Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

BY MICHAEL JOHNSON

March 13th-19th is “Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Week.” As noted on the National MS Society’s website (nationalmssociety. org), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS). For this article, I wanted to bring a personal perspective to the disease. I interviewed three people who live valiantly with MS. Two are family members—my Aunt Peggy and my sister, Julie. The third is a friend and well- known local celebrity—Jeff “Smitty” Smith of the iconic Smitty’s Notes.

Forsyth Family: When were you diagnosed and what was your path from the initial concern to the MS diagnosis?

JULIE: I was diagnosed in May of 2017. I remember I felt very dizzy. I was attending an event at a retail shop and I remember steadying myself by grabbing a hold of a clothing rack. I am a trained nurse and began the torturous process of self-diagnosis. A follow up visit to a neurologist led me to getting a CAT scan and it was confirmed that I had lesions on my brain, which is a primary indicator of MS. PEGGY: My diagnosis was finalized in 2001. I recall that I was walking and stumbling a lot. And I started to become concerned about how deeply fatigued I was getting. A neurologist confirmed that I had MS. SMITTY: In 2005, I was diagnosed by a neurologist as having CIDP (Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), which is a rare type of autoimmune disorder very similar to MS. At a local seminar in 2009, I remember my vision was blurry and I didn’t feel myself. I called my father to tell him I thought I should check myself into the hospital. When I ultimately went to WFUBMC, they ran tests and conducted an MRI. The doctor told me that the presence of lesions on my brain indicated I had MS.

What were your first impressions after being diagnosed?

JULIE: Honestly, I was very angry. I felt bad for my kids. I didn’t want them to be burdened with a mom who had this. But I shifted into a mindset of acceptance fairly quickly after that. PEGGY: I was very fearful. I just kept thinking that it wasn’t fair to be dealt this hand. I was frustrated once I found out that I had been given the real medicine in a blind trial test, but that future treatments would not be covered by Medicare. SMITTY: After I was diagnosed, I told myself that I would allow a self-pity party for one month, and that was it. I then had to get acclimated to using a walker for an entire year and during the summer it was brutally hot. I resigned to switching to a wheelchair to get some relief. I wondered if I could still work at my job. Would it be feasible even to do Smitty’s Notes?

What have been your biggest challenges?

JULIE: It can be easy to let depression sink in. Physically, I seem to manage pretty well! I just don’t overdo it. There are profound benefits to “household pet therapy”! I am a true believer in the power of pets. PEGGY: I have found that doing the little things is my biggest challenge. I cannot walk without a walker with brakes. And my biggest hurdle is getting over the fact that I cannot drive myself any longer. It can bring about a sense of isolation.

SMITTY: I faced the fact I couldn’t do what I did before. I couldn’t ride a bike or go out and about around town. Mentally, I was okay. The best advice I ever got was “put the old Jeff in a box and bring out a new Jeff.”

In what ways have you learned to adapt your lifestyle?

JULIE: I manage time to get enough rest. I realize my body works sometimes in ‘elderly’ mode and I make adjustments. PEGGY: I work a lot mentally on adapting properly. There are certainly cognitive issues as a result of my condition, and I have had to transition accordingly. I used to be able to go freely to my Mary Kay Cosmetic seminars and I found that I was no longer able to participate as I once did. SMITTY: Personally, I recognize my limits. I can tell you that my workplace helped me. They embraced it. They installed two automated security doors where I could just use my keycard pass to have the doors open. My employer was terrific.

Have any holistic approaches offered any relief?

JULIE: I love massage and pilates!

PEGGY: Massages do help. There are some seated exercises I do to alleviate some problematic symptoms. SMITTY: Up until the onset of COVID, I got weekly massages. Those massages helped to loosen the muscles up. And I find that taking Vitamins B and D is critical.

What is something positive that has come from you living with MS?

