INSIDE: Savor the Flavor of Eating Right Gardening: A Bit Beyond the Basics Learning to Dance in the Rain
MARCH/APRIL 2016
UTValleyWellness.com
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Family Wellness
Making Waves 14 A Game Changing Treatment for Skin Cancer 16
Spirituality and Therapy
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Financial
What’s Your Plan? 19 How to Build Wealth 20
Six Signs Your Marriage Could Be In Trouble 28 5 Sneaky Effects of Pornography
MARCH/APRIL 2016 On The Cover: Cover photo courtesy of Utah Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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Culture Barbara Barrington Jones: Learning to Dance in the Rain
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Departments Outdoor Living What’s So Great About The Great Outdoors? 22 Gardening: A Bit Beyond the Basics
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Meet Our Staff 4 Letter from the Editor UVU Letter 8 Community Focus 9 Calendar of Events 34
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Fitness
Spring into Shape! 10 Exercise is Medicine 11
Nutrition Savor the Flavor of Eating Right
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M E E T O U R S TA F F
Triston Morgan Author, Family Wellness
Erica Hansen Author, Nutrition
Travis Lott Author, Fitness
Dave Young Author, Financial
Terrin Parker, PT Associate Editor
Clint Wood Executive Editor
Would you like to see your photography included in the next issue of Utah Valley Health & Wellness? If so, please contact our staff at utahvalleywellnessmagazine@gmail.com or 801-718-3794. For more information on advertising or other inquiries, including career information, visit our website at www.utvalleywellness.com, email utahvalleywellnessmagazine@gmail.com or call us at 801-718-3794. The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the articles in Utah Valley 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. Outside of our staff authors, articles written by providers or professionals are invited authors and represent the opinions of that particular individual, business, group or organization. If an article is a paid advertisement, we will place the word “Advertisement” or “Advertorial” to identify it as such. ©Copyright 2016.
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FROM THE EDITOR
We’ve all seen the headlines: 8 Minute Abs! Lose Weight Fast! 5 Ways to Get Rich Quick! …
These attention grabbing headlines are everywhere! Unfortunately it’s because, admit it or not, we are accustomed to taking the path of least resistance. The promotors of these schemes know this, so they dangle the worm right in front of our faces, hoping to get some poor soul to chase after that “golden egg.”
The truth is that sustained success in any area of our life requires time, patience and persistence. The real challenge we face each day comes down to our willingness to stick with a plan. It has been said that life is a series of peaks and valleys. Those who are successful are generally pretty good at working through those difficult days while slogging through the valleys of life. Riding high on the “peaks” of life is easy, but true character is built when we persevere through tough times, and when we dedicate ourselves to self-improvement each and every day.
Utah Valley Health & Wellness is designed to be a resource that provides educational content to help our readers live happier and healthier lives. Each of our authors provide helpful information that, when applied properly, will result in a positive step forward. Our goal is to provide you, the reader, with a variety of articles that will both educate and inspire. I have yet to see an article come in from our authors that promises quick results with minimal work. So don’t shy away from the advice given just because it seems out of reach or too difficult – you can do it!
If we want life to reward us, we must put in the necessary work. As Thomas Paine stated, “What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.” If we work hard toward our goals, we will not only gain that “reward” at the end, but also find happiness and peace within the path we are walking.
As you read the articles within this magazine, take the advice and counsel from our authors and apply them to your life. Then, stick with the plan and chase after your goals relentlessly, regardless of how difficult they seem. I promise, your commitment to excellence will result in greater happiness for you and your family.
The good things in life don’t happen overnight. Remember, it is lifestyle vs. fade. Which one will you choose?
Clint Wood Executive Editor
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Golf to Eradicate Cancer Brings Hope and Healing By Terrin Parker, UVHW Staff Cancer. Even the word evokes strong emotion within us: fear, determination, sorrow, triumph, loss, anger. People who have loved ones fighting cancer or who they have lost to cancer often feel hopeless at times. When Spanish Fork resident Guy G. Roche Sr. lost his wife, Josie, he turned tragedy into a calling to raise significant funds for cancer research where Josie was treated?Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). “I asked myself what I could do to make a difference to help find a cure and to help find healing after such a deep loss,” says Roche. “I decided to dedicate efforts to Huntsman Cancer Institute.” Josie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 and fourteen years later discovered the cancer had metastasized to her liver. Their journey brought them to Utah where Josie received treatment at HCI, and though her cancer was terminal, the treatments improved her quality of life and extended it by six years, allowing them time to share, reflect, and prepare. “This is what I will do for the rest of my life,” says Roche. “Hope was a word I very seldom used before our time with HCI. Even after Josie passed, the healing HCI provided me brought hope. I have hope in a future where people will not have to endure the trials of this disease.” Roche and his committee founded the Golf to Eradicate Cancer Tournament benefiting HCI. Donations and sponsorships are available for the inaugural event May 23, 2016 at Alpine Country Club. “Huntsman Cancer Institute is changing the DNA of cancer care by making great strides in cancer research thanks to our generous funders,” says Lori Kun, Director of Development. “Every treatment protocol that we have now was thanks to people and organizations who funded cancer research. Funds generated by Golf to Eradicate Cancer will be put immediately to work at HCI and people will benefit from this generosity locally as well as broader, since HCI shares this research world-wide.” Since 1995, the Huntsman family has contributed approximately $400 million to HCI. But one family cannot do it alone, which is why they rely on the generosity of individuals and community groups. 100% of the funds contributed go toward finding a cure for cancer.
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In the past 10 years, Utah Valley University’s School of Education has grown from 30 students in early childhood and elementary education to nearly 1,000 students in early childhood, elementary education, secondary education, and graduate education today. The performance of our students after graduation has received positive feedback from district teachers and administrators across the state of Utah and beyond. Our service area districts heavily recruit UVU teacher candidates and inform us that these are exceptionally well prepared to teach effectively. We are proud that our teacher education program is nationally accredited from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and Council for Accreditation of Educational Programs (CAEP). Our first master’s degree program began in August 2008. Students enrolled in the Master of Education program focus their studies in an area of interest to them, including options in elementary STEM, teacher leadership, English as a second language, elementary mathematics, educational technology, gifted and talented education, and reading. The School of Education is committed to helping meet educational needs within our service region. As an example, we are collaborating with our colleagues across campus and within the community to provide autism services. The new Melisa Nellesen Autism Center will be housed in a new facility. We anticipate breaking ground on this new facility in April during national Autism Awareness Month. The School of Education will establish two demonstration classrooms in the new facility to model effective instructional and support strategies for school professionals who work with children on the autism spectrum. This will include one classroom for pre-K children and one for children in grades 1-3.
Dr. Parker Fawson Dean, School of Education Utah Valley University Parker Fawson has served as dean of the School of Education at Utah Valley University since 2013. Prior to coming to UVU he was an associate dean of the College of Education at the University of Kentucky, and chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Before joining the faculty at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Fawson served as the assistant dean for Global Teacher Education, associate department head of the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, and chair of the Elementary Education Program at Utah State University. He also served as associate professor of literacy at Brigham Young University and taught at Arizona State University and Central Washington University. In addition to his classroom teaching, which includes experience as a teacher in first, third, fourth and sixth grades, Dr. Fawson has served as a reading consultant for numerous education organizations, including local schools and school districts. He has authored and coauthored over two dozen publications and served as the editor of the peer-reviewed international research journal “Literacy Research and Instruction” for three years. Dr. Fawson received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Weber State University, a master’s of education in educational leadership and a doctorate of education in reading and language arts from Brigham Young University.
