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Pies for Less and Turkeys for Pennies

Parenting a Very Special Child

Letters to Santa

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54 26

THE COVER Holiday Special Issue

www.CONCURmagazine.com

Contents Nov/Dec 2015

Read online at www.concurmagazine.com

16 12

SPECIAL FEATURES

HEALTH

10 58 62

30 36

Thank you notes Letters to Santa Parenting a very special child

Depression can be treated Adrenal fatigue

PARENTING FASHION 6

Ask Cynthia

Hip for the Holidays

DIET FITNESS 44 70

Walk don’t run Exercise for the full time mom

16 18 22

Turkeys for Pennies Avoid weight gain during the holidays Pies for less

STYLE

SHOPPING

Are professional hair products worth the cost?

BEAUTY

TRAVEL AND LEISURE 46

54 70

Bobby’s Beauty Buzz Product of the month

The Holiday gift guide

Discover Dubai

Publisher’s Message Holiday Special Edition 2015

hat would you do if you had your own planet? This was a very interesting school assignment that was given to NZ ZFBS PME OJFDF * LOPX NZ MJUUMF QSJODFTT XPVME MPWF to turn that planet into a magical kingdom with lots of charm and beauty. 5IJT RVFTUJPO QV[[MFE NF *G ZPV XFSF UP BTL NF * IPOFTUMZ EPO U LOPX XIBU * XPVME EP XJUI B OFX QMBOFU CVU XIBU * LOPX GPS TVSF JT UIBU * XPVME MJLF UP IBWF B XBS GSFF QMBOFU XJUI OP XFBQPOT OP FWJM no cancer, no drugs, and certainly no politics. * XPVME MJLF UP TVSSPVOE NZTFMG XJUI QFPQMF XIP MPWF FBDI PUIFS BOE BSF willing to unconditionally and eternally forgive and forget othersâ€™ mistakes BOE BDDFQU UIFJS nBXT * XPVME IBWF B TUSJDUMZ FOGPSDFE QPMJDZ PG UPMFSBODF BOE VOEFSTUBOEJOH * XPVME FNCSBDF FWFSZ NPNFOU PG IBQQJOFTT BOE QSBJTF FWFSZ BDU PG LJOEOFTT .PTU JNQPSUBOUMZ * XPVME CBO CFJOH judgmental. My planetâ€™s slogan would be, â€œDonâ€™t judge me if you havenâ€™t CFFO JO NZ TIPFTw 1FSIBQT UIJT ZFBS * XJMM BTL 4BOUB GPS QMBOFU PG NZ PXO CVU VOUJM * HFU NZ HJGU MFU T TUSJWF UP NBLF PVST B CFUUFS POF This Holiday season, let us all cherish the spirit by making it a season of giving. Letâ€™s focus on those in need by donating time and money. Letâ€™s UFBDI PVS LJET UIF USVF NFBOJOH PG UIF IPMJEBZT CZ TFUUJOH B HPPE FYBNQMF of giving and sharing. After all, we are our kidsâ€™ ďŹ rst and ďŹ nest role models. Happy Holidays from the entire team at Concur to you and your family. Together we can make this planet our gift. The Publisher Sarah Elsadre, MD

Publisher and Editor in Chief Sarah Elsadre, MD Creative Design Editor Mary Bradshaw, Houston Desktop Graphics Beauty and Style Director Sarah Elsadre, MD

Sales Executive Claudia Madrigal

Photography Austin Miller

Portrait J. Pamela Photography

Web Producer Michael Mocilac

Research Editor Mona Hassan

Psychology Editor Cynthia Plymons, LPC

Beauty and Fashion Editor Bobby Wells

Fitness Editor Emilia Benton

Travel and Leisure Editor Michelle Ong

Writer at Large Patricia Gras

Bayan Raji

Hair Editor Phiet Ho

Editor at Large Tammy Adams Contributing Writers Sara Zaske Mona Hassan

Document Researcher Liz Davila Writer at Large Susan Neuhalfen

Jessica Vasquez

Read a digital copy at www.concurmagazine.com and like us on Facebook & .FEJDBM $FOUFS #-7% 8FCTUFS 59 t 5FM t 'BY Contact us at Editor@concurmagazine.com To advertise with us contact sales at sales@concurmagazine.com CONCUR Magazine does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information found within articles. The views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to CONCUR Magazine belong to them alone and do not necessarily reďŹ‚ect the views of CONCUR Magazine or its staff. ÂŠ

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YOU FASHION

HIP FOR THE HOLIDAYS Essentials for the Season By Bobby Wells

he holidays are creeping up and fashion trends are lighting up the storefront windows all around town. Now, more than ever, we see fashion take a stomp in bold patterns and wintery fabrics. While the East coast definitely offers a wider variety of cold weather gear, it’s nice to be in the know with what’s truly HIP this holiday season. There’s always that surprise getaway weekend trip to Boston… or the honeymoon to San Francisco. I skim the beauty and fashion magazines to find out what’s hot this season. And what an exciting world awaits us! From fashion trends to fashion mends, remember to craft your closet using clarity and elegance. Watch and see how your wardrobe stacks up to the tantalizing trends. The hot commodity for gals is the classic STRIPED SHIRT. It is easy to

pair up with a party skirt or a pair of scratched up blue jeans. You can’t go wrong, since you will be surrounded by plenty of choices from striped tees to long-sleeved striped polos. A comfortable pair of EVENING PANTS will be a necessary addition to that closet of yours! We see the trend of a high-waist or classic lower dipped pant with a wider leg and roomy silhouette all the way down the seam. Girls will love this flattering, but sophisticated roomier cut. Wandering down the runways, we spot the TUXEDO BLAZER. Girls and guys both need a snazzy tuxedo jacket to pair up with slouchy jeans or cool khakis. The tuxedo-style jacket makes us feel tough again. WHITE JEANS are back and they are more transitional than ever. Typically, we think of them as summer collections, but it’s time to pair them up with a snug sweater and booties. The white jeans are now multiseasonal. Wear them to the supermarket or the snow-capped mountains. Finally , after years of being dormant, we see the ONE SHOULDER DRESS make it’s big debut again for 2015. Walking into the winter cocktail party or strolling the park on a summer day , the one-shoulder design is making its appearance all through 2015. Now is your chance to get your hands on that ever so talked about SWEATER DRESS. We have seen knit tops and knit pants, but now there’s the rage of the knitted sweater dress ready to wear at all the holiday parties! But do remember, find one that is more tailored and modern looking. Getting cozy this season in your CAMEL COAT will be wise, for this is the new black!

continued...

The camel coat is a must-have neutral when it comes to outerwear. The camel tone is simply more exciting than basic black. This hue goes with every pattern and color under the sun—definitely worth the investment. Don’t forget to whirl out the TRENCH COAT if you have one. This classic cut looks terrific in a tan color and paired with some white jeans! These are some simple Holiday essentials you don’t want to miss. For shoes: We love Chelsea boots, knee-highs, and booties. But there is nothing more seaso seasonally transitional and diverse than a great pair of black leather MOTO BOOTS. The rugged, biker look gives that sense of confidence and grit. All action, these boots are made for walking the city streets or the Holiday office party. Now that we have the boots , time for some sandals for that San Diego sun. We introduce the GLADIATOR SANDALS. Though recent years’ styles have trended toward a more minimalist version, a turn toward more bold straps and ties are coming back with fervor. Now, if it’s a fun vacation you are planning, the family must gear up for a good time. Check your passport or visa. Be certain everything is current and up to date, for you don’t want to be left behind standing at the airline gate. Pack your WATCH, CAMERA, SUNGLASSES, and don’t forget your PHONE. If it’s the pool you are longing for… pack your POOL SHORTS, FLIP FLOPS, and SUNSCREEN. Lastly, do not be caught running around without the UBER APP on your iPhone! That literally seems to be the trending sensation around the globe at the moment. We just cannot leave the house without Uber waiting on us at the corner! Most important this holiday season; enjoy your family and friends. Trends are temporary, but people are forever….Enjoy your holiday 2015! Q

THANKS

A Word of

YOU NOTE

By Susan Neuhalfen

ith the prevalence of computers, email and social media, writing thank you notes (especially handwritten ones) has become a somewhat outdated gesture. Yet many of us have been touched by thank you notes and have even kept some. It seems that people don’t take the time to write or say a heartfelt thank you anymore. Imagine that for one day, thank you notes could magically be delivered to anyone, past or present, famous or not. To whom would you write a note and what would you say? When this question was posed to an informal poll, 97 percent chose to thank a teacher. Others mentioned relatives and some famous people in history. Here are a few that were mentioned:

Dear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thank you teaching me to stand up for what is right without resorting to what is wrong. You showed me that sometimes, conflict is necessary, but that it may be done peacefully and in a mature manner. Most of all, thank you for teaching me that skin color is just melanin and people all deserve the same basic human rights and dreams. Dear Teacher, Thank you for seeing me in a way that I didn’t see myself. You have so many in your classroom and yet you are always able to pick out the special attributes that each student has and teach that student to capitalize on their strengths while challenging their weaknesses. There were times when I didn’t like you, there were times when I wanted to quit, but you didn’t let me. You pushed me to the edge… and I flew. You knew I could fly the whole time, didn’t you? Dear Dad, Thank you for leading by example. So many people just use their words to lead, you were a man of few words but your actions spoke volumes. You always did the right thing. You taught me that the right thing is not necessarily the best thing for the situation and it’s definitely never the easiest. Everything to you was right or wrong and you never made a decision without thinking it through logically and morally. My only regret is that I didn’t listen to you sooner. Dear Marie Curie, Thank you for paving the way for women in science. In addition to being the first woman to win the Nobel Prize, you remain the only person to have won the Nobel Prize twice in multiple sciences. You continue to save lives even today through medical research facilities that you established. Your inspiration changed women’s roles in science worldwide and from you women learned that a woman’s place is anywhere she wants it to be.

