St. George Health & Wellness Magazine November/December 2012

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November/December 2012

Discovering

Crossfit

in St. George

Restaurant Journeys: Benja Thai & Sushi

A Happy AND Healthy Holiday Season Africa:

An Eye-Opening Experience

Valderra Golf Course:

A Diamond in the Rough

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St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 3

C O N T 5E N T S November/December 2012

Letter FROM the editor

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ON THE COVER

Valderra Golf Course: A Diamond in the Rough Cover Photo by Mykals Photography

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FITNESS Discovering CrossFit in St. George Give Yourself Some “ENDORPHINES” This Holiday Season

RESTAURANT PROFILE Restaurant Journeys: Benja Thai & Sushi Bella Marie’s Pizzeria: Putting “Healthy” Back into Italian Cuisine

NUTRITION

11 14

A Happy AND Healthy Holiday Season

HEALTH Africa: An Eye-Opening Experience Wellness For Life: A Wholistic Approach to Living Healthy

MIND/BODY

17

The Healing Power of Gratitude

FAMILY WELLNESS Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, How Does Your Marriage Grow?

Calendar of events

FEATURED DIRECTORY LISTINGS

Meet Our

Letter From The Editor Dear St. George & Surrounding Area Residents: We are excited to introduce to you our magazine, St. George Health & Wellness. I wanted to take some time to introduce myself and the vision of our magazine.

My family and I have finally moved back home after a 15 year journey throughout the United States and abroad. We have lived in 7 different states (Arizona, Washington, Utah, Mississippi, Kansas, South Carolina & Texas) and in Guadalajara, Mexico during this time and have thoroughly enjoyed our experiences. However, my wife and I made the decision a year ago to pick a place to settle down (and never move again!) in an area that was close to family, close to mountains, and valued wellness in all its dimensions. With a grandmother down the road in Hurricane, parents nearby, and brothers and sisters within driving distance, we are so excited to be close to family and become a part of this community.

Personally, I have been teaching and writing at various universities for the past 11 years within the areas of psychology, business, family therapy, cultural studies and wellness. In addition, I have owned several businesses within the areas of wellness, healthcare and consulting. I highly value life balance and enjoy working with individuals, groups, businesses and communities on strategies to increase wellness and life satisfaction.

My vision for St. George Health & Wellness Magazine is to provide St. George and the surrounding area with trusted information on 5 areas: • Fitness • Nutrition • Health • Mind-Body-Emotion • Family Wellness In addition, I want to provide a place for local resources and providers to share their expertise and insights. Each month will include articles written by experts in their field, listings of local providers and programs, and a directory/calendar of wellness events and activities.

I hope this can be a valuable resource for your family and our community.

Sincerely, W. Jared DuPree, PhD, MBA

Staff W. Jared DuPree, PhD, MBA

Editor/Author “Finding life balance leads to more lasting fulfillment as we emphasize the more important facets of life.” ~ Jared Jared earned a PhD in Human Ecology with an emphasis in research, wellness, and relationships from Kansas State Univerisity. He also earned an International MBA from the University of South Carolina with an emphasis in consulting and entrepreneurship.

Tiffany Gust, CPT

Author, Fitness Section “I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes Author, Nutrition Section from within. It is there all the time.” ~ favorite quote by Anne Freud “I have a passion for nutrition. It is amazing to see someone As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and transform themselves physically and Group Fitness Instructor, Tiffany helps emotionally through food. I truly believe clients from all over the world achieve their that eating real food will not just lead to a goals to become healthier by motivating healthier lifestyle but also a more fulfilling and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle. one.” ~ Emily Specializing in Kickboxing, Power Pump, Emily is a Registered Dietitian and received Water Aerobics, and Spinning, Tiffany has been in the industry for over 20 years. her degree at Brigham Young University.

She is a member of the Academy of Chad Olson, Nutrition and Dietetics and belongs to the practice groups of Integrated/Functional MS, LMFT Nutrition, Weight Management and Sports, Author, Family Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition.

Wellness Section

Emily Fonnesbeck, RD, CD, CLT

Jennifer Morton, Life Coach

“Relationships can be the most satisfying and joyous experiences that anyone can have during this life – it is worth Author, the effort!” ~ Chad Mind/Body Section Chad Olson is a licensed marriage and “After all - when you family therapist in the state of Utah. He change your focus, you change your life.” obtained his bachelor’s degree in Marriage, ~ Jennifer Family and Human Development. He Jennifer Morton is the founder of Life Ethic, graduated from Brigham Young University Inc., who was motivated to help others create as the valedictorian of his class. He continued his education at BYU by earning a Masters in balance in their personal and professional Marriage and Family Therapy. lives through life coaching and consulting.

Prior to starting her own company, Jennifer Myke Bush spent twelve years consulting for companies Photographer/ focusing on Customer Relationship Management, Leadership Development, and Video Editor Process Improvements.