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This new autism facility, which is being funded through private donations, will greatly enhance the quality and quantity of specialists who can engage in impactful ways with families and children who need this support in the community and in schools. We are incredibly grateful to all those who have generously donated to make this center a reality. Education is an exciting profession filled with so many opportunities to make a profound difference in society. If you like to work with young people, this may be a perfect fit for you.
Warmest regards,
Parker Fawson
ean, College of Education D Utah Valley University
Community
I’ve heard it said, “If the Good Lord closes the door, stop knocking. He’s probably got something better for you.” With the constant change and growth that we have seen in the last few years, it seems that this has particular meaning for Lehi City. As we transition from a small farming community to one of Utah’s premier tech centers, we have seen some doors close and many more open. In 2015 Lehi saw great residential and commercial growth, and it continues with no end in sight. Last year our building department issued 1080 total residential and commercial building permits. We are happy to have the new jobs they create and the great people that move here. We had all better say that we enjoy the traffic, because at the rate Utah continues to grow, this will become the Good Old Times. As the mayor of Lehi City, I am excited about the opportunities that will come with this growth. It is important not only for us to welcome new businesses and residents, but also to provide an excellent quality of life. We want to be a destination; a place where Utahns across the region can come to work and to play. Currently, Lehi has over 250 acres of parks ranging in various sizes and offering a wide range of amenities. In 2015 we completed a revised Recreation, Parks and Trails Master Plan, which identifies the need for 80 additional park acres by 2025. Our Parks Division has already made great progress to improve our parks. Last year we opened the city’s first disc golf course at Dry Creek Park. This spring we will open Spring Creek Park, featuring parkour fitness equipment and pickle ball courts. We will also soon begin construction on a splash pad and skate park. Lehi also offers 10 linear miles of pedestrian, bike and running trails, which connect to two regional trail systems. Our trail system continues to expand as we aim to provide safe biking, walking, and running alternatives to our residents and visitors. In the long-term, our local trails will connect the Jordan River Parkway and Murdock Canal trails, which will provide a regional benefit. The Historic Rail Trail will also be extended to the Draper-Lehi border, connecting the trail system around the point of the mountain, providing a large network of trails for personal fitness and recreation activities. As we approach summer, I encourage you to get out and enjoy the many outdoor opportunities that Utah has to offer. We truly live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and are lucky to be within a day’s journey to some of the best outdoor adventures. I personally invite you to make Lehi a destination. Visit the renowned Thanksgiving Point, bike along one of our trails, see the historic Lehi Roller Mills or play a game of disc golf or soccer in one of our parks. To my knowledge exercise has not killed anyone but it sure scared a few people to death. Try it. You may like it and you could live a few years longer in good health. We look forward to having you enjoy the great outdoors in Lehi.
As we transition from a small farming community to one of Utah’s premier tech centers, we have seen some doors close and many more open.
Mayor Bert Wilson City of Lehi
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FITNESS
About the Author
into Shape!
Travis Lott is a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, certified nutritionist, and certified weight-loss specialist at Leantrition. He has trained many diverse individuals and groups over the years including people of all ages, weight classes, and medical histories. Many of his clients have seen very successful results that have changed their lives. Travis is passionate about the health industry and takes pride in helping others achieve a new, healthy way of living.
By Travis Lott Spring is a great season, for many reasons. Growing up, my family was always excited for the warmer weather because it meant outdoor sports and swim parties at Grandma’s house! For the younger crowd, this is pretty exciting. For others, it can be terrifying. Especially those of us who have avoided exercise and developed unhealthy habits during the winter. When spring rolls around, we feel very selfconscious, and often avoid getting back on track. So what should you do? Is it too late to get into decent shape? No way! Anyone can make progress if they put their mind to it. Many of us are procrastinators. How many of us cram in a few days worth of studying before a big test when we know we should’ve put in at least a week? There are many scenarios where we do this: school, church, work, and of course, fitness. Losing a few pounds or putting on some muscle does take effort, but when push comes to shove, I believe most people are capable of getting it done. So let’s do it! Here are three steps to help you “spring” into shape! 10 www.utvalleywellness.com
Step 1: Get outside, and get moving! Grab your kids, friend, spouse, push the baby in a stroller, or go it alone. Go on a walk, visit the local high school track, or find an empty soccer field where you can play with your kids. If you are completely out of shape, start slowly to prevent injury. Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to burn calories and lose some weight. Most important, you’ll be taking care of your heart. Step 2: Renew your gym attendance. Wouldn’t it be nice to get what you’re paying for, that is, using the gym that has been charging you even when you don’t go? The key to gym time is strength training. Putting on muscle, whether you’re male or female, is imperative to having a healthy life. You sleep better, have more energy, decreases stress, gain self-confidence, and burn calories during as well as after the workout. Wow! Of course, you don’t have to go the gym to achieve lean muscle. There are plenty of body weight exercises you can do at home that will do the trick. But, if you’re like me, separating my workouts from home life is much more effective. Step 3: Eat smarter! Toss the treats, candy, and junk food. No time to waste, people! It’s time to stock up on foods that will get you leaner and feeling better. Remember, half the battle of obtaining these goals starts in the kitchen! If you take these three simple steps and push forward, a day at a time, you’ll soon find yourself with renewed energy and life. So let go of procrastination and get back on track to become the leaner, healthier version of yourself this spring!
Exercise is Medicine By Paul W. Sagers, MS, PT
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FITNESS
If losing weight and looking better isn’t enough motivation to inspire you to exercise, how about the fact that the latest research shows that regular physical activity may be the best preventive drug we have for many health problems? Studies show that exercise reduces the risk of early death, helps control weight, and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, some types of cancer, anxiety disorders, cognitive decline, and hip fractures. It can even help improve sleep, memory, concentration and mood. Recent research continues to add benefits to the list. One study found that supervised exercise may help relieve treatment-related pain among some breast cancer patients. Another study showed physical activity may be as effective as medication in preventing early death in people who have had heart attacks or strokes. Timothy Church, a physician and director of preventive medicine research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, agrees; “Exercise strengthens the entire human machine – the heart, the brain, the blood vessels, the bones, the muscles. The most important thing you can do for your long-term health is to lead an active life.” Current studies show that only about 21% of adults in the United States meet the government’s recommendations for aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise. Other research indicates that people are even less active than those statistics suggest. Scientists with the National Cancer Institute found that fewer than 5% of adults in the United States get at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity in bouts of at least 10 minutes at a time. The government’s physical activity guidelines advise having at least two and a half hours a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or one hour and fifteen minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging. The guidelines for adults also recommend muscle-strengthening activities such as push-ups, sit-ups and lifting weights. Everyone has a different reason to be motivated to exercise, but most people need to have a plan or program that they can stick with. Tony Horton, the creator and star of the popular P90X, workout series, agrees. “Often people care too much about the mirror, scale, and tape measure, and when they don’t change at the speed they anticipate, they quit. They expect tremendous results in an unrealistic amount of time. I talk about consistency, purpose, and a plan. If you are consistent with your exercise, you will thrive. If you want to thrive, you have to be consistent and you have to have a plan. Surround yourself with likeminded people. I am someone who exercises with someone else most of the time. There is someone in the room who challenges me, whose company I enjoy.” If you are resolving to shape up for the new year, exercise is one half of the equation. Diet is the other. Keep food simple and natural. If it occurs in nature, eat it. If it doesn’t expire until 2020, don’t eat it. There are many health issues you can’t control, but two things you very much can control are what you eat and whether you exercise. These two things alone will change your life.
About the Author Paul W. Sagers is the owner of Edgemont Physical Therapy located in Provo, Utah. He received his degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He has been practicing as a physical therapist for 14 years.
