July / August 2020 InFluential Magazine

T HE A RT O F LI V IN G W ELL WWW.INFLUENTIAL-MAGAZINE.COM JULY / AUGUST 2020

EXCLUSIVE

COLIN COWIE

ALWAYS FINDS LIGHT IN THE DARK!

MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS HOW TO NAVIGATE A CRISIS AND COME OUT STRONGER

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO MORE FAMILY MEALS Market Your Business for Long-Term Success PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COLIN COWIE LIFESTYLE.

CONTENTS

IN FLUENCE BUSINESS

30 | Market Your Business for Long-Term Success FASHION & STYLE

32 | Summer is Here and the Time is Right!

40 | Wearing a Hat is All That!

Featuring Tenth Street Hats FOOD & BEVERAGE

[ ] FASHION EDITORIAL

52 | DISCOVER IMPERIO, LEANDRO CANO’S LATEST FW20 COLLECTION

64 | A Simply Sensational Summer Meal

68 | Make a Commitment to More Family Meals 72 | Breaking Bread

Comfort Food Consumption is on the Rise 76 | Support Your Immune System with Grapes 80 | Demystifying the Martini: 4 Steps for Perfecting the Classic Cocktail HEALTH & WELLNESS

88 | 5 Tips to Build Resilience in

School-Aged Children

92 | Full Body Detox: 5 Ways to Rejuvenate

Your Body During the Lockdown 96 | What to Expect When Your Dentist’s Office Reopens 98 | Four Things to Consider When Rescheduling Elective Surgery 100 | Easy 5: Five Tips for Anybody Looking to Stay Fit While Quarantined

FEATURE 10 | MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS HOW TO NAVIGATE A CRISIS AND COME OUT STRONGER 46 | SMART SUMMER SKIN CARE GET BACK TO BASICS WITH WARM WEATHER SKIN CARE TIPS 84 | THE ROAD TO RECOVERY: THE IMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19 TO HOSPITALS AND PATIENT SAFETY 132 | AT-HOME LEARNING THROUGHOUT SUMMER TIPS FOR KEEPING STUDENTS SHARP OVER THE LONG-HAUL

LIFESTYLE

116 | From Victory Gardens to Garage Greatness:

5 Big Jobs to Tackle for Summer 118 | Find Inspiration in Award-Winning Home Design 122 | 7 Tips to Save Money and Have Fun Shopping Online TECHNOLOGY

126 | How to Stop Wasting Perfectly

Good Water Down the Drain

128 | Listen to Your Favorite Music in Style

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 16 | COLIN COWIE ALWAYS FINDS LIGHT IN THE DARK! 104 | GIGI DIA GETS CANDID ABOUT ACTING, EDUCATION, AND WHAT’S IMPORTANT!

EDITORIAL CREDITS

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For Letters to the Editor please email editor@influential-magazine.com.

CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR / CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER William Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Round Rock, Texas EDITORIAL TEAM Beauty Editor Kelli Ponce Fashion & Style and Technology Editor William Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Health & Wellness Editor Ingrid Garner

WRITING TEAM Contributing Writer Shaun DMello Richard A D Jones Dr. Diva Nagula Guest Contributing Writer William Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree ART & PRODUCTION Creative Services What Taller Gráfico Argenis Gudino Jose Luis Venegas Quintero Contributing Photographers Carlos Asse Esther Carrascal Colin Cowie Lifestyle Crosby By Mollie Burch Naturalizer Leandro Cano Paww SilkSound Wireless Headphones F. Scott Schafer Tenth Street Hats LETTERS TO THE EDITOR shall be signed with a full name; please include a daytime phone number, full mailing address, or e-mail address.

Letters shall be no longer than 300 words.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions.

Letters may not be edited, added to, or changed by the sender once we receive them.

For Advertising inquiries please email ads@influential-magazine.com.

For Beauty inquiries please email our Beauty Editor, Kelli Ponce Kelli@influential-magazine.com.

CELEBRATED EVENT DESIGNER AND PRODUCER COLIN COWIE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COLIN COWIE LIFESTYLE

For Fashion & Style and Technology inquiries please email our Fashion & Style Editor, William Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree at William@influenital-magazine.com.

For Health & Wellness inquiries please email our Health & Wellness Editor, Ingrid Garner Ingrid@influential-magazine.com.

For Public Relations inquiries please email pr@influential-magazine.com.

For general information inquiries please email info@influential-magazine.com.

Our mailing address InFluential Magazine, P.O. Box 1811, Round Rock, Texas 78680.

Members of W. Jackson & Associates are BMI affiliates American Graphic Design Award Winning Magazine

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Founder & Chief Business Officer.

All the rights of the artwork and photography belong to the Founder & Chief Business Officer.

InFluential Magazine is Round Rock, Texas owned and operated.

Recipient of the Lux Life 2018 Entertainment Awards for Best Lifestyle Magazine 2018 – Texas Recipient of the American Graphic Design Award Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Capital of Texas Awards Univision Communication Media Award Finalist

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A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER

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GREETINGS INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE FAMILY, We’re continuing our journey through extremely difficult times.

There’s no way anyone could’ve predicted with accuracy we’d ever experience a world-wide pandemic playing out during our lifetime. Our compassionate and empathetic hearts continue to go out to those whose families have been impacted.

I do my best to remain positive, though increasingly challenging, as the situation has resulted in months of uncertainty. Like many, our team has experienced several challenges, and has had to learn and incorporate new ways to conduct our regular business. We remain committed to doing whatever we must to continue to serve as a beacon of hope for our community, and we’re thrilled to be moving our operation toward a better tomorrow despite the circumstances surrounding COVID-19.

Over the past few weeks, there has been concentrated focus on improving racial equality. Racial equality occurs when individuals and institutions give equal opportunities to people of all races. In other words, regardless of physical traits such as skin color, everyone is treated equality particularly from legal, moral, and other societal perspectives; quite simply “we love our neighbors as ourselves”.

We’re profoundly moved by so many stories we get to hear of selfless service in our communities, and it’s so comforting to see challenging times bring out the best in many.

The InFluential Magazine family is a small business, and we consider our staff family. We want to thank our advertisers and partners for making this edition possible, and for helping to keep us afloat. Again, we’re touched by so many who are moved to expand beyond themselves and think about others in an effort to embrace, understand, and accept differences as the spice that makes life so much more colorful, interesting, happy, and fulfilling.

We’ve been missing you at all the meaningful community and philanthropic events, and we look forward to gathering again soon. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your precious lives. From our Family to yours, we wish you good health and prosperity!

With Our Fondest Regards,

William Jackson, ABA, B.Acy., MBA, GQ Insider, 2018 Folio: 100 Honoree Founder, Chief Business Officer, and Publisher of InFluential Magazine, Spanish InFluential, and Teen InFluential

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FEATURE

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MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS

and

HOW TO NAVIGATE A CRISIS

COME OUT STRONGER WHEN LIFE, OR THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE, PUSH YOUR LIMITS, THE EMOTIONAL LOAD MAY FEEL INSURMOUNTABLE. MAKING SENSE OF THE CHAOS IN YOUR LIFE CAN ALLOW YOU TO REDISCOVER PEACE AND JOY, BUT CIRCUMSTANCES LIKE A WORLD CRISIS CAN COMPLICATE THE PROCESS OF EMOTIONAL HEALING.

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“ A

FEATURE

lmost nobody is trained on what to do with their emotions in times of crisis and stress, and most of us are never taught how to manage our emotions in normal times,” said Eric Paskel, who holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and is a licensed marriage, family and child therapist. “If you’ve ever admired someone who was cool under pressure then you know it’s possible to emotionally survive, and even thrive, in a crisis.”

Paskel, an author and motivational speaker, has spent 34 years exploring how human beings can rise above their dysfunctional tendencies and control their emotions. He has developed a series of resources to help individuals prevent their emotions from owning them in a crisis, allow people to do more observing and less reacting and take decisive actions to help themselves and their loved ones.

Learn how to take charge of your emotional health with these practical and effective tips, adapted from Paskel’s Emotional Survival Kit, a free online video course on personal crisis management.

Be Open to Learning During a crisis is when personal growth is most possible. During adversity and crisis, there are always lessons to be learned and shared. Sometimes growth comes as the result of overcoming the pain of a crisis, but there are other sources of growth. To accelerate your growth, begin by recognizing you need help then be willing to accept that help. It may come in the form of advice from a professional or it may be simply listening to the perspective of others with similar experiences.

Look for Opportunity A simple change in perspective like a crisis or a forced change, such as having to work from home, is both a challenge and an opportunity, although the challenges and benefits will likely be different for each individual person. Some people will benefit from the isolation, which they’ll see as solitude. Some will be challenged by a noisy home while others will be thrilled to have

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the company of family or roommates all day. The key is to find a way to turn those challenges into gold.

Begin by identifying your challenges. Then find the silver lining. What are the benefits that come with these challenges? It may be that your rigorous travel schedule allows more time at home or that you’ve been able to tackle a long-standing list of lowerpriority tasks. Then choose to focus on the positive and find ways to adapt to the challenges. Use your former commute time to practice yoga or exercise. Buy noisecancelling headphones to reduce distractions. Find different strategies that work for you.

Embrace Self-Sufficiency Being self-sufficient is critical to your personal and emotional freedom and a crisis can serve as an opportunity

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Confetti flying and champagne bottles popping isn’t what defines joy; joy comes out of positivity.

Celebration comes out of acknowledgements and affirmations, and out of your sense of freedom and purpose. Finding joy is not just for joyous moments.

Embracing joy and celebrating in challenging times can help reframe your mentality about what challenges really are and help provide longer-lasting positive effects on your body and mind.

Know You’re Not Alone You may think you’re alone, especially during hard times, but when you understand it’s a matter of creating relationships and making connections, you’ll never feel truly lonely again. Whatever it is, the difficulty you’re going through isn’t unique to just you.

Once you understand that other people have been through your problem, you will be able to understand that you have a large pool of connections and help.

to become more self-sufficient. Being self-sufficient means you’re able to manage yourself and have sovereignty over your body and mind. It means your thoughts and emotions do not control you; you control them. Consider the example of an ending relationship. If you’re codependent, the end of that relationship is more likely to devastate and destroy you. If you’re self-sufficient, as painful as the end of a relationship or a life situation may be, you can let it go and move on to the next chapter in your life.

Just connecting with other people who’ve had the same experiences can give you an emotional tailwind to push you forward. Recognize that feeling alone is a warning sign that you need to reach out to loved ones.

Daily maintenance, contact, connection and working on relationships can help keep you from feeling disconnected from the world around you. Learn how to manage your way through troubling times and become part of the solution at ericpaskel.com. (Family Features) l

Find Joy You can always find joy, even in the midst of change, confusion, chaos, or crisis. Celebration comes from the way one chooses to see, perceive and be in the world.

However, you may have trepidation about celebrating and having joy when others are focusing on negativity or you see suffering in the world around you.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

COLIN

COWIE

ALWAYS FINDS LIGHT IN THE DARK!

W

ith clients like Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Ryan Seacrest, heads of state, and foreign dignitaries, the Zambia born and South Africa raised Colin Cowie provides luxury experiences for the most celebrated people. He has designed and produced every conceivable type of celebration — from cocktail receptions to product launches to royal weddings. Spanning the globe multiple times, Cowie has traveled over 15 million miles in search of the finest and most authentic experiences for his clients and has become an expert in guest experience along the way.

In May of this year, Cowie launched a groundbreaking guest experience brand – Thrive Hospitality – as an extension of Colin Cowie Lifestyle.

With his extensive chronicle delivering unforgettable guest experiences for clients, Cowie has become known as the Master of Hospitality. While the event industry has slowed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cowie has redirected some of his efforts for the benefit of all businesses emerging from COVID-19 and those looking to reimagine their own guest experience.

kWRITTEN AND CONDUCTED BY WILLIAM JACKSON, ABA, B.ACY., MBA, 2018 FOLIO: 100 HONOREE, FOUNDER, CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER, AND PUBLISHER OF INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE, SPANISH INFLUENTIAL, AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COLIN COWIE LIFESTYLE.

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FOR MORE THAN THREE DECADES, CELEBRATED EVENT DESIGNER AND PRODUCER COLIN COWIE HAS CREATED SOME OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT PARTIES AND EVENTS AROUND THE WORLD. JULY / AUGUST 2020

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Through Thrive Hospitality, Cowie has glamorized the tedious protocols and uneventful norms of today’s world by helping brands raise their standards and elevate their guest experience. Hospitality businesses finally can treat their guests to a Colin Cowie Experience.

We had the honor to sit down with Colin as we prepared our July / August edition, and he shared with us those fascinating details which answer, “Who is Colin Cowie?” We were thrilled to learn about Thrive Hospitality and how it would benefit businesses emerging from COVID-19. We’re thrilled to bring our riveting conversation to you.

William Jackson: Who is Colin Cowie?

Colin Cowie: Colin Cowie is a fiercely passionate experiential designer with a very curious mind that has taken him 15.5M miles around the world in search of the most unique and authentic experiences.

William: What traditions were important to your family? Family meals? Recreating together?

Colin: Family meals together were a must. It was unthinkable not to dine together as a family. This instilled important values in me and I realized the importance of sitting together as a family and sharing what happened in our day. This led me to believe some of our most memorable times are those spent together around the dining table with family and friends.

William: We’ve learned you served in the military and were highly effective. Tell us about your experiences.

Colin: I was drafted into the armored car division. Go figure! I was either a gunner, a driver, or a mechanic - clearly three things not meant or designed for me.

I faked a major seizure and got to work in medics where I thrived and enjoyed what I learned during my military training.

William: During what ages were you contributing to the military?

Colin: I was 17 years old when I was drafted and was in an active war at the age of 19.

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William: Are there particular skills gained which you apply currently in various aspects of your personal and professional lives?

