The Fulton County Women’s Journal
A Free Bi-Monthly Resource for the Women of Fulton County
February/March 2014
In This Issue:
My Ears Need Protection?? Non-profit Myth Debunked! You Can Make A Profit! Emotional Eating Could Be Holding You Back Protecting Your Rights And Your Children When Facing Divorce Improve Improve Your Your Child’s Child’s Memory, Memory, Attention Attention And And Reading Reading Skills Skills
Educate. Enrich. Empower.
Take One – It’s PRICELESS!
Dear Readers,
Cecily Williams
The Fulton County Women’s Journal
The Fulton County Women’s Journal
(a Media Ventures company) 4060 Peachtree Road, Suite D-167 Atlanta, Georgia 30319 678-250-3319 www.georgiawj.com
Publishers: Cecily Williams & Obren Barnes womensjournalga@gmail.com
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Jelly Graphics www.jellygraphics.com The Women’s Journal is published bimonthly and is available free of charge, by subscription, at display stands in approved private and public establishments and authorized distributors only. Trademark and U.S. Copyright laws protect The Women’s Journal. No part of this paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Women’s Journal is not responsible for any editorial comment (other than its own), typographical errors from advertisements submitted as camera ready or any reproductions of advertisements submitted as camera ready. If an advertisement does not meet our standards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/ or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility for all statements contained in submitted copy and will protect and indemnify The Women’s Journal, its owners, publishers, and employees, against any and all liability loss or expense arising out of claims for liable, unfair trade names, patents copyrights and propriety rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from the publication by this newspaper of its advertising copy. Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication and/or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise reasonable judgement in these instances and will make adjustments for the advertiser where and when appropriate. The Women’s Journal assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers. This newspaper will be published by the 15th of every other month.
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As we endure the challenges of the winter months and the recent snow that paralyzed our community, we encourage you to find some place warm and cozy and take a few minutes to peruse this current edition of the Fulton County Women’s Journal. Our contributors have delivered some wonderfully compelling content that we are confident will educate, empower and enrich you. Contained in this edition, you will find articles that will; equip you to protect your ears and conserve your hearing, help you remove the emotional obstacles that might be getting in the way of your weight-loss goals, and open your mind to the possibilities of creating a tax-exempt organization that can empower you to become a change-agent for good while you achieve financial freedom! All of our contributors love the responsibility they have in bringing you quality, educational content to make a positive impact on the lives of the women of Fulton County and their families. As always, we are honored and privileged to bring you this edition of the Fulton County Women’s Journal. We are also delighted that so many of you have taken the time to email us with your feedback and encouragement. We hear repeatedly that you want more local contributors that you can patronize. We are making increasing our local representation a priority. Feel free to let us know if there is a specific business, professional or charitable organization that is making a positive difference in our community or that delivers outstanding care or service. We want to spotlight them and bring them to you! We welcome your contributions and feedback, so please keep your emails coming! It is through your feedback that we can shape the Fulton County Women’s Journal into the publication that you want and deserve. Email us at womensjournalga@gmail.com or call us at 678-250-3319 and let us know what you think! We love to hear from you, so that we can serve you better. Please also contact the contributors with any questions that you may have. They love to hear how their articles are received by YOU! Thank you again for allowing us to serve you.
- Warm Regards, Cecily Williams and Obren Barnes, Publishers
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arch 2014
In This I ssue:
My Ears Need Pro tection?? Non-profi t Myth De bunked Emotional ! You Ca Eating Co n Make uld Be Ho A Profit! Protecting lding You Your Rig Back hts And Imp Improv Your Ch rove e You Yourr Ch ildren Wh Child’ ild’ss Me en Facing Memo mory, ry, Att Divorce Attent ention ion An And d Rea Readin ding g Skil Skills ls Educat e. Enrich . Empow er. Take On
e – It’s PRI
CELESS!
Table Contents of
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Health Medical and
Fashion Beauty and
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Deborah Lanham
Health Medical and
Dr. Norma Rivera Mraz
Business Financial
Ear Protection? Really?....................6
Home Garden
Fashion Beauty
The Problem With and Gluten.................7 Peanut Allergy...................................8 Caregiver Burnout............................9
Fitness Lifestyle
and You Fat?.............12 Mindset Keeping
Maintaining Cash Flow...................23 FAQ’s - Healthcare Exchanges.....24 Dining Entertainment and
Incontinence News Release..........15
Business Financial Understanding Hypnosis.................16 and
Realistic Resolutions........................17
A Education
What Our Advertisers Say..............25
Fibroids.............................................13 Go Red!...........................................14
Bypassing The Corporate Ladder...30
Home Garden
Does This Sound Familiar................36 and
Dining Entertainment
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Fashion Beauty Fashion ChristieBeauty Cook and
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Fitness Lifestyle Fitness Lifestyle
Health Medical Business Financial Business Financial Fashion Beauty Home Garden 7 Sins Of Wedding Planning...........31 Home Garden and
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Girls In White Dresses......................32
People Profile in
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Cooking With Wine.........................34
Business Community Financial Education Community Education and and
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Like Meeting New People?...........35 Preserve Your Family’s Memories...33 FitnessEntertainment Lifestyle Community Dining Dining Entertainment
Mammograms................................18
Women Profile
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uthor t of a o h s d and and Hea thors. or au dshot a e h l and ssiona Profe e. Small Businesses...............................19 It’s Time............................................26 pleas r io 300dp 3” at Resume Holding You Back?...........20 Igniting Positive Transformation.....27 2.5”x r large and from d ie and s cop e Myths About Nonprofits.................21 Dancing And t r u o t n and Your Health..............28 Pic re ites a int r p webs r fo When Facing Divorce.....................22 Cholesterol:and Friend Or Foe?...........29 ptable ns acce io t a c appli
Relief For Headaches In Women...4-5
Breast Reconstruction...............10-11
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Fitness Lifestyle
Health Medical Health Medical
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Health Medical and
By Dr. David Shapiro Dr. David Shapiro is a board-certified, licensed chiropractor, and the founder and clinical director of WellSource Spine & Wellness. He is a graduate of Life Chiropractic College, and serves as faculty. Dr. Shapiro is a member of the Georgia Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractic Association. He regularly donates his time and services to community causes, such as the local food bank, Operation Homefront, Tucker High School Scholarship fund, Special Olympics, Salvation Army and more. WellSource is a designated facility to care for active duty and first year veterans at no charge, and is a training facility for new doctors of chiropractic through Life University and Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Shapiro is a published author and engaging speaker on topics of natural health.
Relief For Headaches In Women
H
Headaches can be annoying, painful and downright debilitating. They can affect all aspects of life including work, leisure activities, and most importantly, relationships. It is important to understand that this pain is not normal. It is your body’s warning sign that something is amiss and needs to be addressed. Prestigious medical research shows that most headaches originate in the neck. Women experience headaches 50% more often, for longer periods of time and more severely than men do and are two and a half times more likely to suffer from migraines. Two common spinal conditions of the neck that contribute to headaches, regardless of whether they are tension or migraine headaches: hypolordosis, loss or even reversal of the normal neck curve in the spine; and forward head posture (FHP), when the head does not sit squarely over the shoulders, putting pressure on the muscles, ligaments, discs and the spinal cord. Natural and painless correction of these structural abnormalities is our clinical specialty and expertise at WellSource Spine & Wellness. A majority of our patients report a decrease or elimination of headaches within days or just a couple of weeks. WellSource Spine & Wellness is Atlanta’s premiere and most
www.GeorgiaWJ.com
technologically advanced, state of the art, Whole Body Comprehensive Spine and Wellness Center. Located in Tucker, Georgia, our mission is to be the community source for optimal health and healing in the greater Atlanta area. We have created an all-natural, comprehensive wellness facility to empower you to live a happier, healthier, longer life. To that end, headaches and other pain often get in the way of reaching your health potential. To see if your headaches might be a result of poor spinal structure that is correctable, mention this Women’s Journal article for a FREE consultation. Just call our office to schedule a potentially life-changing meeting.
scientific approach to care, which allows us to achieve consistent, predictable results over time. We can actually restore the spine to an optimal position for the vast majority of our patients by combining restorative spinal adjustment techniques with stretching and strengthening exercises specifically designed for each patient’s needs. Our advanced therapies and treatments lead to highly successful outcomes, as compared to traditional chiropractic or physical therapy regimens. We strive to take our patients from pain relief into full spinal restoration, for life long health and vitality, not just a short term fix. With our Spinal Restoration protocol, we treat the cause of health issues, not just the symptoms. This is because postural misalignment of the spine can lead to a wide variety of other problems. The spinal cord transfers energy from our brain down into every nerve, cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and system in the body. When the spine is misaligned, it decreases the flow of this energy in our spinal cord like a dam in a river. When the energy cannot flow properly through the spine, the nerves, organs, and body systems, cease to function to their potential and symptoms often arise. Misalignment can be caused by stress, overexertion, trauma, car accidents, or even normal, everyday activities. Spinal misalignments can cause pinched nerves, muscle spasms, headaches, back pain, neck pain, slipped discs, and sciatica. Application of WellSource Spinal Restorative care has helped to relieve or eliminate these symptoms, as well as a host of other conditions, such as ADHD, allergies, asthma, stomach problems, bedwetting, carpal tunnel syndrome, colic, ear infections, PMS, scoliosis, whiplash, etc. As the spine returns to proper positioning, the stress on the nervous system is reduced and the body begins
Our Well-Coaches create a healing, enthusiastic environment, focusing on positive reinforcement, encouragement, and patient education. Ultimately, we want to prevent disease and illness in order to make this world a better, healthier, more vibrant place. We encourage patients to change their language and lifestyles from a focus on pain to a focus on healing, including newborns to the elderly and everyone in between. Through the WellSource Spinal Restoration Protocol, we utilize a comprehensive, systematic,
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to heal itself. As such, we can often bring our patients out of pain and back to normal function without the need for medications or surgery. WellSource offers a full menu of services, utilizing the latest in therapeutic technology: WellSource Spinal Restoration: Proper Structure = Proper Function Have you ever driven your car when it was out of alignment? The car does not perform at its best, but even more troubling is what is happening to different parts of the car. The tires are wearing on one side, the mechanical system is wearing down, and extra stress is being put on the components. Over a period of time, things start to break down. It is the same with the spine. If your spine is not in the proper positioning, your vertebrae, like your tires, will wear thin. This is called degenerative arthritis. We cannot reverse the degeneration that has already taken place, but we can work to stop its progression. Our restorative protocol is pleasant, not painful. It is permanent, not temporary. It is exciting and life changing.
Health Medical and
Power Plate® Advanced Vibration Technology: Vibrate Your World We are proud to be one of very few facilities in the greater Atlanta area to offer Power Plate® Acceleration TrainingTM to our patients. We craft specific exercise protocols to each patient in order to maximize the benefits of this exciting technology! Whole Body Vibration therapy has been shown in numerous studies to help build core strength, muscle tone, and bone density. It can help decrease pain and increase flexibility, endurance, circulation, range of motion, coordination, stability, and balance. Regular use of the Power Plate® can reduce cellulite and increase metabolism, promoting weight loss and proper body fat composition. K-Laser®: Drug Free, Surgery Free, Pain Free At WellSource, we promote healing at the cellular level with our pain free Class IV K-Laser® therapy. Laser therapy has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, and to improve healing time and circulation. The laser’s infrared light interacts with the body’s tissues, bringing nutrients, hydration and oxygen to the injured areas. This therapy can help to improve pain and mobility in shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Studies have shown laser therapy to be effective in the treatment of arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament sprains, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, burns, scars and more. Disc Decompression: Decompress to De-stress Our Decompression Therapy can help relieve sciatic, low back, neck pain and headaches. Most importantly, it can also help avoid back surgery by allowing bulging, herniated, or degenerated discs to naturally re-seat themselves to normal
position. Decompression Therapy works by specifically targeting and stretching the problem areas of the spine, thus creating a controlled unloading of the vertebra. This targeted traction technique relieves pressure on the discs, allowing blood and nutrients to nourish the damaged discs, which encourages the discs to gradually heal from the inside out over the course of treatment.
to flex for your foot type and weight. These full arch contact orthotics work dynamically during weight-bearing activities, and work in a biomechanically correct way to correct your foot posture and position over time. With a stable foundation, posture can improve, and whole body functionality can be enhanced. Digital X-ray: Seeing is Believing and Understanding We are proud to be one of the few private practices in the area to offer digital orthopedic quality films, which is a low radiation exposure system that uploads your films directly into our computer. We then use digital software to analyze and mark the images to allow you to actually see the position of a normal healthy spine in comparison with your own image.
WellSource Weight Loss: Fat Loss Forever! We all want to be healthy and that means getting our bodies back to a healthy condition. WellSource is proud to offer the Ideal Protein® nutritional weight loss protocol. Get your body back on track by losing weight, looking great and KEEPING IT OFF FOREVER! The four phase approach is scientifically designed to target the burning of fat through ketosis, which means using fat for energy instead of storing it, all while retaining lean muscle mass. With affordable, gourmet foods that actually taste great, plus lean meats, fish and veggies, this diet is easy to stick to, and leaves you feeling full and satisfied, with cravings becoming a thing of the past. You can even stick to the protocol while eating out with friends and family!
FREE Community Workshops, Every Tuesday and Thursday Night Twice weekly, from 6:15-7 p.m. at WellSource, the doctor leads interactive, very informative and highly entertaining workshops entitled “Regain Your Youth and
The protocol is designed to detoxify and actually “reset” your body so that you can metabolize foods normally going forward after meeting your weight loss goal. Resetting your metabolism, in conjunction with fat loss, allows many dieters to positively impact a wide variety of health concerns.
Vitality” and “Fat Loss Forever!” Our motto is: “stop suffering and start enjoying life again,” because where other systems have failed, ours has been successful. The only side effects are improved health and vitality. In “Regain Your Youth and Vitality,” the doctor shares with the community how to reverse the aging process of the spine and nervous system through our highly effective and life-changing Spinal Restoration Protocol. In “Fat Loss Forever!” he shares the keys to successful, permanent fat loss, including resetting your body’s metabolism and the elimination of cravings. There is no charge to attend our community workshops, and bringing friends, loved ones and co-workers is highly encouraged. You might just change a person’s life. We ask that you RSVP as seating is limited: 770938-4606. WellSource: 2347 Brockett Road in Tucker, at the corner of LaVista Road. Come Discover Why WellSource is Your Source for Optimal Health & Healing
770 938 4606 2347 Brockett Road Tucker, GA 30084 www.MyTuckerChiropractor.com Monday 10:00 - 1:00 & 3:30 - 6:00 Tuesday 3:30 - 6:00 Wednesday 10:00 - 1:00 & 3:30 - 6:00 Thursday 10:00 - 1:00 & 3:30 - 6:00 Friday 10:00 - 1:00
Customized Orthotics: Stabilize Your Foundation WellSource’s customized foot orthotics are more than just a shoe insert, they are custom molded to your feet in our office, and individually calibrated
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Health Medical and
Tell me about Probiotics and GI Disorders
By Maria Georgsson, M.D.
Dr. Maria Georgsson is a gastroenterologist at Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates in Flemington, NJ. She completed her medical school and internal medicine residencies at Columbia University College Physicians andindicates Surgeons NYC, andGG did Lactibacillus her gastroenterology at SUNY Stony uncover & Active of Cultures seal which that in rhamnosus, immune system. The information acidophilus, fellowship Brook, NY. Sheproduced has been practice 1996. She lives inand Hunterdon County with her husband when initially theyincontained at since by scientists and healthcareand providers to da Lactobacillus bulgaricus other bacterial three daughters. least 100 million cultures per gram of viable strains either alone or when used in combi- appear to support the use of probiotics fo
bacteria. In addition, not all probiotics are nation with other bacterial strains. variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Th alike and given the many thousands of bactesaid the truth remains that the long-te ria that are available it should not be surpris- Other medical studies have evaluated the role benefits of probiotics at the present time a ing that there is considerable debate and un- of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome and unknown. It remains the consensus opini certainty about which strains of bacteria are the results suggest that patients with diar- among healthcare providers that a healt most benefi cial to patients. A useful websiteOther rhea-predominant and gas /bloat symptoms diet high in fiber and low in fat as well relatives (parents, siblings, foods casetoat aplenty gluten free bakery (above). that you may wish to visit should you want of exercise is the best medicine for t appear to benefi t the most. It is The important children) of those who have that frequently Gluten free biscotti (below). See... it’sprese more information is www.Aboutyogurt.com majority of the population. At the note that there is little consistent data on the been diagnosed. Interestingly, contain gluten- possible to eat yummy gluten free!probi time the longand term be benefi ts of using best dose of probiotics that should be used there also a high has incidence pastas, A roleis for probiotics long beenofrecog-marinades. and the most advantageous time to use them. ics are unknown as are the long term risk gluten intolerance degree coating mixes, nized by the alternativeinorfirst “complementary” In addition, many of the studies were only In addition the benefits of using probiot relatives patientsbutdiagnosed medicine of proponents, only recently havecommunion conducted forwakers, a short period of time and with are not long lasting and will likely disa probiotics been viewed by more members ofcroutons, with celiac disease. broth,enrollment so that definitive pear within 2 to 4 weeks after you stop usi limited patient the medical community as having beneficialbreading, basting, answers were not obtained. Further research them. It is important to remember that if y How is a gluten allergy/ properties. More specifi cally, celiac some membersimitation seafood or have any serious medical problems or lon into the use of probiotics is on-going. of the medical community now see the use of disease diagnosed? standing medical problems that you spe bacon, processed probiotics in a favorable especially its Probably the best studied diseases that have with your health care provider before taki The diagnosis is initiallylight made meats, sauces, suppression of the growth of diseasewith a blood test. These tests produc-stuffings, shown patient benefit from the use of pro- probiotics. ing bacteria, as well its favorable biotics are the inflammatory bowel diseases have improved in as recent yearsimpactcommercial on improving the barrier function of the gut, -- ulcerative cereals colitis and Crohn’s Disease -and are now extremely good altering the immune system to reduce inflam- which can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, at detecting celiac disease. that are mation, and even pain perception. Foods Pagealtering 2 August/September 2013 intestinal blockage and rectal bleeding. Once a patient is found to allowed: Dr. Maria Georgsson is a gastroenterolog There is consistent data that probiotics, in What adata exists? blood Certaintest, medical have positive an studiestapioca, quinoa, conjunction with the other medications used at Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates have shown the potential benefi ts of for probiot-rice, endoscopy is recommended beans, treat thesemillet, diseases, have helped to reduce Flemington, NJ. She completed her medic ics in visualization a variety of intestinal disordersofsuchnuttoflours, school and internal medicine residencies direct and biopsy potato, as antibiotic-associated This is the the incidence of some of the debilitating Columbia University College of Physicia the small bowel. Thisdiarrhea. is a simple corn, sorghum, soy, symptoms. setting where probiotics are most commonly
The Problem With Gluten
By Maria Georgsson, M.D.
