COMO | The Health & Wellness Issue 2024 by The COMO Companies Magazines | COMO Magazine

JA N UA RY 2024 | T HE HEA LT H & WELL N E SS ISSU E | A PU B L ICATION OF TH E COM O COM PAN IES

TH E PAULSMEYE R FAM ILY David and Kylie share the highs and lows of their IVF journey.

The Health + Wellness Issue

yourself. TRAVEL IS AN INVESTMENT IN

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NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!

President Erica Pefferman | Erica@comocompanies.com

EDITORIAL Publisher | Erica Pefferman Erica@comocompanies.com

Director of Sales | Charles Bruce Charles@comocompanies.com

Editor-in-Chief | Kim Ambra Kim@comocompanies.com

OUR MISSION

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DESIGN Creative Director | Kate Morrow Kate@comocompanies.com Senior Designer | Jordan Watts Jordan@comocompanies.com

MARKETING Director of Account Services Amanda Melton Amanda@comocompanies.com

Dr. Ashley Emel DC, CACCP, Webster Certified

Dr. Jennifer Sutherland

DC, FASA, Webster Certified

Adjusting your health in the right direction.

2614 Forum Blvd, Suite 1 (573) 445-4444 compass-chiropractic.com

MARKETING

Marketing Representative Sarah Hempelmann Shempelmann@comocompanies.com Marketing Representative Becky Roberts Becky@comocompanies.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Keith Borgmeyer

To inspire, educate, and entertain the citizens of Columbia with quality, relevant content that reﬂects Columbia’s business environment, lifestyle, and community spirit.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alicia Belmore, Candice Ball, Barbara Buffaloe, Adonica Coleman, Lauren Sable Freiman, Lori Galaske, Jodie Jackson Jr., Hoss Koetting, Amanda Long, Michelle Terhune, Jennifer Truesdale, Emmi Weiner, Dr. Brian Yearwood

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COMO Magazine is published every month by The COMO Companies. Copyright The COMO Companies 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Letter from the Editor

Keeping Up With The Joneses

rab your kale chips kids and get settled in for this year’s health and wellness issue! And if you are anything like me, just skip over the word “kale,” and grab your bag of chips! It isn’t a coincidence that we run this issue every January. Health and wellness are at the top of a lot of people’s lists right now. New year, new me? Resolutions are fresh. Gyms are full. Shopping carts are lighter and healthier. All with great intention. And while these intentions are great ... again, if you are anything like me, it is easy to get caught up in it all. Keeping up with the Joneses. Are we supposed to be intermittent fasting this week? Drinking our greens? Keeping our chakras aligned? Is it keto or paleo? Are cheat days still a thing? Are we still doing hot yoga ... or is it the cold plunge now? Keeping up with the latest trend can sometimes feel more difficult than folding a fitted sheet. I don’t think health and wellness is one size fits most. I think you fi nd whatever it is that works for you. Defi ne your defi nition of health and wellness, because it truly is individualized for each one of us. There is no right or wrong answer. You will never catch me eating a kale chip. If you are a kale chipper ... I love that for you! You will however catch me in our incredible restaurants around town, indulging in good eats and drinks with friends and family ... and that to me is one of my versions of health and wellness. I feel healthier and more fulfi lled when I am surrounded by my people. My mind feels clearer and more ready to take on the world after a solid two-hour massage and facial. I fi ll my cup with live music and laughter. I feel a weight off my shoulders walking out of a Sunday service.

My advice is to find your version of what health and wellness mean to you! Don’t do the comparison game. Don’t get lost in the sauce of what society tells you that you should be doing, or how you should be feeling. Life is all about balance. Everything in moderation. Find what is good for your soul. Find and surround yourself with the people who make you feel better walking away from them than you did before you saw them. It is hard to juggle it all. Finding time for yourself, your family, friends, work, etc. We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded with advice with every click of the internet. Give yourself some grace. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, or just someone trying not to trip over their own shoelaces (me), just remember that life is a journey, the days ebb and flow. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Find laughter and joy in the small things. We hope you fi nd something in this issue that inspires you on your own health and wellness journey. And if you can’t laugh at yourself, maybe I’ll sign up for a yoga class and record it so you can laugh at/with me. What the heck is a downward dog?! Keep on keeping on COMO. We’re all in this together!

Kim with her greatest supporters, her parents.

ON THE COVER The Paulsmeyer family share the highs and lows of their IVF journey. Photo by Keith Borgmeyer

XO,

KIM AMBRA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COMOMAG.COM

Advisory Board

Representing Voices from All Different Walks of Life.

We take pride in representing our community well and we couldn’t do what we do without our COMO Magazine advisory board. Thank You!

Beth Bramstedt A ssociate Pastor C h r i s t i a n F e l l o w s hi p C hu rc h

Heather Brown Strategic Partnership Of ficer H a r r y S Tr u m a n VA H o s p i t a l

Kris Husted Senior Content Editor N PR M i d w e s t N e w s ro o m

Amanda Jacobs Owner J a c o b s Pro p e r t y M a n a g e m e nt

Chris Cottle

Community Citizen

Darren Morton Program Direc tor Tu r n i n g P o i nt

Sam Fleury A s s i s t a n t V i c e P r e s i d e n t , S t r ate g i c C o m m u ni c a t i o n s , C o l u m b i a C o l l e g e

Alex George Owner Sk ylark Book shop

Megan Steen C h i e f O p e r a t i n g O f f i c e r, Central Region B u r re l l B e h av i o r a l H e a l t h

E xe c u t i v e D i r e c t o r Unbound Book Fes tival Author

Chris Horn S r. R e i n s u r a n c e M a n a g e r A m e r i c a n Fa m i l y I n s u r a n c e

Nathan Todd Business Services Specialist F i r s t S t ate C o m m u n i t y B a n k

Jeremiah Hunter

Wende Wagner

A ssistant Police Chief C o m m a n d e r I nv e s t i g a t i o n s B u r e a u C o l u m b i a P o l i c e D e p a r t m e nt

Direc tor of Resource Development The Boys and Girls Club o f t h e C o l u m b i a A re a

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

COMO MAGAZ I NE

TH E H E A LT H & WE L L N E S S IS S U E | JA NUARY 2024

EDITOR’S LETTER

12 MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD

ART & CULTURE It's No Joke

WELLNESS Keep It Simple

GUEST VOICES Dr. Brian Yearwood

GUEST VOICES Barbara Buffaloe

BUSINESS UPDATE A Novel Approach to Health Coverage Takes Root

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Embracing All Abilities

GOURMET Delivering Nutrition

GUEST VOICES Cookin' with Hoss

FRIENDS & FAMILY Choosing Health

17 COMO CREATURES

Standing Apart from the Competition

GUEST VOICES Adonica Coleman

THE LAST WORD

THE PANHANDLING PREDICAMENT

WHERE HOPE AND SCIENCE COLLIDE

Flying a sign is not a new sight in Columbia.

For those who struggle with infertility, building a family can them down a grueling path. COMOMAG.COM

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WORKERS’ COMP

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THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

PERSONAL INJURY

It’s No Joke

COMO

ART & CULTURE

The Comedy Club of Columbia brings our community the best medicine. BY CANDIC E BALL PH OTO BY ESME ANG ER

hey say laughter is the best medicine – and, like all clichés, this one has a basis in truth. Laughter has a track record for alleviating stress and increasing overall wellness, both physically and mentally. Laughing can stimulate your heart, lungs, and muscles; it can soothe tension, relieve stress, and improve your overall mood. It’s also just pure fun. Evan Foster, owner of the Comedy Club of Columbia, can attest to the benefits of a good laugh. He isn’t a comedian, but he’s always appreciated comedy. Last year, his job took him to the West Coast, where he worked in a high-pressure environment and found respite in comedy clubs that gave him a reason to smile. “I’d never really been that far from home,” Foster says. “I was working in a start-up environment, and it was kind of stressful, and I ended up going to some comedy shows. And I realized, during those first forty-five minutes, I didn’t think about my work once. I was fully immersed in the moment, and it really showed me the mental health benefits that comedy provides.” When he returned to Columbia, Foster started brainstorming about how he could bring that same resource to the local entertainment scene. “I started our pop-ups to show potential investors that this idea had market value,” Foster says. He created a Facebook page for the Comedy Club of Columbia, and within a month, the page had more than one thousand followers. “That was validation,” Foster remembers. “I received so much support and encouragement from other [local] business owners, and I tried to meet with as many local comedians as I could because I’ve never been on this side of things. I don’t know where I’d be without that perspective.”

Foster knew he was onto From lef t to right, host Micah Jef fries, openers Harley Bushdiecker and Xavier Arnold, headliner JB something, and the Comedy Buchanan, and openers Lady Moe Joe and D Chris. Club of Columbia was born. Since its inception, the club has hosted pop-ups at sev“It’s no longer just entertainment,” he eral venues, including The says. “It’s an outlet. I was sort of aware Blue Note and Rose Music Hall, and as the that it’s an outlet for comedians, to give club continued to grow and thrive, its misthem a way to make light of things they’re sion began to expand. While Foster pregoing through that are hard, but at the pares to open a brick-and-mortar venue in same time, it allows audience members mid-2024, he’s been creating other ways to to connect, and think, 'Wait, maybe I can bring laughter to those who need it. also make light of this situation I’m also This spring, the club will host what going through.' I never even considered Foster calls “a mid-Missouri college tour,” what it means to be in a room like that; which includes two shows at Mizzou and one that’s just made for people to laugh. more at other campuses in the region. I never thought about how absolutely “Going into this, I knew that I wanted to healthy that is.” bring that same feeling of stress relief that This month, the club will begin renovaI felt last year. I wanted to bring that to tions on a space to give itself a permanent our community,” he explains. “But I didn’t home. Learn more about the Comedy quite realize how impactful it would be Club of Columbia and stay up to date by for local comedians. We have some crazy following them on social media. talented comedians here who had to travel two hours just to perform.” Foster has made it his mission to fill that COMEDY CLUB OF COLUMBIA void. He emphasizes that his own experiFacebook: Comedy Club of Columbia ence changed the way he views comedy — Instagram: @comedyclubcomo and its value. COMOMAG.COM

DID YOU KNOW? Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is the second leading cause of dementia. LBD is the most misdiagnosed form of dementia and is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s. There are several key differences between LBD and Alzheimer’s symptoms: • REM sleep disorder, delusions, and paranoia are common in LBD, but not Alzheimer’s. • Hallucinations are common early on in LBD, whereas in Alzheimer’s it is usually in the later stages. • LBD patients experience temporality of symptoms. This means their symptoms are present at some times but not other times.

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

Throughout 2024, we will be hosting forums to help educate, and provide support and resources. We are dedicated to educating the families of loved ones who have been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, along with our community, health care providers, social services and long/short term memory care facilities.

To stay up-to-date on educational opportunities and available resources, or for more information on LBD, scan the QR code or visit LewyBodyAwareness.org. LarryGrosslbaf@gmail.com • 573-673-4349 FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: Larry Gross Lewy Body Awareness Foundation The Larry Gross Lewy Body Awareness FND is a registered 501(c)3 organization.