JULIE: I get permission to sleep a lot! (laughs). MS can certainly pump up the gratitude for life. I actually rode my bike in the MS 150 mile fundraiser from Houston to Austin in 2018. I came in dead last, but I am proud!

PEGGY: I have been able to tell myself that MS wasn’t my fault. I get a lot out of virtual online meetings with a MS support group. SMITTY: I find that MS has slowed me down in a good way. I now see things in an empathetic light. Not to mention, using the wheelchair has given me a whole new view of the things on the lower shelves at the grocery store! (laughs) I would implore people with MS not to be afraid to ask for help!

A Streamlined and Simplified Approach

Cooking Nutritious and Delicious Dishes in One Pot, Wok or Pan

BY SUSAN BB SCHABACKER

Into streamlining your dishes into a one-pot or one-pan meal that can feed many hungry tummies? And, if you’re overwhelmed with the idea of occupying every burner on your stovetop, what’s the best advice? K.I.S.S (keep it simple, sweetie).

However simple or complex you decide to make your dish, combining ingredients into one pot or one pan offers a simple solution. Additional perk? No need to get burned out with dishwashing. Keep messes minimal without multiple pots and pans to clean.

Here are some recipes, tips, and tidbits to simplify and streamline your approach to cooking, so you can maximize your time with less cooking and cleaning.

As in other areas of life, such as in planning presentations and public speaking, there are two main approaches: prepare ahead of time based on a plan, or go with the flow and improv. Each has its pros and cons, so try them both out when meal making and decide which type of approach works best for you.

TIMING IS KEY

Gauge how long it will take each of the ingredients to cook without overdoing it. Pasta is best al dente and not mushy, which is also more flavorful and nutritious. When veggies are overcooked, they turn brown and lose their color as well as their nutritional content. Hard root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, turnips, and parsnips take longer to cook than kale or spinach, so they go in first.

SOUPS AND STEWS

Start by adding broth and/or tea bags to boiling water in a pot on your stove, then add the slow-cooking basics such as lentils, beans, and rice. While they’re cooking, you can peel and/or chop the vegetables to add in next. No one ever said chicken and rice soup has to be made with just one type of rice. Like a variety? Try a combination of brown, black, and wild rice and maybe some quinoa, too.

SET ON SPICES?

A few dashes of salt and pepper may be all you need to enhance the flavor. Depending on what your senses say, consider adding paprika or cayenne for a bit of a kick. Think of what pairs well together like curry and turmeric for a coconut soup, cumin and chili for a Southwestern or Mexican stew, and ginger and lemongrass for an Asian inspired soup.

PALETTE PLEASERS

If you’re an omnivore or fan of seafood, add in your favorite protein. Or, if you’re a vegetarian or vegan, add in tofu or tempeh. Keep in mind your particular palette and whom you’re serving. If your taste buds savor the sweet, stir in some stevia, honey, or maple syrup to taste. If your palette craves a pucker punch, add in some vinegar, lemon, or lime juice.

And, of course if you’re a fan of the spicy, amp up the heat with an extra kick, using spicy peppers (check heat factor according to the Scoville unit that rates peppers). The key to spicing it up is to start out little by little, gradually adding in more spiciness.

When your one-pot dish is ready to serve, keep in mind that a great garnish is also an edible one, so consider adding a sprig or few of herbs, like cilantro, parsley, or basil.

STIR FRY AND HIBACHI

To try a similar approach with stir fry and hibachi style dishes, add a dollop of plantbased oil to your pan or wok. Distribute the oil more evenly by picking up the pan or wok and rotating it around a few times in circular motions, then add the ingredients as above.

Although it requires an extra pot to boil your rice or noodles separately, they can be an ideal complement. You can serve them separately or add them to your stir fry after cooking. Fan of fried rice? Add eggs into your rice or noodles and mix in the other vegetables.

Bon appétit and enjoy your one pot, wok, or pan meal!