Colin: Many. I discovered I was good at cutting hair. I must have cut 500 heads over two years. As the senior medic during our active duty, I assisted in many procedures including the delivery of many local babies (I have not done that since!). I certainly learned how to defend myself and developed a strong set of survival skills.

William: Upon leaving the military, where did your life’s course take you?

Colin: Having grown up in South Africa during the height of apartheid, we were pretty much cut off from the rest of the world because of the sanctions against the country. Thirsty for style and exposure, I traveled quite extensively in Europe.

William: What impact, if any, did these experiences have?

Colin: I was like a sponge and could not get enough.

I went from museum to museum, from fashion stores to restaurants, and saturated myself in this newly discovered culture with a big dose of European style.

William: Tell us about events surrounding your transition to the United States.

Colin: I returned to South Africa and realized there was no future for me in the country under apartheid. I didn’t want to invest my hardest working years in a country whose government I had no faith in. I set my sights on California - same language, weather, and lifestyle. I arrived in September 1985 and it was a defining moment in my life.

William: What were your emotions upon disembarking from the airplane?

Colin: After realizing the endless possibilities of working in Los Angeles / Hollywood, I felt like an artist from South Africa who had been working in black and white then discovered a world of technicolor and opportunity.

William: As it was probably important to become settled and immersed into your new life as quickly as possible, what were your immediate steps?

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Colin: I needed to make cash, so I worked for a catering company for two months. While I was there, I saw exactly what they did, who they hired, and how they operated. A month later I was in business catering small chic dinners.

William: At this point early in your burgeoning career, what would you say was the most noteworthy experience?

Colin: While I was in the catering business, I was also teaching cooking classes. One of my students was the wife of the president of Playboy. She asked me to consult on the menu for Hugh Hefner’s wedding in 1989. I took a meeting with Hugh Hefner and his team and walked out as the designer / producer of the entire wedding.

William: What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

Colin: I was so excited! I drove my car to the pay phone on the corner of Sunset Blvd and Benedict Canyon to call my family [collect] and tell them I was about to ‘make it’ in Los Angeles. That wedding got me labeled as ‘Mr. Wedding’, and my career took off.

William: How important to you is it to appeal to the senses?

Colin: Very important. If you really want to connect with something or someone, it or they, need to move you.

Surrounding a good decision with an emotional bond makes any experience far more memorable and impactful.

I’m first and foremost a storyteller and I use the senses to tell my story. That said, I always start with the source DNA as this keeps the vision on track and allows the senses to support one idea. I use this approach throughout the day, morning, noon, and night to enhance and seduce the senses. We consider all aspects that influence a ‘feeling’, adjusting to accommodate seasonal changes. Each time, we find new opportunities to play to the senses to tell our story.

William: Colin, take us through the design process you engage with your clients.

Colin: I’ve been told I’m an exceptionally good listener which allows me to absorb as much as I can from

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my surroundings. I then create a vision anchored by the brand DNA. This guides me through the process of using the senses to tell the unique story. I’m continually looking for opportunities to make things more appealing - better, smarter, chicer, and sexier. From arrival to departure, I assess what we can do to engage people in a meaningful way and evoke an emotional connection with the guests. I find this to be incredibly important in today’s world as it buys brand loyalty and that is what you want most out of every transaction.

I’ve come to learn the emotionally connected consumer is more attentive, spends more freely, and spreads the word about their experience with our brand.

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William: Customarily, how engaged are your clients?

Does your team consider clients as event co-producers?

Colin: Every case is different. In most instances, a client has a good idea of what they want, but I work very closely with them to manage the aspects that will get them where they want to be. We see what others don’t and that always captures their attention. It’s our responsibility to work with their assets and people to develop standards and protocols to bring their story alive. Layer on top of that a culture that supports proactive service delivery and 35 years of lifestyle experience across all continents, and we end up with a very compelling story.

William: Tell us about, with as much details as you can share, your most memorable event you’ve produced.

Colin: It would have to be my recent wedding in South Africa on February 2, 2020. We took 176 guests to South Africa for a 10-day wedding. We took all our guests on safari which culminated in a party titled Glamoflage.

Guests were encouraged to come dressed as their favorite animal. We then flew all our guests to Cape Town and hosted a “Welcome to Cape Town” cocktail party and a Mykonos-styled beach party at the Grande.

We transported all our guests to the Stellenbosch winelands where we hosted an intimate rehearsal dinner. That Saturday we had an epic wedding that started at 6:00 PM and continued to 6.00 AM! We had a 22-piece orchestra for the ceremony and exchanged gold bracelets custom made by Jacob & Co. We also had a Dom Perignon Rose’ cocktail reception and a dinner banquet that featured Marcella Roggeri, the #1 concert pianist in Europe, along with a performance by the Four Tenors. We then moved to a nightclub and danced ‘til breakfast at sunrise! We’re still on cloud 9!

William: During the past decade, there have been numerous events, which have adversely impacted the financial strength of the United States economy. In response, many companies were forced to adjust their business and financial models. How were your businesses impacted, and wisely, what adjustments did you make?

Colin: Add to that the COVID-19 and 80 plus days of quarantine. Like every other product and service, business came to a grinding halt. Almost every event we’ve booked has been postponed to 2021. I pivoted the efforts of my team and we recently launched Thrive Hospitality, a consulting hospitality company. We’ve been working in hospitality for the past ten years as the creative director for NetJets and the award-winning Mira Hotel in Hong Kong, among many others. We’re the brand storyteller. We glamorize COVID-19 protocols, create banqueting programs, and work with the design and development teams to ensure the most flexible and functional spaces. We also create programming using our Hospitainment concept where we bridge hospitality and JULY / AUGUST 2020

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entertaining with what you smell, hear, touch, taste, and see to create memorable moments that seduce the guests. All this is designed to deliver a better guest experience that translates into increased performance metrics across multiple revenue sources.

William: Has ‘luxury’ become a bad word?

Colin: The word ‘luxury’ has changed and morphed over the years. Each time there’s a correction in the markets, ‘luxury’ gets a bad rap. I used to think ‘luxury’ came in a small orange box with a brown saddle stitched ribbon.

It was exclusive in a sense and synonymous with being special. While these luxury goods are still special, it’s now ubiquitous and you can buy Hermes at train stations and airports around the world and of course online.

I now believe luxury is not a product but rather a feeling. It’s when all the senses are in harmony with one another and you need for nothing. It’s that rare sensation of feeling truly content. It’s much harder to achieve than just creating a transaction.

William: What were the lessons you learned during these periods?

Colin: The best lessons I’ve learned in my business career have all come through hardship. It’s when we’re most challenged our greatest ideas come about. I’m grateful for all the knocks along the journey; they’ve seasoned me and given me the confidence to weather any storm. I must admit – this has been the most challenging time by far.

William: How important to you, and your team, is effective leadership?

Colin: Your team is as good as the leadership that guides them. When things don’t work out as planned, the ability to pivot and be compassionate, empathetic, and agile are key. A good idea is just an idea without an excellent team to put it into action.

William: How do you manage your emotional well-being?

Colin: I liken it to the swan theory. The swan is quiet and serene above water, but its feet are paddling at 120

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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mph below the surface. I like to be calm on the outside regardless of what is happening on the inside. It’s important to lead with confidence and to create a positive environment – particularly when the cards are down. I find daily meditation and exercise vital during these times.

William: What would your team say is your effective management style?

Colin: Collaboration. I like to listen to all opinions and options and then decide on what is best for the health of the company and the best way forward.

William: It’s difficult not to have a conversation currently without referencing the challenging time in recent human history, the COVID-19 crisis. Never could I have imagined during my lifetime the world would be impacted in this manner and to this extent.

Colin: For sure, and I touched previously on this topic.

In these unprecedented times we plan for the worst and hope for the best. We’re a resilient species and this will all be behind us one day. We’ll come out smarter, better, and wiser for sure.

William: Always looking for opportunities to extend help and provide guidance, you recently launched Thrive Hospitality which is an extension of Colin Cowie Lifestyle. Give us more thrilling details about this new endeavor.

Colin: We see this as an opportunity to reset the experience bar. Everyone, for the time being, is required to introduce and be compliant with radical new social distancing rules and hygiene protocols. Most importantly, we’re all being forced to instill a much greater sense of safety and confidence during a time when there’s conflicting data, misinformation, inadequate resources, and a great deal of uncertainty. We use our protocols to create a safe environment that helps guests feel safe and feel good.

William: Why do you believe the hospitability industry is ready for the Thrive experience?

Colin: As we come out of this lengthy quarantine any client-facing business will need to demonstrate safety.

It’s important safety ‘feels right’ and not clinical where JULY / AUGUST 2020

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team members just execute rote behavior. We integrate the steps in a seamless manner to add style, glamour, and acceptance. It’s an interesting time to create ways to make these protocols elegant and chic. I believe proactive customer service and the hospitainment programming we design will result in creating an emotional connection with the guest, thus buying brand loyalty highly valuable in the hospitality space. What we’ve heard from many of our clients is we offer a myriad of connected services that would ordinarily make them hire three different consultants. We act as a conductor of sorts who ensures all the instruments work harmoniously together to sound right. I reiterate, we see things differently because of our experiences and that often opens the eyes of our clients to seeing the big picture. Things that work individually can be good, but things that work together are AMAZING! William: How have you prepared to demonstrate the appropriate levels of sensitivity and empathy in today’s hospitality industry climate?

Colin: This is a big subject given the wide degrees of human emotions. Is there such a thing as too safe or too empathetic? Given we serve a broad spectrum of thresholds, we simply employ a filter of common sense.

We need to create safe environments for our teams to work in. We need to make sure they can get to the workplace safely and we’re set up with social distancing in the workspace with all the necessary cleaning and sanitizing. It’s important to give the teams the right feeling as well as tools and vernacular to communicate with guests. Training the teams on the new protocols is vital so they can deliver the service with confidence and style. I believe once we accomplish this, we can encourage guests to return for a positive experience they’ll share and tell their friends about.

William: As we emerge as a society on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis, no doubt many aspects will be different. From a client perspective what do you believe will be most changed?

Colin: There’s one thing I know for sure. After each correction, the consumer always comes back smarter and more budget conscious, constantly looking and

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shopping around for the best deal. I’d imagine this time around will be no different.

William: What about from a business perspective?

Colin: This is unchartered territory and I believe it’ll take years for us to reach the ‘new normal’, unless of course a cure or vaccine is introduced. So many segments of the market are inflated and need a correction. This scare has changed the way we look at business, because suddenly “forever” is not so forever anymore. I’d imagine in the next 36 months many big companies will change hands, and there will be a big correction in inflated rents. I’d think at some stage the playing field will level out, paving the way for opportunity on all fronts. We just need to get there.

William: Colin, what keeps you on fire?

Colin: I love what I do and I’m a deeply passionate and driven person. I’ve wanted to focus on our hospitality division for the past three years, and this pandemic was the ‘spark’ that inspired us to launch during this dark down time. I’ve always believed if you work hard and smart, you’ll always find light in the dark.

William: Of what are you most proud?

Colin: Making it this far! I’m extremely proud of this new endeavor and how we were able to pivot and use our energies and resources to a segment of the market that is looking for these services right now.

William: Of what are you most grateful?

Colin: I’m most grateful for the lessons along the way.

They made me a better person and a better leader.

During this quarantine I’ve asked myself the question WHY many times. I believe there’s a reason this happened and affected every single person on the planet. I came up with two words I believe we need to focus on: Gratitude and Humility. They have been lost along the way. We’re moving too fast and taking on too much. We don’t take time to do the things that matter and count. The world will be a better place if we keep remembering this.

William: Are you living your best life?

Colin: Indeed! l JULY / AUGUST 2020

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IN FLUENCE

Business

for LONG-TERM

MARKET YOUR BUSINESS

SUCCESS

A

dopting some clever marketing strategies can bring those dreams within reach, especially if you’re willing to take some notes from experts who have successfully navigated the path. For example, entrepreneur Russell Brunson started his first online company while he was in college.

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Today, he is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a successful software company that helps entrepreneurs get their message out to the marketplace quickly and efficiently. Brunson is also the author of a series of books, including Traffic Secrets, which is filled with tips for using classic and foundational direct marketing tech-

FLUENTIAL JULY / AUGUST 2020

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RAPID GROWTH AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS ARE THE DREAMS VIRTUALLY EVERY ENTREPRENEUR PURSUES. THE FIRE PUSHES YOU TO ASCEND TO THE MOUNTAINTOP QUICKLY AND STAY THERE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. niques to help future customers discover an entrepreneur’s product or service and drive demand. Learn the art of successful business marketing with Brunson’s advice, adapted from Traffic Secrets, the third installment in his bestselling trilogy.

Work behind the scenes to connect with your target audience.

With a little research, you can identify the places your target customers tend to congregate. Places like Facebook groups, YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs, and other platforms serve as trusted sources of information, and these are the places where they’re more apt to listen to what you have to say. Make a list of 100

of these hangouts and reach out to the people behind the scenes. Listen, learn, pitch collaborative opportunities, and pay for ads if that’s what it takes to get in front of your audience.

Don’t just post on social media; understand it. Social media is a powerful tool for marketers and entrepreneurs. Depending on your business, you may be able to leverage both your personal profile and a business account to connect with your audience. Another key is customizing your strategy for each platform.

Know which channels your target audience members use and focus your energy there. Understand the platform’s algorithm and post content it wants to share with its users.

Pay for email ads. A wide variety of online news sites, newsletters, online communities, and influencers have large email lists. Approach those with audiences that would be interested in your product or service and request an email endorsement. Having thirdparty endorsers announce your offer to their email lists lets you go around the competition to talk directly to your target audience.

“If you are selling anything online, or trying to generate leads online, no matter what industry you’re in, these 20 traffic secrets can help attract more eyeballs,” Brunson said.

“I’d like to help you fill your website and funnels with your dream customers, so I’m going to give you my new book for free. Just visit grabtrafficsecrets.com.”