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Standing Apart from the Competition

CREATURES

The new standing CT scanner at Clydesdale Hall brings new research and learning opportunities. BY E MMI WEINER

n June 2023, The University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine added a standing CT scanner to Clydesdale Hall. The new machine and improvements to the building were funded through a combination of donor gifts and an endowment program. The standing CT is the fi rst in the region and offers a variety of diagnostic and research possibilities. “We are always looking for ways to improve our ability to diagnose problems early and find affordable solutions. We also have a lot of innovative clinicians and they tend to be interested in and find other innovative people,” says Joanne Kramer, DVM, MS, DACVS, a teaching professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine. “We were lucky enough to find an innovative company with an engineer who thought outside the circle.” Traditional CT scanners require a patient to lie down as they are inserted into the machine. When it comes time for animals to undergo such imaging, patients are sedated under general anesthesia. Not only is general anesthesia considered risky for large animals, the procedure requires more staff and more time. “This new technology allows us to minimize these obstacles and get horses the imaging they need so that we can get a more accurate diagnosis and can recommend more effective treatment,” Kramer explains. The scanner also allows the animal patient to be standing, which has the added

benefit of showing detailed imaging of a joint in its more natural position while also bearing weight on problem areas. “A standing CT scan can more accurately show the exact orientation of a fracture,” Kramer adds. “Some of the fractures we have seen on standing CT can be treated with bone screws or plates. Knowing the exact orientation enables us to place the screw or plate in the place it can work the best, giving the horse the best chance at making a good recovery.” The technology can also be used to identify issues before traditional radiography can detect them. “We have been able to identify more familiar problems like osteoarthritis at an earlier stage than we’ve been able to detect previously,” she says. “Th is allows us to start treatment at an earlier stage.” The technology will also be used for research. The lack of intensive prep will allow researchers to do more scans and get more information quickly. She expects that the increased research opportunities will increase enrollment as well. “We are exploring the possibilities for early detection of fracture risk in racehorses,” she adds. “There are also many important anatomical structures in-

volved in equine lameness and lameness that we can see in more detail and view from more perspectives.” The technology also allows for more indepth teaching opportunities. Once mysterious structures can be viewed from a variety of angles, offering students a more elaborate understanding. “Sometimes the ability to see something from a different perspective helps you lock into the essence of the problem and opens up new ways to think about it,” Kramer explains. “We’re looking at how we can understand and teach things more from that perspective.” The new technology positions Mizzou’s clinic as a regional leader, servicing not only Missouri but also the region and surrounding states. The clinic’s strategy plan points out that Columbia is centrally located and will provide increased diagnostic access for horses as far away as Kentucky and Wisconsin. “We hope to create an everyday, everyone CT philosophy,” she said, noting the program’s immediate and future goals. “If a CT scan is indicated we want to be able to offer it to any case that needs it. We believe this technology should and will benefit almost all cases.” COMOMAG.COM

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THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

COMO

Keep It Simple

WELLNESS

Empowering fitness journeys through simple and personalized strength training. BY ALICIA BELMORE

ealth and wellness begin to sneak into the back of our minds this time of year, along with all the options of where to go and what to do. If that describes you, Simple Solutions Fitness might need to be your next move. Steven Mack and team have the background and knowledge, along with simple ideas and movements that clients can begin to achieve their goals. Simple Solutions Fitness is a small gym that offers “small group personal training that is affordable and focused only on strength training,” says Mack, owner and trainer. He began personal training in 2015 with a mobile set up of equipment that he took to different locations around Columbia. A year later, he opened in the current location. Mack began working out in high school and played football for a season as a walk-on at Mizzou. Even though he enjoyed it, he realized that football dominated his time, but Mack wanted to devote his time to school and getting certified in personal strength training. Currently a certified strength and conditioning specialist, he has been accepted to further his education with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, which he continues at Mizzou in June. Mack is involved in the community, too, whether through strength-based physical therapy — helping individuals with Parkinson’s disease twice each week, or being an active member on committees within the Women’s Network division of the Columbia Cham-

Emma smiling while practicing a strength training exercise with Fitness Professional Steven Mack in studio.

ber of Commerce. His passion is fi nding ways to help with issues both broad and personal that women face, especially pertaining to health and fitness. Mack, along with two other personal trainers, work with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels at Simple Solutions Fitness. While they have clients with varied backgrounds, the vast majority are women. Mack's team strives to give women a place where they feel comfortable working out. There are no mirrors and no posts on social media unless clients want to be included on those. The team's website points out that the personal training is ideal “for women who want to feel more confident.” While many of the clients at Simple Solutions Fitness are women, the business is open to everyone who seeks help. There is no mention of diets and there are no pitches to buy supplements that other gyms or trainers might solicit. For those who have questions about nutrition, supplements, and related topics, Mack and his team provide referrals to others in those fields. Simple Solutions Fitness offers a twenty-eight-day trial period. “Achieve your fitness goals and build a starter amount of strength in twenty-eight days at our gym or through online training,” its website states. The

team works with clients to set up scheduling for training. The cost goes down for bookings that are regular and scheduled for up to a year. In addition to the scheduling flexibility, the team has added Saturday sessions to help further accommodate individual schedules. Clients are also able to book sessions as far as a month in advance. “If they know their schedule in advance and can book out, we are happy to provided that added feature,” Mack says. With the help of personal trainers Jamie Poppen and Rusty Burney, Mack plans to keep Simple Solutions Fitness going strong while he dives into his doctoral program — strengthening his mind to be even better equipped to help others strengthen their bodies. And he offers a simple statement of advice for those want to or are just starting a fitness journey. “Don’t underestimate how much you can get out of the simple things,” he explains. “Start with something manageable then increase weight, frequency, or times per week that you are active from there.”

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THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

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Be Well The pursuit of wellness in Columbia Public Schools. BY D R. BRIAN YEAR WO O D

he health and wellness of employees and scholars play a pivotal role in the overall success of Columbia Public Schools. Success in the educational environment requires both academic commitment and a commitment to wellness. Academic success is intricately linked to the physical and mental well-being of those involved. Prioritizing health and wellness contributes to a positive and productive learning environment.

FOR OUR EMPLOYEES Maintaining good health is essential for sustaining the demanding nature of the education profession. Long hours, high levels of stress, and the constant need to adapt to evolving educational landscapes can take a toll on their well-being. Implementing wellness programs that address physical fitness, stress management, and mental health is crucial. Encouraging regular exercise, providing resources for mental health support, and promoting worklife balance can significantly enhance the overall health of educators. That’s why our district has invested in initiatives to support wellness. The district has a wellness coordinator who works to evaluate wellness and address areas that can help cultivate healthier environments that contribute to the well-being of scholars and staff. Additionally, the district has a wellness committee made up of 20-25 people from inside and outside of the organization who are working to review and address wellness matters. Columbia Public Schools’ Be Well campaign for employees encourages fitness through friendly challenges and activities, including a walking challenge to stay fit through the holidays. Several years ago, the district also began working with

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VOICES

HeartSpace Clinic to provide stress management programming for employees. Additionally, creating a supportive and collaborative work environment can positively impact teachers’ mental and emotional well-being. Opportunities for professional development, mentorship programs, and open communication channels can foster a sense of community among educators. Feeling valued and supported not only contributes to individual well-being but also enhances the overall morale within the educational institution. In improving the district’s recruitment and retention plan, the district is also working to establish affinity groups for employees to connect over commonalities and interests.

• Acute visits (sore throat, fever, sprained ankle, etc.)

FOR OUR SCHOLARS

• Referrals to counseling sessions for individuals and family

Similarly, the health and wellness of scholars are fundamental to their academic success and personal development. A healthy lifestyle contributes to improved cognitive function, better concentration, and enhanced learning capabilities. Our schools promote physical well-being by encouraging regular physical activity through recess, physical education, athletics, and special programming in schools. For example, several schools have stress management programming during finals week that includes yoga and mindfulness. Additionally, CPS provides nutritious meals and a comprehensive health curriculum that includes educating students about the importance of a balanced diet. I’m especially proud of our work to establish a school-based primary care health center to create greater access to health care for our students. The clinic, located in the Field Center Building, will open in January 2024 and will be operated in partnership with Clarity, which is affiliated with Burrell Behavioral Health. The collaboration is the result of a partnership created to develop a comprehensive system of school-based primary health care services to promote and ensure the physical health care of students. Services provided through the health center are being offered in addition to the health services already offered by CPS, including school nurses and individualized nursing services provided to students with special needs. Primary care and counseling services available to all students will include:

• Preventative visits • Sports physicals • Vision services • Free vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program • In-house lab services (strep tests, influenza, etc.) • Reference lab services • Documentation of the visit provided to the child’s primary care physician (PCP), if not a Clarity patient • Behavioral assessments and evaluations

• Referrals to trauma-focused counseling with licensed or licensed-eligible counselors specializing in trauma • Referrals to substance use disorder counseling services and treatment

Mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellness for students. Academic pressures, social challenges, and personal issues can contribute to stress and anxiety. CPS works to prioritize mental health resources and supports, destigmatize seeking help, and offer counseling services through the district or referral to one of our valued partners. Prioritizing physical and mental well-being through wellness programs, a supportive work culture, and a comprehensive approach to health education can contribute to a positive and successful learning experience for scholars and a healthy and productive work environment for employees. By investing in the health and wellness of those within Columbia Public Schools, we can lay the foundation for academic success, personal development, and lifelong well-being for our current and future citizenry.

Dr. Brian Yearwood is the Superintendent of Columbia Public Schools.

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Forging Global Connections Insights and collaboration f rom around the world. BY BARBARA BUFFA LO E

s the mayor of Columbia, Missouri, I recently had the privilege of representing our vibrant city in official delegations to China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a world that grapples with increasing political polarization, the importance of fostering relationships beyond our borders cannot be overstated. These journeys were not just diplomatic excursions but were also opportunities to build subnational relationships that will undoubtedly benefit our community. I should make note — because I’ve heard rhetoric elsewhere — that neither of these trips was paid for by the city of Columbia. China, a country with a rich history and a rapidly growing economy, provided many eye-opening experiences for our delegation of six mayors from the Midwest. This trip, sanctioned by the U.S. State Department, was intended to enhance cultural exchange and provide new educational opportunities for cities in the U.S. and China. This trip allowed us to en-

gage in meaningful conversations with Chinese mayors, business owners, and citizens, and to understand how they are approaching common challenges. One memorable experience was a visit to a revitalized historic neighborhood in Nanjing, where we were shown an innovative approach to affordable housing that could be implemented in Columbia — one that balances the need for growth with the desire to preserve the patterns of a neighborhood and acknowledges the limits of existing infrastructure. We also discussed how their communities are responding to the challenges posed by climate change, and how potential workforce exchanges could help to develop new ideas for what is possible in Columbia. By forging these connections, we are laying the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship that goes beyond mere diplomatic pleasantries. I was then invited by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to attend the United Na-

VOICES

tions Conference of the Parties (COP28) in the UAE. During our visit, I was one of three American mayors invited to meet with representatives from the US-UAE Business Council to explore relationships that could benefit our local economy. One standout example was a meeting with representatives of UAE-based companies specializing in life sciences and renewable energy. Their expertise could prove invaluable as the University of Missouri explores the next generation of our MU Research Reactor and Columbia invests in clean energy. Establishing relationships now helps lay a foundation that we can expand upon in the years to come. Developing these subnational relationships is crucial for the prosperity and well-being of our city. While national governments negotiate international agreements, it is at the local level that these agreements come to life. Cities are the engines of innovation, and by forming partnerships across the globe, we can tap into a wealth of knowledge, resources, and opportunities that will help our city continue to thrive. Beyond the tangible benefits of shared knowledge, economic growth, and technological advancement, these diplomatic journeys play a crucial role in reducing political division. Engaging with diverse international perspectives and fostering relationships beyond our borders promotes open-mindedness and collaboration, and contributes to a more united global community. I have found on these trips that the goals of economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange transcend political divisions. I was honored to represent U.S. cities on both of these trips. Experiencing new cultures and conversing with people from different backgrounds enhanced my understanding of my place in this world. It also left me with an appreciation for what we have here in Columbia and provided me with inspiration for what our city can be in the future.

Barbara Buffaloe currently is serving her first term in office as the mayor of Columbia. COMOMAG.COM

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THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

COMO

BUSINESS UPDATE

A Novel Approach to Health Coverage

Takes Root

Big Tree Medical saves patients money with a direct primary care model. BY JE NN IFE R T RUE S DA L E

f you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you are one of the millions of Americans who pays for a monthly subscription of some kind, say Netfl ix or Instacart. For a monthly fee, you get unlimited viewing or unlimited free grocery delivery, respectively. The pandemic brought a boom in many of the subscription services that offer access — sometimes unlimited — that consumers now demand. But have you ever considered a subscription-based health plan? A plan that for a monthly fee provides unlimited access to your health care providers? It’s called the direct primary care model (DPC), it’s saving patients money, and it has taken root in mid-Missouri. COMOMAG.COM

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BUSINESS UPDATE

In 2017, Jen Wheeler and her pediatrician husband, Dr. Adam Wheeler, opened Big Tree Medical. Big Tree offers primary care for adults and children, counseling, discounted labwork, and 180 free generic medications for members. In just six years, Big Tree has grown the practice to more than 10,000 members representing 25,000 patients, and it has sixty locations nationally, a number Jen expects to double in 2024. There is no provider network, so member patients can see whatever doctors they want. “We started Big Tree because my husband wanted to have a clinic for adults that was easy to get into and affordable, and he wanted adults to have the ability to text message their provider anytime and get 24/7 care,” Jen explains. And she spends a lot of time explaining what Big Tree does. A couple of years prior, Adam heard about the direct primary care model and visited with many private, independent family medicine doctors about starting a DPC clinic, and while several thought it was a great concept, the well-established physicians found it too risky.