The Women of Cannon Wealth Management

BY DENISE HEIDEL

Cannon Wealth Management has been a valued resource for individuals, families, and businesses for over 70 years. Through a diverse range of financial services that include asset management and financial planning, the advisors at Cannon Wealth Management have established themselves as a cornerstone in the Triad, respected for their decades of experience, professionalism, and their continued commitment to giving back to the community.

At the heartbeat of everything at Cannon Wealth Management is a dynamic team of women who are smart, creative, fun, and talented. They are well-respected for their passion and expertise in the world of finance and ability to keep things moving.

With that said, meet the women of Cannon Wealth Management.

Cannon Wealth Management is located at 2160 Country Club Road in Winston-Salem. Call the office at 336.231.6844; or visit www.Cannon-Wealth.com. Also, be sure to like their page on Facebook and follow them on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Cindy Edwards, CRPS

Director of Operation / Financial Representative With Cannon Wealth Management for 10 years

Cindy gives Cannon Wealth Management the operational foundation that keeps the business moving forward every day. She takes pride helping others and nurturing the clients of Cannon—helping them to feel confident about their financial future. While Cindy never pursued teaching, she shared, “I love to help people gain understanding. There’s that light in a person’s eye when meaning becomes clear. Since education is still a big part of our job at Cannon Wealth Management, I enjoy helping our clients light up with understanding about their financial health.”

Cindy is proud to be a part of Cannon Wealth Management. “I am proud of the people I work with; they genuinely care about our clients and want to make a difference in their lives.”

In her free time, Cindy enjoys reading, painting, and going on adventures with her beloved greyhound rescue, Bigger.

Carol Uselman, AAMS

LPL Financial Advisor With Cannon Wealth Management for 20 years

Carol serves not only as an in-house analyst and investment management specialist—she’s the unofficial historian of Cannon Wealth Management. She is also an ordained chaplain and will frequently deploy to areas suffering from natural disasters. As a volunteer with the Crisis Response Team, she often finds herself meeting people in dire situations. “Hurting people need an ear to listen to their stories and to help them take the first steps to restoration.”

Carol uses this philosophy of letting people feel “heard” in her approach to investment management by listening to what’s important to them, then together planning steps aimed toward financial security. Carol is a graduate of Elizabethtown College. She has been happily married to her husband Gary for 43 years and together they have two sons and five grandchildren.

Kimberly Stone

Director of Marketing and Client Relations With Cannon Wealth Management for 8 years

Kimberly is the creative mastermind at Cannon Wealth Management, working to build brand awareness and grow client relationships. “My job is to get to know our clients,” Kimberly explained. “Every client has a story and I love getting to learn all about them! It really is the best part of my job. Real relationships happen in our office and our clients know they can call us for anything—we will pray with them, cry with them, or make a point to celebrate important milestones in their lives.”

Kimberly and her husband, Eric, have been married for almost 20 years and together, they have two children—James (18) and Ansley (13), a dog, Boomer, and cat, Jack.

In her spare time, Kimberly loves to cook, and considers herself a true foodie. She also serves on the community volunteer board at SECU Family House of Winston Salem. “I believe in making a difference—that’s why I do what I do! But I also value and respect what SECU Family House does every day. Their mission and the people they help are extremely important to me.”

Melissa Schoon

Administrative Assistant With Cannon Wealth Management for 6 years

Melissa is the backbone of the office, answering the phones, scheduling meetings, and acting as the first line of communication between Cannon Wealth Management and their clients. “I love my job, because I know I work with people who genuinely care about one another and their clients.”

“Our advisors have invested themselves in the lives of our clients. We are there for them at every milestone, including helping with estate planning and overseeing the financial transitions that take place. Our clients and their families matter; we want to make things as easy as possible for them.”

Melissa and her husband, Ben, live with their two dogs, Rey and Finn, and cat, Ember. In her free time, she enjoys photography—especially nature and flowers. “I love the outdoors and the beauty found in nature.”

