Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine May June 2015

FITNESS | NUTRITION | HEALTH | Mind-Body | FAMILY WELLNESS | community | FINANCIAL

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More Than Ironman:

A Spiritual Journey See page 10

INSIDE: Be Water Wise Summer Camp... Anyone?

GMOs: Public Health Enemy #1

MAY/JUNE 2015

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bs ghw a h w | TWa Eb Ll eL No Ef SCSo n t e n t s Fitness – Continued

Family Wellness – Continued

More Than Ironman: A Spiritual Journey 10 Bodyweight Exercises: The Next Trend in Fitness?

Hurricane Backpack

Financial

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Now is the Time to Buy Your First Home!

Health Migraine Headaches…

Is There Any Relief?

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Nutrition

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Restaurant Journey: The Seabrook Waffle House 25 Berry Wise 26 Beat the “Bonk” 27 GMOs: Public Health Enemy #1 28

MAY/JUNE s ghw | F I2015 TNESS On The Cover: Ross McDaniel, HKevin E AHinson L T Hand Triet Huynh.

Photography by Ed Ferrin.

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Family Wellness

s ghw | FINANCIAL Mind-Body Change: Finding Our True Motivation | M I N D4

Health Q&A

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A Letter to Moms 15 The “Empty Nest” 16 Why I Love My Mom and Dad The Unique Role of Fathers 18 Summer Camp….Anyone? 20 Bay Area’s “Top Picks” for Summer Camp 20

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Community

Calendar of Events 29 Flashback 5k/10k Photo Collage

Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon Photo Collage

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bs ghw a h w | fWr Eo LmL tNhEeS eSd i to r I am excited to present the May/June Issue of Bay Area Health and Wellness to the Bay Area! This issue is full of

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inspirational stories and applicable, digestible information to aid in the quest of becoming as healthy as we can be. We at Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine continue to reach out to our readers and health care partners to more fully understand the needs of the community and strive to present these concerns with each new issue.

We always welcome your suggestions, questions, and feedback! We have enjoyed hearing the positive impact that BAHW Magazine is having in your lives. Members of our editorial team have been stopped and given feedback while working out, at the grocery store, and their doctor’s offices! Please remember to browse the magazine online and “like us” on Facebook. If you have a question or an area of interest that you would like to see addressed in a future

Sincerely,

issue, please send me an email and we will do

Camille Olson

our best to respond.

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Camille Olson, B.S., Editor Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine (832) 323-3020

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 | 549 N. Egret Bay Blvd. | League City, TX 77573 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 2015.

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MIND - B O D Y

CHANGE Finding Our True Motivation

By Michael Olson, Ph.D. & Catalina Triana, M.D. Heraclitus, the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher said, “Change is the only constant in life.” Browse the best-seller list and you will discover many books that focus on change. We are fascinated with change and care about starting and maintaining changes that will make a difference in our lives and in the lives of those we care about. What do we know from the research about the change process? Studies have shown that the core of what facilitates change is intrinsic motivation, or that which springs from one’s own core beliefs and values.

What is it you care most deeply about? What are the things you know are true or most important and contribute to your sense of meaning and purpose in life? Ironically, it is often in the darkest moments, when our decisions or the decisions of others threaten our most cherished values and beliefs, that intrinsic motivation can spark and catalyze change.

The idea of change springing from internal conflict is woven deep into the fabric of our collective psyche and cultural history. Sixteenth and 17th century English puritans and separatists, revolutionaries and founders like Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson; Harriet Tubman and her resolve to abolish slavery; early settlers and pioneers who struck out West to find peace and freedom to live out their values and beliefs; and visionaries like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all acted out of a deep desire for change rooted in their core beliefs and values.

The principles that guided the actions of these great individuals are no different than the principles or conditions that can lead each of us to change in our own lives. When our values and beliefs become “out of sync” or incongruent with our behaviors or with what is happening in our lives, the result is often cognitive dissonance or an internal friction that can build discrepancy and motivation for change to live more consistent with our beliefs and values. One way to raise our awareness of our own internal beliefs/values and match these with our behaviors is through a value sorting exercise. The following links provide instructions and sorting cards to help guide you through this process. http://www.motivationalinterviewing.org/content/personal-values-card-sort-instructions http://www.motivationalinterviewing.org/content/personal-values-card-sort

These resources will help you to evaluate if your current behavior is aligned or in conflict with your most important values and what steps you would have to take to become more congruent with what you most value.

Change is obviously complex and multifactorial. Looking at intrinsic motivation as a key factor in the process is a just a beginning. Understanding our values and beliefs and how these match up with our life choices is a key step to facilitate change in our lives. For many, a process of self-reflection and examination of core values/beliefs and behavior can raise awareness and spark change. For others, there may be extenuating circumstances, relationships, addictions, etc. that may need additional support and help. In such cases, partnering with your physician and/or a psychotherapist may be necessary step to break through the barriers/obstacles that constrain change.

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About the Author Dr. Mike Olson is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas. He graduated with his Master’s degree from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. from Kansas State University. Following graduate study, he completed a post-doctoral research and clinical fellowship in Behavioral Medicine from the UTMB, Galveston.

Active Release Technique

By Dr. David Redding

If you are an athlete, or once were, you probably remember experiencing degrees of tightening of your muscles, altered mechanics or chronic injuries. Likely you just chalked it up to the nature of the activity or sport. Soreness related to training is normal right? Yes and no. Left unchecked, your soreness could lead to a number of soft tissue concerns that could sideline you indefinitely or lead to problems elsewhere in your body mechanics.

The principle I’m describing is set up in tissues under stress or tension. It is known as The Cumulative Trauma Disorder or CTD. The painful truth is that this disorder isn’t confined to just sports, as it is also seen in the workforce. Federal statistics show CTD now surpasses back pain, worsening by over 670 percent in the last 5 years.

A better definition might actually be Cumulative Injury Disorder or CID. CID is injuries to muscles, tendons, bones, fascia, nerves

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Dr. David Redding, with Pro-Fit Sports Therapy, has C U L TforU R E practiced in Friendswood over 20 years. In addition to chiropractic, he is Master ELLNES Level certifiedW in Active Release Technique. He uses a blended approach to therapy that incorporates his knowledge in sports injuries, dynamic stretch therapy, acupuncture, cold laser therapy and Rock Taping.

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| and blood vessels. Acute or repetitive injury or constant pressure/tension injury all fall under the CTD/CID category. | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an example of a common work related CID. There are numerous avenues of treatment for CID, from soaking in a hot tub to Yoga, myofascial release and acupuncture.

CID, by nature, falls into the musculoskeletal system and, therefore, is often defined as an overuse syndrome and rest and anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed with little success.

Active Release Technique is a hands-on touch and case management system that allows a practitioner to diagnose and treat these soft tissue injuries. Such injuries may include repetitive strains, adhesions in muscles and joints and joint dysfunction or alter biomechanics. Often, these conditions are of a chronic nature or are the result of a previous surgery.

Old injuries can show up years later, as the body is no longer able to adapt to the stress and strain of tissues and joints not moving in a healthy manner. After a few treatments with Active Release Technique, also known as ART, function is restored, sometimes in as little as one treatment.

Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain and hip pain from running are common injuries treated with ART. Shoulder injuries from swimming, lifting, throwing or previous surgeries are another example of common issues treated with ART in just a few visits.

Some corporations now contract ART providers to treat their workforce periodically to reduce the amount of on-the-job injuries related to repetitive motion stress. Since repetitive motion equates to productivity in the workforce, it often helps to have a therapy that is effective and accurate in restoring function so the worker doesn’t miss work due to injury.

Active Release Technique has been tested in the sports world and is now utilized by nearly every professional sports team. Colleges are seeing the benefits of ART and seek providers for their athletic teams.

I have had the privilege of working for UT, Rice, Berkley, University of Houston and Harvard athletic departments, as well as traveling to numerous world track and field championships and two Olympic Games because of my knowledge and experience with ART. Active Release Technique is the gold standard for soft tissue care.

You can find the nearest ART provider by going to activerelease.com and type in your zip code in the provider locator space for a practitioner in your area.

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Exhilarated. Accomplished. Challenged. Fulfilled. Proud. Fun! What do all of these emotions have in common? These are all words that triathletes have used to describe their experience training for and competing in a triathlon. Wait…a triathlon?! That excruciating trifecta of torture where you are expected to be a superhero of running, biking, and (EEK!) swimming? Yes, that’s the race! Here is expert advice from two of the Bay Area’s premier coaches on how to break out of your normal fitness routine (or begin one) and be ready for your first triathlon!

Getting Started People compete in triathlons for different reasons. Some crave competition; some raise money for charity; some use it as an escape from the trials of day-to-day life. Whatever the reason, triathlons can be intimidating.

