Stride Magazine - December 2014

A LOOK BACK 2014 at

DECEMBER 2014 | FREE

meet the

team

meet the

EDITOR

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE YEAR. It feels like just yesterday I was making a mental list of 2014 New Year’s resolutions — and it’s a shame I can’t remember any of them.

What I have decided is that resolutions have no ideal start date, nor do they have an expiration date. Whether it’s Jan. 1 or July 1, if you aren’t prepared to follow through, that resolution list will get lost among the 27 other to-do lists you have.

(Or 127 to-do lists if you’re more like me.)

What matters as you approach the year’s end is whether you grew, you changed, and you made decisions — hard or easy — that were right for you.

Maybe you stopped eating red meat in April or you started practicing yoga on a whim in the middle of summer. Maybe you left a job last week that was weighing you down. Who cares if they were or were

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not “resolutions”? These changes led you to where you are now, which is pretty cool in my eyes.

This is not to say that Jan. 1 is not a great time to make some changes. If it’s the right time to start something new, or end something old, by all means go for it.

TEAM

Every month, Spotlight Media brings you Stride, Fargo Monthly, Bison Illustrated and Design & Living Magazine.

MIKE

JESSE

TRACY

KRISTEN

MICHAEL

HEATHER

GIGI

CRAIG

BOUGIE

SARAH

JOE

BRENT

GEORGE

NICK

CODEY

LISA

PAUL

ANDREW

ALICIA

ERICA

TIFFANY

We have some changes coming to Spotlight Media as well — big ones. Stay tuned for those, because we are very excited.

But for now, thank you for reading Stride and supporting our mission. It has been my pleasure to serve as editor the past four months. I have met remarkable people and had a blast sharing their stories and I hope you’ve enjoyed them, too.

Sincerely,

Lisa Marchand

Stride is published 12 times a year and is free. Copies are available at over 1,000 Fargo-Moorhead locations and digitally at fmspotlight.com.

DECEMBER 2014 Publisher

Spotlight Media LLC. www.spotlightmediafargo.com President/Founder

Mike Dragosavich Editorial Director

Andrew Jason Editor

Lisa Marchand Graphic Design

Sarah Geiger, George Stack Research/Contributors

Lisa Marchand, Julie Garden-Robinson, Ashley Sornsin Copy Editors

Erica Rapp, Gigi Wood

SPOTLIGHT MEDIA General Manager

Brent Tehven

Circulation Manager

Craig Holmquist Marketing/Sales

Tracy Nicholson, Paul Bougie, Kristen Killoran, Paul Hoefer, Alicia Stuvland, Tiara Law Circulation Manager

Codey Bernier Administration

Heather Hemingway Web Developer

Nick Schommer Photography

J. Alan Paul Photography, Tiffany Swanson Delivery

Chris Larson, George Stack, Payton Berger, Hal Ecker

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Spotlightmedia

CONTACT 502 1st Ave N Ste 100 Fargo,ND 58102 701-478-7768 info@spotlightmediafargo.com

Stride Magazine is published by Spotlight Media LLC. Copyright 2014 Stride Magazine & fmspotlight.com. All Rights Reserved. No parts of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission of Stride Magazine & fmspotlight.com. Stride Magazine & fmspotlight.com will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions found in the magazine or on fmspotlight.com. Spotlight Media LLC., accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

CONTENTS

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Happy, Healthy Holiday Season Nutrition columnist Julie Garden-Robinson weighs in on her top tips, recipes and stories from 2014.

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Cover Story: A Look Back at 2014 We journey back to January and take you monthby-month through our cover stories and personal favorites. From the most memorable quotes to our greatest photos, we will show you what you missed.

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Ashley’s Top 6 Picks Ashley Sornsin’s year was chock full of workouts and recipes, but she narrowed it down to her six favorite months.

Get Involved Email info@spotlightmediafargo.com with your story ideas.

Check out fargomonthly.com for additional stories.

Find us on Facebook by going to facebook.com/fmstride.

Follow us on Twitter @fmstride.

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Nutrition

Have a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season With These Tips By combining her favorite tips of 2014 and some brand new ones, Julie GardenRobinson helps you have the best holiday season possible for you and your family.

Beware of Post-Holiday Weight Loss Promises

Stay Calm “Desserts” is “stressed” spelled backwards, according to a popular refrigerator magnet. We have plenty of desserts and potentially stress during the holiday season. Stress can be linked to weight gain and various health issues.