Mykals Photography specializes in lifestyle, Keith R. Owen landscape and architectural photography in southern Utah.

Producer/ He manages photo shoots and provides Sound Engineer artistic direction to our magazine team.

Keith of Burgundy KRO info@mykalsphotography.com Productions is a music

producer and trained audio engineer in the Southern Utah area.

He manages sound editing for our video productions and provides artistic direction to our magazine team. burgundykro@gmail.com

For information on advertising or other inquiries, visit our website at www.saintgeorgewellness.com or call us at 435-319-0273.

The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the articles in St. George 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 2012.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 5

t i F s s o Cr Discovering

By St. George Health & Wellness Magazine Staff

With increased interest in health and wellness, more and more options for fitness are available to our community. CrossFit caught our eye this month due to increased national media attention and popularity with this unique approach to fitness. In St. George alone, there are three separate CrossFit gyms: CrossFit Dixie, CrossFit St. George, and CrossFit Zion. Within the general region, there is also a crossfit gym in Hurricane (CrossFit 435) and one down the road in Mesquite (Iron Edge CrossFit).

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in St. George

So, What is CrossFit? Doing a little research on the web, CrossFit was established in 2000 by Greg Glassman in Seattle, Washington. There were 13 gyms in 2005 with more than 3,400 gyms worldwide today.

CrossFit programs seem to focus on natural movements while changing up workouts and activities. In addition, they incorporate a strong support system using a hybrid approach between a personal trainer and group class environment. In other words, you

FITN E S S

get the one-on-one attention in a group setting.

Kyle Boyer, co-owner of CrossFit Dixie says, “We take functional movements you do every day and put them into a short, high intensity workout. Each day will be different. We don’t have set days where we do specific muscles. We are constantly varied.

You name it and we do it – from gymnastics, weight lifting, power lifts and everything in between.”

Ryan Nielsen, co-owner of CrossFit Zion believes “that new members will increase their ability to move. It just makes life easier because they move easier. They move functionally.”

What can the typical person expect from a CrossFit program?

Kyle of CrossFit Dixie says a new member will join “a foundations class (a 2-week class) where we try to teach them everything they would do. They will start with a group that is all brand new so there aren’t any insecurities about not knowing what to do. Starting this group they form a support system.” On a side note, Kyle mentioned his surprise over the years of the type of friendships people make with other gym members. “That is one thing I have noticed that I didn’t expect – the great friendships they form. Friendships they wouldn’t have formed without CrossFit.” Ryan from CrossFit Zion describes the difference between CrossFit and other gyms: “At a typical gym, you pay your monthly membership, and you’re just a number. At CrossFit you are a member of a community; you are working out together, building camaraderie. You sweat together, motivate one another. You build strong relationships. You get a home away from home.”

What are the CrossFit Games?

An interesting component to CrossFit are the CrossFit Games held regionally and nationally. This provides CrossFit members nationwide to connect and work towards a common goal.

Kyle of CrossFit Dixie describes the CrossFit games as an “annual competition that starts online where anyone can compete and get scores on various fitness activities validated by a trainer at your gym.” This year over 70,000 people signed up. Utah is part of the Southwest region and competed in Aurora, Colorado. The top 60 men, women, and teams compete in each region with the top 3 from each region competing nationally. Kyle has competed several times regionally saying, “The games are pretty crazy, pretty cool – seeing all these athletes in peak condition is something else.”

Overall, CrossFit in St. George seems to be a growing trend.

Since CrossFit provides a unique, community-oriented feel to working out while increasing one’s health and functional movement, we would guess CrossFit will continue to grow in this area. We are even considering joining now after hearing about all the fun they are having!

For more information, visit the various CrossFit websites (www.crossfitdixie.com, www.crossfitstgeorge.com, www.crossfitzion.com)

Kettle balls, rope and medicine ball – commonly used for CrossFit training.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 7

Valderra Golf

Photos by Mykals Photography

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Course

FITN E S S

A Diamond in the Rough

By Jared DuPree Driving up Highway 18, I exited close to some of the most picturesque views of Snow Canyon I had seen to experience my first golf lesson at the Valderra Golf Club of the Ledges. Nick McKinlay, golf professional and instructor, met me at the club entryway ready to take me over to the Valderra training facility.

“Great views!,” I commented as we rode past mountain vistas, red rock, and rabbits scurrying in and out of the brush. “Wait till you see hole 14!...in fact, let’s go check it out now!” as we diverted down the golf cart path, under a tunnel and out to hole 14.

Nick McKinlay is an interesting guy. Laid back, polite, he shares his stories with me as we drive to hole 14. “I heard you won the Utah open…what was that like?” I ask. “One of the greatest experiences of my life,” he shares, “Its funny, three weeks earlier I was in a rut. Wasn’t playing well, was thinking about leaving golf and the industry entirely. You know what, I changed my attitude.

I told myself I would just play for fun, no pressure. I ended up winning the Salt Lake invitational and the Utah Open two weeks later! It taught me a lot.”