Dear Work Bully, Thank you for helping me to learn from my biggest career mistake – befriending you. I thought if I could get along with you, you wouldn’t go after me the way you had every other woman in the office that you deemed a threat. Because of our time together, I will never compromise who I am as a person or co-worker just to appease someone like you. I’m better than that. p.s. Congratulations on never growing and continuing to do the same old dead end job. You’re still the queen of all you survey. Dear Police Officer, The truth is, you go to work every day and perform a duty I would never want to do. You see the worst of so much of our society and then you’re expected not to be affected by what you’ve witnessed. You’re never off duty, are you? You take the chair at the restaurant that faces the door. While the kids are playing soccer, you scan the fields for any sign of predators. While everyone else is running away from trouble, you’re running toward it. You never stop protecting and serving us. Thank you for keeping us safe. Dear Abraham Lincoln, You led our country at time when division seemed imminent but you were determined to keep us together. You worried little about popularity and more about doing what was right for the United States and its people. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your powerful words that still ring true today. Most of all, thank you for putting our nation first. Dear Houston Astros, I know I sometimes complain about the fact that you’ve never won a World Series and you do frustrate me a bit, but the truth is I am proud to be your fan. I’ve been in the Astrodome when you couldn’t draw flies (anyone else remember the time after the Republican National Convention in 1992?) and I was there to see Randy Johnson pitch against Hideo Nomo with about 60,000 others. I was at the opening of the new stadium and watched from my home in Illinois (with a bunch of White Sox fans) when you lost the series. You’ve never let me down. You’ve never cheated. You’ve never embarrassed me. You’ve never given up. I’ve never had to explain to my child about the behavior of an Astros’ player. You continue to take the high road and I’ll take that over a World Series any day. Although a World Series title would be nice, too… Q

YOU ASK

ARE PROFESSIONAL HAIR PRODUCTS WORTH THE COST? By Phiet Ho

ou’ve been through this scenario many times. You are sitting in your stylist’s chair and “hair friend” all of a sudden puts the sales pressure on. You are bombarded verbally with all the benefits of the shampoo, conditioner, styling paste, and waxes that were used on your hair. Sure, you like the results, but are they worth spending your money on professional salon products versus purchasing similar products at the grocery store? Here are five considerations to help you decide whether spending more money on haircare will be worthwhile on your next salon visit. 1. Professional hair products are more concentrated and have better ingredients. The size and feel of the packaging might be similar, but keep in mind that store-bought products are designed to persuade you by pumping up lathering agents and nice fruity smells. Professional products, being more concentrated with vitamins, oils, natural ingredients, will require less to do more. In contrast, store-bought products have more water, sulfates, and fillers, which could either strip your hair’s natural oils or cause your color to fade faster. 2. Many women spend as much as $1700 (or even more!) on beauty services each year. That’s multiple visits and hours spent at the hair salon. You have invested a lot of time and money to get your hairstyle and color the way you want it. Without a doubt, professional hair products protect and prolong color better than their store-bought counterparts. 3. At the salon, you are getting a professional recommendation tailored to your specific hair needs. Your stylist knows your hair well. He or she knows what color or treatment services have been done and how much conditioning your hair may need. Along with the right products for your hair, there are also instructions on when to wash, condition, how much to use, and when to back off on using certain products. When was the last time the checkout person at the grocery store gave you this much advice? continued...

Phiet Ho has been a hairstylist for 22 years. He has been the owner of Salon Vivid for the past 12 years. The salon has been recognized for its continued support of local charities as well as mentoring young stylists new in the hair industry. Salon Vivid was recently voted Best Salon in the Bay Area by The Citizen newspaper.

4. The money you spend at the salon will go toward supporting a small, local business. Yes, most professional brands are owned by large corporations, which also make store-bought products. Lâ€™Oreal owns Redken, Proctor and Gamble owns Wella, Estee Lauder owns Bumble and Bumble, and Unilever owns Tony and Guy. But investing your money at your local salon will allow the salon owner to fund the stylistsâ€™ technical training, offer health care benefits, and reinvest into bringing newer, more advanced products to your salon. 5. Itâ€™s a lifestyle choice. Many people do not feel the need to spend $20 or $30 on a bottle of shampoo or conditioner for their hair. However, an estimated 40 percent of the population either colors their hair or gets some form of treatment to enhance the texture and condition. If you fall

into the latter category, the $5 all-purpose shampoo in the stores might not be the best for your hair. If you have decided that your hair is worth the investment in a professional brand, choosing one over another can be a little mind-boggling. With stores like Sephora, Beauty Brands, and other big chain shops all competing to get their share of a $10 billion haircare market, getting a professional recommendation from your stylist is your best bet. So go out and support your stylist and the local economy. Saving a little money on storebought products makes sense if your hair does not require any special care. But for those that have beautiful, shiny hair color and long bouncy styles, purchasing from your salon is the best way to take care of your investment. If you have any questions or comments, please email me at phietho@salonvivid.net Q

YOU CONSUME

TURKEY DINNER for PENNIES

Comparing Costs of a Home-Prepared Turkey Dinner to the Convenience of a Pre-Prepared Take-Out Turkey Dinner

By Tammy Adams

e look forward to it all year. The succulent roasted turkey, the creamy mashed potatoes, decadent sweet potato casserole, tender green beans, warm puffy dinner rolls and more. Plates are mounded high after giving thanks. Ahhh…the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. For the one hosting the meal, a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings can be a costly and timeconsuming endeavor, requiring some forethought and planning in order for the day to be stress free and enjoyable for everyone. Some hosts prepare everything from scratch, others provide the turkey and ask that guests bring a side dish or a dessert to share, and still others opt to have the event catered or at least purchase a portion of the meal ready-made. Here is a cost breakdown of how much you can expect to spend on an average traditional Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people:

HOME PREPARED For a classic Thanksgiving dinner prepared at home, plus leftovers, the American Farm Bureau Federation estimated you will spend $43.47 this year to feed a party of 10, including a 16-pound turkey plus bread stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberries, peas, rolls with butter, carrots and celery, pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream, and coffee and milk. Even though the wholesale price of turkey has increased for supermarkets this year, widespread price promotions have kept overall costs down for consumers, and the bureau’s estimated total for Thanksgiving dinner is only 56¢ higher than last year. That averages out to well under $5 per person, which is a better deal than fast food! Additionally, many grocery stores have promotions that will give you a turkey for FREE if you spend a certain amount in groceries. That’s a great deal if you need to buy several other items in addition to your turkey.

PRE-PREPARED AND PURCHASED (HEAT AND SERVE) Many restaurants (even fast-food outlets like Boston Market and Popeye’s) offer pre-cooked turkeys and all the trimmings ready to pick up, but as you might imagine, you will pay for the convenience of having someone else do the cooking for you. For example, a heat and serve Thanksgiving feast for 10-12 people by Boston Market—including a whole roasted turkey, spinach artichoke dip, mashed potatoes, cranberry walnut relish, vegetable stuffing, dinner rolls and two whole pies—will cost you a cool $100. Ouch. That’s double the home cooked version. But if you choose to just purchase the heat and serve turkey from a restaurant and still handle all the side dishes at home, you can save a little there. You can buy a Cajun fried turkey from Popeye’s that will feed 8-10 people for $39.99. Prepared at home from scratch or purchased, heated and served, the Thanksgiving meal is as much about tradition and quality time spent with family and friends as it is about the food—and that is something we can all be thankful for. Q Sources BostonMarket.com FarmBureau.org

YOU FIT

Avoiding

WEIGHT GAIN During the Holidays

By Patricia Grass

“

he holidays can be a stressful time, so you have to plan ahead and think ahead,” said Isabel Denkler, psychotherapist and licensed social worker, who advises her clients to eat very slowly and to enjoy the taste of food, especially during the holidays. The New England Journal of Medicine found the average American only gains one to two pounds during the holidays, but they never shed what they gained, leading to weight accumulation over the years. “During the holidays, you have to do more, you have to prepare meals, invite people, look your best, so it can be a stressful time,” said Ms. Denkler. “There is another important psychological component. If you had a loss that year, whether it is a loved one, or a job, or a pet—that creates even more stress and anxiety. To prepare, what you have to do is eat less, in small amounts and really take your time concentrating and savoring, not just swallowing food, because it is an emotional time.” Most Americans eat too fast, explained Denkler, who is from Spain. It is important especially during the holidays to take your time eating. “In Spain, for instance, it takes us two hours to eat a meal. Here we tend to swallow it in 15 minutes!” Research by the North American Association for the Study of Obesity showed overweight men and women ate fewer calories if they slowed down their normal eating pace. “The first thing to realize is that it is a holiday, not a holimonth!” said nutritionist Keith Klein, founder of the Institute of Eating Management. Klein also shares recipes

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that are nutritious, low in calories, and very healthy that you should prepare and take along to the parties you attend. “That way, you have something healthy to eat that you bought or prepared,” he said. One of the biggest perpetrators of weight gain is alcohol. Klein has some advice. “The first thing I do when I get to a party is go to the bar and ask for a club soda with a twist of lime and no one will know the difference, so I don’t feel the social pressure to drink,” he said. “If you want to drink some during the holidays, that’s fine but not if you have four parties in a row!” “Also if someone offers you bad food, you have to do what I call ‘verbal cuddling,’” he explained. “If you don’t provide that for someone who wants to give you food, then they will give you more. So for example, I can eat some of that food and I say,