R
This purpose of this article is to provide some answers to questions by patients about Recently, glutenraised has been much probiotics and gastrointestinal disorders. maligned as a cause of a variety Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, grown eiof therunpleasant in a laboratorygastrointestinal or in cultured milk prodsymptoms. Gluten freeintestinal diets health ucts that have shown certain have become very popular, benefits such as reducing unpleasant symptouted improve general toms (gas,tobloating, diarrhea and abdominal cramping) as well as boostingWhat the immune health and well-being. system. is the basis of these beliefs? Is
a gluten free diet something In order for a patient to understand the poyou may tentialhave beneficonsidered? ts of probiotics it Ithelps to have be of help to understand some a basic understanding of the bacterial makefundamental about up of the colon. facts The colon is the last part whether a gluten diet is healthy of the intestine and infree an average individual contains notfirst billions, but rather right for you. Let’s answer trillionsbasic of bacteria. More specifically, scisome questions.
entists have identified more than 1000 different species of bacteria that may be found What is gluten? within theis colon. The bacterial makeup of Gluten a protein found in each person’s colon – and the careful balance barley, wheat, rye and related of each type of bacteria that is present - is grains. Some of the more different: some bacteria within the colon are common foods containing necessary for health and help to break down gluten breads, cakes, food and include drugs as well as maintain a healthy cereals, pasta some balance within theand digestive system. Other alcohols. Gluten is alsoand found in bacteria are not so “friendly” contribute non-food items such as lip balm, to the unpleasant symptoms described above – gas, bloating,play etc. - dough. while others may actumedicines, ally increase the risk of disease. A variety of What gluten allergy? factors is canaalter the balance of these bacteria within the colon. Antibiotics and certain inIngesting gluten when you are fections can kill benefi cial bacteria and allow allergic to it causes inflammation the overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria. or irritation to the small
intestine, primary Where can the I getbody’s Probiotics? As indicated absorptive organ. This willin promotprobiotics may offer some hope decrease body’s abilityare toavailing beneficialthe bacteria. Probiotics able in two primary forms: dairy and products, absorb important nutrients most often yogurt, as well as in The an over-thecan cause malnutrition. counter capsule As yogurt is a or dairy symptoms of form. a gluten allergy, product, people ingesting yogurt for the celiac disease, vary and may probiotic benefit should not be lactose intolerinclude diarrhea, abdominal ant, as this may counteract the benefits of the pain, irritability, depression, probiotics. In those people, capsule form of gas/ bloat, anemia, weight loss, probiotics is preferable. fatigue, weakness, skin rashes, Despiteor thejoint fact that there or areno only two pribone pains, mary forms ofatprobiotics the array of availsymptoms all. When gluten able products from containing is removed the probiotics diet the can be confusing. For example, most yogurts do small intestine begins to heal not specify the amount of probiotics that and symptoms Bear may they contain while improve. only a few yogurts in mind that most patients with Live have the National Yogurt Association’s symptoms of abdominal pain, gas/ bloat and diarrhea do not have celiac disease. The incidence of celiac disease in the general population is approximately 1 in every 150 people, though about only 10% have been diagnosed. . There is also a hereditary component to celiac disease. There is a high incidence of celiac disease in first degree
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Health&Medicine
Tell me about Probiotics and GI Disorders
and Surgeons in NYC, and did her gastroe test that takes approximately used at the present time. It is noteworthybuckwheat, teff terology fellowship at SUNY Stony Brook, N cancers, especially lymphoma. 10 minutes and provides the that the protective effects did not vary signif- Is there a role for probiotics in the healthy She has been in practice since 1996. She liv This is not the case with gluten What is gluten intolerance? definitive diagnosis. icantly between the different strains of probi- individual? Probiotics have been advertised in Hunterdon County with her husband and intolerance. as promoting good health andaimproving the intolerance is not daughters. otics- Sacharomyces boulardi, lactobacillusGluten If you want to be tested for true allergy. people with Where can I get more celiac disease it is important & Active Cultures seal which indicates that rhamnosus, GG Lactibacillus acidophilus, immune system. The information uncovered gluten intolerance develop and other bacterial by scientists and healthcare providers to date when initially produced they contained at Lactobacillus bulgaricus information? that you NOT be on a gluten varied symptoms strains either alone or when used in combi- appear to support the use of probiotics for a least 100 million cultures per gramwhen of viable they variety of gastrointestinal disorders. strains. is much bacteria. In addition, not all probiotics are nation with other bacterial There information and That free diet at the time of testing. ingest gluten. These symptoms said the truth remains that the long-term alike and given the many thousands of bactemisinformation on the internet. By Maria Georgsson, M.D. ria that are available it should not be surpris- Other medical studies have evaluated the role benefits of probiotics at the present time are The reason being that when include gas/ bloat, diarrhea, ing that there is considerable debate and un- of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome and unknown. It remains the consensus opinion Here are respected websites purpose ofdisease this article is to go provide some fatigue, people with This celiac certainty about which strains of bacteria are the results suggest that patients with diar- among healthcare providers that a healthy irritability, constipation answers to questions raised by patients about most beneficial to patients. A useful website rhea-predominant and gas /bloat symptoms diet high in fiber and low in fat as well as that can provide you with more on a gluten free all of thedisorders. and probioticsdiet and gastrointestinal pain. appear to benefit the most. It is important to plenty of exercise is the best medicine for the that you abdominal may wish to visit should you want You Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, grown ei- more information is www.Aboutyogurt.com note that there is little consistent of the population. At the present data on the majority information on celiac disease bloodwork becomes normal there is a broad ther in a laboratory or in cultured milk prod- can see that the long term benefits of using probiotbest dose of probiotics that should be used time GASTROENTEROLOGY • HEPATOLOGY • INTERNAL MEDICINE and gluten: ucts that have shown certain health A role for probiotics has long been recog- and the most advantageous after a few months and allintestinal of the ics are unknown as are the long term risks. time to use them. overlap in the symptoms of nized by the alternative benefits such as DRIVE reducing unpleasant symp- 206, In addition the benefits of using probiotics were only END 1100toWESCOTT • SUITE SUITE 207or “complementary” In addition, many of the studies 135 WEST AVENUE www.csaceliacs.org medicine proponents, but only recently have conducted for a short period of time and damage the small toms (gas, bloating,intestine diarrhea and abdominal gluten with are not long lasting and will likely disapallergy and gluten probiotics been viewed by more members of limited patient enrollment NEW JERSEY, 08822 well as boosting the immune SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY 08876 pear within 2 to 4 weeks after you stop using so that definitive www.celiac.org resolves. It FLEMINGTON, iscramping) hardasto convince the medical community asHowever, having beneficial there system. intolerance. are answers were not obtained. Further research them. It is important to remember that if you properties. More specifically, some members into the use of probiotics is on-going. have any serious medical problems or longsomeone who feels better off of In order for a patient to understand the po- important distinctions. of the medical community now see the use of Gluten standing medical problems that you speak Other good resources include: tential benefi ts of probiotics it helps to have probiotics in a favorable light especially its gluten to resume eating it. If you Probably the best studied diseases that have with your health care provider before taking lifetime diagnosis, a basic understanding of the bacterial make- allergy suppression ofis thea growth of disease- producGluten Group shown patient benefit from the use ofIntolerance pro- probiotics. up of the colon. The colon is the last part ing bacteria, as well as its favorable impact are contemplating eliminating biotics are the inflammatory bowel diseases gluten intolerance of the intestine and in an average healthy whereas on improving the barrier function of the gut, -- ulcerative colitis andof North America Phone Crohn’s Disease -gluten in your dietcontains thennotI billions, but rather can individual altering the immune system wane, to reduce inflamwax and and can which can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, (206) 246-6652 trillions of bacteria. More specifically, sci- mation, Kenneth J. DiGregorio, M.D. Samuel Y. Bae, Gilbert and even altering pain M.D. perception. intestinal blockage and rectal bleeding.S. Cardoso, D.O. recommend you have the blood entists have identified more than 1000 dif- improve over time. Untreated Dr. Maria Georgsson is a gastroenterologist Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate Osteopathic There is consistent data that probiotics, in American Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology What data exists? Certain medical studies ferent species of bacteria that may be found at Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates in work to test for celiac disease with the other medications used Board Diplomate American Board Gastroenterology Diplomate of Internal Medicine disease can leadconjunction to have shown the potential benefi ts of probiotNational Center for Nutrition within the colon. ofThe bacterial makeup of celiac to treat these diseases, have helped to reduce Flemington, NJ. She completed her medical each person’s colon – diet. and the careful balance ics in a variety of intestinal disorders such prior to changing your school and Board internal of medicine residencies at Gastroenterology of theDiplomate debilitating American malabsorption ofThis important Dietetics, American diarrhea. is the the incidence of someand of each type of bacteria that is present - is as antibiotic-associated Columbia University College of Physicians Andrea Goldstein, M.D. symptoms. setting where probiotics are most commonly different:M.D. some bacteria within the colon are nutrients and Surgeons in NYC, and did her gastroenJason Matthews, and canBoard increase the Diplomate American of Internal Medicine Dietetic Association Phone Cherag Daruwala, M.D. terology fellowship at SUNY Stony Brook, NY. necessary for healthfor and help to break down used at the present time. It is noteworthy What is theAmerican treatment celiac Is there a role for probiotics inDiplomate the healthy American Diplomate Board of Internal Medicine that theDiplomate American Board of Gastroenterology Board of Internal She has been in practice since 1996. Medicine She lives protective effects did not vary signiffood and drugs as well as maintain a healthy risk of developing intestinal 366-1655 individual? Probiotics (800) have been advertised disease? in Hunterdon County with her husband and 3
908-483-4000
908-483-4000
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Diplomate American Boardtheofdigestive Gastroenterology balance within system. Other
are not so “friendly” and contribute Currently thebacteria only treatment to the unpleasant symptoms described above – gas, bloating, etc. - while others may actufor Maria celiac diseaseM.D. is strict Georgsson, ally increase the risk of disease. A variety of Diplomate American Board ofbalance Gastroenterology avoidance of gluten. factors can alter the of these bacteria the colon. Antibiotics and certain inFortunately, within with increased fections can kill beneficial bacteria and allow the overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria. publicity of celiac disease there Where can I get Probiotics? As are many more gluten free indicated probiotics may offer some hope in promoting benefi bacteria. Probiotics are availfoods available incialsupermarkets able in two primary forms: dairy products, and restaurants. It is very most often yogurt, as well as in an over-thecounter capsule form. As yogurt is a dairy helpful to see a dietitian with product, people ingesting yogurt for the probiotic benefi t should not be lactose intolerexpertise in gluten free diets. ant, as this may counteract the benefits of the probiotics. In those people, capsule form of Here are some helpful hints: probiotics is preferable.
Despite the fact that there are only two priFoods to avoid: mary forms of probiotics the array of available products containing probiotics can be Grains to avoid- barley, rye, confusing. For example, most yogurts do wheat, spelt, triticale, kamut, not specify the amount of probiotics that they contain while only a few yogurts may einkorn have the National Yogurt Association’s Live
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icantly between the different strains of probiotics- Sacharomyces boulardi, lactobacillus
Diplomate as promoting good health and improving the American daughters.
Board of Gastroenterology
Reinhard G. Schwartz, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
GASTROENTEROLOGY • HEPATOLOGY • INTERNAL MEDICINE
1100 WESCOTT DRIVE • SUITE 206, SUITE 207 FLEMINGTON, NEW JERSEY, 08822
135 WEST END AVENUE SOMERVILLE, NEW JERSEY 08876
908-483-4000 W 908-483-4000 W W.HU N T E RD ONG AST RO. C OM WWW.HUNTERDONGASTRO.COM
Kenneth J. DiGregorio, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Jason Matthews, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Maria Georgsson, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Samuel Y. Bae, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Andrea Goldstein, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Gilbert S. Cardoso, D.O.
Diplomate American Osteopathic Diplomate Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Cherag Daruwala, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Reinhard G. Schwartz, M.D.
Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Diplomate American Board of Gastroenterology
Health Medical and
By Dr. Norma Rivera Mraz
Dr. Norma Rivera Mraz earned both her Bachelor of Arts (1985) and Master of Arts (1987) degrees from the University of Florida. She earned her Doctor of Audiology degree (2004) from the Arizona School of Health Sciences. After 10 years practicing audiology in Florida, she moved to Atlanta, GA in 1997, where she focused her efforts in the treatment of individuals who are afflicted with tinnitus and hyperacusis (abnormal sensitivity to sound). Dr. Rivera Mraz currently owns and operates Mraz Audiology Consulting, Inc., which specializes in hearing conservation, hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. The patient population served is newborn to adults. Mraz Audiology Consulting, Inc. focuses on providing the highest quality of care and professionalism to address each patient’s individualized hearing healthcare needs. Dr. Rivera Mraz speaks fluent English, Spanish, and Sign Language.
Ear Protection? Really?
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We’re ready to take that long-awaited, fun-in-the-sun summer beach holiday. Let’s get packing! Swimsuit – check, towel – check, flip flops – check, water – check, suntan lotion – check, check, check! Every one of these items serves a purpose: swimsuit to cover up appropriately, towel to dry off and wipe away the sticky sand, flip flops to avoid scorched feet, water to stay hydrated, and sunblock to keep that beautiful skin from burning! Why does all of this matter? Well, let’s focus specifically for a moment on the largest organ of the body – the skin – and the effects of sunburn. Direct sun exposure on unprotected skin not only turns the skin tomato red, but it also hurts at the slightest touch and can even blister (not to mention how unattractive it is to later have flaky skin fall off and peel away). The pain keeps you from wearing form-fitting clothes (or wanting to wear any at all); the water from a shower feels like pieces of broken glass raining down on your skin; quality sleep is not possible because laying down causes every part of your skin to feel like hot lava when it touches even the softest of sheets, which makes being “comfortable” a relative term. Neglecting to apply sunblock once or twice may be only temporarily problematic, but if the unprotected exposure becomes habitual, it can potentially lead to permanent or serious skin problems, from freckles to squamous cell carcinoma. So, how does sunburned skin relate to our ears? Simply put, just like our skin, our ears need proper protection. Unlike our skin, ears don’t shed and regrow. We get only one pair, and if we abuse them, they will surrender by way of hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing ears), and/ or sound sensitivity.
Holiday gift giving is behind us, but the cool toys for the kiddies are worth mentioning. Be sure to research the noise levels of the toys you are considering before wrapping any dangerous “audible” gifts. Toy manufacturers offer an assortment of toys, from frivolous to educational. Some of these toys produce sound levels that exceed safe volumes for our little tykes (e.g., the Leap Frog Chat & Count Cell Phone emits 100 decibels of sound). The child gleefully pushes the brightly colored buttons and holds the phone close to his ears, and has unknowingly begun exposing his ears to dangerous noise levels that can cause permanent ear problems. Because these conditions are invisible, they can go undetected for a period of time. Since a child may not be able to clearly verbalize the problem, he may demonstrate it with inattentiveness, mood swings, behavior problems, and comprehension difficulties.
Loud noise doesn’t bother me. Besides, I’m no sissy!
As adults, we all like to think we’re invincible, but as incidents and accidents occur in our lives, we realize that’s not the case. Using the proper ear protection germane to any loud activity in which we participate doesn’t make us weak; on the contrary, it demonstrates that we understand the importance of protecting our ears so we can maintain our quality of life.
“Isn’t it too late for me to do anything about it now that the damage is done?”
True. But it’s not just a function of what bothers you at the moment but, rather, the longterm effects. As young, healthy adults, we don’t think that excessive noise exposure (or excessive anything for that matter) is now or ever will be a problem in the future, but it will in some way or another. A person afflicted with hearing issues, whether it be hearing loss, tinnitus, or sound sensitivity, will inevitably ask one or both of these excellent questions: “Why didn’t anyone ever tell me how to properly protect my ears?” Sadly, there is no good answer to this question other than to say that it’s a shame our education and medical communities have not put forth the necessary public awareness efforts to enable people to make smart choices in conserving their hearing.