Take care of yourself with these tips:

After the holidays, we often are bombarded with diet information, from late-night infomercials to Facebook posts. Before spending money or following the advice, ask yourself these questions:

By Julie Garden-Robinson

1 Get enough sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours.

Who is the author? What are their credentials?

2 Make time for about 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.

Is a credible sponsoring institution identified?

3 Don’t overspend. Worrying about money can affect sleeping, eating and exercise.

4 Eat a protein-rich breakfast every day. It helps prevent overeating later in the day.

JULIE

GARDEN-ROBINSON Ph.D, RD, LRD

5 Enjoy small portions of your favorite treats. Concentrate on the delicious treat and savor the aroma, color and flavor.

Visit ndsu.edu/boomers to learn more about “finding the truth.”

Stride • December 2014

Is a date listed? How current is the information?

Are the facts documented with sound scientific references? Or is the information solely based on personal testimonials?

Does an editorial board oversee the content?

Is the information well-written in terms of grammar and spelling?

What is the tone of the writing?

Does it take a balanced approach?

Julie is a professor and Food and Nutrition Specialist with the NDSU Extension Service.

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Is the information based on scientific research or opinion?

Eat Together Dinner is a time to catch up with family and friends. According to researchers, eating together often is linked to eating more healthly. Babies develop lifelong food preferences with each spoonful of nourishing food they are served. Teens who eat more meals with their families eat a more healthful diet with more fruits and vegetables and fewer soft drinks.

Whether you are cooking for yourself or a dozen people this holiday season, keep good nutrition in mind.

MAKE A GIFT MIX 1 Make half your grain choices whole grains.

2 Fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables.

3 Enjoy a variety of lean protein foods.

Find a variety of mixes at ag.ndsu. edu (click on “food preparation” then “master mixes”).

4 Include calcium-rich foods such as milk and yogurt.

Here’s a delicious cookie mix recipe featuring whole grain oats and dried fruit. Please enjoy in moderation.

See “Mix It Up” at the website listed above for a printable recipe card.

Use Your Freezer and Slow Cooker With shopping, decorating, parties, kids’ sports and music programs, many families find themselves overbooked before and during the holidays. Make good use of kitchen time by freezing meals. After thawing them in your refrigerator, most freezer meals can be prepared in your slow cooker.

Looking for a thoughtful gift? Try making a soup, beverage or bread mix in a reusable glass Mason jar.

You can also place mixes in plastic bags or containers.

Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookie Mix 1 Be sure you have space in your freezer.

2 Organize your workspace and assemble the tools and equipment you need.

3 Combine similar tasks. If several recipes require chopped onions, chop them all at once.

4 Slightly undercook pasta in casseroles that you intend to freeze.

5 Place the food in a gallon-size freezer bag, lay flat and remove excess air. Label with the contents and date.

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

1 c. plus 2 tbsp. flour 1 c. rolled oats ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt ¼ c. brown sugar ¼ c. white sugar ½ c. dried cranberries ½ c. white chocolate chips

Directions Layer the ingredients in a clean, quart-sized glass jar. Cover the jar tightly with a lid, decorate it and attach a copy of this information on a recipe card.

For recipes, visit ag.ndsu.edu/food and search “freezer meal.”

Learn about freezing food by clicking on “food preservation.”

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A LOOK BACK 2014 at

2014 was a year full of stunning photos and touching interviews. We take you back, month by month, to experience all that Stride showcased throughout the year. We also caught up with some of our favorite people to see how their lives have changed since their stories ran. May the year 2015 be as full as this one.

Compiled by Lisa Marchand

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2014

a look back JANUARY 2014 Stories by Candice Grimm, Josie Eyers & Sarah Tyre Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography, Ben Gumeringer & Jessica Fleming

cover

STORY

NEW YOU IN THE NEW YEAR Spirits are high and so are ambitions when the new year rolls around. We met with local experts from areas of hair and beauty, style, nutrition, finances, going green, organization, volunteering, fitness, health and travel. They provided tips on making 2014 a fantastic year — was it?

ON THE COVER

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Stride • December 2014

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FINANCES Start a budget “The process of budgeting will help you understand where your money is going and where you can save money. ... (P)eople that resist a budget the most generally need one the most.”

FAVORITE TIPS

$

Douglas Schmitz Financial Strategies Group

GO GREEN Donate. Donate.

Donate.

