pasta and potatoes. A 1/2 cup of cauliflower contains only 1.5 grams of carbohydrates. With 1 full cup of cauliflower, you can get 3 grams of fiber, 77 percent of your vitamin C, 20 percent of vitamin K, 11 percent vitamin B6 and 14 percent folate.

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We all know that bacon has been around for centuries. It’s one food that so many people love. There are recipes for chocolate covered bacon, candied bacon and even fruit wrapped in bacon. I would say that out of all foods, bacon is a favorite. This recipe gives bacon the chance to really put some flavor into cauliflower. Bacon alone has some nutritional value, by providing 12 grams of protein. Although bacon is high in sodium and fat, on a keto diet, we get a small pass to enjoy a serving of this delicious side dish. INGREDIENTS ▪ 4 cups riced cauliflower ▪ 1 tablespoon butter ▪ 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt ▪ 3 tablespoons cream cheese ▪ 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese ▪ salt and pepper to taste ▪ 6 pieces of bacon ▪ 2 tablespoons green onions DIRECTIONS  In a large pan, melt butter and stir in riced cauliflower on medium heat. Add salt and pepper. Continue to cook the cauliflower for 7-8 minutes until the cauliflower is of rice texture.  Turn down heat to medium low, and stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted.  Add green onions and bacon. Serve immediately!

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eat fresh

Top 5 Foods For Heart Health By Kristy Podruchny

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ur hearts are amazing organs. They pump right around 2,000 gallons of blood through your body in a day. Supporting your heart can be as simple as eating the right foods and moving your body daily. We’ve ranked the top five foods for heart health to help guide your next shopping trip. Omega 3 fatty acids have been studied extensively for their heart health benefits. A review published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism mentions that omega 3 fatty acids are known to help with lowering triglycerides, blood pressure, regulating arrhythmias, and even preventing plaque in the arteries. Fish are gems for heart health. Their high levels of omega 3 fatty acids place them at the top of our list. Salmon, tuna, albacore, sardines, mackerel and herring are the fish with the highest levels of omega 3 fatty acids They also mention that you should aim for 500mg of omega 3 fatty acids per day, or two servings of cold-water fish per week. If you’re a vegetarian or don’t like fish, don’t worry— we have just the seed for you and your heart. Hemp seeds contain an ideal ratio of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids while being rich in essential fatty acids overall. They add a lovely crunch to salads and are easy to toss into your morning shake.You don’t need much more than a teaspoon to a tablespoon daily to protect your heart. Incorporate hemp seeds into your diet slowly to avoid digestive distress.

published in the journal, Nutrients, reports that nuts decrease your chances of coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac death and high blood pressure while lowering blood cholesterol. Walnuts contain levels of alpha lineic acid (ALA) that surpass all edible plants and are a great option to consider on your next shopping trip. Get 1 ounce of nuts in your diet a day to boost heart health. Leafy greens make it to many of our lists, but spinach stands out because it’s a food high in nitrate. Nitrates in foods like spinach help decrease arterial stiffness and help regulate blood pressure levels in a randomized, controlled trial published in Clinical Nutrition Research. One cup of spinach per day is a helpful,

heart healthy serving. Spinach can be gently sautéed, made into a wholesome salad, and it is easy to add to smoothies. Lastly, let’s address that sweet tooth. Lovers of dark chocolate rejoice! A 2017 meta-analysis published in the journal, Nutrients, observed that one to six servings (1 serving is between 1 and 2 ounces) of dark chocolate a week has the potential to help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The antioxidant flavanols present in dark chocolate reduce inflammation and blood pressure. If you are looking for a post-meal healthy sweet snack, look to dark chocolate with at least 72 percent cocoa as your tasty heart health ally.