Absolutely not! Education empowers us with the knowledge to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. It also teaches us to how to preserve what we still have and be proactive in addressing the ear problem that exists. Hearing conservation products are readily available today. Call your audiologist to help you implement a hearing health care plan that addresses your particular needs.
But isn’t it true that exposing our ears to loud noise makes them stronger? FALSE! Exposure to loud noises doesn’t build calluses in our ears that make them able to withstand damage. Our ears are delicate yet dynamic instruments that can endure a lot, but only within reason. In order to maintain our ears’ optimal performance, we need only give them due attention. In return, our rewards are brilliantly experienced, from richness of sound to beauty of silence!
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Peanut Allergy
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Signs and symptoms There’s a difference between peanut allergy and peanut intolerance. Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether you are allergic or intolerant to peanuts. Peanut intolerance - If you have peanut intolerance, you usually can eat small amounts of peanuts with only mild symptoms, such as indigestion or heartburn, or no reaction at all. A peanut intolerance doesn’t involve your immune system. Peanut allergy - An allergy to peanuts involves an immune system response. Even a tiny amount of peanuts may trigger a serious allergic reaction. Tests can help determine whether you have true peanut allergy. Peanut allergies trigger an immune system response. Your immune system reacts to proteins found in peanuts. Exposure to peanuts or traces of peanuts may cause immediate reactions, such as itching, redness, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, nausea, abdominal pain, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness (anaphylaxis).The chemicals in peanuts can cause hives to develop on the areas of your skin that have come in contact with peanuts or traces of peanuts. Hives may spread to the rest of your body. Allergic reactions to peanuts usually occur within minutes after exposure, although reactions within an hour or so after ingestion are possible. Signs and symptoms can range in severity depending on which body systems are involved in a reaction and how much peanut protein you’ve been exposed to. The most serious and potentially deadly allergic reaction to peanuts is an anaphylactic response. If you are highly sensitive, an anaphylactic reaction can develop immediately after peanut exposure, causing the airways (bronchi) to constrict, making breathing difficult. Blood pressure may drop to life-threateningly low levels, making you feel dizzy or lose consciousness. Other serious signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction include: • Wheezing
Arachis oil - This is another name for peanut oil. Pure peanut oil usually doesn’t trigger allergic reactions because peanut proteins are usually removed during processing. However, peanut oil can become contaminated with peanut proteins. Artificial tree nuts - Peanuts can be flavored to taste like other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. Chocolate candies - Some chocolate candies are produced on equipment that is also used for processing peanuts or peanut-containing foods.
Histamine and other body chemicals cause a range of allergic signs and symptoms. Histamine is partly responsible for most allergic responses, including runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat, rashes and hives, nausea, diarrhea, labored breathing and even anaphylactic shock.
Cultural foods - Some African, Chinese, Indonesian, Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese dishes often contain peanuts or are exposed to peanuts during restaurant preparation. Nut butters - Nut butters, such as cashew nut butter, are often processed by the same equipment used to make peanut butter.
Exposure to peanuts can occur in three ways: Direct contact - The most common cause of peanut allergy is direct contact with peanuts. This means exposure via all routes of contact usually through eating peanuts, but including kissing or touching someone who’s been in direct contact with peanuts.
Specialty items - Foods sold in bakeries and ice cream shops may come in contact with peanuts.
Cross contact - This is the unintended introduction of peanuts into a product. It’s generally the result of exposure to peanuts during processing or handling of a food product.
Risk factors It isn’t clear why some people develop allergies while others don’t. However, people with certain risk factors have a greater chance of developing peanut allergy:
Sunflower seeds - Many brands of sunflower seeds are processed on equipment also used to produce peanuts.
Inhalation - An allergic reaction may occur if you inhale dust or aerosols containing peanuts, such as that of peanut flour or peanut oil cooking spray.
Family history of allergies You’re at increased risk of peanut allergy if other allergies, especially other types of food allergies, are common in your family. A child’s first allergic reaction to peanuts usually occurs between ages 1 and 2.
Common food products that can trigger peanut allergy symptoms if they contain peanut proteins include:
Personal history of peanut allergy - About 20 percent to 25 percent of children with peanut allergy outgrow it. However, even if you seem to have outgrown peanut allergy, there is still a small risk it will recur.
• Peanut butter • Peanut flour • Ground or mixed nuts • Baked goods, such as cookies and pastries • Ice cream and frozen desserts
• Blueness of your skin, including your lips and nail beds
• Salad dressing
Altered immune system According to recent studies, the prevalence of peanut allergy has doubled in young American children in the last five years. Although reasons are unknown, some scientists believe that the destroying of many infectious diseases may have altered the immune system. Other experts suggest that improved hygiene
• Cereals and granola • Grain breads
• Dizziness
• Marzipan (a molding confection made of nuts, egg whites and sugar)
• Loss of consciousness
• Nougat
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Peanuts may be present in notso-obvious foods including:
Causes Peanut allergy is caused by an immune system malfunction. Your immune system identifies peanuts as harmful triggering the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the peanut protein (allergen). The next time you come in contact with peanuts, these IgE antibodies recognize it and signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream.
• Energy bars
• Nausea and vomiting
and
Seek emergency medical care if you or someone else develops an anaphylactic reaction.
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Diarrhea
Health Medical
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is involved, proposing that higher standards of cleanliness in Western countries may have confused our immune systems, increasing the chances of developing allergies later in life, when the immune system is usually more prepared to prevent allergies from occurring. When to seek medical advice Talk to your doctor if you think you’re allergic to peanuts or if you have peanut allergy symptoms. If possible, see your doctor while you have symptoms. Seek emergency medical treatment if you develop any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis. Screening and diagnosis Your doctor will want to know your signs and symptoms and may want to conduct a physical examination to identify or exclude other medical problems. He or she may also recommend one or both of the following tests: Skin test - In this test, your skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of the proteins found in peanuts to see if you have a skin test response. If you’re allergic, you develop a raised bump (hive) at the test location on your skin. Allergy specialists usually are best equipped to perform allergy skin tests. Blood test - A blood test can measure your immune system’s response to peanuts by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. A blood sample is sent to a medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to peanuts. Treatment Medications, such as antihistamines, may reduce symptoms of peanut allergies. These drugs can be taken after exposure to peanuts to control your reaction and help relieve discomfort. However, the only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid peanuts and peanut proteins altogether. Despite your best efforts, you may still come into contact with peanuts and have a severe reaction. In this case, you may need an emergency injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) and a trip to the emergency room. If you’re at risk of having a severe reaction, you may need to carry injectable epinephrine with you at all times. For more information call your pediatrician.
Health Medical and
By Gary Edward Barg About Caregiver Media Group Caregiver Media Group is the nation’s first integrated media organization serving caregivers online, in-print and in-person. Established in 1995, Caregiver Media Group has become the recognized media authority on caregiving through Today’s Caregiver magazine, Caregiver.com, the Fearless Caregiver Conferences, the award winning book - The Fearless Caregiver: How to get the best care for your loved one and still have a life of your own, as well as Caregiver Media Group’s award winning content and custom publications.
Caregiver Burnout
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Being able to cope with the strains and stresses of being a Caregiver is part of the art of Caregiving. In order to remain healthy so that we can continue to be Caregivers, we must be able to see our own limitations and learn to care for ourselves as well as others. It is important for all of us to make the effort to recognize the signs of burnout, In order to do this we must be honest and willing to hear feedback from those around us. This is especially important for those caring for family or friends. Too often Caregivers who are not closely associated with the healthcare profession get overlooked and lost in the commotion of medical emergencies and procedures. Otherwise close friends begin to grow distant, and eventually the Caregiver is alone without a support structure. We must allow those who do care for us, who are interested enough to say something, to tell us about our behavior, a noticed decrease in energy or mood changes. Burnout isn’t like a cold. You don’t always notice it when you are in its clutches. Very much like Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, the symptoms of burnout can begin surfacing months after a traumatic episode. The following are symptoms we might notice
in ourselves, or others might say they see in us. Think about what is being said, and consider the possibility of burnout. • Feelings of depression. • A sense of ongoing and constant fatigue. • Decreasing interest in work. • Decrease in work production. • Withdrawal from social contacts. • Increase in use of stimulants and alcohol. • Increasing fear of death. • Change in eating patterns. • Feelings of helplessness Strategies to ward off or cope with burnout are important. To counteract burnout, the following specific strategies are recommended • Participate in a support network. • Consult with professionals to explore burnout issues. • Attend a support group to receive feedback and coping strategies. • Vary the focus of caregiving responsibilities if possible (rotate responsibilities with family members). • Exercise daily and maintain a healthy diet. • Establish “quiet time” for meditation.
• Get a weekly massage
their caregiving journey.
• Stay involved in hobbies.
We had great feedback about his presentation and his presence at the retreat. He has a warm, easygoing personality and is an excellent communicator. He is very knowledgeable in his field and uplifting as a presenter. He helped make our conference a time of renewal for our local caregivers….
By acknowledging the reality that being a Caregiver is filled with stress and anxiety, and understanding the potential for burnout, Caregivers can be forewarned and guard against this debilitating condition. As much as it is said, it can still not be said too often, the best way to be an effective Caregiver is to take care of yourself. Article by Dr. M. Ross Seligson M. Ross Seligson, Ph.D., P.A., is a Licensed Psychologist in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. He has supported Caregivers in his community for a number of years, including participation in AIDS, Mental Health, Cancer and Educational organizations. © caregiver.com and Today’s Caregiver magazine, 1-800829-2734 Reprinted with Permission Testimonial As Family Caregiver Coordinator with an Area Agency on Aging, I was familiar with Gary’s work through Today’s Caregiver magazine and the book The Fearless Caregiver. Gary was a great choice as our keynote speaker. His message of how to become a fearless caregiver was truly appreciated by our audience. He gave them encouragement and hope in
Gary Edward Barg, Author, The Fearless Caregiver A noted speaker, writer and publisher on caregiving issues since 1995, Gary Barg is Founder and Editor-In-Chief of the first national magazine for caregivers, Today’s Caregiver, as well the original online caregiver community, caregiver.com. Today’s Caregiver magazine and caregiver.com combine information, advice and reader’s stories with interviews with celebrity caregiver such as Leeza Gibbons, Rob Lowe, Dana Reeve, Barbara Eden and Debbie Reynolds, among others. Gary created The Fearless Caregiver Conferences, hosted across the country, which brings together caregivers to share their knowledge and experience and wisdom. His book, The Fearless Caregiver, is filled with practical advice, poetry and inspirational stories. His awards include, the Mature Media Award for writing, International Television Association Golden Reel Award and the Southern Gerontological Society Media Award. Gary serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, National Adult Day Services Association and a Member of the Board, American Association for Caregiver Education.His interviews include; The Today Show, Bloomberg Radio Network, Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, USAToday, Miami Herald, NPR Diane Rehm Show, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Parade Magazine.
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- B. Wooden Family Caregiver Coordinator, Joplin, Mo
Gary Edward Barg, CEO Editor-In-Chief Caregiver Media Group Today’s Caregiver magazine Fearless Caregiver Conferences Caregiver Friendly Awards Caregiver.com T: 954.362.8121 T: 800.829.2734 extension 121 F: 954.585.9201 Gary@caregiver.com Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly email newsletter at http://caregiver.com/subscribe/subscribe_newsletter.htm
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Health Medical and
By Maurice Nahabedian, MD, FACS Professor of Plastic Surgery Georgetown University Hospital Maurice Nahabedian, MD, FACS is currently a Professor of Plastic Surgery, Vice Chairman for Clinical Affairs, and Chief of the Division of Microvascular Reconstruction in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University Hospital. His primary clinical and research interests are focused on breast as well as abdominal wall reconstruction. He has published over 130 manuscripts, editorials, and discussions as well as 42 book chapters on a variety of topics that include breast reconstruction and
Breast Reconstruction...
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Recent studies have demonstrated that only about 33% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will receive breast reconstruction following removal of all or part of the breast. This number seems alarmingly low when one considers the advancements and benefits that breast reconstruction can provide. Advancements in breast surgery have occurred based on our improved understanding tumor biology as well as our ability to reconstruct a breast with very natural shape, contour, and volume. Some of the advancements include partial mastectomy instead of total mastectomy, oncoplastic surgery, nipplesparing mastectomy, autologous reconstruction using perforator flaps, and prosthetic reconstruction with various shaped devices and biologic materials. Some of the benefits of breast reconstruction include improved body image, improved self-esteem, reassurance that a normal appearance can be achieved, and a willingness to educate and help other women who have to make many difficult decisions regarding their reconstructive options. Who are Candidates for Breast Reconstruction? All women that are diagnosed with breast cancer that will be having surgical removal or the tumor or breast (partial or total mastectomy), should be provided the opportunity to consult with a plastic surgeon. Not all women will need breast reconstruction because the majority of women with breast cancer will choose to have breast conservation in which the treatment is a lumpectomy (tumor excision with a 1-2 mm margin) and postoperative radiation therapy without the need for reconstruction. However, in women that will
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need a partial mastectomy (tumor excision with 1 – 3 cm margin) or total mastectomy (complete removal of the breast tissue), most will be able to undergo either immediate reconstruction (at the same time as the partial or total mastectomy) or delayed reconstruction (following the partial or total mastectomy). The main advantage of immediate reconstruction is that a woman will go to sleep with her breast and wake up with a new breast. Candidates for immediate reconstruction typically include those with early to mid stage breast cancers that are generally healthy. Delayed reconstruction is usually considered in women that have very advanced cancers or who have significant health related conditions such as cardiac disease, refractory tobacco use, or morbid obesity. The good news is that breast reconstruction will not interfere or impede with breast cancer surveillance. The reconstructive options for immediate and delayed reconstruction are generally the same; however, in women that had had prior radiation therapy, the reconstructive options may have to be individually tailored. Partial Mastectomy and Oncoplastic Surgery Oncoplastic surgery is a relative new reconstructive option that consists of partial mastectomy and immediate or staged-immediate breast reshaping. Staged-immediate breast reshaping is considered in some women when total removal of the breast cancer is uncertain immediately following tumor removal. In these cases, once the pathology confirms complete removal, the reshaping is scheduled. The options for breast reshaping include breast reduction, mastopexy, use of implants, or
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the use of flaps. Breast reduction is most often considered in women with large or ptotic breasts that would otherwise be good candidates for this operation. Even though the breast cancer may be in only one breast, the reshaping procedures are typically performed on both breasts at the same time in order to achieve balance and symmetry. A required component of oncoplastic surgery is postoperative radiation therapy. The purpose of radiation is to destroy microscopic cancer cells potentially remaining in the breast. The goal of oncoplastic surgery is to perform the breast reshaping prior to the radiation therapy. This is because revising a breast after radiation is associated with more difficulty and can sometimes result in delayed healing and suboptimal contour. The advantages of these oncoplastic procedures are that patient satisfaction is very high because a mastectomy is avoided, the nipple areolar complex is usually preserved, and surgical outcomes are usually excellent. Nipple Sparing Mastectomy In most women with breast cancer that are having a mastectomy, a skin sparing (SSM) approach is used. With this technique, the nipple and the areola are removed with a small rim of adjacent breast skin. Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) is relatively novel approach to improving surgical and aesthetic outcomes following total mastectomy. With this technique, the nipple and the areola are not removed. Although NSM has aesthetic advantages, it is not recommended for all women having mastectomy. This approach is frequently performed in women having prophylactic mastectomy (no breast cancer) who have mild
to moderate breast volume. Women with “D” cup or larger breasts are sometimes not candidates because of the risk of nipple death or necrosis. NSM is sometimes recommended for women with breast cancer that have certain tumor and breast characteristics. The primary tumor characteristics are that the tumor be less than 2.5 cm in diameter and that it be at least 3 cm away from the nipple-areolar complex. These distances are recommended to reduce the risk that tumor cells would be left behind following the mastectomy because many of the sites where the tumors are located are ultimately connected to the nipple via a systems of ducts. Consultation with a breast and plastic surgeon is necessary to determine candidacy for NSM. It is important to keep in mind that whether the mastectomy is nipple sparing or skin sparing, excellent aesthetic outcomes are possible. Reconstruction following NSM can be completed using either autologous tissue or prosthetic devices. Autologous Breast Reconstruction Breast reconstruction using ones own body tissues has been available since the early 1980’s. The primary donor sites at that time were the back (latissimus dorsi flap) and the abdomen (TRAM flap). Both of these options are still in use today and utilize the muscle, fat, and skin in the area. The tissues are tunneled under a skin bridge to the breast pocket and shaped into a breast. These flaps can create a nicely shaped breast but occasionally result in adverse events related to the donor sites because the muscle has been removed. Recent advancements with breast reconstruction using ones own tissues include the
Health Medical and
abdominal wall reconstruction. Dr. Nahabedian has been the principal editor of 3 textbooks and co-edited 2 textbooks focused on reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery and is in the process of completing a 6th textbook on abdominal wall reconstruction. He is the Section Editor for Breast Surgery with the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), serves on the editorial board for 3 other journals, and has reviewed manuscripts for 23 different journals. Dr. Nahabedian currently serves on the clinical symposia committee and the instructional course committee for the American Society of Plastic Surgery, is the PRS representative to the Joint Business Operations Committee, and is a frequent oral board examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In 2012, Dr Nahabedian chaired three national symposia that included the 4th Annual Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Conference, the Santa Fe Breast and Body Contouring Symposia, and the Challenging Complications in Plastic Surgery Conference. Dr. Nahabedian has also been a visiting professor 55 times over the past 8 years at various universities and hospitals around the country.