So, where do you start? Do you need to take out a mortgage on your house to buy that light, streamlined “rocket ship” bike? According to Johnny Z, co-owner of Powerhouse Racing in Friendswood, “Your bike needs to have two wheels, move forward, and be safe.” Any bike will do, as long as it is safe. In fact, at Powerhouse, they have seen every kind of bike, from baskets to bells. So don’t be afraid to dust off that old clunker in the garage.

What about time? Do you need to quit your job in order to fit in all of those training sessions? Well, of course that is your choice, but you won’t be able to blame it on your training schedule! Beginners should expect to spend 8 to 10 hours per week training in all 3 disciplines. The experts recommend that you find a group to share in your training. Working out with a group makes training seem less like work and more like social hour; plus, learning from other athletes is inevitable.

And then, there is the swim. Swimming is the area where most people need additional training. Melanie Yarzy, swimming coach and co-owner at Powerhouse Racing, suggests that beginners usually need

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“Come Back” Ironman. Johnny won in his age group at Redman, just one year after his accident.

Ironman TX in 2011.

Johnny suffered his devastating injury 1 hour later.

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bsghw ahw | 1:1 lessons to learn the proper technique, as race swimming is much different from leisure swimming. The number of swimmers in the water can be very disorienting, which may cause beginning swimmers to feel panicky and anxious. The fact that you cannot stop or touch bottom during the swim is also a source of anxiety to the beginning swimmer. It is important to start training in a pool until you get strong enough to be able to swim longer distances without resting. At that point, move to open water swimming practices that more closely simulate the racing experience.

Strength training is often neglected or underestimated by many endurance athletes. All it takes is about 30 -40 minutes of strength training two times a week to strengthen stabilization muscles and connective tissues. Johnny’s story is a reminder of the importance of strength training. “I trained for 9 years neglecting strength training and it resulted in a really bad injury during Ironman Texas in 2011.

During mile 24 of the marathon, I broke the femoral neck of my hip from poor running form and years of training without strengthening the stabilization muscles.” He now has two titanium rods in his hip and has since re-learned how to run properly and employs strength training in his workouts. TRX workouts are a great way to get these muscles in shape; Powerhouse Racing offers these classes.

Coaching So now that you know where to start, how can you improve your performance and time during a triathlon? Coaching is the answer!

Coaches help identify individual short and long term goals (and commitment levels), and then create a plan to help you achieve these goals. According to Melanie, “You can spend years in triathlons making each mistake yourself or you can hire a coach who has made all of those mistakes.” Johnny maintains that most beginners start out training with a group and evolve into a coaching relationship. “You can go into a pool and learn all of these different drills, but if they’re not effective for YOU, they won’t help. A coach can streamline the

Exhilarated.

Accomplished.

Challenged. Fulfilled.

Proud. Fun!

process and help you get to your goals quicker.”

Melanie and Johnny have found that they have to “slow down” 80% of their clients because they want to push too hard too fast. “Sometimes people who are competitive will go at it too hard and try to get there too quickly and they’ll burn out or become fatigued or over trained. A coach can also help these people learn how to hold back in order to sustain the workload for the long haul. It’s easy to get burned out so it’s important to find balance between training for 3 sports and family life. At the end of the day, you have to make the right choices not just for the sport, but a lot of times, for your family also.”

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Kim is an AFAA certified Group Fitness Instructor and SchwinnC certified U LT U R E Indoor Cycling Instructor at the South Shore Harbour Fitness center,W where E she LLNES has taught since 2011. Kim has competed and placed in three half marathons and finished fourth place (in her age group) in her first full marathon. As a mother of two busy boys, she understands the need for balance between home and hobbies. She is a native of Syracuse New York and graduated from the State University College at Oneonta with a bachelor’s degree in English.

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Anyone Can Do It! Everyone has to start somewhere.

And you don’t have to be a natural born athlete to be a triathlete. Melanie says, “I wouldn’t say that either one of us are super naturally talented. Johnny was a little boy with asthma. A little kid, not a big strong kid, and I didn’t start sports until I was 14. I was the worst swimmer on the team. I was never really a good athlete. I started later in life learning how to be an athlete and really what makes us successful is the consistency of our training. We train day in and day out and we put in more work than other people and that’s why we’re on the podium. It’s a lifestyle. So if someone wants to be competitive at the sport, they really just need to ‘stay in the work’ for an extended period of time.” Johnny adds, “There’s a lot I’ve learned that I wish I knew when I started but it just wasn’t available back then. I came into the sport late in life; I was 31 and started running when I was 29.”

Melanie has since lost track of how many races she’s competed in since she began 6 years ago. She estimates it to be close to 100 triathlons and running races, combined! This includes 6 Ironmans! She has competed in an Ironman every year for the past 6 years, and won her first Ironman last March! Johnny has placed in almost every race he has ever competed in, whether it be strictly running or a triathlon.

His fastest Ironman time is a staggering 10:07!

Not bad for a little kid with asthma and the worst swimmer on the team!

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| F&I N ANCIA Every year, the City of Webster sponsors a Health Wellness Fair, designed to provide the regional population with opportunities to meet with over 70 healthcare vendors. In recent |years, M this I Nevent D & B has been held in the month of October; however, after many years of holding the fall event, we elected to “Spring” forward and hold the | F A M I LY event on March 31st this year; and what an event it was! We had a wonderful time visiting with health related vendors, citizens and employees of the City of Webster. We are already looking forward to R E | CU LT U our next fair (date yet to be determined). As always, the health fair is a free event. | WELLNESS Attendees can consult with a variety of healthcare vendors, participate in screenings and exams for bone density, vision, hearing, and spinal health, and gain awareness of new services, products, and technologies. Public Safety (police, fire, and emergency medical services) all join in to promote health and wellness with educational materials, product samples, and consultations.

The City of Webster Health and Wellness Fair is an opportune time to visit with experts from many fields, like fitness, dentistry, sleep medicine, chiropractics, social services, assisted living, and much more. Our fair is a community health strategy used to meet community members’ needs for health promotion, education, and prevention. This is just another way of keeping our Webster citizens healthy and informed.

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Spiritual Journey

More Than Ironman:

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Ross’s Philosophy: “I started to feel a sense of accomplishment. I had more energy and was feeling better. I did something that I did not know I could do! During the time I was training for my second triathlon, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what kind of man I should be.

I learned that these (the physical and spiritual) went hand and hand.

‘Stand firm in your faith, be strong, be courageous, but do everything in love.’ What does it mean to be courageous? What does it mean to be strong? You need to put in the work to build endurance and discipline to finish the race. I started thinking that life is a bit like a race. Sometimes we don’t have enough to finish the race. Being courageous is being obedient to do what we should. We are called to do that in love. To train for a triathlon, we need to put in the time. You have to build endurance. You don’t have a good workout unless you have some pain.

You stretch the muscles till they hurt. You might have some pain, but you recover stronger the next time you go back. Am I going to finish the race? Am I going to think about what the greater cause is?”

An interview with Ironman Ross McDaniel

By Camille Olson Meet Ross: Ross is a Chemical Engineer who works for McDaniel Process Engineer Consultants (MPEC), a company his father started over 25 years ago. He is a bible school teacher at Houston’s First Baptist Church, and he is a husband. Ross is also an IRONMAN. I first met Ross on our little cul-de-sac in League City where he was training for an Ironman triathlon competition by practicing his transition from swim to bike and from bike to run. While his external commitment and dedication was apparent from the beginning, it was only after sitting down with Ross to talk about his experience that I learned of his internal commitment and dedication that lead him through more than just an athletic competition. I learned that his training and hard work to become an Ironman was more than just that, it was a journey of courage, healing and strength.

The Journey Begins: “Life isn’t about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.”

Ross’s desire to train for an Ironman started over three years ago. He had hit a low point in his life and knew it was time to do something about it. . With encouragement from his friends and family, Ross started lifting weights and training at the local gym. During this time, Kyle Crowell, a friend and Ironman encouraged him, along with his close friend Kevin Hinson, to compete in a triathlon. He had not ridden a bike or swam laps in a pool since he was in elementary school. Even so, he realized he had nothing to lose, and accepted the challenge of a lifetime.

Ross was introduced to Tri4Him. He quickly felt a sense of community, which was critical for his healing, and found that many of those he was training with had similar concerns, heartaches and obstacles they were trying to overcome. He learned very quickly that Ironman was more than physical training. It was spiritual and emotional training combined with the physical. It was this connection, and the connection with his fellow Tri4Him athletes, that allowed Ross to start dealing with his own heartache.