“You will feel healthier and do a good thing by donating that ‘stuff’ clogging up your closets that you don’t use.”

Maria Bosak Eco Chic Boutique

GET ORGANIZED Avoid the “miscellaneous” drawer “If it’s worth keeping, it’s worth naming and keeping nicely. Instead of having a ‘Junk Drawer’ or ‘Junk Room,’ define what is worth keeping and toss what isn’t.”

Deb Williams Ducks in a Row Organizing

FITNESS Kill the “too busy” excuse “For one day, schedule a time to work out, and then stick to it — even if you can only exercise for 10 minutes. At the end of the day, ask yourself if you were any less productive than usual.”

Jenny Trucke & Ben Schumacher Revolution Personal Training Studio

our

PICK The Dark Side of Boomtown Fargo continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, but homelessness rates continue to climb. We visited Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead and met two individuals who came to the area for work and struggled greatly to find affordable housing. Their stories shed light on some downfalls of our booming city.

HEALTH Change at least one thing about your eating habits “Try eating breakfast at least three times a week. Consume one less soda or energy drink a day. Switch regular chips for baked.”

Winter Ackerman MD of Sanford Health

TRAVEL Pack your “patience” — it’s the best thing in your bag “At times, traveling can be very stressful. Don’t let the stress take the fun out of the vacation you’ve earned; go with the flow.”

Nancy Jurgens-Aughinbaugh Kvamme Travel

“The helping system has to help the outliers as well as the mainstream. We’ve got outliers here. We’ve made it really hard to not be homeless.

For people who’ve been homeless, it’s really hard not to continue doing that anymore.

It’s almost impossible in this city. You cannot rent a place without some subsidy.”

Jane Alexander Executive Director of Churches United for the Homeless

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2014

a look back FEBRUARY 2014 Stories by Meagan Pittelko and Andrew Jason Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography and Haney’s Photography

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STORY

HEART OF A SURVIVOR

Everyone told Tronier that she was too young to experience heart failure.

But after one too many trips to the ER, doctors discovered three blocked arteries in her heart and immediately performed triple bypass surgery. The survivor can now connect with others and advocate for preventive heart health measures.

JANA TRONIER triple bypass

February is American Heart Month, and we interviewed three survivors of heart-related illnesses, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.

ALAN GOLBERG

transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Golberg underwent surgery to cure aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve which allows blood to flow to the aorta and the body. The 91-year-old lives an incredibly active lifestyle, exercising regularly and spending his summers gardening.

Golberg continues to exercise for an hour in the morning, seven days a week. “My friends say I look younger than I did before, but I think they’re just trying to flatter me.”

UPDATE

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Stride • December 2014

NATHAN ALBAUGH stint procedure

No one is too young to be affected by heart problems, as was the case for 32-year-old Albaugh. After ER doctors discovered an artery that was 100 blocked and a second with 80 percent blockage, he underwent a stint procedure. Once he again he found himself immediately back in the hospital – but this time, for the birth of his son.

TRINITY ELEMENTARY

Opening Fall 2015 FAITH

SERVICE LEARNING

our

PICK Shape It Up One lead singer of the country band Trailer Choir (best known for their hit “Rockin’ the Beer Gut”) went through a massive weight loss journey. Vencent “Big Vinny” Hickerson appeared on the 2011 season of “The Biggest Loser” and dropped a jaw-dropping 184 pounds.

We caught up with the country singer and learned what it took to make it through the TV show, how confidence shaped his journey and about his future bodybuilding plans.

A Community Inspiring Excellence Through

Faith, Learning, and Service The mission of Saint John Paul II Catholic Schools is to inspire exceptional student achievement by teaching the total person and fostering the following of Christ in an environment guided by the Gospel Spirit, as taught by the Catholic Church.

Currently accepting applications for Little Deacons (age 3) - Grade 12

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR PERSONAL TOUR Lori Hager, Admissions Director “If you’re going to change anything in your life or do anything for the positive, you have to love who you are as a person. Don’t change it because you hate yourself, because you’ll never believe you’re worth it and you’ll fall short every time you try to change.”