Considering Your Options and lasts forever. Women are usually able to continue with there normal activities without restriction. Women considering these options should be seen in consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.
use of more donor sites without the need to remove any of the muscle. The reconstructions are performed using only skin and fat and are referred to as perforator flaps. It is the skin and fat that make up the important components of a reconstructed breast. The most common and popular perforator flap is the DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) but other options include the SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery), SGAP (superior gluteal artery perforator), TAP (thoracodorsal artery perforator), IGAP (inferior gluteal artery perforator), and the PAP (profunda artery perforator). Although these perforator flaps are capable of producing excellent results, they are associated with more complexity because most require microsurgery. A small artery and vein associated with the flap has to be attached to a small artery and vein at the breast site using an operating microscope. These flaps can be performed for unilateral or bilateral breast reconstructions and typically require 4-6 hours and 6-10 hours respectively depending on the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. The main risks associated with these flaps is that there is a 1-3% chance of failure and a 4-6% chance of a donor site abnormality such as a bulge or fluid collection. The main advantage is that the reconstructed breast is usually soft and supple, resembles the original breast,
as well as the experience of the plastic surgeon.
Prosthetic Reconstruction Breast reconstruction using prosthetic devices remains the most common method of reconstruction in the USA and is utilized in approximately 75% of women. This is because it is relatively simple, has the potential for excellent aesthetic outcomes, and allows women to resume their normal activities sooner than some of the more complex operations. Ideal candidates for prosthetic reconstruction include women that are generally healthy, have a body mass index less than 30, and have mild to moderate breast volume. These operations can be performed in 1 or 2 stages. With the 1-stage reconstruction, a permanent implant is inserted following the mastectomy. This usually requires close coordination between the breast and plastic surgeon to ensure that the mastectomy is performed accordingly. With the 2-stage reconstruction, a tissue expander is temporarily inserted to either maintain the space or to further stretch the remaining breast skin following the mastectomy. The tissue expander is partially inflated during the initial operation and further expanded in the office. Once complete, the tissue expander is removed and replaced with a permanent implant. The permanent implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. They can be round or contoured, saline or silicone gel filled, smooth or textured surface. Selection of the optimal device will depend on the woman’s body and breast characteristics
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The use of acellular dermal matrices has facilitated the reconstructive process using prosthetic devices. These cadaveric skin materials have been demonstrated to possess regenerative properties and have been useful for improving surgical outcomes. A key point to remember with prosthetic devices is that they do not last forever. Most devices will last somewhere between 10 and 15 years so additional operations are typically required. The main adverse events associated with these devices include but are not limited to infection, capsular contracture, and rupture. It is also important to remember that silicone gel devices have been cleared by the FDA and deemed safe and effective for this purpose. Silicone gel implants are ideal for women that have had a mastectomy because the remain skin and fat of the breast is sparse and the silicone gel mimics the normal breast feel more closely that saline implants.
have improved, as have the results. Breast reconstruction is one of the best ways to facilitate the transition from being a breast cancer victim to a breast cancer survivor.
With these recent advancements in breast cancer awareness and reconstruction, more women are now opting for breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The techniques
Testimonial I developed an inverted nipple in 2006 but didn’t think much about it until one morning I woke up with my T-shirt dappled in blood stains in the chest area. A mammogram revealed abnormalities and was told I should see a surgeon as soon as possible. I began my search and knowing Georgetown had great reputation I called Dr. Shawna Willey office. I was in her office the next day. Six months later I developed breast cancer in the opposite beast, and after two lumpectomies Dr. Willey sent me to Dr. Nahabedian to discuss DIEP Flap surgery. At the time Dr. Nahabedian was the only surgeon in the area who had the knowledge and expertise to do DIEP Flap surgery. I underwent mastectomy by Dr.Willey and followed by immediate DIEP Flap by Dr. Nahabedian. I am forever grateful for the concern and care I received and count myself very lucky to have had Dr. Nahabedian care for me. I have total faith in both doctors, they put my mind at ease and help me recover quickly. - Erna H Pomrenke
Maurice Nahabedian, MD, FACS Professor: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Georgetown University Washington DC
202-444-2000 DrNahabedian@aol.com www.MauriceNahabedian.com 3800 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007
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Health Medical and
By Dr. Daemon Jones Dr. Dae is a licensed naturopathic physician, author and international speaker specializing in the treatment of diabetes, balancing hormones, metabolism and weight loss. Dr. Dae uses a combination of safe and effective conventional and natural therapies to help you achieve your health goals. She earned her naturopathic medical degree from the University of Bridgeport’s college of Naturopathic Medicine in 2002. Dr. Dae conducts virtual appointments to support you in your hometown. Dr. Dae’s book Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased at Amazon.com or at her website, www. HealthyDaes.org
Your Mindset Could Be Keeping You Fat
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Have you been constantly on a diet yet you always stay around the same weight? Have you been trying to lose weight, but it keeps finding you again a couple months after you have stopped your diet? Have you tried every weight loss program in the world and have decided that none of them work? If you are reading this and nodding your head up and down or you know someone that falls into this category, then I have a new concept for you to consider. The problem with your weight loss may not be your diet program, but instead, your thoughts and feelings that are sabotaging you. Stressful situations or stressful decisions about your weight loss can derail your weight loss goals and success. In my 10 years of practice I have learned that if you don’t address the emotional side of weight loss, you will not be successful at losing weight. As humans, we are emotional beings and it doesn’t matter how much you are an expert about a particular subject, your decisions will often be affected by your emotional state of mind. So you could know every fact about healthy eating and exercise routines but the minute you get upset with a family member about something, the next thing you know you are on your second piece of chocolate cake. If you don’t recognize when your emotions are controlling your eating decisions, you will not be successful at losing weight or keeping it off. According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, over 1,300 licensed psychologists agree that any successful weight loss plan must take into consideration that “understanding and managing the behaviors and emotions
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related to weight management is essential to weight loss.” So what are examples of these emotional behaviors they have identified? • Emotions about making healthy food choices • Emotions related to maintaining a regular workout • Gaining self control over behaviors related to weight loss • Feeling guilty about poor behavioral choices that cause you to fall off your diet regimen • Emotions related to other stressful situations in your life How in the world can you manage your emotional behaviors to create successful and sustainable weight loss? Simply put, you have to start with the right emotional attitude about your weight loss goals. In order to have sustainable weight loss (weight loss that you can keep off for a long period of time), you have to have realistic expectations for the amount of weight that you want to lose. Realistic expectation for weight loss is 1 – 2 pounds per week. Many of us want to lose too much weight too fast so that when we can’t lose 10 pounds in 10 days, we get emotionally frustrated and we give up.
emotional, your ability to make effective decisions regarding your weight loss program can become compromised. When you create strategies for how you will deal with common weight loss problems, before they happen, you are more likely to be successful with your weight loss goals. Having a plan allows you to execute your plan before the stressful situation arises.
• What are the best times and amounts of food to eat daily
In my practice, I have created a protocol that includes strategies focused on education about proper eating behaviors, combined with education to deal with stressful situations related to your dietary plan as well as your life.
• Motivational approaches to stay on track with goals
Here are the key components that have created success for my patients. • Goal-setting before we start the program • Record-keeping of successes and setbacks during the plan • Therapies to identify and address negative emotions that trigger unhealthy eating and avoiding those triggers • Detailed balanced whole food plan
You also need to have a weight loss plan that includes some strategies geared to managing your emotions. The list falls into three categories. The first is preparation and planning to reduce negative emotions related to following your dietary program. Second, is learning strategies to implement during stressful moments in your life that can impact your diet plan. The third, and perhaps most important, is learning to deal with stressful situations that occur in your life. Emotions are strong catalysts. When you feel stressed or
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• What is a realistic exercise regiment for your lifestyle • Finding solutions to setbacks and obstacles (before they arrive) • Mindfulness training to reduce judgment and self-punishment for bad behaviors
• A supportive accountability partner to help keep focused This effective combination of dietary planning, exercise regiments and mind-body strategies will help you to easily uncover the reason your emotions are sabotaging your weight loss plan. You will see and feel how much easier it is to be successful with your weight loss efforts when you think about your emotions as part of your treatment plan. For more information on how join Dr. Dae’s successful weight loss program visit her website www.HealthyDaes.org.
Health Medical and
By Gretchen Makai, M.D. Gretchen Makai, M.D., is a gynecologist and Director of Minimally-Invasive Gynecologic Surgery for Christiana Care’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Makai earned her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she won the Thomas F. Cook Prize for Excellence in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the combined program between Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospitals in Boston, Mass. After residency, Dr. Makai completed a Fellowship in Gynecologic Endoscopy at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Mass.
Fibroids
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Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumors of the uterus. While many reproductive-age women have uterine fibroids, less than half of these women are symptomatic. Still, hundreds of thousands of doctors’ visits each year are attributed to uterine fibroids and the problems they cause, and more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year in the U.S. as a treatment for fibroids. Numerous studies have tried to determine who gets fibroid tumors and why. They tend to run in families, and black women are more likely to have fibroids than white women. In addition, black women may develop symptoms earlier than others, and grow more and larger fibroids than others. While there are some associations between foods and fibroid development, these tumors are not easily preventable or avoidable with lifestyle changes alone. Fibroids develop from the muscle cells in the uterus – each tumor growing from one muscle cell which starts to grow abnormally. For this reason, these tumors usually take a while to grow to a large size. They are hormonally-sensitive tumors, and may continue to grow while a woman is menstruating, They tend to shrink at the time of menopause. Fibroids are not cancerous, and they are highly unlikely to turn into cancer. The size, number and location of uterine fibroids affect the symptoms women have as well as their treatment options. Common symptoms caused by fibroids include abnormal uterine bleeding, pain and pelvic pressure, bladder and bowel problems (if large enough), and fertility-associated
problems. Along with a pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound, MRI and office hysteroscopy are common ways for doctors to exam fibroids. While many fibroids may never be noticed by a woman and warrant no treatment, there are many medical and surgical treatment options for women who do have symptoms. Those options range from hormonal treatments, to anti-bleeding medications, to pain control options . Many minimallyinvasive surgical treatments are available to women as well, and special consideration is given to women wishing to have children after fibroid treatment. No medical regimens are currently available to “cure” fibroids. Hysteroscopy, or looking in the uterus with a camera, is often important for diagnosis and treatment of submucosal fibroids (those in the lining of the uterus). Hysteroscopy can be performed in the doctor’s office, where women can find out immediately if they have fibroids in the lining of
the uterus. This information is helpful for determining whether hysteroscopic myomectomy (removing fibroids through the cervix, without any “incisions” in the vagina or the uterus or skin), is a treatment option Laparoscopic myomectomy and robotically-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy are procedures whereby uterine fibroids can be removed through small incisions in the abdomen. Women who are candidates for these procedures may desire to preserve fertility, preserve the uterus, and these who have relatively few fibroids. Large fibroids can often be removed this way as well. Using these small incisions, women have less pain, and are more likely to return to normal activities sooner. Other surgical procedures targeting symptoms of fibroids include endometrial ablation (burning the lining of the uterus to reduce bleeding), uterine artery or fibroid embolization (to decrease bleeding and fibroid size), abdominal myomectomy (to preserve the uterus when
there are many fibroids), and hysterectomy (removing the muscle of the uterus and the fibroids, to both treat symptoms and prevent new fibroid growth). All of these procedures are common and successfully treat fibroids. Women with fibroids can become more informed by searching for fibroid at http:// www.christianacare.org/ healthencyclopedia or looking through patient information www.acog.org, and as always, by visiting with a skilled clinician. The Christiana Care Center for Women’s Health provides a select group of women’s health specialist focused on gynecologic issues that may become more complex for women beyond their child bearing years – conditions that can often only be addressed by special consultation, advanced treatment or surgery. The Center for Women’s Health is located at 3706 Kennett Pike in Greenville. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 302-623-6320
That pain that just won’t go away, somewhere below your belly button? The specialists at the Christiana Care Center for Women’s Health know just how to identify – and deal with – this commonly ignored problem. We’re here to support you and your doctor with the latest diagnostic tools and treatments to minimize symptoms and correct problems. It’s just the kind of expert help you need to live pain-free.
It hurts below my belly button, but it’s definitely not my belly.
3706 Kennett Pike Greenville, Delaware 19807
We know pelvic pain inside and out. Don’t wait – call today for an appointment 800-693-CARE
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Learn more at www.christianacare.org/centerforwomen 10WHS24
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The Fulton County Women’s Journal
...recognizes and supports
american heart month Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
Be Heart Healthy
Exercise at least 20 minutes everyday; walk, swim, bike, yoga Eat less sugar and little meat, more veggies and fruits Drink fewer sugary beverages and lots of water for more information visit www.goredforwomen.org or www.heart.org
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Health Medical and
By Cora T. Huitt PT, DPT, BCB-PMD Cora Huitt has been practicing physical therapy for forty-one years. She has been an adjunct professor and clinical instructor at several universities. She is a certified women’s health specialist in pelvic floor dysfunction. Her clinic Women’s Health Physical Therapy is one of six credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association in the United States and specializes in treating women and pelvic floor dysfunction. Cora is an affiliate member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Continence Society, National Vulvodynia Association and International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. She earned her Bachelors of Science at Ohio State University, Masters in College Teaching at University of North Carolina, and her Doctor or Physical Therapy at Alabama State University.
Incontinence News Release
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Cora T. Huitt, P.T., D.P.T., B.C.B.P.M.D. and Women’s Health Physical Therapy are helping postpartum women find their voice after decades of silence. Urinary stress incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine after coughing, sneezing, or during exercise, affects up to 50% of postpartum women. Unfortunately, over 60% of postpartum women experiencing leaking do not seek medical help. Instead, they chose to unnecessarily suffer in silence by quietly treating the symptoms with pads and hygiene products. Yet the National Institute of Health Care Research and Policy endorses that there is at least an 85% improvement in women who treat urinary stress incontinence with a behavioral approach. This approach currently includes pelvic floor muscle strengthening, bladder retraining, and diet and liquid counseling. However, a new medical biofeedback device paired with innovative healthcare providers promise to grow both improvement rates and awareness. InTone™ is the first medical device that combines muscle stimulation and patientdirected exercises with visual biofeedback into a single device. Cora T. Huitt, P.T., D.P.T., B.C.B.-P.M.D. of Women’s Health Physical Therapy is currently the only registered physical therapist in Virginia specially trained to provide patients with InTone treatments. Cora Huitt is hopeful that the message will spread: “InTone provides patients with a powerful treatment tool. Postpartum women are in a life stage when they need medical treatments to be quick, simple, effective, and able to be done in the privacy of their home. InTone meet these criteria. My hope is that as more women
find that they do not have to live with incontinence they will share this knowledge and empower other women. For far too long women have found leakage acceptable.” After prescribing InTone, Cora Huitt of Women’s Health Physical Therapy customizes the settings and teaches the woman how to use the device at home. A pressure squeeze sensor in the unit measures the patient’s performance. The hand-held control unit uses voice-guided instruction to assist the patient through her exercise routine while reminding her to maintain relaxation of her abdomen, buttocks, and leg muscles. Each daily session lasts about 10 minutes and data from each session is automatically recorded.
physical therapy. As a result, I have been under the care of an excellent women’s health physical therapist who suggested electrical stimulation as part of comprehensive pelvic health therapy. I like working with the InTone device because of the audio supervision. To my delight I have noticed good results. After twelve treatments I have
tripled my initial pelvic floor muscle squeeze pressure. I was able to go to a local chocolate festival and enjoy myself with my husband and make it to the bathroom without leaking. Thank you for the high level of medical care to reduce my leaking by isolating pelvic muscle strength and endurance.” - Patient of Dr. Huitt’s
In two weeks the patient has a follow-up appointment with Cora Huitt who analyzes the recorded data, modifies the InTone settings appropriately, and teaches how to incorporate pelvic floor muscle function with other trunk muscles and proper breathing techniques with daily tasks. The patient continues to follow-up for 14-26 weeks based on her individual diagnosis. InTone is the only device on the market that provides the patient with a full money-back guarantee on the cost of the device if she does not experience improvement after following the recommended protocol. Testimonial “My use of the Intone Device has been to reduce incontinence. As a 55 year old, I did not want to stop my social activities like going to craft classes due to leakage of urine. Whenever I sneezed, coughed, or laughed I had a problem. My gynecologist recommended pelvic floor
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Health Medical and
By Louise Thayer-Lee, CMT., PhD. As the sole owner of Alternative Health & Healing for 18 years, Dr. Louise has over 12 years of professional hypnosis experience. Her goal is to guide people to become the best version of themselves. She began her career as a dental hygienist in 1985, practicing in all areas of dentistry for sixteen years. In 1995, she trained and became licensed with the Board of Nursing to start a second career as a massage therapist, and this was the birth of Alternative Health & Healing. However, she wanted to work with the whole person, mind, body and spirit, so in 2002, she trained and became certified through the National Guild of Hypnotists in her third career as a Hypnotherapist. Louise continued her education in hypnosis and in 2013 earned her Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy.
Understanding Hypnosis
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What is Hypnosis? Before considering what hypnosis is, perhaps it would be appropriate to establish what it is not.
hypnotherapist will discuss with you how hypnosis will help you accomplish what you want to achieve.