5 Ways to Drive Traffic on Social Media. These strategies from Traffic Secrets can help drive traffic using these major platforms: l Google: Search the keyword you’d like to rank for. Scan results, looking for sites that have ads, banners, affiliate links to products or subscription boxes. Contact the owners of those pages and ask about advertising options to buy your way in and build your list.

YouTube: Create a 15-second intro with a catchy hook followed by a short 4-second branded message then tell your viewer why he or she should listen. Create a connection with personal commentary and share valuable content for the next 7-12 minutes. Close with a call to action. l

Facebook: Think of your cover photo as your billboard and the intro section as your business card where you can place links to funnels. When posting, share stories that can open conversations, and remember to engage readers in the comments. l

l Instagram: Decide whether you

want to inspire, educate, or entertain then create a caption. Three effective options: tell a story, ask a question, or make a list.

Podcasting: In addition to working the podcast circuit and delivering a call to action at the end of each show, you can leverage influencers in other ways. Buy ads on their podcasts and arrange guest appearances that let you ask their listeners to check out your own podcast. (Family Features) l l

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TALKING ABOUT THE FUTURE, SUMMER IS HERE! AND WITH IT, BREEZY, DELIGHTFUL, AND BRIGHT STYLES IN APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES ARE TOP OF MIND.

Summer is Here

AND THE TIME IS APPAREL CROSBY BY MOLLIE BURCH IS FULL OF FUN, HAPPY, AND UNFORGETTABLE PIECES. TOP, SHORTS, AND DRESSES ARE PART OF THEIR SUMMER 2020 COLLECTION. PERFECT FOR A DAY OF FUN UNDER THE SUN OR AN OH-SO PERFECT BACKYARD, THESE PIECES IMMEDIATELY TAKE US TO A BLISSFUL PLACE. kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CROSBY BY

MOLLIE BURCH AND NATURALIZER.

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RIGHT! JUNE TUNIC FLOWERBED

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PEACHES JUMPSUIT TOMATO

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SID TROUSER LABYRINTH

NAPA DRESS WILDCAT CLAY WILDCAT LILAC

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DOROTHY TIE PANT LILY WHITE

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OLIVIA DRESS JUNGLE BOOK

BUNNY TOP PASTEL PLAID

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SHOES NATURALIZER HAS ALL THE HAPPY HUES AND EFFORTLESS STYLES FOR THE WARM WEATHER DAYS. ESPADRILLES, FLAT SANDALS, OR WEDGES, ALL ARE THE PERFECT WAY TO ADD INTEREST TO ANY SUMMER FESTIVITY.

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Summer is Here AND THE TIME IS RIGHT!

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BRUNSWICK LIFESTYLE

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HAT

WEARING A IS ALL THAT! FEATURING TENTH STREET HATS HATS HAVE BECOME A DAILY ACCESSORY FOR MORE AND MORE MODERN GENTLEMEN AND WOMEN, REMINDING US OF A TIME IN AMERICA WHEN MEN WOULDN’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT ONE AND WOMEN ADORN HATS TO COMPLEMENT THEIR MOST STYLISH ATTIRE.

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ustom hats from Tenth Street are elegant and refined and we’re thrilled to share with you what we’ve learned about what makes them so unique.

10th St & Broadway Tenth Street, founded in 1921 by Jack Dorfman and Arthur Hyman as part of Dorfman Pacific, comes

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TENTH STREET HATS. from humble beginnings. The Tenth Street name is taken from the original warehouse on 10th Street and Broadway in Oakland, California.

Tenth Street remains an important part of the Northern California community almost 100 years later.

A Family Approach Watching the decades and their cultural and sartorial changes swirl by, they’ve grown accustomed to making hats that blend vintage feel with modern sensibilities. Though their team has grown over the years, they remain a family-run organization.

Their closely-knit family is part of the reason they’ve been able to maintain relationships with expert craftsmen and cutting-edge designers to bring you quality products time and again.

Worldly Touch From functional and utilitarian origins, hats have wound their way through history to become the fashion statements they are today.

Whether aiming for a vintage look or a casual day at the ballpark, a well-worn hat can help make an outfit anything but ordinary. With manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Mexico, and Europe, you can be sure that your Tenth Street purchase combines a worldly touch, matched with local character.

Skilled Milliners Their product development team, full of skilled milliners, fashion followers, and a myriad of others, travels across the globe in search of new materials while fostering relationships with existing suppliers. Like hats, a community is only as strong as the fibers that hold it together.

They hope these efforts and others like them help to strengthen the fabric of the hat community around the world that gives us so much.

Discover more about Tenth Street and find your next stylish hat by visiting www.tenthstreethats.com. l

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CHELSEA LIFESTYLE

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DAYTON LIFESTYLE

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FEATURE

SMART SUMMER SKIN CARE

GET BACK TO BASICS

WITH WARM WEATHER

SKIN CARE TIPS IF YOU’VE EVER NOTICED HOW THIRSTY YOU GET WHEN IT’S HOT OUTSIDE, THAT’S BECAUSE YOUR BODY’S NATURAL WATER CONTENT EVAPORATES MORE QUICKLY IN WARM WEATHER. IT’S NOT JUST YOUR MOUTH THAT GETS PARCHED, HOWEVER; YOUR ENTIRE BODY, INCLUDING YOUR SKIN, CAN FEEL THE IMPACT OF CLIMBING TEMPERATURES.

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lthough it’s often overlooked, skin is an essential organ that needs special attention and care. After all, not only does your skin tell the true story of your health and age, it provides a protective barrier to the rest of your body.

Keeping your skin supple, soft, and well-hydrated helps ensure it doesn’t dry and crack, which is just as possible during the warm summer months as winter. Use these tips to create a healthy summer skin care regimen.

Use proper sunscreen. The sun can dry out and damage your skin quickly even on an overcast day, and more so if you’re near water, where reflections can magnify its intensity. Protect your skin from burning and drying out by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 any time you venture outdoors. Also remember to check the sunscreen’s expiration date to ensure you’re being protected.

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Moisturize often. Make moisture part of your daily routine, not just when you get out of the shower, but throughout the day. An option like Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Lotion contains a proprietary botanical blend of nutrients, emollients, and antioxidants, including green tea, clove, and safflower oleosomes. Its smooth, rich formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling soft with no greasy or oily residue. Formulated by skin care experts, the lotion helps skin stay moisturized for up to 24 hours and is free of 80 of the most common allergens that contribute to irritation and skin sensitivity. For more information, visit remedyderm.com.

Shorten bathtub and shower time. It may seem contradictory that spending more time in the tub or shower strips your skin of moisture, but prolonged heat does exactly that. Keep your bathing time brief to minimize the chance of dehydration.

“Although a long, hot shower or a nice soak in a tub is very relaxing, hot water can really dry out your skin,” said board-certified dermatologist and Medline Remedy consultant Dr. Jeanine Downie. “Damp skin helps hydration from your moisturizer lock in, so the best time to apply moisturizer is not when your skin feels the driest but rather after a bath or shower. Be sure to apply a thick coat of lotion immediately after getting out while skin is still wet to help keep skin soft and supple.”

Exfoliate. Take time to regularly exfoliate, which removes dead skin cells and makes it easier for moisturizer to penetrate and reveal healthy-looking skin. Be sure to exfoliate gently and adjust your exfoliation schedule to your skin’s unique needs so you don’t irritate it.

Hydrate frequently. Applying lotion is an external strategy for maintaining your skin’s natural barrier, but

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you can also keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. When you’re dehydrated, the body pulls water from any source it can, including your skin. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8-11 8-ounce glasses of water a day and keeping a bottle of water onhand always can provide easy, on-the-go hydration.

Consume hydrating foods. Like upping your water intake, you can increase your body’s overall water

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content by eating the right kinds of foods. Many types of produce have a high percentage of water, like berries, melon, cucumbers, and zucchini.

6 Causes of Dry Skin Everyday activities, including some that are intended to improve your overall health, can have a big impact on the condition of your skin.

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Bathing too often. A nice hot shower or soak in the tub may be a great way to relax and chase away aches and pains, but that heat strips away your body’s natural moisture. Avoid excess bathing, shorten your showers, and aim for more moderate temperatures to reduce the impact on your skin.

Too much chlorine. It’s essential to keep pools safe and clean, but chlorine is a harsh chemical that can be damaging to your skin, hair, and eyes. To minimize the impact, take a brief shower as soon as possible after leaving the pool to rinse away chemicals, and apply lotion while skin is still damp for maximum absorption.

Washing your hands frequently. Thorough handwashing is important to keep germs and illnesses at bay, but all that washing can wreak havoc on your skin. If possible, choose a soap that has moisturizing ingredients along with the anti-bacterial agents. Follow up each wash with a layer of lotion to seal in moisture.

A consistent summer moisturizing regimen, including a high-quality moisturizing body lotion like Remedy Dermatology Series Moisturizing Lotion, can help keep your skin supple and smooth all summer long.

Air conditioning exposure. The cooling relief of an air conditioner may help reduce the natural evaporation that occurs when you’re hot and sweaty, but it also makes the indoor air drier, which pulls moisture from your skin that you probably don’t even notice. It’s easier to maintain moisture in skin before it’s dry and scaly, so use a regular moisturizer as a preventive measure and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier to moisture loss.

Soaking up the sun. While many people think of sunkissed skin as a healthy glow, the opposite is true. A tan is a clear sign of skin damage, and the darker the tan, the greater the damage. Use appropriate sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors, and when you come inside, use moisturizers designed to reduce chances of irritation of sensitive skin from fragrances or dyes.

(Family Features) l

“While touching something that you’re allergic to such as chemicals or latex gloves can lead to dry, cracked hands, more often the culprit is handwashing,” Downie said. “In fact, there are several professions where frequent handwashing is associated with the job. In that case, it is best to carry around moisturizer or keep a jar of it next to the sink so that applying lotion after washing your hands becomes second nature.”

Excess hand sanitizer. It may be convenient when you’re not near a sink, but the most effective hand-sanitizers contain more than 65% alcohol, and alcohol is extremely drying. If possible, supplement usage with a sanitizing lotion.

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Imperio, LEANDRO CANO’S LATEST

FW20 COLLECTION

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LEANDRO CANO. JULY / AUGUST 2020

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A SIMPLY SENSATIONAL

SUMMER MEAL

S

pice things up with Mexican Beef Sliders with Jalapeno Salsa and Avocado Cream coupled with a side like Roasted Potatoes then cap off a filling meal with these sweet and decadent Strawberry Cream Cheese Tartlets. If you’re looking for ways to mix meat and veggies all at once, these ideas for kebabs are a surefire way to please a variety of palates.

Find more summer meal ideas at Culinary.net.

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Cook Up Kebabs As one of the most versatile main courses that can be grilled, kebabs offer nearly endless opportunities for customization. From protein to veggies, soaked wooden skewers can be loaded with just about any favorite flavors before hitting the grates.

Consider these options for kicking your kebabs up a notch: l Steak, cut into chunks l Chicken, cut into chunks l Bratwurst or sausage, cut into slices l Ground beef, shaped into balls

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l Lamb l

Shrimp

l Salmon, cut into chunks l Bacon, cut into small pieces l Sliced onions l Sliced bell peppers l Sliced jalapenos l Sliced mushrooms l Sliced cucumbers l Cherry tomatoes

Summer Sliders with a Spicy Kick Summer calls for firing up the grill for a fresh-cooked meal, and sliders

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are an ideal way to enjoy a downsized version of a warm weather favorite.

These Mexican Beef Sliders with Jalapeno Salsa and Avocado Cream are perfect for summer with their spicy kick of salsa and bright, cooling cream. Made with grass-fed beef from New Zealand, where the animals can roam and graze freely over lush green hills and pastures year-round, the mini burgers boast a lean, finely textured meat that tastes just as nature intended. Find more tasty summer recipes at beefandlambnz.com.

WHIPPING UP A FRESH COOKED MEAL IS ONE OF THE TRUE JOYS OF SUMMER, ESPECIALLY WHEN GRILLED GRUB IS PAIRED WITH TANTALIZING SIDES AND TEMPTING DESSERTS.

Mexican Beef Sliders with Jalapeno Salsa and Avocado Cream Recipe courtesy of Beef + Lamb New Zealand Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 Patties:

1 1/3 pounds lean New Zealand grass-fed ground beef

1 clove garlic, crushed 1 medium onion, grated or finely chopped

1 egg, lightly beaten 3/4 cup red kidney beans, rinsed and drained 2 tablespoons tomato paste 3 teaspoons dried oregano, chopped 2 teaspoons mild smoked paprika 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated salt, to taste pepper, to taste olive oil

Jalapeno Salsa: 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced into long ribbons 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 red onion, finely sliced 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, finely chopped salt, to taste, pepper, to taste olive oil, lime juice

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Avocado Cream: 1 avocado, mashed 1/2 cup sour cream 1lime, juice, and zest only

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

8-12 slider buns, halved

2-3 cobs sweet corn, cooked and sliced into shards 8-12 small bamboo skewers

1. To make patties: In bowl, combine beef, garlic, onion, egg, kidney beans, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, Parmesan cheese, salt, to taste, and pepper, to taste. Shape into 8-12 small patties. Cover and refrigerate 15 minutes.

2. Heat grill or frying pan to medium heat.

3. Brush patties with oil on both sides. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side, turning once to brown both sides evenly, until cooked through.

4. To make Jalapeno Salsa: In bowl, combine cucumber, cilantro, onion, and jalapenos; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.

5. To make Avocado Cream: In bowl, combine avocado, sour cream, lime juice and lime zest; season with salt and pepper, to taste.

6. Spread Avocado Cream on bottom buns and place patties on top. Top patties with Jalapeno Salsa, corn, and top buns. Press down gently and poke in skewers to secure sliders.