WHEN YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE RIGHT… When Adam couldn’t find a doctor to start a DPC model clinic, he decided to do it himself. He asked his wife, an entrepreneur, to help him. “He asked me to take a risk and try this with him and I was thinking about starting a business myself at that same time [a call nurse triage line]. So I gave up that idea and decided to join him in this effort. I knew it would take both of us,” says Jen, CEO of Big Tree. Jen’s sister is an internal medicine doctor in Columbia, and Jen says that because her sister is so booked, the nearest appointment date is two months out — even if you’re sick. When doctors’ offices are booked, sick patients head for urgent care. Jen says the traditional health care system is set up that way on purpose because care providers receive more money from your health insurance company when you go to urgent care. Direct primary care doesn’t seek to profit from illness and instead prioritizes patient well-being over dollars and cents. “We wanted to solve that fi rst of all. We wanted to always have openings, and I’ve always gotten that question over the years of, ‘So are you guys still taking patients?’ and I’m like, ‘Absolutely.’ I’ll just hire more doctors, and then secondly, we wanted to be able to offer same-day appointments.” One pride point for Big Tree is its ability to offer 180 generic medications, including birth control, mental health drugs, chronic disease drugs, and even generic Cialis to its members at no charge. “I don’t think you can find any clinic in the nation that gives medications away for free, or if you do, not 180 different ones,” Jen explains. “We’re one of the only clinics in the nation doing this. So I definitely don’t make any money off my pharmacy. I lose money on my pharmacy, but it’s all the generics.” 26

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HOW THE DPC MODEL WORKS Big Tree offers a variety of membership options to provide affordable options for everyone, including businesses of any size. For individuals, there are memberships for $35, $55, $70, and $175 per month. Each membership level offers 24/7 access to care providers, discounted medications, and discounted labs. Initially, Big Tree wanted one all-encompassing membership for a flat rate, but it added other levels to meet various patient needs. Jen says the clinics started accepting third-party insurance three years ago, because so many people have employer-provided insurance that they want to use. For people who want to use their health insurance, Big Tree has an “access membership.” For $35, Big Tree will process your insurance and will collect your co-pay. Those patients are then able to text in or talk to nurses if no appointment is necessary. The other perks remain: same-day appointments, low-cost labs, and free meds all for just $35 a month. The “virtual membership,” a $55 per month service, took off soon after Big Tree opened because there were patients from Poplar Bluff, Kansas City, St. Louis, and other locations “who really weren’t going to drive all the way to Columbia to see us,” Jen says. The virtual membership offers 24/7 access to care providers through text or video chat via their app. “It is a perfect option for those who live in rural communities or regularly travel for work or pleasure,” says the Big Tree website. The $70/month individual unlimited membership offers unlimited interactions in person at their clinics or via their app. Clinics are located in Columbia, Sedalia, Boonville, and Jefferson City, mostly inside pharmacies and existing clinics. You may be wondering, how is this so inexpensive? The Big Tree website answers this succinctly: “Compared to regular clinics, we spread your costs over the course of a year. We save money on overhead by not operating physical clinics. We specifically use nurse practitioners and physician assistants because they occupy a sweet spot of cost and quality, allowing you to get great care for a fraction of the cost you find at doctors-only clinics.” Ok, but what if you get cancer or need a hospital stay? You’re going to need to see some specialists. Big Tree has a solution for that, too.

WALKING AWAY FROM HEALTH INSURANCE The Big Tree “unlimited plus membership” is Big Tree’s solution for patients who want to ditch third-party health insurance altogether, or for patients who want an alternative to Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) plans, and who also want more robust coverage. Big Tree partners with Sedera, a nonprofit, medical cost-sharing community of members who pay a monthly fee that helps to pay the medical bills of fellow members (and, in turn, for you, should the need arise). Members choose their plan level based on how much financial burden, or IUA (initial unshareable amount, which can be thought of as an “out of pocket maximum”), they can handle on

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“I don’t think you can ﬁnd any clinic in the nation that gives medications away for free, or if you do, not 180 different ones. Truly, we’re one of the only clinics in the nation doing this.” — JEN WHEELER, CEO of Big Tree Medical

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“I have saved more than $100,000 in the last four years that I’ve been on this plan — $100,000 is huge money for my family.” — JEN WHEELER

their own before the cost-sharing kicks in; the IUA levels range from $500 to $5,000 – the higher your IUA, the lower your membership rate is. The unlimited plus membership includes all of the benefits of the unlimited membership, but you can see any doctor you want (say, a specialist) for a copay ($25 for primary care, $50 for specialists), and then Big Tree picks up the rest of the bill. Unlimited Plus members get discounted rates on the Sedera cost-sharing plans, as well. Adding the Sedera membership provides the security of having coverage for catastrophic medical events that many patients need or desire. “So there’s a little bit of being brave, especially when you’re completely going all in and walking away from health insurance, which is what I did and I’m so glad I did, because I used to pay $2,500 a month for health insurance,” Jen says about paying for insurance for her family of four before starting Big Tree. “I have saved more than $100,000 in the last four years that I’ve been on this plan — $100,000 is huge money for my family.” Jen says Big Tree’s most popular services are medical weight loss management, which generally is not covered by traditional health insurance; mental health services (members pay just $25/counseling session); and ADD treatment for both children and adults. And Jen says they’re always adding perks and new things like Botox injections, allergy testing and drops, and bioidentical hormone pellet therapies; last year they added an x-ray machine, and members are not charged for radiographs. “We realized with the membership model that we don’t have to make money on everything, and we want to have all kinds of benefits for people to have a membership with us,” Jen explains. “So another thing we’re going to be doing in 2024 is offering autism diagnosis for a lower cost.” Jen and Adam also are co-owners of the Hero Clinic in Columbia, which diagnoses and treats childhood developmental and behavioral disorders, such as autism and ADD. As active entrepreneurs and problem-solvers, Jen and Adam expect to continue adding locations and services that save money and increase patient satisfaction with the health care system.

BUSINESS UPDATE

Missouri Locations D&H Pharmacy & Clinic 1814 Paris Rd, Columbia, MO Little Tree Pediatrics and Urgent Care 206 Corporate Lake Dr, Columbia, MO Big Tree Medical Boonville 2400 Boonslick Dr, Boonville, MO Big Tree Medical Sedalia 2410 S Limit Ave, Sedalia, MO Big Tree Medical Jefferson City 1850 Southridge Dr, Jefferson City, MO Big Tree Medical Clinics 530 E Highway 24, Moberly, MO COMOMAG.COM

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Embracing All Abilities From a secluded refuge to a bustling community, Woodhaven helps reshape public perceptions and empower those with diverse abilities. BY LORI GAL ASKE

n the Columbia of 1961, parents of developmentally disabled children had no resources available to help them in the formidable task of raising a special needs child. When Dr. and Mrs. Frank J. Nifong donated land to the National Benevolent Association — an arm of the Disciples of Christ church — planning for the “Haven in the Woods” began. Its doors opened in May 1964 as Woodhaven, originally serving eight boys and eight girls. By 1975, Woodhaven served 225 individuals, confi rming the extraordinary need for its services. When Columbia Public Schools began to offer programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, children could attend school with their peers. Th is transition afforded Woodhaven its own move into supporting adults through myriad programs and residential homes and apartments.

THE INDIVIDUALS SUPPORTED One of Woodhaven’s missions is to change the public perception — if not stereotype — of individuals with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity, a term referring to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. “These individuals are adults with adult needs,” says Jes Baldwin, Woodhaven’s development and events coordinator. While their speech and thinking processes might be different, their hearts and emotions function at full capacity. Jes tearfully recalls a gentleman, who has since died, who always knew what to say to make her smile. Some days she would hear his voice and run to greet him simply to hear what he would say to her, certain that his words would warm her heart.

COLUMBIA CONNECTIONS “It’s so important that we get out into the community,” Baldwin says. “The more you see us out there buying groceries and working at the places that you go — the more you witness that — the more you’ll realize, ‘Hey, that person is not so much different than me,’ and you’ll learn how to treat them like a person. It’s all about respect.” COMOMAG.COM

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Woodhaven M I SSI ON STAT E M ENT To change people’s lives by empowering them to f ind and achieve success on their own terms.

FOU ND ED 1961

B OA R D M E M B E R S Off icers • Tina Workman, president • Stephen Parshall, vice president • Leslie LeSieur, secretary • Ellen Nichols, treasurer • Dennis Palmer, past president Directors • Natalie Hardin • Lea Ann Lowery • Amanda Miller • Dr. Rebecca Llorens • Marty Stedem • Dr. Thomas Dresser • Lyle Johnson • Shannon Stanek 32

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Woodhaven currently has close to fifty residential homes and apartments throughout Columbia. Ninety-two individuals live in the homes with an additional fourteen individuals who live in their own homes and are supported by Woodhaven’s Community Support Services program. The men and women who live in Woodhaven homes decorate according to their tastes, and they plan, play, and work just like others in the community. A Woodhaven direct support professional (DSP) is also in residence at the homes, taking shifts to ensure someone is available around-theclock to meet any needs. Depending on the residents, the DSP will have different responsibilities from hygiene to cooking to chauffeuring. The residents are friends and family, neighbors, and community members. As part of the community, residents plan and host an annual red-carpet gala to benefit another nonprofit in mid-Missouri. They host a trunk-or-treat and volunteer around town. Some residents hold full- or part-time jobs. Through Woodhaven’s Community Employment Services, team members work with individuals to explore possible career paths. The program helps individuals determine their strengths, investigate job interests, develop job skills in their chosen field, write a resume, practice for interviews, and find a job that fits. And the support doesn’t stop there. Woodhaven staff continues to work with the employer and the individual to ensure success. Some current employers include the Columbia Mall, Central Missouri Subcontracting Enterprises and the CMSE Giving Gardens, Fr. Tolton High School, and FedEx. Baldwin says Woodhaven is always on alert for employers who will give its uniquely gifted men and women opportunities to work. The EnCircle program is specific to Woodhaven’s neurodiverse population and offers in-depth training in the technology fields. “EnCircle is like IT college for those with neurodiversity,” says Heather Harlow, marketing specialist for Woodhaven. “One individual who graduated from EnCircle used his tech skills to rewrite some code and saved his employer one million dollars.” Woodhaven also offers several day programs that focus on a variety of areas: community integration, recreational, social, education, and wellness.

THE CHALLENGES All organizations — and especially nonprofits — face challenges. One specific to Woodhaven is community perception. Moving from a society that locked disabled individuals away in institutions to a society that embraces all abilities is no small feat. “It’s a shift in what you’ve been taught and how you think, and that’s always a learning curve for everybody,” Baldwin explains. “There are misconceptions that I wish I could take away with one sentence.” Another challenge is staffing. Woodhaven currently has some 280 employees, but the ideal staffing level is 300. Its most pressing need is for direct support professionals. Training and certification is required and is provided once an applicant has received and accepted a job offer. While the state supports Woodhaven’s basic needs, those funds don’t go far. Participating in one or more of Woodhaven’s fundraising events helps to raise the individuals’ quality of life. The events provide for a variety of things from transportation to nominal Christmas gifts. Annual events include a golf invitational in September, the Zombie Pub Crawl during the Halloween season, and a soirée. However, regular monthly donations are Woodhaven’s life’s blood, as evidenced by 60 years of serving children and adults. No longer “a tucked-away haven in the woods,” Baldwin adds, the organization is now a vibrant part of the community that embraces all abilities. WOODHAVEN 1405 Hathman Place 573-875-6181 woodhaventeam.org

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SHAUN HENRY

A Columbia native, Shaun Henry found a home at Atkins in 2000 when he started his career as a turf technician. Shaun holds a commercial applicator’s license through the Missouri Department of Agriculture and is a member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the Mid-America Green Industry Council, and the Missouri Green Industry Alliance. Shaun strongly believes in the importance of a great customer experience where the Atkins staff knows their clients and anticipates their needs accordingly. Shaun is an MU alumnus and has a degree in plant science.