Big Vinny Lead singer of Trailer Choir

701.893.3271 Lori.Hager@jp2schools.org

HOLY SPIRIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1441 8th Street North, Fargo, ND 701.232.4087 TRINITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2820 Bluestem Drive, West Fargo, ND 701.893.3271 NATIVITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1825 11th Street South, Fargo, ND 701.232.7461

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SULLIVAN MIDDLE SCHOOL/ SHANLEY HIGH SCHOOL 5600 25th Street South, Fargo ND 701.893.3200

2014

a look back MARCH 2014 Stories by Meagan Pittelko Photos by Heidi Jaeger and J. Alan Paul Photography

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STORY

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Stride • December 2014

TAKING A BITE OUT OF HUNGER Despite North Dakota boasting one of the lowest rates of food insecurity in the country, thousands of people in FargoMoorhead go hungry. Thanks to the numerous food banks and pantries in the area, those individuals and their families can put food on the table every day. But it is up to our community to eradicate hunger altogether.

our

PICK Face of Mental Illness About 1 in 4 American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder every year, and more than 90 percent of suicide victims suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Mary Weiler, whose daughter committed suicide nearly 10 years ago, is working to rid the term “mental health” of its stigma in our society.

“So many people have this preconceived definition and notion of what mental illness is and why it is. You wouldn’t think twice about talking about heart disease or diabetes. If you have the symptoms, you go in and you get checked and you get the treatment.”

“The media is a huge problem, for lack of a better term. The way that mental health is portrayed in the media is often very scary. As a community, we should be more accepting and offer more services so those people can be a part of our community.”

Mary Weiler Chair of North Dakota’s American Foundation for Suicide Prevention chapter

Erica Hoff Clinical Psychologist at ShareHouse Transitions

2014

our

a look back

FAVORITE TIPS

APRIL 2014 Stories by Madalyn Laske Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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STORY ON THE COVER

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Stride • December 2014

26 TIPS FOR 26 MILES The Fargo Marathon turned 10 this year, and it was quite the party. Before the big day we caught up with the driving force behind each year’s marathon, Mark Knutson, and his wife Sue. They shared 26 tips for 26 (and then some) miles for the 1,600 people who dared the full, the 5,200 that ran the half and the nearly 3,500 who completed the 10K.

GIVE BACK ON MARATHON MONDAY This 24-hour online give-a-thon aimed to register 10,000 people for the 5K and raise as much money as possible for the 31 charities represented in the races.

They were 3,000 people shy of their 5K goal – help them reach it next year!

START ‘EM YOUNG Not only is the Friday night Youth Run one of the cutest things you may ever see, it’s also one of the top five largest youth races in the entire country.

GET MOTIVATED The Friday before the races, three inspirational runners told their stories at the Radisson in downtown Fargo. You can see full interviews with the speakers in this year’s Fargo Marathon Book produced by the staff of Spotlight Media.

our

PICK Heart of a Survivor

CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY, CONSISTENCY If you’re running your first race or your 50th, don’t stray from your routine. Eat the same breakfast you’ve been eating and wear the same shoes you trained in.

Katie Sandberg is a mother, a runner and a survivor of three open heart surgeries. In 2002, doctors discovered blood cots in her left lung and a mass in the right ventricle of her heart. After having it removed, the mass returned larger than before. The third time, parts of her lung were removed. Despite it all, Sandberg ran her first half-marathon in Fargo shortly after the article was published.

DEDICATE TO A PERSON Running in honor of a loved one can push you to train harder and run faster toward that finish line.

STAY PUMPED UP Dozens of local bands line the race to keep you motivated and put a smile on your face. From the Front Fenders to Heart & Soul, a little extra music makes the marathon that much better to run.

“My motto for anyone out there struggling is, always be the hero in your life, not the victim.”

Katie Sandberg, survivor of three open heart surgeries

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2014

our

a look back

FAVORITE TIPS

MAY 2014 Story by Meagan Pittelko Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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STORY

FAMILY FITNESS May was all about families and how they can get out and be active in the summertime. It’s hard to believe summer and fall have come and gone already, but we’ll rehash some of the best tips for moms, dads and their little ones.

NUTRITION Sanford pediatrician Stephanie Hanson recommends:

5-2-1-0 (as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics)

5 the number of servings of fruits and vegetables

2 the number of hours of screen time that should be allowed

1+ the number of hours of physical activity that should be done each day

0 the number of servings of sugary or sweetened beverages that should be consumed

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How do I get my kids to enjoy eating healthy foods?

Work Out Together

Fitness buff Keith Bennett told us how parents and kids can work together to stay healthy.

“I really encourage people to make it a family affair. It’s tough to teach your kids healthy living habits if you’re not adhering to those guidelines.