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A Sweet Summer Treat Sweet flavors and warm weather go hand-in-hand, and many summer occasions and get-togethers call for dessert. Take advantage of warm weather favorites like strawberries and raspberries with these Strawberry Cream Cheese Tartlets. Made using the best berries nature can provide, these bitesize tartlets feature a graham cracker crust base and an indulgent cream cheese filling flavored with sliced strawberries, honey and lemon topped with Well•Pict’s sweet, juicy strawberries and raspberries, which come fresh in clamshell packaging made from 70% recycled water bottles.

Find more sweet recipes that can bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces at wellpict.com/recipe.

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Tartlets Makes: 24 tartlets (4 ounces each) 1/2 cup water 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons lemon zest 2 tablespoons gelatin 4 cups Well•Pict Strawberries, sliced, divided and 1/3 cup honey 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup ice cubes 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup melted butter 1cup Well•Pict Strawberries, rinsed, for garnish 1 cup Well•Pict Raspberries, rinsed, for garnish

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1. In blender, mix water, lemon juice, lemon zest and gelatin until frothy.

2. Add 2 cups strawberries and honey; blend until smooth. Pour into bowl and chill mix 15 minutes.

3. In blender, mix cream cheese, sour cream and ice cubes while incorporating strawberry mixture.

Mix in remaining strawberries.

4. In blender or food processor, mix graham crackers and melted butter to crumb consistency. Lightly grease two medium muffin pans and pack graham cracker mixture at bottom of each opening. Pour strawberry mixture over graham cracker mixture and chill until set.

Gently pull tartlets from muffin tins and place on serving tray. Garnish with strawberries and raspberries.

Roasted and Ready to Serve Summer meals centered around grilled fare call for a complementary pairing that completes the classic profile of warm weather food. Using a versatile vegetable like potatoes allows you to think up different methods of cooking for a new flavor each time.

While you’re focused on the main dish being grilled, these Roasted Potatoes can bake away indoors for a simple side that requires little attention. Find more health resources at usda.gov.

Roasted Potatoes Recipe courtesy of “A Harvest of Recipes with USDA Foods” Servings: 6 1 pound potatoes, chopped

into 1-inch cubes 1/2 cup onion, chopped into 1-inch cubes 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped into 1-inch cubes 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon paprika 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In medium bowl, mix potatoes, onions, green peppers, and garlic.

3. Add vegetable oil, salt, pepper, parsley and paprika. Mix well.

4. Cover bowl and refrigerate 15 minutes. Spread potato mixture evenly on cookie sheet. Bake about 35 minutes. (Family Features) l

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MAKE A COMMITMENT TO MORE FAMILY MEALS

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SPENDING MOMENTS TOGETHER WITH LOVED ONES CARRIES OBVIOUS BENEFITS LIKE TIME TO CATCH UP AND OPPORTUNITIES TO BOND, BUT SHARING MEALS PROVIDES DEFINITIVE VALUE FOR FAMILIES.

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ith restricted social interactions and confinement at home due to COVID-19, many families are facing meal challenges that have shifted from juggling busy schedules to seeking new ways to mix up the traditional menu or using digital solutions to reconnect at a virtual table.

A study published in the “Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior” funded by the FMI Foundation shows that more frequent family meals are associated with better dietary and family functioning outcomes. The results build on years of previous research studies to punctuate the creation of the Family Meals Movement, which encourages Americans to pledge to share one more family breakfast, lunch, or dinner at home per week.

Consider these notable findings from the study: l Family meals improve fruit and vegetable consumption. Studies show a positive relationship between family meal frequency and fruit and vegetable intake when examined separately, but also when fruit and vegetable intake are combined.

Family meals improve family dynamics. Nearly all the studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between family meal frequency and measures of l

family functioning. Family functioning is defined as family connectedness, communication, expressiveness and problem-solving.

“There are thousands of individual studies that examine the impact of family meals on nutrition and family behavior, but this meta-analysis looks at the relationship between family meal frequency and family functioning outcomes,” said David Fikes, executive director of the FMI Foundation. “We can confirm that family meals are a valuable contributor of improved nutrition and family dynamics.”

Find tips, recipes and ways to increase your family meal frequency despite COVID-19 circumstances at familymealsmovement.org.

German Fruit Tart Recipe courtesy of Deanna Segrave-Daly on behalf of the FMI Foundation 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg 1 tablespoon half-and-half or cream 1/8 teaspoon almond extract or 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, thinly sliced

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cornstarch

sliced strawberries

sliced kiwi

sliced banana blueberries 2 teaspoons turbinado or powdered sugar (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. To make crust, beat together flours, sugar, egg, half-and-half and almond extract. Add butter slices and mix together until sticky ball of dough forms. Refrigerate 30-60 minutes.

3. On heavily floured surface, knead dough a few times and roll out to fit greased 10-inch tart pan.

4. Carefully spread dough into tart pan and bake 15-20 minutes, or until tart starts to turn golden brown.

Remove from oven and cool.

5. Dust crust with cornstarch to help fruit stick to crust. Arrange strawberries, kiwi, banana and blueberries on top of crust; sprinkle with sugar, if desired.

Hawaiian Chicken Pizza Recipe courtesy of Toby Amidor on behalf of the FMI Foundation Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Nonstick cooking spray 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 3/4 cup barbecue sauce 1ready-made pizza crust or whole wheat pizza crust (10 ounces) 1 cup canned or jarred tomato sauce

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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese 1cup finely chopped fresh pineapple or canned pineapple tidbits packed in 100% juice

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat pizza pan or baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In medium bowl, combine rotisserie chicken and barbecue sauce.

3. Place pizza crust on pan and evenly spread tomato sauce over crust. Sprinkle evenly with cheese.

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Top evenly with rotisserie chicken mixture and pineapple.

4. Bake until crust is crisp and browned around edges, about 10 minutes. Let pizza cool 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices.

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Baked Oatmeal Recipe courtesy of Lauren Harris-Pincus on behalf of the FMI Foundation Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 2 cups old-fashioned oats 1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt

3 packets stevia (sugar substitute) or preferred sweetener 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter 1 scoop (1/4 cup) vanilla plant-based protein powder 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons liquid egg whites 1 ripe banana (4 ounces), mashed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ripe banana (4 ounces), sliced into 24 slices 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In large bowl, combine oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, stevia, powdered peanut butter and vanilla protein powder.

3. In separate bowl, combine almond milk, yogurt, egg whites, mashed banana, and vanilla extract.

4. Add oat mixture to wet ingredients and gently stir until fully combined.

5. Line 9-inch brownie pan with parchment paper. Pour mixture into pan and spread evenly.

6. Top with banana slices in four rows of six slices each.

7. Bake 27-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

8. Let cool and cut into six rectangles. Wrap and refrigerate extras until ready to eat. (Family Features) l

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BREAKING BREAD COMFORT FOOD CONSUMPTION IS ON THE RISE

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AS FAMILIES SPEND MORE TIME AT HOME, AMERICANS ARE FINDING COMFORT IN A SURPRISING SOURCE: BREAD. IN FACT, A 20-YEAR TREND OF DECLINING GRAIN FOOD CONSUMPTION HAS BEEN REVERSED.

A

national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. Consumers count bread among their top comfort foods. The study revealed one-third of Americans named pasta and bread as foods that are comforting during a stressful time.

In addition to the comforting flavor, this trend provides valuable nutritional benefits. As a part of many healthy eating plans, bread and pasta are nutritionist approved and provide nutrients needed for healthy aging such as B vitamins, magnesium, selenium, iron, folate, and fiber.

“For years, we’ve been telling consumers that grain foods are the foods we love that love us back,” said Christine Cochran, executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation. “The stress has given us permission to enjoy bread and pasta again, but unlike most comfort foods, consumers recognize that grains have nutritional value.”

The highest-ranking comfort foods were ice cream; baked goods like cakes, cookies, and pastries;

salty snacks; candy; and fast food.

However, when asked to identify comfort foods with nutritional advantages, consumers identified bread and pasta as the top two. Beyond identifying comfort foods and their nutritional value, consumers also expressed worry that bread is in short supply right now.

“We can all rest assured that there is enough supply of grain food products in this country,” Cochran said.

“Shoppers may be experiencing some sporadic unavailability of certain high-demand items. However, manufacturers are working closely with retailers to make sure that outof-stocks are short lived. Consumers will be able to buy their favorite grain-food products and eat them, too.”

To learn more about the role of grain foods in a healthful diet, visit GrainFoodsFoundation.org.

Avocado Veggie Sandwich Recipe courtesy of the Grain Foods Foundation Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 2 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt 4 slices bread 4 slices tomato 8 slices cucumber 12 slices sweet bell pepper 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 lettuce leaves

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1. In small bowl, combine avocado, lemon juice and salt. Spread mixture evenly over two bread slices.

2. Place tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers on covered surface. Drizzle with vinegar.

3. Layer lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, and peppers evenly between slices of bread, creating two sandwiches.

Panzanella Bagel Salad Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation Prep time: 5 minutes Servings: 6 2 medium Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

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1 1/4 cups canned diced tomatoes, undrained 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced 2 tablespoons red onion, diced

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated, plus additional (optional) 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

2 bagels (4 ounces each) cut into 2-inch pieces, toasted

assorted greens (optional) 1. In medium bowl, mix tomatoes, canned tomatoes with juice, green pepper, cucumber, onion, cheese, vinegar, and basil.

2. Add toasted bagel pieces; toss gently. Marinate, covered, in

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refrigerator 1 hour. Serve within 1 hour after marinating. Sprinkle with additional cheese and serve on bed of assorted greens, if desired.

Rotini with Sausage and Mushrooms Recipe courtesy of Sylvia MelendezKlinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation Prep time: 18 minutes Servings: 8 1 box (13 1/4 ounces) whole-grain rotini 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced 1 cup leeks, thinly sliced 1 cup green onions, thinly sliced

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2 cups mushrooms, sliced 1 cup chicken stock

1/4cup parsley chopped 6 leaves from tarragon sprigs, chopped 1 cup Romano cheese grated Parmesan-Romano cheese (optional) 1. Prepare rotini according to package directions. Drain and transfer to large bowl.

2. In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook sausage 2-3 minutes, or until well browned. Add leeks, onions, and mushrooms; cook until tender. Add chicken stock and simmer 3-5 minutes, or until hot. Fold sausage mixture into warm pasta.

Add parsley, tarragon, and Romano cheese; toss again. Top with Parmesan-Romano cheese, if desired.

Cheesy Black Bean Toast with Pico de Gallo Recipe courtesy of Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, on behalf of the Grain Foods Foundation Prep time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 6 Roma tomatoes, diced 1⁄2 medium onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely minced 2 serrano or jalapeno peppers, finely chopped 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 1lime, juice only 1⁄8 teaspoon oregano, finely crushed 1⁄8 teaspoon salt (optional)

1⁄8 teaspoon pepper 1⁄2 Hass avocado, diced 4bolillos (6 inches) or large Kaiser rolls, sliced in half lengthwise 1 can (16 ounces) seasoned lowfat refried black beans 2 cups shredded Chihuahua or mozzarella cheese

1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In medium mixing bowl, combine tomatoes; onion; garlic; peppers; cilantro; lime juice; oregano; salt, if desired; pepper; and avocado; set aside.

3. On medium platter, split rolls.

With medium spatula, spread refried beans onto each bread half; sprinkle cheese among bread.

4. Bake 5-8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and hot. (Family Features) l

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SUPPORT YOUR

W

IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH GRAPES

hen looking to guide your family to healthier snacks and meals or simply trying to mix up your at-home menu, success can be as simple as rethinking the ingredients you choose to use, including your favorite produce, such as grapes.

Fresh California grapes, for example, make for an ideal snack because they are tasty, healthy, hydrating and refreshing, but grapes can also be used to make good-for-you dishes that are also satisfying and delicious. Grapes of all colors – red, green, and black – are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. Plus, they are naturally fatfree, cholesterol-free and contain virtually no sodium.

Try recipes like Moroccan Grape and Grilled Chicken Bowls with Grape Vinaigrette, Spiced Chickpeas and Grapes with Yogurt, and Cauliflower Steaks with Grapes to pair heart-healthy grapes with other nutritious ingredients and add variety and fresh appeal in the kitchen.

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Visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com for more nutritious family recipes.

Moroccan Grape and Grilled Chicken Bowls with Grape Vinaigrette Servings: 4 Couscous:

1 cup Israeli couscous 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup parsley, leaves only 1 1/2 teaspoons ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend)

1 teaspoon salt Chicken: 2 chicken breasts (8 ounces each) 1tablespoon harissa paste 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1teaspoon salt Vinaigrette: 1/4 cup green California grapes

1lemon, juice only 1preserved lemon, rind only 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

salt, to taste

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ground black pepper, to taste 1 cup red California grapes, halved 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted 1. To make couscous: Cook couscous in boiling salted water. Drain, rinse with cold water and combine with olive oil. Add carrots, tomatoes, parsley leaves, ras el hanout, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

2. To make chicken: Heat grill to medium-high heat.

3. Rub chicken breasts with harissa paste, olive oil and salt. Grill on both sides until just done. Set aside to cool.

Slice into 1/4-inch slices.

4. To make vinaigrette: In blender, puree green grapes, lemon juice, lemon rind, olive oil and cilantro until smooth. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Toss couscous mixture with vinaigrette and portion into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, red grapes, and almonds.

6. Nutritional information per serving: 590 calories; 30 g protein; 44 g carbohydrates; 32 g fat (49% calories from fat); 4.5 g saturated fat (7% calories from saturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 720 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.

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BOOSTING IMMUNE FUNCTION THROUGH A HEALTHY DIET HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT NEW FOCUS FOR MANY PEOPLE THESE DAYS. ONE KEY DIETARY RECOMMENDATION IS TO EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EACH DAY TO IMPROVE IMMUNE FUNCTION AND PREVENT HEART DISEASE AND DIABETES.

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Spiced Chickpeas and Grapes with Yogurt Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 4 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed, drained and patted dry

1 cup California grapes 1 tablespoon peanut oil 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

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1/4 teaspoon salt, divided 1pinch red pepper flakes 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 1/2 garlic clove, grated 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallions 1. In large bowl, mix chickpeas and grapes.