The green at hole 14 is like you’re in another world. Looking over the cliffs of the Snow Canyon, you can see the valleys and vistas of Tuacahn. The green nearly drops off the edge. The Ledges was designed by renowned golf designer, Matt Dye, in which each hole was carefully crafted to provide an unique environment.

Nick adds, “Every golfer says the same thing…the views here are continued on page 10 St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 9

continued from page 9 amazing! The great thing is that this course if very playable. It’s a fun course with the greatest views in the world.”

We head back to the Valderra training course for my first lesson – entering into the training center is a whole other experience.

He opens up one of the walls with a garage door like contraption allowing us to practice my swing indoors surrounded by cameras, sensors, a computer system and TV screens. “Wow, this is impressive…is this all part of the lesson?” I wonder. “Absolutely.

We have one of the top facilities in all of North America, these sensors will show your weight shifts as you swing, we can look at the TV monitor here as we record your angles and speed. You know, often times I will tell someone what is going on…but they really can’t see it. This allows us to visually experience your swing.”

I set up and hit my first ball. “Pretty good,” he says, “look here at your weight shifting.” I watch as he slows and speeds up my recorded swing and rewinds back while adding colored angles to different components of my swing.” After about 30 minutes, I am hitting the ball with more power and accuracy and visually know what I need to do. “I have some hope then?!”

“Of course! You have a great swing.” I ended up learning a lot about my swing and really enjoyed working with Nick. A couple of regulars wanted to share with me their experience of the course and Nick’s unique training experience:

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“When you witness the cutting-edge technology combined with the insightful and astute instruction of Nick, you will experience like I did a discovery that you can take strokes off of your game. Simply said, the academy appears to be clearly focused to help the golfer easily understand what he is doing wrong and how to correct it.”

Lon Anderson, President/CEO of Soltis “Since working with Nick, my golf game has really improved and I have qualified for the Desert Hills Golf Team. Nick really understands the game of golf and has a very positive approach.”

Jacob Anderson, Student Golfer I came away from my own experience sincerely impressed. I was surprised at the beauty and views of the course for such a great value ($75.00 for a private lesson and daily specials at the shop).

I was equally impressed with Nick’s style and the technology available for even the average golfer like myself.

Valderra at the Ledges is not only a great place to golf, but can accommodate wedding banquets, corporate golf outings, and a great dining experience.

For more information on the Valderra Golf Academy at the Ledges, you can contact Nick McKinlay at 435-862-4158, or the golf shop at 435-634-4640.

FITN E S S

Give Yourself Some “ENDORPHINES” This Holiday Season

By Tiffany Gust With the upcoming Holidays comes the stress of baking, shopping, entertaining, and gift giving. “Holiday Stress Statistics reported by the American Psychological Association show that up to 69% of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time,” 68% are stressed by perceiving a “lack of money,” and up to 51% feel stressed out over the “pressure to give or get gifts.”

Stress is a fact of life, but the Holidays seem to bring out a series of stresses that don’t come up any other time of year. Emotional stress can take its toll on your body and can weaken your immune system. During the Holidays, some choose to ditch their workouts because they are too busy when, actually, your workout is just what you need. Exercise can decrease a hormone released during stress called cortisol, and increase endorphins. Endorphins are your body’s feel good chemicals that can give your body a natural boost. During the Holidays, who couldn’t use that?

Here are some ways to include exercise in your busy Holiday schedule: 1. Instead of taking the time to go to the gym, put in a DVD or use an exercise program from “YouTube.” This will save you time that would have been spent driving to the gym.

2. Cut your 60-minute workout to 30 minutes. This way you can get in something, but still have time to get those gifts wrapped.

3. Find ways to get movement in your day by parking at the back of the parking lot, taking the stairs, or getting up from your desk and walking to the restroom that isn’t the closest one.

4. U se your gift shopping as your workout, keep moving and pick up the pace.

5. D o 20 minutes of body only exercises squats, lunges, push-ups, wall sits, and sit ups.

6. S plit your workout into two 10-15 minute sessions. Do one in the morning, and one in the evening.

7. W hen spending time together as a family, use movement by playing “Charades,” “Hide and Seek,” or “Mother May I?” So this Holiday Season, don’t ditch your workout!!! Let it make you “feel good” by engaging in exercise and releasing some ENDORPHINES!!

About the Author As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, Tiffany helps clients from all over the world achieve their goals to become healthier by motivating and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle. Tiffany currently works as the Fitness Expert of Life Ethic, Inc. and as a personal trainer at the Biggest Loser resort. As a High School health science teacher for many years, Tiffany has felt the increase need for comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs.

Tiffany is a graduate of Utah State University, and holds a Bachelors degree in Community Health Education with a minor in Dance.

