Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine Spring 2018

FITNESS | NUTRITION | HEALTH | MIND-BODY | FAMILY WELLNESS | COMMUNITY | FINANCIAL

COMPLIMENTARY

Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families What’s Your Role to Play?

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INSIDE: Stronger Than Yesterday Green: The Powerhouse of Plants Trauma and Shame: Gateways into Addiction

SPRING 2018

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Mind-Body

The Importance of Insulin in Diet & Exercise 7 Is My Runny Nose a Sinus Infection or Allergies? 8 Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families Simply Biotic Probiotics Travels Across the Atlantic 12 Endometriosis: What Is It And Is There Hope For Relief? 13 Feet First 13 Health Q&A 31

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On The Cover:

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Michael Houston, Principal, Clear View HS; Brianna Ramon, Student, Clear View HS; Becky Day, JSC Federal Credit Union; Doug Meisinger, Clear Lake Today & Vinyl Draught Radio; Clint deGroot, Dominion Church; Sgt Anthony Ferraro, Harris County Constable, Precinct 8; Stacy Shopper, Bay Area Regional Medical Center; and Tiffany Braman, DePelchin Children’s Center.

Fitness | M I N D & B O D Y s ghw Adults and Kids…

Get Up and Get Moving F AYesterday M I LY6 Stronger|Than A Winning Team 15

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C U LT U R E

This is My YES!

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Nutrition

My Mom’s Potato Salad 16 Green: The Powerhouse of Plants

The Top 5 Reasons to Be a Lifeguard How to Talk to Your Teenager about Hard Things 19 Wellness for Those Who Care for Others 27

Financial The Storm Has Ended

Is It a Tattoo OR Is It MAKEUP? Get Your Home Spring Ready in 4 Easy Steps 23 Trauma and Shame: Gateways into Addiction 24

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Family Wellness

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Community Highlighting Islamic Art Community Photos 26

Senior Focus Senior Living Options Positive Aging 30

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bs ghw a h w | FWR EO LML TNHEES ESD I T O R Carrie’s Corner Bay Area Health and Wellness made a conscious decision in the fall to press pause on publishing. Our community was repairing and healing from Harvey. Many of the businesses and partners that are vital to our magazine were affected by the storm. Our advisory board supported the decision to put all efforts and funds back into the community for six months. And, wow, are we glad we did! Nothing can take the place of working side by side with rebuilding efforts and partnerships to get our community back on track. That, my friends, is health and wellness. Becoming stronger every day and sharing the load together.

and wellness of our community, we are reminded of the continued opportunity to partner through the gift of information. Knowledge is power, and what better way to share that knowledge than tell your story. Bay Area Health and Wellness is your tool to share your story with your community, customers, patients, and clients. We exist so you can share your expertise, business, and stories of health and wellness with others, providing quality information and education to be the best community we can be.

Welcome back, we’ve missed you and look forward to a blessed healthy spring with you!

Spring has sprung, the community is rebuilding, partners are back on track, and we are all better connected through the process. It is the perfect opportunity to highlight lives changed through working together; this is what Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families does so well. Our cover story will give you great information on how they make the Bay Area a healthier place to live, work, and raise our families.

You’ll see some new faces and topics in our issue, and some of our routine beloved authors and partners. As we’ve continued to be closely connected to the health

To Visit Us on Facebook:

To Visit Our Website:

Carrie Ermshar Editor

For information on advertising or other inquiries, visit our website at www.txhwmagazines.com or call us at 832.323.3020 Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | PO Box 1118 | Kemah, TX 77565 The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the articles in Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine. The information contained within has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this material. Appropriate professional advice should be sought before making decisions. ©Copyright 2018.

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FITNESS

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H Adults Get Up and Get Moving

By Lharissa Jacobs, M.ED, MBA and BAHW Staff

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FINANCIAL

At the YMCA, we promote an active lifestyle not only for the individual, but for MIN & and B Oage, Dwhen Y the whole| family.

In D this day technology, such as gaming and social media, are at our |finger F Atips, M itI can LYbe challenging to “get up and get moving.”

The Y is a great place to be part of a | that C UisLdedicated T U R Eto helping you community learn, explore new activities, and make friends at any stage TheEYSisScommitted | in Wyour E Llife.

LN to improving the health and well-being of the entire family. Being a part of the YMCA family will not only bring meaningful change in yourself, but also in your community.

One of the goals at the YMCA is to help reduce the burden of Type 2 Diabetes.

Did you know that in 2014, 29.1 million Americans had diabetes and an estimated 86 million Americans had prediabetes?

Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels

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are higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Risk for developing Type 2 diabetes may be reduced or eliminated by weight loss, healthier eating and increased physical activity. Having the attitude to “Get up and Get Moving” is the first step to increasing physical activity. The Y has many programs that the family can participate in to help increase activity, thus reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

One program in particular is the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program. This is a community-based lifestyle improvement program for adults with prediabetes. Its purpose is to empower adults with lasting lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. Research by the National Institutes of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes

Prevention Program can reduce the number of new cases of Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, and 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program helps individuals at risk for Type 2 diabetes reduce or delay the incidence of the disease. The target audience for the program is overweight adults at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Qualified participants must be at least 18 years old and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or greater or 22 for Asians.

In addition, participants must qualify with a blood glucose level in the prediabetes range, a prediabetes diagnosis from a physician, or a self-assessed score calculated from risk quiz that can be accessed at: ymcahouston.org/links/ydppquestionnaire.pdf.

Just remember when it comes to your health: I t is never too late to “get up and get moving.”

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ou are not alone. You are Y surrounded by a support group and family at the YMCA that want you to succeed.

We are here to help!

THEIR SUMMER TO SHINE Summer Programs at the YMCA Y summer programs offer the perfect opportunity to make playing and learning a family goal.

• Day Camp

• Swim Lessons

• Youth Sports

• Specialty Camps

Join and enjoy the member rate for your summer programs.

Register today at ymcahouston.org.

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | Spring 2018 5

Stronger Than

YESTERDAY

By BAHW Staff Starting then stopping exercise classes has been a part of almost every woman’s life. How many times have we been full gusto with an exercise routine or class, then after several weeks or months, it becomes a little too easy to miss a session? One missed class becomes five, then one month becomes two, and before we know it, we’re right back to where we started. The little excuses and legitimate reasons for missing take over the motivation we had to stay on track.

The women of Bay Area’s local Move It Mommas have those same struggles, as well.

The group, that has been active in the community for the last five years, has seen many faces come and go. Despite the revolving door, all can attest to the change the group has brought to their lives and routines. There are also several “Mommas” who have been routine parts of the group for years, and others who have moved on to different chapters of life but continue to participate when their schedules allow. Even the guard at the gate entering their neighborhood location comments on how impressed he is with how “this group doesn’t quit.”

So, what’s their secret to success and longevity?

Connection According to the women who call themselves “Move It Mommas,” the most motivating thing about their workout is the sisterhood that is sensed fairly immediately. It can be intimidating to enter a new group, particularly an exercise class, and the Mommas attest that connection to a group keeps members accountable and encourages them to keep coming back. But the Mommas keep going for not only that accountability, but the connection that results from common purpose. The fact that ages from the 20s to 60s are represented doesn’t seem to be an issue. If anything, it is an attraction. There doesn’t have to be similarities in lifestyle, background, age, or ability. The key is connection. For one hour, these women stay connected in a common goal - being the best they can be, regardless of what life throws their way.

Empowerment Women have many demands in their day. Their minds are often spinning the minute their feet hit the ground in the morning. Often, the stress of these demands keeps the mind occupied in the middle of the night! Exercise must be more than something else on the “to do” list for it to become a priority. For the Move It Mommas, empowerment is a key to their success. Having a group that provides connection also gives a sense of purpose and empowerment to these women.

Taking an hour to help not only their bodies move better but provide their minds and their spirits with a sense of accomplishment becomes a motivation to keep going. Instead of exercise being a task on the “to do” list it becomes a requirement to conquer the rest of the list. As Victoria Montes says, “I keep going because, every time, I leave with a smile on my face.”

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Laughter It has to be fun. And fun can be different things for different people. The Mommas certainly represent a variety of faces and backgrounds. They all have different definitions of fun, but laughter is a universal measure of enjoyment. The key for laughter with The Mommas lies with their leader, Marissa McClellan. She is not an instructor who tells you what to do, she lives it with you. During the workout, stories are shared, humor is found in the mundane, and we all feel a little lighter when we laugh.

For the Move It Mommas, it’s not only the hard core workout that, more routinely than not, requires some Epsom salt for relief, but the sisterhood that provides motivation. As Marissa pushes you through that last lap around the parking lot, one more set of lunges, or holding that plank for 20 more seconds, she mentally connects with you. Their mantra is: Let the anxiety work for you, let the sweat release the junk you’re carrying, and let me do it with you is. They know that, by being there, they are stronger than yesterday. And that’s why they keep going.

The Move It Mommas are an informal exercise group that meets Monday-Thursday from 9-10 am under the pavilion of South Shore Harbour.

Classes are free, with donations appreciated.

Anyone is welcome.

Heart Health:

The Importance of Insulin in Diet & Exercise

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By Dr. George Miller Gaining weight is like the story of the frog that is put into a pot of cold water on the stove. The frog is content with swimming around.

What it doesn’t realize is that the stove is on and the water, one degree at a time, is becoming hotter. Content with his lot in life, the frog continues to swim in the increasing warmer water, not understanding that before long, he will be cooked. So it is with our bodies. Increased body weight happens one pound at a time, and most of the time it is not realized until we end up with an unrecognizable body. Now we are left with insidious weight gain with no apparent change in our diet and excuses for the change in our belt size and clothes that don’t fit. Obesity is a health risk factor for morbidity and mortality.