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t’s cold out there! Maybe it’s all in my head, but my body dislikes the cold increasingly with each passing season. I’m already eager for spring! Although some of the usual suspects that our Pest Control Crew deals with seem to disappear over the winter, it might still be a clever idea to share some thoughts about some of our pest issues in Central MO as they can cause adverse health issues for you and your family.

Speaking of fleas. Fleas tend to prefer biting your pets over biting you, but still, when they do bite humans, they tend to bite around the feet and ankles leaving small red marks where their mouthparts entered the skin — leaving the bite site quite itchy. Both plague and typhus can be transferred to us from fleas — not to me and hopefully not to you. And then there are roaches. They are another source of salmonella and allergy- and asthma-related issues. Roaches leave a trail of urine, feces, and regurgitated saliva and digestive fluids. The dry particles can trigger an asthma attack and can also cause conditions like E. coli, typhoid, urinary tract infection, salmonella, digestive issues, and sepsis. 34

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ATKINS

By Shaun Henry

Mice sit high on the pest list. Aside from the physical damage that mice can cause to your home or business, they can contaminate your food and be a source of salmonella and other diseases. Their dander, urine, and feces can also cause problems for allergy and asthma sufferers. On top of all of that, they also can carry parasites into your house. Fleas coming from a mouse infestation are not particularly uncommon.

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Watch for ‘skeeters. Even though it’s winter, you can’t forget about mosquitoes. They can carry a variety of diseases such as encephalitis which includes the West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and others. Heartworms can be transferred to your pup by a mosquito, too.

Bed bug captured in CoMO!

Check for ticks. Ticks can carry a variety of diseases and sometimes they’re deadly. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, heartland virus, bourbon virus, alpha-gal syndrome, and others. I’m out and about quite a bit in areas where ticks are prevalent, so I use caution and repellants.

Biting bed bugs. Although bed bugs are not known for transmitting diseases, their itchy bites and presence can cause you to lose sleep which then increases stress and anxiety. They are a nuisance pest that you certainly don’t want to live with.

Brown recluse. Don’t forget about the brown recluse spider. It’s common to find them in Columbia homes. Their defensive bites are venomous, even though you may not feel it. Symptoms and reactions may include chills and fever, discoloration at the bite, nausea, headache, weakness, and joint pain. In the worst cases, there are seizures, organ failure, and even death.

Atkins has solutions to keep pests away, so you don’t have to worry about them ruining your winter season. We can also relieve some of your stress and worry by doing some of your chores. Whether it is cleaning up your landscape beds, managing your lawn, planting new trees, controlling your household pests, or even disinfecting surfaces at your place of work during flu and cold season, Atkins is the right place to call.

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MATTRESS AND BEDDING 101

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JAKE BAUMGARTNER BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

By Jake Baumgartner

Feeling comfortable in your bed is not everything. It’s the only thing. Your mattress should fit like it was made for you. On average, you spend one-third of your life on your mattress. No other piece of furniture in your house is used as much as your bed. A mattress set with the right comfort and support for your body can make the difference between a good day and a bad day. Find the right comfort in a mattress and get the deep, restorative sleep you need to start the day. Let’s take a quick look at Mattress Shopping 101 by style, size, and comfort. • Baumgartner’s classifies its mattresses into three category types: Innerspring, a traditional mattress with a coil support system and layers of foam to give comfort; foam — memory foam or Tempur-Pedic foam; and hybrid — a combination of innerspring and foam (mainly 50/50). • There are also four designations of comfort layers: Ultra firm; firm; medium; and soft.

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Jake essentially grew up in the furniture industry, as he is the fourth generation involved in Baumgartner’s Furniture. Working very closely with his father, Alan, Jake has been devoted to the stores full-time since 2004. His greatest enjoyment, however, still comes from working closely with the customers. He is married to Sarah, and they have two active boys, Noah and Laine. Jake received his degree in finance from Saint Louis University.

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op quiz: What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet? What is the difference between a quilt and a coverlet? We’ll get to those answers in just a bit, but first let’s go over a brief introduction to the ABCs of mattress and bedding shopping. Your mattress is just one part of the sleeping equation, because there are also layers to consider: not just in your mattress, but also in your mattress cover, accent pillows, blankets, sheets, shams, and that top cover or bedspread, which might be a comforter, a duvet, or a quilt. Those stylish layers can match your personal vibe to turn your bedroom sleeping space into a serene oasis.

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• Shopping by size offers customers a wide range from Twin/Single, Double/ Full, Queen and Split Queen, to King, Split King, Cal King, and Split Cal King. Styles also include adjustables, pillow top, tight top, Euro top, and more. When it comes to bedding, be sure you’re taking into consideration temperature and comfort fluctuations of the changing seasons. If your bedding starts to look stale, change it up for the transition from winter to spring and then from summer to fall. You can easily switch up throw blankets and accent pillows to reflect changing styles and seasons. Changing bedding is so simple. You can find stylish bedding accents in the showroom that will carry you through every season. Now for those quiz answers: • A coverlet is the lightest bed topper, although they do come in different weights. Usually quilted or woven, a coverlet is non-reversible and is usually placed on top of a thicker bedspread as an extra layer during cold weather or just for decoration.

• A duvet is probably the most versatile bedspread option because you have so many options in weight and style, and it can replace other sheets and blankets. Usually filled with feathers or down, duvets can be put into removable covers of any color or pattern you like. • A quilt is made up of a layer of batting sandwiched between two pieces of cloth. They make a great in-between option for spring and fall. • A comforter is the thickest bedspread, although they too are available in different weights. Comforters are sometimes quilted and filled with down, wool, batting, or even silk. Sleep is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle and the team at Baumgartner’s is committed to helping you make the very best decision for you. Happy snoozing!

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SIGNS IT’S TIME TO REPLACE YOUR SIDING

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By Chet Kent Find more at comoexteriors.com

ow do you know when it’s time to replace your siding? Once you notice one or more of these damages, it’s probably time to plan for new siding on your home. The decision to pursue a siding replacement depends on the siding you have on your home. We’ll break this down into three varieties: vinyl, wood, and solid-surface siding. These are the common deterioration signs for each. • Vinyl Siding: If it’s cracked and has holes in it, then that indicates a need to replace it. Also, if it’s loose, warped, or buckling, then it has reached its life expectancy. • Wood: Wood can succumb to moisture faster than you’d expect. That might result in wood rot, but you might also see paint chipping or fading. Cedar siding will show signs of cracks on the south and western-facing walls. Sometimes there are lots of holes and knots falling out of the siding, and woodpeckers attack them, only making matters worse. • Solid Surface Siding: This is durable material, but nothing lasts forever. If it’s absorbing too much moisture or you see it bowing or cracking, it is good to have it looked at. Weather Restrictions on Re-siding There are typically only a few days during the year we don’t want to replace siding because the materials don’t react well to extreme cold. If the ambient temperatures allow us to apply caulk, then we can do it just about any time. January and February are typically the hardest months since it can get below freezing and most materials don’t cut well below 30 degrees. In addition, if there is a lot of snow on the ground it can make installation much slower. In Missouri we have warm days every month. Therefore, it’s possible to do a siding

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With more than 20 years in the construction field, Chet’s experience ranges from running operations for a local garage door company to managing large scale remodeling projects for a local contractor. Chet began his career with CoMo Premium Exteriors as a Sales Rep, then moved to Sales Manager, and now serves as our General Manager. With almost 20 years in the Army National Guard, Chet has superb organizational ability and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company.

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project as long as there’s at least a couple days in a row where it’ll stay above 40 degrees. We work year round as long as the weather and the materials allow us to do it.

Pros & Cons of James Hardie Siding

What Siding Material Should You Select? These are the most popular exterior siding materials on the market: vinyl, wood (LP Smart Siding), and fiber cement (James Hardie Siding).

• Pros: It’s the strongest siding material, which contributes well to your home value. Fiber cement will withstand weather damage the most, and you won’t have nearly as much trouble with moisture and pests.

Pros & Cons of Vinyl • Pros: Vinyl is cost-effective, easy to install, and doesn’t require too much maintenance. • Cons: There are many versions of vinyl, and some may not be worth the price when you find out how quickly they warp, crack, or deteriorate. Pros & Cons of LP Smart Siding • Pros: This is actually a synthetic version of wood, which subtracts many of the disadvantages like wood rot, decay, and termite damage. You can get it in many modern styles and colors at a lower price than traditional cedar. • Cons: Then again, it’s still not fully resistant to woodpeckers and if not

maintained will eventually succumb to moisture problems.

• Cons: The only possible con is the price, but it’s well worth it when you see the ROI both in terms of aesthetics and durability. Regardless of which material you select, we’ll be ready to help you install it correctly, which is one of the best ways to ensure a longer lifespan. CoMo Premium Exteriors handles siding, roofing, windows, doors, gutters, and more. Don’t take our word for our siding proficiency. Check out our ratings on Google Reviews, where we’ve earned an aggregate score of 4.8 out of 5. You can also see all of our training endorsements and partnerships with manufacturers like James Hardie and LP SmartSiding. Contact CoMo Premium Exteriors and let us replace your siding the right way.

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HOW TO INCORPORATE COLOR AND TEXTURE INTO YOUR LANDSCAPE THIS WINTER

KELLY McBRIDE

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By Kelly McBride Find more at rostlandscaping.com

e’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — there is so much more opportunity for winter interest in your landscape than you could imagine. Even though most plants have lost their leaves and blooms, color and texture are still attainable. Evergreens: One of the more obvious options would be to plant evergreens. They are easy to incorporate with other plants and provide a great structure to the landscape. While evergreens may seem boring to some, they don’t have to be. There are many shapes, textures, or even colors (blues, greens and yellows) to consider so there will almost always be an evergreen option to fit any space. Options include junipers, boxwoods, yews, cypress, hollies, spruces, arborvitaes and more. Blooms: While not a long list, shockingly enough there are a couple of January/February blooming options: Witch Hazel trees and perennial Hellebores. Bringing some colorful relief to a dreary winter, you can find a few different options to choose from in order to bring some colorful relief to a dreary winter. Stems & Berries: Despite losing their leaves in the fall, the following list of plants is just a sampling of plants that will retain color in either their stems or berries all winter long. • Red Twig Dogwood: Their stems come in shades of red, yellow, and orange. • Winterberry Deciduous Hollies: Most commonly available in red but you can

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Kelly McBride grew up in Columbia just down the road from Rost Inc., and she's happy to still call Columbia home. She has a degree in plant science and landscape design from MU and was hired as Rost’s landscape maintenance manager after graduation. Her love for plants makes this job very enjoyable when assisting clients with their outdoor tasks. Outside of work, you can find her cooking, gardening, sewing, or doing other outdoor activities.

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find some orange and yellow options as well. Pyracantha: Covered in orange berries. Persistent crabapple varieties such as Sugar Tyme or Prairifire: These varieties will hold onto their berries all winter for color and animal benefits. Aspen trees: Have a beautiful white bark that really stands out. London Plane trees: Show off a mottled patterned bark. Japanese maples: There are a few varieties that have colored bark such as Mikawa Yatsubusa in lime green, or Winter Orange with orange trunks and stems.