It is not sleep, nor surrender of control of the mind, nor is it magic. Hypnosis cannot be sleep as the subject is fully aware of communication and is able to respond on request either verbally or by signal. A subject asked to make a specific movement will comply unless it is objectionable, in which case there will be a refusal. There is no surrender of mind or control. A person who does not want to be hypnotized cannot be hypnotized nor be induced to do or say anything which violates personal standards of behavior or integrity. Hypnosis is better described than defined. It is often described as a state of extreme focus of the mind. Where the subject chooses to see only what is relevant, blocking out everything else. Hypnosis involves guided concentration, which can be provided by a qualified practitioner or, in the case of self-hypnosis, by the individual. Hypnosis is a very natural state that everyone has been in almost every day. For instance, when watching a movie that is scary, sad or funny and you feel those emotions, you are in hypnosis. When reading a book or engrossed in a hobby, you are in hypnosis. If you have ever driven to a regular location and realized you did not pay attention to how you got there, that is highway hypnosis. Even staring out the window and daydreaming about something is hypnosis. Where did Hypnosis Originate? The basics of hypnosis go back to ancient times. Prehistoric
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What It Is and How It Works
clans had medicine women who performed healings, revelations and the like. Wider usage began in the 1700’s in several forms under different names. There have been periods of progress and periods of stagnation in the development of modern hypnosis Medical interest and acceptance came in 1951 with the AMA’s endorsement of Hypnosis as a therapeutic tool. Does It Work? Yes! Hypnosis works and it lasts, once the situation is resolved, it is resolved for good.
If you both feel that it will be worthwhile to proceed, your hypnotherapist may give you some small tests to determine your type of suggestibility, you ability to relax, your skills at visualization – all which are used to adapt to you as an individual. To design programming personalized for you which will be acceptable to your subconscious, retained and acted upon in a manner leading to full achievement of your goals. Testimonials “It has been amazing! I feel like I’m taking control and have
control over decisions – not just food decisions. I has also improved my relationship – I feel, more open, so we have better communication. It’s fun! I look forward to it and wish it were fore frequent! This is an incredible service to people. I’m sold on it and recommend everyone try it, it works!” - Paul “I’m pleased with hypnotherapy because it helped me in many ways. I find it relaxing, calming, and it’s helped with addictions including fast food. I’ve lost 30 pounds! I now exercise and have more energy and self-confidence which is enforced by hypnotherapy.” - Sandra
In essence, hypnosis is a means of communication between the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. Many problems, habits, stresses, attitudes or deficiencies can be traced to interpretations by the subconscious mind which, when understood by the conscious mind, can reduce or resolve specific problems. The subconscious is also the seat of all memory. Traumatic events can be buried there until the mind is able to process it safely. A major benefit of hypnotherapy is its ability to uncover and bring into the light of understanding the information or experience which may be the cause of a troublesome habit or disorder.
Alernative Health & Healing Meditation, Pain, Phobias, Smoking, Weight, Past Life Regression AHH.. Relax & Be Tranced-formed 1805 Monument Ave. suite 514 Richmond, VA 23220 www.rurelaxed.com 804.359.0111
What Will You Experience? Your first visit with your hypnotherapist will be information gathering and exploratory. You will discuss your goals for using hypnosis and ask any questions. The
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Health Medical and
By Adrien Trevisan, RD, LDN Adrien Trevisan is a registered dietician at Brandywine Hospital. Adrien, along with the nutrition services department at Brandywine offer outpatient nutrition counseling, evaluations, and follow-up sessions for a variety of nutritional concerns including diabetes, weight management, cancer, celiac disease, liver disease, and more. For additional information, feel free to call 610-383-8082. For registration and scheduling information, please call 610-383-8760.
Realistic Resolutions
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Every year on January 1st, millions of Americans become overachievers by setting New Year’s resolutions which typically involve health and weight loss. The bar is set high, but often by February, those goals have been long forgotten. Is it because we’re weak? Lazy? Unmotivated? No—it’s because we are busy. How can we accommodate goals for healthier behavior into our hectic lifestyles? It’s simple: Be realistic in our intentions. Healthier eating doesn’t need to be achieved by eliminating certain foods from our diet. Take a positive approach - what could you add to your diet each day to make it more balanced? Do you eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily? Do you eat foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, regularly? Do you consume enough calcium? Are you regularly eating 25 grams or more of fiber each day? By analyzing what we could be eating for optimal health and adding the necessities, junk foods can be eliminated without intentionally removing them from the diet—there simply won’t be enough room for junk once you’re meeting your nutritional needs. Have you made a deal with yourself to join a gym and spend one hour there every day? It may seem like a big commitment - because it is. Take the pressure out of the physical activity by making a resolution to try many various types of exercise until you find several that you like. Working out in a gym setting isn’t for everyone. Exercise can be incorporated into the lifestyle easily if it is enjoyable. For example, instead of meeting a friend for breakfast on the weekend, meet at a park and walk instead. Consider trying a yoga class. Browse workout routines on-demand. Don’t find yourself in a gym rut which you
may cause you to abandon your fitness goals. Keep exercise fresh by incorporating variety. Being flexible in our expectations can allow us to be creative and enjoy working towards our goals. This year, set realistic resolutions and be prepared to have fun along the way. Healthy Eating Tips Here are some simple strategies to avoid overeating and packing on the pounds. By planning ahead and sticking to your resolve, you can follow a healthy diet all year long.
Remain active Physical activity reduces stress and gives us more energy. If you know you will indulge a bit, increase your exercise time a bit every day. Remember, if you increase your exercise, that splurge won’t ruin you. Drink lots of water Adequate water intake keeps your metabolism humming along at a maximum rate and
Eat regularly Grabbing meals on the run while shopping or grazing the buffet at social events only encourages you to eat unhealthy or more than usual. If you must skip a meal or eat at an abnormal time, keep healthy snacks nearby, such as oatmeal, almonds, cereal, fruit or string cheese.
staves off hunger cravings as well. Mild dehydration can mimic hunger. The best way to avoid becoming dehydrated – and that hungry sensation and excess pounds – is to drink plenty of water.
Comfort.
our spaCious private rooms help patients reCover in Comfort.
Get your sleep Lack of sleep contributes to weight gain and stress. Aim for at least 7 hours of shut eye in order to keep your stress and hormone levels in check.
Brandywine Hospital has undergone a renovation to offer our patients private rooms with special amenities that help them feel more comfortable and at ease. These new rooms have ample space for family and friends. Wi-Fi is available. Now, every room in our Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic and Neuroscience, Progressive Care and Intensive Care Units is completely private. To find out more about the patient-centered care at Brandywine, visit BrandywineHospital.com.
It’s better at Brandywine.
Sneaky beverages Avoid beverages high in sugar and calories, or at least limit your intake to a single drink. Also, alcohol adds extra unwanted calories and, if too much is consumed it lowers inhibitions and can lead to overeating. Have a glass or two of water before you start drinking alcoholic beverages, and have one in between drinks, to slow your alcohol consumption.
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Health Medical and
What You
Should Know
About Mammograms
information provided by Care First –Blue Cross BlueShield www.carefirst.com
Many women are afraid of mammograms but having one is definitely worthwhile. In fact, it can even save a woman’s life. If the test is normal, you will feel better knowing that you are OK. If however; there is a problem, it is better to know early. Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer BEFORE it spreads. Treatment works best when the cancer is found early. Make an appointment to see your Doctor for a mammogram if you fall under any of these categories that pose a higher risk: •
Your Mother OR sister has/had breast cancer
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You have Jewish ancestors from Eastern Europe (A certain gene is carried among this group)
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You had your first menstrual period before age 12
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You NEVER had children OR you had your first child after age 30
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You had radiation treatments to your chest area
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You have a lump, nipple, discharge, breast pain or dimpling of skin on the breast
Breast cancer is NOT a death sentence when detected early. Detection at later stages may be managed with all the new technologies and treatment available. It is never too late to be evaluated and undergo treatment. There is life after the diagnosis. FACE YOUR FEAR and TAKE CHARGE!!
Starting at age 40 women should have a mammogram every 1 – 2 years. If you feel a lump, see or have questions about anything unusual in your breast contact your health care provider.
When should I have a mammogram?
How do I get ready for my mammogram? • Make the appointment for 1 week after your period, when the breasts are less sensitive. • Wear a shirt with shorts, pants or skirt. This makes easier to undress from the waist up. • Do not wear deodorant, perfume, lotion or powder under arms or on your breasts on the day of your appointment. These products make shadows on the mammogram.
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For resources and additional information: Contact your Doctor American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org The National Cancer Institute
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Business Financial and
By Deborah Lanham As Director of Member Services, Deborah Lanham leads and directs all sales and business development, membership services and member retention efforts for the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce including managing a sales team of six. She is responsible for the planning and execution of several chamber events such as Lunch Connection, Chamber101, Young Business Professionals and the Women in Business Annual Luncheon. Deborah also serves as the point person for the chamber’s Inclusion Committee which encourages dialogue, education and special events for Women In Business, International Business and Diversity. In the past year alone, the GNFCC experienced a 20% increase in new member revenue growth under Deborah’s leadership demonstrating the continued desire businesses have to be successful in North Fulton.
Small Businesses -
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The history of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is quite remarkable when you consider the sheer tenacity, perseverance and forward thinking it required to lay a solid foundation of service to the business community. Officially chartered in 1972 with two new members the chamber humbly launched its mission-to be the catalyst for economic development, business growth, and improving quality of life. The northern tier of Fulton County was full of promise and at the cusp of transformation. Business and Community leaders were invited to meet together to share their dreams for the future, invest time in the work and prepare a strategy to give business a voice. Today North Fulton is home to six cities; Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell and Sandy Springs, three Fortune 500 companies, two Fortune 1000 companies, five world class hospitals, fifteen International Consulates, and over three million square feet of financial services, insurance and telecommunications office space. Flavorful descriptions like the “Crown Jewel of Metro Atlanta” “Atlanta’s Golden Corridor” and the “IT Hub of the Southeast” are now used to help brand and add value to one of the greatest places on earth to do business. Yet at the core of our region’s success is the unyielding entrepreneurial spirit of the small business owner. Over 50% of the GNFCC’s member blend is small businesses with twenty employees or less. Finding the right tools and resources can often be the biggest challenge for owners and the Chamber takes the guess work out by providing a variety of programs designed to educate, equip and encourage the
business community. Through partnerships with organizations like SCORE, SBDC and the SBA, businesses receive outstanding assistance and training from counselors that collectively have many years of experience as owners, senior level executives and managers. Free or low cost workshops and webinars are offered covering a wide range of business topics relating to finance, creating a business plan, marketing, human resources and legal issues. In addition, the GNFCC has partnered with the Georgia Chamber strengthening advocacy for our members through the Small Business Alliance program. We have also enjoyed a partnership with the Technology Association of Georgia offering our members access to monthly meetings within our footprint.
A Rich History Paves The Way For A World-Class Market The communities in the area at this time included Alpharetta, Crabapple, Fields’ Cross Roads, Midway, Ocee, Shakerag, Warsaw, Newtown, Birmingham, Hopewell, and Webb. In those days, Roswell was part of neighboring Cobb County. Cotton was the primary cash crop, and Alpharetta’s and Crabapple’s cotton gins and mills were bustling with business. After the Civil War, cotton production and milling again became Milton County’s major industry, as well as that of the surrounding counties when Roswell Mill was rebuilt. The economic and employment
strength of cotton and textiles continued well into the 20th century. Due to the calamitous economic downturn of the Great Depression, the counties of Milton and Campbell sought to reduce the expenses of administering a county government by merging with neighboring Fulton County in 1932. Roswell was ceded by Cobb County to provide a land connection between Fulton and Milton Counties. Milton County became a footnote in history and the stage was set for the economic machine of Atlanta to extend northward.
For more information visit our website at www.gnfcc.com or contact Deborah Lanham, Director of Membership Services 678.397.0567 dlanham@gnfcc.com 11605 Haynes Bridge Road Suite 100, Building 400 Alpharetta, GA 30009
HISTORY
Most of Greater North Fulton County was once Milton County, created in 1857 from parts of Cherokee, Forsyth, and Cobb counties and christened in honor of John Milton, Georgia’s first secretary of state. The town of Alpharetta was chosen as the Milton County seat. The Milton County lifestyle was vastly different from the bustling atmosphere of urban Atlanta. Milton County was a quiet rural area where the gristmill served as the local “meeting place” and neighbors were seldom encountered except during trips to “town” and at church on Sunday.
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Business Financial and
By R. Caren Bitar R. Caren Bitar earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in English before going on to teach undergraduate creative writing. She then worked in offices for years as a writer and editor. Ms. Bitar decided to take her talents to the Web. WhizMarks.com was founded in the Summer of 2010. Numerous individuals and businesses around the world now benefit from her expertise. She currently serves as Copy Editor for Fairfax Woman Magazine and its sister publications in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland.
Is Your Resume Holding You Back?
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It’s important to reflect a positive attitude at work. Your actions can express how well people respond to you, and your words can leave a lasting impression. Anything you put in writing that is transmitted into the public eye may be viewed by discerning eyes. A poor mistake will not go unnoticed and could cause embarrassment. In today’s challenging job market, why risk being noticed for the unacceptable errors? Most job advertisements require that a prospective hire know how to communicate well, but not everyone can pull off an excellent letter or proposal. An editor can polish up the rough spots to help reflect your ideas. The many different messages in a document should come across clearly. For example, have you ever written a runon sentence that seems like it could go on forever? Simply inserting a period somewhere in the middle of an unnecessarily long sentence may make all the difference in the world when it comes to clarity. Job application cover letters and resumes are also in great demand, with competition for jobs being so high. Human Resource officers are coming across a slew of emails, letters and the like. Reviewers of such materials often skim them. Believe it or not, the eyes of an employer move fast over your credentials on paper.
A professional editor can correct problematic issues so that readers will be impressed after the first review.
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Resumes can be tough to read if too many words are used to express a simple statement. Oftentimes, writers overuse clusters of words. Take the following sentence from a resume: Researched issues and idiosyncrasies by analyzing data and technical information derived from computational logs and recreating these issues to determine resolution. The problem would be obvious to an editor, while the writer may overlook using the word ‘issues’ twice; ‘data’ coupled with ‘information derived from logs’; and ‘idiosyncrasies’ coupled with ‘issues.’ The best way to treat any doubts you may have about writing is to obtain a second opinion.
Testimonial “If you as a professional do not have the time to sit down late at night and draft a letter or question whether you are sending the right “message” to your clients, please consider WhizMarks as your professional companion. If you are still writing those term papers, get some sleep and send it to them” - Deb G., Realtor, Northern Virginia
It’s okay to write badly, but seek professional assistance to edit your words brilliantly. It can’t hurt to obtain a good revision. Effective, well-written communication can instill confidence in others for the services you provide. Relay your message with style, and the rewards will follow. To improve your business or academic communications, please consider using WhizMarks.com. Contact R. Caren Bitar at editor@whizmarks. com or call (917) 740-0577.
peare’s ed after Shakes er w lo BEFORE: en om w , the rights of the real estate For some reason st credibility in lo ow ight’s eh m so en A Midsummer N time as if wom (Norton 10). In ed of ss es pa ns e se tim strong department as in the play have en icing om vo w n to ai e m m when it ca s m Dream, the four al qu no lt sires and fe of legal power their personal de or not. Their lack te ria op l over pr ap in type of contro them, socially ing any major in ta at in control e m or fro m play while is th prevented them in en m e ce. The ents. While, th e female presen th their environm by d ce en ence ent are influ am strongly influ of their environm mer Night’s Dre m su e id us M ca A in Be of: female desires along the lines is (Possibly more n. be watching th tio ld ac ou e w al I m th the be iza El en en e wom ’s ew that Que he portrayed th ay w Shakespeare kn e th d ce and the 5), this influen ns to the Queen sio lu al play (Williams, e iv tit pe through his re ns.) strength of will the men’s actio rried weight on ca th ng re st r way thei
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AFTER: For some reason , the rights of w omen decreased afte r Shakespeare’ s time as if they had som ehow lost cred ibility as time passed (N orton 10). In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the four main w omen in the play have a strong sense of personal desire and feel no qualms abou t voicing them, socially inappropriate or not. Their lack of po wer pertaining to legal matters preven ted them from attaining any major type of control over their lives. The men in this play are more in control of their environm ent, but are sw ayed by the female presence. The females in A Midsummer Night’s Dream strongly shape their mal e counterparts ’ actions. Shakespeare qu ite possibly knew that Queen Elizabe th I would be w atching the play (William s 5), which may have influenced the way he portray ed women. Women’s streng th of will carried weight on the men’s deci sions.
WhizMarks.com Turn your document into a well-written product that will instill confidence in your clients, professors and future employers. • Our team consists of native English language ‘Whizzes’ from California to Washington D.C. • Our editors hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees from top rated universities. • All have published works of their own or taught English composition at universities. • Our team has experience editing documents of all kinds for business executives, government officials, and students.
Editors on our staff can make a real difference, which is important in today’s world. Whether it is a thank you note, a research paper, or article, we are the professional editors to fit your needs in 48 hours or less guaranteed! Visit Whizmarks.com to upload your document today! Fast, Affordable, Document Editing
Business Financial and
By Tanya Madison Morrison, Esquire Tanya is an attorney specializing in business development and charitable organizations. She co-authored COMMUNITY INVESTORS: Making Money While Making Social Change, an inspirational business book that provides strategies for tax-exempt organizations to access alternative sources of money and wealth. She has served as Adjunct Professor at American University in Washington, D.C., and currently travels nationally and internationally, speaking at conferences and seminars on the subjects of leadership, education and college access, professional development, social change and women’s empowerment. Recognized by the United States Small Business Administration as a business leader, Tanya has helped thousands of women pursue their entrepreneurial endeavors.
CAN Kill The Myths About Nonprofits: You Make a Profit!