2. In small skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add mustard seeds and cover. Cook

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until seeds stop popping then add cumin and fennel seeds; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper flakes; pour over chickpeas and grapes. Mix well.

3. In separate bowl, stir yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and remaining salt. Spread on serving platter and top with chickpea mixture, cilantro, and scallions.

Nutritional information per serving: 220 calories; 11 g protein; 31 g carbohydrates; 6 g fat (25% ca-

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2 tablespoons chopped, toasted pistachios

lories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (6% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 280 mg sodium; 1 g fiber.

Cauliflower Steaks with Grapes Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 1 large head cauliflower, leaves trimmed off

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary 1/2teaspoon coarse salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 1 cup halved California grapes 1/4 cup chopped Castelvetrano olives 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

1. Heat oven to 450 F. 2. Cut stem off cauliflower and cut remaining head crosswise into four 1-inch-thick slices, keeping as intact as possible. Place on sheet pan and brush sides with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast until browned and tender, about 25 minutes.

3. Combine remaining olive oil, remaining pepper, grapes, olives, parsley, and pistachios. When cauliflower is roasted, transfer to serving plates and top with grape mixture.

4. Nutritional information per serving: 210 calories; 5 g protein; 20 g carbohydrates; 14 g fat (60% calories from fat); 2 g saturated fat (9% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 480 mg sodium; 5 g fiber.

5. Healthy Eating is Easy with Grapes.

6. Grapes are prized for their taste and crisp, juicy texture, but fresh grapes are also a heart-healthy, hydrating snack choice. Grapes contain more than 1,600 natural plant compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols, which help protect the health and function of the body’s cells.

Grapes can be paired with other healthy foods to enhance flavor and nutrition, including dark leafy greens, cauliflower, broccoli, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins.

(Family Features) l

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4

DEMYSTIFYING THE MARTINI:

W

STEPS FOR

PERFECTING THE

CLASSIC COCKTAIL

hile the exact origin may be disputed, it is believed that the first martini was created with gin in Martinez, California, during the Gold Rush.

Since then the martini has earned a place of honor in pop culture, marked as James Bond’s cocktail of choice (“shaken, not stirred”) and lauded as “so cool and clean” in Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms.”

Though some may think of the martini as a drink that’s difficult to master on your own due to the many variations and styles, you need not travel to your local bar to satisfy your desire for a cool, crisp martini. The classic cocktail is easy to make and just as effortless to customize to your taste preferences and personal palate.

Find the Perfect Foundation The classic 50/50 Martini is quite simple to create. The Perfect Martini has only three ingredients: gin, dry vermouth, and orange bitters. The base is the star of the cocktail and focal point for flavor, so it is important

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WITH ALL ITS MANY STYLES, VARIATIONS AND FORMS, THE MARTINI CONTINUES TO BE A MAINSTAY AMONG AMERICANS. IN FACT, THE WILDLY POPULAR MARTINI IS THE SECOND BEST-SELLING COCKTAIL NATIONWIDE, ACCORDING TO NIELSEN.

to be selective. Made with 22 handforaged botanicals, The Botanist Gin has a beautifully balanced flavor profile with notes of citrus and florals and a smooth finish, providing a highly distinctive and complex taste perfect for sipping neat and as the foundation for numerous cocktails. Expect a taste sensation that’s smooth and cool on entry then warmer and more complex as it reaches the back palate.

Craft the perfect or 50/50 Martini in four simple steps: 1. Add 1.50 ounces of The Botanist Gin, 1.50 ounces of dry vermouth and two dashes of orange bitters into a mixing glass.

2. Add ice and stir the mixture.

3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, whether a martini, coupe or Nick & Nora.

4. Garnish the cocktail with a lemon peel. For added flavor and scent, try “expressing” the lemon peel above the cocktail, which is simply twisting the peel above the glass, so the oils are released and dusts the rim.

Make it Your Own Classic, dry, wet, dirty, with a twist, shaken or stirred - there are hundreds of martini variations that The Botanist Gin complements by offering a balanced base for the exploration of flavor profiles. You may experience notes of sweet, delicate menthol, apple mint, spring woodlands, juniper, coriander with aniseed undertones, lemon and orange peel, a bouquet of flowers, honey from thistle, coconut from gorse, water mint and/or summer

meadows. Creative mixologists can play with that range of flavors to customize their cocktails, adjusting the ratio of gin to other key ingredients and experimenting with infusions, garnishes and twists. For example, try a citrus zest with a fresh lemon or orange peel. Select from a chilled martini, coupe or Nick & Nora glass to beautifully present your creations.

Recipes to Get Started There are so many recipes to choose from, but you can get started with these unique and refreshing takes on the classic 50/50 martini courtesy of The Botanist Gin: 1. Breakfast Martini: Combine 2 ounces of The Botanist Gin with .75 ounce of Cointreau, .75 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 2 spoonfuls of peach marmalade or jam in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Fine strain the mixture into a chilled glass and serve for a delightfully sweet and fruity twist on the standard classic.

2. The Heirloom: Add 1.5 ounces of The Botanist Gin, .5 ounce dry vermouth, 1 ounce of tomato water (the juice of a blended ripe tomato strained through cheesecloth) and a pinch of sea salt into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon peel for a savory treat for morning, afternoon, or night.

Visit thebotanist.com and @thebotanistgin for more recipes and further inspiration. To purchase The Botanist Gin, head to Drizly.com.

(BPT) l

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FEATURE

THE ROAD

TO RECOVERY: 84

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AS MORE U.S. STATES BEGIN TO RESUME ELECTIVE SURGERIES, HOSPITALS HAVE A STRONG FINANCIAL INCENTIVE TO SEE PROCEDURE VOLUMES RETURN TO NORMAL.

kWRITTEN BY RICHARD A D JONES

THE IMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19 TO HOSPITALS AND PATIENT SAFETY JULY / AUGUST 2020

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FEATURE

T

he tough part; however, is convincing patients that it’s safe to have them done now.

And survival is not just about patients. It’s also about how local clinics and systems can survive the strains of this crisis to serve patient needs most successfully in a safe and effective way.

Let’s look at some of the underlying issues and how technology can assist on the journey to recovery for both hospitals and patients.

To prepare for potentially significant numbers of COVID-19 sufferers being admitted, any non-urgent procedures in hospitals were put on hold during the recent lock-down. While this seemed like a sensible approach, it deprived hospitals of a serious part of their revenue. The uptick in COVID-19 cases has not been seen uniformly across the country and even in New York, the revenue

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from treating COVID-19 sufferers has not compensated for the loss in income caused by the pause in surgeries.

In ‘perfect storm’ style, the fear of acquiring COVID-19 in hospitals has seen visits to the Emergency Room fall 42 percent according to the New York Times. This further deprives hospital systems of revenue. This is why we have seen medical staff being furloughed in a way that seems completely counterintuitive in the face of a pandemic. The situation has also triggered a wave of merger and acquisition activity that will change the face of healthcare. Hospitals are valued on days of cash at-hand and the depletion of these reserves will put some hospitals in direct jeopardy of going out of business and will also mean they may struggle to attract financial support because of their reduced valuation. Conversely, cash-rich hospital systems are primed to pick up hospitals at bargain prices.

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Technology can assist here, and a risk-assessment approach has proven to help reclaim at least half of the ‘lost’ capacity while also reducing workload and costs.

That equates to around $12.5bn of direct costs saved per year across the United States.

Now getting back to the backlog of patients waiting for surgery, the CDC has issued guidelines to support patient safety. These state that, ‘facilities should establish a prioritization policy committee’ with ‘objective priority scoring’. The intention is perfect as teams need to try to answer the tricky question of which patients should be first, second, etc. They also need to recognize which patients should have their condition optimized before any surgery.

It’s; therefore, entirely possible that your local hospital may be under different management soon or could disappear completely. But how does technology help your safety as a patient from this point back to ‘normality’?

About Richard A D Jones Richard A D Jones has

All states are evaluating what happens post-loc30 years of experience in kdown, with policies changing and evolving daily. cutting-edge technology entrepreneurship - startup The economic damage from lockdown can be mitito exit - that spans four gated if there is enough capacity to manage future continents. Richard currently surges with less severe restrictions. The priority as serves as President the current crisis slightly abates, is to build capaci- of Copeland Clinical AI, Inc (C2-AI), a multi-award ty within the existing system. If hospitals haven’t winning, Florida-based been able to free up existing capacity during the company that has been first phase, this is when it should be addressed. named one of the 10 Essential

This is not an easy task. The risks of mortality and complications for a patient are complex, dependent on the nature of the procedure and the physiological state of the patient. The risk of mortality can go up 10-fold with two minor changes to a patient’s physiology. The spectrum of different operations and physiological variables creates millions of potential combinations.

The only solution is to run a bulk assessment of patients on surgical waiting lists with objective comparison of mortality and complications (by type and risk). Patients requiring optimization before operation (to manage the risks) could be identified and the list prioritized overall on a regular basis until we are “back to normal.”

Many hospital systems will be struggling and so will need to target further improvements or perish. Again, technology can help. Copeland Clinical AI (C2-AI) systems can detect the 90 percent of avoidable variation/harm that hospital’s own monitoring and reporting do not detect. A reasonably sized hospital could identify and resolve these issues, avoiding patient harm and saving $5 – $10m per annum. That may be the difference between their life and death… and yours. l

Digital Health Ideas and a top-50 Digital Health Company. It recently won two awards at the global COGX2020 event including Tech 4 COVID-19.

As an example, hospitals can reclaim bed capacity ‘lost’ to avoidable conditions that are acquired in the hospital. For example, patients contracting Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) typically extend their length of stay in the hospital by eight and six days, respectively. This means these conditions alone block the equivalent of 30 exceptionally large hospitals!

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RESILIENCE – THE CAPACITY TO PREPARE FOR, ADAPT TO AND GROW THROUGH DISRUPTION, TRAUMA, AND LOSS – IS A SKILL MANY PARENTS WANT FOR THEIR CHILDREN. HOWEVER, THERE IS MORE TO IT THAN “PULLING YOURSELF UP BY YOUR BOOTSTRAPS” OR PERSEVERING THROUGH HARDSHIPS.

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5

TIPS TO BUILD RESILIENCE

IN SCHOOL-AGED

CHILDREN A ccording to a Pew Research Center survey, approximately 70% of teens between the ages 13-17 cited anxiety and depressions as a major problem among peers, while 55% said bullying was a major problem. Among the pressures facing teens, getting good grades topped the list at 61%.

sion among teens were cause for great concern,” said Marti, who also compiled a guest blog series on resilience-building for Connections Academy. “More than ever, it’s important for parents and schools to actively foster the growth of children who can problem-solve and adapt when facing challenging situations.”

Mollie Marti, PhD, founder of the National Resilience Institute, delivers workshops and trainings around the world to help organizations and communities cultivate resilience – a need, she says, that pre-dates COVID-19, especially among young people.

Teach Self-Care To ensure your kids can joyfully and effectively contribute to those around them – socially, physically, emotionally, and mentally – it’s important to teach them self-care skills.

Modeling behaviors such as eating healthy, getting proper sleep, exercising, investing in meaningful relationships and activities, and finding time to reflect, rest, and repair can lead to your kids mimicking these acts. Ensuring your children are finding time to care for themselves can help them lead more balanced lives.

Recognizing the importance of resiliency in youth, Connections Academy, an online public school program for grades K-12, has partnered with the National Resilience Institute to elevate the topic of resilience and share expert advice for raising children who are brave, curious and better able to adapt to life’s ups and downs.

“Even before the pandemic, the statistics about anxiety and depres-

Create Self-Awareness Children often learn the most about themselves when faced with adversity. Helping your children understand

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what motivates, scares, or frustrates them and what they need to feel valued or loved can help build selfawareness. Understanding those feelings can help them better respond to stressful or negative situations and minimize conflict while also communicating their needs and expectations.

Build Relationships and Resources Human resilience is often best cultivated in a community with others and encouraging your children to actively seek out meaningful relationships can help them build a social support system. For example, because of the online school model at Connections Academy, teachers can spend more one-onone time with students building strong relationships and ensuring they are thriving both emotionally and academically via phone calls, interactive video lessons, email and in-person events.

“We see many students come to Connections Academy because they faced social or emotional challenges at their former school,” said Melissa Brown, Connections Academy director of schools. “I hear from our teachers all the time that they know their students better in the virtual classroom than they ever did in the traditional classroom.”

Heather Franz was one of those parents who decided to transition her son to virtual school after he suffered through years of bullying at his brick-and-mortar school. The

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switch to a safe learning environment at home and the individual support provided by the teachers helped Franz’s son thrive.

when they feel anger or stress setting in, and encourage stressreducing physical activities such as yoga, meditation or working out.

Practice Regulating Emotions In times of fear, stress, or frustration, it becomes more difficult to regulate emotions and take a logical approach to the situation at-hand. To prepare your children to deal with these situations, have them practice breathing exercises

Promote Self-Advocacy Teaching your children strategies to mitigate conflict and to be advocates for their needs and wants can go a long way when facing difficult situations. However, it’s also important to make sure they’re not afraid to seek out help from a parent, tea-

FLUENTIAL JULY / AUGUST 2020

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remote learning and building resilience, among many other topics.

Creating a Safe Zone for Students When Heather Franz noticed her son was starting to shut down, become withdrawn and his grades were slipping, she became concerned.

Another parent brought it to her attention that there might be bullying involved and, upon digging deeper, she realized it was to the point of him “being afraid to say anything in class without being torn apart.”

After beginning to have panic attacks at school, Franz’s son was diagnosed by a specialist with anxiety, trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder in the sixth grade. While continuing to get professional help, Franz also opted to put him in a virtual school as crowds in the brick-and-mortar school environment exacerbated his anxiety, and he sought more individualized challenges.

cher, or other trusted adult. Encourage them to use direct language and phrases like “I don’t like it when you do that, please stop” when necessary and to recognize stressors – like bullies or social anxiety – and toxic environments. For example, Franz knew it was time to intervene and make a change in her son’s academic environment when he finally told her he needed to talk to someone about his situation.