Diet The most common response to weight gain is dieting or a reduction in the calories we consume. While this can be an effective tool to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a change in habits with very strict guidelines can be counterproductive. Initial enthusiasm is sometimes met with rapid loss, but oftentimes, the commitment to sustaining long term weight loss wanes due to the unpleasant feeling of headaches, insomnia, hunger, and restlessness. Plans to reduce calories are scrapped and old dietary habits are resumed. Bottom line: Plan for sustainable, healthy weight loss. Fad or crash diets can be a recipe for failure.

Exercise Exercise or increased metabolic demand is the second most common means to achieve weight loss. Exercise is by far the healthiest alternative. Walking at a brisk pace, a pace that induces perspiration after 15 minutes and allows for conversation with others is my recommendation. Keep in mind that you need to exercise for 40 minutes per day for 4-5 days a week. As your level of fitness increases, both the rate and duration of exercise need to increase, as well. The overall goal would be to exercise for 1 hour per day.

Effect of Insulin in Exercise & Diet Carbohydrates, sugars, and saccharides are metabolized by the body. Insulin causes a drop in glucose that causes a rise in HGH (Human Growth Hormones) to counter regulate glucose levels.

Insulin also causes fat deposition. Abdominal obesity is the final

manifestation with additional deposition About the Author in the waist, hips, and thighs in women.

Dr. George Miller graduated from Texas A&M and the Exercise causes an immediate loss of University of Texas Medical insulin in the body. Carbohydrates are School and did both his metabolized by non-insulin dependent internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the channels; not only is fat consumed, University of Florida. He but deposition of fat is stopped by the was inducted in the American absence of insulin. In turn, insulin stops College of Cardiology as an the metabolism of fat and the body FACC in 1994. consumes carbohydrates for rapid energy sources. Insulin’s effect on stopping the metabolism of fat necessarily inhibits the formation of metabolic metabolites, known as ketones.

It has long been known that reducing carbohydrate consumption will reduce insulin secretion. Insulin’s reduced secretion causes fat to be metabolized. Fat in the metabolic pathway is changed and by products are created and eliminated in the urine and breath.

Inefficient metabolism of fat is the science for the Atkins diet, Paleo diet and Keto diet. It is based on the absence of insulin in carbohydrate restricted/absent diets.

Keto Diet The loss of fat with a ketogenic diet is rapid and when combined with low level exercise, highly efficient. However, weight loss comes at a cost. Adjustment to a ketogenic diet resolves after 5-7 days as the brain reverts from carbohydrates to fatty energy sources.

During this time, mental fog, sluggishness, fatigue, and a craving for carbohydrates is reported. Caution: one cookie, candy bar, biscuit, or a teaspoon of sugar will immediately reverse the ketone metabolism to insulin dependent carbohydrate metabolism.

Weight loss, exercise, and low carbohydrate diets all reduce insulin secretion. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle and high carbohydrate diets increase insulin secretion. The chronic presence of high levels of insulin causes insulin receptors to diminish in number, which results in weight gain and belly fat storage.

Conclusion: The reduction of insulin levels causes the reduced risk of Type II diabetes. A modest 10% reduction of bodyweight markedly reduces the risk of stroke, diabetes, and cardiac health.

Basic math is the best model: Work off more than you put in!

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | Spring 2018 7

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Nose a s ghw | F IInfection NANCIAL Sinus or Allergies?

By Dr. Rana Bonds

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MIND & BODY

A few months ago, I got into an interesting discussion about runny noses. The central question was whether a runny nose with clear drainage is a sign of allergies, rather than infection. The short | F A M I LY answer: Maybe.

Just about everyone has heard the theory that a runny nose with green drainage is a sign of infection and | CifUtheLdrainage T U R Eis clear it’s not infection. I had heard this too and believed it until I was in my allergy/immunology fellowship training. Two things helped to clear this up for me. The 1st is all the studies that have been done showing poor correlation of most physical exam findings, W E Lmucus, LNE S the S presence of actual infection. But the 2nd I learned from personal including |discolored with experience and the lesson has stuck with me for more than 10 years, so I will tell you the story.

It occurred during one of my first rotations with a seasoned allergist/immunologist, Dr. S. After examining a young patient, I confidently told him that the boy was having a flare of nasal allergies.

Dr. S said, “Are you sure, doctor?” I answered that I was sure and listed my reasons, not the least of which was the fact that his nasal drainage was all clear. Dr. S said, “So because the drainage is clear, you believe that means there is no infection?” At this point I suspected he was trying to teach me something, so I became less sure of my diagnosis. Dr. S said, “Let me show you something doctor.” He went in, took a careful culture from the middle part of the child’s nose, put it on a microscope slide and told me to take a look. There before my eyes were oodles of bacteria. I knew from the large number of bacteria and the fact that they all looked the same that a bacterial infection was causing the drainage.

So, if the color of the drainage isn’t dependable for accurate diagnosis, what else can help you determine if you have a sinus infection? One of the best hints is the presence or absence of pain in the upper teeth on the affected side . (However, pain not be present if the infection is in one of the sinuses that are distant from the teeth.) A fever is another good sign, but many people do not have fever with sinus infections. Pain in the area of the infected sinus is another good sign, but not fool-proof. Finally, a new, foul odor in the nose or of the breath can be quite a good indicator of a sinus infection. With allergies, the typical symptoms are sneezing, runny nose and congested nose. Many people with nasal allergies also have eye allergy symptoms, as well. Of course, many of these symptoms can be present in infections, also. As you can see, it isn’t always easy to distinguish between infection and allergies!

If you do have a sinus infection, it may not be necessary to see a doctor right away. Your body is able to clear up many infections on its own. You may try warm compresses on the affected area or over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort that accompanies most sinus infections.

Allowing the sinuses to drain is best if you can tolerate it. If mucus is thick, saline or Mucinex can be used to thin it and help with drainage. If symptoms have been present for 2 weeks or if they are continuing to get worse after 1 week, it is a good idea to see your doctor. You may need antibiotics or you may have something else going on.

And if you find that you have recurrent sinus infections throughout the year or infections that tend to occur the same season year after year, you may have an allergy, which is the root of the problem. See an allergist/immunologist to help you find out. Taking care of an underlying allergy can help fend off sinus infections.

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About the Author Dr. Rana Bonds is an allergist/immunologist in practice in League City. She earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and completed her allergy/immunology fellowship at UTMB Galveston where she was director of adult Allergy/Immunology prior to starting her private practice. She furthered her education by completing the Rice University Certificate in Healthcare Management and the University of Texas System Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Course. She enjoys taking care of her patients, working in her garden and spending time with her son.

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Aaron Martinez Aaron Martinez has always held a sense of community focus in his purpose. As a business leader, he knows that success comes when others work together for a common goal. He has found, through the Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families, that when different people work together to make an impact, lives are changed.

Aaron was first introduced to The Alliance in 2016 through a mutual friend and board member. He was searching for a mission focused group that could make a difference and perhaps influence others. According to Aaron, he was hooked immediately.

“When my second son was born in 2016, I realized that it was up to me to make the world a safer place for my kids. It was then that I became more passionate about serving the community through the Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families. I was already a part of the organization, however I had not yet found my “why.” I want my boys to grow up knowing that their dad is fighting for the community that they’ll grow up in. I want my boys to grow up knowing that their dad is fighting against a struggle that they hopefully never know. I want my boys to grow up knowing that their dad is fighting for other kids – just like them. I want my boys to grow up knowing that it is their responsibility to impact the community in a positive way.”

As a dad of small children, he has seen, through The Alliance, how lives can so quickly be shaped and turned. As Aaron states, “this is personal” for him. His original purpose was to use his leadership skills and business mindset towards shaping a mission focused group. Now he realizes, the group has shaped him.

Ann Hammond Ann Hammond decided twenty years ago to “Be the Reason,” with a handful of other parents and leaders from the Clear Creek Independent School District. At the time, the focus with Dr. Julie Pursor was to raise awareness of youth drug and alcohol abuse.

That group now is known as The Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families and includes counselors, law enforcement, business leaders, and students.

The years have seen much success in the efforts of the Coalition that is now nationally recognized as a leader in programs for drug and alcohol awareness. They have also seen the increased need for awareness, education, funds, and manpower. For Ann, the exposure to alcohol and drug related issues provided to her as a parent and mentor has been invaluable. Everything from slang names of drugs and how they are distributed to our youth to how alcohol is served inappropriately in local restaurants and bars has been eye opening and alarming. The years have proven that drugs and alcohol don’t go away, the influencers just become more pronounced through our society. What does have positive impact is the awareness and messages of better options. Through the work of The Alliance, students and families are not only made more aware, they are empowered with better choices - leadership, jobs, community wellness, healthier lifestyles, responsible choices.

Ann would have never realized over 20 years ago that her interest in a small group as a PTA parent would have led to such life shaping relationships and experiences. Not only the students, but also the friends and colleagues through so many areas of the community serving The Coalition have become a large part of her life today. She also never thought she’d be so well versed on terminology, trends, and slang of the drug and alcohol world. Twenty years is a long time to volunteer for the same group. When asked why she keeps it up, long after her own children are grown, her response is immediate: “I do it for the kids, they make every minute worth it.”

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Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families: What’s Your Role to Play?

“Whether or not you have children yourself, you are a parent to the next generation. If we can only stop thinking of children as individual property and think of them as the next generation, then we can realize we all have a role to play.”1 This quote embodies the heart of the Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families – that it takes each individual to impact our community in positive ways. At the Alliance, community members unite for one common goal: to bring together everyday heroes to educate and mobilize our community to create an alcohol and drug-free future for our kids.

So what is a coalition? The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a group formed of different organizations or people who agree to act together, usually temporarily, to achieve something.” And, it is really as simple as that. By bringing people together who have a shared desire to see change in the community, a coalition is often able to do far more than what they could do on their own.