‘Wow, that is amazing, but I can’t eat much more,’ so I ask them, ‘Can I get the recipe and take half of it home? This is great food!’ That way, I meet their needs and I don’t have so much food on my plate or am forced to eat it all,” said Klein. Dr. Daphne Hernandez, Assistant Professor of the Health and Human Performance Program at the University of Houston says, “I feel recording your weight weekly and what you are eating will help you understand what is going on with weight gain,” she said. “Keep track of it. I also suggest you are physically active, especially during the holidays. I would suggest walking at least a half hour a day minimum during the holidays. Even invite a friend or a family member to do it with you after you share your goal. People who exercise regularly tend to eat less during the holidays.” For many, the holidays are not just about eating but also about social drinking, and many people don’t realize how much sugar and calories there are in alcoholic beverages. Cutting back on so many alcoholic beverages helps with weight management. “I also suggest a healthy snack with protein before you go to a holiday party, or just make sure you are not so hungry before you go,” said Dr. Hernandez. “You want to enjoy the holiday meals but perhaps eat smaller portions.” Klein believes people also need to speak to themselves differently about the holidays. “Sometimes we are trying to motivate ourselves by the way we are continued...

using our inner language but is actually more harmful,” he said. “For example, if someone says ‘I am going to start my diet on Monday’, it feels proactive and good to them but they shouldn’t state it that way because it is a lie! What they should do is state it more clearly and this is how the statement should be rewritten. ‘I am going to see how fat I can get before Monday, because I have to stop eating on Monday so I better eat as much as possible before then.’ My advice; don’t start your diet on Monday. Do it today!” Dr. Hernandez agrees. “It is best to prevent weight gain than to eat everything in sight and then say you are going on a diet!” she said. “Maintaining weight should be the message, not I will figure it out after the holidays.” “It’s not a bad idea to weigh every week, but I believe weight is not the issue,” she added. “It is about choices and decisions that are the issue and that is what to focus on. In reality, you have to do what works for you to keep the weight off during the holidays. Is it counting calories? Is it weighing weekly? Is it fitting into the same pair of pants you have had for years? What motivates you the most?” Ultimately, it is not really about dieting. “It is about making changes you know you can live with,” said Klein. So make a plan, be purposeful and enjoy the holiday season. Q Patricia Gras, Multiple Emmy® Award Winner LOVE SMART LIVING MEDIATM 20

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YOU INDULGE

By Tammy Adams

o Thanksgiving Day celebration would be complete without those wonderful, all-American desserts of pumpkin pie, pecan pie and apple pie. Letâ€™s be honest; it doesnâ€™t matter if you stuffed yourself (like a Thanksgiving turkey) on mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. When the desserts come out, you will be ready. Yes you will. But what if you could enjoy your wonderful apple, pumpkin and pecan pies without all the guilt and remorse that follows? And without sacrificing flavor? Is that even possible? YES. Skinnymom.com features a recipe for Skinny Pumpkin Pie that delivers all the taste with half the calories of the traditional pumpkin pie recipe. Talk about something to be thankful for!

More Pie, Less Guilt Sources EatingWell.com SkinnyMom.com

Taking Thanksgivingâ€™s Favorite Desserts and Making them Healthier WITHOUT SacriďŹ cing Flavor

SKINNY PUMPKIN PIE Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes Yield: 8 servings Serving size: 1/8 of pie Ingredients R5 gk5)485 (5 # 3]-X5gffz5 /, 5 /'*%#( R5 g5 /*5-%#'5'#&% R5 i5 !!51"#. R5 ~5 /*5 . 0# 5B),53)/,5 0),#. 5-1 . ( ,C R5 g5.-*85 #(( ')( R5 |5.-*85!#(! , R5 }5.-*85!,)/( 5 &)0 R5 g5, / 7 .5!, " '5 , % ,5 ,/-. Instructions g85 , " .5)0 (5.)5jhk5 !, -8 h85 #25*/'*%#(65'#&%5 ( 5 !!51"#. -5#(5 5 ' #/'5 )1&8 i85 (5 5- * , . 5 )1&65'#25 . 0# 5 ( 5-*# -8 j85 , / &&365-.#,5." 5-*# 5'#2./, 5#(.)5." 5 */'*%#(5'#2./, 8 k85 )/,5#(.)5*, * , 5 ,/-.8 l85 % 5 ),5gk5'#(/. -5 .5jkf5 !, -65." (5 , / 5" .5.)5ikf5 !, -5 ( 5 % 5 ),5 (5 #.#)( &5kf7lf5'#(/. -65),5/(.#&5.))."*# %5 #(- ,. 5#(5 (. ,5 )' -5)/.5 & (8 m85 .5 ))&5 ),5h5")/,-5 ( 5- ,0 8 Nutrition Information ,5 ,0#(!5BgIn5) 5*# C &),# -95gij .95i!

continued...

Pecan pie is certainly a Thanksgiving favorite in most households, but it can pack an unhealthy punch. Pecans alone contain large amounts of healthy fats and fiber, but when they are mixed into a pie full of sugar and butter and refined carbs, itâ€™s a whole other story. One slice alone has 503 calories, 64 grams of carbs and 27 grams of fat. Ouch. Even if you choose not to skip the pecan pie this year, hopefully youâ€™ll at least reach for the smallest slice. But if you are feeling adventurous, try this recipe for a Maple Pecan Tart from EatingWell.com, which delivers the taste and crunch of pecan pie but with much less fat and sugar.

MAPLE PECAN TART Makes: 10 servings Active Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 2 1/4 hours Ingredients R5 g5& ,! 5 !!53)&% R5 i5. & -*))(-5/(- &. 5 /.. ,65' &. 65 #0# R5 h5. & -*))(-5 ()& 5)#& R5 g5. & -*))(51 . , R5 h5 /*-5* (5" &0 -65 #0# R5 g5. & -*))(5!, (/& . 5-/! , R5 g5 /*5*&/-5h5. & -*))(-5 &&7*/,*)- 5Ĺ‚)/, R5 gIh5. -*))(5- &.65 #0# R5 h5& ,! 5 !!R5 gIh5 /*5*/, 5' *& 5-3,/* R5 gIh5 /*5* % 5 ,%5 ,)1(5-/! , R5 h5. -*))(-5 ,%5,/'5B)*.#)( &C R5 gIi5 /*5 ,# 5 " ,,# -65 ")** Instructions g85 , " .5)0 (5.)5jffÂ‡ 85 ( ,)/-&35 ) .5 5o7#( "5. ,.5* (5 with removable bottom with cooking spray.

2. Combine egg yolk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, oil and 1 . ,5#(5 5-' &&5 )1&85 ,) --5gIh5 /*5* (-5 ( 5-/! ,5 in a food processor to the consistency of coarse meal. Add Ĺ‚)/,5 ( 5gIj5. -*))(5- &.5 ( 5*/&- 5/(.#&5 )' #( 85 Drizzle the yolk mixture through the feed tube while pulsing and pulse just until the mixture is combined. 3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom and all the way up the sides to form a crust. Place on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and $/-.5 !#((#(!5.)5 ,)1(5)(5." 5 ! -65gh5.)5gj5'#(/. -8 4. Meanwhile, whisk eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, rum B# 5/-#(!C65." 5, ' #(#(!5g5. & -*))(5 /.. ,5 ( 5." 5 , ' #(#(!5gIj5. -*))(5- &.5#(5 5' #/'5 )1&85 , (- ,5 gIj5 /*5) 5." 5'#2./, 5.)5 5-' &&5 )1&85 ")*5gIh5 /*5 pecans and add to the medium bowl. Stir in cherries. #25." 5, ' #(#(!5g5 /*5* (-51#."5." 5, - ,0 5' *& 5 mixture. 5. Remove the tart crust from the oven. Reduce the oven . '* , ./, 5.)5ikfÂ‡8 6. If there are any cracks in the crust, sprinkle with a little Ĺ‚)/,5 ( 5/- 5 5 ,35* -.,35 ,/-"5.)5^- &_5." 5Ĺ‚)/,5#(.)5." 5 cracks. Evenly spread the filling in the crust. Arrange the ' *& 5-3,/*7 ) . 5* (-5 ), .#0 &35)(5.)*5 ( 5 ,#44& 5 with any remaining maple mixture. 7. Bake the tart until it no longer jiggles in the center when gently shaken, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack ),5 )/.5hf5'#(/. -85 ')0 5." 5-# -5) 5." 5* (5B/- 5 5 butter knife to gently loosen the tart from the pan sides if #.5-.# %-5#(5-*).-C85 .5 ))&5 )'*& . &365 )/.5jf5'#(/. -5 more. Nutrition Information Per Serving 353 calories hh5!5 .5Bj!5- .65gg!5')()C5

Last, our beloved apple pie. What could be more American on Americaâ€™s holiday than warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? And with all that delicious fruit inside, an apple pie should be healthy, right? But the truth is a slice can have as much as 750 calories and 30 grams of fat. For the most part, the culprit is the crust. This recipe from EatingWell.com uses whole-wheat pastry flour to add fiber and lower the saturated fat by replacing some of the butter with canola oil. The brown sugar-sweetened filling in this pie is made with two kinds of apples for the perfect balance. A slice has half the calories of a typical version and only 10 grams of fatâ€”sweet!

APPLE PIE Makes: 10 servings Active Time: 1 1/4 hours Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling time) Ingredients CRUST R5 g5gIj5 /*-51")& 71" .5* -.,35Ĺ‚)/,65B- 5 (!, # (.5 ). C R5 g5gIj5 /*-5 &&7*/,*)- 5Ĺ‚)/, R5 h5. & -*))(-5!, (/& . 5-/! , R5 gIh5. -*))(5- &. R5 j5. & -*))(-5 )& 5/(- &. 5 /.. , R5 gIj5 /*5, / 7 .5-)/,5 , ' R5 i5. & -*))(-5 ()& 5)#& R5 j5. & -*))(-5# 51 . , FILLING R5 l5 /*-5."#(&35-&# 5* & 5 (.)-"5 **& -65B )/.5h5 *)/( -C R5 l5 /*-5."#(&35-&# 5* & 5 , ((35 '#."5 **& -65B )/.5h5 *)/( -C R5 hIi5 /*5* % 5&#!".5 ,)1(5-/! , R5 g5. & -*))(5& ')(5$/# R5 g5gIj5. -*))(-5!,)/( 5 #(( ')(65 #0# R5 gIn5. -*))(5!,)/( 5(/.' ! R5 #( "5) 5!,)/( 5 &&-*# R5 #( "5) 5- &. R5 h5. & -*))(-5 &&7*/,*)- 5Ĺ‚)/, R5 g5. -*))(5!, (/& . 5-/! , R5 g5& ,! 5 !!51"#. 65&#!".&35 . (65 ),5 ,/-"#(!