Supporting your heart can be as simple as eating the right foods and moving your body daily A handful of nuts, especially walnuts, should be your go-to snack for heart health. Overall, nuts have consistently proven how valuable they are to our hearts. A 2010 review

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wellness

eart disease is the number one cause of death in America. It is common knowledge that diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol lead to heart disease. But did you know that added sugars, like high fructose corn syrup, can also increase the risk of heart disease? Researchers at University California, Davis conducted a study on the impacts of heart health and sugary drink consumption. Test subjects were given varying levels of added high fructose corn syrup in their drink and then had their blood tested hourly for heart disease risk factors, such as triglycerides. They found that 10 percent of added sugars were enough to lead to an increased risk for hearth disease. When excess sugars are consumed, they are converted

into fat in the liver and then enter the bloodstream. In a way, consuming excess sugar is like eating high amounts of fat. High levels of fat in the bloodstream can clog arteries. When arteries become clogged, there is high risk for heart attack and stroke. Foods with the highest amounts of high fructose corn syrup are obvious-soda, many juices, and candy. It is not always simple to avoid foods with added sugars. Many foods that are promoted as healthy, are actually made with high fructose corn syrup. Yogurts, salad dressings, canned fruit, and many bottled sauces and marinades are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. Reduced fat foods often use the processed sweetener to make up for the

101 18

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lost flavor that occurs when fat is removed. To avoid

common foods that can lead to heart disease, read the label carefully, and watch out for unnecessary sweeteners. Is it better to eat foods sweetened with sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup? Actually, no. Table sugar and high fructose corn syrup are made up of similar amounts of glucose and fructose. Consuming excess of either sweetener will have the same negative effect on heart health. To keep your heart healthy, it is best to avoid added sugars in your diet. Although you should watch out for added sugars, you should not be afraid of natural sugars in fruit and other whole foods.

Sugars in fruit are accompanied by fiber, water, and many other nutrients that are good for you and your heart. The body and brain run on glucose, so feed it sugar in a natural form, which is found in whole fruits, vegetables and grains.

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP INCREASES THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE By Crissie Mergogey

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e t s e l e C f e h C cover story

Spice It Up With

By: Amanda Miller Chef Celeste Gill is a name many Louisianians are becoming familiar with. Her journey to becoming one of the greatest chefs in our area began when she was just a young adult.

Photo Credit: Kleinpeter Photography

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sponsored content It was when Chef Celeste first saw Justin Wilson cooking on PBS that her dream of the culinary arts began. However, her love for it grew shortly after enrolling in a course while in Hawaii. “I had thoughts of food styling, but working in the food industry was not what I wanted to do,” Chef Celeste shares. “I took a leisure cooking class in Hawaii, and the passion took over.” Chef Celeste is a Detroit native, but her taste for Louisiana cuisine has been a part of her since she was only 11 years old. Chef Celeste uses her exposure to Pan Asian cuisine and combines it with her love of fresh, farm-totable ingredients to create her incredible dishes. She has earned many accolades since her training in Hawaii, including Chef of the Year from the American Culinary Federation, the Seafood Award from Capital Chefs’ Showcase, and first place in the Fall Heat Cooking Competition. But, she’s not stopping there. Chef Celeste is taking her expertise and expanding into healthcare dining services. Her passion for providing healthy, delicious food to all has brought her to creating her own line of senior seasonings and spices. These special seasonings and dressings will soon be available locally and online. Her newest venue, 520 Spain Event Space, will also open to host birthday parties, painting parties, rehearsal dinners, and business meetings. This summer, the venue will also be holding kids cooking classes, so your little ones can learn their way around the kitchen–something Chef Celeste hopes to instill in young children all over Louisiana. She shares, “My hope and goal for the future is to inspire the next generation through food, to encourage them to follow their passion, and to be adventurous.” ■

Chef Celeste’s 5 Healthy Tips for 2020 2020 is a year to bring together healthy options with ease. 1. Eat more nuts, fruit and veggies. 2. Ease out the extra fat in your recipes. 3. Buy local meats and produce from our farmers markets and butchers. Get to know your farmers! 4. Cook. A home cooked meal should be the norm, not a treat. 5. Limit fast food to once or twice a month, if at all. Help your children to identify fresh food.

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pets

e v o L o t t e P A HAVING A PET HELPS YOU LIVE LONGER By Ann Jarema

can Dogs hen w sense wners o their eling are fe and down ra love ext need

ver 60 percent of households in the United States have a pet, and this is with good reason. Pets provide families with countless hours of cuddles and laughter. Owning a dog or a cat, whether that pet is a rescue or straight from a reputable breeder, brings lots of happiness into our lives. Aside from the cuteness and the cuddles, pets can bring a wide variety of health benefits. Most notably, pets help to improve self-esteem in their owners. As pet ownership requires more physical activity, especially with a dog, it means that there is a need for regular exercise. That daily walk with Fido can help both human and dog in countless ways. Not only can you make cardiovascular improvements to your body, but the sheer act of getting outdoors draws out the endorphins,