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 11

RESTA UR A N T PROFIL E

Restaurant Journeys:

Benja Thai & Sushi

By Jared DuPree Every month, my family takes a “journey” to a local restaurant to try something new. This month we dined with Benja Thai & Sushi at their second location near the mall.

My wife and I visited their other location a month ago at Ancestor Square for the first time and thought we would give their second location a try. We were pleasantly surprised. My wife is pretty picky when it comes to Thai and she left stating, “This is the best Thai I have ever tasted!” This is saying a lot for her – we have been to many Thai restaurants around the country.

Thai is her favorite type of food for a number of reasons. She says she likes how they pay attention to details in their cuts of vegetables and presentation. “The food is beautiful to look at as well as eat.” In addition, Thai has some unique flavors and tastes that don’t leave you feeling heavy when you are finished.

If you are not familiar with our “Restaurant Journeys,” you need to know that often times it can be a long, arduous journey due to our young, rambunctious 2-year-old boy! However, they were able to seat us in a quiet location at a booth which helped us feel very comfortable. We didn’t feel like we would be disturbing other diners and thought the décor and layout of the restaurant allowed for some intimacy amongst our table.

My daughter Bella is a “Tom kha kai” connoisseur and always orders a cup for everyone to share. If you are not familiar with Tom kha kai, you are missing out! It is a coconut-based, lemon-flavored (lemon grass) soup with chicken and vegetables – we all really enjoyed it.

My wife always gets a yellow Jared curry; my sister Heather ordered the “I really enjoyed the quiet atmosphere Panang curry while my daughters, and my Virgin River sushi roll was Sienna and Bella, shared a Thai really refreshing.”

Orange Chicken. My little boy, Kai, Anna typically gets the Chicken Satay (he “This is the best Thai I have ever likes eating chicken off of a stick so tasted. I’m pleasantly surprised.” this appetizer works out great for Sienna him!). I ordered their Virgin River “I liked all their food, especially the sushi roll, which was marvelous! desserts (mango sticky rice) and I liked how they decorated the place.”

All in all, we left feeling very satisfied. We all enjoyed our meals, Bella “I really liked their coconut soup – didn’t feel like we were annoying better than other places I’ve been.” anyone while we were there with Kai our family, and were surprised St. “Look, my chicken looks like a fish George would have such a high level (the shape)…I want rootbeer.” of quality Thai and sushi. We ended the night sharing a Mango sticky rice (not too heavy or sweet, and out of this world).

Our waitress later told us that the 12 www.saintgeorgewellness.com

owner, Benja, grew up in Bangkok, Thailand and recently brought over some new cooks from Thailand a couple of weeks ago. She is so set on maintaining a high quality meal that she grows her own mangos under garden lamps so she can keep them ripe all year and use them in the restaurant!

Our family rating of this restaurant is probably obvious – 5 stars!

Benja Thai & Sushi www.benjathai.com • Alex 435-313-6082 2 W. St. George Blvd 435 N. 1680 E. #14 (Ancestor Square) (Red Cliffs) St. George, UT 84770 St. George, UT 84790

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N UT RITION

A Happy AND Healthy Holiday Season

By Emily Fonnesbeck RD, CD, CLT With the holidays right around the corner, eating healthy may take a back seat. Understandably so, since it is never easy to eat healthy during the holidays with our busier than normal schedules, holiday baking, social gatherings, treats at work, dinners out…and let’s not forget the actual holiday meal! It may not be easy, but it is definitely possible to find a balance between indulgence and health. And come January 1st, when everyone else is just coming out of their sugar coma, you will be glad you found that balance! Here are a few tips to help you make this holiday season a happy and healthy one.

1. Remember to eat. A surefire way to fall prey to treats at the office is to find yourself overly hungry. By eating wellbalanced, consistent meals, you stay more level headed about food choices. For a balanced meal, make 1/2 of your plate vegetables, 1/4 complex carbohydrate and 1/4 lean protein.

Examples include a Greek yogurt parfait for breakfast, salad with hardboiled eggs and crackers for lunch and salmon with brown rice and veggies for dinner.

2. Start meals with a salad or a broth-based soup. Research shows when meals are started with high volume, low calorie foods such as

is better

these, people tend to eat 12% less calories than they otherwise would have.

3. S ocialize at social events. While some About the Author foods are more calorie-dense than Emily is a Registered Dietitian others, no food will make you and received her degree at Brigham Young University. gain weight unless you eat too She is a member of the Academy much of it. At parties and holiday of Nutrition and Dietetics and dinners, people tend to eat (or belongs to the practice groups of Integrated/Functional keep eating) beyond their body’s Nutrition, Weight Management physical hunger simply because and Sports, Cardiovascular, and food is there and eating is a “social Wellness Nutrition. She has thing.” To avoid recreational eating, a Certificate in Adult Weight Management and is a Certified consciously make one plate of the LEAP Therapist. foods you really want. Eat it slowly and enjoy it. When you’re done, pop a mint or stick of gum in your mouth, get a tall glass of water and sip on it throughout the night. Position yourself away from the food as well.