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NUTRITION
By Erica Hansen MS, RD Why do you eat what you eat? If you are like most Americans, according to research, taste trumps all other deciding factors. Surprised? Probably not. We live in a time and place where food is abundant and you have a lot of food choices to make, as many as 200 per day, according to researcher Dr. Brian Wansink. Can you think of a place where you can’t find food? It’s in movie theaters, malls, airports, your workplace, gas stations, and even available at sporting events. Each year about 50,000 new food products are introduced to your grocery store shelves. With so many foods to choose from, most Americans have the luxury of choosing to eat the very best tasting things. Unfortunately, some of the foods that are packed with essential nutrients have been given a bad rap in the tasty foods lineup. According to national surveys, less than 25% of Americans eat the amount of vegetables we should (about 2-3 cups per day). When I meet with patients, the number one reason they cite for avoiding vegetables is, you guessed it, taste. Vegetables are running up against some tasty competition. The foods you find on supermarket shelves are literally made to win; loaded with added fat and sugar they are created to taste great. Why? Because you buy things that taste good and we are hard-wired to enjoy the taste of fat and sugar, both high in life-sustaining energy. From a marketing and business perspective it makes sense for a food manufacturing company to add taste--unfortunately, even at the cost of compromising nutritional quality. Vegetables are naturally low in fat and simple sugars, but you shouldn’t give up on great tasting vegetables just yet. When aiming to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables each meal, consider these three suggestions to add flavor and flair: 1. Vary your veggies Don’t get stuck eating the same vegetables night after night. While corn, peas, carrots, and potatoes are great, they aren’t the only veggies out there. Consider writing out a list of all the vegetables you like eating by going through all of the colors of the rainbow. What are all of the red vegetables you like? Orange? Green? Sometimes having a tangible list of possible choices will help you realize how many you actually do like and give you ideas to add to your grocery list. During your next trip to the grocery store, pick-up a new vegetable or one you haven’t tried for a while. I don’t recommend filling your cart with new options, it can be too overwhelming. Start small and add to your list of vegetable ideas.
2. Mix up your methods Though a healthy choice, steaming or boiling your vegetables can at times lead to a bland product. Try roasting, broiling, grilling, or stir-frying in a little oil. Many vegetables (zucchini, cauliflower, broccoli, and red potatoes) are fabulous when tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper, and freshly grated About the Author parmesan cheese and then roasted or Erica is a registered dietitian broiled on high heat. Ratatouille is who specializes in working prepared in a similar way. with people to make their health and lifestyle goals fit Salads are often a go-to vegetable, into a personally tailored food and for great reason, but don’t get stuck plan that revolves around in a salad rut. Try taco salads, an Asian their unique life circumstances; salad with mandarin oranges and toasted no fear of change needed. Learn more about Erica at sesame dressing, throw in fruits and nuts www.foodsthatfityourlife.com for something sweet, or try a hearty chef salad. Cooking vegetables in broth instead of water or oil, seasoning them with fresh herbs and spices, soaking them in rice vinegars (delicious on cucumbers!), and dipping or topping them in salsa, hummus, or nut butters are also great, tasty, nutritious choices. 3. Be sneaky It is easy to get stuck thinking in terms of vegetables as side dishes only, but vegetables can be incorporated into what you’re already eating: 1. A dd sautéed or fresh vegetables to your pizza 2. Cucumbers, peppers, and sprouts add great crunch to sandwiches and wraps 3. Carrots and onions in your rice make for a nice pilaf 4. Include beans in your soups, stews, salads, and casseroles 5. Zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, or artichokes are tasty in pasta 6. Spinach or kale in a fruity shake is nearly undetectable 7. C reamy butternut squash in homemade mac n’ cheese makes for sweet, nutty, and extra creamy comfort food I don’t know about you, but my mouth is watering as I wrap up these lists – no small accomplishment for a food with a less than tasty reputation! Remember, all forms of vegetables count: fresh, frozen, dried, juiced, and canned. Start small, but start today to make vegetables a regular part of your plate! National Nutrition Month graphic and source information: “Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (www.eatright.org)”
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Making
Waves UVU undergrad making waves in the healthcare community with revolutionary application of acoustics By Layton Shumway, UVU Marketing & Communications
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Up until a few years ago, science was the furthest thing from Brian Patchett’s mind. He was too busy being a rock star. Before he became one of Utah Valley University’s brightest scientists, Patchett was a music industry veteran, playing guitar in touring rock bands and joining others on tour across the United States and Europe as a technician and stage manager. In between tours and shows, he managed an Orem music store, building new guitar amplifiers in his spare time. “I had a friend who taught guitar lessons at the store,” Patchett said. “He was a UVU student, and one day he saw me working on an amp and asked me for help on his physics homework. He said if I knew how to build amps from scratch, I’d be a way better physics student than he was.” After mulling it over – and with the pointed encouragement of his wife – Patchett entered UVU’s physics department, where he now serves as a research assistant and brings his acoustics experience into the science lab. With the assistance of UVU physics professor Timothy Doyle and other student researchers, Patchett has studied the use of ultrasound to levitate cells in
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H E A LT H
suspension and test them for various diseases such as breast cancer, you don’t get those kinds of relationships as an undergrad.” For Patchett, the best part of his new career is the chance to put Alzheimer’s disease, and autoimmune conditions. Patchett gave an oral presentation of his research at the 170th Acoustical Society his old one to work in a new way, curing disease instead of killing of America Meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., in November – a rare eardrums. “My background in music gave me a practical understanding of honor for an undergraduate student. But those honors are frequent acoustics,” Patchett said. “But now I understand the science that occurrences for UVU students, according to Doyle. “People are shocked by the fact that the students I take to these explains why sound behaves the way it does, and I get to apply it in a meetings are undergraduates,” Doyle said. “They’re usually graduate way that can make a real difference.” students and post-docs. Everyone was calling Brian ‘Dr. Patchett.’ I think such experiences are invaluable.” That kind of experience can make a huge difference in applications to graduate and medical school programs, UVU senior Robyn Now Kiraomer said. “When I heard about Dr. Featuring the Doyle’s research and thought of its real-world applications in studying cancer, I wanted to be a part of it,” Kiraomer said. “That changed my undergrad path completely. I’m the senior data analyst for this group, and I understand the physics and biology of cancer much better than other individuals who are going into my field. The Pronto is the fastest hair reduction diode Now that I’m in applications for medical school, most of the schools look at me as more of a laser on the market, firing at 12Hz & can candidate who’s ready to do research and doesn’t have to be taught.” treat a man’s full back in under 10 minutes. Doyle has been a driving force at UVU in giving students these kinds of hands-on opportunities. In 2014, Doyle took three UVU students to Vienna, Austria, at the invitation of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute. There they expanded their research in using ultrasound technology to detect breast cancer during Hair Removal Package surgery and regrow blood vessels. When you buy one of equal value “Tumors grow quickly, so they need lots of blood, meaning they grow lots of blood vessels,” Doyle explained. “To treat tumors, in many cases, patients are given a drug to prevent the growth of new blood vessels. We used our ultrasound technology to compare normal tumors to tumors treated with this drug and noticed a big difference. When Vienna saw the results, they asked us to come.” This kind of experience is usually reserved for students beyond the undergraduate level, according to Doyle. But UVU’s scientists get to take advantage of those experiences and form a close working relationship with professors. “I didn’t intend to stay at UVU for four years, but the opportunities here made me stay,” UVU research assistant Natalie Sullivan said. “Even if you’re at a prestigious school,
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Cutting Edge Technology without Cutting
A Game Changing Treatment for Skin Cancer By Richard W. Parkinson, MD
Why Utah is at the top of the list isn’t well understood, but it’s undeniable. We have more skin cancers than nearly all other states, including states that are more populated than we are.