Texture: There are a couple of different approaches to using texture for winter interest in your landscape. The first option is selecting trees with a textured bark. Trees such as River Birch, Paperbark Maples, Three-Flowered Maple, and Lacebark Elm will all have a unique bark that pops and peels. Another option would be to consider changing your pruning habits and trimming

in spring rather than late fall. While the color might be lost, ornamental grasses, astilbe, panicle hydrangeas, and sedum all have texture that we think is worth keeping over the winter. When shopping in spring, it might seem like there are limited choices for winter interest or it may not be top-ofmind, but we’re here to challenge you to consider incorporating plants you’ll enjoy in December-February, too. If you need suggestions, feel free to ask the staff at Superior Garden Center or use the Plant Finder tool on our website.

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COMPANY CULTURE PAINTS A GRAND CANVAS OF EMPLOYEE SUCCESS By Austin and Lacie Find more at aipaintingplus.com

any businesses spell out the basics of their company culture, along with their mission, vision, and core values. Here’s how Forbes magazine spells it out: “It’s the secret sauce of your organization — one that goes far beyond holiday parties or casual Fridays. Company culture represents the living, breathing persona of your company, capturing the norms, values and behaviors that define the very character of your business.” At Ai Painting Plus, company owners Austin and Lacie Ilsley do more than spell it out: They live it out. In short, the Ai Painting Plus culture is part of the business’s DNA because it is a part of who they are, and it is an intentional way of doing business, training employees to be leaders, and creating remarkable, lasting, and memorable relationships with customers and the community. Austin and Lacie recently summarized their company culture and why it is important. Our mission at Ai Painting Plus is to “paint joy into peoples’ homes and spaces.” This is the core purpose behind our operation, and we carry this purpose with us into every project. The Ai Painting Plus vision is to be a place where people love to work with people they love working with while providing the highest level of customer service possible. We are committed to employee support and development. As our company grows, we want to provide our team members with a path to growth — professionally and personally. Our goal for growth isn’t just increased profits and sales, but more opportunities for our team members. We encourage our employees to paint a picture of what their future looks like. (Pun intended!) A lot of times, people

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Austin Ilsley, co-owner started Ai Painting Plus in 2013. From the age of 16 he started working with other painting companies which gave him a solid foundation for performing the work and running a company dedicated to professionalism both with himself and his crew. In 2021, his wife Lacie Ilsley became the new Owner. Since the start of this company, she used her skills to grow the business and create an enviable company culture in the Columbia community. 573-639-2343 AIPAINTINGPLUS.COM

don’t typically see past today, this week, or next week. But what does your future look like, then break that into action items: what do you need to accomplish in the next 90 days, the next year, the next three years to achieve that goal? What a leader does is empower and serve others to motivate their team to problem-solve together. A leader does not dictate. We demonstrate and teach servant leadership and empathy. We offer relentless support and one-on-one coaching to keep our team members progressing. We don’t avoid healthy conflict. We help everyone on our team understand the importance of giving and receiving feedback, and how to properly deliver feedback. Without healthy conflict, there’s no growth. We have to be able to challenge each other and disagree, then come together in pursuit of our main mission. Our focus is on being Columbia’s premier painting service. That keeps us focused on giving really good customer service, and it starts with investing in our employees. If we do the people part right within our organization, customer satisfaction is the result. Some might wonder if we’re accidentally creating competition by

training and equipping employees with the skills to be great painters and business leaders. That won’t be an accident. Our goal in general is to professionalize the painting industry, because painters have not been viewed as professional people. If we can create our own professionals who go out and create their own companies, there will be competition — but it will help the industry, changing the face of the industry in general. Sharing knowledge and skills is definitely part of our culture. We do that to increase skills and to raise the level of the public’s perception of our industry. That’s a big reason why we have an apprenticeship program. During COVID, a lot of businesses couldn’t find people or good workers. We didn’t have those struggles, really. People were finding us. We do a good job of not only practicing what we preach, but showcasing it, too. We love to showcase our team and employees on social media. We’ve already said it, but it really does come down to this: When you invest in and care about people — when you do those things right because it’s just how you do business — profit and revenue is the result.

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GOURMET

DELIVERING NUTRITION

Finding the time to plan, shop for, and cook nutritionally balanced meals can be a challenge. But thanks to Dakota and Justin Owens, founders of Koda’s Fit Kitchen, eating great-tasting, healthy food has never been easier. BY AMANDA LONG

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t Koda’s Fit Kitchen, each ready-toeat dish is created from scratch by chef and nutritionist Dakota Owens, using simple, high-quality ingredients. “People are so busy, and time is a precious commodity,” Dakota says. “Sometimes it is simply a matter of choosing how to spend the limited hours of the day you have. If we can lighten the load and allow people to focus on doing what they love and their families while fueling their bodies nutritionally, that’s a win.” BORN A FOODIE Born into the restaurant industry, Dakota is the daughter of Mary and Norton Evans, founders of Columbia’s much-loved and belated 63 Diner. “My two brothers and I spent our childhood at the diner — bussing and waiting tables, running the register, and doing whatever needed to be done,” she reminisces, describing her life-long passion for cooking. “I was raised in a family of food. Dad ran the back of the house, and Mom ran the front of the house.” Dakota graduated from the University of Missouri in 2013 with a degree in nutrition and fitness. From her perspective as a personal trainer, she says the number one area that her clients tend to struggle with is nutrition. “It can be difficult to navigate the overwhelming amount of information regarding what and when to eat and find the time to meal plan, shop, and cook,” she explains. “People think they must eat a salad for every meal to eat healthy and that is simply not true.” She continues, “I love taking a traditionally unhealthy dish and turning it into a healthy option that can taste good and isn’t boring. Surprisingly to most, it is all about simple ingredients, seasoning, and flavor.” In October 2022 to bring in some extra income, Dakota had the idea to create ready-made meals as a side gig. Her goal: sell 100 meals per week. “We blew a hundred meals out of the water the first week,” she says with a laugh. “Justin and I were shocked how quickly the business took off and grew. Even though he loved his job at Veterans United he made the decision to move forward and join me in our quickly growing business.” 40

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

THE PROCESS Today Koda’s Fit Kitchen is a completely online, ready-made meal delivery service creating, packaging, and delivering more than 1000 meals per week. Customers choose from a variety of single-serving, prepared fresh options that are delivered to homes and some businesses in a fifteen-mile radius of Columbia. There is no minimum order. The online menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes as well as snacks

and options for kids. As a certified nutritionist, Dakota ensures that all the meals are made with high-quality, anti-inflammatory ingredients and contain a healthy macronutrient ratio. “We’re proud to use antibiotic and hormone-free proteins, slow-digesting carbohydrates, and healthy fats,” she says. “Plus, many of the meals are gluten-free and all ingredients and macros are listed on the website.” The magic happens in a 10,0000-squarefoot commercial kitchen located just

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“It is so simple. People here in Columbia really love good, uncomplicated food, so we have leaned into the feedback from loyal customers.

We have found they really enjoy the basics.” D A K O T A O W E N S , C O - F O U N D E R O F KO DA’ S F I T K I T C H E N

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“We are grateful for the pace at which we are growing, improving processes, and becoming better every single week.” — DA KO TA OW E N S

results Dakota recommends they should be eaten fresh. Many regular customers leave a cooler on the front porch for the insulated box delivery to guarantee freshness. outside of Columbia. Koda’s Fit Kitchen currently has five employees in addition to Dakota and Justin. “We have an awesome crew and we have really learned the strengths of our team and the most efficient systems to make the processes as smooth as possible,” she adds. Dakota creates the recipes, many of which are bowl-based, keeping in mind that the meals must reheat well. She notes that inspiration for the dishes comes from her imagination as well as seeing what other meal prep businesses are doing. “We infuse a lot of flavor and texture by utilizing a variety of sauces,” she says. The menu changes bi-weekly, with about six to ten crowd-pleasing staple entrees that remain consistent. “If any one of them is removed, we hear about it.” The top crowd-pleaser seems to be the Cheeseburger Bowl. The quinoa, brown rice, kale, and garlic base is topped with lean seasoned ground beef, macrofriendly sauce topped with dill pickle, and cheddar cheese. A surprisingly close second is the BBQ Chicken Bowl with grilled, barbecued chicken served over mashed potatoes and roasted corn, 42

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

topped with 2 percent shredded cheddar cheese and green onion. There are also options for those with food sensitivities and allergies. The Taco Pizza is a ten-inch gluten-free, dairy-free cauliflower crust topped with a housemade taco sauce, shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese blend, Mexican seasoned ground beef, diced tomato, green onion, diced pickled jalapenos, and black olives. Dakota says the pizzas are made fresh but are frozen before delivery. “It is so simple,” she adds. “People here in Columbia really love good — uncomplicated food — so we have leaned into the feedback from loyal customers. We have found they really enjoy the basics.” Online orders are due each Friday at noon, after which Dakota creates the prep lists for the massive cook session and packaging day on Sunday. After the meals are cooked, they are cooled, which involves an extensive process, and safely packaged. Meals are delivered on Mondays in a box that contains an insulated liner and ice pack, which can be returned for reuse. Meals need to be reheated and consumed in three to five days from delivery. Although meals can be frozen, for best

THE FUTURE One future improvement currently in progress is a modified atmosphere pressure sealing system which involves a machine that seals the meals to keep out oxygen, giving the meals an extended shelf life of ten to fourteen days. The upgraded packaging allows customers to order for a full seven days instead of the current three-tofive-day window. “When we started this out — and I really did think it was going to be a just side gig — I decided quickly on the name Koda’s Fit Kitchen, but this is not my show anymore,” Dakota explains. “Now Justin is on board, and I couldn’t do it without him. We are truly a team. We love working together and we feel super blessed to be able to build and grow our business together.” Koda’s Fit Kitchen can be found online at kodasfitkitchen.com and on Facebook and Instagram @kodasfitkitchen. “God has been so good, and we are trusting Him to show us what the next steps are,” she adds. “We are grateful for the pace at which we are growing, improving processes, and becoming better every single week.”

Welcome Dr. Collin Zeugin to Tiger Family! DR. COLLIN ZEUGIN grew up just down the road in Ashland, MO and has a passion for providing for the mid-missouri community. Prior to becoming a doctor, he worked as a strength and conditioning coach with MU. He knew he was meant to help people, and thought that was the avenue to do it, but he felt like there was something else out there. Eventually, he was inspired to become a doctor of chiropractic. He had always planned to return to this community, so that he could help those people that assisted in making him the man he is today. Today he is practicing back in Columbia, MO and eager to see how he can improve your lives with chiropractic.

Feel like yourself again.

tigerfamilychiropractic.com | 573.443.1414 3700 Interstate 70 Dr SE #110, Columbia, MO

Your Local Waterproofing & Foundation Experts Drain Installation | Foundation Repair | Crawl Space Repair | Waterproofing Solutions LICENSED & INSURED

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phone: 573-240-2038 email : info@a1foundationsolutions.com COMOMAG.COM

DR. JOY SWEENEY: A New Era of Leadership In fall 2023 Woodhaven announced the appointment of Dr. Joy Sweeney as their new CEO. With this transition, the Woodhaven team anticipates a fresh chapter of growth and visionary leadership. Joy brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her new role, aligning seamlessly with Woodhaven’s core values and mission. Joy’s background speaks volumes: Deputy Director at CADCA, CEO of CDFY, Chairperson at Keeping Missouri Kids First, and more. She’s a seasoned leader in education, prevention, and behavioral health, having presented nationwide. Her passion, rich experience, and approach position her as an ideal leader to steer Woodhaven into a future of continued success.

Thank you to our supporters! We couldn’t do what we do without you.

Interested in joining the Woodhaven team? To learn about our current opportunities, scan the QR code or visit woodhaventeam.org/career-opportunities.

THEY’R

woodhavente a m.org

Enjoy a beautiful view from the comfort of your own igloo!

THIS UNIQUE WINTER EXPERIENCE IS BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON ... Bring the family and a blanket! Our heated igloos keep you and your guests (up to 8!) warm, and have an unobstructed view of our beautiful Columbia skyline. Check out the website for more details including how to book your igloo.