4. O ffer to bring a low calorie dish to a social event. A great option would be a salad so that you can make 1/2 of your plate veggies.

Automatically this will help you watch the portion sizes of less healthy foods on the other side of the plate.

5. B ake healthy holiday goodies. Holiday baking is a fun way to share holiday cheer. Try some great substitutions like pumpkin, banana, avocado or beet puree for butter and oil. You can also usually cut back on sugar by 1/2 and still get great results.

Then share your creation with friends and family!

6. M ake traditions with family and friends that have nothing to do with food. Take a walk, play games, or compete in a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl. Celebrate what the holidays are really about!

7. S ign up for a 5K or fitness walk to keep your mind focused on fitness goals. Keep up with your exercise during the holidays in a fun way!

Weight Training Tennis Pickleball Swimming Group Fitness Childcare Massage

8. R emember that there are actually only 3 holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas (or Kwanzaa or Chanukah which is 8 days) and New Year’s. Three days of indulging a little is not a problem. It is the vicious cycle of not enough exercise and eating unhealthy for the months during the holidays that causes tiredness, feeling unwell and weight gain during this time of year.

9. L imit alcoholic beverages. Have one and then switch to water.

Call 628-5000

1532 E. 1450 S.

Saint George

10. Indulge. Yes you heard me right. But make sure those indulgences are worth it. If you love your Grandma’s pumpkin pie and she only makes it once a year on Thanksgiving, you better have a piece. But pass on the store bought chips, cookies, dips and crackers which you can get any time of year.

And remember, telling yourself you can’t or shouldn’t could lead to preoccupation and binges with that particular food.

Happy Holidays!

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 13

RE S TAUR AN T PROFI LE

Bella Marie’s Pizzeria: Putting “Healthy” Back into Italian Cuisine

By St. George Health & Wellness Staff Marie Perez worked most of her life as a registered nurse in New Jersey while her partner, Richard Doerr, was the chef and manager of several Italian restaurants and pizzarias. A number of years ago, they made the decision to move to St. George. Marie says, “We were looking for a place with a lot of sunshine, better air quality and less crime. St. George was one of 5 cities we were looking at…after a couple of visits to St. George, we decided to move here without visiting the other places!”

Marie chose the food industry because she noticed that a lot of her patients throughout the years could have prevented their health conditions with a healthier lifestyle. “I believe 95% of my patients were impacted by poor eating habits.”

When Richard and Marie designed the menu, Marie wanted to emphasize a healthy choice for those that wanted pizza and Italian cuisine. “Everybody loves pizza” she says, “but there are not many healthy choices for those that like Italian food.”

“I stay away from preservatives as much as I can…For example, our pizza is made from scratch; nothing is frozen. We make our dough with flour that is unbleached and unbromated. That means it has no potassium bromate, if people will Google it; it has been banned in several countries…it’s a potential carcinogen. If I know something like that about an ingredient, I can’t use it.”

Marie feels strongly about providing her customers with items that won’t impact their health, now or later. “I started digging into all the ingredients and wanted to use only fresh ingredients…we make all our sauce here, whether it is alfredo or marinara…We actually make the marinara sauce to order. It’s not like other places where it is kept in a jar or container…we cut the onions, tomatoes, add the herbs and make the sauce when you order it.”

In a day full of unknown ingredients in foods, Marie stays simple: “We don’t need preservatives…we make it just like mom did at home. Fresh vegetables and herbs…even our Italian cheese is a 14 www.saintgeorgewellness.com

really good quality Italian cheese. Our breaded chicken and other items are breaded when you order it and we only use olive oil.”

Bella Marie’s still uses the traditional method of hand tossing and making a traditional New York style crust. They also have a wide range of Italian dishes like pastas, chicken and eggplant parmigiana, along with a variety of chicken and seafood dishes, not-to-miss pork chop and vegetable options as well as fresh salads, fresh garlic knots, sandwiches, made from scratch soups and new menu items that include healthy choices and more grilled items all at very reasonable prices.

Marie ends by saying, “We want the community to get to know our food and new menu items…fresh food, cooked to order, in a location that is very quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of life with very reasonable prices. These are our own family recipes.

I feel confident that you will find our food to be the freshest and healthiest in town!”

Location: 1487 S. Silicon Way, Suite A1, St. George, UT (Take Exit 5 from I-15 to Dixie Dr. We’re a mile up the road in the Tonaquint Hills Plaza).

Phone: 435-628-3336. Find us on Facebook!

Africa:

HE ALTH

An Eye-Opening Experience

By Jared DuPree Dr. Jason Hendrix and Dr. Snow Slade of the St. George Eye Center travelled on two separate occasions this past year to provide eye exams, services and surgeries to the people of Ethiopia and Ghana. Knowing they would help open the eyes of many people (literally), they came back home realizing their own eyes had been opened by the people of Africa.