By getting her son treatment for

his anxiety and switching schools, she was able to start him on a path toward wellness.

As all children will encounter various levels of adversity during their lives, helping them build resources and relationships can ensure they’re prepared to deal with the experiences that await.

Visit ConnectionsAcademy.com to learn more and find a variety of tips and insights for parents about

Franz noticed a change almost immediately in her“previously shutdown” son after he started his seventh-grade school year at Connections Academy, which created “a safe zone for her son.”

Now in eighth grade, his mood has improved and he’s an honor roll student who frequently wants to take part in activities and have friends over to visit. He’s also working to help other kids with similar challenges, even integrating creative ideas, like putting calming rooms in public schools and other public places, into his school projects. (Family Features) l

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5

Health & Wellness

FULL BODY DETOX:

WAYS TO REJUVENATE

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DETOX DIETS AND JUICE CLEANSES ARE ALL THE RAGE IN SOME CIRCLES, BUT THERE IS LITTLE IF ANY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THEM. WHILE IT’S TRUE WE’RE INCREASINGLY EXPOSED TO TOXINS FROM OUR FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT, YOU SIMPLY DON’T NEED THOSE DETOX PRODUCTS LIKE HERBAL TEAS AND SUPPLEMENTS.

Y

ou can do a full body detox for free just by supporting your body’s natural detoxification system, which would include organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and the gastrointestinal tract. Simple habits that can help your body detox naturally will also support immune function and lower the risk of chronic illness. So, while you’re hunkered down at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, this might be a good time to get started. We’ll skip the most obvious way to detox and rejuvenate your body – hydration.

Get More Sleep Yes, sometimes doing nothing is precisely what you need to do. Your body needs adequate downtime to rejuvenate and support the natural detoxification system. It’s not as popular as detox teas and pills because it won’t help anyone get rich. We already know sleep is vital and studies show it helps in the elimination of

kWRITTEN BY SHAUN DMELLO JULY / AUGUST 2020

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‘potentially neurotoxic waste products’ that tend to build up in the central nervous system during wakeful periods. Not surprisingly, poor sleep quality and inadequate sleep is linked to several health consequences. It can increase the risk of stress and anxiety disorders, weakened immune function, hypertension and heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, among other conditions. Incidentally, these are all the same problems detox diets are meant to address. As it turns out, just getting some sleep will do better than starving yourself or taking any magic pill.

Ditch Sugar and Junk Food Diet and nutrition are important, but you don’t need to follow a restrictive diet or juice cleanse to detoxify your body. You simply need to limit your intake of sugar and highly processed foods. Not only have they been linked to suppressed immune function, but these foods directly impact the organs involved in detoxification and elimination of wastes, such as the liver and kidneys. Studies suggest high sugar and processed food intake can increase the risk of fatty liver disease and lifestyle diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Simply lowering your intake of sugary sweets and junk food will help to detox your body.

Load Up on Antioxidants Increasing your intake of antioxidants is one of the best things you can to do to encourage natural detoxification, as antioxidants can help protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals and toxins. While a number of diet supplements and detox products claim to have high antioxidant levels, experts agree it’s best to get antioxidants from your food. Vitamins A, C, and E, lycopene, lutein, and selenium are some of the best-known antioxidants that can be found in a wide range of whole foods, particularly in fruits and vegetables. Some healthy food choices to boost antioxidant levels and enhance detoxification would include berries, melons, artichokes, and kale, among other fruits and veggies. Other food sources that are known for their antioxidant content include nuts, cocoa, spices like turmeric, and green tea.

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Sweat It Out

About Shaun DMello Shaun DMello is a prolific writer who has worked with a wide range of health and wellness brands for over a decade.

Aside from fitness, nutrition, natural medicine, and health care technology, he also has expertise in public health, sharing tips to cope with pandemics and natural disasters.

When he’s not writing, you can find him reading a good book, curled up on a recliner, jostling for space with his four cats.

The lockdown may have you stuck indoors, but that’s no reason to be inactive. In fact, this would be a great time to focus on yourself without any external distractions. A home fitness routine will help not just with weight loss or weight maintenance, but it is also one of the best ways to detoxify and rejuvenate your body. Although exercise offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits, its effects on the inflammatory response are most notable when we talk about a full body detox. By lowering inflammation in the body, exercise helps your body’s detox system function more efficiently.

It’s also worth noting that these benefits aren’t just linked to high intensity workouts in gyms or outdoors. Even 20 minutes of daily moderate intensity activity such as brisk walking or jogging on a treadmill, stationary cycling, leisurely swimming, and dancing would suffice.

Cut Back on Alcohol These days of solitude, loneliness, and inescapable boredom can make alcohol incredibly tempting, but it’s the worst thing you can do. Aside from the fact alcohol is counterproductive when dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression and weakens immune function, it also increases the load on your natural detoxification system. The main byproduct of alcohol metabolism is acetaldehyde, a toxin known to increase the risk of cancer. While your liver does a good job of helping in the elimination of this toxin from the body, the higher your intake of alcohol, the greater the stress you place on your liver. Research clearly shows high alcohol intake can cause severe damage to the liver over time, increasing inflammation, fat buildup, and scarring, impairing its ability to detoxify the body. This doesn’t mean you need to avoid alcohol altogether, but you certainly need to drink in moderation.

By no stretch of the imagination should this list of five ways to detox your body be considered comprehensive. There’s a lot more that you can do to support your body’s natural detoxification system and as should be evident, it all comes down to adopting healthy diet and lifestyle choices. l

IN FLUENCE

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN

YOUR DENTIST’S OFFICE REOPENS

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THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED A LOT OF ASPECTS OF DAILY LIFE, INCLUDING REGULAR VISITS TO THE DENTIST.

N

kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF (C) ERIKDEGRAAF / ISTOCK VIA GETTY IMAGES PLUS.

ow that some states are reopening, many dental practices are beginning to see patients for non-emergency appointments. To help protect patients and staff alike, the American Dental Association (ADA) has developed science-based guidance for dentists on extra steps they can take, in addition to the infection control procedures they’ve always followed. With this guidance in mind, here’s what you can expect at your next appointment.

Before Your Appointment To help make sure that patients arriving for their appointments are healthy, your dental office may call you before your appointment and ask you some questions about your current health. They may also repeat these questions when you arrive to make sure nothing has changed.

Your dentist’s office staff may also ask that you limit the number of people you bring to the appointment. That could mean leaving your children at home or allowing older children to go into the office alone while parents wait outside during their appointment.

At Your Appointment If your state or city is requiring people to wear masks in public, be sure to wear one to your appointment. When you arrive at the dental office, you may be asked to wait outside until they’re ready for you. This is to reduce the number of people in the office and reduce the amount of time you’re close to others.

When you enter the office, you may have your temperature taken.

Inside the office, you may notice that items people often touch in the waiting room -- like toys or magazines -- have been removed.

The office may have hand sanitizer available for you to use and staff may wipe down items you touch, such as pens, clipboards, or furniture.

When you’re in the dental chair, you may notice some things look different from the last time you were there.

The dentist may have covered the computer keyboard with a disposable cover so it can be easily cleaned between patients, for example. Your

dentist may also be using different protective equipment than used at previous appointments. This could include different masks, face shields, gowns, and goggles. These additional precautions help protect both you and the dentist.

After Your Appointment After your appointment, the staff will prepare for the next patient by thoroughly cleaning the areas where you’ve been with disinfectants effective against the virus that causes COVID-19. This helps reduce the risk of illness being passed to others.

If you start feeling ill with the symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of your appointment, call the dental office. You may have already been carrying the virus at the time of your appointment, so anyone who came into contact with you could be at risk for getting sick too.

Visit mouthhealthy.org for upto-date information around dental visits and COVID-19.

Remember, regular dental visits are an essential part of your oral hygiene routine and are important for your overall heath. Be sure to reschedule your dental checkups once your local authorities allow dental practices to reopen. Your ADA dentist will make sure your visit is as safe as possible for everyone involved. (StatePoint) l

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FOUR THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN RESCHEDULING

ELECTIVE SURGERY

I

f you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering when you may hear from your doctor about rescheduling that surgery. As states begin easing restrictions, hospitals and clinics have been preparing to welcome patients back for procedures that can help relieve pain and improve their quality of life.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), in partnership with other medical associations, has developed a roadmap to help health care organizations safely resume elective surgeries.

“Physicians, hospitals and health systems are eager to resume elective surgeries, and patients are looking to have the procedures they planned before the pandemic put everything on hold,” said American Society of Anesthesiologists President Mary Dale Peterson, MD, MSHCA, FACHE, FASA. “Health systems can ensure these procedures resume safely by following ASA guidance.”

How will you know when it’s safe?

ASA’s checklist of safety measures

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FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS, PATIENTS AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE HAD TO POSTPONE ELECTIVE SURGERY DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

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can help ensure patients’ comfort in moving forward with surgery:

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COVID-19 Cases are Decreasing ASA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advise that it is safe to resume elective procedures when the number of new COVID-19 cases in the area has decreased every day for the last two weeks.

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All Patients are Tested Before you have surgery, you should be tested for COVID-19.

Healthcare providers will also ask you if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, or if you have experienced unexplained fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or loss of taste or smell in the last two weeks.

While it may be tempting to shrug off any symptoms or potential exposure, it is extremely important to be honest, for your safety and the safety of your surgical team.

Patients who have viral infections - of any kind - are at higher risk for complications from surgery.

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Your Procedure Will be Performed in a Safe Environment Surgical procedures are being performed in locations separate from where COVID-19 patients are being treated, such as an ambulatory care center or a different part of the hospital. Keeping surgeries separate from COVID-19 treatment areas protects both you and your surgical team.

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Every Facility has Created a COVID-19 Surgical Care Plan ASA recommends that all health care facilities adopt COVID-19-related policies to address every stage of surgical care, from before the procedure through post-discharge care planning.

Physicians are working to create the safest environment possible for you to have your needed surgery. Keep in mind that in many areas, elective surgeries have not been performed for over a month, meaning that there will be a backlog, so it may take time to schedule your procedure.

Be informed about your upcoming surgery Beyond COVID-19 safety, you can learn more about outpatient surgery and review Preparing for Surgery: an Anesthesia Checklist to be sure you are fully prepared for your long-awaited elective procedure. (BPT) l

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Health & Wellness

FIVE TIPS FOR ANYBODY

LOOKING TO STAY FIT WHILE QUARANTINED

onsidering pandemic-related gym closures, stress eating, and overall lifestyle disruptions, it’s no wonder Americans are reporting increased weight gain due to COVID-19 (Koenig, 2020). Now, more than ever, it’s important to prioritize your fitness. Exercising boosts feel-good chemicals in the brain, reduces stress and anxiety, and improves immune function. Further, a regular workout routine can provide a much-needed sense of control in these uncertain times. Fortunately, if you’re looking to avoid (or shed) the “Quarantine 15,” you’ve come to the right place. Here are five tips for anybody looking to stay fit while quarantined:

Tip 1: Exercise (or Simply Move) Often.

When working from home, taking regular movement breaks can help break up the day – boosting productivity and fitness simultaneously. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults exercise 150 minutes per week (at moderate intensity). That may sound like a lot, but it’s very manageable when broken down into smaller segments. Consider taking a 5- or 10-minute break to climb stairs or do bodyweight squats between virtual meetings. If you do this a few times a day, you’ll surpass your weekly exercise needs – and likely be more productive, too. If short, spontaneous exercise sessions aren’t your jam, try exercising at the same time every day.

Set an alarm or have an accountability partner remind you to exercise each day. It can also be motivating to log

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kWRITTEN BY DR. DIVA NAGULA your daily exercise in a journal or fitness app. No matter how or when you get your exercise in, it’s important to keep moving. Even doing chores around the house or going for a quick walk are better than no movement at all. Frequent exercise will help you sleep better, release stress, and distract you from COVID-related worries.

Tip 2: Get Outside.

Despite social distancing requirements, there are tons of options for outdoor exercise, as long as you take the proper precautions. Some of the first outdoor activities that come to mind are walking, running, and biking. These activities can be tracked through fitness apps such as Strava and Runkeeper. On Strava, you can connect with friends on the app, which encourages friendly competition and accountability. Other outdoor exercise options include hiking, jump roping, and doing yard work. All these activities will help you get much-needed Vitamin D. Additionally, you’ll likely feel more relaxed and happier after spending time in the great outdoors.

Tip 3: Or Stay Inside.

Thanks to COVID, we have more options than ever to exercise in the comfort of our own homes. Now, you can easily find free or low-cost instructor-led workouts online. Pre-recorded workouts are available on YouTube and many fitness apps. Live exercise classes are even available

References Koenig, D. (2020, May 21). Quarantine Weight Gain Not A Joking Matter. Retrieved May 30, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200521/quarantine-weight-gain-not-a-joking-matter.

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through streaming services or Instagram. With the endless options, you can find a workout of any type and for any fitness level. These online workouts include everything from dance classes to HIIT (high intensity interval training).

You don’t need a home gym to workout, either. Household objects can easily serve as improvised gym equipment. For example, you can use a chair for squats or dips and milk jugs or laundry detergent for dumbbell curls. Exercises for any body part can be found through a simple Google search. Finally, the newest at-home exercise trend is “house walking.” House walking is just like it sounds – walking in the house – and is perfect for people who are taking quarantine VERY seriously (or if it’s raining). Most smartphones offer step trackers – so set a step goal and get to walking.

Tip 4: Add Yoga to Your Exercise Routine.