Instructions g85 )5*, * , 5 ,/-.95 "#-%51")& 71" .5Ĺ‚)/,65g5gIj5 /*-5 &&7*/,*)- 5Ĺ‚)/,65h5. & -*))(-5-/! ,5 ( 5gIh5. 5-*))(5 salt in a large bowl. Cut butter into small pieces and, with your fingers, quickly rub them into the dry ingredients until the pieces are smaller but still visible. Add sour cream and oil; toss with a fork to combine with the dry ingredients. *,#(%& 51 . ,5)0 ,5." 5'#2./, 85 )--51#."5 5 ),%5/(.#&5 0 (&35 moist. Knead the dough with your hands in the bowl a few .#' -:5." 5'#2./, 51#&&5-.#&&5 5 5&#..& 5 ,/' &385 /,(5)/.5)(.)5 a clean surface and knead a few more times, until the dough $/-.5")& -5.)! ." ,85 #0# 5." 5 )/!"5#(5" & 5 ( 5-" * 5#(.)5 5-inch-wide disks. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. h85 (1"#& 65' % 5Ĺ€&&#(!95 )' #( 5 **& -65 ,)1(5-/! ,65 & ')(5$/# 65g5. -*))(5 #(( ')(65(/.' !65 &&-*# 5 ( 5 *#( "5) 5- &.5#(5 5& ,! 5 )1&85 - ,0#(!5j5 /*-65., (- ,5 ." 5, -.5) 5." 5 **& 5'#2./, 5.)5 5 /. "5)0 (85 ))%5)0 ,5 medium heat, stirring, until the apples are tender and beginning to break down, about 10 minutes. Remove from ." 5" .65-.#,5#(5." 5, - ,0 5 **& -5 ( 5h5. & -*))(-5Ĺ‚)/,:5 let cool for about 30 minutes. i85 )5 -- ' & 5; '*:5 % 5*# 95 )-#.#)(5 5, %5#(5&)1 ,5."#, 5 ) 5)0 (:5*, " .5.)5jhkÂ‡ 8 j85 ')0 5." 5 )/!"5 ,)'5." 5, ,#! , .),:5& .5-. ( 5 ),5k5 minutes to warm slightly. Roll one portion between sheets of * , "' (.5),51 25* * ,5#(.)5 5gi7#( "5 #, & 85 &5)Äż5." 5.)*5 -" .5 ( 5#(0 ,.5." 5 )/!"5#(.)5 5o5gIh7#( "5 *7 #-"5*# 5 * (85 &5)Äż5." 5, ' #(#(!5* * ,85 , * 5." 5Ĺ€&&#(!5#(.)5." 5 crust. Roll the remaining portion of dough between sheets of * , "' (.5),51 25* * ,5#(.)5 ()." ,5gi7#( "5 #, & 85 &5)Äż5 the top sheet of paper and invert the dough onto the fruit. &5)Äż5." 5, ' #(#(!5* * ,85 ,#'5." 5 ,/-.5-)5#.5)0 ," (!-5 evenly. Tuck the top crust under the bottom crust, sealing the two together and making a plump edge. Flute the edge with your fingers. Combine 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and the , ' #(#(!5gIj5. -*))(5 #(( ')(5#(5 5-' &&5 )1&85 ,/-"5." 5 crust with egg white and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar. /.5l5-. '50 (.-5#(5." 5.)*5 ,/-.8 k85 % 5." 5*# 5)(5." 5 )..)'5, %5 ),5hf5'#(/. -85 / 5." 5 )0 (5. '* , ./, 5.)5imkÂ‡5 ( 5 )(.#(/ 5 %#(!5/(.#&5." 5 ,/-.5 #-5!)& (5 ,)1(5 ( 5." 5Ĺ€&&#(!5#-5 / &#(!65hk5.)5ik5'#(/. -5 '), 85 .5 ))&5)(5 51#, 5, %5 ),5 )/.5g5gIh5")/,-5 ), 5 serving. Nutrition Information ,5 ,0#(! ijj5 &),# -5 gf5!5 .5Bj5!5- .65i5!5')()C Holiday Special Edition 2015

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YOU SURVIVE

Life WITHOUT Depression By Tammy Adams

ELIZABETH’S STORY Elizabeth cannot recall ever being happy. Growing up, she always felt intimidated and just couldn’t relate to her happy siblings and schoolmates. Even as a young married woman and mother of two small children, Elizabeth could not escape her suffocating depression. When she divorced and moved back home with her parents and two little ones, Elizabeth finally found the courage to seek help for her crippling secret. One call to Mohamed Ahmed, M.D., changed her life. Dr. Ahmed is the founder of the Psyclinic and a board certified adult and child psychiatrist. He recommended TMS (Trans-cranial Magnetic Stimulation), an FDA-approved non-invasive, non-drug treatment for depression. Within her first week of treatment, Elizabeth felt lighter, more positive and more confident. “I will never regret my decision to try this treatment,” said Elizabeth. “It changed my life for good and made me who I always wanted to be.”

SHARON’S STORY For Sharon, depression was not just an illness; it was a lifelong companion. She isolated herself from family and friends because it was less painful than watching their happy lives and not being able to engage with them. She sought help and tried every medication prescribed for depression. Nothing helped long term. Just when she had resigned herself to living with her deep sadness forever, Sharon’s doctor suggested TMS as an alternative to her failing meds. It took some time and Sharon even experienced a medical setback with a stroke during that season. One day, while recovering in the hospital, Sharon noticed that she felt lighter, more relaxed and deeply happy, in spite of her health scare. “I couldn’t believe myself,” said Sharon. “That very special moment made me feel 20 years younger, full of hope, optimism and best of all, happiness.” Sharon loves to share her story to give hope to others who struggle with depression. “It’s never too late to try to seek help,” she said. “Everything is possible and God has His own timing.”

It CAN Happen! KIMBERLY’S STORY Kimberly was a happy, energetic young woman when she was blindsided by depression. Her grandmother’s death triggered it and she tried every prescription on the market to try to pull herself out of the darkness. Her husband and children suffered from her inability to engage in and enjoy their family life. After a weeklong hospital stay, Sharon was determined to get the help she needed. She and her husband met with Dr. Ahmed, who recommended she try TMS. The process took some time and Kimberly journaled throughout this season. “Then one day as I wrote, a surge of emotions and feelings started flowing through my heart,” she said. The improvement continued and gave Kimberly the strength and confidence to restore her broken relationship with her mother. She is enjoying greater intimacy with her husband and more fun with her children. “I used to feel ashamed of being bipolar and having depression,” said Kimberly. “But not anymore! There is hope out there.” continued...

JANE’S STORY Jane’s struggle with depression began after the birth of her first child and subsequently became worse each time she had another baby. Years later, with two failed marriages and what felt like a lifetime struggle with depression, Jane resigned herself to being on medications forever. “I was prescribed more varieties and higher dosages until I was on so many meds, I could not even keep up with taking them all each day,” she said. When she moved back to Texas to be near family, Jane entered an intensive outpatient program, met Dr. Ahmed and learned about TMS therapy. By the end of her fourth week of treatment, Jane was feeling so much better and had more clarity than she could ever remember having. “I realized I had been living in a fog for decades,” she said. Today, Jane has been weaned off of most of her medications by Dr. Ahmed and takes less than 25 percent of what she was taking when she started TMS. She quit smoking and feels so much healthier in every way. “I want to take care of myself; I want to live,” she said.

JAN’S STORY As a hospice nurse, Jan knows about sadness and depression. But for her patients and their families, she always kept a smile on her face and tried to lift the spirits of those around her. But when her own beloved mother died, depression hit Jan and hit her hard. “I realized you just cannot kick this on your own,” said Jan. “It was such a deep, dark, black hole.” After eight years of struggle with what she termed “the abyss”, Jan knew it was time to get help. At the time she met Dr. Ahmed, he was just adding the new FDAapproved NeuroStar TMS therapy to his Webster clinic. Jan was the first patient to utilize TMS and her mental health improved immediately. “One day I just noticed how clear and bright colors had become,” she said. “The abyss was gone! I wasn’t heavy or dark; feeling like an elephant was lying on my chest. I felt truly happy.”

JENNIFER’S STORY Decades of depression that came and went finally caught up with Jennifer and she ended up in an outpatient psychiatric hospital. She was taking such large doses of prescription medicines to treat her depression that she began experiencing hallucinations. “I decided it was time for a new approach to my life and my illness,” said Jennifer. A major life change brought her back from California to her home in Houston. It was here she met Dr. Ahmed. After her fifth session of TMS, Jennifer felt as if a giant cloud had been lifted off her head. “I was beginning to see the world differently.” She would like others to know there is a new option for depression. “You don’t have to live with it for the rest of your life,” she said.

MELBA’S STORY After two divorces and some serious life challenges, including a health scare, Melba brushed off her lack of energy or desire to do anything as just a response to the hard things she had come through. But her daughter recognized Melba’s symptoms as possible depression and suggested she see a psychiatrist. When Dr. Ahmed suggested TMS therapy, Melba was at first skeptical, wondering how such a protocol could actually work. But she decided to give it a try in early December. By Christmas, she was feeling so much better. “I wanted to be social, my energy returned and I even started painting again,” she said. “TMS is phenomenal. You cannot get to this machine fast enough if you’ve ever suffered from depression.”