“We traveled for 5 to 6 hours on very primitive dirt roads from Accra, Ghana to a town called Kumasi.

It was primitive, a lot of poverty, the homes were like shacks,” Dr. Slade said describing his trip with the University of Utah Moran Eye Center’s international division to Ghana. “Amongst the bugs and noisy birds outside, we helped a lot of people. Many children with glaucoma and adults with advanced cataracts just can’t be helped with the resources and technologies they have.”

Equally, Dr. Hendrix described his trip with a local St. George adoption agency to a small village in Ethiopia, “It was hard, I hadn’t been to a place that destitute. We stayed part of the time in an orphanage that had children that were from infant age up to teens waiting for someone to come get them.

That was tough to see.” continued on page 16 St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 15

continued from page 15 Dr. Slade smiles about one case with a young boy named Stevie Ray, “He got his name because every time someone played the orphanage’s piano, he would get up and dance before anyone else!”

Stevie Ray was abandoned by his mother on a bus which led him to a local orphanage. “We were able to restore his vision system’s capability to see again. We removed cataracts from both eyes and he will be able to learn to see again with time. The orphanage updates us and they say he is more open and interactive as his vision continues to improve!”

Dr. Slade explains that cataract surgery is taking someone that is blind in every sense of the word and with a simple, 15-minute procedure giving them the ability to see the next day. Dr. Hendrix also notes, “I enjoy cataract surgery the most, the risks are low and the benefits are great. Having patients come in that can barely see to count fingers on their hand and then after a 15-minute procedure restore them back to 20/20 vision. It’s very rewarding.”

In Ethiopia, the lack of resources really impacts one’s quality of life. “Most of what we did is provide older men and women with reading glasses. They couldn’t read; not because they didn’t have the capability, they couldn’t see! All they needed were glasses that only cost $3 in the states; but they don’t have access to resources like that.

We were able to make them functioning parts of society again by providing them with tools to see,” described Dr. Hendrix.

Both Dr. Snow and Dr. Hendrix mentioned how much their trips impacted their own views of life.

“Going to Ghana was pretty gratifying, humbling to see… you get there and see what they have with your own comfortable lifestyle back at home …It’s a wake-up call, it’s a reminder that we’ve been given a lot here and it is our duty to help other people as much as we can, “ Dr. Snow said.

Dr. Hendrix recalls, “It was eye-opening for me. I came home feeling guilty. I complain about space in my house or this or that and these people have nothing – and yet, they were always smiling.

Jason Hendrix, M.D. Dr. Hendrix was born and raised in Salt Lake City, UT and attended Brigham Young University graduating Cum Laude with a B.A. in History. He attended medical school at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and residency training in Ophthalmology at the University of Mis‑ souri. Dr. Hendrix is board certified and a member of the Utah Ophthalmology Society, Utah Medical Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has four wonderful children whom he loves spending time with. Soccer, piano, mountain biking and reading are a few of his favorite hobbies.

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They just appreciate the life they have. It made me appreciate more of what we have here in the states and it gave me a strong desire to help more, to stay involved, finding ways to make a difference. Not necessarily overseas but even in our local community.”

Dr. Slade and Dr. Hendrix continue to provide services to the St. George community. “We are a comprehensive ophthalmology practice. We can take care of anything from general eye exams to cataracts, retina problems, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. We also see a lot of pediatric patients addressing crossed eyes, tear duct obstructions, things like that,” Dr. Hendrix notes. Dr. Hendrix was excited to bring Dr. Slade this year due to his extensive experience and training in glaucoma and advanced cataract techniques. As they continue to help open the eyes of others, their experiences in Africa and St. George remind them how much their patients “open their own eyes” to a greater vision of humanity.

St. George Eye Center 1054 W. Riverside, Suite 201 St. George, UT 435-628-4507 www.stgec.com

Snow Slade, M.D. Dr. Slade attended Brigham Young University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and then attended Medical School at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed his ‑residency in Ophthalmology at the Moran Eye Center. Under the mentorship of Dr. Alan Crandell and Dr. Norm Zabriskie he completed a Glaucoma/ Cataract Fellowship as well. He is a member of the Utah Ophthalmology Society. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Sur‑ gery, the American Academy of Ophthlmology, and the American Glaucoma Society.

He and his wife, Summer are the parents of three children; he enjoys restoring his Jeep, watching BYU sports and anything in the warm sun of Southern Utah.

HE ALTH

Wellness For Life:

A Wholistic Approach to Living Healthy

by Jennifer Morton In the future, healthcare will focus more on long-term prevention and healthy living rather than treating ailments when they show up.

So how do we prevent disease? The majority of the research findings suggest that a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle can prevent or, at a minimum, curtail the top causes of death.

There are five main areas that are included in a comprehensive wellness approach to preventative healthcare: Nutrition What we eat likely impacts us more than the other four areas combined. Healthy, realistic diets that include a proper balance of vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and carbohydrates are essential.