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H E A LT H
We are in the middle of an epidemic of skin cancers. During the past two decades dermatologists have reported dramatic increases in skin cancer rates among their patients in all 50 states. Why Utah is at the top of the list isn’t well understood, but it’s undeniable. We have more skin cancers than nearly all other states, including states that are more populated than we are. Fortunately, most of the skin cancers we are seeing are the “good kind,” which means that they are usually treatable and rarely fatal. Melanoma, the “bad kind,” is also on the rise, but in terms of numbers, the “good kind” outnumber melanomas and other very rare skin cancers by better than a thousand to one. Regarding the “good kind,” mostly basal cell and squamous cell cancers, there is good news. For the past 40 years most skin cancers have been treated by surgery in the doctor’s office. Since the majority of skin cancers are About the Author Dr. Parkinson is boardsmall, the surgeries, which are done under local anesthesia, often don’t even require sutures. Larger skin cancers certified in both dermatology and skin cancers in difficult spots, like the eyelid or nose, sometimes required more complicated procedures with and pathology. He earned potential complications such as bleeding, infection, scarring, and pain. That was then. SRT is now. his medical degree at Tulane SRT (superficial radiation therapy – see photo on previous page) is an exciting new technology that can now University and received his specialty training there, as treat many skin cancers. It is interesting to note that dermatologists were the first doctors in the world to use well as UCLA. He began his radiation to treat cancer. However, while radiation fell out of favor among skin specialists for a variety of reasons, dermatology practice in Utah it gained in popularity with doctors who treat cancers inside the body such as breast and prostate cancers. With in 1978. His special interests are skin cancer and rare skin the advent of new technology, radiation for skin cancers is now back and much better than ever. diseases. The most important things you should know about SRT are 1) It is very effective, on par with Mohs surgery; 2) It is comparable in cost to traditional surgery; 3) It is painless, requires no shots, and leaves no (or very faint) scars; 4) It has almost none of the side effects of surgery, such as infection or bleeding; 5) The treatments are done in a dermatology office and take just a few minutes; and 6) The radiation does not get into your body the way other types of radiation do. Can treating skin cancers, and even larger cancers in hard to get places, be this easy and this effective? The answer is an enthusiastic “YES!” SRT is the most exciting thing to come along in my medical lifetime. While it is not effective for melanoma, and while there is still an important role for surgery, we have entered a new era in cancer care, one that promises to address the epidemic of skin cancers that has targeted our state, and do so in a cost saving, painless, and very effective way.
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We are still the independent healthcare providers you know and trust–just easier to identify and more unified in our efforts.
reverehealth.com
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FINANCIAL
About the Author
What’s Your Plan? By Brian J. Miller, Attorney at Law We use planning as a method to be successful and efficient in almost every aspect of our life. But do we plan for after our passing? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we are all going to die. To properly plan for our death, we must ask ourselves several questions: How can I make sure my assets go to those whom I wish to have them? Who do I desire to make decisions on my behalf once I pass or if I become incapacitated? How do I make the distribution of my assets quick and efficient, while reducing my tax liability and the headache of probate? As we move into spring, it’s the perfect time to “clean up” our affairs, along with our homes. Establishing a proper estate plan before your passing will be greatly appreciated by your family and loved ones. What do I need in a proper estate plan? Wills and Trusts These two are essential to a proper estate plan. A will is a document that directs how your property and assets are distributed. You can be very specific in a will as to what and how much is given to any individual or entity. You may even attach certain conditions. You choose an executor to oversee the distribution of the assets. If you do not have a will, your assets will be distributed according to local law or it may be determined by the courts. Trusts are legal entities that not only determine how assets are distributed but also when they are distributed.
Brian J. Miller is an attorney at Dexter & Dexter Law in Orem. A former prosecutor, he now spends most of his time in the area of criminal defense. He enjoys running, basketball, BYU sports and spending time with his wife and two children.
Durable Power of Attorney This is a legal agreement that allows you to designate a person to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated through illness, age or accident. The designated person will have the authority to make financial and/or legal decisions on your behalf, so you should use the utmost care and trust when choosing who will be making decisions on your behalf. Health Care Proxy Like the durable power of attorney, this document authorizes an individual to make health care decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. These decisions may be related to types or treatment, treatment facilities and even life support. Remember, if you do not establish an estate plan, the state will likely be in control of the distribution of your assets. There are many other estate planning tools that an attorney can explain to you regarding your specific circumstances. No matter how old you are, now is the time to establish your estate plan. It is not a single event, it is a process that should be visited regularly to amend, alter, and update. Take control of the future even after you are gone by making your estate plan a priority. Visit an experienced estate planning attorney that can answer your questions, help you navigate the rapids and pitfalls of complex laws and situations, and establish a plan that gives you peace of mind. Estate planning fees are surprisingly affordable and make for a worthy investment. Utah Valley Health & Wellness Magazine | March/April 2016 19
Wealth How to Build
By Dave Young
Making money is difficult. After a challenging year like 2015, it is important to go back to basics, evaluate your situation, and make sure you are on the right path. As financial advisors, we provide a variety of financial services like retirement, estate and business planning. However, our focus has always been on managing investments. Why? At the end of the day, if you aren’t effectively building wealth over time, most aspects of your financial plan won’t matter. So what is the best way to invest? How can you invest to meet your retirement goals? Here are four steps to give you some insight into investing: Step one: Invest in things that increase in value. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Currently, money markets, CDs, bonds and fixed annuities are not likely to gain much value. Interest rates are at historic lows, and those investments are tied directly to those low interest rates. After inflation and taxes, most of these investments are actually taking you backward. In order to build wealth, you have to invest in things that appreciate over time. With interest rates this low, only stocks, real estate and direct business investments meet the criteria. Step two: Buy when prices are low and things are cheap. This will inevitably enhance your return. Conversely, you should be reducing exposure when prices are high. Is this easy? Absolutely not. It is completely counterintuitive and requires you to ignore your natural “fight or flight” inclination.
About the Author Dave Young founded Paragon Wealth Management in Provo, Utah 29 years ago. His investment methods have attracted national and local attention. He has been interviewed by BusinessWeek, CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, the Deseret Morning News and other national and local media.
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uvhw | Let me explain this principle by highlighting a study published last year by DALBAR, one of the nation’s leading financial research firms. The study found that over a 20-year period ending Dec. 31, 2014, the average equity-stock-fund investor posted an average annual return of 5.19%, which compares unfavorably to the average annual return for the S&P 500 Index of 9.85%. Going back 30 years, DALBAR paints an even gloomier picture, with the average equity-stock-fund investor earning 3.79% annually versus the S&P 500’s average annual gain of 11.06%. The reason most investors significantly underperform over time is because they constantly follow their emotions, which consistently puts them in the wrong place at the wrong time. Rather than buying low and selling high, they do the opposite.
FINANCIAL
Disclosure: Paragon Wealth Management is a provider of managed portfolios for individuals and institutions. Although the information included in this report has been obtained from sources Paragon believes to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy. All opinions and estimates included in this report constitute the judgment as of the dates indicated and are subject to change without notice. This report is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. Do not rely upon this information to predict future investment performance or market conditions. This information is not a substitute for consultation with a competent financial, legal, or tax advisor and should only be used in conjunction with his/her advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
I N V E S T I N G Evolved
Step three: Reduce investment costs where possible. There is so much “junk” (i.e. prepackaged financial products sold to the retail investor) being sold by banks, brokerages and independent financial planners. They’re pitched at really nice dinner seminars. The excessive internal costs of these products make it difficult for the investor to gain the benefit of their underlying investment. With many of these products, it can take years, if ever, to overcome the internal costs. Step four: Be patient. This is the most important step. Stocks, real estate and direct business investments take time to play out. If you buy a quality stock or a property today for a decent price, odds are that ten years from now it will be worth significantly more than it is today. It will likely be worth much more than if you had invested that same money in a conservative investment. The downside – and the part that trips up most investors – is that the investments that go up the most also typically fluctuate the most. And that instability causes investors to bail out at the worst possible time and lose money. This is why it is recommended that you diversify your portfolio with some conservative, albeit relatively unexciting, investments. Though these concepts are fairly simple, the execution is often difficult. Work with your financial advisor to build an investment portfolio for your specific goals and individual risk comfort level. While this is not necessarily the way to maximize returns, it is the way to maximize your return. If you stay invested for the long term, you can significantly increase your odds of meeting your goals and building wealth.