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July 1, 2012 YMCA Freedom Sprint: Ross borrowed a triathlon uniform from a friend and competed in a practice sprint. He was nervous, hesitant and unsure, but he did it. He realized that he liked to compete, and was good at it. He had caught the bug, and competed in his first full triathlon 12 days later. He would ultimately compete 8 times within two seasons until the Ironman Triathlon in November of 2013.

bsghw ahw | The Greater Cause Ross is a man who believes in the greater cause. In December of 2012, he flew to Kinangop, Kenya, Africa, where he put his faith and conviction to work for the children of Little Eden. Little Eden Children’s Home, founded by Mike Eden, was created to help the children in Kenya who had no home to call their own. While in Africa, Ross worked on projects for young African boys’ and girls’ school dormitory sites, as well as needs within the village. After returning home, Ross decided that he would dedicate the Ironman to the children of Little Eden. Ross sent emails to family and friends telling of his passion to be an Ironman, and most of all, his desire to start an education fund for the kids of Little Eden. Over the course of the year, he gathered pledges for competing, earning over $10,000 to donate to the children of Mike Eden Ministries for Little Eden to start a scholarship fund for secondary school for kids at Eden.

Ironman Florida 2013 In 2013, a year of painful and relentless training led him to his first Ironman competition. Ross, along with seven other Tri4Him teammates: Kevin Hinson, Hung Nguyen, Russel Cravens, Mike Neimeyer, Kyle Crowell who got him started, his Tridot coach and teammate John Mayfield and even Iron Sherpa Rik Cazares made the trek to Florida.

He began his race with a rush of excitement and exhilaration, counting on the hours of training and dedication to pay off. As expected, there were high and low points during the race, particularly toward the end when both mental and physical struggles to continue were most intense.

During the final leg of the race, Ross decided he needed a long break to focus and regroup, finding himself walking to gather his strength.

Cindy Reeves, a fellow Tri4Him teammate, who was not competing, encouraged him, “Ross, you need to run! Ross, you need to RUN!” Although Ross was physically spent, his strength began to build as he saw the support of his parents Doug and Sharon McDaniel, other family and friends, his best friend Brad Holloway and swim coach Melanie Yarzy. They had been cheering him on through his triathlon as well as life journey. He remembers, “I turned it up and burned it out

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at the very end. I got pretty emotional just thinking about everything that God had worked on in me... where I was before I ever started doing triathlons, how low I had been... how most people think that an Ironman is impossible. Nothing is impossible. Our bodies are amazing things that can do anything. I was doing something that I never even dreamed I could do. I got to the shoot, where all the people were lined down shouting, ‘You are an Ironman! Ironman!’ To me, it is so much more than Ironman. It is doing something that you think you can’t do. Proving that our minds are capable of anything! For me it was the completion of a task of growth in who I am - in being courageous and doing something I was afraid to do. Courageous enough to be obedient to myself, to my Savior, Jesus Christ, and to the discipline needed to do this. Crossing that finish line, I became an Ironman, but to me, it was much more than being an Ironman!” The journey to become an Ironman started as a little seed of hope: hope that healing was possible and hope that Ross possessed the inner strength to complete the daunting task that lay ahead.

Ross finished in 14 hours and 17 minutes. He completed the swim in 1:14:37, the bike in 6:38:37, and the marathon in 5:41:36.

Tri4Him: Tri4Him is an international Christian Triathlon training team whose focus is to train and compete in triathlons while 1. Honoring God, 2. Glorifying Jesus, and Loving Others. They are “Christian triathletes united in sport and spirit.”

Here, the focus was first, their spiritual connection with Christ, and second, their physical conditioning.

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Bodyweight Exercises:

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By Tiffany Gust BS, CPT, USATC

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College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) survey of more than 3,000 fitness professionals worldwide, bodyweight training predicted | C U L TisU R E to be the next big thing. “Expect to see it continue to expand in all movement experiences including both group and personal training,” says Carol Espel, Senior Director, | WELLNESS Group Fitness and Pilates at Equinox.

In other words, the tried-and-true exercises we’ve done for years are here to stay. Lunges, squats, push-ups, and burpees are the anchor to a good functional fitness program. Just the other day, a client asked me to help her become strong enough that she could get up and down off the floor. She wanted to be able to get on the floor to play with her grandkids. We used a modified burpee to help her develop the core, arm, and leg strength, and soon she was moving independently in a functional way.

Bodyweight exercises are especially great for those who travel a lot or don’t have access to equipment. It’s a good way to mix

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Burpee Regular Demonstrated by Rhea Ibarra of League City, TX Burpee Modified

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up your current workout regimen if you are looking for something new and challenging, and it often requires more flexibility and balance than using gym equipment. It improves core strength, muscle tone, and coordination, and most bodyweight exercises can be progressed or regressed to meet the individual’s needs.

Components of a good bodyweight program should include push, pull, and hip hinge. Here is a sample of a bodyweight workout you can do every day, that will make you sweat and leave you with a feeling of success:

About the Author Tiffany Gust received her Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree from Utah State University. She is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and a USAT Certified Triathlon Coach. Tiffany has competed in over 70 triathlons and has qualified for World Nationals in the Olympic Division in 2012 and 2014. She specializes in weight management, triathlon, and fitness coaching. As the owner of TG Triathlon and Fitness Coaching, Tiffany helps clients to unlock their potential and journey towards a better self. https://www.facebook.com/ tiffany.gustcoaching

Start with a 5-minute warmup by marching in place, jogging, or jumping jacks.

• 10 squats (hinge from the hips, weight back on the heels, as if to sit into a chair) • 10 push-ups (full, on knees, or on the wall) • 10 lunges each leg (head up, shoulders over hips, front knee over toe, lower body down with shoulders relaxed and down) • 10 burpees (Squat thrusters) • 10 sit-ups (bring feet off the floor, knees bent at 90 degrees, and pull navel into spine) Repeat 2-3 times as you get stronger, and don’t forget to stretch afterward!

By Dr. Nicholas Howland

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My first experience with a migraine | FINANCI wasn’t even my headache. It was my wife.

We had only been married a few short | MIND & weeks when she awoke one morning complaining of a terrible headache. Despite those who would say this was probably just | F A M I LY a side effect of being married, especially About the Author to me, I knew that this headache was Dr. Nicholas Howland | Ca BAUinL T U R E graduated with different! We spent most of the day trying to Business Administration from comfort her. Loud noises, bright light, and the University of Utah. He any movement only aggravated the terrible then completed | hisWmedical ELLNES degree from UTMB. He is pain – “daggers behind my eye... constant currently a 4th year plastic daggers,” was the only description she could surgery Resident at UTMB. afford. Cold compresses, caffeine, Excedrin Dr. Howland is fluent in Russian, and avid golfer, migraine extra strength, foot massage... all reader, and father of two of this was tried with little relief. That first beautiful children. experience was in 2007. Little did I know that thousands of miles away, in Ohio of all places, there was a plastic surgeon that was doing groundbreaking work in not only providing relief for migraines, but actually curing them.

Dr. Bahman Guyuron is the current plastic surgery chairman at Case University Hospitals in Ohio. In 2000, he had a patient who had undergone a forehead lift procedure tell him that surprisingly, ever since her surgery, she had not experienced any migraine headaches. Dr. Guyuron began to look into this phenomenon and found that several of his patients who had forehead lifts and a history of migraine headaches had significant improvement or total relief of their migraines. Researching further, he developed a theory that many migraine headaches are the result of nerve compression. This compression causes the release of neurotoxins that lead the symptoms of migraine. He identified several “trigger points” or sites of peripheral nerve compression, and developed specific surgical procedures for nerve decompression of these trigger points. Since that remarkable finding in 2000, over 24 peer-reviewed journal articles have been published in relation to these procedures.

Between 80-92% of patients treated experience at least a 50% reduction in their migraine frequency. Approximately one-third of those treated have complete relief.

Migraine surgery is now one of the fastest growing outpatient procedures performed in the US. And yet, in my own experience, it seems to be one of the most under recognized, or underappreciated. When you tell someone that they should see a plastic surgeon for help with their migraine headaches, they are quick to question your judgement. However, Botox, a drug commonly associated with plastic surgeons, has been used for treatment of migraines for years. In fact, it was FDA-approved for this very purpose in 2010. Interestingly enough, the method by which Botox helps migraine symptoms only further confirms Dr. Guyuron’s nerve compression theory. Botox is a neurotoxin that paralyzes affected muscle. This paralysis helps to relieve the very same “trigger points” that Dr. Guyuron’s surgical procedures target.

The next time you or even your spouse suffers a migraine headache without relief, don’t give up hope for treatment that works! Talk to your local plastic surgeon.

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Migraine Headaches…

Is there Any Relief?

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Photography by Ed Ferrin

Water Wise

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By The YMCA

Children s ghw | Cin UallLparts T U ofR the E country are counting down the days until summer. They long for the freedom that summer brings, s ghw | what W Ethey L Lwant, N E toS play S outside time to do and time to relax. It seems that in the heat of the summer, the only escape from the hot, ever-present sun is the swimming pool. Are you ready and do you have a system in place to ensure that your family is “water safe” this summer?

Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional, injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4? Over the past nine years, one-third of Texas drownings occurred in the Houston Area.1 These statistics are alarming. So, just plan to swim in an area where there are a lot of people that can help rescue a child, if needed….right?