Since 2003, the Alliance has been doing just that. Through many different projects and initiatives, the Alliance has been impacting the community around problems like underage drinking and prescription drug misuse and abuse.

Through events, programs, and initiatives such as, “Be the Reason,” Project RX, On the Road for a Reason, and SALSA, the Bay Area Alliance has and will continue to provide much needed resources to the community.

Each month, the Alliance invites all of these individuals, groups, and organizations to the table to eat together and work on finding solutions to those problems that are most on the hearts and minds of our community when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

Won’t you join us at the table and offer your support by getting involved? There is always an open chair just waiting for the next person to sit down and ask “what’s my role?”

Charlotte Davis Kasl, Finding Joy, 1994

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Alyeda Macias (Aly)

Aly is a student at Clear View High School and active member of the leadership programs through Bay FINAN Area Alliance for Youth and Families.

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Be The Reason is a campaign of Bay Area Alliance for Youth & Families to address underage drinking. The Campaign promotes all areas of the community, including law enforcement, business leaders, parents, and schools to join together and “Be the Reason” a young person doesn’t drink alcohol before they’re 21.

SALSA (Student Adult Leadership & Service Alliance) is a group that brings together both youth and adults in an equal partnership to impact the community by focusing on substance use, mental health awareness and making healthy transitions into adulthood.

Project RX – Project RX is a comprehensive approach to reducing the misuse and abuse of medications in both youth and adults. Perhaps the most widely known is the Medication Take Back, a partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement to provide an opportunity for people to bring their old, unused, and expired medications for proper disposal. This twice-yearly event has resulted in the incineration of nearly 16,000 pounds of medications just in the Bay Area of Houston! It also includes the distribution of Medication Disposal Pouches specifically designed to combat opioid prescriptions. In addition, the Alliance partners yearly with the DEA, HIDTA, and the US Attorney’s Office to provide the most updated training to law enforcement and other stakeholders during the annual “Bitter Pill to Swallow” Conference.

On the Road for a Reason is the annual 5k Fun Run over the NASA Bypass. This fundraiser for the Alliance has become a fun tradition for many families across the community!

Circle of Care is an opportunity to help students chart their course for the next steps following high school graduation.

We coordinate a “circle” of 3-6 community adults to meet with each individual graduating senior and talk through things like transportation, living arrangements, school, jobs, budgeting and more. Our primary goal is to show students that there are community adults that are cheering them on! Our secondary goal is to provide students with resources that may help them be more successful in the next phase of life.

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Clear View offers students the opportunity to learn in a smaller, family style environment, where M Aly was I Nable D & to thrive. Sensing an instinct for leadership but never having the opportunity to explore it, Aly sought guidance from Michael Houston, the principal, who suggested she F A M I LY check out Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families.

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Today, through the Student Adult Leadership Service Alliance (SALSA) program of The Alliance, Aly is a thriving student and C U LT U R E proven leader, making a difference in her school and community.

She was able to find her voice - the one that she knew was inside her but never given the recognition or approval to share WELLNES it. She found women who taught her about empowerment and confidence, that is was okay to be yourself and let your light shine. As a member of the SALSA program, she found an extended family. She has been nurtured, inspired, and challenged to be the best she can be. Aly isn’t sure what her life would be like today if it weren’t for SALSA and the circle of love that has been provided to her through Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families. Allowing her leadership to develop and providing her with programs and connection has cleared a path away from the loneliness and negative influences that would otherwise have been surrounding her. She is now a shining light to others.

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Neil Treble As a Licensed Counselor specializing in substance abuse, Neil Treble knows all too well the negative effects that drugs and alcohol have on the community, particularly with our youth.

As a Dad, he wants to make sure his kids are as safe as possible from these influences and have the resources needed within their schools and peer communities to make good choices.

The Bay Area Alliance for Youth and Families has given him an opportunity to expand his bandwidth of work and professional focus. Neil currently serves as the President of the Advisory Council for the Alliance and works tirelessly with that and his day job as Program Coordinator for DePelchin Children’s Center to improve the lives of kids and families in the Bay Area. He’s passionate about continuing to shape and improve the lives of students and also bringing awareness to the Bay Area on the work of The Alliance.

The prescription drug medication take back is one of his favorites programs offered, and one of the most successful for the Coalition. Through the designated medication take back days, the Coalition has disposed of 16,000 lbs. of medication that is a lot of pills! Pills that, if not properly disposed, would be accessible to others who they weren’t meant to serve. The take back days are a collaborative effort with local law enforcement, businesses, and community groups. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, April 28.

For Neil it’s also personal. He doesn’t miss an event. He doesn’t miss a meeting. Not because of the responsibility he holds with the Coalition’s governing office, but because of the position it holds for the hearts of the students. As a counselor, he knows the effects that sleeping on different couches every night has on these kids. He knows firsthand what taking that first drink with friends on a Friday night does to some of them. He knows that the family medicine cabinet can turn into Pandora’s Box. Neil is most proud of the amazing work from this diverse group that has changed the direction of many lives. He wants to see more faces in the group. Could it be yours?

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s ghw | F I N A N C I A L Simply Travels s ghw | M Biotic I N D & Probiotics BODY Across the Atlantic to Meet its Cousin s ghw | F A M I LY

By Dr. Adi Malhotra

s ghw | C visited U LT U E I recently theRfamous land of

rulers, philosophers, and conquerors, where the landscape and | WisE dotted L L Nwith E S palaces S temples dating back to 3rd century BC. I’m sure you guessed it right - Greece.

My family likes to travel to new places to learn about culture and heritage. In the past few years, my most memorable moments have been time spent with my wife and 2 kids exploring new countries. Greece was an easy destination to choose because of the unimaginable wealth of historical treasures.

We had some doubts about the weather in the summer, but compared to Texas, it was much nicer with low humidity and a cool breeze in the evening.

We all know about Greek yogurt, whose popularity in the US rose with the growth of chobani (http://www.chobani.com). Yogurt is one of the most common probiotic foods and it contains lactobacillus. (Lactobacillus are a major part of the lactic acid bacteria group. Some other probiotic foods are kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.) With my interest and passion in probiotics, I wanted Simply Biotic probiotics and Greek yogurt to be conjoined. I had written a blog recently comparing Simple Biotic probiotics to Yogurt, Kefir, etc. (https://www.simplybiotic. com/blog/11-simply-biotic-or-yoghurt-kefirfor-women-and-weight-loss) and it was befitting to capture Simply Biotic and Greek yogurt. It was a truly rewarding journey across the Atlantic when the best probiotic - Simply Biotic met its cousin Greek yogurt.

Probiotics leads to colonization of the gut with healthy bacteria. We have a combination of good and bad in our gut and an imbalance leads to GI issues/complaints. By taking Simply Biotic, we are overpopulating our gut with healthy bacteria, which leads to the suppression of bad bacteria and other

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beneficial effects. Simply Biotic probiotics are the top-rated probiotics for women and men. Each capsule contains 10 unique strains of bacteria (acidophilus, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium) with 25 billion to 50 billion CFUs. Some of the benefits of taking Simply Biotic include: • Supports complete digestive health, and alleviate gastrointestinal disorders like abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain and cramps. Many patients on Simply Biotic also report improvement in reflux, GERD and indigestion. Some of them have stopped taking TUMS, Pepcid, Prilosec, and Nexium.

• Boosts immunity. Studies in women have shown beneficial effects in fighting urinary tract infections and vaginal infections.

• Recent research has shown that probiotics are also helpful in improving depression in patients with IBS (https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28483500). The bacterial strain in the study was Bifidobacterium longum, which is present in Simply Biotic and Simply Biotic Plus. (This bacterial strain is not present in other probiotics.)

The consumption of probiotics is on the rise and the enthusiasm in the general public is far greater than supported by scientific literature of the past. Recent literature reports are finding multiple health benefits for probiotics and helping it confirm its position as the best supplement of 21st Century.

About the Author Dr. Adi Malhotra is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist in the Coastal Gastroenterology Assoc., located in Webster.

He moved to the U.S. in 2003. After a year of research training at Yale University, he moved to Texas where he completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at UTMB, Galveston, and MD Anderson Cancer Institute. He has been serving the greater Galveston community for the last 13 years. He is married and is blessed with a 7 year old son, and a 4 year old daughter.

To find out more information, visit www.simplybiotic.com

Endometriosis

What Is It And Is There Hope For Relief?

By Carol R. Arvin, RN, WHNP-BC Worldwide Endometriosis Day was in March. On Saturday, March 24, 2018, women participated in a worldwide ENDOWALK in cities across the US and world. This walk was a call to action to bring awareness to endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects as many as 1 in 10 women during About the Author Carol Arvin is a Women’s their reproductive years but can occur in Health Nurse Practitioner the early teen years. specializing in the treatment The exact cause of endometriosis is of hormonal issues of women unknown, but most scientists think that from puberty through endometriosis happens when bits of tissue menopause. Her current focus is the treatment of endometriosis (endometrium) leave the uterus in the through the National Study wrong direction (retrograde menstruation) found at https://www. and attach to other organs, usually the equinoxstudy.com/ or calling ovaries and fallopian tubes, but also to the 844-475-3636. bladder, colon, and even externally. These bits of tissue, called lesions or implants, act a lot like the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and can start growing outside the uterus.

Every woman’s symptoms can be different, and the number and location of the lesions doesn’t necessarily relate to the degree of pain.

A woman with minimal lesions can have severe pain while one with many lesions on multiple organs may have minimal pain. These areas bleed each month with the menstrual period, causing inflammation and scarring.

The symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, pain between periods, pain with sex, pain with urination and bowel movements, and infertility. Infertility occurs in up to one half of women affected with endometriosis. Symptoms may make daily activities difficult and lead to depression and fatigue.There is a six-fold increase in endometriosis in women with a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister) diagnosed with endometriosis.