The more that kids see parents doing that stuff, the more likely they are to do it. Let the kids get involved; let them choose which vegetable is for supper that night or ask them what interesting new produce they want to try.”

“Make it fun and funny.

Make games, get apps for your phones, use your Wii, join group classes. Use incentives.”

Keith Bennett

“Don’t force physical activity on a child. You want them to start on their own, but you have to give them an option and provide the resources for them. Just let them think it’s their idea.”

Stephanie Hanson

Keith Bennett

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2014

a look back

A near-heart attack scare that was a little too close for comfort led Pytlik to embark on his weight loss journey.

He contacted a primary physician for the first time in decades and began taking high blood pressure medication. Next, he began a weight loss program through Sanford that has helped him shed pounds and stick around for his family.

JUNE 2014

MICK PYTLIK Lost 122 pounds

Stories by Meagan Pittelko and Madalyn Laske Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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STORY

BIGGEST LOSER: FARGO EDITION Four people and 536 pounds lost make for one great story. We met four inspiring individuals whose weight loss journeys have led them to healthier lives and brighter futures.

WINNER SARA JOHNSON Lost 231 pounds

After being diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Johnson continued gaining more and more weight despite leading an active lifestyle. She plateaued at 100 pounds lost and then underwent a form of gastric bypass surgery. She continues the healthy lifestyle that has helped her lose over 200 pounds.

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Stride • December 2014

Genz was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 5 years old, which led to thyroid problems throughout his entire life. Weight loss was an uphill battle until he underwent gastric bypass surgery two years ago. Now, he remains more active than most people, working out nearly every day and teaching a group fitness class at Family Wellness.

JEREMY GENZ Lost 116 pounds

our

PICK No Offseason A soccer player-turned-weight lifter got her start in Fargo, moving on to college at Northern Michigan University and eventually ending up training to become an Olympic weight lifter. Unlike powerlifting, Olympic weight lifting focuses primarily on technique, which Hager picked up faster than most.

MONTE GEHRTZ Lost 67 pounds After dieting and exercising a little too intensely, Gehrtz’s friends and family told him he looked too thin. He altered his lifestyle to focus on being healthy — nothing more, nothing less.

“The intensity we train at is above and beyond what anyone else does and it’s all year round.

There is no offseason.

There is no offweek.”

Taylor Hager, Olympic weight lifter

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2014

a look back JULY 2014 Stories by Meagan Pittelko Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography and Tiffany Swanson

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STORY

5 INFLUENTIAL FACES OF FARGO

“We want to make sure we have the right programs in place — for youth, for those in middle age, for seniors. Coupled with that, I think that we need to work with others in the community to get people involved.

It’s going to take collaboration with other groups to make sure we’re covering all the bases.”

PAUL FINSTAD

President of YMCA Cass-Clay

From fitness to charity, we had the chance to meet with some of Fargo-Moorhead’s most exceptional leaders in the health and wellness fields. Here are some of their most memorable quotes.

ON THE COVER SUSAN MATHISON

Owner of Catalyst Medical Center

“Living a healthy lifestyle should be the primary focus of your healthcare, in addition to forming a partnership with your healthcare provider. It doesn’t have to be super complicated — 90 percent of health is simple.

It’s about, among other things, getting good sleep, having a healthy diet and making water your primary beverage.”

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Stride • December 2014

PAUL RICHARD

President of Sanford Medical Center Fargo

“There’s various roles that we as an organization fulfill in the community. Obviously, the number one is that we are the largest health care provider in the region and, to that extent, take care and provide healthcare to a lot of people of all levels, from emergency trauma all the way to newborns.”

“We’ve grown astronomically since I got involved in 1996. I think that the way we’re funding things is looking out to the future instead of worrying about the projects at hand today. I have no idea what the big issue will be five years from now, but we can look forward today and try to project what it might be.”

RON SORVAAG

Former president of Fargo Parks Department

our

PICK

PAT TRAYNOR

An Ascent from Human Brokenness As the oil boom in western North Dakota continues to grow, so too does human trafficking. Stride sat down with the founder of 4her North Dakota, an outreach program for human trafficking victims.

Sold for sex herself at the age of 13, Windie Lazenko experienced years of danger, defeat and sexual exploitation before escaping the lifestyle to become an activist.