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Do you have a burning desire to start a business? Do you have an idea that you know will serve others in a great way? Are you ready to turn your passion into profits? There is no better time than now! Despite the U.S. recession over the past six years, the number and economic contributions of woman-owned businesses continue to grow. And Georgia leads the nation with the fastest such growth over the past 16 years.* Why is it that we lead the pack in business, but suffer in other areas? If we consider the great strides women have made in business, one might ask why so many social issues still exist. Certainly, women possess the power and wherewithal to make an impact in our communities. Perhaps many have not yet figured out how to merge their desire to “do good” with their need to make a good living. If making a profit while combating social woes resonates with you, you are a Community Investor!
that money and mission are mutually exclusive. As a result, businesswomen, emerging leaders, college students and others with a heart and vision to serve are challenged when making a career or business decision. Well, let’s KILL THE MYTHS about nonprofits! The first myth driving people away from establishing a “nonprofit” corporation is: “Nonprofits cannot make a profit.” To kill this myth, let’s first clarify terminology. Nonprofits are businesses, and the goal of any business, regardless of structure, is to make money. “Profit” is simply the money left over after operating expenses are paid. The word “nonprofit” is a misnomer that should be eradicated from social sector business. A more accurate term is “tax-exempt organizations” (TEOs). Making a profit increases
a TEO’s likelihood of effectively serving the charitable purpose for which it was created. Primary differences between a TEO and a “for-profit” include the following: • a TEO does not have owners but is controlled by a board; • a TEO is created for public benefit whereas a for-profit entity is created for private gain; • a TEO is focused on public impact whereas a for-profit is product/service-focused. In sum, the difference is not whether you can make a profit, but how you use the profits. A TEO is required by law to reinvest its profits into serving its mission, enhancing programs and services. The legal requirements for operating a tax-exempt organization are sensible for any business. For-profit businesses fail for three main reasons: 1) the
owners do not reinvest in the business, 2) there are no cash reserves and 3) owners overpay themselves. Everything a TEO must do is actually just good business sense. To start a business and not strive to earn a profit makes no sense (not to mention cents!). So, a businesswoman who wants to provide a product or service to benefit the public and create social change should not steer away from starting a TEO because she thinks she cannot earn a profit. Not only can she earn a profit; she can also earn a good living running that business that creates social change. Which brings us to Myth #2: “I can’t get paid for running a nonprofit.” We look forward to killing that myth in the next issue of The Fulton County Women’s Journal. * The 2013 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report commissioned by American Express OPEN
A Community Investor is a person, organization or business that operates with the objective of making money and realizing a profit while using incentives reserved for public charities. Simply put, a Community Investor seeks to combine “doing good” with making money. A Community Investor uses strategies and advantages of 501(c)(3) tax exemption to change the social landscape of her surrounding community. Yet, many women with entrepreneurial imagination, business acumen and the desire to invest their time, talents and resources in their community steer away from structuring a tax-exempt corporation because of what they don’t know about “nonprofits.” Myths exist in and around the social sector—such as
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Business Financial and
By Ed Hecht, Esq. Ed Hecht is a family law attorney and a single father to two young children. He’s been through his own divorce and he will help you get through yours, as well as handle all post-divorce issues including modifications and contempt proceedings. Ed came to the legal field after a career in other areas, and he understands life as a non-lawyer, including the challenges and frustrations faced by those unfamiliar with the legal system. Ed is available to his clients at all hours via his personal cell phone number, so that they may call or text him whenever he is needed. He is passionate in his commitment to his clients, and patient in helping them understand the big picture as well as the intricacies.You’re just one phone call away from a solution.
Protecting Your Rights And Your Children, When Facing Divorce
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They say experience is the best teacher. I have been through a divorce, and now I am an attorney helping couples who are going through a divorce. So I understand both the emotional and the legal aspects of the painful process of divorce. While hardly an exhaustive catalogue of divorce do’s and don’ts, this list presents 7 key steps you must take when going through a divorce. If you follow these rules, the entire process will be easier. After writing this list, an eighth point occurred to me that is actually the most important consideration of all. I certainly found this insight truthful when going through my own divorce. Here it is, in short:
Be Kind and Be Civil Divorce is a raw and painful process, and there is a tendency to grow angry, bitter, and vindictive. Avoid those toxic traps wherever possible. Do not inflict needless emotional pain on your spouse. Don’t become greedy and try to get more than what you’d award yourself as an impartial judge—since you may very well end up in front of one. If you have children, you and your spouse will continue to be partners in the most important project of all: raising wonderful kids that you hope will become productive, contributing, emotionally healthy members of society. Don’t mess up their future with the emotions of your present. The painful emotions associated with your divorce will eventually pass. You do not want these transient problems to wreak permanent damage on your precious children, or your relationship with them, do you? Of course not! With this consideration in mind, here are 7 Key Steps You Must Take to Protect Your Rights and Children:
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1. Know the law and your rights as a divorcing spouse While you should not be greedy, there is no reason to give in to your spouse’s demands without knowing your rights. For example, do not move out of your house simply because your spouse demands it, or agree to a seemingly unfair settlement proposal without knowing if you have better options. Obtaining wise legal counsel to guide you through the divorce minefield is absolutely necessary to ensure that all of your rights are preserved.
5. Change your will If your spouse is a beneficiary in your will, this status will not necessarily change when you divorce. Consult a competent wills, trusts, and estates attorney to ensure that your will is revised to reflect your post-divorce wishes. You will also want to ensure that other important documents, such as life insurance policies, are appropriately amended.
2. Know your rights as a parent As a parent, you have rights with respect to custody, visitation, and child support. Your relationship with your children and the material well-being of your children should not suffer because you failed to exercise your rights, and theirs. Obtaining competent legal counsel is essential to ensure that your relationship with your children is fully protected. 3. Know your assets and your spouse’s assets In particular, keep a very careful budget. Divorce can be costly and complicated, and you want to ensure that when everything is over, you will be financially stable. Also, you and your spouse’s available assets will be key to determining child support and alimony. A clear and wellmaintained picture of both parties’ finances will make this process easier and more fair.
6. Do not date until the divorce is finalized Dating during the divorce process can raise suspicions of adulterous behavior and create unnecessary prejudice in the eyes of the judge. This is particularly true if you are cohabitating with someone other than your spouse. Even worse, it can make an already emotionally complicated situation even more difficult and confusing, particularly for children. 7. Decide what you want in an attorney Do you want someone who
4. Know your debt and your spouse’s debt Cancel all joint credit card accounts or lines of credit. You will probably be jointly and severally liable for any charges made on these accounts. You do not want to be on the hook any debts racked up by your spouse. For similar reasons, you should also cancel all joint checking accounts.
Ed Hecht, Esq. Managing Partner 678-887-6200 390 North Main Street Alpharetta, Ga 30009
takes an impersonal, hands-off approach, or someone who is available for texts and calls at all hours of the day? Do you want a technocratic practitioner who has no direct experience with divorce, or someone who has been through the process, understands your heartache, and can represent a source of emotional support as well as legal counsel? For many people, having an attorney who understands the heartache, stress, and frustration of divorce is an invaluable asset when going through the process. Disclaimer: This article and the information and “7 Key Steps” discussed are neither advice nor opinion on specific legal questions, but are furnished only as general information on areas of interest. The applicability of the legal principles discussed in this article may differ widely in specific situations. Therefore, the information contained in this article cannot be construed as individual legal advice and no attorney-client relationship shall be construed or created by this article.
• • • •
Divorce Child Custody Child Support Modifications
ed@hechtfamilylaw.com www.hechtfamilylaw.com
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Business Financial and
By Samantha Slabaugh Thesaurus addict, twenty-something, and natural born leader with a crush on good vocabulary, copywriting, business development, and strategy, Samantha is the Marketing & PR Manager for Payscape Advisors, an Atlanta-based financial technology company with a passion for delivering simple, cost-savings payment solutions to business owners of all shapes and sizes. A cum laude graduate from The University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism, Samantha holds a B.A. in Public Relations and freelances for various publications in her free time. When not helping drive brand awareness to Payscape Advisors’ innovative suite of payment products and services, Samantha can be found soaking up Atlanta’s art and music scenes in an effort to keep the creative juices flowing.
Small Business Owners: Five Tips For Maintaining Cash Flow
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As a business owner, you certainly recognize the importance of managing cash flow for business expenses, growth, payroll, and emergencies. Without a healthy level of reserved cash, your days will no doubt provoke sleepless nights.
An exercise that every business owner should perform is a review of monthly expenses with a finetoothed comb. Large expenses will definitely impact cash flow, but the smaller, indiscriminate expenses are the ones that will affect your budget the most. Once you identify and remove or replace exorbitant fixed and variable expenses (keeping in mind that your time is also an expense to the business), you’re ready to begin increasing cash flow. Here are five basic tips for maintaining cash flow: 1. Make it easy for your customers to pay you. Allow customers to pay with a credit card. When you open a merchant account and allow credit cards as a form of payment, the funds flow directly into your business bank account within 48 hours. Compared to a months-long process of billing a customer and waiting for check payment, the cash flow benefits of accepting multiple forms of payment outweigh small credit card processing fees, and your customers will appreciate the convenience, 2. Automate payments. Regardless if your business bills customers on a recurring schedule, investing in billing software saves you time and gets you paid quicker. Eliminate the need for customers to send a check for payment. Instead, provide a detailed electronic invoice that allows for instant online payment. For businesses that consistently charge customers for a product or service, use an automated billing tool to schedule and process recurring payments via
credit card. BillingOrchard is one example of an online billing solution that automates invoices and increases cash flow for small business owners. 3. Negotiate payment terms with vendors. Payment terms with all of your vendors should mirror your customers’ payment terms. Oftentimes, business owners pay receivables on time and without question, yet collect on outstanding customer invoices months later. This discrepancy between outbound and inbound payments significantly reduces cash for many business owners. Ask your vendors to stretch their payment terms to 60 or 90 days so you can deposit collections before paying expenses. 4. Offer incentives for quick and easy payment. Reward your customers for paying with a credit card or e-check. The discount offered will be less than the administrative cost of printing, mailing, and managing the collections process and will increase customer retention. 5. Consider a small business loan. If you’re interested in a small business loan to expand, remodel, or open a new location, invest in a working capital solution that provides funds based on total revenue. Traditional merchant cash advances are contingent on a business’s credit card processing history. A product such as The Loan Express provides capital based on all revenue, meaning you’re qualified for more cash to grow your business.
There are countless resources offering advice and solutions for increasing cash flow, and this article only scratches the surface. Growing your business involves consistently seeking realistic and worthwhile cash flow solutions, including exploring ways to make it easier for your customers to pay you on time. Payscape Advisors (www. payscape.com) is an Atlantabased payment technology company specializing in helping small business owners get paid quicker and easier. We offer a range of merchant processing
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services, an online invoicing tool called BillingOrchard, and a unique working capital loan called The Loan Express. For more information on how your business can begin processing credit cards or automating accounts receivables, please contact Jason Atha at (770) 361-0225 or email Jason Atha jason.atha@ payscape.com. For more information on Payscape Advisors, please contact Sam at samantha. slabaugh@payscape.com.
How To Get Paid Quicker! 50%
of small businesses struggle with their clients paying late. The life blood of any small business is cash flow.
Automate Your Billing Create recurring invoices & charges for credit cards and eChecks Set custom recurring schedules Control system notifications for past due invoices and expiring or declined credit cards Auto-calculate late fees
Cash Advances Turn your future credit card sales into working capital.
Make it easy for customers to pay you. Accept credit card payments Accept e-checks Accept payments on your mobile device Ecommerce
Reporting
Track aging Track unpaid invoices Track overdue invoices
Setup Customer Portal Allow clients to view past payment history Allow clients to update billing information
Email Invoices Send Invoices ASAP Provide detailed Invoices
Integration Make all your systems talk to each other
www.billingorchard.com sales@billingorchard.com 1.888.369.1331
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Business Financial and
By John Still John Still brings over 35 years of successful insurance, retirement, and financial planning experience to individuals, families, and businesses. He specializes in business planning and employee benefits, as well as life and health insurance for business owners of small and large businesses. John is well known and respected not only in the insurance field, but also for his civic involvement, which is broad and extensive. He graduated from both Wesley College and the University of Delaware, was the first Delawarean to earn the coveted “Registered Health Underwriter” designation in 1980, and became securities licensed in January 1981. He maintains and updates his professional life and health knowledge and credentials with comprehensive continuing education courses annually. In 2010, he completed the “Certificate in Financial Planning” through the University of Delaware, Lerner College of Business and Economics.
FAQ’s – Healthcare Exchanges
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How does the new law affect federal workers? Members of Congress and their personal staff must use the marketplaces; the administration has said the government will continue to pay up to 75% of the premium, as it does for workers in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Other federal workers will stay in the FEHSP. What if I am a small business owner? For businesses with 50 or fewer employees, the federal exchange will have a Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP exchange, that will give employees more options than they now have. What kind of plans will I be able to buy? All plans will offer “essential benefits” that include hospitalization, emergency care, maternity and pediatric care, mental-health care and prescription drug coverage. Plans must cover preventative care – including flu shots, routine vaccinations, and mammograms – at no cost. Insurers will offer four tiers of plans, based on deductibles, co-payments and other costs to consumers: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. How will this process work? You can create an online account at healthcare. gov or with your state-run exchange. (For Delaware, that’s choosehealthde.com) These sites will require you to provide information such as income and citizenship status. The exchange will determine if you are eligible for Medicaid, but the system won’t be able to transfer your application to the proper state agency for processing until November 1st. (However, your Medicaid coverage will start Jan.1st) If you are not eligible for Medicaid, the exchange will tell you how much of a subsidy you can receive for a private
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health plan. In most cases, the government will send subsidies directly to the insurers to pay part of the premium. The exchange will display a list of health plans, their premiums and out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copayments. If you decide to buy one of those plans, in most cases, you will be directed to the insurer’s website to make the payment. You can also use the more traditional methods of filling out the paper applications and applying over the phone. What if I can’t afford the premiums? The law provides sliding scale subsidies to help people with incomes up to four times the minimum federal poverty level of $11,490-(about $46,000 for an individual, $62,040 for a couple and $94,200 for a family of four) to pay premiums. There’s additional help with copayments and deductibles for people with incomes up to 250% of the poverty level ($28,725 for an individual or $58,875 for a family of four). People who receive subsidies will be required to pay 2% to 9.5% of their incomes toward premiums, depending on how much money they make.
meaning you can enroll outside the open enrollment season. Because you are under 30, you may qualify to buy a “catastrophic” plan that may include a lower premium but a very high deductible. If you do not get insurance in 2014, you may have to pay a fee. If you enroll between the first and the 15th of any month, coverage will become effective the first day of the following month. If you enroll after the 15th of the month, coverage will be come effective the first day of the
second following month. So, for coverage to begin April 1, 2014, you must enroll by March 15. If you enroll later in March, your coverage will begin May 1, 2014. I’m a military veteran. What do I need to know about the marketplace? If you are enrolled in Tricare or the Veterans health care program you’re considered insured under the health care law. You don’t need to make any changes.
872C Walker Road Dover, DE 19904 (302) 734-4448 www.stillinsuranceagency.com
What happens if I didn’t buy insurance by January? You will face a penalty of $95, or 1% of your income, whichever is greater, for the first year. The fine increases to $695, or 2.5% of income, in 2016.
Still Insurance Agency Since 1976
Life Insurance Individual and Group Health Medicare Supplements Dental Plans Long Term Care and more
I am on my parents’ insurance until I turn 26 in April 2014. Enrollment ends on March 31. What happens then? Since your coverage under your parents’ plan ends on your birthday, you may switch to employer-based coverage or get a Marketplace health insurance plan. When your coverage under your parents’ plan ends you will qualify for a special enrollment period,
ARE YOU COVERED?
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The Fulton County Women’s Journal
This is what our advertisers say about the Women’s Journals: “This will be our second edition with the Journal. Although, we have not had any direct leads as of yet many of our current and past clients have contacted us to let us know how great it is that we have an article in the Journal. I do believe we will see some leads after we have been in the Journal for a few editions and have a following. Every person we have dealt with on the WJ team has been great. Each person has been quick to respond to any questions or concerns we have had. I just had my first photo shoot a couple weeks ago. The edition has not come out yet so I haven’t seen the pictures but the experience itself was a lot of fun. It was great to have the experience of being in a professional photo shoot. Thanks!” - Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders, Controller “I have worked with the Women’s Journal in two separate areas of my career. Each time, I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and compassion of the staff. The articles and advertisements are always perfect. If I have a problem, Pam is always there to help. What more could a Marketing Director ask for. Thank you!” - Kristy Handley, Marketing Director, State Street Assisted Living “Without question, an outstanding way to educate patients.”
- Vincent Perrottta, M.D., Peninsula Plastic Surgery
“We have built our business on the readership of the Women’s Journal: I cannot believe the amount of business we receive from our articles.” - Fred Winward, President, Resort Landscaping “The Women’s Journal is the most successful advertising we have ever done.”
- Focal Point Opticians
“A priceless educational vehicle to allow patients quality, objective information about our various procedures.” - Andreus V. Strauss, M.D., Director of Oncology Beebe Medical Center “The Women’s Journal is the best advertising I have ever done, I can’t believe I waited so long to try them. They are the only advertising I am doing now.” - Carmella, Permanent Cosmetics “Magnificent response to our advertising.”