The only definitive way to diagnose the disease is laparoscopy surgery. The lesions seen can often be excised by several different methods during surgery, but will recur.

Treatment for relief of the symptoms may include use of pain medications and hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, IUDs with progesterone, and gonadotropin antagonists.

Women who have been diagnosed with endometriosis may qualify to participate in a research study to evaluate the efficacy of a new drug to treat these difficult and exhausting symptoms. Google “Equinox Endometriosis Study” for more information on six different sites in the Houston area.

Feet First

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By Jawdat Hafez, DPM 10,000 steps a day. This is the magic number that is recommended for daily activity. That is a lot of stress and pounding on the feet. Odds are, at some point in your life, you will have foot problems. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Some Podiatrists can specialize in many fields, including: sports medicine, podiatric surgery, wound care, pediatrics, and diabetic foot care.

The foot serves to provide balance, shock absorption, and propulsion for the human body. Injury or disease of the foot can result in serious disability, impaired mobility, and chronic pain. In order to reduce pain and improve mobility, podiatrists often treat problems such as: • Bunion deformity • Heel pain/spurs • Corns and calluses • Flatfoot/high arch foot • Wound care/infections • Nerve pain/numbness/burning/tingling • Diabetes ulcers • Athletes foot • Fractures • Fungal infections • Hammertoes • Ingrown toenails • Neuromas • Ankle Sprains/strains • Warts If you suspect that you are suffering from any of the above, please contact Jawdat Hafez, DPM, at Clear Lake Specialties. http://www.clearlake-specialties.com/podiatry/ 281-724-5391 Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | Spring 2018 13

A Winning Team

By BAHW Staff

Local football hero Marcus Johnson realized every player’s dream this past February: A Superbowl Win! As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, he experienced the epitome of NFL success. But Marcus also knows that the hard work he put in as a youth is a significant part of that win. And one of the secret ingredients to his success was local trainer and coach, Reggie Rusk.

Marcus was one of those kids who knew from a very young age that he wanted to play football. He started with youth leagues, was a star player with Clear Springs High School, went on to play for University of Texas and landed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016. But what made Marcus different than any other boy who dreams about a football career? During his high school years, he started training with Reggie, who had also played in the NFL, to help build speed and agility. The two became fast “teammates” of their own…Marcus realizing that he needed an extra coach to help him not only physically but mentally, and Reggie being rewarded by pushing Marcus to the next level.

driven and/or equipped to push out of their comfort zones. Reggie has devoted his career and time to use his own experiences as a youth from Texas City to a career in the NFL to help determine how to find what inspires each unique child.

For Marcus, that motivation helped to equip him for a career in the NFL. He is fully aware that, without the mental strength and character that Reggie helped instill, he wouldn’t be where he is today. As he says, “When you walk in that locker room, the game changes, everybody has physical talent at that point, I had to find it myself, what makes me different.”

Marcus also found a brotherhood through his teams that helped shape his faith. He credits that faith and belief as a Christian as the tool for his greatest success. There was a social media craze after the Superbowl on the faith of the Philadelphia Eagles and the player that was baptized in the hotel pool before the game. That player was Marcus Johnson. His beaming smile when reflecting on that moment and the surreal journey for him is almost as big as his humble heart. *Editor’s note…Marcus Johnson was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Seattle Seahawks during publishing of this story. He is excited to continue his journey to the Northwest and his next winning team.

Marcus continued to train with Reggie during his college years, particularly through some injuries that typically would cause a player to quit the game. Both Reggie and Marcus have a huge respect for the importance of using mental strength to overcome adversities that are not just limited to the physical and Marcus continued to build his confidence and stamina both on and off the field.

Reggie expanded his coaching and mentoring to larger youth programs. He currently owns and operates Next Level Sports. He uses the formula for success that he built with Marcus to benefit many other kids. Reggie recognizes that not every kid is a natural athlete or a potential Superbowl player, but they all can be motivated to strive for “the next level.” So many times, kids get stuck because they aren’t Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | Spring 2018 15

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My Mom’s Potato Salad

By Christy Hartman, Local Plant-Based Eating Enthusiast My mom’s potato salad is famous among our family. I have memories of peeling and chopping potatoes for what seemed like hours - and it was always well worth it. Using her “secret” ingredients (plenty of yellow mustard and sweet relish), I’ve adapted her recipe into a plant-based version that really hits the spot.

There are two things that make this recipe unique. 1) The potatoes are roasted instead of boiled. This tastes superior because boiling adds water to the potatoes, thus diluting their natural flavor and any flavors added to them.

However, roasting decreases water content, resulting in a more “potatoey” taste, as the potatoes will better soak up the flavors added to them. Plus, roasting is easier! Not only will you not dirty any dishes boiling, but peeling potatoes is much easier when they’re roasted because the skin becomes papery thin and peels off with little effort. 2) Start with a cold oven. Just like recipes for boiling potatoes always say to start the potatoes in cold water so they’ll cook evenly, it’s also a good idea to start roasting potatoes in a cold oven so the outside doesn’t dry out before the inside is done.

Consider doubling the dressing ingredients and using the extra dressing on a green salad.

INGREDIENTS 8 medium red potatoes 1 (12-ounce) package firm or extra-firm silken tofu 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 clove garlic, pressed 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish 4 tablespoon sweet pickle relish sea salt freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS • Wash and dry potatoes and place directly on oven rack in a COLD oven (do not preheat the oven). Cook at 400 degrees until desired doneness (about 30-45 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes).

Remember not to overcook them or they won’t hold their shape when diced. Remove potatoes from the oven and wait until they are cool enough to handle. Peel and chop into whatever shapes you like, or leave the skin on for more texture, color, and fiber.

• In a blender, combine the silken tofu, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

• Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, add the dill and sweet relish, and stir well to combine. Add the potatoes and toss gently to combine.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

About the Author Christy and her family have eaten a mostly whole-foods plant-based diet since 2011. She loves to connect locally with other people who enjoy the benefits of plant-based eating, at any level from Meatless Mondays to Whole-Food Plant-Based. Don’t follow her on Instagram and don’t “Like” her on Facebook, she doesn’t have a recipe blog, and she’s not working on a cookbook, she isn’t selling anything, she just likes eating plants. You can connect with her at the non-profit www.plantpurepods.com/find-a-pod/ and searching for Friendswood WFPB Group.

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The Powerhouse of Plants

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Wendy P. Thueson, M.H. is In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day March 17th, I’d like to help you discover what adding more also known as Raw Chef green foods to your plate can do for your health. Plants are green because of the chlorophyll they | C|UCLU TU L TRUER E Wendy. She is a professional contain, which has been described as the “life-blood of the plant” and “liquid sunshine” when Chef, Master Herbalist juiced. After the green color is stripped away during the fall, other beta-carotenes are exposed and Raw Food Lifestyle | W| EWL EL N L LENS E SS underneath in beautiful hues of red, orange, yellow and even purple. These colors of leaves, fruits Coach. She suffered from chronic fatigue for 28 years, and vegetables along with green, act as sunblock for the plants so they don’t get burned in the debilitating neck and back direct sunlight. Humans and other mammals also benefit from this protection internally, so eat pain, brain fog, stuttering, plenty of these colorful foods throughout the year. and Grave’s disease, to name Greens such as spinach act as protectants for the eyes because they contain luteins. These a few. After eating a high antioxidants are used by the body to manufacture carotenoid zeaxanthin, another antioxidant amount of raw foods and using herbs medicinally, she which also supports healthy vision and may improve macular degeneration. now lives symptom, pain and Spinach contains beta-carotene as well as other phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and medication free. She educates protein. It is very high in vitamin K which aids in the function of at least 12 proteins in the all ages through hands-on body. Vitamin K helps with the blood, bones, arterial walls and the brain, to name a few. It is also classes, speaking, on television, needed to help clot blood. The greener the plant, the higher amount of vitamin K is available so radio and in magazines.

She is an author of several eat plenty of dark green vegetables. books and online programs Studies show that men and specifically women who eat a lot of vitamin K rich foods, especially and helps others learn how to spinach, have denser bones and fewer hip fractures. This may explain why spinach is the food of create happier lives. Find her choice for Popeye. at www.rawchefwendy.com.

Glutathione is considered “nature’s master antioxidant” which is contained in spinach along with alpha-lipoic acid. Glutathione is known for detoxifying pollutants and carcinogens, maintaining the function and health of the liver, and boosting the immune system. It also aids healthy cell replication and repairing of aged DNA. Chronic inflammation has also been known to be reduced by this antioxidant.

Yield: 1 cup Raw spinach is very healthy and is known for its anti-cancer properties, but cooking it is also very beneficial. The iron, betaIngredients: carotene, lutein, vitamins and minerals are actually more bioavailable 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed in its cooked state.

1 cup fresh spinach leaves, packed Kale is another powerhouse that is known as one of the most 6 Tablespoons pine nuts (pecans or walnuts may be nutrient dense foods on the planet. It may also help fight off substituted) infection. Broccoli has been shown to be very beneficial for people 1 ½ - 2 cloves garlic, minced with lung disease and is even shaped like the lungs. The Doctrine 1 ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice of Signatures suggests that fruits and vegetables are often shaped 3 Tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor) like the areas in the body they help protect. This would be one of ¼ teaspoon sea salt those areas.

2-3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or vegetable broth As you can see, the color green, when it comes to food, is very high in nutrients and disease-fighting properties. It is also the color 3-4 Tablespoons water as needed of things that are alive, fresh and cleansing. Create a green day every Instructions: day of the year by adding plenty of this color to every meal. Your 1. In a food processor or blender, add all ingredients except body will thank you.

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Spinach Pesto

Article also published in the Utah Valley Health & Wellness Magazine.