(573) 875-7000 • 1111 E. Broadway, Columbia • TheBroadwayColumbia.com 44

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

COMO

VOICES

Cookin' With Hoss BY H OSS KOET TING

ell, we made it through another holiday season, and are now suffering through what we call the “holiday hangover,” where we realize how much we over-indulged in food, beverage — and credit card use! It’s resolution time, and one of the most popular resolutions is to eat healthy. Although that may sound draconian, it needn’t. One can satisfy this resolution and one’s craving for good food with seafood! Several varieties of seafood can be prepared in multiple ways with one of many different spice blends or marinades that will satisfy both your dietary requirements and palate-pleasing cravings. Seafood, and especially fish, is not only relatively low in fat, but also is high in beneficial fats. Most seafood can be baked, broiled, sautéed, or grilled. Some of the flakier varieties, such as sole, catfish, and walleye do not lend themselves to grilling, as they have a tendency to fall apart. Firmer fish, such as tuna, swordfish, and marlin do not work as well for baking or broiling. Just about every type can be sautéed or pan seared with excellent results. When sautéing, use an oil such as olive oil, which has no saturated fats, although extra virgin olive oil is not necessary. Remember, fish does not have to be cooked until dry to be eaten; in fact, most fish is best prepared between medium and medium well. Good quality tuna is best when pan-seared rare to medium rare. A variety of seafood is available locally from several purveyors, from the mundane to the exotic. Look for seafood that is firm, has a fresh, clean aroma, and does not smell “fishy”or have an ammonia odor. Following is one of our favorite preparations for seafood, along with a tasty side.

Jim “Hoss” Koetting is a retired restaurateur/chef who enjoys gardening, good food, good bourbon, and good friends.

BRONZED SALMON

BLACK BEAN SALSA

INGREDIENTS

•

Salmon fillets (6-8 oz per person)

•

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

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Hoss’s Bronze Seasoning

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2 tbsp raspberry vinegar

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Olive oil

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3/8 c finely chopped yellow onion

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1/8 c each finely chopped red and green pepper

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4 tbsp minced fresh jalapeno

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1 tsp granulated garlic

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1/2 tsp salt

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1 tbsp sugar

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2 tbsp minced cilantro

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2 tbsp lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

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Coat both side of the fish liberally with the bronze seasoning. Sauté in a heavy skillet in olive oil on medium high heat until the exterior turns amber brown. Turn over and sauté other side. Serve medium-well.

Note: You can substitute just about any fish, shrimp, or sea scallops as desired.

INSTRUCTIONS

•

Mix all together; best if made the day before.

Note: Will be good for up to two weeks refrigerated.

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FRIENDS & FAMILY

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FRIENDS & FAMILY

Choosing

Health The constant journey to a healthier and more active lifestyle. BY LAUREN SABLE FRIEMAN

fter struggling with his weight since sixth grade, a friend asking Nathan Todd to join a gym was the defining moment in his journey toward a healthier lifestyle. “When I was 25, a friend asked if I wanted to join a gym with him, and I said sure,” Todd says. “He went three times, and I kept going.” That gym membership would turn out to be the first of many over the past fifteen years. Now 41, Todd says he recalls being heavy or overweight from the time he was in sixth grade. “Starting when I was 18, I did several yoyo diets that probably weren’t the healthiest thing to do, but it was what was available and what I knew,” he says. “When I was 19, I lost fifty pounds and gained it all back, plus some.” The last time Todd remembers weighing himself before embarking on his journey toward a healthier and more active lifestyle, he was 24 — and 232 pounds. Today, through a combination of increased exercise, a change in diet, and a focus on mental health, Todd is down eighty pounds from his highest weight in his mid-20s. It hasn’t been a quick or easy journey, but Todd says he’s learned a lot along the way. EXERCISE A trainer once told him that the heaviest weight he would lift in the gym would be the front door, and that sentiment is one that Todd says he understands well. Though he admits he was initially intimidated to walk into the gym, Todd says he slowly gained more comfort and confidence as he began trying new classes, spinning, and running on the treadmill.

Top left: Nathan Todd before he began his health journey. Top right and bottom: Nathan at the Trizou Triathlon.

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FRIENDS & FAMILY

“When I fi rst started working out as I was trying to lose weight and get in shape, the fitness piece looked one way, and as I got into better shape I was able to take on more,” he says. Around the same time, a co-worker who was also a marathoner asked Todd to run a 5K with her. On a whim, he said "Yes." “As a joke, I said I would run as long as she let me pick out her outfit, and she said okay,” Todd says. “That launched things for me. I decided I would run the same race the next year and see how much I could improve. I found a running partner who taught me how to run, joined a running group from the gym, and joined the Columbia Multisport Club.” As his fitness improved, Todd says he realized that more opportunities opened up. A friend asked Todd to join him for a canoeing race, and although he had no previous experience with canoeing, Todd knew his body was fit for the challenge. “It opened doors for me to do things I wouldn’t have tried to do before in my previous life,” he notes. “It took away a lot of saying 'no.'” Although he isn’t now training for anything specific, Todd says he is deliberate about making fitness a part of his everyday lifestyle. “The key is fi guring out what fitness looks like for a lifetime because not everyone will get up at 5 a.m. and go to the gym,” he says. “You have to look at what you enjoy and how you can incorporate that into your life.” For Todd, his Lab-pit mix, Frank, is his best workout partner and motivator. “I love being outside, so I made it my own personal rule that no matter rain, hail, sleet, or snow, I’m taking Frank out and we are going for a thirty to forty-five-minute walk every night,” he says. “I'll do anything outdoors and as long as it has me outside, I’m happy. Working in the yard, working on projects at the family

farm, hiking on trails, that’s where I get a majority of my activity.” HEALTHY HABITS One of the fi rst things that Todd says he learned about healthy eating habits is that maintaining habits long term requires a lifestyle mentality rather than a diet mentality. “I had to learn to eat all over again,” Todd says. “A diet mentality might help you lose weight but it won’t help you maintain it.”

“The key is figuring out what fitness looks like for a lifetime because not everyone will get up at 5 a.m. and go to the gym. You have to look at what you enjoy and how you can incorporate that into your life.”

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— NATHAN TODD

Todd says he doesn’t deprive himself of foods he enjoys, but rather than eating fatty fried foods for three meals a day, or indulging in late-night fast food runs, as he did in his 20s, he will enjoy an occasional treat. “I look at my day as a whole, so if I end up eating a bigger lunch, I’ll have a lighter dinner,” he says. “It’s about portion control and not overindulging in foods that I

know are bad for me. My tastes have developed and changed a lot and I’m choosing foods that are a lot healthier than I was eating previously.” MENTAL HEALTH While nobody likes to admit flaws, Todd says conversations with a running partner highlighted the role that mental health plays in a healthy lifestyle. “I started looking at why I ran to food for comfort, what was happening that pushed me in that direction,” he says. “I started looking at the times I lost weight and gained it back.” Todd clearly remembers the meal that made him revert to bad habits after losing fifty pounds at age 19. “It was fried chicken with mashed potatoes, white gravy, and corn from Cracker Barrel,” he says. “I ate something I hadn’t had in so long and it triggered me. Looking back, I realized at the time there were a lot of other stressors that were pushing me back in that direction.” While he focuses on choosing a healthier lifestyle every day, the period at the height of COVID was challenging. Todd says in the past year, he has taken off around thirty pounds that he gained during that stressful time, which also included a change in jobs and less physical activity. Just as he found mentorship and encouragement through his own weight loss journey, Todd hopes he can provide support to those thinking about changing their lifestyle. For him, the only way to make progress is to jump in and get started. “Everyone started somewhere, and most of them were just as insecure as you are,” Todd says. “Learning to get over intimidation was really big for me. What lots of people don’t realize is that starting your journey serves as an inspiration to many of the folks who have established their routines and have achieved some fitness success.”

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The Panhandling

Predicament Flying a sign is not a new sight in Columbia. BY J O D I E JAC KS O N J R

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

ne side of Tim’s handcrafted sign tells passing motorists, “You have a beautiful smile.” The other side reads, “Anything Helps. God Bless.” Standing on the concrete median on the west side of Bernadette Drive at the intersection with Stadium Boulevard, Tim is willing for a moment, though not all that eager, to talk about his circumstances. A bit of morning drizzle left slight water spots on the “smile” side of his sign, which he is “flying” in hopes of getting money or food from generous motorists. It's just a couple of weeks until Christmas. Tim (not his real name) seems uncomfortable with close contact. He says his darting eyes are just a sign of the anxiety that has stalled his life. Yes, he’s homeless, he says, adding, “Lost everything.” Tim makes quick but gone eye contact and his hands shake. He swipes lip balm across his chapped mouth. Darkness is just a few hours away. Where will he find shelter? Not at Room at the Inn at the new Ashley Street Center. Not some other under-roof shelter. “I have a tent,” he answers. “My anxiety. I just can’t do ... that. It’s too much.” Tim walks away, making sure the “Smile” message is facing a new line of vehicles. He’s been asked if he calls what he does “panhandling” or “flying a sign.” “Neither,” he replies, turning to make about one second of eye contact. “I call it surviving.” And the moment of sharing is over. Cat Armbrust doesn't need a detailed description to realize she knows Tim's real name. As the director of the nonprofit CoMo Mobile Aid Collective, Armbrust likely knows the names of most sign flyers and people experiencing homelessness in Columbia. She's also familiar with the social media clamor that often tracks the movement and impact of panhandlers and homeless individuals. “It’s important that we humanize this,” she says. “We have that in our mission, making sure that people understand these are humans involved.”

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IS IT LEGAL OR ILLEGAL?

Complaints about panhandling, a common sight at most major intersections and at several locations in downtown Columbia, seem to be proliferating about as much as the practice of asking strangers for money has been skyrocketing. But is it a new problem? A cursory search of Columbia City Council meeting minutes chronicles a business owner’s public comment asking the city to do something about the panhandling going on downtown. That online document is dated April 1997. Nearly twenty-seven years later, there’s still not a lot the Columbia Police Department can do about the practice, because panhandling is not against the law in Columbia. In fact, says City Manager De’Carlon Seewood, “Panhandling is a constitutionally protected activity.” But Seewood isn’t unsympathetic to public sentiment. “The city is aware that both residents and business owners have expressed concerns about people asking for money, or as it often referred to, panhandling,” Seewood stated in an email response to questions from COMO Magazine. “While I understand this makes some residents uncomfortable, people have a constitutional right to gather in public spaces such as sidewalks and medians. ... Individuals who sit or stand and hold signs at intersections asking for money have a right to do so just as others have the right to hold signs to protest or ask for drivers to honk their horns in support of a political position.” However, Seewood says, the act of panhandling does become illegal if it is done aggressively or if it obstructs traffic. “That could include someone interacting in a threatening manner or touching someone without consent,” he said. “In that instance, the Columbia Police Department would respond accordingly if it were reported."

POLICE AND COURT INVOLVEMENT

The Columbia city prosecutor’s office does charge and prosecute ordinance vio52

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lations related to panhandling when they reach the threshold of prohibited activity. Seewood explains that because these violations may be prosecuted under several different provisions of the municipal code, and the ordinances prohibit prosecution for multiple offenses for the same conduct, "they are generally charged under the ordinance that more closely aligns with the facts of the case — as well as what case can be easily proven in court."

Community Support docket on the first Monday of each month. "Incarceration and fines have not shown to be a sufficient deterrent in these cases," he explains. As a result, those dockets are designed to connect the individual with community resources "that may be of benefit to them and hopefully provide some structure and guidance away from the criminal justice system and reduce recidivism.

NO TYPICAL DAY

“It’s important that we humanize this. We have that in our mission, making sure that people understand these are humans involved.” - CAT ARMBRUST "It is important to remember that some offenses will require a complaining witness who is available and willing to testify," he adds. "Without a willing and cooperating witness, the charge will not be filed. During the investigation or prosecution process, if authorities can determine that there are "underlying issues that the defendant may be experiencing that have played a part in their receiving a charge," Seewood said the city prosecutor attempts to have those cases set on the

Just three years ago, CoMo Mobile Aid Collective provided twice-aweek meals to about 40 people with its mobile soup kitchen. These days, the organization’s onthe-move program feeds as many as 100 or more people three times a week. “There’s no typical day” in the life of the organization, says Armbrust. She doesn’t differentiate between someone who is experiencing homelessness or panhandling – she prefers to call that activity “flying a sign” — because not everyone who is homeless is flying a sign, and not everyone who flies a sign is homeless. Some of them — society discards them as "others," Armbrust says — she has known for a few years now. And she knows many of their stories; knows that some have undiagnosed or untreated mental illnesses. Armbrust says “unresolved trauma” is at the center of most of their circumstances, which are never as simple as they look. Some, like Tim, prefer the outdoor spaces, though “that doesn’t mean they choose to be homeless,” Armbrust explains. “It’s really complicated and layered, and not as simple as people think it is,” she says. “But it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve care and consideration. Other things have led them to this point; everyone has had some sort of trauma in their lives. Had that other trauma not happened, things would be very different for them.” Armbrust repeats and repeats the “not as simple as you think” mantra, giving a few examples that fit that phrase.