Fitness & Exercise Not only does fitness and exercise help prevent heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and other ailments; a consistent fitness routine improves mood, energy, motivation and relationship potential.

Life Balance In the recent past, the focus for preventative care was on diet and exercise; studies now show that addressing life balance and behavioral change may be the missing ingredient.

Psychological Health Psychological health not only helps us feel better about ourselves and the world, it can place us in a state of being that will actually increase physical health and prevent disease.

Relational Health Healthy relationships provide us with the support, happiness, and love that have also been shown to magnify our body’s ability to heal and prevent disease.

About the Author Jennifer Morton is a wellness coach and currently works with the Biggest Loser Resort as a weight management coach. She also provides services to the St. George community through WholeFIT (see ad below).

A new model of healthcare will not just involve a primary care physician. A wholistic approach to healthcare will often include a team of professionals like Physicians/Specialists, Nutritionists, Fitness Experts, Wellness Coaches/Counselors, Educators and other Wellness Professionals In many ways, the movement toward preventative healthcare and wellness will allow us to enjoy life more now and in the future!

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 17

M i nd /body

The Healing Power of Gratitude

by Brigit Atkin Many of you keep a Gratitude journal. How has it empowered your life? I’m sure you would agree that it has enhanced your capacity to love life, offer forgiveness, and cherish your relationships with others. For those of you who haven’t, the challenge is to write 3 things down each day in a notebook that you are grateful for....can be anything big or small, it just needs to be sincere... do this for 30 days, and watch how your life changes.

Since the power of gratitude is so healing, it is often used as a tool in Energy Work. Energy healing has been used through the ages, but has become somewhat “lost” in our modern world.

Fortunately, quantum physics is now proving what some have known all along – everything has a vibration. High vibrations allow happiness, peace, health, and longevity, whereas low vibrations contribute to fatigue, depression, and even illness. Certain states of mind and heart, like gratitude, can raise our vibrations to achieve the joy and well-being we desire. It can also build your capacity for resilience.

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During this holiday season, I hope we can be grateful for what we have and express that gratitude often. Not only will it help balance our own lives and lead us to greater life fulfillment, it will invite others to do the same. It will also allow us to discover the many gifts that life brings us, as it will lighten our burdens and empower our minds!

Did you know that the power of Gratitude can: • Balance and harmonize brain function • Put our heart in a more coherent rhythm • Trigger biochemical healthful changes in the body • Help attract what we want, improve relationships, and dispel negativity

About the Author Brigit Atkin – Brigit of Brightworks uses alternative healing methods to help improve the lives of others facing challenges and difficulties. She is certified in SimplyHealedTM method and was trained by founder Carolyn Cooper herself. For more information, visit www.brightworksbybrigit.com

Fami ly Welln ess

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary, How Does Your Marriage Grow?

by Chad Olson, MS, LMFT I am by no means an expert when it comes to gardening, but the process by which a garden grows can be very instructive as we apply it to our relationships. I figure if Mary knows how to answer the question, “How does your garden grow?” then we should also know how to answer the question, “How does your relationship grow?”

There are a few key elements when it comes to gardening. While this explanation may seem simplistic, I think it illustrates some valuable principles. First, we need to prepare the soil. Next, we plant seeds. We then nurture those seeds by providing the appropriate nutrients and by removing anything that is potentially harmful to the plant (like weeds). After patience and hard work, we then enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Now, think of a current relationship you would like to strengthen.

This pattern applies to dating relationships, marital relationships, familial relationships including the parent-child relationship, or other relationships you might be engaged in. The first step to strengthen that relationship you are thinking of is to prepare the soil. You might think it is a little late to prepare the soil if you are already in the relationship, but it is never too late to get the soil prepared and it’s not something that is only supposed to be done once. Each year in our garden we bring fertilizer in and work those nutrients into our soil. One of the best ways to prepare the soil in a

We plant relationships by investing in them – by giving them a chance to grow. We can’t expect fruit if we don’t plant. relationship is to focus on strengthening the friendship aspect of the relationship. Many couples I see are frustrated because they don’t feel they enjoy the friendship they experienced during courtship.

They have “fallen out of love.” The good news is that you can choose to fall back in love by doing the same things that were done in courtship – focusing primarily on the friendship. Think about things friends do and things friends don’t do, and then follow that pattern.

Friends do fun things together. They don’t talk behind each other’s backs, nor do they put each other down. They build each other up and give compliments. They are there for each other when one is having a difficult time. They share good news with each other. They keep in contact with each other – whether through phone, text, or Facebook – they are involved in each other’s lives.

About the Author

Once the soil is prepared, it is time Chad Olson is a licensed to plant. We plant relationships by marriage and family therapist in St. George, UT. He investing in them – by giving them a earned a Master’s Degree in chance to grow. We can’t expect fruit if Marriage & Family Therapy we don’t plant. One of the best ways to and has been working with couples and families for the “plant seeds” is to spend time developing past 5 years. He currently the relationship. There really can be works at the St. George Center no alternatives to time. Relationships, for Couples and Families like gardens, take time! Now that the (www.stgeorgefamilies.com).