Visit their website at utvalleywellness.com.

oil and water.

2. Mix well, then add a stream of olive oil or vegetable broth and then water while mixing the ingredients until mixture is pourable like a sauce.

3. Taste and adjust flavors as needed.

4. Serve over vegetable pasta or other warm grain pasta as desired.

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The Top 5 Reasons to Be a Lifeguard

By Gulf Coast Acquatics s ghw | FINANCIAL Gulf Coast Aquatics, Inc., owned and

operated by Jose Ibarra, Jr. and Krista Majeska, |hasM proudly I N Dserved & the B OGalveston DY County and Surrounding Areas for over 15 years. Jump into the water and join the Gulf | F A Inc. M ISafety LY Team to learn Coast Aquatics, life-saving skills, make money, and make a difference|inC your U community!

L T U R EYou can signup for training and apply online at www. gulfcoastaquatics.com.

Becoming | Wa lifeguard E L L NisEa Sgreat S decision for many reasons. Here are a few of our top reasons to be a lifeguard: 1) Make a difference in your community instead of just making money. Don’t just get a paycheck – get paid to make your community a safer place. Enjoy a job that’s rewarding instead of just something to do to earn a paycheck. Being a lifeguard will make your family and friends proud and turn you into a good role model for your peers.

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2) Learn how to save lives. Learn important and useful skills that you’ll, hopefully, never have to use but will remember for years to come. Anyone would benefit from First Aid, CPR, or AED training. Now you’ll get paid to become equipped with lifesaving knowledge!

3) Stay in shape while working outside.

Lifeguards need to stay fit to be able to perform their lifesaving duties as quickly as possible. Work outside in the sunshine, get fresh air and work around the water this summer!

4) Become a part of a safety team and make new friends. Lifeguards aren’t just any coworkers; they work together to save lives! A lifeguard team means having a sense of togetherness and mutual respect that’s much more rewarding than standard workplace friendships. Gulf Coast Aquatics,

Inc. employs over 250 lifeguards each year.

Whether you’re working at a two or multilifeguarded pool, just know that you are always part of a team.

5) Improve your resume and impress future employers by stating that you were an accomplished American Red Cross Lifeguard. Apart from the first aid and safety skills, lifeguards also need to be responsible, quick thinkers, mature, have good customer service & communication skills, and have great concentration. All of which are impressive to any future employer.

For more information, visit www.gulfcoastaquatics.com

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| H E A LT H How to Talk to Your Teenager about Hardsghw Things

By Alexis Lee, LAMFT Many parents bring their child in for therapy and express that they don’t know how to talk to them about things that are happening with their family (ex. divorce, depression of a family member). Also, I’ve heard from many teenagers that their parents haven’t talked to them about “awkward” topics, such as sex, pornography, dating, or even emotions. However, I have found that when parents have open communication with their children, children tend to be more emotionally healthy.

First, when it comes to talking about sex, pornography, or dating, one of the most common questions I get is, “How do I know what is age-appropriate?” The simple answer to that question is to start with the basics.

If the child asks more questions than answer those questions. I have found that if parents are unwilling to answer or feel awkward answering, their children will turn to other sources to get answers. Further, if the children see that the parents feel awkward talking about the subject, then the subject becomes taboo and they feel like they can’t talk with their parents in the future when they have questions.

Another thing to keep in mind when talking with your teenagers about sex is to use correct terms. The terms they usually hear are slang, but it is important for them to understand exactly what you are talking about and the easiest way to avoid confusion is to avoid slang. Further, if you start to get uncomfortable, take some deep breaths and remind yourself that its important for them to know from you. Some parents, mine included, have used books to help when talking to their child/teenager about maturation. Just make sure that you know what’s in the book. Read the book with them and answer their questions.

Second, when it comes to feelings, teenagers tend to have a lot of them. I have heard from parents that they are burnt out listening to the emotional rollercoaster, or that they don’t know how to react when they feel like their teenager’s emotions are silly, or they simply do not understand what their child is feeling because they, the

parent, are not good with emotions. It’s important to listen to teenagers and help I N Dtheir & own BO DY them learn| toM regulate emotions.

I’ve found that most parents feel pressure to fix their| teenager’s F A M Iproblems LY or to make their children happy. However, sometimes the best way to help them is to listen and C Uproblem L T U Rsolve E their own then help |them problems. For example, if they come to you emotionally | distraught W E L L over N Ebeing S S left out, it can be helpful to listen to their feelings, let them know that you are listening by repeating back a part of what they said, then ask them what they can do in the future when this happens (or ask what they need to do to feel better in this moment).

As a parent, many difficult conversations need to be had with your teenagers. It can feel overwhelming at times if you don’t know what to say or how to say it; but if you can push through, you will help your children learn valuable skills they need later in life.

You can help develop a relationship with your teenager of trust and openness that can help them safely navigate their way through those challenging teenage years.

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About the Author Lexi is a therapist at the Center for Couples and Families. She is a licensed associate marriage and family therapist and specializes in working with children and adolescents in therapy.

Article also published in the Utah Valley Health & Wellness Magazine.

Visit their website at utvalleywellness.com.

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | Spring 2018 19

storm the

has ended

By Gregg Langford, GRI, CNS, CBR

The Storm has ended, the clean-up continues, and as we are now several months past Hurricane Harvey, your family has decided to move. Now what does that awful storm mean to your financial health?

It’s likely there are a slew of questions that will arise, like: How much will that storm cost us financially or will it help us, as we get ready to move? Has our value gone up or down on our existing home? If we are going to buy a home, how do we know if it flooded, and if it did, will the price be lower? If it was repaired, how do we know it’s safe to occupy? We want to rent a home now, so how do we know that the landlord properly repaired the property if it flooded?

As if buying, selling, and renting a home weren’t enough to deal with, now there are all these questions about how the storm has affected our market. There are obviously many questions that will come up, so for our purposes, I will focus on the issue of SELLING AFTER THE STORM. For many, spring brings a fresh new feeling of change. We have more energy to get out and do things, we re-group on our life plans, and even for those of us that don’t like change, it’s time to address the needs and wants of your living space. For some, updating their current living environment will be enough to give them that freshness they are looking for, and for others, simply a good spring cleaning will do, but for many, the change needs to be bigger. ”We need a new dwelling because….” And those reasons are plentiful and broad….maybe a job relocation, possibly outgrowing the space, or a raise in the household income so now, with interest rates still low, it’s a good time to upgrade. There are lots of reason, but since the storm, people are worried about the downsides of selling their home. So here’s what I know.

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The basics of selling your home haven’t changed. It needs to be cared for, and all of those honey-do projects must be finished.

It needs to be somewhat updated to current trends and styles. No one wants their home to be the only one that doesn’t sell, however, if owners have lived there for many years and haven’t made any renovations, it’s likely the home will sit for quite a while on the market, and the price will have to dramatically decrease before a potential buyer might even consider making an offer. The clutter has to be emptied out, so the prospective buyers can pay more attention to the house than all the stuff you’ve collected and stored. Finally, the price. Did the storm lower the value of your house, and if so by how much, or is it possible that it may have increased the value? Let’s assume that your home did not flood. There are two basic trains of thought regarding the price. One is that less interest in the market means that home prices will decline. With this assumption, there is an underlying belief that a lot of people just won’t want to live in areas where big storms, like this latest one, can so vastly impact the area. It is thought that many folks will leave the area because they don’t want to have to go through such a disaster again and/or they can’t afford the time, money, and energy that another storm like this might bring. If this is true, then the number of homes coming on the market would likely skyrocket. Using simple supply and demand, if the supply increases and the demand drops, the prices would certainly have to follow. Another influencing factor is rising interest rates. The federal government has announced that they are going to be rising, and since we’ve already seen some small increases from lenders, this could also cause a decrease in sales over the next few months. The second theory involves increasing prices. The overall job market in the Houston area has been stable to good over the last several months, keeping unemployment down. When the storm came through, the market was still growing and prices were increasing. Now, with home

inventories being low and so many homes still awaiting repairs, it’s widely believed that, as the dust settles, homes that didn’t flood will be worth more than before. This again, is basic economics. If the buyer market remains good and the overall inventory of homes is down, then buyers will have to pay more for homes, as there will generally be fewer homes available to buy. Whichever process actually occurs, the price will still be influenced by basic supply and demand.

Early indications in the market are that home prices have been relatively stable or increasing slightly. This is the continuation of a steady increase in the market over the last 2-3 years. Neighborhoods with widespread flooding have yet to show much about the direction of prices, but it is widely believed there will be anywhere from a 5-15% initial drop in value. Generally speaking, people have short memories, and most likely, even the areas hardest hit will see their values near or current to pre-storm values in a couple of years.

On a final note, to get the best pricing expertise, call a local, full-time, experienced, real estate professional. Your home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever have, and you don’t want to leave selling it to just any one! Good Luck in your process!

Gregg Langford, GRI, CNS, CBR The Langford Group Keller Williams Realty 713.542.5960 direct Langfordgab@aol.com About the Author Gregg Langford is a full-time agent with Keller Williams Realty. As well as being a real estate agent for over 20 years, he believes in giving back and has served in multiple volunteer and leadership positions. Gregg loves his community, and would be honored to help with your real estate needs. He specializes in Houston and the Greater Bay Area.

This is My

By Laura Seifert My name is Catherine, and this is my “Yes.” I grew up in the church, like many of us. And although I gave my life to Christ when I was a teenager, over the last 11-12 years I have been distracted. Distracted by a chronic illness, being a working mom, a business owner and a people-pleaser. I knew that I wasn’t giving God the time that he wanted, and many times purposely ignoring him to put my agenda first. I was just trying to survive the day, the week, the month. However, I was not reaching out for my lifeline…. God. I was too tired, working too hard and trying to please too many people.