- Dave Crowley, President, Bethany Bay Resorts
Did you know? Women’s Buying Power • • • • • • • • • •
94% Home Furnishings 93% OTC Pharmaceuticals 93% Food 92% Vacations 91% of New Homes 89% Bank Accounts 85% Auto Purchases 81% Riding Lawn Mowers 80% Healthcare 66% PCs
Women account for 85% of all consumer purchases. • Women carry 76 million credit cards, 8 million more than men. • In 2001, U.S. women’s purchasing power constituted the number 3 market in the world; the collective buying power exceeded the entire economy of Japan. • By 2010, women are expected to control $1 trillion, or 60% of the country’s wealth, according to research conducted by Business Week and Gallup. (Sources: The Business and Professional Women’s Foundation, Trendsight, Business Women’s)
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Fitness Lifestyle and
By Christie Cook Christie Cook is the Publisher of the Chesterfield Women’s Journal in Virginia. A native of New York, Christie makes her home in the Metropolitan area with her husband and daughter . As a breast cancer survivor, Christie works with other newly diagnosed women to help and support them as they meet and conquer the challenge of cancer.
It’s Time
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Not understanding the “Why’s” isn’t always easy. At times, trying to figure out why things happen may be what is hindering us and holding us back. The time spent in looking back, keeps us from moving forward. One can never move to a better place if they are staying rooted in the negative experiences of the present and the past. There may, or may not, be a logical explanation as to why someone may be experiencing the challenges that they are facing. Our challenges can, and have in many cases, taken us to a place of pain, disappointment, hurt, and not being able to fully enjoy life. Many people are now faced with becoming full-time care givers, where there is no plan in place. Many people are feeling unsatisfied in their love relationships. Many people are concerned about their economic situation and providing for their families. Cancer has become so common among us, that it clearly has no regard for age, race, or one’s economic status. The challenges out there in living day-to-day are many, and sometimes the answers appear to be few. Have you ever heard the saying, “As long as you have a breath of air, you have hope”? It’s true, but you have to want to live in the now. Making the best of each moment regardless of how hard it may appear, pressing forward with an expectation that your situation will get better. Everything is not lost, it is not all hopeless. But in order to move to a place of having hope, from being in the place of being hopeless, you have to believe that your situation CAN change. That first step of belief is critical to moving forward; it’s the direction you want to be in. You must move to a place of overcoming. Quick answers and quick fixes don’t exist; it’s not what life is about. Many of the trials and tribulations that we face are experiences that
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we would rather not go through if we had the choice. But there are lessons to be learned in every experience. Being unemployed and having to live on very little, teaches the lesson of being a good steward and manager of resources when the money does return. Having a failed relationship allows for the opportunity to be introspective and self-critical, so that we can evolve and be better partners in our next relationships. But you have to be open. You have to look for the lesson in every experience so that you can grow from it and move to a better place. Where you are in this moment does not define who you are and what you can achieve. Choose to not to give up, choose to press forward. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. Don’t allow yourself for a minute to believe that your circumstance can’t and won’t change. How do I know?? I know because I’ve had to make that journey first hand. I had to fight to figure out what a new normal was for me. Through the battle of breast cancer, and literally coming close to death as I fought for that next day, it was a pressing forward time. But I did it, and it wasn’t always happy moments. It was no easy thing to do, but I needed and wanted to be different and to be better. Words have tremendous power. Speak life into your circumstance, and seek the peace to know that it’s okay to take that step forward. Don’t look back, other than to see how far you’ve come. IT’S TIME!
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Fitness Lifestyle and
By Marla Brown Marla Brown is the owner of the Youthtopia Med Spa in Alpharetta, Georgia. Youthtopia Med Spa is a prestigious, life-enhancing, all-encompassing facility, dedicated to its clients’ overall beauty and health. Marla is an Entrepreneur, Consultant, Business Broker and Author.
Igniting Positive Transformation From The Outside-In
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The definition of beauty is very diverse. But for a woman to feel beautiful, she must create her own definition of beauty. This must come from the soul to enable her to understand and be comfortable with herself. For me, simple things that make me feel beautiful ultimately impact my emotional and physical health. For instance, a couple of years ago I had a lipodissolve procedure to fix my love handles which had continued to exist regardless of my work-out routine. In my opinion, I never looked good in jeans because of the “hangover.” This noninvasive procedure helped to contour those problem areas and encouraged me to begin a more aggressive exercise and diet plan so that I could maintain the results. Feeling good, and looking good often work in tandem. Sometimes i meet clients who are trying to deal with some issue like divorce, job loss or empty nest syndrome and they use our cosmetic procedures to help motivate a positive change. Sometimes approaching beauty from the outside-in enables the client to jumpstart a beautiful transformation. As we age, our bodies obviously change in many ways. Externally, we begin to lose collagen and elasticity in our skin. This could cause hollowness in the face, sunken eyes, less eyelashes and brows, and less turnover of the skin cells which makes the skin overall, look dry and dull. There are so many options to help alleviate these conditions and enhance the aging process. With our clients, we can often begin with simple and effective solutions like chemical peels and medical grade maintenance programs to use at home. There are more intensive procedures like C02 fractional laser procedures and photofacials that can resurface the skin and rid
a client of age spots and acne scarring. If the client has lost volume in their face or accumulated some extra wrinkles from additional stress and worry, we can erase their tired look with the wonderful affects of botox or fillers like Juvederm or Radiesse. These treatments help rejuvenate multiple problem areas. From smile lines to vertical lip lines or volume loss in cheeks and chins, these products smooth away wrinkles, re-stimulate collagen and restore natural contours. It is amazing how improving one external concern for someone can improve their confidence. For instance, we once had a client leave in joyful tears after our nurse had reconstructed parts of her face with a facial filler after it was damaged from a car accident. Her desire to begin dating again dramatically changed that day. Another client used some of these options to help her compete more effectively against younger females for a new job. And while these enhancements are certainly not the complete answer to many of our client’s changing needs, they often prompt positive outlooks and behaviors that can create a progression of personal growth.
dietary needs. Once a woman has more energy and desire to fix things that have previously gone unattended, we may recommend one of our weight loss options like HCG or Take Shape for Life. If the client wants to smooth cellulite or tighten loose body skin, Velashape or Exilis may be a better solution. These are non-invasive body contouring techniques that use heat, infrared light and radio frequency to rid the body of adipose fat and cellulite. But the effectiveness of any of these procedures relies heavily on the client’s willingness and commitment to improve things that hinder their personality or lifestyle. It troubles me to see women who have lost pride in themselves and stopped caring about their health and appearance. A woman needs to FEEL beautiful to be able to positively impact everything else in her life. Again, feeling beautiful is a very personal and individual choice. It isn’t necessary to alter a person’s appearance to make this happen. Rather, we begin to further accentuate the beauty from within by eliminating some barriers that may be impacting
The aging process also causes many physical changes for women including depression, weight gain, night sweats, anxiety and lack of energy and sex drive. These symptoms are often signs of our changing hormonal needs. As women, we need to pay attention to our internal health which ultimately will enable us to continue taking care of the external needs. We have built a comprehensive approach at our medspa that helps us to work with clients to balance their hormones and assist with their changing
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a woman’s positive outlook about herself and others. At Youthtopia, we can walk the aging journey with the client as long as she is determined to continue on the path to successful living. It is a journey that requires attention and constant adjustments. Just like a work-out regime at the gym that can only be accomplished with dedication and continued maintenance. It needs to be a commitment a woman chooses for herself that is not hindered by other’s opinions or ideas for her well-being. This is how I redefine beauty for myself and encourage my clients to do the same. Testimonial “Not enough STARS in my book to rate this wonderful place! Cheryl, is brilliant and a perfect artist of the face !! The ambiance of Youthtopia is that of comfort and pampering. The entire staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and caring. You can’t miss going to this fabulous corner of Alpharetta ! I would actually travel many miles to get here!! Hats off to the owner who runs this business perfectly.” - D. Haynes, November 29, 2012, CitySearch
We provide the most comprehensive approach to the “youthing” process by positively impacting from the inside-out.
Beauty
2012 Best of AlphArettA AwArd 4-time award winner
call today for your complimentary consultation!
770-772-4806
3665 old Milton parkway | alpharetta www.youthtopiamedspa.com
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Fitness Lifestyle and
By Yvonne M. Cimo
Bored with your Treadmill? Try Dancing! It is the Best Cure for Two Left Feet And…Maybe a Possible Remedy for So Much More
Dancing And Your Health
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Why ballroom dancing? Let me share a bit of my personal experience. Attending my very first ballroom dance class well over a dozen years ago, I found myself in a situation where I felt shy, awkward and unsure that I really wanted to pursue this activity. I struggled to find my place in this new arena. Patient teachers, repetition, and a stick to it attitude helped me gain confidence. I find I now hold my head higher, dress differently and walk with greater assurance. I want the same for my students. I really like to see the light in their eyes when they find joy in movement. My goal is the same; teach, encourage, equip students to experience and enjoy the Gifts of Dance. Including Physical, Mental, & Social Benefits “Dance is a very powerful drug Mr. Keane. If embraced judiciously, it can exorcise demons, access deep seated emotions, and color your life in joyous shades of brilliant magenta that you never knew existed. But, one must shoulder its challenges with intrepid countenance if one is ever to reap its rewards.” - From the 2005 Movie: Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing and Charm School Dance raises our self esteem. Learning to move as one with a partner requires a knowledge of frame and how we move together. By working on this we develop better posture, poise, and balance and so very much more can happen once we take up this incredible hobby.
Just a Few Studies That Confirm the Physical Benefits of Dancing
Dance and Alzheimer’s disease The Einstein Aging Study, summarized in the June 19, 2003 New England Journal of Medicine. The results of the study indicate that ballroom dancing helps prevent dementia. A group of 469 men and women were studied between the years 1980 and 2001. Each member
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gave details about participation in six brain stimulating hobbies; reading, writing for pleasure, doing crosswords, playing musical instruments, taking part in group discussions and playing board games and 11 physical activities including: ballroom dancing, team sports, swimming and bicycling. The researchers found no significant association between physical activities and the risk of dementia – except for ballroom dancing. The amazing 76% risk reduction from frequent participation in ballroom dancing by 130 avid dancers was the highest score of all hobbies and physical activities measured in the study. Dr. Joe Verghese, assistant professor of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, New York, offered the theory that the requirements of ballroom dancing: remembering the steps, moving in precise time to the music and adapting to the movements of one’s partner – are mentally demanding exercises. Ballroom dancing offers both physical and mental stimulation. Try Dancing for Heart Health A study conducted by medical researchers in Italy found that people with mild to moderate heart failure who took up waltzing improved their heart health, their breathing and their quality of life significantly more than those who exercised by bicycling or walking on a treadmill.
• Using more of your muscle groups for overall toning • Improving balance, which can help you avoid falling injuries • Reducing stress • Improving your social life and making new friends • Having fun and feeling young • Using Oxygen more efficiently • Patients stuck to their programs longer According to Elliott M. Antman, MD, a heart specialist at Harvard Medical School, “Dancing appears to be an attractive and fun way for heart failure patients to get their exercise,” Antman said. “I highly recommend it.” Tango Classes Put Parkinson’s Patients a Step Ahead From a study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. Researchers at the Washington University in St. Louis medical school compared the effects of Argentine tango lessons and exercise classes on the functional mobility of 19 Parkinson’s patients. The patients were randomly assigned to do 20 one-hour tango classes or group strength and exercise sessions designed for Parkinson’s patients and the elderly. All the patients were assessed prior to the start of these activities and after they completed the sessions.
The dancers reported many benefits of dancing: slightly better results for sleep, mood, and their ability to have sex, pursue hobbies and do housework than the group that followed more traditional cardiac rehab. Dancing allows you to work at your fitness level, increasing speed and footwork as your strength and stamina improve. Other benefits of dancing for health include:
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The dance classes included stretching, balance exercises, tango-style walking, footwork patterns, experimenting of timing of steps, and dance with and without a partner. By the end of the sessions, both groups showed significant improvements in standard tests designed to measure mobility. People in the tango group showed more improvement in balance than those in the exercise group. “This type of therapy looks to be superior to what is currently offered,” Researcher Madeline E. Hackney, a pre-doctoral trainee in movement science, said in a prepared statement. “The quality of life improved in these patients because of the social aspect of dancing.” Social Ease, Emotional Lifelines & the ‘Hug Theory’ For many people, there is emptiness, loneliness, something missing in their life. Ballroom & Latin Dance offers something wonderful to fill that void and offers so many great benefits too. Regular dance classes give people a chance to become much more at ease in a social situation. The dance position used in Ballroom and Latin Dancing is very similar to a hug. It is believed that this is part of the attraction of getting to dance together in a closed hold and that is a very basic human need for connection.
Fitness Lifestyle and
By Barbara Satterwhite RN Barbara Satterwhite is a retired registered nurse. She was educated in Canada, worked 29 years at the Medical College of VA Hospitals/ Virginia Commonwealth University. Has been with Nikken, as an Independent Consultant, for 18 years.
Cholesterol: Friend Or Foe?
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Cholesterol - Why We Need It Cholesterol is an essential nutrient, as essential to life as water or air. Cholesterol is actually not a fat, it is a hard waxy substance produced by the liver. It performs many vital functions in the human body. It is very protective of the blood vessels, forming as a result of inflammation, to patch and repair the vessel wall. It appears that many people are still under the false impression that cholesterol is not good for them. In fact, “Cholesterol is a fat-soluble steroid from which all of the steroid hormones are made. Cholesterol is also very important to brain function, being a component of the myelin sheath that protects nerves and nerve impulse propagation. Your hormone balance and your brain function suffer when cholesterol is excessively low,” says John R. Lee. An important function is that it acts as a catalyst for the synthesis of important hormones such as sex hormones and adrenal hormones (cortisone). Recently, an important brain protective chemical was identified that is associated with a dramatic slowing or decline in Parkinson’s patients. This novel chemical has been shown to provide aggressive brain antioxidant protection, helping to reduce the damaging effects of villainous toxins called free radicals. What’s more, it has been discovered that this brain protective substance (cholesterol) actually serves as the precursor for such brain supportive chemicals as vitamin D, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Yes, the very same cholesterol that has been demonized for decades as the cause of everything from heart attacks to who-knowswhat is actually one of the most important players in brain health. Cardiovascular health is a major challenge. The cardiovascular
system sustains life by providing nutrients and oxygen to all tissues, and its proper function is essential for survival. This includes maintaining normal levels of blood cholesterol, a vital component of cell membranes. Triglycerides from fat tissue and blood glucose provide fuel for energy, and the cardiovascular system transports these. Blood pressure within a certain range allows for proper functioning of the system vessels, heart and other organs and this is also regulated by the heart and cardiovascular network. Maintaining Your CholesterolSolution
of last year. When I went for my annual physical in November of that year my cholesterol total had come down 60 points! This was monumental as I can’t take any of the statin drugs and have genetically high cholesterol. For me, Bergisterol is a life saver and the best all natural way to manage your cholesterol!” Thanks Nikken! Paige Carpenter You can take control of your health and avoid many side effects of medications, by embracing Nikken’s natural solutions to the cholesterol issue and many other facets of your health.
Better Health- Better Finances Are you looking for answers to better health, would you like extra income? Share the Nikken solutions, help people, create an income source. For every dime you make, someone will have been helped-what a way to make a living! Help us spread the word. Would you like to partner with us for better health and finances? Do you know someone interested in a natural solution to their cholesterol issue? Contact us for more information. Improve health & finances in 2014!
What if you could address these cardiovascular issues and maintain good cholesterol levels without medication? You can with Nikken, a company that addresses vital elements of life, like nutrition, water, air and sleep. What is the solution to controlling your cholesterol naturally? Nikken’s “Bergisterol”.
Lisa Hazelgrove 804-5393251 lisa@lisahealthy.com
Bergisterol can help maintain levels of triglycerides, blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol that are within normal limits.* Bergisterol is an all-natural means of cardiovascular support. It is a juice extract made from a citrus fruit, the bergamot, which has a very high amount of natural plant sterols. Bergisterol is a blend of bergamot and other citrus, the blood orange and clementine, formulated to provide an optimum combination that is also low in calories and high in vitamin C.
Beatrice Miller 804-852-1775 bea.miller@halo.com
Barbara Satterwhite RN 804-437-0243 barbsatterwhite@gmail.com
Japanese Health Research Institute 39 years, 38 countries, 40 million customers
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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College Graduates Unemployed! Now What?
Business Financial and
You just joined the ranks of 4.5 Million recent college graduates that now realize you don’t have a job in your chosen area of professional study, and if you do have a job you are most likely receiving 30% of the pay you thought you would be hired at. We have the answer. Do you want to make $100,000 plus this next year in your county - in your state? By Heather Schaffer And Luke Kennedy
By Heather Schaffer And Luke Kennedy
Bypassing The Corporate Ladder
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I was lucky enough to grow up in a well educated, affluent family that had the ability to afford me every opportunity parents could want for their child. I went to a prestigious private school, participated in sports, and extracurricular activates. I had great friends and managed to stick to the principles my parents had brought me up to believe in such as hard work, honesty, Integrity, and self sufficiency, effectively keeping me out of harm’s way and trouble. When it was time to go to college, I was glad to go. I had been accepted to a prestigious school In Boston that I was excited about, and felt that it was time to stand on my own two feet and start carving my own way in the world. College accomplished for me what any realistic expectations could hope for: the ability to think analytically and express myself appropriately. However, the reason I chose my school, and the reason most people I know went to college, was not for these rather humble aspirations. I was career focused and wanted college to be my ticket into an amusement park of opportunity. What I found was my analytical mind saying, “You’ve got a $120,000 education. What now, hot shot?â€? Although I had a good experience at college, I wasn’t an academic at heart and knew that spending another $100,000 for post grad was not for me unless absolutely necessary. Of course it was time to get a job, but where? I started contacting all the advertising companies I had been studying over the past four years and managed to land a handful of interviews. It became quite clear that nobody was hiring, and that the whole industry was slow enough to grant interÂviews as a way of distracting themselves from the fact that they didn’t have enough work to do either. The offers I did get would have given “education investmentâ€? a return in about 6 years as long as
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I didn’t need to pay rent or eat. We all have to start somewhere, but I refused to believe that my value to the proÂfessional world was within $5.000 of miniÂmum wage.
initial down payment and soon I was getting all the “real worldâ€? training I needed to run my own newspaÂper.
way I’m starting on the bottom. In fact, I’ve virtually created my own ladder.