Believe it or not, adding yoga to your exercise routine can help you reach your fitness goals. Not only does yoga provide its own set of physical benefits (tones muscles, burns calories, etc.), it also provides a host of benefits that will enhance your regular exercise routine. Yoga improves flexibility and stretches muscles, thereby preventing injuries and reducing soreness and pain. The mindfulness aspect of yoga will help you become more in-tune with your body, growing your “mind-muscle connection” and increasing muscle gains. Yoga also leads to increased energy and focus, which will result in better workouts. As a bonus, you’ll also feel more relaxed and get better sleep from practicing yoga.

About Dr. Diva Nagula Dr. Diva Nagula is a boardcertified osteopathic physician. Most of his life, he neglected his own health while caring for his patients.

But in 2014, he received the news: he had stage 4 cancer. After his diagnosis, Dr. Nagula transformed his health with positive lifestyle changes and was able to overcome cancer. Now, he is in the best shape and health of his life, which he credits entirely to the tenets of integrative and functional medicine. Recently, Dr. Nagula wrote a book about his journey From Doctor to Patient, where he details the lifestyle changes that saved his life.

For more health and wellness tips, check out Dr. Nagula’s book here.

Tip 5: Fuel Your Workouts with a Healthy Diet.

Food is fuel; and without a healthy diet, your workouts will suffer. Certain foods make you feel sluggish and lazy, such as sugary or greasy foods. I know that if I eat a frozen pizza for dinner, there’s no way I’ll work out that evening.

So, I avoid foods that sap my energy to exercise. Instead, I try to consume loads of fruits and vegetables that boost my endurance and stamina. I’ve also found that quarantine is a great time to experiment with healthy cooking techniques. Cooking provides a creative outlet and helps develop useful skills. Other important aspects of my diet include staying hydrated and taking vitamins, both of which make me feel healthy and energized. l JULY / AUGUST 2020

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Gigi

Dia Gets Candid About Acting, Education, and What’s Important!

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ia was born and raised in France to a Mauritanian mother and Senegalese father. She began modeling in 2016 in Paris and London.

Eventually, she determined modeling is unfulfilling and decided to pursue acting professionally after appearing in commercials and short films. I had the pleasure of getting to know this strikingly beautiful and talented actress. As someone who speaks French and has traveled often to France, it was thrilling to chat with Gigi and learn about her burgeoning career.

William Jackson: Tell us about your interest in acting professionally and how it developed.

Gigi Dia: I’ve always loved watching movies and television shows. I remember particularly when I was a kid, with my sisters, we used to watch Disney channels or some other kid’s channels and we’d pretend to be some of the characters and made scenes out of them. Also, we’d watch films such as Blade, Matrix, The Lion King, Gladiator, The Green Line, and more classic movies.

kWRITTEN AND CONDUCTED BY WILLIAM JACKSON, ABA, B.ACY., MBA, 2018 FOLIO: 100 HONOREE, FOUNDER, CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER, AND PUBLISHER OF INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE, SPANISH INFLUENTIAL, AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL

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GIGI DIA IS A FRENCH ACTRESS AND MODEL. I know many would say I was probably too young to watch these kinds of films, but that’s how my interest in films grew, especially for American ones. I was young so it was difficult to understand the stories, but I have the memories of being so amazed at how something on television can make you cry, scared, or happy. The older I became, the more my interest in the entertainment industry grew. The funny thing is, I never considered making acting a career. To my mind, it was impossible for someone like me to become an actress. It was the encouragement from friends that compelled me to consider seriously acting professionally. Hence, I started acting when I was 21 years old and since then I can’t see myself doing anything else.

William: What do you miss the most about France?

Gigi: The food!!!!!!! I miss the real baguettes, croissants, pastries, and more. Ugh. I’d do anything to have a Flan right now from Eric Kayser, my favorite bakery. I also miss my family. I miss them much.

William: What are some of the exciting projects on which you’ve worked?

Gigi: My first gig was in the successful short film NIOFAR playing a young foreign girl from Senegal having newly arrived in France. We received 21 official selections in the top film festivals around the world such as Cannes Film Festival and Sundance and won six awards. Subsequently, I signed with an agent who negotiated for me many auditions.

I booked a part as a student during the final eloquence contest at Science Po in Un Homme Pressé with Leïla Bekhti and Fabrice Luccini and acted as a guest in the Mission: Impossible – Fallout directed Christopher McQuarrie which was in Paris in spring 2017. This project, filming for ten days, afforded me amazing experiences because I was able to observe and learn about how larger productions and bigger actors work. Subsequently, because I wanted to study acting

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seriously and to know everything about the industry, I moved to Los Angeles to study acting at UCLA. I’m pleased that during my studies at UCLA, I starred in three short films of which two are currently running in festivals. Other important roles have received numerous selections in festivals across the United States and through Europe. Upon graduation in September 2019, I booked my first major commercial for Beauty Blender and Sephora; I love this brand and I’m so grateful to represent it.

The commercial promotes their new concealer available in 40 shades. From the lightest skins to the darkest ones.

It’s important for me to be part of it as I believe every skin type deserves to be represented and everyone can find their color at Beauty Blender. I then booked a part as a vendor on the HBO show Insecure with Issa Rae and finished the year playing the main role in the film Eating Lisa. This film tells the story of Gamalielle, who goes on a mission to steal and eat the famous painting Mona Lisa.

It was funny, as a French person, to play this role and I literally had to eat a picture of Mona Lisa, so that was also a great experience. The film runs in several film festivals and has received one official selection thus far.

Early this year I had the opportunity to play a reporter for ABC in the upcoming movie The Prom, directed by Ryan Murphy and for the network Netflix. I got to be on set and act in front of Murphy, Kerry Washington, and Meryl Street.

William: What’s your favorite film to date?

Gigi: I can’t say I just have one favorite film but my top three are: Silence of the Lambs with Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins; Lalaland starring Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and John Legend; and The Danish Girl with Eddi Redmayne and Alicia Vikander. All of these films have played an important part in my life.

William: What are your five- and 10-year goals?

Gigi: My five-year goal is to be a successful actress and have my own production company. I’d like to produce my own

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movies and help others build their careers. I also want to get married and have children later. I love kids, they’re the future.

William: What is a day in the life of Gigi Dia? Gigi: My daily routine is totally different since COVID-19.

I used to be out most of the time auditioning, working on set, attending an event, or simply visiting with friends. But now, I spend most of my days at home.

Suddenly everything stopped, so I had to adapt to a new routine, and it has been good thing. I used to work so much and now I have more time for my self-care.

William: What do you think are the most important traits for a person to have?

Gigi: Without hesitation, I’d say honesty, empathy, and a sense of humor.

William: Do you believe social media is helping or harming society?

Gigi: I have mixed emotions about the impact of social media. The idea of sharing your personal life on the internet scares me. But it has some good. It allows me to keep in touch with my family and friends around the world and to discover many different things. I believe, depending on how you use social media, it can hurt and help the world. I believe we just need to be careful what information we share and how we share it.

William: What do you believe is the secret to becoming a successful actress?

Gigi: There’s no secret recipe to becoming a successful actor. What I can say to aspiring actors is you must work hard. Take acting classes, practice your craft every day, and do something related to your goal every day. Be proactive. Get materials such as great headshots (don’t need to pay thousands for that), and a good reel that can be compiled with student films or simply with some friends, a good story, and a camera. This will go a long way in assisting to get more work and an agent or manager depending on their needs. It’s also super important to network as much as possible as often projects come from people you already know. Last, but certainly not least, it’s imperative to be patient. l

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GiDiagi Gets Candid About Acting, Education, and What’s Important!

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Lifestyle

FROM VICTORY GARDENS TO GARAGE GREATNESS:

BIG JOBS TO TACKLE

FOR SUMMER

he importance of getting work done is especially true in this season of social isolation when Americans are enjoying their homes’ outdoor spaces more than ever. Outdoor work may require some extra sweat and elbow grease, but these big jobs are a welcome break right now, keeping people busy and outside - and helping them genuinely appreciate their well -­ tended green spaces.

For many, outdoor work is a satisfying endeavor, allowing homeowners to take pride in their home and yard, along with the work they put into it, which shows in what people are searching for, posting and sharing online. For example, Pinterest Insights saw an increase of 89% in backyard renovation ideas on their website, along with a whopping jump of 658% in DIY small patio ideas on a budget, and an impressive 528% increase in budget garden inspiration ideas.

Ready to get started on your summer to-do list? Consider adding

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these big but worthwhile tasks to your roster.

Start a “Victory Garden” Given all the questions brought about by COVID-19, many Americans are re­igniting the WWII practice of growing their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs to give themselves more control over their food supplies. Many produce varieties are easy to grow and cultivating them at home can ward off unnecessary shopping excursions.

“Americans are turning to gardens for food access, food security, food safety and food affordability,” confirms gardening exec Jim Feinson on GardenResearch.com.

Beef Up Your Landscaping Look over your landscaping layout and determine which parts need trimming, filling in, fertilizing, or replacing. If you’re in doubt, many garden centers can draw up plans demonstrating changes or additions that might look more eye­-catching.

Before getting started, invest in easy­-

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-to-­use equipment that will make the heavy­-duty labor less grueling.

Northern Tool + Equipment’s Strongway Steel Jumbo Garden Wagon can handle tough jobs like hauling rocks, pavers, or bags of cement; in fact, it can capably pull up to 1,400 pounds of supplies.

Revamp Your Deck Does it just need a good power washing, or is it screaming for a repainting or re­ -staining too? Either way, your work will go faster with Northern Tool’s Powerhorse Gas Cold Water Pressure Washer, which has the 2.5 GPM and 3100 PSI you need to effortlessly blast through mud, dirt and debris on your deck, siding, fence, patio or driveway.

Get Your Garage in Gear Reclaim your space by getting rid of junk you don’t need, power washing your floors and establishing dedicated space for the tools and equipment you regularly use. New cabinets, bins, racks, shelves, or pegboard panels can go a long way toward kee-

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SUMMER IS HERE, AND THAT MEANS IT’S TIME TO TACKLE THE BIG OUTDOOR TASKS.

ping everything handy and easy to find. You may even want to create a mancave vibe by installing a TV, mini fridge, and casual seating.

Tackle Your Gutters It can be a hefty job but built-­up debris must be cleaned out at least twice annually to avoid wet basements, interior leaks, mold growth,

rodent infestations and/or displacement of the gutters themselves.

Use a sturdy ladder to safely access the edges of your roof, then use a trowel or gutter scoop to remove refuse. Flush out the system using a power washer or a garden hose with a spray attachment. Check for cracks, rust or paint damage and missing attachments, ensure all

sections are sloped enough to drain stormwater and replace any sections that can’t be repaired.

Summer is here, and that to-­do list won’t take care of itself. Plan now to take on the tasks that will help you and your family make the best possible use of your outdoor spaces in the warm weather. (BPT) l

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FIND INSPIRATION IN AWARD-WINNING

HOME DESIGN AWARD-WINNING RENOVATION PROJECTS AREN’T JUST A WAY TO IDENTIFY TOP-NOTCH CONTRACTORS, THEY’RE A CHANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS TO GATHER IDEAS AND LEARN FROM OTHER HOME IMPROVEMENT SUCCESS STORIES.

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ne such source of inspiration is the National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners who are honored each year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. A panel of industry experts anonymously selected winners based on the functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, and degree of difficulty of their projects.

Find inspiration in these 2020 residential project winners, and see the complete list at nari.org.

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Residential Exterior Under $50,000 The clients wanted to move the side entrance of this home to its original location in the front. City approval was contingent on returning specific historic architectural details, including replacing the brick columns with historically accurate wood columns and installing doors and windows more in line with the 1910 era when the house was built.

“In New Orleans, we are very sensitive to preserving the historic character of our houses, so this was an important goal for both the homeowners and the city,” said Chris Kornman of Entablature, LLC in New Orleans. “We learned that history often directs the design down a path the owner may not have been considering.”

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Residential Addition $100,000-$250,000 Ultimately, this two-story addition included a sunroom and a secondfloor master bedroom and bathroom.

However, due to problems with a previous contractor, structural issues with the existing framing needed correcting first. The result was an open living space and new 870-square-foot master suite upstairs.

“This project taught me that customers are looking not only for a skilled contractor, but one that will listen, understand and empathize with them,” said Allen Deuschle with Kansas City Remodel & Handyman

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Allen LLC in Overland Park, Kansas. “I spent extra hours prior to a signed contract listening to their needs, ideas, offering suggestions and assessing unresolved issues.”

Residential Addition Over $250,000 The goal of this project was to integrate a kitchen, dining, and mudroom addition with an open floor plan to accommodate large gatherings while maintaining an intimate spatial feel. Varied ceiling treatments, including a coffered living room, a smooth kitchen ceiling and a custom vaulted dining room ceiling helped differentiate the spaces.

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“We encountered some interesting structural challenges that involved a complex weaving and concealing of steel beams and columns,” said Mike Fought with Nicholson Builders in Columbus, Ohio.

“The new beams and columns took the place of load-bearing exterior walls, and this created visual connection through the home, specifically upon entry at the front door.”

Residential Landscape Design/ Outdoor Living Over $250,000 This narrow, sloping site was made functional with a multiterrace design that added a pool, patio, deck, and level natural turf yard in a compact space that was constrained by a steep hillside above and a marsh below. LED rope lighting on risers improved visibility and promoted stair

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Entire House $250,000-$500,000 In this project, an old, weathered beach cottage was transformed into a modern dream home with a complete overhaul of both the exterior and interior. Modern design elements were added throughout, including a kitchen with waterfall countertops, a fireplace with black brick and white stucco and a cable railing system surrounding the mahogany deck.

safety while porcelain tile and plank decking cooled swimmers’ bare feet.

“The work to create inspired spaces is highly collaborative and

is driven by understanding, relationship and vision,” said James Sweeney of Mom’s Design Build in Shakopee, Minnesota. “If you can enjoy the journey, the end result will be even better.”