In January of 2017, I started reading a book named Captive, a true story. The woman in this book had been reading The Purpose-Driven Life. With God’s help, she overcomes a drug addiction that has put her in jail, caused the death of her husband and caused her to lose custody of her daughter. I thought, if this woman can overcome all of that, I can certainly overcome the things that were getting in the way of my relationship with God! I needed to work less and end a relationship that had been burdening me. I finished Captive and read The Purpose-Driven Life. God spoke to me through these books daily and I LISTENED. I dog eared almost every single page! By April 8th, the relationship that had been a strain on me ended in my heart.

A few weeks later, a dietitian emailed me looking for a job. I hired her in May and she has been a perfect fit for my business and allows me to work less. God was working but I still had a way to go.

I continued to stay in his word and listen to him, but the things he was telling me to do were going to be difficult! Finally, the week leading up to Hurricane Harvey, which should have been a fantastic week for me, was so stressful that I was physically ill. That week, my son started 7th grade, I celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary and my birthday. It should have been a great week, but I was feeling so much pressure to please too many people in my life. A week after Harvey, the relationship that was over in my heart in April, finally ended. It was a terrible ending, but I felt God’s peace through the

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whole thing and I knew it was right. Suddenly, I felt so free and that I had my life back. I said “YES!” to God! My| physical symptoms C U LT URE went away. I sent my pastor an email committing to changing my life including working less, attending the YES bible study in person | W Edaily, L Lkeeping NESS (which I had been listening to via podcast), meditating God in my heart daily, and listening to his messages.

This fall has been AMAZING! I have found joy around me that I never knew was possible. I lost one friend, but gained so many more. Many of them are women believers that were in my running community and I never even knew it! We inspire each other and keep each other in God’s word. I found a renewed love for running.

I continue to love my job, but keep boundaries. I am much more relaxed when I spend time with my family. I have been in many bible studies and been on a mission trip. I LOVE Christian music and I have committed to go to church every single Sunday for the last 3 years. The work that God is doing in my life, my family’s lives and in those around me is fantastic. Expect the unexpected. God is near.

Joy comes in the morning. My name is Catherine and this is my yes.

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#thisismyyes #shareyouryes #sayyestoGod #yesministries

Yes. ministries exists to draw all women closer to Jesus.

Yes. ministries is about saying “yes” to God in obedience and trusting him in the unknown. We want to celebrate and share women’s stories of faith in an effort to encourage others to say “YES” to God. Our vision and hope is that these stories of faith are a powerful reminder to women of the power of God and that through them, women across the world would draw closer to Jesus. Find us at www.yesministries.net for more information and a list of upcoming summer events.

About the Author Founded in 2016 by Laura Seifert, Yes. ministries is a discipleship ministry anchored in Laura’s passion for teaching women and helping them access the profound truths of God’s Word through Bible studies, events and retreats throughout the Houston area. A 1993 graduate of Texas A&M (whoop…), Laura worked in the private sector before answering God’s call to ministry over 20 years ago and became a licensed Minister of the Gospel in 2000. She and her wonderful husband Jason, Associate Pastor at Antioch Community Church – Houston, enjoy spending time together with their children Ben and Beth and dog, Jesse. Laura also serves as a member of the Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees.

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | Spring 2018 21

IS IT A P? U E K A M T I S OR I

By Christina Hulka Would you be surprised to learn that women spend almost 2 full years of their lives applying makeup? Could you think of something else you could do if you could have that time back? Permanent makeup is great for those who want to save an average of 15-45 minutes of their day. Imagine waking up with perfect brows, luscious lips, and elegant eyeliner. Permanent makeup is also perfect for those who struggle with hair loss, loss of color in lips, allergies, and those with sensitive skin who often cannot wear makeup.

Permanent makeup is a tattoo. Using tattoos as makeup has always been popular, saving an individual time and allowing for a very natural look. Permanent makeup is “permanent” because pigment is tattooed into the upper reticular part of the dermal layer of the skin and cannot be washed off. However, as with any tattoo-like body art, fading can, and often does, occur, requiring minimum maintenance, which is referred to as color re-enhancement or color refreshing.

Since permanent makeup is a tattoo, it is regulated under the Texas tattooing department. Most people believe the best places to receive these procedures are at hair salons, spas or even nail shops, but the only place you should ever receive permanent makeup is in a licensed tattoo shop. Believe it or not, most places do not have employees who are properly licensed and trained.

Many customers are being led to believe that the term “microblading” is not a tattoo process and that it only refers to eyebrows. This is not true. Permanent makeup, micropigmentation, microblading/stroking, and embroidery are all different names for the same procedure – cosmetic tattooing. Any time color is placed into the skin with any device, it is a tattoo process, as defined by many well-informed regulators, the medical community, and the tattoo licensing department. Denying that this process is a tattoo has become a growing problem in the tattoo world, resulting in numerous potentially undesirable side effects. Permanent makeup will not wash

away or smear. However, through the years, it may fade and soften in color, just like some body art work. With proper care, your procedure should hold its color for up to 5 years. Maintenance can be necessary anywhere from 1.5 to 5 years.

The permanent makeup procedure begins with the application of a highly About the Author effective topical anesthetic to make Licensed tattoo artist Christina clients as comfortable as possible. It Hulka is the founder of Inked & Blinked, a Houston area may be slightly sensitive at times, but tattoo studio, located in Salons most clients experience no pain. In fact, D’ Allon, Suite 11. Christina many find the experience rather relaxing. prides herself in offering quality I use the softap hand method, relying services while keeping the safety of her clients as a priority. on myself, rather than a machine. The She goes above and beyond real artistry involves the application of by following the state board color theory to ensure the best results regulations, and laws of the for all skin undertones. There is a large health department, including but not limited to blood borne range of colors and styles to choose pathogen awareness and from, resulting in a natural appearance. certification. She proudly I see my clients 6 weeks after the initial offers the service of Permanent appointment for their first touch up visit Makeup, including eyeliner, brow fills, brow strokes, lip liner to make sure everything has healed well. and full lip color!

I ask my clients to refrain from alcoholic beverages, as well as any pain relievers 24 hours before their appointment.

Remember, sometimes you get what you pay for, so never shop for price when looking for your permanent makeup artist. This is your face, after all, and a bargain price does not remain a bargain if you have to spend more money to correct a botched job.

Fun Facts • Women spend $8 billion each year on cosmetics.

• The average American woman spends $15,000 on beauty products in her lifetime.

• Women spend almost 2 full years of their lives applying makeup.

• According to a survey, more women than men in the US have tattoos.

• Americans spend $1.65 billion on tattoos each year.

• Tattoo is one of the most misspelled words in the English language

Bring this magazine in for $30 off a procedure.

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Get Your Home Spring Ready in 4 Easy Steps

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H E A LT H

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FINANCIAL

By Jasmin Barrantes

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MIND & BOD

Spring is here. The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and we can finally get our favorite sandals out from the backs of our closets. That is, if you can get to them. Spring is a time for inspiration and new beginnings and what says that better than spring cleaning? Physical clutter creates mental clutter, and that’s no way to start anew. So, I’ve created a few guidelines to help you pare down and purge for a clutter-free spring.

Here’s how to plan your purge from start to finish!

sghwAbout| theF Author A M I LY Jasmin Barrantes is the owner of The Nest Organizer, C U LT U R E a professional organizing company that serves the greater Bay Area. She LNES has a W degreeEinL Sociology, over 20 years of real estate experience, and is a wife and mother. Jasmin has an affinity towards life and creating tranquil spaces.

TheNestOrganizer.com.

(409) 292-NEST (6378)

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1 | Have a Plan Since spring cleaning can seem like a daunting task, I suggest taking it one room a time. Make a checklist of your goals. This will make the process less overwhelming and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check items off the list. It’s also important that you commit to finishing each area once you start.

2 | Don’t Be Afraid To Let Go Grab some boxes or bins and label them KEEP, DONATE, TRASH. Start by picking up items that are clearly out of place and return them to their proper home. Now we can sort. We hold on to things for many different reasons. However, the key is to give yourself permission to get rid of what doesn’t serve you. As you sort through items ask yourself a few simple questions: ~ Do I use it? ~ Does it fit? ~ Does it make my life easier or more enjoyable?

S

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then keep it. If the answer is no, consider placing it in the donate or trash box. If you haven’t worn it in 6 months, donate! If it’s broken, toss it! If it doesn’t bring you joy… well, you get the picture.

Once you’ve categorized it, place it in a box and quickly move on to the next item.

When it doubt, throw it out. Remember, your first instinct is usually right!

3 | Pare Down Multiples Whether it’s a plethora of phone chargers or drawers full of costume jewelry, everyone has a weakness in this area. If multiple items perform the same function, weed some out. Here’s a perfect chance to donate and share in your wealth of multiples.

4 | Get It Out Of The House Ok, so you’re done with the first room/area. What now? Run, don’t walk, to your nearest donation facility or dumpster. Don’t let those boxes end up in your garage or trunk for months and months. It’s inevitable that you or your family will start digging through and you’ll end up right where you started.

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Trauma and Shame:

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H E A LT H

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FINANCIAL

Gateways Addiction s ghw | M I N D &Into BODY

Substance abuse and addiction can be confusing to understand. Often it’s misunderstood by individuals and families because of dated social stigmas, cultural judgments, and misinformation that is circulated. These, and other factors, often overshadow the reality of what fuels addiction.

By Ben Pearson, LCSW

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F A M I LY

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C U LT U R E

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WELLNESS

1. All of us experience trauma and shame.

Any experience that leaves us feeling rejected, unsafe, and isolated can be traumatic. Shame is also a constant in reality. Shame is a belief that we are bad, broken, unworthy, and unaccepted. Trauma and shame bring with them powerful painful and unwanted thoughts and feelings that cloud our judgment. Research has shown that individuals who experience multiple forms of trauma and shame during their childhood also experience significantly higher rates of stress-related medical conditions, mental health challenges, and substance abuse as adults.