A dynamic and proactive way to invest.
Where are your retirement decisions taking you? Would you like a second opinion? Call today for a Complimentary No-Cost Portfolio Review.
(801) 375-2500 paragonwealth.com
SIX TIME WINNER BEST OF STATE
Rankings and recognitions by unaffiliated publications should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that Paragon Wealth Management will provide a certain level of results in client accounts nor should they be construed as current or past endorsements of Paragon Wealth Management by clients. Such publications base their selections on information prepared and/or submitted by the recognized entities. Additional details regarding the criteria and process utilized in formulating these rankings are disclosed on www.bestofstate.org. Paragon Wealth Management is a provider of managed portfolios for individuals and institutions. This is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
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What’s So Great About The Great Outdoors? By Mat Duerden, PhD
When it comes to outdoor recreation, Utah is among the top in the nation. You can engage in almost any type of outdoor activity possible, from mountain biking and canyoneering, to bird watching and geo caching. With multiple national forests, monuments, and parks within only a couple of hours drive, we have limited excuses not to get outside throughout the year. The variety of outdoor space and activities means ample recreation opportunities for novices, experts, and everyone in between. Unfortunately, actually taking the time to get outside is often an exception rather than the norm. Research suggests many of us, especially adolescents and children, are spending less time outside than previous generations. The reasons for this decline are multifaceted and include things like the draw of digital media in its many forms, lack of knowledge of where to go and what to do, living over-scheduled lives, fear of strangers, and even the comfort of airconditioning. While it may be easier to plop down on the couch and stream the latest episode of whatever we are currently binge watching than it is to drive to a local canyon for a quick hike, or even spend a couple of minutes walking through a local park, the benefits of spending even a small amount of time outside far outweigh the momentary satisfaction of watching even the funniest YouTube #fail videos. A diverse array of research studies over the last 20 years paint a convincing picture of the benefits gained from getting outside. Spending time outdoors has been linked to a variety of positive outcomes, from improved mental functioning and increased levels of 22 www.utvalleywellness.com
physical activity, to decreased levels of ADHD symptoms and stress among children. (https://www.childrenandnature.org/learn/researchresources/). So even if it’s just a short walk around the block, get outside and enjoy the amazing views we have in Utah Valley, and count it as a victory! Then maybe next time, stay outside a bit longer and visit someplace you have never been, or try a new outdoor activity. Although technology often keeps us inside, it can also be a powerful tool to get us outside. You can find information about any type of outdoor recreation online, including where to go, how to do it, equipment you will need, and even people with whom you can go. Two of my favorite local hikes are Mt. Timpanogos and Buffalo Peak. The trailheads for both hikes are easily accessible and located less than 30 minutes from each other. They both offer amazing beauty and spectacular views that rival any alpine vista. Despite those similarities they could not be more different, with Mt. Timpanogos’ summit requiring a good portion of the day to complete, whereas a round trip hike to the top of Buffalo Peak only takes 30-40 minutes. Our time is a precious commodity. If we’re not careful, we can end up spending it in ways that, like junk food, provide momentary satisfaction but in the long-term leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. Luckily, as Utahans, we have many awesome outdoor activities to engage in and amazing places to visit. Take advantage of these great opportunities that surround us in this beautiful place we call home!
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OUTDOOR LIVING
About the Author Mat Duerden teaches experience design and evaluation at Brigham Young University. Mat is married to Chenae Duerden and they have four children, Jackson, Layla, Cooper, and Adele. As a family they love to get outside into the mountains as much as possible.
Spending time outdoors has been linked to a variety of positive outcomes, from
improved mental functioning and increased levels of physical activity, to decreased levels of ADHD symptoms and stress among children.
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Gardening: A Bit Beyond the Basics By Dianne Farrer, Ph.D. There are more than enough people around the valley willing to offer you advice or classes on gardening. But what if you knew the science behind all the garden advice/classes, so you could figure out the facts from the fiction, and have the best garden on the block? Well, I don’t have enough space here to give you all the scientific information you would need, but let me share some great points that will get you a step ahead of the rest. We are going to go a bit beyond the basics of gardening. Here is the “Thick List” of things to know: 1. HAVE A PLAN. This piece of advice really counts for a vegetable garden, but also works for flower gardens. Draw out where you will put what, and keep that plan so next year you have an idea of what was where. Also, take notes. What grew well, what did not, when you watered, disease and insect pressures, was it too sunny or too shady, how was your harvest, etc. The more time you spend on your notes and in your garden, the better you will become at gardening. You will learn from what you have done, and what you should have done.
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OUTDOOR LIVING
2. REASONABLE GARDEN SIZE. A study showed that the gardening activity that consumed the most time was harvesting. This study showed that a garden size of about 10 x 10 ft was the ideal size for an average family. 3. SOIL ORGANIC MATTER. The key to a good garden is organic matter as a part of the soil. The soils of this particular area are “immature” geologically speaking, and though they do have many nutrients in them, they don’t have much organic matter. A few good ways to add organic matter to your flowerbeds or vegetable garden area are: manures, mulches, or even grass clippings (though your lawn would benefit from those as well). Just make sure the organic matter is worked/tilled into the soil very well and evenly. 4. WATER WHEN NEEDED. Don’t just rely on a timer or predetermined schedule. Water conservation is the latest buzzword, and to be water-wise is king. You will need less water on your garden in the spring and fall because of cooler temperatures, but summer is when we either over or under water our gardens. There are “indicator plants” that can tell you when to water. When they start to look wilted/dry, the other plants in the garden need water as well. Tomato plants are a good indicator plant. Water early in the morning, and use flood irrigation or drip irrigation instead of sprinklers. Plants will spend all of their energy getting dry if you use sprinklers. Once dry, they direct their energy on production (making yummy tomatoes or melons). And now, the “Thin List” of things to know: 1. Don’t plant corn or potatoes in your garden. They are cheaper and easier to pick up at the store than to produce in your garden. 2. Make sure your garden is not in the sun only in the early morning or late afternoon. It’s ideal to get midmorning to mid-afternoon sun; too much shade equals no production. 3. Fertilize in the spring with nitrogen and potassium based fertilizers and forget adding phosphorus to the garden, as there is plenty of native phosphorus in the soil. 4. Have fun, because if it becomes un-fun then you need to find a new hobby.
About the Author Dianne has bachelors’ and master’s degrees from BYU in Horticulture Science and Agronomy (Soil Fertility) and a doctorate degree from NC State in Crop Science and Ecology. She worked in the nursery industry and educational field, but recently left a job working for the NC Department of Agriculture doing on farm consultations for producers of hogs to strawberries, row crops to golf courses. She lives in Cedar Hills with her husband and two daughters trying to find ways to share her passion of plants and soils with others.