President of Dakota Medical Foundation

“There are groups of people here that are willing to help their neighbors and work across different lines, whether they’re socio-economic or business or government. We’re not working by ourselves because that would be ineffective. Our goal is to be nothing short of the healthiest community in America.”

“The community shouldn’t treat those involved in trafficking as criminals, but as victims. We need to increase awareness because we do have controlled prostitution — in other words, sex trafficking — here (North Dakota).”

Windie Lazenko, founder of 4her North Dakota

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2014

a look back AUGUST 2014 Stories by Meagan Pittelko and Amber Morgan Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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LOCAL HEROES

“Bad things happen to people, and that’s why we’re here. We’re not just ambulance drivers; we’re medics.

We are like a mini ER.”

PARAMEDIC Greg Glood

Fargo-Moorhead is full of heroes of all kinds, and it is impossible to cover all the bases. But we met four locals who exemplify what it means to be an everyday hero: a firefighter, a paramedic, a veteran and an Army National Guard soldier.

STORY

ON THE COVER FIREFIGHTER

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

ARMY VETERAN

“I always tell people what the fire department does is: when you go through the entire yellow pages and nobody else can help you, then call the fire department.”

“(A)ll of the soldiers I’ve talked to are proud of what they do, even when people aren’t necessarily behind us. People have their opinions and that’s okay. We fight for freedom. We all want to live free, and that’s why we do this.”

“I tell everyone that it’s a life choice. You’re giving a large part of your life, but if it’s something that you want to do, then do it. You just have to be prepared for what you’re stepping into, because it’s a completely different world.”

FFD Captain Ron Guggisberg

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Stride • December 2014

Bryce DeMolee

Jeffrey Hurst

our

PICK The Survivor: A Story of Addiction, Loss and, Above All, Hope One of Stride’s most in-depth, touching stories was about Todd Boggis, a recovering addict with an unbelievable story. Boggis, 49 years old at the time of the interview, had not been sober for longer than a year and a half since he was 8 years old.

Abused by his mother and father and already an addict, Boggis ran away to Colorado at 16 and lived with a group of fugitives. The rest of his life has been a series of missteps and jail sentences — until recently. He is on the road to recovery with the help of an addictions counselor and his wife, Carol.

“After seeing all the stuff that I’ve seen and going through all that I’ve gone through, I know that there has to be something else, something a whole lot better out there. I’ve done a lot of stuff in my life and I’ve gotten through it all. I’m grateful to God and I hope that he still needs me to do stuff, because I’d like to help now. I’d like to do whatever I can.”

Todd Boggis

a look back

2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 Special Edition

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STORY

Stories by Lisa Marchand Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

DIVERSIFYING HEALTH CARE September’s issue was all about health care, including eight area doctors leaving a huge footprint on FargoMoorhead’s medical field.

“500 itself is just a number. I do a lot more of other operations when it comes to numbers. But the fact that I do a lot more of many other surgeries, and in addition to that we have been able to do this many transplants is pretty good, I think, for our community.”

BHARGAV MISTRY, MD 14 Years, 500 Transplants

ON THE COVER

SCOTT ENGUM, MD

Painting a Bigger, Better Picture for N.D. Pediatrics

“There are so few times now in medicine that you can make a difference. ... In the old days, you were given a big paintbrush and you could paint a beautiful picture.

You could paint something and someone could tell what’s going on. You could make big changes, and leaders had the opportunity to really implement big changes.”

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Stride • December 2014

SAM KAPPHAHN, DO

One Year Down, Many to Go

“When you go into a field that people want to know, ‘Well how experienced are you? ... ’ it’s very hard, I think, for people to realize that your doctor trained on people at some point along the lines. ... I’ve completed my residency, I’ve completed my fellowship, but there will always be new technology; there will always be new techniques. Even the expert in the field had to do their first one at some point.”

“Now I’m in a position where I can go back and not only operate, but the bigger thing is to take the skills back home. … The real beneficial thing, or the real challenge, is to go to underprivileged countries and then transfer your skills over there, so when you leave they have something they can continue.”

FAROOQ SHAHZAD, MD Giving Back to Pakistan

JOEL SCHOCK, MD

Exploring Medicine Through Private Practice

“For me, it was easy: I wanted to go to one of the big square states up by Canada. I’ve lived on the east coast, I have no desire to live on the west coast, nothing down low. So I wanted to go (to a) big square state; give me one of those.”