Often parents and community leaders, appropriately warn of the dangers of gateway drugs and other influences that lure the young and old into substances use. High-energy power drinks, E-cigarettes/vaping, and an array of loosely supervised pills and potions are now available at almost any convenience store. These gateway substances along with cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and marijuana, do pose realistic dangers on their own and do increase the odds of addiction in an individual. However, they are often still symptoms of a deeper masked pain.

2. The understanding of trauma and shame and its impact on addiction.

Part of what is attractive about using substances is that it gives the user the illusion of control. All of us crave control because we associate control with safety and power.

Those seeking relief from overwhelming trauma and shame often turn to substances to create a numbing sanctuary symbolizing their sense of control. The desperate search for emotional and physiological relief can be intense and armed with a strong negative self-image and/or self-worth, it becomes increasing difficult for the person struggling with such emotions to combat negative thoughts and actions by themselves.

Even though this process looks different for each of us. People often struggle to understand how their loved one, who is a fundamentally good and loving person, can turn to destructive and/or manipulative behaviors to solve personal problems. They often don’t understand the pain or the reasoning for this form of problem solving. The process feels very offensive and personal. By the time someone understands why that person is relief seeking, via drug, alcohol, and medications, everyone is traumatized. The trust of close family and friends gets eroded and each party begins to react to the other’s behaviors. Sadly, this cycle happens daily in every community.

About the Author Ben Pearson currently works as the Clinical Director for Chateau Recovery and Choice Recovery. Addiction and mental health treatment are issues close to Ben’s heart and motivates his desire to help create a unique treatment experience for individuals and families. www.choice-recovery.com.

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3. How can we break the cycle?

Step #1: Critical thinking is identifying the root cause of the problem.

It’s critical that everyone recognize that the substance was the solution to the primary problem of pain. Shifting your perspective allows you to work side by side with your loved ones to deal with the effects of shame and trauma, not just trying to control the other person’s behavior.

Step #2: Break the reactive cycle by using empathy and compassion.

Recognizing that everyone is fundamentally good even when going through pain. Punishing, shaming, engaging in power struggles, or impulsively reacting to personal fear rarely calms the situation or helps anyone see clearly the very hurt and vulnerable human being right in front of them. Shifting our perspective allows us to use tools like empathy and compassion to help strengthen our relationships.

Step #3: Focus on your personal health. Instead of attempting to control or react to the behaviors of others, shift your time and energy to being the best version of you. Improving your communication skills, identifying and setting personal boundaries, attending mental health counseling, and attending group support meetings are often great places to start.

Article also published in the Utah Valley Health & Wellness Magazine.

Visit their website at utvalleywellness.com.

About the Artist Shaheen Rahman is a Pakistaniborn American who currently lives

in Houston, TX. Originally, a

Highlighting Islamic Art

By Clear Lake Islamic Center When we established the Clear Lake Islamic Center, we envisioned a comfortable, educational, safe space for all, regardless of religion or creed. To support that goal, Shaheen Rahman, a local artist associated with Islamic Arts Society here in Houston, approached me with a great idea; start a monthly class highlighting the different styles of Islamic art.

Holding inclusive classes at our center reminds our immediate community of this commitment, while also enlightening and hopefully encouraging all others to attend. Each class is taught by a selected artist experienced in the thematic style of the month. Our first painting class was held in January and done in the style of Ebru (see below).

All classes are held at Clear Lake Islamic Center, 17511 El Camino Real, Houston TX 77058, in the Community Hall.

To both sign up and register, please contact Shaheen Rahman directly at shaheenjrahman@yahoo.com. The cost of each class is $35 and can be paid on the day of class.

Plant Biologist by training (M.Sc. University

of

Montreal),

she

discovered watercolors about 14 years ago and immediately fell in

love with this medium. She merged her passion for plant life with

her passion to paint and loves to illustrate botanicals and flowers in watercolor.

Shaheen is also well known for her

Ebru which has been on display at

various venues around Houston, including Cloisters Gallery, Houston

City Hall, Harambee Art Gallery, Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, Harris County Public Library Branches

including

Kingwood,

Freeman, Barbara Bush, and

Octavia Fields, and Watercolor

Society of Houston. She likes to share

her love for the art of Ebru and has

Ebru is the traditional Turkish art of paper-marbling. This fascinating technique involves painting on the surface of water.

Paint is dropped on the water using special brushes and styli, combs and rakes are used to generate patterns. Paper is then placed on the water and when lifted, the painting is transferred onto the paper.

Paper-marbling has its roots in the Japanese art of Suminagashi dating back to the 12th century. Marbling then made its way through the Silk Road from the Orient to India, Persia and Turkey.

Ebru flourished in Turkey during the 14th and 15th century period of the Ottoman Empire. Calligraphers and artists used Ebru as background for writing Quranic verses, imperial decrees, important state documents, treaties and manuscripts. Each Ebru painting is unique and cannot be duplicated; hence it was used as a means to prevent the alteration of documents.

Turkey remained the center of paper marbling for many centuries.

Eventually, the technique reached Europe where it became popular for book covers, end-papers, and edges of books.

conducted Ebru demonstrations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Asia

Society, Pearl Fincher Museum, Watercolor Society of Houston, Islamic Art Society of Houston’s Annual Art Festivals, Clear Lake City-County

Freeman

Branch

Library, Boeing, Orrick Law Firm and the Raindrop House Turkish Cultural Center in Houston.

In 2017, Shaheen co-curated the first Islamic Arts exhibit hosted at

Houston City Hall. Featuring the

works of local artists, the exhibit was recognized by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and several other city officials.

Her gallery of artwork can be viewed

on her Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/Studio-Art-byShaheen-1609639342622508/.

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | Spring 2018 25

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Wellness for Those Who Care for Others After a while, the cumulative load of this burden starts to take a toll on the body and the mind with increased risk for illness, depression, and other health problems.

By Michael Olson, Ph.D., LMFT The term caregiver can apply to a wide range of individuals fulfilling many different types of roles. Within our western culture, there remains an ethic of caring intergenerationally, with the primary burden falling on the shoulders of a child or children to care for an aging or ill parent(s).

As families struggle to respond to the ever-changing landscape of illness and the decline of age, it remains paramount to consider how those who are in a caregiver role attend to their own mental and emotional wellbeing. One primary risk factor is for the care-giver to become the designated person in the family to bear the brunt of the weight with little, if any, rotating respite or support from other family members. While not usually intentional, the caregiver can become increasingly isolated and overwhelmed in their perceived role.

Dr. Janice Keicolt-Glaser, a noted psychoneuroimmunologist, has conducted numerous studies showing the immunologic effects of chronic stress, especially among caregivers. Her research has shown a significant reduction in immune function, as measured by a controlled wound healing experiment. Specifically, caregivers were exposed to a punch biopsy, which essentially creates a measurable small wound in the skin. Non-caregivers were also exposed to the same punch biopsy. The two groups were followed to determine the rate at which the wound healed and finally closed. The caregiver group showed significant delay in wound healing due to the down regulation of immune function under chronic stress (Keicolt-glaser, J.K., Marucha, P.T., Malarkey, W.B., Mercado, A.M. & Glaser, R. (1995). Slowing of wound healing by psychological stress. Lancet, 346 (4)).

Stress can have an immediate and beneficial effect on the body as the individual responds to an acute or emergent situation. Powerful neurohormones, like cortisol and epinephrine, are released in the brain and pushed into the blood stream. Heart rate increases, blood vessels constrict, muscles become activated and tense, the lungs pump oxygen to the brain and body. These are important and often lifesaving reactions to dealing with an emergency.

For a caregiver however, the body and brain are exposed to these heightened responses on a day to day basis. After a while, the cumulative load of this burden starts to take a toll on the body and the mind with increased risk for illness, depression, and other health problems. A caregiver’s marriage and/or family relationships can often suffer as finding a balance remains elusive. Caregivers can often become stuck in this role as guilt and shame create obstacles to reaching out for help.

About the Author

Most bear up these burdens in Dr. Mike Olson is a licensed silence and with grace, often quietly Marriage and Family going about the challenges of day to day Therapist. He graduated with his Master’s degree from life without others knowing. Caregiver Brigham Young University burnout is a real and increasingly and his Ph.D. from Kansas common challenge as medical science State University. Following allows more and more Americans to live his graduate studies, he longer lives, often under the auspices of completed a post-doctoral research and clinical chronic disease and disability. fellowship in Behavioral A few recommendations for “healing Medicine from UTMB, the healer:” Galveston. He served as 1. Talk with the patient’s (parent’s) the Director of Behavioral physician about having a family Medicine at both the University of Nebraska conference/visit to discuss Medical Branch in Omaha ongoing needs and how the family and the University of Texas is working together to meet these Medical Branch in Galveston. needs.

2. In cases where there might be significant depression, anxiety, or relationship problems, consult with a licensed marriage and family therapist (or medical family therapist). (See www. aamft.org for a listing of clinicians in your area.) The Center for Couples and Families is a great resource for those living in the bay area, with offices in South Shore/League City (southshorefamilies.com), Pearland (pearlandfamilies.com), Sugar Land (sugarlandfamilies.com), and Friendswood (friendswoodfamilies.com).

3. Evaluate how different members of the family can rotate the care for a loved one. Even scheduling “respite time” or a timeout/break for the caregiver on regular intervals can provide needed relief and rest.

4. Any mindful exercise or activity can be helpful. Ideas include prayer, yoga, thai chi, qi gong, swimming, walking, diaphragmatic breathing and mental focus/repetition to control worrying thoughts and stress. The stress reduction and relaxation workbook by Martha Davis is a great resource and can be found on Amazon.com.