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Spirituality and Therapy The Three Domains of Spiritual Health Part Two of a Three-Part Series By Daniel Colver, M.A., LAMFT Whether you consider yourself agnostic, Buddhist, Hindu, Latter-Day Saint, atheist, Evangelical Christian, Catholic, or, as journalist A.J. Jacobs humorously defined himself, “Jewish in the same way the Olive Garden is an Italian restaurant,” this article is for you. In the previous article of this series we (1) recognized the resurgence of spirituality in the realm of psychotherapy and healthcare, (2) identified a pragmatic need for trained psychotherapists in areas of spiritual and religious competencies, and (3) provided basic tips on how to find a licensed clinician to help work through issues of faith in a therapeutic setting. This article will help provide clarity for the term “spiritual health” when setting goals, as well as provide some initial recommendations on how to enhance your spiritual health. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) have recognized the significance spirituality plays in overall health and wellness going as far as to state, “Health ultimately depends on the ability to manage successfully the interaction between the physical, spiritual, biological and economic/social environment.” (Protection and Promotion of Human Health, Chapter 6.3). However, the question remains, how are we to define spiritual health? I personally appreciate Dhar, Chaturvedi, & Nandan’s (2011) definition of spiritual health: Spiritual health is a state of being where an individual is able to deal with day-today life in a manner which leads to the realization of one’s full potential, meaning and purpose of life, and happiness from within… Spiritual health is a state of health reflected through three domainsSelf-Evolution, Self-Actualization and Transcendence.
1. Self-evolution has been defined as a state of Becoming, where About the Author Daniel is a marriage and the individual is analyzing and applying the self in terms of family therapist at Spanish thoughts and actions with respect to the wider perspective and Fork Center for Couples nurturance-art. and Families. Along with 2. Self-actualization has been defined as reaching to a state of completing a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science: being, where the individual is consciously aware and responds to Sociology Emphasis, and a the situation, events, people and environment with engineering Master of Arts in Marriage from within and Deeper Meaning-Purpose of Life. and Family Therapy, Daniel 3. Transcendence has been defined as a state of inner happiness has completed additional coursework toward obtaining and behaving accordingly through universal love-sublimating a second bachelor’s degree in jealousy and considering oneself as a part of the supreme Integrated Studies: Religious (beyond self ). Studies and Peace & Justice (Indian Journal of Community Medicine. 2011 Oct-Dec; Studies. Daniel lives in Utah with his wife, newborn 36(4): 275–282.) daughter, two dogs, and In therapy sessions with clients I am often met with motorcycle. presenting problems of self-doubt, fear of failure, being judged, anticipatory anxiety, low-motivation, internalized shame, exhaustion from emotional pain and a general sense that life has lost its meaningfulness. It is here that I believe psychotherapeutic techniques can enhance the three domains of spiritual health, regardless of the client’s religiosity (or lack thereof ). What is required is a willingness to be authentic, humble, and appropriately vulnerable emotionally. Here are three tips to help you enhance your spiritual health: Tip #1: Remember that the act of spiritual development, or the act of becoming, is just that… a progressive process of self-evolution. Give yourself some slack. Embrace uncertainty and begin the process as a curious child would learn about science, attempting multiple simple experiments. Have fun with it! Tip #2: Emotions are neither good nor bad, they are simply signals to help you make decisions. Sometimes our emotions are unhelpful or misaligned. Don’t make important decisions when overly emotional. I tell my clients to learn how to respond rather than react to these emotions. Someone who is working toward spiritual self-actualization slows life down and makes thoughtful decisions. One of my favorite quotes is from Martin Buber, “Free is the man that wills without caprice.” Tip #3: Transcending yourself does NOT mean that you should be a “doormat” and not engage in self-care practices. It simply means that you have been able to practice techniques to harness the power of your emotional self effectively to the point that instead of always worrying about what others are thinking about you, or if you are “good enough,” you accept where you are on the journey, recognize that you are part of something bigger than yourself, and are capable of viewing others as imperfect people worthy of compassion (just like you). There are times and seasons for personal development. Sometimes we need to therapeutically process through deep seeded psychological stressors or emotional trauma before we can progress spiritually. We just take each day a step at a time. *Please be sure to check in on the final article in this three-part series, where we will address 5 potential benefits of spiritually-integrated therapy.
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Part One of a Two-Part Series By Triston Morgan, PhD, LMFT 28 www.utvalleywellness.com
uvhw | When Julie and Chris (not their real names) entered my office, they were not looking at each other. I could tell they had been in a fight recently, and that it had been a bad one. They told me it started last night when Chris came home late from work and didn’t tell Julie where he had been. When asked about it, Chris became defensive. “Can’t I come home without getting the third degree?! I’ve been working hard all day to support this family!” He told Julie to stop being “such a nag.” Julie shot back a quick remark about his incompetence as a father because he had missed their son’s basketball game, again. Whether it plays out in marital therapy or in many of your homes, this isn’t an uncommon scenario. What I told Julie and Chris surprised them. I told them the fact that they fought wasn’t the problem. The fact that they argued wasn’t what was hurting their marriage. It was how they argued. Learning how to fight fair is crucial to a healthy marriage. However, simply focusing on better communication isn’t the answer. Learning how to communicate better when your heart is vindictive is like sharpening the knife so it cuts deeper. Learning how to use “I” statements often fails as well. Couples come into my office trying to use “I” statements to effectively communicate their feelings using the format, “I feel (insert emotion),” but instead, they say something like, “I feel...that YOU are a jerk!” Ineffective to say the least, right? “I” statements are not something I teach in therapy. World renowned marital researcher Dr. John Gotten has been conducting successful marital research for decades. He claims he can predict divorce in a couple with 91% accuracy by observing them for five minutes. Here are the signs he looks for (which are found in his book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work). See if you recognize any of these symptoms: 1. Harsh Start-up. This is where a conversation or argument starts with a bang. It can be accusatory, mean-spirited, dismissive, or attacking. It doesn’t give your partner much room to respond in a healthy manner because it puts them on edge immediately. 2. The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse: 1. Criticism – Cutting remarks that go beyond mere complaints. Criticism adds an element of negativity toward your partner. Julie might criticize Chris when she says, “You are always missing our kids’ events. Why can’t you ever make it home on time?” 2. Contempt – A step up from criticism, contempt attacks the very being of your spouse and questions their goodness as a
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person. Julie might step up her criticism by saying to Chris, “You are just so selfish and only care about yourself! It must be nice to live in a world where you are the only one that matters!” 3. Defensiveness – Defending yourself or your position so that you look or feel right. Chris could respond defensively to Julie, “You don’t know About the Author Dr. Triston Morgan, PhD, what I do all day. Somebody has to work LMFT, is a director and coso that you can have everything you want. owner of Center for Couples It’s not easy, you know!” and Families, a counseling 4. Stonewalling – An emotional center in Utah Valley. He is licensed as a marriage or physical cutoff from your spouse. It and family therapist and is comes in the form of checking out of originally from Oregon. He conversations, seeming to not care about and his wife, Cristina, love to travel and see the world. what is being talked about, or simply ignoring your spouse during these heated moments. Chris could stonewall Julie by saying, “Yeah, I guess I missed his game,” and then go watch TV without saying anything else. 3. Flooding. Feeling emotionally or physically overwhelmed to the point of wanting or needing to check out from your spouse. 4. Body Language. The body speaks. Dr. Gottman found that when a person’s body is distressed, as often occurs in an argument, (increased heart rate, blood pressure goes up, shoulders or neck start to get tense, etc.) it does not matter how many communication skills you know. The physical effect of the emotional stress causes a person to lose their clear thinking, become unable to communicate, and feel flustered and overwhelmed. 5. Failed Repair Attempts. These are failed attempts to repair damage that has been done in the relationship. After an argument, Julie might approach Chris and say, “Sorry for getting so upset. I know you work hard for our family.” Chris brushes it off and continues to watch TV thus creating a failed repair attempt. 6. Bad Memories. Negativity permeates memories and past experiences. Previously cherished memories full of hope and thoughts of the future become tainted by negativity and despair. Chris used to remember their wedding with fondness, but now remembers the stress and pressure Julie put on him to get everything just right. If some of these sound familiar, remember that there is still hope. Even good marriages have some of these issues, and recognizing what is going wrong is the first step in solving the problem. For in-depth ideas on solutions to these behaviors, I recommend Dr. Gottman’s book. I will also outline his research findings on how to combat these problems and have a healthy marriage in Part Two of this series, found in the next issue of Utah Valley Health & Wellness.