LUCY’S STORY After a difficult and long bout with depression that was exacerbated by her husband’s death after 54 years of marriage, Lucy felt immobilized and unable to do anything to change her situation. She had no appetite and no desire to do anything. Although she had been medicated for years for depression, Lucy felt the meds were no longer able to stay ahead of her deep sadness. When Dr. Ahmed suggested TMS, Lucy was excited to start. Initially, she didn’t see a difference but she stayed the course and continued with her treatment plan. “Eventually, I noticed I started feeling more energetic,” said Lucy. “I felt like cleaning my house. I was hungry and eating again.” Lucy now enjoys life again, taking a ceramics class and taking trips with her girlfriends.

TAMMY’S STORY Tammy remembers the day she saw a terrible car accident on the road and thought, Why can’t that just be me? Why can’t I just die? Years of depression had taken a toll, stealing Tammy’s joy and desire to even live. For whatever reason, Tammy’s depression did not respond to traditional treatment, leaving her even more despairing. For Tammy, TMS therapy literally saved her life. She had exhausted all other options and was still living in misery. With just a month of TMS treatments, Tammy feels like a new person. “The results have been amazing,” she said. “I feel like I’m a stronger person now and I want to help others.”

continued...

Holiday Special Edition 2015

DR. AHMEDâ€”A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION â€œDepression is a painful darkness that can feel like you are living in a cloud or fog,â€? said Dr. Ahmed, a board certiďŹ ed children and adult psychiatrist and founder of the Psyclinic, with locations in Webster and Baytown. â€œTMS is a non-invasive, painless procedure that stimulates certain areas of the brain to help relieve depression.â€? TMS, which stands for TransCranial Magnetic Stimulation, uses the newest technology MEET DR. AHMED and is FDA-approved to help with depression. â€œIt works even Dr. Mohamed Ahmed in patients who do not respond Board CertiďŹ ed Adult and to all other treatments,â€? said Dr. Child Psychiatrist Ahmed. â€œIt is painless and uses Dr. Mohamed S. Ahmed, MD a pulsed magnetic ďŹ eld, similar in type and strength to an MRI. serves as the Chairman of During treatment, patients can the Department of Psychiatry listen to music, watch television at The San Jacinto Methodist or even close their eyes to relax Hospital in Baytown, TX. Dr. or go to sleep.â€? Ahmed is also an Assistant TMS is affordable and now Psychiatry Clinical Professor at covered by most insurance UTMB Galveston, TX. Founder of plans. â€œOur ďŹ‚exible payments The PsyClinic in Baytown and plans make it affordable for Webster, TX. every budget,â€? said Dr. Ahmed. â€œThe ďŹ nancial impact of untreated depression can be devastating when you add up the cost of medication, doctor visits, hospitalization, lost time at work and failed relationships.â€? â€œTMS is a tool that should be considered for every patient with depression,â€? he added. â€œMedication is an option, but the side effects, ineffectiveness and intolerability can be quite a burden for any patient.â€? Dr. Ahmed believes TMS is the future of psychiatry but is currently underutilized.

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YOU ACT

Are you tired all the time? By Patricia Gras

re you always extremely tired even after you have rested? You may have what James Wilson, PhD. described in his 1998 book as “the Syndrome of the 21st century”, Adrenal Fatigue. The term is controversial because allopathic medicine considers there is no scientific evidence for the syndrome in which the adrenal glands are exhausted and unable to produce adequate quantities of hormones, primarily cortisol. The adrenals are endocrine glands that produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and cortisol. Dr. Wilson believes the adrenals are prone to chronic fatigue given the stress we face in our daily lives. In response to critics who say there is no scientific evidence supporting the concept of adrenal fatigue and that the medical community does not recognize it as an actual diagnosis, Dr. Wilson responds, “How the medical community feels about this will change when they read the scientific literature.” A researcher, Dr. Wilson has three doctorates and master’s degrees in human nutrition, naturopathic, chiropractic medicine and cellular immunology. “I used 2000 plus references to write my book,” he said. “There are different names for the condition, but since my book, 16 books have been written about the syndrome. This condition goes largely undiagnosed and untreated and people suffer needlessly. It is one of the conditions most ignored and misunderstood in the medical community. “ Houston licensed chiropractor and functional medicine health practitioner Dr. Hailey Heard agrees. “I think it has to do with semantics,” said Dr. Heard. “In the medical field, if you talk about adrenal health, it is about complete adrenal insufficiency, an actual disease. What we are talking about with adrenal fatigue is about fatigue and burnout, a syndrome. When I get patients with chronic fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, mood swings,

ADRENAL FATIGUE? pain and confusion, the first thing I do is look at nutrient deficiencies and digestive issues, because it all starts in the gut.” Marie, 34, Dr. Hailey’s patient, visited different medical doctors and they said there was nothing wrong with her. “I was under a lot of stress in graduate school had no energy,” she said. “I had also gained weight and was having trouble sleeping, so they gave me sleeping pills. I suffered for three years until Dr. Hailey checked my nutrient levels, and tested my blood.” Blood and salivary testing is often used to detect adrenal fatigue, but there is no single test to confirm a diagnosis. “What really helped most was the diet and lifestyle changes,” she added. “I had to take more vitamins, stopped eating processed foods and began walking my dog. In a few months, I was feeling better. My advice is don’t wait until you feel so bad before you see a practitioner who understands this condition.” Brenda Athey began her own educational website adrenalfatiguerecovery.com after years of suffering from the condition. “I had tons of stress and toxic exposure to chlorine bleach. I feel my adrenals could not regulate themselves,” she said. “As I began researching the condition, I found that after sleep, the other most important thing is diet. It is a huge factor in adrenal fatigue. Food sensitivities can also play a bigger role in adrenal fatigue than people realize. Because of cortisol’s connection to allergy response when the adrenals are weak, it makes food sensitivities even more exaggerated. For example, for years if they fed me pancakes for breakfast I could not function for hours afterwards. I have now stopped eating wheat and have a protein shake in the morning. After changing my diet and taking continued...

adequate supplements, I began to feel better.” A trained cardiovascular surgeon in Europe, Dr. Gabriela Segura also started two websites healthmatrix.net and eebreathe.com after she realized so many medical problems were not being treated. “We don’t have an integrative approach to medicine,” she said. Conventional medicine is divided in specialties but they don’t treat the whole person. We are all body, mind and spirit. I believe it does not address the physiological aspect of adrenal fatigue. For them it does not exist because adrenal hormones are only detected in blood work, but the function of adrenal gland hormones are reflected on tissue, not blood, and there is not a conventional medicine lab that can detect it. The best treatment, I believe, is an anti inflammatory diet, no sugars and very few carbs. There are two supplements you can get anywhere that also work really well, Rhodiola Rosea and Ashwganha. Also vitamins B and C help a

lot with this condition.” There are some conventional medical doctors who are starting to treat this condition and others differently; among them is Dr. Mila McManus, Director of the Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness, who suffered from the condition herself. “I went to several doctors and I was taking up to 12 medications— among them antidepressants—for it and kept feeling terrible,” said Dr. McManus. “It made me angry that I didn’t learn about wellness in medical school. This condition requires a clinical diagnosis. It is also known as a relative cortisol deficiency. If your body is demanding high amounts of cortisol and adrenals can’t keep up, it may not show in a blood test, so you really have to look at a cluster of symptoms and make a clinical diagnosis.” “Once I believe a patient has it, I make sure they get adequate sleep, proper nutrition and vitamins for balance,” she added. “Most people have an unhealthy gut and we have to start there.

We begin to remove common allergens, like grains, dairy and soy and depending on the severity, I prescribe physiological doses of adrenal hormones. These are very tiny doses of cortisol that will support the adrenals. What is amazing to me is how much better people can feel in three to six weeks after suffering for years.” Kristen, 44, had that experience. “ I had prolonged stress, I am a commercial real estate broker which is a high-stress job,

the only breadwinner with a teenage daughter who was about to go to college. I also lost my grandmother that year and my father retired. In just a few months after treatment, an organic diet without grains, gluten, soy, sugar or processed foods and just three supplements Dr. Haley gave me, I got my energy back, began to sleep normally, and had better brain function. If you have similar symptoms, don’t wait. Get help with practitioners who understand it.” Q

YOU PUZZLE

Ask

By Cynthia Plemons Licensed professional counselor

My 7-year-old son is always bad when we go out. I will tell him if he is good I will buy him a treat. He still runs up and down the aisles, grabbing things from the shelves and yelling. When I tell him he was not good and does not get a treat, he has a terrible tantrum. What can I do to get him to be good?

It’s time to define what “good” means. When you use a vague term such as “good”, the interpretation is up to the listener.

When he is running up and down the aisles, grabbing things from the shelves, laughing and yelling, he is having fun. Fun is associated with good. In his mind, he is being good because he is having fun. Tell him what you expect; for example, “Walk by my side. Keep your hands to yourself, and use a quiet voice. After we leave the store, we will go home and you can help me put everything up and then we can go to the park for 30 minutes.” Use terms

that describe what he can do. This world is so full of what we cannot do, it can becomes overwhelming. Make activities the reward instead of material objects; going to the park, playing a game with mom, riding your bicycle. It is healthy for him and light on your pocket book. Be specific with time; 30 minutes, one hour, etc. While in the store, help him succeed. Let him know you are rooting for him. When he reaches for something on the shelf, ask him in a gentle voice, “Is that keeping your hands to yourself?”. This gets him to thinking for himself and he learns to choose expected behaviors. When he corrects his behavior, respond with “That was a good choice.” Do not expect immediate success. Changes take time and it will take some training on your part and his. My 6-year-old son gets attached to my boyfriends. They will play games with him and wrestle around with him. He enjoys going to the movies and places with us. Then when we break up, he is sad, he acts out, and his grades suffer. How can I help him?