There are a lot of perks doing Training took about a week what I do, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly not all and is continual, you never fun and games. A lot of it is real â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not what you feel vulnerable. With several work. Still, any job worth having know, but who you know,â&#x20AC;? and other first time entrepreÂneurs, is hard work, and more to the that was certainly true with me. I learned everyÂthing that can point, most jobs not worth having My mom had worked for a guy be taught about the County are hard work, too. At least I like You just joined the ranks of 4.5 Million recent college graduates that now relize you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a job in your chosen area named Bob who had started a Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newspaper. 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Fashion Beauty and
By Margaret P. Daniel Considered an expert in her field, Margaret P. Daniel brings her expertise as a Certified Wedding Specialist and Certified Etiquette Trainer to each event she undertakes. With experience in the event sector of the hotel management industry as well as various other industries, she brings her expertise in planning some of Atlanta’s largest events. She is devoted to creating events that will leave lasting memories and satisfied clients. “Our professional staff of planners and coordinators stays abreast of the newest trends in the industry. In designing personalized events for our clients, we often find ourselves not only following customs and traditions, but also creating new ideas and even setting new trends. We believe in bringing innovative and creative ideas to our clients.” -Margaret P. Daniel
7 Sins Of Wedding Planning
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Most women look forward to planning their wedding, but often don’t know where to start. They enlist the help of several people or worse yet, too many people. This can lead to mistakes that leave brides in tears, embarrassed or out of unexpected dollars. In order to have a wedding that doesn’t end in heartache or regret, there are 7 points you should remember to make your wedding a happier, regret-free day. The following are 7 Sins of Wedding Planning.
1.
Not having a realistic budget. All too often, brides begin planning their wedding without realistic figures of how much items will cost. The best way to start planning a wedding is to determine a range of how much wedding services will cost. Then decide how much you’re willing to spend. Have a number in mind and stick to it! When setting your budget, include everything that is related to the wedding, i.e. from undergarments, and hemming for the tuxedos, to transportation and wedding party gifts.
2.
Not having a realistic vision in mind. You may have seen a wedding created by Celebrity Wedding Planner Colin Cowie, which included the bride and groom entering a scene including pyrotechnics and an ESPN announcer introducing the wonderful couple, and said, “I want that!” Yet, you’ve chosen to hold your wedding in the church dining hall and have your cousins set up your fireworks display. Doing so is the same as cutting your menu down to one entrée, asking for a keg instead of a bar, and wanting a camera man from CNN to come videotape your wedding. If you have grandiose ideas yet you’re working with a very limited budget, this is the time to talk to your wedding planner and share your ideas for a beautiful wedding. A professional can suggest ways to make your dreams come true by offering economical and safe alternatives.
3.
Trying to plan it yourself or not hiring experienced wedding professionals. Would you hire a friend to deliver your baby (another important day of your life)? Then why leave your first introduction as “Mrs. X” in the hands of a non-professional? This may not be the best time to hire your cousin who just finished culinary school as your caterer for 250 people, or allow your friend who has only planned birthday parties to coordinate and facilitate your most important lifetime event. Invest in a professional wedding planner and other wedding professionals and trust that they will work diligently on your behalf.
4.
Neglecting your groom. You’ve planned the reception, picked out the music and flowers, selected the DJ, met with the photographer, and the list goes on. Where is the input of your fiancé in the wedding? Make sure to include him in the decision making and planning. Excluding him could set a negative precedence on the marriage. Also, remember to take time out to be boyfriend and girlfriend. Continue to go on dates and spend quality time together that is void of talking about the wedding. Remember, the wedding is only one day; the marriage is for a lifetime.
6.
It’s all about the dress! The most important aspect of a wedding is making sure that you and your fiancé are officially married at the end of the day. But, the second most important aspect is usually the wedding dress. When you choose that perfect, ideal dress, make sure you get the correct size when ordering. Brides sometimes will order a smaller sized dress in hopes of losing the appropriate amount of weight to fit into it by wedding day, but that is not a good plan. It is best to order the correct size at the time of ordering. Remember, it’s easier to take in a dress than it is to let it out.
7.
Including the gift registration in the invitation. It still amazes me to see wedding invitations with gift registration cards included. This is not only poor wedding etiquette, but it also sends a message to guests that you expect them to bring a gift. The proper way to handle the gift registration is via word of mouth. If guests want to
purchase something off of your Gift Registry, they will call and ask where you are registered. “Margaret Daniel and RSVP Occasions, LLC went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure that my wedding day was flawless. Margaret’s attention to detail and unparalleled personality made me feel at ease throughout the planning process. I can’t imagine how I would have managed without Margaret’s expertise and coordination. Thank you for helping to make my wedding day a pleasurable experience!” - Lashonda Council Rogers, Esq. “Margaret and her R.S.V.P. Occasions team brought my vision to life. She helped me stay on budget and helped me with my timeline. Her team was organized and professional. My wedding party and vendors really enjoyed working with them. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a planner.” - Dr. Erika Van Putten, Bride
5.
Not personalizing your wedding. You will receive plenty of advice on how you should plan your wedding, what types of flowers you should have, the type of music you should play, the ideal type of cake you should have and more. But it is a big mistake not to personalize your most important day. You don’t want to look back at your wedding in a few months or years and think, “I wish I would have done...”. This is the time to make your wedding yours and your fiancé’s. Include something that is special and specific only to the two of you. You might incorporate it in the groom’s cakes, the reception centerpieces or maybe even the music. Just make sure you and your groom are comfortable knowing you both did it your way.
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A Wedding Planning & Event Management Company The Ultimate Event Experience in • Wedding Consulting & Design • Corporate & Social Event Management • Etiquette Training & Image Consulting
Call us at 678.361.5505 or visit us online at
www.margaretdaniel.com www.GeorgiaWJ.com
Fashion Beauty and
Girls in white dresses with cream colored sashes Rice and confetti on your nose and eyelashes
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Anytime of the year can be wedding season, however, no matter when you tie the knot, it will be the most important day of your life. One of your favorite things, of course, will be the purchase of a bridal gown. Bare Essentials has some very helpful suggestions that may eliminate a lot of headaches. After 15 years of fitting brides for garments “underneath it all”, here are a few tips. Before you make the final selection of your gown, know what types of undergarments are needed to help you be the most beautiful bride you can be. * If you are a curvy gal, strapless and/or backless gowns can be problematic as these types of undergarments accommodate less of a size range. Choose a figure flattering style that accentuates your assets. We carry a vast selection of strapless options, however, bras or bustiers without straps create support challenges. Be realistic about the design and structure of your gown. You may love
By Debbie Esslinger, Owner,
Bare Essentials
the dress, but it may not be the correct style for your body. * If you are a petite or missy size, additional push in the bra or shaping of the bust may be needed. Bustiers with cups for added cleavage or a bra that lifts and separates will help fill in the bust line of the dress. If needed, Bare Essentials carries a variety of removable and reusable bust enhancing inserts. Also available are the new backless and strapless bras that can be worn to 25 times. ❑ 1stupproof
Client: bare essentials Contact info: bareshop.Com account executive: stephany issue Date: fw 2010
ad proof form
please e-mail approva
8/9/10
styles have the words BRIDE or looks the best. please reaD this! if we do not receive a response * Not sure what type of panty JUST MARRIED embroidered in proof, we will run the ad as shown. today media, inc. cann ❑ revision #1 Here 8/10/10 to wear under the dress? If possible, your dress with * advertiser Swarovski crystals. mistakes, and willbring be responsible for payment in is a suggestion. If you are not you than to actual choose the ad may appear smaller size and is notappropriate indicative of color. Design is to be duplicated or reproduced prior to newsstand liability: all advertis accustomed to wearing ❑ revision #2 a undergarment. Oursale. bra * Should you need to wear accepted and published by the publisher upon representation that the agency a thong, boyshort or bikini style, the entire contents and subject matterwill thereof. agency andassist advertiser assu a compression garment to consultants fit the you and therefrom against the publisher. don’t let ❑ your wedding smooth out the bumps and in finding the right combination revision #3day be the first time you try one out. hide the loose areas, there are of bra and panty styles. The Choose the style that you arebilled $25 shapers available that are both final touch will be your gown Client revisions will be per revision comfortable wearing. functional and pretty. Don’t placed on top of your selections after the first (no There charge) revision. are many sexy and gorgeous worry that you will feel or look to make sure the look is both panties in lace or satin to match like a sausage. We provide seamless and beautiful. Before our specialty undergarments. many levels of compression you leave our store and head to No matter your preference; from very light to extremely your seamstress, you will know our Hanky Panky bridal line will heavy. We will assist you your undergarments are as have a match for you. Many deciding which level feels and close to perfect as possible.
C lassicB ridalStyles A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words
B E are
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ssentials
4009 Concord Pike • Wilm., DE • 302.477.4888 A Bra Fitting Shop for the Modern Woman Mon-Sat 10-6 Wed 10-8
Hiring a Professional Photographer Helps Preserve Your Family’s Memories
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My son loves to play hide and seek. At three, Jackson hides in plain sight. In the middle of the floor under a blanket or under the table are his favorite hiding places. In the mind’s eye of a three-year-old, if I cannot see you, you are not there. Sometimes I wonder if he will hold on to this logic as he grows. When he sifts through our family photos, will he notice something missing? As a mom and a professional photographer, I almost always have a camera with me no matter where we go. I enjoy capturing the big and small moments that occur in life. When he’s older, Jackson will be able to revisit a myriad of firsts and everyday moments: his first haircut, first ice cream cone, playtime with friends, moments shared with his great grandfather, and tender and silly exchanges between he and his dad. But, will he think that since I’m not in the pictures, I wasn’t there? Will he miss my presence? As mothers, we are often the ones behind the camera. When looking through your pictures from family vacations, outings or just day-to-day moments, are you in the picture? If you are anything like me, the answer is most likely “no” or “not enough.” When pieced together, our pictures will tell the stories of our lives. If we’re lucky, the ‘firsts,’ precious, comical, and pivotal moments will be forever preserved in our photographic memories.
By Tiffany Powell allows you to step out from behind the lens and re-insert yourself into your family’s photographic memories. Technology today plasters our lives in cyberspace; tweets and status updates help us know what is going on in the World. Social Media makes us feel connected to people despite physical distance. When photographing your own family, here are a few suggestions to improve the quality of your images. 1. Invest in a decent camera. Camera phones are convenient, but do not underestimate the value of having a real camera adjusting the camera settings as needed. 2. Don’t be afraid to let your children’s personalities shine. Many highly treasured photographs are of unscripted and unexpected moments. 3. Everyone does not need to be looking into the camera or smiling in order for an image to be successful. A strong photograph captures pure emotion and stops time. Images emphasizing details and treasured moments easily transport viewers to another time and place
As a professional photographer, my clients are confident that I will capture important details and moments as they unfold. Regardless of the lighting situation or décor, the resulting photographs show details, emotions and treasured moments. Each image is filled with crisp, vibrant moments. Moms and dads are able to relax, be themselves and be at ease in front of my camera knowing that I am creatively documenting our time together. There is a certain authenticity present in images that are taken when the subject is comfortable and relaxed and in the moment. When client’s view photos from their portrait sessions and see images they don’t remember me taking their reactions are priceless. Motherhood is a journey with some of our most rewarding and demanding moments all wrapped up into one glorious bundle. All too often, we mothers wait to care for ourselves once everyone else is cared for. We tend to the needs of others and forget our own. We wait for the perfect time. Family portraits will be
How will will YOU YOU be be remembered? remembered? How Photographs are so powerful! They capture and preserve happy or even sad memories. As a mother, you are an integral part of these memories and should be in more of the pictures./ Hiring a professional
taken after we get our hair colored, after we lose ten more pounds, or when we can finally find the perfect outfit. Before we know it, the children are older, the occasion has passed and the perfect, and perfectly un-perfect moments have been missed. After fleeting moments, milestone birthdays, holidays, graduations, family outings, favorite -well-worn and well-loved- outfits and toys, After everything disappears; the only things remaining are photographs and memories. Creating and keeping memories of our children is a worthwhile investment. Hiring a professional photographer is a great way to capture and preserve your entire family’s memories. May is the one special month our families honor us as mothers, why not use it as an opportunity to create some meaningful memories and artwork together? Remember that each day is a gift that we cannot get back. A great image will capture and tell a story without words, and help you remember the moment. What’s your story?
404.435.6274 www.tiffany-powell.com
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Dining Entertainment and
By Adam Kline Adam started his restaurant career at age 15 in establishments in Southern New Jersey. After moving to North Carolina in 1988, he gained the knowledge and experience to become a manager at some of Greensboro’s finest restaurants.
Cooking With Wine: A Healthier Choice
I
In this day and age, while everyone is either counting every calorie or just giving in to obesity, we all could use a way to make the foods we were raised to love a little bit healthier. Just making a few changes in the ingredients you choose can cut up to half the fat and calories out of your everyday diet without surrendering flavor. In most cases you will find that the dish will maintain its taste, while allowing peace of mind and a healthier diet. To begin, start with a simple switch from white to wheat bread. I resisted this at first but then came to realize how bread can actually taste good, rather than just being something to hold my sandwich together. Little things like this help more than you might realize. I realized that I could continue this nondiet by adding wine to many of my cooking recipes. Wine is a great fat substitute When you take some of the fat out of dishes, you usually need to add another ingredient to replace the lost moisture. Instead of sautéing veggies in heaps of butter or oil, you can sauté them in a smaller amount of oil plus some wine for flavor and moisture. Rather than making a marinade with cup of oil, decrease the oil to ¼ cup and add ¼ cup wine. I just made a garlic thyme butter sauce for some fresh cod and the recipe called for a ½ cup of butter. I simply used a ¼ cup of butter and added a ¼ cup sauvignon blanc. The results was even more flavorful than the original and made my Dietitian wife much happier. Only alcohol and water evaporated when cooking, so you’re left with the essence of the wine itself – namely polyphenols and anti-oxidants. Wine adds moisture and flavor to fish Deep-fried fish dipped in tartar
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sauce, while being tasty, defeats the nutritional purpose of eating fish. A way to add flavor and moisture to fish without adding fat is to cook it with wine. Add wine to the pan while the fish is simmering or drizzle the fish with a tablespoon or two of wine and bake it while wrapped in a foil packages.
a bold-flavored dish. Don’t be afraid to do your own thing but, generally, light-colored meats such as chicken and fish are paired with light-colored meats such as chicken and fish are paired with light-colored wines (white), while dark-colored meats such as beef are paired with dark-colored wines (red).
Wine is great in marinades Wine is basically an acidic ingredient (which helps tenderize the outside of the meat), and it has a lot of flavor. A wine-based marinade helps keep meat, poultry, and seafood moist while it cooks as well. Wine can help cook and simmer foods. Add wine to dishes you’re cooking in a skillet on the stove, in a slow cooker, or in the oven. Simmered along with the food, it adds flavor and moisture to whatever dish you’re making.
The basic job of red wine is to marinate, bringing out the food’s innate flavors. Reds are skilled at bringing out the colors and essence of the food, and they add dryness, making dishes taste less sugary. Similar to food/ wine pairings, red wine should be added to dishes containing red meat, or dishes with a lot of vegetables, such as stews.
Keep in mind that wine needs to simmer with the food you’re cooking to enhance its flavor. Don’t add it at the end of cooking or you’ll risk serving a dish with a strong, overpowering flavor. The longer you cook the wine (over low to medium heat), the more subtle the flavors.
While red wine enhances flavor, white wines alter it. This doesn’t mean that white wine will decrease the horrible taste of an already bad dish, but it will add an acidic feature, making the dish more tart. It won’t drastically change the dish, but it will enhance its natural sharpness. White wines are best used for cram sauces, or with chicken and fish.
There is fairly conclusive evidence that wine consumption can lead to many health benefits. There have been no studies about cooking with wine, but we can make some logical assumptions. Only alcohol and water evaporate when cooking, so you’re left with the essence of the wine itself – namely polyphenols and anti-oxidants.
Feel free to experiment while cooking with wine. Get creative, and try to invent new flavor combinations. And, after you’ve created something spectacular, don’t forget to write down how you did it!
The best thing though is that cooking with wine is a great way to add a unique flavor to your cooking. Health benefits aside, food tastes great with it – and if nothing else, it’s healthy for the soul!
Traditional Formula for Pairing Wine with Cooking Young, Full-Bodied or Earthy Red Wine Red meat, soups with root Vegetables, beef stock Young, Full-Bodied, Robust Red Wine Red Sauces Dry White Wine Fish, shellfish, poultry, pork, veal, light or cream sauces Crisp, Dry White Wine Seafood, soups Sweet White Wine Sweet desserts Sherry Poultry, vegetables, soups What type of wine should be used to cook which type of food? Generally, it’s thought that a light-flavored wine goes best with delicately flavored foods. It would follow that a boldtasting, wine might do well in
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