NO! One of the most concerning statistics is the fact that “only 56% of those who say they can swim can perform all five basic water safety skills.”2 We know that a single inch of water covering a child’s mouth and nose can cause drowning. First, be aware of the areas in which a child can drown. The obvious places are the bathtub and the swimming pool. But don’t rule out spas, ponds, toilets, buckets, or any standing water. These pose a risk! Here are some water safety tips:_ • Talk to your children about water safety and educate them on what to do if they find themselves in a dangerous situation.

• PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE! When you are on water duty, watching the kids when they are around water, put your phone down. Make sure that you are present and not distracted. Accidents can happen in a heartbeat; watch all of the time.

• Put a physical/protective barrier between your children and the water. These might include gates, alarms, and fencing.

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Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine welcomes our newest partner…the YMCA. In our quest for health & wellness, we have reached out to partner with the YMCA because of their values and commitment to the community. The YMCA has been pivotal in positively shaping the lives of hundreds of people in the Bay Area. They are a valuable resource in the community. “The YMCA knows that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”

•S wimming lessons. In the past eight years, the Water Wise Program at the YMCA has provided more than 8,000 free swimming lessons. Take advantage of the available programs.

• Learn CPR. Contact your local YMCA to see if at YMCA locatio •C all 9-1-1 if you find someone in trouble or hurt in the water.

Safe guard your family this summer against the dangers of water. Yes, water can be dangerous and scary, but education is the key. Happy Swimming!

YMCA of Greater Houston, Department of Family and Protective Services or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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2014 American Red Cross Safety poll

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Did you know?

• The monies received through campaigns are used to fund the special programs offered by the YMCA. The funds are also used to offset the cost of classes for those who cannot afford a membership at the YMCA. • Everyone is welcome at the YMCA! They are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to a facility for working out, taking health & wellness classes, and allowing their children to participate in the programs offered by the YMCA. • The YMCA is focused on providing programs that strengthen the community.

Some of the special programs they offer include: “Operation Back Pack,” “Water Wise,” “Diabetes Prevention Program,” “Livestrong,” “Active Older Adults,” and Scholarship Programs.

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A LETTER sghw TO MOMS | FINANCIAL

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By Kurt Attaway, MA, LMFTA About the Author Kurt Attaway is a Licensed Dear Mom, Marriage and Family First, let me say, “Thank You!” In case you have not heard it today, I want to remind you that you have a Therapy Associate in Texas. significant impact on the ones around you. Second, let me encourage you to receive the “thank you.” Allow Kurt graduated with his Master’s from UHCL. Kurt yourself to breathe deep the reality of your role. You are loving, caring, shaping, serving, laughing, crying, holding, works in private practice at cherishing, protecting, correcting and investing in your little one(s). Did I mention you are doing a great job?

The Center for Couples and As a son, father and husband, I have observed motherhood up close and personally. I see the investment, the Families, and serves as the Director of the WholeFit fatigue, the worry, the hope, the celebrations and the seeming defeats. I know there are sleepless nights and sleepless Leadership Team. weeks and sleepless years. There is endless work in the home and often work outside the home. Not to mention you might want to have at least one friend and an occasional night to relax. Does it seem like you are supposed to offer others the Tips for embracing more celebration: whole world while not losing your world? Quite the tall task • Celebrate daily: Identify successes every day. Share them at dinner if you ask me. Do everything. Be everything. Never make a time. Journal them before bed. Text them to a friend. Did the kids mistake. Always smile. And do it all with grace and patience. eat, did they get a hug, did you share a laugh? Count every success, On this Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate you. Let’s acknowledge especially the small ones. that every day is a chance to celebrate Mother’s Day because • Find time to refresh: You need energy to celebrate. Make time to mothers serve and love daily (Yes, dads do as well, but this recharge and refresh. You care for your kids, make sure you care for article is all about moms). Moms, with all the burden you yourself. Go for a walk, take time to journal, meet a friend for dinner, carry for your family, I want to remind you to breathe. You schedule time every month to reenergize who you are. deserve it. Find time to embrace your courage and strength.

• Write notes to your child(ren): Taking time to encourage your Make celebrating the simple things a daily habit. child(ren) increases purpose and passion. Writing helps your focus Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW, a research professor at the and shapes your perspective. Writing notes gives a gift to your kid(s) University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, and to your heart. This practice will help keep you focused on the big highlighted motherhood as one of the most significant areas picture…loving well! women feel shame.1 How have we allowed this in our culture?

• Use the buddy system: Find others to share the journey with. Find a I believe it is time for us to shift from shame to celebration. friend who encourages you. Find someone to encourage. This journey Motherhood is the result of life. Motherhood is a heart of is too meaningful to experience alone. love. Motherhood is a relationship to be celebrated.

We love and celebrate you, mom!

Brown, Brené. Daring Greatly. New York: Gotham, 2012. Print.

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By Regina Andrews Duarte BS, MSW, LCSW

s ghw | M N Dfor your & last BO D Yadult child to launch, taking The time has Icome young

the long awaited plunge into an adult-like assemblance. Whether it be moving into a college campus atmosphere, getting married, or sharing | F A M I LY a space in the city with friends, the deal has been to grow up and move out. We all know it is part of life’s journey, yet when the day comes, | Cprepared U L T for U RtheEreality of an “Empty Nest.” The term we are rarely “Empty Nest” is defined by Dictionary.com as a household in which one or more parents live after the children have left home. “Empty | WELLNESS Nest Blues” or “Empty Nest Syndrome” is a form of grief experienced by parents when children leave home and an unexpected sense of loss develops. It is not unusual for parents or even young adult children to experience confusion, loneliness, anxiety and/or depression around this transitional period of time. After all, as parents, our identity has been wrapped up in the role of mother, father and/or family. We may have spent countless hours dedicated to the needs of our children, even though we may have been steadily employed; our parental considerations are managed alongside employment demands. Our plates are full, to a point of feeling appreciative of a temporary routine providing momentary peace of mind.

Before we can smoothly move into building a new identity or picking up from where we last left off, regarding life without children, grieving the loss is essential. It does not mean our lives have to stop in order to shed tears. Experiencing, acknowledging, and reflecting on our emotions concerning who we have been as parents and who we might want to become during the next stage of life can be helpful.

Although every family is different, in general, parents invest not only financially in their children’s development, but personal interests are sacrificed while raising children. Perhaps, we have forgotten about certain

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hobbies that were once of interest or friendships were put on the back burner.

Maybe we always wanted to go back to school or open a small business in town.

The next chapter of life is an opportunity to reawaken parts of ourselves put on hold while raising children. At the same time, if we have not invested energy into pondering the parenthood years, it may be challenging and trying to advance.

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As one learns to embrace this remodeling, the following points may serve as reminders of what is possible and probable.

1.) Be gentle with yourself. Allow for emotional flexibility while letting go of the “SHOULDS.” There is no perfection in feelings. Sit, cry, stare, loose associate, write, take a nap or do/don’t do something About the Author out of the ordinary.

Regina Andrews-Duarte 2.) Listen to your loneliness and is a licensed clinical social work therapist at the South care for this part of yourself. Call an old Shore Center for Couples friend or relative, someone you have been and Families. She received a thinking about for a while, or get in touch graduate degree from Loyola with other people going through a similar University-Chicago, and has worked with children, situation. Surf the internet, and let go of adolescents, young adults, those worries that someone will find out adults, elderly individuals, that you are surfing the net. Get a pet couples, and families, struggling (helpful for caregivers as well), small dog, with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental, kitty, fish, birds. Grow a flower or plant psychiatric, and chemical a garden. dependency disorders. Regina 3.) Spend some money on yourself. is Bi-lingual in Spanish and What would you like to buy for yourself, English. but have not considered for a very long time.

4.) Your spouse! What haven’t you talked about since children have been the focus?

5.) Call your adult children, send them a card through snail mail, shoot a text out to friends and family that is filled with emoji’s.

6.) Re-evaluate your job satisfaction. What is your passion?

The hour has arrived for alternative possibilities, based on WANT.

7.) Continue living your life.

Talk with a counselor if you are needing an objective perspective.

8.) Plan a vacation, a few days or many days.

You pick.

9.) Give yourself time, time, time. There is no perfect plan. Life is hard and times are changing. Adult children may launch, return home, and once again attempt the break. The point is to keep moving forward, knowing growth has already taken place with the first move out of the home. Stay away from judging yourself.

Finally, this article was written for the essential purpose of addressing the topic of Empty Nest Blues, and does not bring to light special circumstances specific to each person and/or family.

It may be appropriate and well-founded to seek a counselor skilled in working with people struggling with the Empty Nest Syndrome.

Why I Love My Mom

and Dad By the Children at Color of the Heart Studio in Friendswood Nikini Jayasena Mom: Mine is so supportive.