When clients visit Cannon Wealth Management, they get decades of experience and expertise from all their representatives and partners. But it’s not all dollars and cents. For everyone on the Cannon Wealth Management team, it’s about creating and nurturing relationships for the long haul.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC

Your Retirement:

What’s Luck Got to Do with It?

CannonRunning out of money is any retiree’s biggest fear. If you don’t want your retirement security to come down to dumb luck, you need to protect yourself from a risk that might be scarier than inflation or taxes: sequence of returns risk. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict what the stock market will do tomorrow, much less in a few years. So, trying to time your retirement date to avoid an early loss isn’t a viable strategy. There are things you can do, however, to try to avoid or reduce potential damage from sequence of returns risk: • Reduce your exposure to volatility • Rethink your withdrawal strategy • Look at income-producing investments • Pay down debt BUILD. • Develop a bucket strategy DEFEND. You may find one or a combination of these strategies can help you improve your “luck” when it comes to dealing with sequence of returns risk. PRESERVE. OUR SERVICES Retirement Planning Investment Planning Risk Management/Insurance Tax Planning Estate and Legacy Planning Cash Flow Management

336.231.6844 cannon-wealth.com

WE’RE BACK!

Venture Club is a summer day camp for our community that exists to provide a fun, active, and growing experience for kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade. It’s our goal to create an excellent environment for campers to know they’re valuable, cared for, and safe every single day while they make new friendships, form new memories, and experience new adventures. Now that Venture Club is open again, we can’t wait to have your family be a part of our summer day camp family! What defines Venture Club?

CAMP 2022 What does an average week in the life of a Venture Club camper look like? Campers begin their morning warming up with fun games together before they break out into their individual grades for a day perfectly crafted for their specific age. Venture Club is able to fully take advantage of the wonderful Calvary campus and utilizes every single area for the most fun possible. While our younger campers get some energy out on the playground chasing their friends, our older campers get a chance to showcase their chalk art skills, go round after round in 4-square, or aim for the fences in a giant game of kickball. All campers get a daily morning and afternoon snack on top of a delicious, hot lunch prepared by our year-round kitchen staff. Depending on the day, campers will head off on one of their many weekly field trips to work on their putt-putt game, see all of the amazing animals at the North Carolina Zoo, scream with joy as they conquer giant roller coasters at Carowinds, or play a round of sharks & minnows at the pool. Each day is carefully planned to include healthy rhythms of excitement and rest that give our campers the benefit of consistency with a happy anticipation of what’s next. Once the field trip is complete, our younger campers get opportunities to rest or read while our older campers get time for board games and structured screen time. Sometimes the end of the day will include all of the Venture Club grades together as we watch the next generation of musicians and artists show off their abilities in a talent show, transform part of our campus into a big-screen movie theater experience, or simply come together for a much needed silly dance break. Every single camper and family matters. Our hearts broke this past season as many circumstances left kids and parents feeling isolated, unwanted, or uncared for. One of the main reasons Venture Club exists is to let families in the Triad area know that there’s at least one place where kids can learn and experience where their true value comes from. This belief begins in the hiring process as Venture Club recruits and develops amazing counselors and leaders who are there because they want to form positive relationships with campers. Our 2022 staff works hard, plays hard, and sees every single moment at camp as an opportunity for encouragement, support, and care. Even though parents have unfortunately aged out of Venture Club as a camper, it doesn’t mean that they’re unimportant! Venture Club also desires to partner with parents by encouraging them weekly, providing resources on navigating the world of parenting, and taking time to get to know the unique beauty of each family. How do I sign up my camper? Registration opens in January! The first day of camp is June 6 and we’re open weekdays from 7:30a–5:30p every week until August 12. Camper spots will be limited this summer to allow the growth and development of staff to meet our standards of excellence for your family. For more information go to calvarynow.com/ventureclub. Welcome to the Summer Camp Showcase! From March to May, Forsyth Family is including a special series, with highlights of some of the best summer camp programs in the area. These special issues offer informative articles that can help you and your camper prepare for a wonderful summer. Summer camp is a wonderful, memorable, and exciting opportunity for your child. It’s a chance to experience new things, make new friends, and learn new skills. As you make plans for summer, be sure to let our advertising camp programs know you saw them in this issue of Forsyth Family!