“Most people, from a patient’s point of view, perhaps don’t realize that we are basically just as connected, or more so, to the referral sources, so that when they need a specialty referral, it’s basically as seamless here as it would be in the large institution and that the quality of care we’re required to adhere to is as stringent.”

JONI BUECHLER-PRICE, MD

North Dakota: Home Sweet Home

“We always joke about females in sports medicine. Either you’re a high heel female or you’re a tennis shoe female. I’m a high heel female, which means I have absolutely walked onto a football field in my high heels. I don’t think it means that I can’t get down on the ground and do a knee exam.”

ROBYN KNUTSON BUELING, MD Sports, Science and High Heels

ARVEITY SETTY, MD

Connecting Through Language

“For a physician, actually. I think it’s more important that you communicate very well with the patients, and speaking in their own language is definitely an edge. ... If you can’t understand what they’re telling you, you can’t get your diagnosis. If you can’t get your diagnosis, you can’t treat anything.”

2014

a look back Roberts discovered she had the BRCA-1 gene, one that makes a person prone to breast and ovarian cancers. She chose to have bilateral mastectomies, making her a breast cancer previvor.

OCTOBER 2014 Stories by Lisa Marchand and Andrew Jason Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography

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STORY

THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but we decided to showcase six individuals fighting a variety of cancers. Amidst the laughter and the tears, we got a glimpse into the lives of some unbelievably strong people — all the way from 8-year-old Layne to 84-year old Ray.

Roberts’s article mentioned she has three children, but she has four: three daughters and one son. She emphasizes that men should be tested for the gene as well, for they are also at risk. Roberts still hopes to start a BRCA-1 and 2 support group. For those interested, she can be contacted at annelr634b@gmail.com.

ANNE L. ROBERTS

UPDATE

LAYNE BILLING Last year Billing was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, and has undergone several surgeries and chemotherapy. But the 8-year-old’s contagious smile let’s you know despite it all, he’s a fighter.

UPDATE

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Stride • December 2014

Billing went in for his last treatment on Nov. 12 and will hopefully get his chemo port removed by early December. “He is such a strong and brave young man that has taught us what life is all about,” said his mom, Kara. “One day he is a healthy young boy and the next day he was undergoing chemo treatments. Life can be short and full of bumps so we have learned to enjoy every day. He is a true fighter.”

JASON BOUTWELL Not even one of the rarest forms of intestinal cancers could keep this man from cracking a joke. This husband and father of four thought his appendix had burst while on vacation in Mexico, only to find out his road to recovery would be a much bigger one.

“My No. 1 job in life is to get my kids to heaven. ... I took that job pretty seriously before, but they’ve had the opportunity to see God act out his faith and live it.

They get an opportunity to see me fight the fight, and not many kids get a chance to do that. So I think that’ll have an impact on their life, and I think that’s probably one of the most positive things to come from this.”

UPDATE

Keaveny moved home to Tintah, Minn., shortly before receiving her diagnosis. After enduring a dozen chemotherapy treatments and even more rounds of radiation, she is cancer-free. Her doctor told her it was as if the cancer was never there.

Keaveny had another scan in October and remained cancer-free. She was elected Mayor of Tintah, Minn. on Nov. 4 and will be installed in January.

FRAN KEAVENY

At 15 years old, McManus was diagnosed with stage III malignant melanoma. Life was a bit of a whirlwind after that, full of chemotherapy treatments, surgeries, high school basketball games, graduation and more. Now at 24, she has been cancer-free for several years and hopes to keep the record going.

McManus is as busy as ever and hopes to make time for a vacation some time this winter, “right after I get new sunscreen and a spray tan!”

MEGAN MCMANUS

UPDATE

UPDATE

Boutwell finished treatments Oct. 20. His 6-year-old daughter Ellory wanted to dress as a “chemosabi” for Halloween, a made-up word she used to describe the hip pack he wore to house the chemo pump he carried during treatment.

For 21 years, Bartholomay has battled prostate cancer, never letting it slow him down or keep him from fulfilling the duties on his farm. He has seen the gamut of cancer treatments and is now being treated with radiation injections.

Bartholomay's friend Elaine Wagner who accompanied him to our interview said he stays strong "with God's help, good healthy living, his loving family and friends and always hav(ing) a goal to look forward to." In February he will be honored as the Agriculturalist of the Year at NDSU's 89th Little International.