Dad: He helps me with homework and computer work. I would like to say that my dad works really hard. He came to the United States from Sri Lanka and he had to work a lot of jobs for our family.

Mallory Rollins Mom: My favorite thing about my mom is that she is very patient with me and my brother.

Dad: He does a lot of fun things with us that my mom won’t like, like silly string in our yard.

Ashley Hayden Mom: My mom passed away a week before my senior year. She was really overprotective. In hindsight I really appreciate it.

Dad: He always parents in the funniest ways.

He even tapes up house rules.

Manon Murphy Mom: My mom takes care of me and helps me when I’m in trouble.

Dad: I love that my dad always helps me with my science and math homework.

Nicole McGill Mom: My mom is always there for me and helps me.

Dad: He makes me laugh when I am sad.

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Collin Heslin Mom: I really love that my mom doesn’t care if my art is bad; she still likes it.

Dad: Even when my dad gets mad at me and I’m in trouble, I know he still loves me.

Taite McCray Mother: My mother does crafts with me and I like that.

Dad: My dad is really nice and fun.

Ryan Schimming Mom: I love that my mom is a snuggler and rubs my back when I’m sick.

Dad: My dad is really mean and grouchy but I know he loves me.

We wanted to know what the children at Falcon Pass Elementary thought of their Moms…here is what they said….

MY MOM IS SPECIAL BECAUSE….

“She does fun activities with me.” Logan, Jacob and Mikey “She takes care of me. She feeds me, buys my things and clothes and loves me.” Perry “For putting a roof over my head and giving me food.” Josslyn Rivera “She cares for me and does things for me even when she has other things to do.”

Mattie Haas “She is ice and sweet.” Jordyn Salazar “She loves me. She is the world’s greatest mom to me!” Elianna “She does everything with me.” Trisak Khanal “She loves me, she takes care of me, she has a roof and food for me and she cares for me. My mom is the best of the best! Love you Mom.” Aryssa Hernandez

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | May/June 2015 17

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E A LT H TheHUnique Role of Fathers

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By Matt Brown

When you read about parenting, you are most likely to encounter s ghw | M I N D mothers. & BO D Ythat is changing rapidly, information targeting While fathers are often left out of this important conversation. Why are fathers so|important?

F A M ILet’s LYtake a look at some of the findings on the unique impact fathers have on their children.

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A recent publication from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services synthesized the research on the impact of fathers on their children and About the Author found that children of involved, caring Dr. Matt Brown is a licensed Marriage and and playful fathers report the following Family Therapist. He holds benefits: a doctorate degree from •H igher IQs, academic readiness, Texas Tech University verbal skills, intellectual and a master’s degree from Brigham Young University. functioning, and academic He is currently Assistant achievement Professor and Program • Better able to handle stress Director in the Marriage and Family Therapy •M ore emotionally secure and program at the University of confident Houston-Clear Lake and the • Higher self-esteem Clinic Manager at the South Shore Center for Couples and • Lower rates of depression Families.

• Better social connections with peers • Lower rates of delinquency •H igher levels of self-control and pro-social behavior It’s clear from this list of findings that fathers have a tremendous impact on their children! If you are a father like me, that list includes many of the qualities that I hope my children will possess.

Yet, many of us fathers are in a unique predicament nowadays.

We experience a social push to be more involved and have a strong desire to be there for our kids, but many of us don’t have a blueprint for how to do that because our fathers didn’t model this for us. So, how do we become these involved, caring and playful fathers? Here are some practical and research-supported ways to be the father your kids need you to be: •H ave a positive relationship with your wife/mother of your children • Spend one-on-one time with your kids • Listen to their concerns and nurture them • Discipline them appropriately • Be their guide to the outside world • Protect them and provide for their basic needs • Be a positive role model Now that we have discussed the impact of fathers on children, let’s talk about the impact of children on fathers.This is an often-overlooked, but crucially important part of the father-child relationship.

Fathers, we need our kids. Many of us experience rejection after rejection throughout our day and many of us have learned to set emotions aside and power through. This is an essential skill as we operate in the world; however, we need experiences that allow us to feel and connect with others in deep, meaningful ways. Our kids are often eager to give us this gift. Think of the last time you came home or went to pick up your kids and heard an excited, “Daddy!” followed by an open and genuine hug. Kids have an incredible capacity to love, forgive and choose to be happy. We need to spend more time with our kids for their sake, but perhaps more importantly, for ours.

INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE & FAMILY THERAPY We specialize in individual, couple, and family therapy in the Friendswood, Clear Lake, and League city areas. www.southshorefamilies.com (281) 317-7326

We are ONLINE at www.txhwmagazines.com Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bahwmagazine

Contact us at: 832.323.3020

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | May/June 2015 19

? e n o y n A . . . p m a C r e m m u S

By Tanisha Hicks Are you feeling overwhelmed at all of the options for summer camp this year? The Bay Area offers so many! Parents can choose from a variety of age ranges, interests, care options and activity levels.

So how do you decide with so many options? Nobody knows your kid better than you, so you are the expert on this subject.

It may help to consider your child’s interests, struggles and limitations in your decision. Is there an activity or hobby that your

Bay Area’s “Top Picks” for Summer Camp Fine Arts:

Art of the Meal’s “Kids Cook” Summer Camp 713-933-8241 Address: 1354 Nasa Pkwy, Webster Enjoy learning about knife skills, kitchen safety, kitchen sanitation and food! At the “Kids Cook” summer camp you will cook, bake and eat.

Parents are invited to the “restaurant” the last day to sample the young chef’s dishes. Register online at artofthemeal.net Kennedy Dance Theatre 281-480-8441 Address: 15210 HWY 3, Webster TX 77598 KDT offers 12 unique and exciting summer camps for kids of all ages. Some of their camps include Super Heroes, Princesses, Pom Pom Pizzaz, Safari, Pop Star, Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz and Manners Pro Etiquette (a mother’s favorite). Download the registration form at www.Kennedydance.com

child is focused on? Or what about one that he may want to develop?

A summer camp may be the perfect opportunity to test out a subject that has peeked his interest without committing long term. A week long art camp may help determine if you have a budding Picasso, or may fill his need for a creative outlet and help him move on to his next idea! Before investing in the major purchase of a musical instrument for a daughter who wants to play in the school band, a summer camp that exposes her to several instruments and music theory may save you some money and time in the coming year. If he or she has already honed in on a particular area, then use the summer as an opportunity for fun and developing that already existing interest.

If you need summer camp for child care, you definitely want the week to be an enjoyable one. Finding one that matches your child’s

The Ceramic and Pottery Center 281-332-4490 Address: 900 Hwy 3 N. League City TX 77573 Looking for a fun way to spend your summer? The Ceramic and Pottery Center offers fun summer camps that will feature clay, fused glass, ceramic painting and canvas painting. Register online at ceramicandpotter.com or call to hold your spot.

Overnight and Day Camps:

Charis Hills 940-964-2145 Address: Located one hour from the DFW area.

Charis Hills is a special needs, recreational summer camp. Charis Hills welcomes campers with ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism and Asperger’s. There they will learn social skills, build confidence and receive academic instruction. Register online at www.charishills.org.

Camp Huawni Summer Camp 936-657-1982 Address: 954 FM 1645 Timpson TX 75975 Camp Huawni is the camp of all summer camps! Here, your child can experience the joys of “just being a kid” in a structured and safe environment. Positive role models, being “unplugged” from technology and enjoying the outdoors are why families love to come! Register online at www.camphuawni.com.

Armand Bayou Summer EcoCamp 281-474-2551 Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd (at Red Bluff Road) Pasadena TX 77507 EcoCamp provides unique opportunities for kids to explore the wonders of our Natural World through outdoor activities that range from storytelling and crafts, to trail hikes and wildlife encounters, to canoeing and fishing.

To register online go to www.abnc.org.

Academic:

Bay Area Learning Center 281-218-7650 Address: 2409 Falcon Pass Dr. Houston TX 77062 Bay Area Learning Center’s camps cover a wide range of topics such as: reading, math and science. Camps are taught by certified teachers and the curriculums are carefully developed by our academy directors who have over 20 years of combined teaching experience. Register online at bayarealearningcenter.com 20 www.txhwmagazines.com

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interests and will help them feel more confident in an area they love will make the week much more enjoyable for parent and child!

On the flip side, is there an area your child is struggling with?

If she is needs help with a particular subject at school, you will find many opportunities to work through those struggles with summer camps dedicated to academics. The relaxed pace of summer is a great time to catch up on areas that may have been put on the back burner during the school year. And many of these camps will offer more one on one attention than what is do-able in a classroom setting.

Perhaps the struggle isn’t academic, but social. Nothing builds friendships like shared experiences. Look for a summer camp with built in recreation that will allow your child to bond with other campers. Also, consider whether a camp with all new friends or one with familiar faces is best. Again, you know your child best, so think about your child’s needs and talk to her about what she is comfortable with. Of course, for younger children, this may be a judgment you have to make for them.