A good rule of thumb is to date without your son. Children need male and female role modes in their lives and they look for them. I suggest you do not introduce your son to your boyfriends until you have decided it is serious and it appears as if you are going to marry this man. Your son needs a stable life and having men in his life that create a bonding relationship with him and then leave him will hurt his ability to develop healthy relationships in the future. If you are looking for a male role model in your son’s life, and the father is not available or appropriate for that role, look toward a male family member, a church member or other organizations that can create a healthy long-lasting relationship with your son. I have always wanted my 8-year-old son to have everything I never had. I don’t want him to do without. Now I feel like he doesn’t appreciate anything and he doesn’t take care of his things or want to do anything. How do I get him motivated to do something?

It is refreshing to hear that parents love their children so much

they want their children to be happy and not have to experience disappointment or suffering. Maybe you are remembering what it was like when you were a child and struggling in a home with limited finances or wishing you could have what your peers had. You are remembering the negatives of not having. For many of us, our parents worked hard and struggled for everything the family had; shelter, food, clothing, and the few extras. But many people only remember the feelings of embarrassment when not wearing the latest fashions, the disappointment of not receiving the exact present they wanted for a birthday or holiday. Maybe they felt rejected because the cool kids did not accept them into their group. If you just had more things and better clothes and more money, you would be ‘cool’. What is not remembered is the excitement of receiving what we needed and only a limited supply of gifts that we wanted. Our focus was more on the family experience going through the tough times together and building a strong family bond. Few things in this world can match the security of knowing mom and dad are nearby, and knowing they will be there each and every day. Having very little, you appreciated what you had and knew if something broke, ripped or got lost, it could not easily be continued... Holiday Special Edition 2015

replaced. You put your things away, maintained them, you took care of what you had. You learned responsibility. Sometimes there would be something you wanted or a place you wanted to go that your parents could not afford. So you decided to take on some small jobs; mowing lawns, raking leaves or babysitting, or even some extra chores around the house to earn extra money. You worked hard for your money. You saved it for something big or you spent it on candy or less expensive items. You learned to prioritize and budget. As you grew up, your wants grew with you. Whether it was a bicycle, car, college or promotion, you wanted more. So you worked harder, set goals, striving for more. You learned to motivate yourself because you knew no one would do it for you. With all of your hard work and drive, you are able to look back at what you did. You have a feeling of warmth or pleasure in seeing your achievements. You have developed a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work, and more importantly, in yourself. When children are given everything, they lose desire or want. They have no reason to appreciate what they have because they know it will be replaced if lost, damaged or outdated. Parents are working so hard to make sure their children want for nothing, they literally want for nothing. The child’s life sounds pretty boring, right? Children who are given more for the sake of getting more do not need to develop motivation or responsibility, because they are going to get more anyway. Children who do not earn something, cannot develop a sense of accomplishment or pride. Young ones who do not have to choose between two desirable items never learn to prioritize. Character is built upon motivation, responsibility, respect, pride, accomplishment, prioritizing and budgeting. Parents who do not allow their children to experience disappointment, doing without, and the word “no” are robbing their children of developing character. A parent is responsible for shelter, food and clothing. A

son needs hugs when he brings home a good report card, to be held when he is disappointed or sad, someone to kiss his booboos when he skins his knee, and bed time stories read to him when tucking him into bed. And to know that whatever happens, good or bad, his parents will always be there for him to support him and love him. Maybe donating many of your son’s items and telling him to earn anything else he gets will help him learn motivation and build the character you are looking for. The job of a parent is training an independent, self-motivated adult that can contribute to society. No one can mold your child better than you. Q

Cynthia is a licensed professional counselor at The PsyClinic. She has extensive experience working with children and adolescents both in residential and inpatient settings. Cynthia has numerous successes bringing together families separated by the State and Juvenile Justice system. Her experience with children include behavioral disorders, depression, conduct disorder, substance abuse and psychosis. She is a facilitator for â€œParenting with Love and Logic.â€? Cynthia has worked with incarcerated adults and adults with substance abuse, depression and psychosis in an intensive outpatient, residential and outpatient settings. With over 13 years experience working with families, adults, adolescence and children, she takes a holistic approach, believing a healthier being requires a combination of mind, body and spirit. To ask Cynthia please email your questions or concerns to askcynthia@concurmagazine.com Your questions will be answered and published in an upcoming issue.

. s WALKING v

YOU FIT

RUNNING

Which is better? By Emilia Benton

alking and running have both been longtime popular forms of exercise among Americans. These activities share similar merits—they are free, don’t require tons of additional equipment and are relatively easy to fit into a busy schedule at any time of year. Additionally, regardless of which activity they choose, walkers and runners alike are likely to have a decreased risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and improved cardiovascular health. However, there are reasons why individuals might be better off choosing one over the other. Although walking can provide the same health benefits associated with running, research has suggested that

running is much more preferable if your main goal is weight loss. People expend more than 2.5 times the energy running than walking, whether it is outside on pavement or on the treadmill. Running also has been said to regulate appetite hormones better than walking. Walkers are likely to consume more calories than they have burned at a postactivity meal, whereas runners are likely to eat 200 calories fewer than they have burned. However, if you have had joint problems in the past, walking might be a more suitable activity for you. Running undoubtedly puts more stress on the body than walking, especially if you are overweight. If you already have weak areas, it’s likely to increase your risk of injuries such as runner’s knee, hamstring strains, shin splints and even stress fractures. To add more benefit and challenge to walking workouts, consider wearing ankle weights or a weighted vest to increase relative exercise intensity. Another option for a more effective walking workout is to increase the incline on a treadmill while also picking up the pace. Walking at a slow speed with an incline can be an effective weight management strategy that also can help reduce the risk of injury to lower extremity joints. Adding cardiovascular activity to your exercise routine is a surefire way to improve your fitness levels. Running and walking are both excellent choices that will help you achieve weight loss goals, improve sleep, stabilize your mood and boost your energy levels. Regardless of which activity you choose, listening to your body and completing a proper warm-up and cool-down will surely help you complete a quality workout while remaining injury free. Lastly, it’s worth noting that in order to get any benefit from a workout, it has to be an activity that you enjoy. Choose wisely, and have a happy workout. Q

AROUND THE WORLD WITH CONCUR

A Cosmopolitan Oasis

By Michelle Ong

nce an Arabian trading port, Dubai has blossomed into a global city of skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and megamalls. Everything here is at a larger scale, and construction on megaprojects continues. The city boasts the world’s tallest building and Palm Jumeirah, an artificially created palm-shaped island that has been called the “eighth wonder of the world.” With a large expatriate community comprising 90 percent of the local population, Dubai offers a diverse array of entertainment and shopping to tourists. continued...

Souq Madinat Jumeirah

SIGHTS Established at the end of the 19th century by Persian merchants, Bastakiya is a historic quarter characterized by narrow alleys and merchant homes that have been converted to cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding provides tours 48

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of the quarter and Jumeirah Mosque. Also in Bastakiya, the AlFahidi Fort houses the Dubai Museum. Dubaiâ€™s most iconic attraction is Burj Khalifa, the worldâ€™s tallest building. Rising over 1820 feet, the tower has an outdoor viewing platform spread across the 125th and 148th floors for a remarkable view of the city and surrounding desert landscape.

The Atlantis Resort at La Palm

In Shindagha, the former palace of the ruling family, the Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House, has been converted to a museum, showcasing photographs, stamps, coins, and historic documents.

continued...

Holiday Special Edition 2015

Burj Al Arab Hotel with Clear Blue Sky, Dubai

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Jumeira Palm, Dubai Marina and World Islands

RECREATION Dubai is fast becoming an extreme sports destination. Here, you can skydive, swim with sharks, sandboard, bungee jump, and even drive a racecar. Desert safaris offer an exhilarating exploration of the desert. For a more serene view, consider a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Golf is also widely popular, with many excellent golf courses spread throughout the city, including the Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. Tired of the heat? Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai, the third largest covered ski park in the world, or relax in a day spa. For a dip in a traditional hammam, check out Talise Ottoman Spa and One&Only Royal Mirage. Many of the luxury hotels have access to private beaches. For public beach access, Jumeirah Beach Park and Al-Mamzar Beach Park are good options. Also near Jumeirah Beach is

Wild Wadi Water Park, a fun family friendly park with 30 rides and attractions. In the evening, stroll around Dubai Marina, a vibrant area of trendy cafes, restaurants, and night clubs, or head onto the water on a dhow dinner cruise.

SHOPPING Dubai is a tax-free shopperâ€™s paradise. The megamalls are modern and sleek and also serve as entertainment and leisure centers. The worldâ€™s largest mall, Dubai Mall, contains over 1200 shops, an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, aquarium and underwater zoo, cinemas, and indoor theme parks. Mall of the Emirates has over 500 shops, Ski Dubai, an indoor continued... Holiday Special Edition 2015

Dubai Marina downtown entertainment center, and a theater and art center. The Italian Renaissance themed Mercato Mall is a collection of archways, cobbled streets, and open plazas. The Ibn Battuta Mall, the world’s largest themed mall, follows the famous explorer’s travels, with areas designed to highlight the places he visited, including Egypt, India, and China. Dubai’s long history as a trading center really comes to life in its souks. The gold, spice, and perfume souks can be found in Deira. The textile souk is located in Bur Dubai. For souvenirs, head to Souk Al-Bahar. On Fridays and 52

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Saturdays, the Dubai Marina Walk is converted into an openair market.

CUISINE Local cuisine features Moroccan, Levantine, Lebanese, and other flavors. Lamb, poultry, camel, and seafood are commonly served with Basmati rice, unleavened bread, or bulgur wheat, and vegetables, such as eggplant, cabbage, zucchini, and pumpkin. Food is often seasoned with spices, including pepper,

turmeric, cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon. For a sampling of local cuisine, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding organizes traditional meals with locals. Advanced booking is required. Dubai also offers a wide range of international cuisine, from French to Korean. Some of the best restaurants are located in the luxury hotels, and alcohol can only be served in hotel restaurants. On Fridays, champagne brunch is widely popular. For less expensive options, head to Al Dhiyafa Road, Deira, or Bur Dubai.