RAY BARTHOLOMAY

UPDATE

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2014

a look back NOVEMBER 2014 Stories by Lisa Marchand Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography and Andrew Jason

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STORY

GIVING BACK BY THE NUMBERS We decided to tell Stride’s annual Giving Back issue entirely by numbers. Who doesn’t love some good statistics? And trust us, we’ve got plenty.

27,000

1,298,867

Approximate number of stray animals placed in homes since 1966 through Homeward Animal Shelter, formerly Humane Society Fargo-Moorhead.

In 2012, North Dakota ranked 16th in the nation for volunteerism and Minnesota ranked 2nd.

$83,000 to 34 artists and 9 organizations in June 2014.

Between July 1, 2013 and June 30 of this year, Lutheran Social Services provided

78,099 hours

of companionship to older adults in North Dakota.

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Stride • December 2014

PICK Baby Aria 13.4 Ounces at Birth

Pounds of food served by the Emergency Food Pantry in 2013.

The Arts Partnership handed out nearly

our

128 volunteers are currently enrolled and 23 volunteers are in the enrollment process at Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

Aria Mallory is the second smallest baby ever to be born at Sanford Health-Fargo, measuring 10.25 inches and just over 13 ounces — the same weight as about 340 paperclips. Born Sept. 4, Aria arrived 13 weeks early. Such a premature birth can cause a list of complications, particularly with the development of her heart, lungs and kidneys. She made miraculous strides within days of being born, but her time in the hospital has been a rollercoaster ride for parents Ryan and Laura Mallory. Their hope is to be out of the hospital by their original due date of Dec. 17.

UPDATE As of Halloween, Aria hit the 2-pound mark and is doing well. She needs to be at least four pounds before the Mallorys can return home to Minot, N.D. She will remain at the Sanford NICU until she is also able to regulate her own body temperature and eat and breathe at the same time.

Fitness

Ashley’s

top picks from 2014

By Ashley Sornsin Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography and Ben Gumeringer

2014

was a new journey for all of us. Thank you for joining me the past year, following my workout of the month and putting in some sweat equity. If you followed each month’s workout and recipes, you should feel stronger and healthier. You said “Yes!” to your health, your fitness, to making a lasting change. One of my favorite quotes is “Fit is not a destination; it is a way of life.” Being fit is a choice we make each day.

As we embark on yet another new year, we start 2015 with more drive, motivation and commitment to set our health and fitness as a priority. When you look in the mirror, that’s your only competition. I’m excited for what’s in store for us in 2015 and I’m looking forward to helping you become the best version of yourself.

For more health, fitness and lifestyle tips

April

follow Ashley at:

April No-Fools Workout

facebook.com/ashleysornsinhealthfitnesscoach

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Stride • December 2014

This was my first workout of the month with Stride. This workout was a HIIT style (high intensity interval training), which I absolutely love. A do-anywhere workout that gets you from 0 to 60 in no time, burpees included — and yes, I happen to love burpees.

May

Mighty May Workout: Playground Bootcamp Circuit The whole issue was about kids, so I took a couple of kids to the playground where I got to be a kid again as well. We had a fun time playing (and working out) on the playground. It’s a great way for families to get outside together, be active and have a good time. It was fun to have the kids use the playground as an undercover workout.

October

Ashley’s On Field October Workout Respect the training, honor the commitment, cherish the results. I love football, so this workout was a blast. Sport agility and conditioning drills aren’t just for the athletes on the field. We can all enjoy the amazing fat-burning and calorie-torching benefits from this football-inspired workout. My healthy tailgating recipes are delicious and fun to serve.

June

June Step Into Summer Workout I must admit, I have a thing for stairs. I love running stairs, and especially getting outside in the summer. I liked being creative and making this a full body workout; it’s the perfect combination to jump start the body into fat-burning mode.

August

Absolutely Amazing August Ab Workout A strong core is fundamental to a strong body. This Tabata style abdominal workout will create a strong, more toned and defined core. However, the saying ‘Abs are made in the kitchen’ is true, and I provided a few of my favorite go-to meals. By eating five to six small meals a day, your metabolism will stay revved and you’ll be on your way to that six pack.

November

Ashley’s Monthlong November Workout Three moves, 30 days, 50 pushups, 100 squats, 3 minute plank. It was a fitness challenge, a commitment to your health and fitness, a “yes” to finding balance to get you through the holiday season. Monthly challenges help keep people committed to making their health and fitness a priority, and they only take a few minutes a day. This is a great challenge to repeat every couple months (or try it all months with 30 days: April, June, September and November).

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