Particularly important for younger children are their limits;

however, it is still an applicable H E A LT H consideration for all ages. A full| day camp or overnight camp may not be the right option for a child who wants to I N A N C I A L | F spend time at home or who is not ready to be away from home for very long. | MIND & BODY Older kids are especially busy during the school year, so down time may be in order for your busy bee. For the child | F A MAbout I LY the Author Tanisha Hicks is a “retired” who does not do well with down time, Chemical Engineer. She spent his or her limits may be tested if there is 6 years working | C U L T UR E for United too much! So for this personality type, Space Alliance and SpaceHab the more active they are, the better they before retiring. Currently, of her days feel. | W E Lshe L spends N Emost SS playing with her two girls, For a comprehensive list of summer writing and planning events camp options in the Bay Area, view the for Macaroni Kid League City/Clear Lake, a local Summer Camp Guide at leaguecity. website highlighting family macaronikid.com.

Mad Science: 713-663-7623 League City Turn on your BRAIN, not your TV! Mad Science offers 8 fun, hands-on summer camps throughout the greater Houston Area (League City).

They include: Red Hot Robots, Chemistry Mystery, Secret Agent Lab, How Does it Work?, Eureka!, Sprouting Scientists, Water Works and Wild Science. Registration information and to register, visit online at Houston. madscience.org

Bay Oaks Country Club Sports Summer Camp 281-488-7888 14545 Bay Oaks Blvd Bay Oaks is excited to present another summer filled with activities for everyone! Ultimate junior golf and tennis programs are a wonderful way to challenge, entertain and introduce children to the tradition of summer camp. Bay Oaks Country Club offers a Junior Golf Camp (ages 6-13), Junior Tennis Camp (ages 7-16), Swim Program (ages 5-12) and Sport Summer Camp (ages 5-12). Register online at bayoakscountryclub.com or email stephen.welt@clubcorp.com for more information.

Sports & Fitness:

Pets:

Sport Diver’s of Houston, Inc 281-338-1611 20710 Gulf Fwy Suite #50 Webster, TX 77598 Sport Diver’s of Houston SCUBA camp is an educational experience for children and teens ten years and older leading to Open Water SCUBA certification. The skills taught in class are practiced in a pool and open water environment. The scuba camp is for 5 days, M-F, 8am to 5 pm.

Upon completion, students receive ADI Open Water SCUBA certification.

Register in person.

Bay Access Summer Sailing Camp 281-474-2511 2425 NASA Pkwy Seabrook Come enjoy a week of sailing, character building and fun! The program is designed for students ages 7-18 with little or no experience. Sailing takes place on Clear Lake in Optimist and 420 class sailboats owned by Bay Access. Sessions are held at Lakewood Yacht Club from 9-4pm. Space is limited, Register today at www.bay-access.org.

Leaders For Life 281-535-1500 391 Columbia Memorial Pkwy, Kemah Leaders For Life Martial Arts offers four summer camps that will keep your child moving and active all summer long. The camps include: Nerf, Water Wars, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Minecraft Lego. Camps also includes a field trip to the pool! Parents are always welcome. Register by calling 281-535-1500.

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friendly events and activities. leaguecity.macaronikid.com

Bayside Bed and Biscuit: 281-334-WOOF (9663) 920 Lawrence Rd. Kemah Are you looking to pamper your “4 legged kid?” Bayside Bed and Biscuit is the perfect place to do so. Their spa technicians are experts in pampering your pet with a complete bath package that includes a nail trim, ear cleaning, bath and full brush out. Bayside Bed and Biscuit also offers classes, boarding, grooming and training for pets. Visit their website at www.bayside-bb.com.

Therapeutic:

Equestrian Riding Empowerment Group for Teen Age Girls: 409-692-6068 At the Horse Riding Empowerment Group for Teen Age Girls, Pam Hansen offers a safe environment and holistic approach for girls to learn coping skills, rebuild their self-esteem and self worth. Pam Hansen, a certified riding instructor and LPC at the South Shore Center for Couples and Families in League City. Register by calling Pam at 409-692-6068.

Hippotherapy Summer Program: 409-692-6068 Hippotherapy summer program is designed for children ages 12-18 with physical limitations, disabilities, and/or special needs. Hippotherapy is a form of therapy in which the therapist uses the movements of a horse to improve self-confidence, teamwork, and physical functioning. Register by calling Pam Hansen, LPC and certified riding instructor at 409-692-6068.

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | May/June 2015 21

Now is the Time to Buy

Your First Home!

By James Brockway You may have seen recent news articles proclaiming that the Houston area has one of the healthiest housing markets in the United States. We didn’t experience the depths of the Great Recession as much as other states and with no state income tax, a burgeoning energy industry (in spite of recent oil price declines), a port that’s consistently ranked number one in the United States in terms of import and export traffic and an internationally renowned medical industry, we are situated in a great place to live.

With all of the great news about the Houston area and its continued growth, the time may have come for you to take this monumental step in your life: the purchase of your first home. There are many compelling reasons to own a home including: • A recent engagement or marriage 22 www.txhwmagazines.com

• A new addition to the family • Pride of home ownership • Building equity for the future • Taking advantage of the best interest rate environment in history Speaking of the best interest rates we’ve ever seen, it wasn’t long ago when rates that were double the current 30 year interest rate of about 3.5% were considered “good.” I remember in 2001, bragging to anyone who would listen, that I just refinanced my house at a 7.0% rate. Back then at those rates, the mortgage payment on a $200,000 house would have been $1,331 per month. Today that payment would be $898, a savings of $432!

Consider This: If you are currently waffling over moving out of your apartment and owning your first

home, consider this. For a nice apartment, you would pay in the range of about $1 per foot, per month rent; so, if you rented a 1,200 square foot apartment, you would pay around $1,200 per month. If you ran the numbers, you would see that in the Clear Lake area, you could reasonably expect to pay the same amount for a 2,000 square foot home with a $160,000 purchase price, which includes your mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and homeowners’ association dues. What a fantastic window of opportunity!

Now What?

So if and when you’ve decided to buy that new home, what is the next step?

Well, in the old days, you would ask your friends or relatives if they knew of a real estate agent, then that agent would drive

bahw | you around multiple neighborhoods to see countless homes.

Nowadays, the consumer can take charge of the process using the many internet tools available. Websites such as Brockway Realty (www.brockwayrealty.com), the Houston Association of Realtors (www.har.com), Realtor.com (www.realtor.com), Trulia (www. trulia.com) and Zillow (www.zillow.com) have revolutionized how consumers shop for homes. By simply logging onto these sites and typing in your criteria (for instance: League City, $150,000$175,000, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths), buyers can start culling their list before ever hitting the pavement. Neighborhoods, school districts, entertainment venues and every other variable under the sun can be determined online so that when you actually visit a selected home, most of the surprises have been weeded out.

Your Agent: Once you’ve narrowed the list of homes you are interested in, you can select an agent. Most of the websites listed above allow you to “virtually interview” your prospective agent before actually meeting them. Agents that have signed up on these sites will complete a profile that shows prospective clients what skills they have, for instance, what certifications they hold, years in the business, neighborhoods that they are expert in, etc. Once an agent has been selected, it’s as easy as sending them an email explaining the services you want from them or the homes you would like to see.

Your real estate agent in all likelihood will be able to suggest several good lenders that they’ve worked with in the past. A good loan officer that understands every type of financing is every bit as important as a good real estate agent. Your first introduction to a loan officer should be before you start seeing homes with your agent. It is imperative that you are “pre-qualified” before you even consider falling in love with a house you can’t afford. Plus, once you and your agent have selected the right house for you, the “prequalification letter” from the agent should accompany the contract you send to the listing agent to support that you can afford the house and qualify for a loan.

Your Offer: So you made an offer on the house, you’ve been prequalified and the seller is mulling over the offer. After negotiations over several days, you hear the magic words from your agent: “Your offer has been accepted.” Awesome, fantastic! Now the hard part is out of the way, right? Wrong. While you may be halfway home, there is still work to be done and hurdles to be overcome. In your contract, you will most likely have requested an “option period” whereas if for any reason during that time frame (usually 10 to 14 days) you decide that you don’t want to buy this house, you can terminate, usually losing a small fee, say around $100. However, you also will have put up an earnest money deposit for a much larger amount, usually in the $1,000 to $1,500 range. With a few exceptions, if you go past your option period and then decide you want out, you will lose your earnest money.

FINAN C IAL

Option Period: During your option period, you will want to have your home inspected by a licensed inspector who specializes in structural and mechanical inspections as well as termite inspections.