One day before The Salvation Army Columbia memorialized 21 individuals during a Homelessness Memorial Day event on December 21, one of the community’s most visible sign fl yers died after being struck by a car. James Lee Allen, 78, who often stood at the I-70/Highway 63 connector at the southeast outer road, sported a smile and a salt-and-pepper color beard. Allen was apparently struck by a vehicle at approximately 5:05 p.m. December 20 in the area of North Keene Street and Wingate Court. The Columbia Police Department reported that Allen was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Allen was known to members of the CoMo Mobile Aid Collective, who said he was a “regular” at I-70 and Providence then moved to the Keene Street area a couple of years ago. The organization’s Facebook page said Allen “flew his sign to help pay for his hotel room.” On December 30, another individual, Bradley L. Ewing, 55, of Columbia, was declared dead at the scene of a vehicle-pedestrian crash in the area of East Broadway near North First Street. That accident happened at around 6:30 p.m. The death, first reported by Columbia police, was posted on the CoMo Mobile Aid Collective Facebook page: “This is the second friend struck and killed by a car in the last couple of weeks. Terrible tragedies for all involved, to be sure/ The nomadic nature of existing while homeless — being on the streets and on the move more frequently than the average person — makes them more vulnerable to traffic accidents. As a community, we need more spaces for folks to safely exist and better access to resources (including transportation) in order to decrease the likelihood of these types of accidents.” The names of homeless individuals recognized at the Homelessness Memorial Day event were:

• Mary Jo Reynolds

• Rosalee Gross

• Brandon Lee

• Lisa Smith Lowe

• David Sharrock

• Jermaine Burnett

• Tina Johns-Duke

• Ron Shivers

• Ann Quarles

• Darita Williams

• Tony Washington

• Ralph Anthony

Franklin

• Anthony Bell

• Ryan Wilkerson

• Roy Kohrs

• Joseph Mercier

• James Allen

• Sarah “Red” Danner • Terrell “Chief” Page • George Nichols • Paul Powell • William “Shorty”

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• The person with mental illness who either doesn’t have the resources or regular access to help — and maybe they are paranoid and believe that “people are out to get them.” • When it comes to substance abuse, it’s often the result of an individual “self-medicating” because of a mental health condition or unresolved trauma. • Someone coming from a prison or jail environment might have been brutalized, both physically and mentally, and unprepared for life beyond incarceration. “They come out of the system, really, with very little support,” she says. “Then we expect them to just be better somehow.” “We can’t just generalize everyone’s experiences,” Armbrust notes. “It’s not onesize-fits-all.”

ENABLING HOMELESSNESS?

Armbrust helped with the strategy and execution of making CoMo Mobile Aid Collective a year-round, all-volunteer venture. She vividly remembers saying, “Cool,” when hearing the service needed more help back during the COVID pandemic when she first started visiting homeless camps with Dirk Burhans, who is recognized as the organization's founder. “I laugh all the time like, ‘How did this happen? How am I the director of a nonprofit?’” she says. “It’s like I blinked, and we grew.” Stephanie Yoakum is the nonprofit's operations manager And now it’s much more than a mobile soup kitchen with twice-a-week outreach to unsheltered individuals, while also planning menus and connecting with meal and food donors, and marketing. The organization also has a medical clinic connection. CoMo Mobile Aid Collective has nine core members “and a huge slew of regular volunteers,” Armbrust says, pausing to add, “I’ve learned how to delegate.” She’s also learned to anticipate the questioning criticism of her work. “It’s an argument that’s been going on for years. ‘Well, aren’t we going to enable people to be homeless or to be better at being homeless?’ No, we enable people to 54

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survive,” she says, “then we connect them with resources when they are ready.” Columbia has a plethora of social service resources. The planned Opportunity Campus near Room at the Inn off Business Loop 70 East could be ready for operation in 12 to 18 months, at an estimated construction cost of $16 million. The campus will provide shelter and also help consolidate many of those services, in addition to providing case management, which is an aspect now mostly missing from many social service programs. “It’s going to make a difference for people,” Armbrust says. Until then, CoMo Mobile Aid Collective will continue to provide “survival support.” She adds, “I’m going to feed you and see if you need any hygiene products.”

IN THE MEANTIME ...

Seewood says the city is taking steps “to assist our residents experiencing homelessness that will mitigate the number of individuals sleeping without shelter, panhandling, and living without basic needs.” Some of those steps — often undertaken in partnership with local organizations — include: • Providing funding to Turning Point to offer a warming center for anyone unable or unwilling to access local shelter services. • Purchasing the former VFW building, now called the Ashley Street Center, to allow Room at the Inn to provide shelter year-round in one location. • Having conversations about how to update building codes to allow tiny homes, with amenities like a kitchen and bathroom, to create a place that people could consider home. • Creating a new Housing and Neighborhood Services department, in addition to homeowners' assistance programs, and developing plans to incentivize developers to build housing at various price points. • Pursuing workforce development initiatives that might bring entrylevel jobs to the community, new ways to connect unemployed

residents with jobs, or programs that will help boost skills for those experiencing homelessness. Seewood continued: “We are already on the right track. I look forward to continuing these conversations with the many partners and individuals willing to address this very complex issue.”

'CRIMINALIZING POVERTY.'

Any public push for stricter control or prohibition of panhandling would be efforts to “further criminalize poverty,” Armbrust says. She suggests that proponents of such efforts join the conversation about issues such as affordable housing and access to mental health care. The Missouri legislature last year passed a wide-ranging bill that, among other things, banned sleeping on public land, making an infraction of that law a Class C misdemeanor. But just a week before Christmas, the Missouri Supreme Court struck down that law. The state's high court did not address the specific aim of the ban but agreed with opponents that the ban was part of a law that violated the state constitution's requirement that all provisions in a bill adhere to a single subject. The legislation in question was passed as an amendment to a broader bill relating to political subdivisions just before the end of the 2022 session. Critics of the bill feared it essentially criminalized homelessness. Supporters characterized it as reducing the prevalence of encampments they deemed dangerous to unhoused people and surrounding communities. “I understand that government officials and everyone are concerned about a finite amount of resources. Taxpayers are concerned about that. I get that,” she says. “People out flying signs — it makes visible the problems of poverty and homelessness. That makes people uncomfortable – and sometimes angry.” Armbrust adds, "There’s no one thing that’s going to fix everything," but with better access to mental health services and more options for affordable housing, “we would be seeing less of these issues ... The old systems are not working. There needs to be new thought about how to get people the help they need.”

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THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

e p o H e r e h W e c n e i c S d an e d i l l Co For those who struggle with infertility, building a family takes them down a grueling path. But for three Columbia couples, it’s been a journey worth taking. BY MICHELLE TERHUNE

COMOMAG.COM

has been said that bringing a child into the world is the ultimate act of hope. Perhaps that statement has never been truer than at this moment in history. But what if you can’t conceive or have a successful pregnancy, no matter how hard or how long you try? Hope can quickly turn into despair when dreams are shattered. Infertility is defined by a couple’s inability to conceive when having unprotected sex frequently for a year or longer. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that roughly one in five women aged 15 to 49 who have never had a child are unable to conceive within one year of attempting to get pregnant. Couples facing infertility have a range of options these days, from adopting a child to undergoing treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). They can choose to use their own sperm and eggs or use donors. The woman can carry the embryo, or the couple can hire a surrogate. The choices are dizzying. They’re also expensive, with the cost of one cycle of IVF reaching as high as $30,000 or more. Health insurance pays for little and in most cases, none for treatments. Even traditional adoption comes with a hefty pricetag in Missouri, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, according to adoption.com. For some couples, none of these options are within financial reach. Others incur debt that takes years to pay off. That scenario leads to a series of questions: What is the financial, physical, and emotional cost of having a child when conceiving traditionally doesn’t happen? Three local couples agreed to tell their IVF stories. Their circumstances are all unique, but they share three common threads: None of it was easy. None of it was inexpensive. And in the end, none of them let infertility keep them from becoming parents. ANY THING BUT I VF

John and Melissa Miller decided to stop using birth control once they married. Six months went by, then a year. Melissa, a surgical nurse at Boone Health, knew something wasn’t right. The couple booked an appointment with Dr. Gil Wilshire, MD, at Missouri Fertility in Columbia. “Honestly, when we went into this journey, I thought, ‘We will not do IVF. We’ll do everything but IVF. I’ll do the testing, but that IVF is crazy,’” Melissa says. “From a nursing standpoint, that’s what I thought.” Bloodwork didn’t show any specific problems. Dr. Wilshire suspected Melissa suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition associated with infertility problems in roughly 70 to 80 percent of women who have it. John and Melissa started with IUI. This treatment involves gathering as many healthy sperm as possible and injecting them directly into the uterus during the height of ovulation, creating the best chance for sperm to fertilize an egg. The first attempt was unsuccessful. The second never occurred because a drug used to increase egg production resulted in ten or eleven eggs. “This is when you can end up being an Octomom if it works,” Melissa said. “Dr. Wilshire told me it’s against medical advice to proceed but it was our decision. We opted to hold off. When we met in his office again, I thought we were going to try an IUI for the third time, but he recommended IVF.” The recommendation wasn’t what they wanted to hear, and not just because of the cost and time commitment. Melissa based her reservations on what she knew about IVF as a nurse. She later realized she had no idea how rough it was. “Had I known truly what it was like going in, I probably would have been even more shellshocked and said, ‘No,’ honestly, and looked for a different route to having kids,” she says. John and Melissa did consider other paths, including surrogacy and adoption. John’s dad was adopted, so they understood the value of that option. Ultimately, though, they decided to pursue IVF. 58

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OVER AND OVER AGA IN

A few months before they married in January 2019, David and Kylie Paulsmeyer decided to stop using birth control. Kylie says they weren’t trying to get pregnant, but they also weren’t trying to prevent it. Because Kylie has PCOS and had been on birth control for years, she knew it might take a while to conceive. They started focusing on getting pregnant in October 2019. “That’s when I started noticing that something may not be right,” Kylie says. “My fertility journey is quite complicated.” Kylie started with her regular obstetrician, taking a medication that induces ovulation. But an ovarian cyst ruptured and her OB retired, referring her to a specialist. She and her husband underwent three rounds of IUI, conceiving on the third attempt in May 2021. They miscarried six weeks later. After trying two more rounds of IUI without success, they booked an appointment with Dr. Wilshire where he made adjustments. After four more unsuccessful attempts, he told them their best option was IVF. “I thought, ‘I’ve been doing this for three years at this point. I’m tired of the emotional toll,’” Kylie says. ‘I know we can’t afford it, but this is what we’re going to do.’” David wasn’t so sure. As a financial professional, it didn’t make sense spending thousands of dollars on something that might happen, after already spending thousands. But after learning about the science behind IVF from an embryologist, he was on board. David’s not alone. John is also a finance professional who questioned Dr. Wilshire: “I’m handing you this money and there’s no guarantee we’ll get what we’re paying for?” Dr. Wilshire was honest and forthright about unrealistic expectations. There are no guarantees with IVF. SNOWFL AKES

Ross and Michelle Kasmann’s IVF journey took a different route. Michelle’s vision for her future family developed before she and Ross married in 2010. A friend in college was an international adoptee searching for her biological roots. Michelle imagined a family of biological and adopted children. She and Ross bought a five-bedroom house to fill with them. After finding out they couldn’t have children, they spent a lot of time with infertility specialists without success. They sought guidance from Bethany Christian Services where their social worker discussed many options for having children. This led to their adoption of their now 10-year-old son, but the process was rife with complications.