WHERE TO STAY A full range of luxury accommodation is available in Dubai. At the higher end of the scale, the seven-star Burj Al Arab, designed in the shape of a sail, is one of Dubaiâ€™s most iconic hotels. Among the recommended luxury hotels on Palm Jumeirah are the Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, a collection of traditional Arabic courtyard summer houses, and Atlantis, The Palm, which includes a dolphin bay, water park, aquarium, and diving center. For a quiet stay in the desert, consider the Bab al-Shams Desert Resort, designed as an Arabic fort, or the Al-Maha Desert Resort, located in a nature reserve that is home to oryx and gazelles. Traditional Arabian guesthouses are an excellent alternative to the large resorts. Consider the Barjeel Heritage House, Orient Guest House, or Ahmedia Heritage Guest House, which offer a limited number of individually decorated guestrooms and convenient locations. With so many sights and activities, Dubai truly caters to every type of visitor. Start planning your trip to Dubai today. Q

Modern metro elevated railway Dubai

Holiday Special Edition 2015

BOBBY’S BEAUTY BUZZ

QUESTIONS

GIRLS

How can I look tan without a tanning bed or the beach? So many women want that sun-kissed golden glow all year round, but don’t have a beach nearby or do not want to suffer the unhealthy consequences of tanning beds, which unfortunately damage the skin by drying it out and burning it to a crisp. And of course, there are the hidden dangers of skin cancer lurking in the distance. Remember, that lizardlike texture is not appealing and in a few years, time spent in tanning beds will catch up to you. You are much safer going to visit a spray tanning booth or buying some self-tanning lotion at the supermarket. When you are looking to find a safe, qualified spray tanning company, search for the words “natural” and “eco-friendly”. Locally, for Houston residents, the winner is Buttercup Tans Organic Airbrush Tanning service. Simply voted as the best spray tan all around, clients rave about the solution, claiming that this spray tan keeps the skin soft but not greasy or sticky feeling. Extra long lasting—up to two weeks for some users—the organic solution leaves no orange colored residue or unpleasant scent lingering on the skin and NO streaking. For a quick self-tan bronzing lotion, run over to ULTA and get your hands on the St. Tropez Self Tanning Lotion. This formula is created to provide the richest, deepest tan for your skin. Slightly darker than the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, St. Tropez’ original lotion formula will offer a long-lasting intense tan. Infused with conditioning aloe Vera, the innovative Aromaguard fragrance technology eliminates the telltale self tan aroma by over 70 percent. Score!!

Want to Know

2 By Bobby Wells

My Eyelash Extensions are falling out. What’s the best mascara?

Perhaps mascara is not the answer. Have you considered tinting? We visit hair salons to get hair-color and dye jobs, and a lot of people don’t know that the same process holds true for the eyelashes. Truly, there is no better way to achieve that dark rich full color on the lash line except through the use of dyes and pigments. Many spas and salons offer this option on their menu. Remember, just as with anything else, be cautious and ask questions about safety and ingredients beforehand. Eyes are sensitive, so you want to look for a natural, eco-friendly product that is safe around the eye area and will not cause long-term irritation or allergy. Also, keep in mind that this technique requires upkeep. The color will fade after a few weeks, so it is not a permanent fix. If you are more interested in a mascara, I recommend using only the best; something that will not dry out the lashes and cause brittle breakage, which then leads to fallout. My favorite mascaras are from Kanebo and By Terry. Kanebo leaves a glossy finish that stays all day, while BT offers an assortment of colors, which contain rose oil for conditioning and growth factor for lengthening. You cannot go wrong with either of these and they are easy to order online.

continued...

BOBBY WELLS After living in Los Angeles and New York City, and battling testicular cancer, I am a proud survivor currently living in Houston, Texas. Writing has always been one of my tunnels of serenity and creativity. Spending several years on stage productions after USC theatrical training, I’ve transitioned into Beauty and Editorial Makeup for TV, ﬁlm, and special events. Being Bilingual in English and Spanish, I also work a lot within the Latin community. I was recognized for my makeup talent in the Best of LA issue of Los Angeles in 2005. I’ve been quoted in beauty columns in Glamour and most recently noted for my makeup skills in the book How to Look Expensive, by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig.

I am a lipstick junkie. Should I toss my old ones and buy new?

Absolutely. Think of lipsticks like pieces of chocolate. Store them in the refrigerator to preserve the lifespan and longevity of the freshness. But remember, chocolate goes stale after some time and loses its decadence. Lipsticks do the same thing… after six months to a year, lipstick formulations begin to smell funny and the consistency is altered. Most of them melt and become spoiled if left in the sun or the heat inside of a vehicle. The same rule applies to glosses. If that tube has been bouncing around in your bag for over a year now, toss it out and find something fresh. Remember, to prolong your lip color’s life, store it in the fridge.

My lips are always chapped. What’s the best remedy for ﬂaky lips?

Whatever you do, stay clear of Chapstick! And no to Blistex or anything with mineral oil or petroleum jelly… which accounts for over 50 percent of all dry lip remedies. To stay moist and have soft, kissable lips year round, I recommend always looking for Rose oil in the ingredient list. CO Bigelow Rose Salve offers far more moisture than the average lip balm. It cushions the lips beautifully and comfortably, while leaving a flattering rosy tint. You won’t find yourself needing to continuously reapply. Also try Smith’s Minted Rose Lip Balm and the By Terry Balm de Rose (which now comes in six new shades). Rose oil is ultra conditioning on the lips and creates a supple surface with no more flakiness. Finally, for the guys out there, you will absolutely love the Beecology Lemon Lavender lip balm. The zesty lemon and soothing lavender are extra comforting even for the dry winds of the desert. Go on guys; do not be shy about trying this one. Your honey will thank you for it. Q 56

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Beauty questions or concerns? Send them our way! Send your beauty concerns or questions to BobbysBeautyBuzz@concurmagazine.com

Since 1995, our dedicated team of 18 Ophthalmologist and Optometrist at Coastal Eye Associates has been the leaders of general and specialized ophthalmic and optometric eye care in the Bay Area. Six convenient locations including Webster, Gulf Freeway, North Houston, Pasadena, Alvin and Texas City. Visit www.coastaleyeassociates.com or call 281.488.7213 to schedule an appointment.

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Email: ababineaux@goldﬁnancial.com www.annababineaux.com “A referral is sending someone you care about to someone you trust and respect” Holiday Special Edition 2015

HOLIDAY SPIRITS

Dear Sa nta, My name is Kai an my dadd d I am s y to be even. Fo able to LV LQ WKH r Chris come ho DUP\ LQ me to be tmas, I want ,UDT DQ underst with us. G LI an He mom tha d but if he could KH FDQÂ·W VWD\ K RPH ORQJ t would b e a s urprise be so aw KRPH IR for me a , eso U D nd m 2. ,Â·P ZHHN DQG WKHQ me!!! Maybe if he staye y QRW DVNLQ KDG WR JR d J IRU DQ \WKLQJ H EDFN WKDW ZRX OG OV H EH IRU &KULV Love, WPDV .DL DJH 7H[D V 86$

nta, Dear Sa

da a bike an J r o e n o h sap \WKLQ her want RW DVNLQJ IRU DQ Â·W HYHU Q My brot Q EXW ,Â·P U , KRSH \RX FD H P D J YLGHR UHJXODU H FDQFH D Y D H K Y OL , Â·W W OLNH WKD LWÂ·V DZIXO , GRQ appointments, s ] JHW LW FX e lots of doctor DLWLQJ IRU ODEV v Z a I h R life... a up a lot. RG ORWV w OR o E r h J t LQ d N n D V ORWV RI W ck. I feel sick a [W GD\ ,W VWLQN ba QH ld to come R LW DOO RYHU WKH elfs cou r u G o X y R d \ DQ n Q WKH if you a X FDQÂ·W F R it \ e v LI W lo X G E I would FDQFHU JURZV EDFN" $Q U R I H U X PDNH D F ZKHUH P\ KDLU U\ 6KH LV VR VDG F H LW \RX PDN H VHHLQJ P\ PRP , ZLVK , FRXOG W R \ D DOVR , K WKH FDQFHU $OV LV EXW , FDQW SOD QQ RI EHFDXVH DJDLQ , ORYH WH W DQG GRQÂ·W KDYH LV OR Q SOD\ WHQ HFDXVH LP VLFN D GR WKHVH WKLQJV E DQ\PRUH UJ\ ,I \RX FRXOG so happy e b ld H u Q o H ,Iw VR HQRXJK hristmas RQ WKH QLFH OLVW C r o f e for m UH ,Â·P UHWW\ VX S Â·P , G DQ anta. thanks S 86$ Love, )ORULGD H J D :LOO

continued...

ACTUAL LETTERS FROM SYRIAN REFUGEE CHILDREN Dear

Santa

Do yo last y u rememb e e few d ar? My mo r the ball a y m found ys later. B let me pl ou got me a u t were hat my m t when I g y with it a om k o pictu illed. Pleas , dad and t home, I res. e San little ta, I want sister their Wale ed, ag e 6, S yria

nta, Dear Sa

sed er. You u h t o r b my little ear. My You know presents each y esent to him My pr to bring tyr now. . Can you give r a m a is you brother d I miss n a s is k him is a im? that to h ia e 9, Syr Asia, ag

Dear Santa, For Christmas I want to be around my family. Can you make it so we can all be back together? I also would like a warm bed. Thank you. Love, Bayan, age 6, Syria

LETTER FROM A YOUNG GIRL IN SIERRA LEON, AFRICA Dear Santa, and not have to stay I would like to go to school like the other children my family. Can you make at home to do the cooking and house chores for e and play with the it so I can go to school and learn to read and writ other children when they play seeking and hiding. Love, Leela, age 9, Sierra Leon, Africa

Dear Concur Readers: Are you looking for a great opportunity for your end-of-year charitable donations? Consider donating to St. Jude Childrenâ€™s Research Hospital. Because of the generous donations of individuals and companies alike, St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Visit StJude.org to discover the many ways you can have an impact in the life of a child who is fighting cancer. Another way to make a donation to help children in need around the world is through www.unicef.org.