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which make you feel happier. And, when you feel happy, your self-esteem inevitably rises too. Pets can also help to reduce feelings of loneliness. Cats and dogs help to fill a void that those who live alone often experience.That unconditional love can help pet owners to live a more meaningful existence. And though pets can’t necessarily keep up with a two-way verbal dialogue, they are significantly intuitive and can sense when their owners want to play, or when they are feeling down and they need some extra love. Though it takes work to own and care for a pet, pet ownership can help reduce feelings of stress. In fact, countless organizations all over the world that promote the use of pets for those that are experiencing grief. Dogs are often brought to hospitals, retirement communities, and even funerals so that

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people can pet them as a way to help themselves feel calmer.The simple act of petting a dog can create a sense of calm and peace and can make it easier to get through difficult times. Of course, the majority of people like pets. So, one of the biggest benefits of a pet is that they help us to become more social. When out with your dog for a walk, it isn’t all that uncommon to get into a conversation with a passerby. Perhaps the conversation will start by focusing on the dog, but over time, who knows where that conversation might go? Dogs can even help us to make new friends. A pet in your life can create benefits in a myriad of ways. From both physical and mental health benefits, our pets love us unconditionally and can support us through the highs and lows of life. And all they really ask of us is to be loved in return. ■

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mighty kids

n e T evaping

Four cases of lung disease hospitalization from teen vaping have been reported in Minnesota, six in Illinois, one in Florida, and up to 12 in Wisconsin. In July alone, Wisconsin reported eight cases of teens with seriously damaged lungs. The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin reported By Ann Jarema that state health officials were investigating the July cases, but each teen said TEEN VAPING HAS BECOME A SERIOUS they smoked in the weeks and months prior to them EPIDEMIC ACROSS THE COUNTRY. being hospitalized. The Children’s Hospital In August, a 17-year-old here are many of Wisconsin advises that was hospitalized for his cases of severe if you have teens, you need entire summer break due lung disease to become aware of these to vaping.Tryston Zohfield among teenwas rushed to the intensive potential dangers. An e-cigagers and arette cartridge can contain care unit on a ventilator young adults, all linked toxic chemicals that have to electronically vaporas machines kept him alive. been shown to damage ized cigarettes, known as Zohfield told doctors he lungs, and because they e-cigarettes. Health officials started vomiting regularly and sited chest pains with an are new to the market, the throughout America are long-term effects are not erratic heart rate. Even the raising awareness about teen’s inhaler could not help fully understood. the dangers of vaping after A teen might tell you it is him breathe. It was later a spike in teens sent to diagnosed that Zohfield had just water vapor and flavorthe hospital with breathing ing in the e-cigarette pods a collapsed lung as a result problems, including some they smoke.They might even of his e-cigarette usage. with lung damage.

say they taste good.Teens look to vaping as a cigarette alternative, with e-cigarette companies marketing the products as something safer than tobacco. The nicotine found in vaping devices is extremely potent. The potential nicotine addiction for your teen is higher compared to adults, according to Dr. Devika Rao, a pediatric pulmonologist at Cook Children’s Medical Center. Rao has warned that there are heavy metals in vapes, like nickel, tin and lead, that can damage your teen’s lungs. Since April, the FDA says it has received 92 reports of people having seizures after vaping, but they have yet to find a cause or a clear pattern. However, even a study from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine found that e-cigarettes without nicotine could damage a teen’s blood vessels. ■

There are heavy metals in vapes, like nic kel, tin and lead, that can damage your teen’s lungs.

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t n a l p Trans es Gam

GOING FOR THE GOLD WITH NEW HEART By Patricia F. Danflous

mily Traylor has a joy for life. The runway trim, always-onthe-go wife, mom and volunteer enthusiastically approaches each day with a radiant smile, a competitive spirit and a new heart. The 40-year-old Louisiana resident is one of thousands of transplant patients throughout the country experiencing a second chance at life thanks to the generosity of organ donors and their families. “Life is beautiful and I am so thankful to be here,” Traylor emphasizes with a smile that fades for just a moment as she recognizes another family’s loss. This summer, she will honor her unknown donor as an athlete in the Transplant Games of America, a multisport event for transplant recipients and living donors. The highly competitive event showcases the impact of organ, eye and tissue registration, while celebrating life and remembering donors. “Crossing the finish line at the Transplant Games is a feeling of triumph in your renewed life as well as deep gratitude to your donor,” says