See ad on page 22 for more seeds are planted, we must give ongoing information. care which consists of nurturing the relationship and identifying and removing the weeds – or the toxic aspects of our relationships. Those that have gardened know that it is not enough to just water once and call it good. And we can’t rely on the rain to take care of the watering – especially here in Southern Utah or the plants will die. We water our relationships by consistently caring for the other person. We can show that genuine concern by asking what is going in their lives and giving our full attention to that person while they are talking. You can show that you really care and were paying attention by following up through asking how certain events in their lives turned out.

We then need to identify and pull the weeds out of our relationships. In the gardening world – so far as I know – weeds do not just go away by themselves. It takes some work to get rid of the weeds, but there is also something very satisfying about looking at a garden free of weeds. There are lots of weeds that exist in relationships: selfishness, poor communication, mistrust, parenting struggles, money issues, etc. Sometimes individuals get stuck and are not sure how to remove those weeds from their relationships. There are people in the community – whether neighbors, ecclesiastical leaders, or professionals – who are willing to help. Weeds, if left unattended, can choke the plants and prevent growth. It is worth the investment to pull the weeds out to enjoy the fruits of the relationship.

After we have prepared the soil, planted, nurtured and weeded our garden, we are ready to enjoy the produce. For some reason, the vegetables/fruit seem to taste better from our own garden than if purchased from a store simply because there was personal investment in the product. The feelings of closeness and happiness in relationships are the fruits we enjoy. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the process of cultivating relationships. Take joy in the little successes – the sprouts, the blossoms, a newly weeded garden and enjoying the end product. Relationships can be the most satisfying and joyous experiences that anyone can have during this life – it is worth the effort!

St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 19

CALENDAR OF

EVENTS

November 1 – 2 St. George Seniors Expo, Dixie Convention Center

November 3 St. George Health & Wellness Fair at Tuacahn Saturday Market Snow Canyon Half Marathon November 7 – 10 The Sound of Music, Pine View High School November 8 – 17 Red Rock Film Festival, www.ophilia.com November 10 Color Me Rad 5k, www.colormerad.com Turkey Triathlon, Sand Hallow Aquatic Center

November 17 Earth Wind Fire Race, www.earthwindfirerace.com November 23 – 24 Santa’s Workshop, Dixie Convention Center November 24 – December 29 Plaid Tidings Christmas Program, Cox Auditorium/Tuacahn November 28 – December 1 Dickens Christmas Festival, Dixie Convention Center December 1 Expedition St. George, 50 mile team relay

November 14 – 19 Jubilee of Trees, Dixie Convention Center

December 8 5k Jingle Bell Run, 8am Vernon Worthen Park

November 15 – 17 Utah State Pickleball Championships, The Fields of Little Valley

December 14 – 15 Christmas Treasures, Bumbleberry Theatre, Springdale, UT

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FEATURED DIRECTORY LISTINGS

ATHLETIC CLUBS Summit Athletic Club www.mysummitathleticclub.com 435-628-5000

HEALTH (continued)

Energy Healing Brightworks by Brigit www.BrightWorksByBrigit.com 435-668-0233

Theurer Orthodontics www.theurerorthodontics.com 435-688-8228

Realtor

Hormone Therapy

FAMILY THERAPY St. George Center for Couples & Families www.stgeorgefamilies.com 435-319-0082

GYMS Anytime Fitness www.anytimefitness.com 435-251-8800

David Whitehead www.RelocateToUtah.com 435-632-2900

Live Life Health Center (David Tiller) www.livemylifebetter.com 435-574-9777

restaurants

Insurance

Bella Marie’s Pizzeria 1487 South Silicon Way, St. George, UT 435-628-3336

Soderquist Insurance 435-229-6642 acginsurance@gmail.com

Sleep Professionals

Medical Spas & Wellness

Premier Sleep Solutions www.premieresleepsolutions.com 435-674-2100

La Via Medical Spa & Institute www.laviamedspa.com 435-656-9054

Crossfit Dixie www.crossfitdixie.com 435-313-2131

Health Hearing & Balance Doctors of Utah 1054 E. Riverside Dr. Suite 201, St. George, UT 435-688-8991 St. George Eye Center www.stgec.com 435-628-4507

Orthodontics

St. George Medical Park (Family Medicine) www.centralutahclinic.com 435-673-6131

Dixie Chiropractic www.dixiechiro.com 435-673-1443

Weight Management Dr. Coleen Andruss www.drhealthylifestyle.com 435-986-3800

Nutrition Stores Dixie Nutrition 406 West St. George Boulevard 435-673-3447

Whole Fit of St. George www.wholefitstgeorge.com 435-319-0917

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St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | Nov./Dec. 2012 21

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