“During this remodel we were reminded that each new project brings an opportunity to learn or to improve a current process,” said Fred Vazac with Vazac Contracting Corp. in Saint James, New York. “We opted to use a precast concrete diamond footing that was perfect in the sandy environment. We still use this type of footing on other projects.”

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TIPS TO SAVE MONEY

AND HAVE FUN

SHOPPING ONLINE

redited with being the original daily deals site, launching in 2004, Woot! makes it easy for shoppers to save – and laugh out loud – while browsing for items they need, want and everything in between.

Consider these ways you can save and have more fun while you shop.

Shop daily deals. Offering daily deals for the last 16 years, you can find staff-picked deals every day across categories including home and kitchen, electronics, computers, tools and garden, sports and outdoors, shirts and gourmet food. While daily deals can help you save on items you didn’t even know you needed – such as TVs, laptops, power tools, sneakers, and custom graphic t-shirts – other household necessities are also easy to find.

Expect the unexpected. Most of the time when you shop, you’re looking for something you already know you need or want, but a website like Woot! also allows you to step into the unknown and buy

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a mystery box of items, referred to as a “Bag o’ Crap.” These “BOCs” are random items that are silly, fun and can sometimes be exactly what you need to make your day and help you save.

Join in on the forum fun. You can find various forums online that cover a variety of topics, including some for the online shopping community. For example, some sites allow you to engage in discussions on threads, swap different items, share reviews of products and more.

Forums can be a fun way to uncover more tips for saving online from other experienced shoppers.

Vote to lower prices. Fun, interactive features like Woot!’s Deal-O-Meter allow you to have a say in how you save by voting to lower the prices of upcoming deals.

If a product gets enough votes, the price will be lowered.

Face off to score deals. If you enjoy the thrill of a friendly competition, you don’t want to miss the Woot-Off. It’s a day-long

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ONLINE SHOPPING ALLOWS YOU THE EASE OF GETTING ITEMS DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO YOUR DOOR. NOT ONLY IS ONLINE SHOPPING CONVENIENT, BUT IT ALSO ALLOWS YOU TO DISCOVER SITES THAT HELP YOU SAVE MONEY WHILE SHOPPING. gauntlet of unannounced deals, with new offers launching every 30 minutes or less. Woot-Offs don’t happen often, but when they do, you’ll want to check back so you don’t miss the super-cheap prices, limited-quantity offers and the elusive Bag o’ Crap.

Take advantage of special pricing. Another fun way to get items for low prices, the WTF (Woot!’s Totally Fun-tastic) Pricing promotion showcases limited quantities of a deal, raising the price every 10 minutes until it sells out. If you arrive quickly at the deal page, you can get products for as low as $1.

Combine membership perks. If you shop online often, there’s a good chance you, or someone who you know, is an Amazon Prime member.

As a subsidiary of the e-commerce site, Woot! offers special perks to members including free shipping and exclusive discounts.

To share in the savings and fun, visit woot.com or download the app. (Family Features) l JULY / AUGUST 2020

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HOW TO STOP WASTING PERFECTLY

W

GOOD WATER DOWN THE DRAIN

hat happens when you turn on the shower? In the typical North American home, cold water comes pouring out. Because this is a shock to the body, most people make it a habit to run the shower for a few minutes before getting in.

Meanwhile, you might do something else as the water warms.

In fact, there are probably times you have gotten distracted and forgotten about your shower. Whether it’s for a few minutes or much longer, this is a lot of potable water just running down the drain, and it is costing you money.Fortunately, there is a growing home improvement trend that eliminates this problem: hot water recirculation using tankless water heater systems.

Why Does it Take so Long to Get Hot Water?

A typical American home wastes thousands of gallons of perfectly usable water down the drain annually due to lengthy wait times at hot-water outlets in the bath and kitchen. This experience is common when showering and bathing, as well as when you turn on faucets.

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ELIMINATE WATER WASTE AND GET HOT WATER ON DEMAND WITH NEW HOME IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM This happens because when you use warm water, the remaining water in the pipes does not return to the water heater for reheating.

Instead, it stays in the pipes and eventually turns cold. This chilly water needs to be pushed out and is what you feel before new hot water from the water heater is delivered when you turn the knob.

Why Doesn’t This Happen at Hotels?

This same experience doesn’t typically happen in hotels, where you enjoy hot water near instantaneously.

That’s because commercial properties like hotels know that many people want to use hot water at similar times and expect this convenience, so they have a special pump constantly run with a dedicated circulation line of water connected to each room. That always puts hot water right where it’s needed. Also, in a hotel, the distance

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between the farthest shower and the hot-water source is so great, the wait and the consequent waste and cost would be enormous.

What’s the solution for residential properties? More homeowners desire this convenience and are installing a hot-water recirculation system, which allows you to enjoy the convenience of hot water on demand while also reducing your water footprint, helping save money on utility bills.

The Many Benefits of Hot Water Recirculation Today’s homeowner often has a high desire for comfort while being mindful of the environment, which makes it no surprise that hot-water recirculation is a growing home improvement trend.

The NRCR Residential Condensing Tankless Water Heater from Noritz uses a built-in pump to keep hot water close to even the farthest outlet in the home, minimizing the wait and, therefore, the waste of unused potable water down the drain. Whether you want to replace your water heating system with a modern tankless option

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or add a crossover valve that retrofits to your existing system, it offers several options for different plumbing configurations. As a result, hot water is always available in whatever part of the house you need it.

If you’re done with the unpleasant stream of cold water every time you want to shower, you might want to consider tankless hot-water recirculation systems that also reduce water waste. Learn more at www.noritz.com/nrcr. (BPT) l

Some homes have a pre-built pipe loop that is ready to add a pump to work in conjunction with your water heater. If your home doesn’t have this dedicated return line, you can install a crossover valve at the farthest fixture of your home.

Alternatively, homeowners may decide to replace their systems with tankless options. With tankless systems, the hot-water circulation pump is fully integrated into the tankless water heater. This technology operates only when there is demand to bring hot water to you, which saves even more energy. These systems are more affordable than ever. Federal tax credits combined with possible rebates from local or state governments can drive the price down significantly.

Smart Technology for a Smart Home In addition to providing on-demand hot water and reducing water waste, the NRCR technology learns how and when you use hot water. The new learning mode records habits over time based on your daily use and will turn on the recirculation pump only when you need it, meaning your system is efficient as well as convenient.

You can also set your own schedule to your lifestyle needs if you choose.

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LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE

MUSIC IN STYLE PAWW WAS BORN OUT OF A PASSION FOR WELL DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED PRODUCTS - HIGH QUALITY, COMFORTABLE EARBUDS, AND NOISE-CANCELLING EARPHONES, AT HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICES.

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hey set out to build products that not only look fantastic but are well engineered and at the cutting edge of technology. Intelligent, stylish products that give great sound and total satisfaction.

Paww is at the forefront of convergence taking place between consumer electronics and the internet. The Paww team is hard at work developing new products, so stay tuned to see what we have in store for you next!

Listen to your favorite music in ultimate style with the stunning Paww SilkSound wireless headphones. Beautifully designed to be lightweight and compact, with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, hands-free calling and over 8-hours of playtime, the Paww SilkSound headphones are the ulti-

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mate fashion accessory for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on sound or comfort.

SilkSound Features Wireless Connectivity SilkSound headphones combine a Qualcomm Bluetooth 4.1 chipset with our custom designed drivers to deliver robust sound, without encumbering you with wires.

Incredible Sound Combining two custom designed Neodymium drivers, Paww SilkSound headphones recreate an amazing sound without compromising on style.

Compact Design SilkSound’s slim, lightweight design can be easily folded up and stored inside a purse or small bag for onthe-go convenience. The headpho-

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kPHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PAWW SILKSOUND WIRELESS HEADPHONES.

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nes come complete with a beautiful carrying case, 3.5mm headphone cable, and USB charging cable.

Multiple Device Connectivity Combining a built-in microphone with full Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can pair your Paww SilkSound Headphones with multiple devices at once. Listen to music or watch a movie on your iPad or laptop, then pause it to make or answer a phone call.

Your Own Personal Assistant With the press of a button, you can have your SilkSound headphones invoke Siri or Google Assistant, without having to fish the phone out. Now have information on demand, without having to pull out your phone.

What’s in the box: l 1 Paww SilkSound headphone system l 1 Custom designed carry case l 1 tangle-free 3.5mm headphone cable l 1 tangle-free USB charging cable l 1 Instruction manual Warranty The Paww SilkSound comes with a 1-year warranty on parts and labor. l

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During these challenging and stressful times, it’s even more important than ever to take a moment to get out into the family yard – it’s your safe space. The TurfMutt Foundation reminds families that nature starts right outside your back door.

Let the proven benefits of green space give us a break from being cooped up inside and relieve the stresses of these times.

Listen to the birds. Watch the trees. Curl your toes in the grass. Work outside planting, or even mow the lawn.

The TurfMutt Foundation encourages you to get outside and de-stress outdoors even while social distancing but be responsible.

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Here is the link:/www.livinglandscapesmatter.com/wp-content/uploads/Outdoors-Social-Distancing.pdf JULY AUGUST 2020 FLUENTIAL

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AT-HOME LEARNING THROUGHOUT SUMMER

TIPS FOR KEEPING STUDENTS SHARP OVER THE LONG-HAUL WITH MANY SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY CLOSED, MANY PARENTS ARE FEELING THE STRESS OF TAKING MORE ACTIVE ROLES IN THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION. AS TIME AWAY FROM THE CLASSROOM EXTENDS INTO SUMMER, PARENTS ALSO FACE THE CHALLENGE OF HELPING THEIR CHILDREN MAINTAIN WHAT THEY’VE LEARNED THROUGH A SUMMER OF UNCERTAINTY. JULY / AUGUST 2020

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his year’s shift to at-home learning has provided plenty of resources parents can use to keep their children’s minds engaged and actively learning. The shift has also prompted families to create new routines and healthy learning habits.

Continuing these best practices over the summer may prove beneficial in setting students up for success when they return to the classroom. lSet a clear daily schedule with realistic goals and be

sure to allow flexibility. A child’s attention span grows longer with age – typically 2-3 minutes per year of age – so the amount of time an elementary school student will focus on a task may be significantly shorter than a high school student.

Build in time for kids to play. According to the journal, Pediatrics, playing promotes healthy brain development and boosts academic skills. Play time also helps children manage stress – making it an important and fun way for parents to support kids coping with stress or anxiety. l

Create a conducive learning environment at home. If possible, set up a designated desk and distraction-free workspace children can use for everything from completing school assignments to playing educational games. l

While routines are important, they may not be the only key to summer learning success. Research from Harvard indicates parents who engage with their children in simple activities over the summer – like reading together or talking about baseball statistics – can have a greater impact on their children’s academic performance than popular summer activities, such as summer camps, travel or summer school. Since education can happen anywhere as part of everyday life, there are many activities families can do together to create a sense of summertime fun while fostering academic growth.

Spend some time cooking or baking together.

Use these experiences as opportunities to practice l

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reading recipes or practice math by measuring and adding ingredients. l Work with other parents or family members to find

summer pen pals. Have kids write letters back and forth to practice reading and writing skills.

Extend story time with read-and-do activities that lay the groundwork for developing engaged readers.

For example, the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program offers free online activities at bookitprogram.com children and parents can do together, such as drawing, letter recognition or sight-word bingo. l

l Explore science and nature by taking a walk. Try and

identify different types of clouds, trees, plants, rocks, and animals. Take pictures of any you find interesting.

Then look up additional information when you return home to practice research skills.

Watch the news or read about current events together. This can provide practical lessons on social studies and help kids raise questions about the world around them. l

ABCs of Combating Summer Slide While on summer break, kids commonly lose some of the learning momentum from the previous school year. It’s a phenomenon casually referred to as the “summer slide.”

A report from the Northwest Evaluation Association found students in third-fifth grades lost about 20% of their school-year gains in reading and 27% in math, on average, during summer break. After such an abrupt end to formal curriculum, the slide could be a little steeper for kids in the fall. However, summer plans for families likely look different this year. More free time may make it easier to build in time for educational activities, which can also offer an escape during this uncertain time.

Allow for reading aloud. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children,

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reading aloud is the single most important activity for reading success as it helps build word-sound awareness. Encourage your child to play teacher and read aloud books, magazines, or comics to family members, pets, or even stuffed animals.

Begin a book club. Read the same books as your children then discuss what you all read over a shared snack or gathered around the dinner table. Joining in shows the importance of prioritizing reading during the summer.

Check into services offered by libraries. If possible, make use of local libraries, many of which offer free online resources and have extended due dates. Inquire about online services offered in your area and how your family can participate in programs taking place over the summer.

Online field trips: While school and family outings are limited, it’s still possible to explore the world from the comfort of home. Zoos, museums, and other places of interest are sharing everything from educational videos and live webcams to guided tours on their websites and social media.

Where and How to Access Online Resources From educators helping their students to organizations lending support in trying times, dozens if not hundreds of online resources have emerged to help parents navigate teaching at home.

Internet Access: While many at-home learning resources can be found online, some families lack access to reliable and affordable internet connections. For information on free or low-cost home internet access, as well as other resources for teachers and families, visit firstbook.org/coronavirus-educator-resources.

Reading programs: Literacy is the foundation for all learning, so focusing on activities that promote reading gives children a chance to practice that essential skill, often in ways that don’t feel like learning. One resource is The Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program, the nation’s largest and longest-running corporate-supported reading program. Parents can visit bookitprogram.com to find a number of activities designed to help children find joy in reading. Resources include book recommendations, activity and book pairings, video messages from bestselling authors Tom Angleberger and Kate DiCamillo and printable worksheets, story maps and more.

Educational websites: Many academic websites have opened their subscription-based content for free or reduced access. You can find videos, interactive programs, lesson plans and more. Before creating an account, check if your school has secured free or discounted access codes.

New skills: From learning the basics of keyboard typing to trying a new instrument or mastering a new language, there are sites dedicated to helping students develop new skills while they’re at home.

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