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Traylor who ran track for Team Louisiana in 2018. This year, she enters the swimming competition, an event that has special meaning for her. “I was swimming backstroke during a race for my high school team when my body just stopped,” she recalls. “I felt dizzy, couldn’t breathe and my heart felt like it was going to beat through my chest. I didn’t think much of it then, but I never swam competitively again. I am not sure why, but I think my body knew something was seriously wrong way before I did.” Born with Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy defined as an enlarged and weakened heart, she had no idea that she had the condition. “I am adopted,” she explains, “and my parents did not have my medical background. Fortunately, a biological aunt contacted the adoption agency that women in her family had passed away from cardiomyopathy in their 20s. I was 19 when the agency notified us.” A cardiologist confirmed what her body had already signaled–yes, she had Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Sur-

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rounded by her parents and boyfriend, now her husband, the next blow hit hard–if she survived to celebrate her 23rd birthday she would need a heart transplant. “Hearing that diagnosis was scary,” she confirms. “But for some reason, I knew I was going to be okay.” With heart-preserving medication, a pacemaker and defibrillator, she made it well past 23. “I loved my career as a Pre-K teacher and got married at 24. We bought our first car, our first house and best of all, adopted a son. Life was great.” Traylor lights up when she talks about her son, Brayden. “I always wanted to be a mom and honestly, knowing that I would not be able to carry a child or take the chance that I could pass a disorder on to a daughter, was the hardest thing about accepting my heart condition,” she adds. “One of the best days of our lives was finding out we could adopt.” Brayden’s arrival demonstrated the Traylors' ability to share their love and live a fairly normal life. “As our son grew, his energy grew, too,”Traylor laughs. “I kept up because of the immense love for

children and family that keeps women moving. I lived exhausted.” Traylor thought she was a typical, trying-to-do-it-all young mother until a few years ago when she noticed significant changes. “I was extremely fatigued, pale, losing weight without trying and had a hard time breathing.” she says. “Something is wrong,” she whispered as she walked into her cardiologist’s office with no appointment, little breath and difficulty speaking. Excessive night sweats, shortness of breath and constant coughing had persisted for too long with no improvement. “Oh, my God, you look terrible, I’m admitting you,” was her doctor's immediate response. “I knew I was dying when the diagnosis of end stage heart failure came in, but didn’t tell anyone. I still had a little fight in me and a son to raise,” she says. While the cardiology team worked on a plan of action,Traylor was discharged just in time to take her son Trick or Treating, as a way to create happy family memories. Focusing on Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays to generate more memory moments,Traylor went through an extensive transplant qualifying process. A few

days before Thanksgiving, she was placed on the waiting list. “We celebrated the holidays that night, buying a Christmas tree so I could decorate with my son and the rest of the family even though I didn’t have much energy.” “On December 12, 2016, I was admitted to wait for my heart,” she continues. “I was terrified, but ready to live, not just survive. I focused on getting a healthy heart and going home. I wanted to see my son grow up.” A week into the waiting, a potential heart was available. “I called all my loud-Italian family who rushed up to my itty bitty hospital room to celebrate life,” she says. “There were tears because someone else died, but smiles because I was going to live. That is a lot to absorb. Grieving for your donor is an entirely different kind of grief. There are no words to adequately describe the feelings involved.” The heart was not a viable organ. “How do I tell my son who is sitting beside me on my hospital bed holding my hand, how do I tell my mom, my husband, my entire family who is in my hospital room?” she questioned. “I couldn’t. I just stared at the ceiling for hours. The next day., I regrouped and

had a long talk with God. After that, I had such a feeling of peace, and I knew that no matter what happened, I was going to be okay.” She observed Christmas in the hospital and New Year’s Eve 2017 with an emphatic resolution–“no matter what, it is going to be a great year.” She was right. A new heart was on its way and she entered surgery at 2 a.m. January 6, 2017. “A successful transplant means you can continue to live and look forward,” she explains. “At the same time, there is grief. My prayers for my donor continue to be, ‘Thank you for saving my life. I am grateful to have such a strong, beating heart and honored to carry on your legacy. God knew that we would work better as a team and I won’t let you down. Thank you for the gift of life and hope.” Since the transplant, Traylor has been committed to health and fitness and working to raise organ donor awareness. “I’ve done 5Ks. I've walked the mountains of Utah. I'm here to see my son start high school. I'm thankful that I am alive and honoring my hero’s legacy with a healthy body,” she says. INSPIRE HEALTH LOUISIANA