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5 Sneaky Effects of Pornography By Erin Rackham, MS, LAMFT Though there is still some debate among researchers about the effects of pornography use on individuals, research has consistently shown that regularly viewing pornography can have negative effects on relationships?particularly if one’s partner disapproves of said pornography use. Sometimes, negative effects sneak up on a user and shape the way he or she views the world, without them even realizing it. Many of the following experiences hold true for both men and women who regularly view pornography, but for simplicity, we will focus mainly on the effects on men: 1. Physical sexual dysfunction. Since pornography is most frequently a solo sexual experience, when it comes time to engage in relational sexual experiences many men struggle to perform optimally due to the desensitization pornography has caused. There are many reports of pornographyinduced sexual dysfunction which often leads to emotional problems and tension in relationships. 2. Women may be portrayed as objects. Since the majority of pornography portrays men as dominant or sexually coercive and shows that women enjoy this dynamic, pornography users tend to believe that this is realistically what they can expect sex to be like with their partner. Unfortunately, this sends the message to women that they should act like objects who aren’t supposed to feel pain, whose desires don’t matter, and who should have strong positive emotional responses whenever a man wants them to – regardless of how they really feel. 3. Lowered satisfaction with sex. Much like the progression of a substance abuse addiction, after time, the brain of a frequent pornography user adjusts to the extreme dopamine release (dopamine is a natural chemical that signals to our brain that something is pleasurable or enjoyable) that comes from watching porn. This means that the user begins needing stronger and more exciting stimulation to feel the same amount of pleasure they used to. Of course, when their real partner doesn’t want to engage in these intense sexual behaviors, the pornography user is left disappointed and unsatisfied with sexual encounters. 4. Poor emotional regulation skills. Pornography is not usually about the sex. It’s often a coping strategy used when things are tough. So chances are, if someone 30 www.utvalleywellness.com
is struggling with a pornography addiction, they’re using it as an escape from something. Typically, they’re running away from some overwhelming negative feeling, such as stress, anxiety, or insecurity. For example, if a man feels insecure about himself and worries about rejection, he can escape that feeling (temporarily) by fantasizing about women who will never reject him. Unfortunately, each time he gives in to this behavior, he reinforces his process of running away from the real problem instead of solving it, making himself increasingly dependent on pornography as a way to deal with difficult feelings. 5. Decreased overall life satisfaction. Because a heavy pornography user’s brain gets flooded with dopamine on a regular basis, even non-sexual things that were once enjoyable become dull. When life is no longer exciting or fun, the pornography user experiences constant disappointment with the world around him. This disappointment often leads to a feeling of numbness, where the pornography user has turned off his emotions altogether in an attempt to escape the pain he feels at the overall loss of pleasure. If you feel that you or your partner may need help with a pornography addiction, reach out today to a therapist in your community! And stay tuned for our next two articles in this series – “How to Heal in the Face of a Pornography Addiction” and “What to Do When My Partner is Addicted to Porn.”
About the Author Erin Rackham is a marriage and family therapist associate at the Provo Center for Couples and Families. She believes in the healing power of love and connection in safe and secure relationships—whether these relationships are with parents, spouses, others, or even one’s own self.
JOIN THE UVHW TEAM! Utah Valley Health & Wellness magazine is the premier resource for health and wellness information in the Utah Valley, focusing on Fitness, Nutrition, Health, Family Wellness, Outdoor Living, Financial Wellness and Culture. Through partnerships with local professionals, we provide resources to help people to live happier and healthier lives. We seek a variety of professionals to join our team. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please call or email us today!
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Barbara Barrington Jones Learning to Dance in the Rain
Ballet isn’t just about dancing, it’s about learning discipline, gaining confidence in yourself and understanding your self-worth. - Barbara Barrington Jones
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By Tori Crane and Natalia Cucuk Barbara Barrington Jones is a woman known for her beauty, grace, and refinement. She has dedicated her life to helping others realize their full potential and become their best selves. Through her private, non-profit foundation, she runs several annual programs. Her “Be The Best You” teen girl’s camp is to help 12-18 year old girls gain greater self-esteem, and focus on serving others. “A New You” is a 3-day retreat for Women; a haven for rest and spiritual reconnection and an opportunity to rejuvenate both internally and externally. Barbara’s “International Institute of Professional Protocol” is taught at Brigham Young University Hawaii, and Utah Valley University where students are taught the professional protocol that is imperative for success in today’s workplace. All of these programs are designed to help people of all ages realize and fulfill their destiny. Barbara’s desire to help girls and women, in particular, stems from living through 12 years of an abusive marriage, which ended in the suicide death of her husband. Growing up a ballerina, she never imagined her life turning out the way it did. Studying classical ballet and dancing professional in Texas, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and even Toronto; Barbara was living her childhood dreams when it seemed that everything came crashing down. Being left with two young children, Barbara’s focus changed. She was able to become an artistic director of the University of Texas Ballet, and was able to teach in numerous ballet schools. Not only was she still involved with ballet, she was a highfashion model, fashion designer, actor, and owned and administrated two Barbizon Schools of Fashion Merchandising. Her greatest journey however, was meeting Hal Jones, who later became her second husband and love of her life. When Hal passed away, Barbara was able to continue their legacy and non-profit foundation – which continues to touch the lives of others each day. Barbara has also written 5 books, spoken to audiences in 15 countries and 30 states. She has assisted in the building of two schools in Africa and helped support orphanages in China and Cambodia. She is now working on a new project called “Woman to Woman” – raising money to build a Mother Child Health care unit in Basra, Iraq; a place where women will be able to receive proper prenatal and post-natal care, and have a safe and clean place to deliver their babies. Barbara’s heart encircles the world, and she is making a difference everywhere she goes. Although her career as a professional classical ballerina lasted 25 years, Barbara continues to experience the art of ballet every chance she gets. Moving to Utah from California gave her the opportunity to become involved with Ballet West – a relationship which brought about the Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation Ballet West Academy at Thanksgiving Point in August 2014; giving children in Utah county the opportunity to receive world-class training close to home. “I am so grateful that I am able to be a part of Ballet West,” Jones said. “Ballet isn’t just about dancing, it’s about learning discipline, gaining confidence in yourself and understanding your self-worth.” Barbara was able to overcome her experiences of abuse and the death of her husband with these skills she learned as a ballerina, and has now had the opportunity to pass her knowledge on to thousands. She teaches skills such as confidence, kindness, poise and elegance to the dancers at the Ballet West Academy, in hopes that they will learn to not only have the elegance of a dancer while they perform, but throughout life. Not a day goes by that Barbara does not remember her life as a ballerina, but she was able to continue living her dream performing as the Queen in Ballet West’s “Sleeping Beauty,” and Queen Mother in “Swan Lake,” and is forever grateful for the experiences and lessons she is able to share with others; in hopes of helping them have better lives. She truly is an example to all of overcoming trials, and living life to its fullest.