Get Your Supplies Ready, Campers!

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

Packing for a child’s week-long camping adventure requires preparation, perspective, and skill! After labeling every item from towels to T-shirts and underwear, you’ll be glad you started the endeavor weeks in advance. Take advantage of the available “packing checklist” and print a few copies. It offers a proven itemized list for campers to have a successful experience. Additionally, use the following suggestions to gain perspective in the task of wise decisions and packing light.

Hat, Clothes, and Shoes

Camps located in the mountains or near a large body of water may result in your child sitting on damp logs, grass, or chairs; therefore, breathable or waterproof fabrics will eliminate a prolonged feeling of clingy and heavy clothing.

Additional ideas to consider

• Towels are bulky items; teach your child the space-saving technique of rolling perhaps two towels together—one for swimming and the other for showers. • Swimming may be a daily activity; therefore, pack two swimsuits and perhaps two hangers to support items needing time to drip-dry. • Baseball caps are durable, compactable items. Another option with a full brim, protecting the face and neck, is a Booney hat. • Bathroom facilities are often a short walk from the cabins.

Campers will need a pair of breathable, sturdy shoes that slide on, buckle, or use Velcro; lightweight pajama bottoms to protect the legs against insect bites; and a bright flashlight! • For the unexpected need for extra clothing, pack one or two additional T-shirts and underwear.

Packing Tips

Try and limit your luggage to one backpack and one duffle bag. The goal is to save space while quickly locating items. Take a close look and start removing all the nonessential items. • Pair outfits together for ease of decision-making and access.

Remember, you are going to live out of a suitcase! • Underwear and socks go in one location! • Create a place for bathing suits and towels (rolling is best). • Backpacks are ideal for toiletries and bedding. (Remember, you’ll need to carry everything!) • Avoid buying new clothing

Once all items have a spot for ease to grab and go, campers can focus on their adventure with new friends!

Knowing Your Needs

Not every item on a list can address your individualized preferences; therefore, think about what item(s) can help. If you are prone to blisters, carry waterproof band-aids in your toiletries bag. Thirst at night may require adding a collapsible water bottle. Do mosquito bites bother you? Perhaps you’ll need a bug shield bracelet.

Toiletries

Mesh bags are an ideal timesaver for campers who need to shower quickly. Smaller mesh bags can contain deodorant, toothbrush, paste, face soap, and Chapstick. Try to avoid liquid soaps and pumps, which often leak. • Rather than wet washcloths, take a luffa. And toss it at the end of the week. • No need for a hairdryer, but add plenty of scrunchies. • Bug spray and suntan lotion! • A laundry bag for dirty clothes!

LAUNDRY TIP Ziploc bags can be a solution for smelly clothing. Campers can fill half with water and put in a few drops of body wash; then, shake. Afterwards, rinse, twist, and hang to dry!

Bedding

Make it simple! Campers need only a sleeping bag and a small pillow. The trick is tying the two together for easy transportation!

SNACK TIPS If permitted, place all small-portioned, individually packaged foods in a sealed bag. It’s an efficient means to keep trash together while preventing an infestation of insects!

A Tip for Dads and Moms

Parents know all too well that hearing and listening can result in two separate outcomes. Rather than hope your daughter and son packed socks, bug repellant, a working flashlight, and shampoo, empty out the bags and assess the contents. Reprinting the camp checklist will help in the endeavor.

Don’t forget to add one final item- a handwritten letter! Words from home can provide a great impact to a daughter or son, who may need extra love or encouragement!