5. Schedule time with friends, neighbors, church community, etc. to avoid isolation.

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Senior Living Options

By Harold Ermshar

Senior living options have become a “thing,” with new buildings popping up within our communities here locally and across the country. But how does one navigate this brave new world with competitors pitching their wares like cotton candy at the carnival?

One of the first options to consider is whether to Rent vs. Invest in a Life Plan Community. As with most things in life there are pros and cons to either option.

Rental Choices Rental communities offer the flexibility to pick up and move without losing any investment. This pay-as-you-go option allows residents to retain assets in the short term, however assumes risk should there be a decline in health requiring additional services and/ or placement in a higher level of care that may not be available on location. It’s important to understand what is included in the monthly fees, as most rental communities will offer a la carte services with associated fees for each option. The living spaces in rental communities usually come “as is” and do not allow for customization.

Most rental communities are for-profit, which means that owners/ shareholders expect to receive a piece of the profit each year. Forprofit communities also have an increased chance of being sold to another entity. So, while residents have flexibility to relocate, they may be dealing with multiple ownership/management groups over time.

Investment Choices Entry fee communities typically offer a full continuum of services, which means that, as healthcare needs change over time, they can typically be met without having to relocate to a different campus. This security does come at a cost, however. Entry fees can tie up a large portion of a resident’s asset base and, even though a portion is typically refundable, there are contractual guidelines on when those monies are released. In addition to not having to relocate as health needs increase, costs are typically spelled out in the initial contract, offering some price protection. Living spaces can typically be customized to your specifications as long as the entity gets to keep any upgrades.

Currently, most entry fee communities are non-profit, which means that any excess revenue over expenses has to be re-invested into the community. Ownership/management is typically more stable, as well.

Synopsis Regardless of which option you choose, there are several things that potential residents will want to familiarize themselves with and some key points to consider: • Ask for disclosure documents and/ or other information to determine the overall financial strength of any organization you may choose to make About the Author Harold has over 20 years your next home.

• All contracts have fine print. Make experience in long term care services and operations. sure you, or someone you trust, reviews He serves as The Executive each contract thoroughly so surprises Director for The Hallmark don’t pop up after you’ve made your with Brazos Presbyterian Homes in Houston. He decision.

• Visit multiple communities. Each delivers community education through seminars, including one has a unique culture, services and “Understanding Medicare” amenities. Pick what meets your needs for the InterFaith Ministries Caregiver Conference. For and desires.

• Do NOT succumb to sticker shock. more information contact Think about your total costs now. 713-963-8525.

These include insurance, taxes, home maintenance, meals (if part of the package), community amenities that you currently pay others for (this could include transportation costs) and some healthcare costs.

• Make the decision while you can. Many seniors wait until there is an emergency, an event that leaves them unable to reside in their current location. This potentially excludes you from some of the benefits of these communities and has the added pitfall of letting/forcing others to make decisions for you, rather than having the opportunity to choose for yourself.

• In the Senior Living industry, sales teams are consistently met with the objection: “We’re not ready,” or “We are still young.” It is interesting to talk to residents once they have made the decision to move. The most consistent quote heard is: “I wish we had made this decision sooner!”

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Positive Aging

By Michelle Sierpina, PhD, M.S. and Beverly Lunsford, Ph.D., R.N. What is the future of aging…yours, mine, and the next generation’s? In the years ahead, you will continue to witness an amazing paradigm shift in aging well, and how we, as a society, view aging. While we cannot control all the factors, there is much we can do as individuals and as a society to contribute to continued improvements in our well-being and length of life.1 Individuals can live more fulfilling and complete lives and increase longevity through their lifestyle choices.

Tomorrow’s healthy aging requires creating options for older adults by funding and providing exceptional, evidence-based aging services within our communities.

It also involves educating healthcare providers, older adults and their families about the most current interventions for optimizing dynamic, positive aging.

Those options include creative expression through music, dance, art, theater, poetry, journaling, life reflection, meditation, and more.

Case Study: Bob’s Story At age 81, Bob,* a former military pilot, oil industry executive, and entrepreneur, happened upon and joined a community-based organization offering college level academic courses, fitness activities, and opportunities for social interactions for those over 55. He reports that at the time he was suffering from neuropathies and other physical ailments, tiring easily, and experiencing muscle

aches that impaired his mobility, so he lacked any regular physical activity. He experienced diminishing interest in leaving the house as he noticed what he perceived as his declining state. After a series of lifestyle changes offered in this new group, he discovered improved quality of life and better physical and mental status in his eighth decade. As a result of incorporating increased socialization, moderate group fitness activities, walking, group practice of life review, a literature discussion group, and other similar activities, Bob reported, at age 86, his neuropathies were disappearing, his mental and psychological outlook had reversed. After a fall in a bathroom, he was able to get up by himself, a feat he attributed to his functional fitness training at his senior community program.

In Bob’s lifestory group, he wrote vignettes which brought back long forgotten memories that he enjoys sharing with family and friends. One study found that the protocol his group used decreased depressive symptoms in older adults.2 Another literature appreciation group he joined has supplied joy and laughter he seldom experienced in any other settings and at any other time in his life. The friends he has made have truly proven the meaning and value of “community.” Bob’s story represents numerous others like himself who demonstrate that progressive decline and deterioration can at least be slowed, and in his case were actually reversed.

The Alzheimer’s Association believes, “The public should know what the science concludes: certain healthy behaviors known to be effective for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer are also good for brain health and for reducing the risk of cognitive decline.”3 *All those interviewed have given permission to share their stories, but all names have been changed.

http://longevity3.stanford.edu/wp-content/ uploads/2016/05/Sightlines-Project.pdf

1

hippendale T, Bear-Lehman J; Effect of life review C writing on depressive symptoms in older adults: a randomized control trial. Am J Occup Ther. 2012 JulAug;66(4):438-46.

2

aumgart M, et.al. Summary of the evidence on B modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia: A population-based perspective. Open Access, Original Research Article. Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Volume 11, Issue 6, June 2015, Pages 718–726

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About the Authors Michelle Sierpina, PhD, founding director of OLLI at UTMB Health, a UT Distinguished Teacher, has taught at UT Houston Center on Aging, University of Nevada, Reno, St. George’s Medical University, Grenada, and at conferences in the US and Australia. She has published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics in gerontology, spirituality, and creativity.

Her life story protocol has been studied by research teams at three universities.

Beverly K. Lunsford, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN is Assistant Professor, George Washington University School of Nursing (SON) and Director of the GW Center for Aging, Health and Humanities. Dr. Lunsford develops interprofessional collaborations in research, education and clinical innovations with GW faculty and others to improve care of older adults. She advocates for the integration of humanities and creative arts in the education of healthcare professionals to teach a more person-centered approach to care. Dr. Lunsford has been PI for grants in collaboration with GW interprofessional faculty and many community organizations to build capacity of the geriatric workforce to provide more comprehensive and continuous care of older adults and their families.

:: HEALTH Q&A

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Understanding Free Standing Emergency Rooms – Physicians PremiER What is PremiER? Physicians PremiER is a 24/7 Emergency Room designed to give members of our community a comforting and reliable place to go when faced with an emergency.

Patients are provided with the highest level of quality emergency care in a convenient, private, compassionate, upscale environment. Every patient is treated immediately

by Board Certified Physicians and highly trained medical staff with state of the art equipment and technology designed to provide much needed efficient and professional medical care. Everything about Physicians PremiER is focused on the patient.

How are free standing emergency rooms different than ones at the hospital?

A freestanding emergency room is a full service, state licensed, 24/7 Emergency Room, not directly connected to a hospital, that offers essentially the same services and functions with a more personable approach to care. Comprehensive emergency care is available to patients of all ages and direct admissions to a hospital is provided, when needed.

Why should I go here instead of my hospital emergency room?

At Physicians PremiER, patients are provided with an immediate passionate patient focused experience. State-of-the-art equipment allows patients to receive fast results, using in-house labs, x-rays, CT scanner and bedside ultrasound, which are immediately interpreted.

Delays and wait times that are typically experienced at an emergency room are a thing of the past. At Physicians PremiER, patients are seen and assessed immediately upon walking in. Skilled physicians and nurses make sure assistance is provided as quickly as possible, and advanced technology (including EKGs, CT scans, digital X-rays, ultrasounds, and more) helps to make the process that much smoother, saving valuable time. You’ll find that you truly are in the best of both worlds – a skilled and upscale environment that avoids the common pitfalls and inconveniences of hospital-based ERs. What medical staff are available?

The highly experienced emergency care physicians are also the owners and doctors of Physicians PremiER. All emergency room staff are experienced in emergency medicine and maintain credentials to deliver expert emergency services firsthand. All Physicians PremiER physicians are board certified.

Is there ambulance service from my home or place of injury?

Physicians PremiER does not have a company owned and operated ambulance service. However, it is the patient’s right to request to be taken to the emergency facility of their choice. Physicians PremiER does have an ambulance bay and is able to accept patients and transfer patients out when needed.

How are you different than an urgent care facility?

As Board Certified Physicians, Physicians PremiER staff has the medical knowledge and clinical judgement to treat and save lives.

The emergency facility is equipped to handle any medical emergency from pediatrics, vehicle accident, trauma, head injuries, cardiac monitoring, lacerations and contusions and broken bones.

Will my visit be covered by insurance? What is my cost?

All workers’ compensation and private insurance plans are accepted, including Aetna, Humana, Cigna, BlueCross/BlueShield, and several others, as well as cash and all major credit cards. This allows the patient to focus on healing, not medical costs.

What’s Your Question?

Do you have a question that needs to be answered? Ask our local experts and editorial board! Please submit your question to bahwmagazine@gmail.com. Please include your name and email address. Don’t worry, we will keep you anonymous in the magazine!

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