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CALENDAR OF March March 1 – April 9, 7:30 PM with matinee Saturday’s at 3:00 PM Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Center Theater Orem, 225 West 400 North Orem, UT 84057 Biblical tale comes joyfully alive in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical patchwork that’s as dazzling and vibrant as Joesph’s famous coat. A story of family, betrayal, honor, and the true power of forgiveness, “Joseph” is a Utah Family favorite that’s guaranteed to delight a whole new generation. $17-21 March 1 – 19, 7:30 PM The Andrews Brothers The Covey Center for the Arts 425 West Center Street, Provo, UT 84601 A Rollicking Musical Salute to the Swinging ’40s that celebrates the heroes of WWII. Created by Roger Bean. The Andrews Brothers is filled with over 25 songs made famous by the Andrews Sisters, including the showstoppers “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Slow Boat to China,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” and “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive.” $12-14 March 9, 3:00-6:00 PM Utah Valley Job Fair West Center Street, Provo, UT 84601 Utah Valley Job Fair will be host to more than 100 Utah employers offering a wide range of opportunities including positions with higher salaries and benefits. Come snag the chance to elevate your living! March 11, 6:00 PM Sundance Mountain Resort 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, UT 84604 The Sundance Race Series is open to everyone from all ability levels. Come test out the course and enjoy the thrill of competing on the mountain! All ages and ability levels are invited to participate in the Ski Race Series. Our goal is to create a fun, inviting event where family and friends can enjoy the night. $25. March 12, Race Begins at 9:00 AM, Pre-race Packet Pick-up at 7:15 AM March 12, 9:00 AM Hope Floats Think Pink 5K Wines Park, 100 E. 500 N, Lehi, UT, 84043 Come enjoy our annual “Think Pink” benefit walk/ run. All proceeds go directly to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. All participants will receive a raffle ticket and finishers medal. Strollers, Ipods & wheelchairs welcome. http://lehi-ut.gov/legacy-center. $25 March 12, 7:30 AM 2016 Rex Lee Run for the Cure BYU Outdoor Track, Track & Field Complex (just south of the stadium), Provo, UT 84604 In honor of former BYU President and cancer fighter Rex Lee, the Rex Lee Run for the Cure is a community 5K/10K to raise money for cancer research on BYU campus at the Simmons Center for Cancer Research. Join us for the 21st Annual Rex Lee Run and support cancer research! $25 for 5K online registration, $30 for 10K online registration March 18 – March 20, 10 AM-7 PM The Annual Spring Parade of Gems Spanish Fork Fairgrounds, 475 South Main St., Spanish Fork, UT 84660 The Timpanogos Gem & Mineral Society will be hosting this year’s annual rock show. Come see what can be made with rocks and gems. The show includes displays, jewelry, door prizes, a rock sale, and demonstrations as well as Mr. Bones, the life-size walking T-Rex skeleton (Friday and Saturday only). FREE
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E VENTS
March 19, 7:30 AM Thunder Run 5K Neptune Park Packet Pickup will be held on March 18th from 4:006:00pm at the Westlake High School Band Room. Same day registration and check in begins at 7:00am Saturday March 19th at Neptune Park. Awards for top 3 female and top 3 male runners, as well as prize drawings for all runners, will begin at 8:30 am on the main stage. Register at www.thunderband.com. $20
April 6 – April 7, 7:30 PM Lovers Losers and Libertines Sorensen Center Ragan Theater 800 West University Parkway, Orem, UT 84058 You will delight in our stage chock full of lovers, losers and libertines as they perform scenes from some of opera, operetta, and musical theater’s most popular and beloved works. Come and share the lovely bits and the lively bits, and you’ll see why we love opera. $10 General, $5 Students & Faculty
March 19, 7:00 PM Provo City Center Temple Cultural Celebration Marriott Center BYU Campus, Provo, UT 84602 On Saturday, March 19, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., a youth cultural celebration entitled “To Give Unto Them Beauty for Ashes” will be held at the Marriott Center on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo. Music and dancing by more than 5,400 youth performers will be featured along with narration and remarks by Church leaders. FREE
April 16, 8:30 AM 5th Annual Pay It Forward 5k/1 mile Challenge 300 S Main Street, Payson, UT, 84651 The Pay It Forward 5k/1 mile Challenge is a community event hosted by the Payson City Employee Wellness Committee. It is our way to Pay It Forward to the community. The event is open to EVERYONE ... all ages and abilities. You do not have to live in Payson to participate. www.facebook.com/ PayItForward5k1. $1
March 25 - March 26, 5:00 PM Full Moon Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe Sundance Mountain Resort 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, UT 84604 Cross-country ski or snowshoe by the light of the full moon. Plan a fun and unique date night or bring the whole family up to explore our amazing wooded trails at night. This is an unguided experience so you are free to roam the trails at your leisure. It is recommended to bring a headlamp. Head lamps available to rent. $15 Includes equipment rental and use of the trails March 26 – March 27, Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5PM, Sunday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Holi Festival of Colors Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple 311 West 8500 South, Spanish Fork, UT 84660 This year expect 50,000 happy, loving people, mantra music, interactive dance, cuisine, crafts, colors, free hugs and more. Use the CODE HOLISF108 for 10% early bird discounts on admissions, colors, meals, t-shirts- buffs, bandanas, sunglasses. www. festivalofcolors.com. $5, kids12 and under are free March 26, 8:00 AM Ice Breaker Triathlon & 5K 2015 454 N Center Street, American Fork, UT 84003 The Icebreaker Triathlon & 5K is the official beginning of the TRI season in Utah! The race starts with a 300 meter pool swim followed by a 12 mile bike through beautiful American Fork, and finishes with a 5K run. Also included is a kid’s race; 100 meter pool swim, 5k bike and 1 mile run to immediately follow the main event. Breaker is USAT sanctioned event http://www. racetri.com/ice-breaker/Ice. $55
April April 2, 8:00 PM ImprovBroadway The Provo Covey Center 425 West Center Street, Provo, UT 84601 ImprovBroadway is the fusion of three amazing art forms: improvisation, comedy, and musical theater. With suggestions from the audience, the cast of will craft a hilarious and family-friendly show. $8 Presale, $10 at-the-door
April 14, 7:00 PM Open Mic Poetry Reading 450 West Center St., Provo, UT 84601 Join the Rock Canyon Poets for an evening of poetry. Not just any poetry?we want poetry that aches to be published, poetry that pushes the boundaries of the page, poetry that doesn’t need a performance, poetry that simply needs to be read. Bring your words or just come and listen. FREE April 15 – May 7, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM Thanksgiving Point’s Annual Tulip Festival Thanksgiving Point Gardens 3900 N. Garden Way, Lehi, UT 84043 Welcome spring this April and enjoy all the colors of the rainbow spread throughout nearly 100 different varieties of tulips during the annual Thanksgiving Point Tulip Festival. $15 Adult, $12 Child April 19, 10:00 AM Love is, Paint Run 1275 W 1600 N, Orem, UT, Utah County This charity 5K paint run, is a SUPER fun way to donate and spend time together with friends and family! www.loveischarity.com/#!events/c1. $26 April 23, 7:00 AM West Mountain Marathon & Half 800 South Main Street, Genola, UT, 84404 26.2 mile loop around West Mountain in southern Utah County. Rolling hills and lush green orchard line the course. www.westmountainmarathon.com. $65 April 23, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Motorcycle Swap Meet Legends Vintage Motorcycles 1715 W. 500 S., Springville, UT 84663 Gather up all your used motorcycle parts and bring them down to Legends Parking lot and let’s get our SWAP MEET ON!! Have other things besides motorcycle parts you want to sell? Bring them down!! It’s SWAP MEET LOUIE TIME!! Contact Jen for more Info! 801-919-4404. FREE
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