Structural and mechanical inspectors will review the house top to bottom, making notes on their findings. Don’t About the Author be shocked when the report lists item James Brockway, of Brockway Realty, has been representing after item as a “deficiency.” Inspectors home buyers and sellers are careful to list every potential issue throughout the Clear Lake they come across no matter how small. and Houston area since 1992. He is a Certified With input from the inspector and your Residential Specialist agent, you now need to determine which (CRS), an Accredited Buyer items you would like repaired and, if the Representative (ABR), and seller will not agree to make certain a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS). repairs, you must determine if this will give you enough concern that you want to terminate the contract. All of the above should take place prior to the end of the option period so that all you lose during the time frame is your option fee and the cost of the inspection and not your earnest money.

After all inspection items are resolved, next comes the appraisal.

Your lender will order this to ensure that the house that will serve as collateral on your loan is valued at equal to or greater than the contract price. If the house doesn’t “appraise,” meaning that the appraisal comes back at a price below the sales price, the lender may reduce the amount of the loan meaning the borrower may have to come up with more cash to close, or the buyer may have to renegotiate with the seller to lower the sales price.

Your Loan: The last significant hurdle is final loan approval. In the beginning of the application process, you were “prequalified” but that was more of an informal qualification. Since then, the lender has been poring over your W-2s, tax returns and bank statements in order to provide a final loan approval.

Closing: Finally, closing day comes. Leading up to this day, you have arranged for the movers and called the utility companies to tell them when to transfer the water, electric, cable, etc. into your name.

Then when you are told by the title company the size of the cashier’s check you must bring to closing, reality hits. As you drain a big chunk of your life savings from your bank account, just a slight hint of buyer’s remorse sets in, but it’s quickly overshadowed by a feeling of excitement and knowledge that the people that throw the wild parties on the floor above you in your apartment complex will never be heard from again!

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Like many families who live in hurricane prone areas, the beginning of summer signals the start of storm prep season for my family. Each year | MIND & BODY we pull out our backpack 72-hour kits and swap out clothes and shoes that have been grown out of, replace expired granola bars, and most importantly, personal | update FA M I LY information contained in each backpack.

A few years ago, I was trying to come up with a way to include a little bit of cash in each backpack. I wanted to keep the money dry, C U LorTaUleaky R Ewater bottle, and to keep it from being in case of |flooding too easily spent or lost. I turned to a popular kitchen appliance for my solution…my food vacuum sealer. | WELLNESS I then thought of all the other important documents I would want my children to have in case we were separated, unconscious, or if both my spouse and I were to die during a disaster. So into my food sealer packet with the money went copies of birth certificates, social security cards, and medical insurance cards. Of course, I do not want this information out for easy viewing, so I sandwiched these items between two papers that give detailed information about each family member.

The following is information I place in each packet, facing out, for first responders and others: • My cell phone number • My spouse’s cell phone number • My children’s cell phones numbers • Local family member’s contact information • My local clergy’s contact information • Contact information for both grandmothers, who live outside of

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our area and who will have our planned evacuation information • Our family’s address • Where to take us in case of a medical emergency and a copy of the medical insurance card • Any food or drug allergies • Any prescription medication • Any relative medical history for an About the Author emergency room physician Julie Gerratt, a native of In the event that both my husband California, is a homeschooling and I were to die and my children were to mother of five who lives in survive, I would not want my children to Superstorm Sandy-struck be dropped at the nearest shelter to wait Jackson, New Jersey. She received her B.S. degree from for an overly taxed government agency to Brigham Young University in assist them with finding a safe short or Recreation Therapy and Youth long-term place to reside. So I have also Leadership. included a statement that reads, “If an emergency contact cannot be reached via telephone, please contact a local unit of (our church) and ask a (clergy) for assistance.” I include information about the local congregation we attend. I do this in hopes that someone of our faith will take in and assist our children until they can be reunited with extended family.

Hopefully, our backpacks will never be used and one day we’ll open up our packets and use the bit of money inside to have a little fun, but in the meantime I feel good knowing that if my children are ever separated from our family in a disaster or weather occurrence, I have given them a jumpstart on getting help.

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CenterforPregnancy.net | 347-B East Parkwood, Friendswood, Texas | 281-482-LOVE (5683)

· Material Assistance with maternity

and baby items (including clothing, diapers, etc)

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Restaurant Journey:

The Seabrook Waffle House

By Kori E. Schimming Kemah is known for its many and varied restaurants and boardwalk attractions. Just minutes away, in Seabrook, I stumbled upon one of the best little restaurants in the area. The Seabrook Waffle Company is a MUST TRY!! It serves some of the best waffles I have ever had the pleasure to devour. They have the usual suspects, such as Chicken and Waffles, but they also have great salads, including a Chicken Vidalia Onion Salad and a Strawberry Fields Salad. After my initial visit, I have returned several times. In doing so, I have eaten my way through almost the entire menu. Some of my favorites are the White Sail, which has cream cheese, warm strawberry jalapeño preserves, and fresh strawberries. The Blue Pelican has homemade peach preserves, smoked bacon, and Gorgonzola cheese - the perfect balance of sweet and savory. They use nothing but the freshest ingredients. The bacon is double smoked and the sausage is preservative-free.

The Seabrook Waffle Co. opened Memorial Day weekend of 2012. I sat down with local Owners Trina Waltenbaugh and Sarah Bilnoski. They explained that the handmade waffles are Liège Waffles, which are made from a thick batter that is more like cake batter than traditional waffle or pancake batter. The batter contains large grains of sugar that caramelize on the exterior of the waffle, creating a crispy crust, but leaving a fluffy interior. Trina and Sarah expressed the importance of using quality, preservative-free ingredients. They have an AWESOME group of young employees that give the place

a hip, Austin-like vibe. It’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee or hang out and catch up with your friends. Waffles aren’t just for breakfast anymore. For your convenience, The Seabrook Waffle Co. is open Monday – Thursday from 9am 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 8am - 10pm. (Warning: Saturday mornings are quite busy; the line forms at about 8am.) They are closed on Sunday as they stress importance of setting aside time for worship and family.

Next time you are “splurging” and want a delicious, decadent treat, the Seabrook Waffle Co. is the place to go!

Bon Appetite.

About the Author Kori Elyse Schimming is a sophomore at Friendswood High School. Kori is a student athlete who has played volleyball, basketball and soccer. She is now focusing on soccer and is a member of the varsity soccer team. Kori has an interest in journalism.

Kori wants to play college soccer. After college her desire is to be a teacher and soccer coach. She is like most teenagers and likes to shop and go to the nail salon and hangout with her friends.

Kori is one of six children.

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By Darlene Staheli Ever eat a blackberry?

If you have, you not only pleased your taste buds, but you gave your body some incredible nutritional power! Blackberries are low in fat, calories, and sugar; yet high in fiber, vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin K. They are filled with large amounts of phytonutrients, which are compounds only found in plants that have extraordinary beneficial effects for the body. Phytonutrients are the “good guys” that get rid of the oxidative stress caused by free radicals, the “bad guys”. It’s been found that “every cell in the human body is hit by an estimated 10,000 individual strikes by free radicals each day – a factor in aging and degenerative disease onset.”1 Our cells are trying their best to work hard, but 10,000 hits challenges even the Hercules among our cells.

All dark berries have a phytonutrient called anthocyanin. Blackberries are particularly rich in the C3G2 anthocyanin. C3G provides our bodies with the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells of the colon, breast, and prostate! It also defends against damage in the liver, blood, vessels, eyes, and even helps vision improve in dimly lit conditions!

Where can we find these little nutritious blackberry jewels?

Year round they can be found in the frozen section in grocery stores. In spring and early summer, they can be found fresh in the produce area, or can sometimes be found at local famer’s markets. Want to pick your own? If you don’t happen to have your own blackberry bush, not to worry! You can pick your own from berry farms such as “Fruits ‘n Such Orchard” (6309 Avenue U, Dickinson, TX 77539). Owners Renee and Wilson Hillman have four different varieties of blackberries that are usually available beginning the first week in May, through June. “They’re excellent ripe, right off the bush.” Renee says, “The red ones will be tart, while the black and dull ones are very sweet; so that’s what you look for when picking them.” You can find Fruits ‘n Such Orchard on Facebook, where they post updates on their produce. It’s a fun family activity, and quite satisfying to harvest them on your own.

How can we eat them?

Blackberries are fabulous any time of day. In the morning they’re great added to breakfast bowls or smoothies. They’re delicious when made into syrup and poured over whole-grain pancakes and waffles. For lunch and dinner, they make a salad soar to new flavor heights, and they also make a delightful snack. One of my favorite desserts is mixing a peeled, frozen banana and frozen blackberries in a food processor until creamy. It’s a great substitute for ice cream if you’re trying to reduce fat, calories, sugar and guilt!