healthy destinations

T Best Wellness Retreats For Couples By Ann Jarema

ired of the same old weekend resort getaways? Want to do something good for your body and soul? Want to connect more with your partner? If you answered yes to any of these three questions, why not consider a weekend (or longer) away at a wellness retreat? We’re not talking about a fat camp or place to go and lose some pounds. We’re talking about luxurious spa-like retreat centers that offer great healthy food, fun activities, and a place to relax, all in one. Check out our top picks for great wellness retreats, all located here in the United States.

ne of our top picks is the Miraval Arizona. Set in the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, this all-inclusive retreat center places an emphasis on spirituality while providing an abundance of yoga, fitness, and overall wellness courses. With an on-site restaurant, snack bar, and full bar with cocktails, you’ll have everything you need to relax and recharge. Miraval Arizona Contact: (855) 234-1672 - 5000 E. Via Estancia - Tucson, AZ 85739

Miraval 28

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nother amazing getaway place is the Red Mountain Resort located in St. George, Utah. This wellness retreat center is nestled into the landscape of the vivid red rock cliffs that are so common in the area. At this resort, you can be as active or relaxed as you want. Coordinate an adventure to Zyon or Bryce Canyon National Park. Or, select their rejuvenate and live well package and have access to a personal physician who will work with you on your body composition, fitness and metabolic testing, and nutrition. Red Mountain Resort Contact: (877) 246-4453 - 1275 E. Red Mountain Circle - Irvine, Utah, 84738

Red Mountain Resort

ooking for a mountain getaway? Try Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. Take a nature hike, set out for a mountain biking adventure, try fly fishing, or stay in for a day at the spa, the choice is yours. With all that plus horseback riding, culinary and tasting experiences, paddle sports, and other leisure activities, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have plenty of opportunity to focus on each other as well as what is good for you. Blackberry Farm Contact: (865) 984-8166 - 1471 W. Millers Cove Rd. Walland, TN 37886

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recipe

PALEO STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

By Amber Marie Arevalo

ove is in the air! With so many love-inspired dishes out there, incorporating strawberries is a must. Since one of my little ones has a gluten intolerance, I had to start building my recipe box back up with things he could enjoy. These strawberry shortcakes are not only delicious, but healthy as well. Nothing says "I Love You" like a dessert that cares about your families sweet tooth and health. Coconut flour's popularity has been growing exponentially. At first, people were unsure how to use it or where to find it, but it has grown to be a staple in many households. Strawberries are full of Vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese and packed with antioxidants. Although some strawberries may be really sweet, they do not spike blood sugar levels, making them a safe choice for diabetics. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, then with topping off your dessert with these heart healthy berries? NUTRITION

Calories 215. Fat 15g. Protein 6g. Carbs 14g. Sugar 11g

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INGREDIENTS Shortcake: ▪ 1/3 cup coconut flour ▪ 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted ▪ 4 eggs ▪ 3 tbsp honey ▪ 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ▪ 1/2 tsp baking powder ▪ dash of salt Coconut Milk Whipped Cream: ▪ 1 can full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk, refrigerated ▪ 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ▪ 1-2 tsp honey Topping ▪ 1 cup strawberries, frozen or fresh DIRECTIONS  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 6 muffin tins with coconut oil. In a large bowl, beat together coconut oil, eggs, vanilla and honey.  Add the dry ingredients and beat until combined completely and with no lumps.  Pour the batter into the 6 muffin tins. The shortcakes will rise a little so leave a little room.  Bake for 25-30 minutes, until gold-

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en brown, and when a toothpick is inserted, it comes out clean. Let the shortcakes cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove from the muffin tins and let them cool completely.  Take the coconut milk and skim off the solid part into a mixing bowl. Do not use the liquid. Beat the solid milk until peaks begin to form, then add vanilla and honey and beat for a few more minutes.  If using frozen strawberries, leave out to defrost.  Once the shortcakes are cooled, cut in half.  Top with a bit of whipped cream and strawberries, and top with the other half of the shortcake. Top with more whipped cream and strawberries, and enjoy. ■

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