The n Kasman Family COMOMAG.COM

Photos by Keith Borgmeyer

Their social worker had also talked to them about “snowflake” adoption, which is the adoption of frozen embryos donated by couples who don’t need the rest of their embryos but don’t want them destroyed. “We decided that doctors were better than lawyers,” Ross says. “We were so over dealing with the courts. We didn’t feel like our family was complete yet, but we knew we weren’t ready to go back through all that.” Of course, children of traditional adoption share DNA with people other than you. The same is true for embryo adoption. But the couple chose that over options like using a sperm donor. “In my mind, that was separating the team,” says Michelle. “This child was going to be biologically both of ours or biologically neither of ours.” The Kasmanns reviewed family profiles of the embryos and selected one that had two to donate. Their doctor recommended they choose a second family as a backup in case Michelle couldn’t carry either of the first two to term. After all, snowflakes can melt.

NEEDLES AND TIME

Infertility treatments are a little like what Albert Einstein said about insanity — doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. But there’s nothing insane about wanting to have children of your own, and IVF is a science that’s always improving. However, based on multitudes of research and experience, the science can be hell. Here's generally how IVF works: The woman usually takes birth control for a bit to establish a baseline for her cycle. Once she completes one full ovulation cycle, the ultrasounds begin. So does the extreme commitment to the process. During the process, women will undergo dozens of vaginal ultrasounds which require frequent trips to the doctor’s office. Then, there are the needles. Although the Kasmanns avoided the earliest stages of the process, none of the couples escaped the needles. There are frequent blood draws to monitor hormone levels. Kylie, who has always been afraid of needles, says she injected herself four times a day in the stomach with follicle-stimulating drugs to spur egg production. And Melissa said she gave herself more injections during IVF than she’s given to patients during her nursing career. Roughly two weeks before the eggs are harvested, production needs to be suspended in time. Progesterone shots keep the eggs from dropping before they can be retrieved. Because this hormone needs to act quickly, shots are administered with one-and-a-half-inch needles deep into the gluteal muscles, called intramuscular or “IM” injections. Here’s where the three husbands got to assist. Giving your wife shot after shot, searching for a spot that’s not bruised, takes a toll on the husbands as well. After the Millers miscarried the first two transplanted embryos, Melissa waited six months before making a second attempt. “At that point, I needed a break from the hormones,” she says. “Because when you put the first two embryos in, you have to do two IM injections every single day, then one every day for the next six to eight weeks. Your bottom is so bruised, and you keep on giving injections through those bruises. On top of the mood swings, I just wanted the summer off. I wanted to feel normal. I needed a break.” When the eggs are retrieved, the woman is sedated. The man’s sperm is harvested and “cleaned,” leaving the most active swimmers to join the eggs for in vitro fertilization. Once fertilized, the embryos are checked for viability. Parents can opt to have them undergo genetic testing as a further step to determining viability. Of course, they incur the significant cost of such testing, but the couples said it’s worth it. Then, in a rather simple process, one or two embryos are transplanted into the uterus. The IM injections continue until pregnancy is confirmed.

The r e y e m s l u Pa Family

COMOMAG.COM

“It’s emotionally draining and even your love life feels transactional – it takes the romance out of it. The good news is that after all that, I feel like we’re in an even better place.” — John Miller

“It’s a big sprint, especially in the beginning,” Kylie says. “Then there’s all the medicine and going back to have your levels checked. After egg retrieval, you need time to heal. But you get calls every other day about how the embryos are doing.” It's painful. It’s time-consuming. The science demands precision. Pregnancy is always a hopeful waiting game. But IVF is the wait before the waiting. It can all exact a toll on a relationship. THE REL ATIONSHIP TEST

Infertility places a tremendous strain on couples. Just ask Stephanie Parsons, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and owner of Counseling Associates, who works with couples experiencing infertility. 62

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE 2024

The Miller Family “I see quite a bit of depression and grief related to clients who struggle with fertility. Depression over the fear of not ever having a successful pregnancy. Loss related to the loss of a pregnancy or the perceived loss of having a biological family. Couples are often so adversely affected that I also work with clients who are struggling to maintain a healthy relationship as a result of the stressors related to fertility struggles,” Parsons says. Expectations are a major hurdle. Remember that five-bedroom house the Kasmanns bought to fill with kids? “You really have to grieve the loss of your expectations of how your family is going to look,” Michelle says. “Once we gave ourselves permission to get through that, it was a lot easier to wrap my hands around the idea that this is what I want: This is

not second best. This is the way I want to shape my family. It just looks different than I thought it would.” It’s not just the couple’s expectations that are in play. For the Millers, one of the hardest parts of their journey was not telling their family about what they were doing so they wouldn’t be disappointed if things didn’t work out. Feelings of isolation are common. Kylie said she relied far too much on information from social media rather than talking about it with others. “I basically went through this by myself,” Kylie says. “I didn’t know anybody who went through this. It’s a very taboo situation, and the more I talk about it, the more I realize that there are a lot of people out there who have gone through this. I feel like it’s better to talk about it than being secretive. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.” “The best thing you can do if you’re trying to support someone going through IVF is to listen to what they have to say but don’t ask too many questions,” Melissa says. Parsons agrees, saying: “Ask them what they need to hear from you or maybe not hear from you. Provide them a space to talk about it if they want to or provide them a space to not have to talk about it if that’s what they need.” Amid all the emotional and physical pressure, there can also be a temptation to lay blame. “Relationships can start to feel ‘second best’ to a potential child or their partner’s desire to become a parent. When these relationships are not nurtured properly, as in any marriage, they can start to falter,” Parsons says. According to the National Institutes of Health, who may be infertile is divided into equal shares. In one-third of cases, it’s the man; in onethird, the woman; and in one-third, it’s either undetermined or attributed to both partners. But more often than blame, there are feelings of helplessness watching spouses endure the process of IVF, the grief of miscarriages, the turmoil of rampant mood swings, and a resentment of the transactional nature of it all. “It’s a lot watching Melissa going through all that,” John says. “It’s emotionally draining and even your love life feels transactional — it takes the romance out of it. The good news is that after all that, I feel like we’re in an even better place.” “When we sat down and went through embryo adoption, it was very hard to see that the embryo was considered property,” Michelle says. “It was a transfer of property, not an adoption, according to the paperwork. It was a gut punch. Calling the embryo ‘property’ seemed very rough around the edges for me.”

John and Melissa are now parents to two daughters whose lives were made possible by IVF. Ava is four and Olivia will be two years old in February.

David and Kylie’s son, Maverick, turned a year old in November 2023.

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

Jonas Salk said, “Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.” Today, John and Melissa are parents to two daughters whose lives were made possible by IVF. Ava is four and Olivia will be two years old in February. David and Kylie’s son, Maverick, celebrated his first birthday in November 2023. He was the first of their three embryos transferred and it was successful. They have two more embryos and plan to have another child. In addition to Ross and Michelle’s 10-year-old son, they have a daughter — the fragile snowflake Michelle delivered eight years ago. Perhaps the ultimate hope isn’t just bringing a child into the world. Maybe it’s overcoming incredible odds with unflinching resilience to make it happen.

In addition to Ross and Michelle’s 10-yearold son, they have a daughter — the fragile snowﬂake Michelle delivered eight years ago.

COMOMAG.COM COMOMAG.COM 63 63

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A Daily Journey Beyond New Year’s Resolutions BY A DONICA COLEM A N

s we find ourselves at the top of 2024, it’s natural to wonder how time slipped through our fingers so swiftly. It seems like just yesterday we were fumbling to write 2023, and now we stand on the threshold of a new year, contemplating the age-old tradition of New Year’s Resolutions. However, for many, the mere mention of resolutions may bring up memories of unfulfilled promises and abandoned goals. Personally, I’ve never been adept at setting January 1st goals that extend far beyond the first few days of February. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, adhering to a resolution can feel like a Herculean task. Instead, my focus has shifted towards a broader and more meaningful

pursuit — the journey of health and wellness in the tapestry of daily living. In the fast-paced rhythm of our existence, each day becomes a precious gift, an opportunity to cherish the blessings we’ve received and the challenges we’ve conquered. Health and wellness, in my perspective, transcend the confines of mere a scale or temporary abstinence from sugar and alcohol. They are the threads that weave together the fabric of a life fully lived. Gone are the days when health was synonymous with how much you weigh or the absence of illness. Today, it encompasses a holistic approach that considers not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional health. It’s

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VOICES

about nourishing the body with wholesome foods, engaging in regular exercise, and fostering positive mental habits. Equally important is the cultivation of emotional resilience, the ability to navigate the ebb and flow of life’s challenges with some grace. Health and wellness, as a daily pursuit, invites us to savor the small joys and appreciate the beauty in the ordinary. It is the mindful enjoyment of a nutritious meal, the rejuvenating embrace of nature during a brisk walk, and the quiet moments of reflection that anchor us in the present. The focus shifts from rigid restrictions to intuitive choices that honor our bodies and nurture our well-being. Moreover, the pursuit of health and wellness extends beyond the individual sphere to embrace the interconnectedness of communities. Building a support network, fostering meaningful connections, and contributing to the well-being of others become integral components of this journey. As we uplift those around us, we, in turn, strengthen our own sense of purpose and fulfillment. Breaking free from the traditional resolution mindset allows us to approach each day as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It encourages flexibility, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of our unique needs. By cultivating a mindset centered on health and wellness, we foster a sustainable and enriching way of life that transcends the confines of a calendar year. In essence, the pursuit of health and wellness is not a destination but a continuous journey — a journey that evolves with each sunrise, offering new opportunities for self-improvement and gratitude. So, as we embark on the uncharted territories of 2024, let our focus be on the daily commitment to our well-being, embracing the beauty of each moment, and savoring the richness that life has to offer. After all, in the tapestry of health and wellness, every day is a masterpiece waiting to be painted with whatever colors and strokes you choose!

Adonica Coleman is the founder of The COMO 411 and owner of A2D Events.

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THE L AST WORD

WE ASKED OUR STAFF ...

What do you do for your own personal health & wellness? CHARLES BRUCE, Director of Sales

KIM AMBRA, Editor-in-Chief

AMANDA MELTON, Director of Account Services

It looks different every day! It may be an extra cup of coffee, time with friends and family, it almost always involves music, and sometimes it may be bellied up to the bar ... I’m Fine, It’s Fine, We’re All Fine!!

I drink Busch Lights with friends, snuggle with my dogs on the regular, watch murder shows, and I also turn off all work notifications after hours and on weekends/holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

.... We aren’t really sure since at the time of press he is currently risking life and limb, trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest and to the summit of Island Peak in Nepal. Godspeed, Chuck!

JJ CARLSON, Director of Web Development

On a daily basis, I workout, read, journal, and go for a walk. Once per month, I go to a movie by myself. JORDAN WATTS, Senior Designer & Design Team Lead

JODIE JACKSON JR, Digital Editor

Rather than stressing over what I “can’t” or “shouldn’t” eat, I try to focus on what to add to my meals to make them satisfying and balanced. Eat what you want, add what you need.

Grounding myself by being in the moment. Unplugging the little blue screen in my hand. Simple, quiet, even very brief mindfulness. Take 5 minutes, 25 minutes, or several hours. Whatever is available; take advantage of the time. I love washing the dishes.

BECKY ROBERTS, Account Manager

Walking in nature, slow mornings, quality time with friends/family, baths (like Epsom salt, spiked hot cocoa, candle, and a magazine kinda situation), sleep ... remembering to feed myself on a regular basis. 66

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KATE MORROW, Creative Director

I like to connect with my favorite people — even if it’s just sharing a funny video.

ERICA PEFFERMAN, President & Publisher SARAH HEMPELMANN, Account Manager

Blasting music and dancing while cleaning the house, dog snuggles, long walks, sleeping in.

I make a point to travel by myself somewhere for a few days minimum to reflect and reset. I spend that time journaling, reading, and relaxing in a new space.