So for an easy, scrumptious way to boost your nutrition, capture free radicals, inhibit cancer growth and strengthen your organs’ defenses – choose BLACKBERRIES! For more berry recipes visit www.loveyourhealth.net Life Extension, Report, “Uncovering the Broad-Spectrum Protection of Anthocyanins” July 2013 “Free Radicals and Brain Aging” Clin Geriatr Med. 2004 May http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15182885; 2 Cyanidin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside 1

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About the Author Darlene Staheli is a board certified Holistic Health Coach and a professionally trained Health Supportive Chef. Upon completing her Health Coach training program through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, (NYC) she received her board certification through the AADP.

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| H E A LT H calories and sugar, in addition to being very dry. This poses a problem, as athletes | FINANCIAL paying close attention to hydration during exercise can | MIND & BOD be hindered by dry, sugary energy bars that are not easily digested.

Hand-making | F A M I LY the bars to order at Art of About the Author Ginger Sprouse is a graduate the Meal assures the ability | CHouston U LState TURE of Sam to accommodate the specific University with a degree needs of the athlete. Focusing in English/History. She is primarily on rice based bars, a self-taught the E S S | W EChefL and LN Proprietress of Art of the Meal we fortify them with fresh Cooking School in the Clear wholesome ingredients, such Lake Area. She is passionate as coconut water, fresh fruits and even about healthy cooking, gardening and her family. savory ingredients, making it possible to create a high carbohydrate vehicle for various fillings that is nutritious, moist and portable. Feedback from the riders is favorable; the cakes are nutritious and help ward off the dreaded “bonk;” they are full of easily digested ingredients and will build up the body to give it the energy it needs to complete the race, with energy to spare. Sounds like a winner!

Contact Ginger Sprouse at Art of the Meal for more information.

713-933-8241

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Beat the “Bonk”

By Ginger Sprouse During training in high energy sports, such as cycling and running, “hitting the bonk” describes the condition in which low blood sugar manifests itself in the form of sudden fatigue and a loss of energy. Therefore, the nutrients and fluids taken in by athletes during exercise is vitally important to performance. I have had the opportunity to work closely with a group of cyclists interested in creating a carbohydrate-rich energy bar that is not only healthy, but also has a high moisture content. It is interesting that, in the United States, energy bars have become a billion dollar a year industry. We can find them anywhere, from natural markets to grocery stores. And while they are tasty and convenient, many of them are laden with fat,

Shadow Creek Ranch Triathlon Sunday, July 12, 2015 facebook.com/ shadowcreekranchtriathlon

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Triathlon Grand Prix at MSR Houston Saturday, September 19, 2015 facebook.com/ triathlongrandprix

“Like” us on facebook.com/bahwmagazine for a chance to enter a drawing for a FREE ENTRY to both triathlons!

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | May/June 2015 27

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About the Author Dr. Serge Gregoire is a clinical nutritionist. He received his doctorate degree from McGill University in Canada.

He completed a 7-year postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School, and holds an advance certification in Nutrition Response Testing from Ulan Nutritional Systems in Florida. Dr. Serge is a certified herbalist through the Australian College of Phytotherapy.

By Dr. Serge Gregoire, PhD GMO stands for genetically modified organisms and are defined as organisms in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. In other words, GMOs are genetically modified organisms with a genetic code that has been altered by the introduction of genetic materials from another completely different species. Contrary to popular belief, there is nothing natural about it.

They are created in a laboratory and will never occur in nature. For example, scientists have changed the genetic material of the tomato by introducing a gene from a fish that will make the plant more resistant to freezing.

One of the very first GMO crops to be introduced on the market is a type of corn called Bt-corn. This genetic modification was engineered to create corn that produces its own pesticide.

Effectively, every cell of the corn plant now produces a new protein (the pesticide) never seen in corn before. The toxin is produced in sufficient quantities to kill insects. Scientists believed that this variety of corn will significantly reduce the quantity of pesticides sprayed in the fields. Unfortunately, that is not the case, as the insects have become resistant to these pesticides and farmers have had to use even more chemicals in order to save their crops.

Unfortunately, there is another unintended consequence of this genetic modification. Our gastrointestinal tract is populated with billions of bacteria. It is well recognized that these microorganisms are needed and required for the proper digestion and absorption of 28 www.txhwmagazines.com

nutrients from consumed foods. A disruption in this ecosystem is believed to be the root cause of several chronic health problems.

Recently, researchers have demonstrated that when one eats corn, the gene that produces pesticides can be transferred to the genetic code of our own intestinal bacteria; the bacteria then produces this pesticide permanently. This has a significant impact, as pesticides are well known to lead to the development of a variety of illnesses, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease, among others. In support of this, a recent French study clearly showed that animals fed GMO-corn developed cancer in different organs.

David Suzuki, a reputable geneticist, agrees that biology and genetics are unpredictable. He does not think that GMOs have been adequately tested, and he says that biotech has put us all in a great experiment by prematurely introducing GMOs to the food supply. I concur with him. GMOs are an underlying factor for several health challenges. Indeed, in my office, I have seen several patients with a variety of GI issues, such as ulcers, reflux, constipation, IBS, Crohn’s disease, etc. Many times, GMOs were a major cause of these issues.

Eating a diet rich in organic foods leads to a significant relief of their symptoms. For this reason, and several others, I strongly recommend that you consume organic foods. The other option is to avoid GMO foods, which are corn, soy, sugar, aspartame, papayas, canola, cotton, dairy, zucchini, and yellow squash. If you do consume these foods, make sure that they are certified organic.

CA L ENDAR O F

E V EN T S

What: Salsa Sundays When: Sundays in July Where: Kemah Boardwalk main stage What: Military Appreciation Weekend When: June 12-14 Where: Kemah Boardwalk What: Fourth of July Celebration When: July 4, All Day Where: Kemah Boardwalk

LEAGUE CITY FRIENDSWOOD

KEMAH

What: Concert in the Park When: 7:00 pm every Friday in May and June Where: Stevenson Park

What: Rock The Dock When: 7:00 pm every Thursday in June and July Where: Kemah Boardwalk

What: July 4 Celebration When: July 4 Where: S tevenson Park - Day Activities Centennial Park - Evening Activities

What: Tribute Bands When: Tuesdays in June and July Where: Kemah Boardwalk main stage

What: Movie In The Park- Maleficent When: July 10 @ 7:00 pm Where: Stevenson Park

What: Fireworks Fridays When: Fridays in July Where: Kemah Boardwalk over Galveston Bay

What: Concerts in the Park When: Every weekend in the Summer Where: League Park What: Fourth of July Celebration When: July 4 Where: League Park

If you have an exciting event that you would like us to include in our magazine, please feel free to contact us at bahwmagazine@gmail.com.

:: HEALTH Q&A Question:

My daughter is 15 years old and her breasts are larger than a double D. We are thinking about a breast reduction, but do not know the pros and cons of doing that while she is so young.

Answer:

by Dr. Kendall Roehl, MD Breast reduction is a very satisfying surgery in that women gain significant improvement in their neck and back pain post-surgery. They feel much more confident and are physically “freer.” The trade off with this surgery is that it does leave significant permanent scars on both breasts.

Age is a major factor for consideration in breast reduction surgery. Occasionally, breasts continue to develop in the later teen years. It is optimal for all breast growth to be completed prior to surgery for the best outcome and so that surgery would not need to be repeated in the event of additional breast growth. A

consultation with a plastic surgeon can help determine the best timing of the surgery.

Pros: Improved neck, back and shoulder pain Improved appearance of the breasts Improved self-confidence Improved ability to exercise Cons: Significant scarring Possible change with age and future pregnancy Changes in nipple/breast sensation Breast reduction is a day surgery, meaning

the patient can go home on the day of the procedure. Nothing heavier 15 pounds should be lifted for about 6 weeks after surgery. Patients are allowed to shower within a day or two and begin wearing a sports bra for comfort right away. Pain from this surgery is often not significant and women tolerate this operation with ease. Most women notice an improvement in their neck and back immediately after surgery.

Some insurance companies cover breast reduction surgery, but often there are requirements for qualification, such as the amount of breast tissue removed and what treatments have previously been attempted.

Dr. Roehl is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Webster, TX. She has a particular focus on female breast surgery specifically breast reconstruction. Dr. Roehl completed a reconstructive microsurgery fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. She is passionate about caring for women and women’s issues. She is engaged and the mother of an adoptive son named Kannon Reid.

What’s Your Question?

Do you have a question that needs to be answered? Ask our local expert! 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!

Bay Area Health & Wellness Magazine | May/June 2015 29

The second annual #flashback5k/10k was a great success this year even with the rainy weather. The Junior League of Galveston County would love to thank all of our sponsors and registrants! We are excited to do work in the community with your donations. We are already looking forward to the event next year! A special thanks to Kroger for being our title sponsor!

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Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon 2015

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INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE & FAMILY THERAPY As a group of professional therapists, we specialize in individual, couple, and family therapy in the Friendswood, Clear Lake, League City, and surrounding areas.

Working together to help you grow (281) 317-7326

www.southshorefamilies.com

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