LETTER FROM A BOY IN HONDURAS Dear

Santa

, When tide d the stor m e could stroyed o s and bea ch u n my fr ot go to s r house, I chool iends . I mi . Can give u ss yo s IDPLO a new hou u please \ s have WR OLYH LQ V e for my to mi ss my R , GRQ路W frien ds? class and m y Love, Sierv Hond o, age 10, uras West ern

Sources Unicef.org StJude.org

PARENTING WITH GLORY

Parenting a VERY

SPECIAL CHILD By Susan Neuhalfen

e was the spitting image of his father. He was always smiling for the camera and hugging ng on his mom and dad. He was loved and he loved his family very much. That’s just about ut all the general public knew about Jett Travolta before his untimely death in 2009. Manyy speculated that Jett had autism. However, his famous parents, John Travolta and Kelly Preston, are also famous Scientologists. The Church of Scientology renounces treatment nt for mental illness whether with medicine or counseling so his parents publicly denied the diagnosis. It also stands to reason that because of his parents’ beliefs, Jett received no medical treatment entt for his condition. Jett was only 16 years old when he died following a seizure. His family had been very open about Jett suffering from Kawasaki Disease, a rare illness that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughoutt the body. It was only after his death that his parents admitted that Jett had had autism. Neither of these hesee ailments would have caused the seizure and without a proper diagnosis no one can speculate on whatt did cause it. Autism comes in many forms from problems with communication and social interaction to biting, g, pulling out hair and hitting. Parenting a child with autism is more than just challenging; it’s a game changer. Many parents take for granted how easily they may take their children to the park, attend social ocia ial events or even go to a restaurant. Parents of children with autism have to carefully plan. Some go to thee grocery store at odd hours just to minimize problems. Some go as far as isolation, trapped in the walls ls of their own homes. Parents could handle this differently. While Scientologists don’t agree with the m treatment of autism, they don’t deny it exists. “Denying your child’s condition and possibly denying him continued... ed.. ...

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the appropriate care is not the way to handle autism,” explained Dr. Mohamed Ahmed, Chief of the Psychiatry Department at Houston Methodist Hospital, Baytown, Texas. What can we do to help parents of autistic children? According to Dr. Ahmed, the best help you give to a parent of an autistic child is never to judge that parent and add to the burden. Children with autism often can’t communicate in a way that most functioning people can understand so they find other outlets for this. At a recent performance of “The King and I” at Lincoln Center, an autistic boy in attendance began to make piercing noises during a disturbing part of the musical. Kelvin Moon Loh, who played the lead, took to Facebook to describe how he felt about the bravery of the mother and child, much to the dismay of many audience members: “I heard murmurs of ‘why would you bring a child like that to the theater?’ This is wrong. Plainly wrong…What they didn’t see was a mother desperately pleading with her child as he gripped the railing refusing‐ yelping more out of defiance. I wanted to scream and stop the show and say, ‘EVERYONE RELAX. SHE IS TRYING. CAN YOU NOT SEE THAT SHE IS TRYING???!!!!’ For her to bring her child to the theater is brave. You don’t know what her life is like.” Dr. Ahmed agrees that unless you have an autistic child, you don’t know how tough it is. You don’t always know when the outbursts will happen. The autistic children you usually meet are the ones that are a little quirky, very smart but socially challenged. For every one of those, there are several more who may become violent without warning. That is the autism that no one talks about. That’s not a feel good story. A family in California recently had to move from their neighborhood because their autistic son kept hitting the other children. After meetings with the parents of the autistic boy about better supervision for the child, the subdivision filed a lawsuit. Residents claim that their children could no longer play freely in the neighborhood and that they were too scared to ride their bikes down the street. Though their suit claimed diminishing property value, according to one neighbor, it was really about public safety. It’s easy to see both sides. As a parent, your child should be able to play outside without fear. On the other hand, a child and his family shouldn’t have to live in isolation because he is the odd one out. So what is the solution? We need to be more supportive and communicative about this disease on both sides. Parents of non‐autistic children need to ask parents of autistic children what they can do to help them play together. We need to learn what things trigger the autistic child’s aggression so that we can avoid that behavior. We need to embrace the uniqueness of autism—most of these children have high intelligence and hidden talents that we may help them uncover. Finally, we need to educate our children as well as ourselves about autism because according to Autismspeaks.org, one in 68 children is affected– a 30 percent increase since 2012. It’s time we stop trying to suppress autism. Let’s talk. Q

DR.AHMED Dr. Mohamed Ahmed, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry Dr. Mohamed S. Ahmed, MD serves as the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at The San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown TX. Dr. Ahmed is also an Assistant Psychiatry Clinical Professor at The UTMB Galveston TX. Dr. Ahmed is a board certiďŹ ed Adult and Child Psychiatrist at The PsyClinic.

Holiday Special Edition 2015

Business Development Community Involvement Networking Advocacy www.ClearLakeArea.com Contact Kate Wilkinson to join (281) 488-7676 or kate@clearlakearea.com

Because every moment must be treasured. MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Visit www.thepsyclinic.com Or call 281-837-MIND (6463) The regional leader in mental health services.

330 E Medical Center BLVD Webster, TX 77598 4201 Garth RD, Suite 212 Baytown, TX 77521 Holiday Special Edition 2015

PRODUCTS OF THE MONTH

Roses are red Chanel ILLUSION D’OMBRE EYESHADOW - Rose des Vents No. 94 Boasts an long-wearing formula. Features an innovative gel texture that is both supple & cushiony. Gives an intensely sparkling effect. Can be worn as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Comes with a specially designed shadow/liner brush that complements this unique formula. Rose Des Vents is a shimmering medium pink. (Chanel Jardin de Camelias Collection)

FRESH ROSE FACE MASK Rose Face Mask hydrates and tones the complexion to restore radiance and suppleness to all skin types. The unique, cooling gel formula is infused with real rose petals that literally melt into the skin.

Dolce & Gabbana ROSE THE ONE This is a scent that accentuates the more romantic side of The One. Lavishly feminine, the woman who embraces Rose The One is a mischievously beguiling yet tender coquette. Every woman will recognize the mood that Rose The One expresses. A modern heroine, she has about her an air of nostalgia. Womanly as she so evidently is, there will always be an element of appealing girlishness.

J Jurlique R Rose WATER B BALANCING M MIST

Jo Malone RED ROSES SHOWER GEL Jo Malone Red Roses is the essence of modern romance. It’s a voluptuous blend of seven of the world’s most exquisite roses with crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon. It unfolds like a bouquet of freshly cut ﬂowers, surprisingly clean and sheer. The satiny soap contains shea butter, an effective conditioning ingredient, while the richly fragranced foam gently cleanses and subtly scents the skin.

Eau De Cartier er OSE GOUTTE DE ROSE A bright and joyful yful fragrance, infused d with the delicacy of a freshly picked garden den rose. Bright, joyful and d fresh everyday sweet eet ﬂoral scent.

A daily hydrating mist featuring the m rrelaxing scent of rrose that restores and hydrates the a complexion and is c iideal for normal/ combination skin c ttypes.

Peter Thomas Rose O-REPAIR STEM CELL BIO-REPAIR C CLEANSING GEL A cooling, soothing ng gel to help counteract visible signs c igns of aging ffor younger-looking skin. With state-of-the-art art breakthrough stem cell technology, b rrose stem cells are blended with rrose extracts to help p counteract visible signs of aging, v g,, including tthe appearance of ﬁne lines and wrinkles, dehydration, w on,, dullness,, and ssagging. This powerful rful Gel Mask sstrengthens and tones, nes,, revealing ssilky soft, radiant, beautiful, eautiful,, and youthful-looking skin. y n.

7 PARENTING WITH GLORY

SEVEN FITNESS TIPS for Busy Moms

By Emilia Benton

hen you become a mom for the first time, it’s no secret that you’ll have a lot to learn. In addition to taking care of a new baby, you’ll likely have to figure out how to balance housework and meal preparation, in addition to getting that shower in. All of these things make it easy to put exercise at the bottom of your priority list. However, it’s likely that it’s not the last thing on your mind, especially if fitness was a big part of your life before and/or during your pregnancy. You may have to get creative, but there are many ways to still get even a small workout in. Here are seven tips for moms, whether you’re one to a newborn or to school-age kids. Plan ahead. Once you’ve gotten the hang of your daily schedule, set times to work out during the week. Workout at the park. Once your kids are old enough to play on their own while you keep a close eye on them, take the time to do some step-ups, tricep dips or picnic table push-ups.

Pick up some ﬁtness DVDs. Getting a workout in can be especially hard if you don’t work outside the home—it’s not like you can just ditch the kid and go for a jog outside. If you can time it with a child’s nap, popping in a fitness DVD is a super-easy option. Focus on strength. Similarly, while your kids are napping also is an opportune time to pick up some free weights or focus on planks to strengthen your core, which is more important than you’d think. Choose a gym with childcare. This will save you a headache of trying to find a sitter, or stressing that your gym membership is going to waste while you’re home with the kids. They’ll be glad for the break out of the house, too.

Invest in a jogging stroller. Or, make sure your loved ones know it’s at the top of your list for potential baby shower gifts. This could prove to be a lifesaver if getting your cardio in was a top priority in your pre-kid life. It’s also great for the in-between period when you may not be cleared for intense exercise and can you use it for simple walks around the neighborhood. Set goals for yourself. Assuming you’ve got the support of those around you to not let you fall short, post-pregnancy is a great time to focus on training for that first 5k or even half marathon. Q

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